On the Guru-Purnima day of July
1988, after the initiation was imparted, an initiate asked
Guruji - "What if we don't do this japam or mediation?"
What follows is my recollection of Guruji's reply (I am writing
this from memory and its not verbatim) -
Guruji was going through
difficult, but important, soul searching at that time. He had
quit his lucrative TIFR job and was seeking to find direction in
his spiritual quest. He was told by somebody that there was an
Avadhuta who lived in Anakapalli who could help him in
this very search. So Guruji went to this "Anakapalli Guru-Garu".
Guru-Garu told him to come next morning at 4 am. Guruji went
back the following morning and was told that he will be
initiated into Sri Vidya, and was given the complete set of
mantras (the ones that are included in this release). Guruji
asked Guru-Garu how should he do the japam to which Guru-Garu
replied, "you do it whatever way you want - Devi has told me
that she will take care of everything. So I am not giving you
any procedure or method". Then Guruji asked his Guru, "What if I
don't do the japam? Will it cause me harm?". Guru-Garu
said, "No compulsion. If at all, good alone will come to you and
there will be no harm whatsoever". Guruji went back and sat down
to recite the mantras. As he started to recite the mantras,
Devi appeared to him and then taught him the whole procedure
(This is the procedure that Guruji chants in the audio file
accompanying this release. As many of you know, this marked the
beginning of years of learning for Guruji under Devi's direct
tutelage.). Then Guruji said to the initiate who had asked the
question, "My Guru gave me total freedom and how can I do any
different? Do whenever and however you want. There is no
requirement for you to be vegetarian or to force yourself to
lead your life differently. If the change has to happen it will
happen from within you guided by Devi herself. Who am I to
decide that for you? You have all the freedom in the universe!"
This narration and reply brought
tears to all of us present on that day. This incident continues
to remind me of Guruji's inspiration - an inspiration that is
slowly permeating my living despite my shortcomings and
failings.
