Fond memories of bliss – Part 12

About 7 years ago, I once had the privilege of being with Sri Swamiji during one of His trips which He spent in solitude and japa-dhyana. We were mostly spending time in seclusion in the villages alongside the Cauvery such as Nerur and Chinthalavadi. Sri Swamiji would spend the whole day and night in dhyana and the whole atmosphere would be vibrant. There we were away from the noise and commotion of the world. Those villages were so remote that it was almost as if we were cut-off from the external world and its happenings.

After having spent several days in seclusion, Sri Swamiji planned to travel back to Chennai. On the eve of return Sri Sri Swmaiji was doing japa. Suddenly, He stopped and asked me “ Will it be alright to travel tomorrow?” I replied “ Of course Swamiji! That is your plan. We can start tomorrow” Immediately Sri Swamiji said “ Mr. __________ ( Swamiji mentioned the name of a celebrity) has passed away. That is why I am asking? Will there be any public disturbance on that account?” I was dumbfounded. What can I say? A thousand thoughts were racing in my mind. I just remained silent and Swamiji went back to his japa.

The next morning we started as planned. As we reached the next big town, I saw that all newspapers flashed the same headlines. Mr. __________ has passed away!