12 - Prediction

It was early morning. Abjibhai was performing prayer with his father Panchabhai. Kesra came running.

After finishing the prayer, Abjibhai asked, ‘Why have you come running?’ Kesra said, ‘A great saint from Bhuj is visiting the temple. His name is Swami Achyutdasji.’ Panchabhai was glad to hear the name.

He told Abjibhai, ‘Son, Both of us shall go to visit him. He is a great saint.’ Abjibhai told Kesra, ‘You carry on I will come with my father.’ Panchabhai suggested Abjibhai, ‘Let us request him to initiate you into Vartmaan.’ Abjibhai asked Devba, ‘Ma, What is Vartmaan?’

Devba explained, ‘Vartmaan means initiation by a great Mukta. He will tie you Kanthi and give one vow which should be followed lifelong. That is called Vartmaan.’ Abjibhai was glad. Devba told Panchabhai, ‘I am giving you a packet of whole sugar. You buy one coconut from the market.’

Panchabhai agreed. Abjibhai wore clean clothes and went to the temple with Panchabhai. Abjibhai offered the packet of whole sugar and coconut at the feet of Swami Achyutdasji and bowed down. Panchabhai pleaded, ‘Swami! He is my son. Please initiate him into Vartmaan.’

Swami Achyutdasji was a great saint. He knew everything. Looking at Abjibhai, he realized that Abjibhai was an Anadimukta. And he had been sent by God. Abjibhai sat besides Swami. Swami was delighted to see Abjibhai. He told Panchabhai, ‘Panchabhai, you are very lucky. Your son is a great soul. He is a great Mukta of God!’ Panchabhai confirmed, ‘Yes Swami, He worships God the whole day and God appears in personified form in front of him.’

Swami added, ‘Panchabhai, you may not realize it now, but let me tell you a secret. He will grow up as a great Mukta. A lot of people will visit him for his Darshan.’ Panchabhai inquired, ‘Swami will it really happen?’

Swami promised, ‘Yes, Abjibhai will liberate a lot of souls and take them to Akshardham. At present he has concealed his greatness, therefore it could not be known. But later on he will unfold (reveal) his greatness.’ Panchabhai was delighted and bowed down to Swami.

Swami advised, ‘Panchabhai, You are very fortunate that such a Mukta is born as your son. Never consider him as your son. He is an Anadimukta.’

Panchabhai promised, ‘Swami, I will always remember. Sometimes he has shown us his greatness.’ Abjibhai was sitting quietly with closed eyes.

Swami tied him Kanthi and put on a garland which had been offered to God.

Abjibhai bowed down to Swami. Swami blessed him and said, ‘Please perform your duties properly which have been assigned to you by God.’ Abjibhai smiled.

Panchabhai was delighted to hear Swami’s words. He bowed down to Swami. Swami blessed him. Panchabhai went home happily. He narrated the incident to Devba. Devba was also very pleased.

Difficult words:
Prediction - To forecast in advance
Initiate - Admit as a new disciple
To conceal - To hide
Reveal - To disclose

Points to ponder:
- Only a Mukta knows about the greatness of another Mukta.

Exercise

Answer the following questions:
1. From where did the saint arrive? What was his name?
2. What does the term to initiate into Vartmaan mean?
3. What did Swami realize looking at Abjibhai?
4. What did Swami tell Abjibhai?

Fill in the blanks:
1. Abjibhai was performing _____________ with his father.
2. Let me tell you one _____________.
3. Abjibhai will ____________ a lot of souls and take them to ___________.
4. Never consider him as your ___________. He is an ___________.

Make sentences using the following words:
lucky, conceal, fortunate.