51 - The Last Act

Bapashri had acquired illness. The devotee attended to him. Days were passing by. Bapashri was not improving. The devotees were worried.

Bapashri informed, ‘Please, go home. I am feeling better.’ Sevak Premji stayed back. Bapashri took Premji in confidence, ‘Premji, I will tell you one secret.’

Premji said, ‘Tell me, Bapa.’ Bapashri informed, ‘You should not tell it to anyone.’ Premji agreed, ‘Bapa, I will not tell.’

Bapashri insisted, ‘Promise me.’ Premji was doubtful. He said, ‘Bapa, why are you insisting?’ Bapashri forced again, ‘You promise me.’ Premji promised, ‘I promise you, Bapa.’

Bapashri revealed, ‘The task which had been assigned to me by God, is accomplished.’ Premji was shocked, ‘Bapa, What are you talking?’

Bapashri explained, ‘Maharaj sent me to spread His glory and to liberate the living beings. It is accomplished. Now, I will unite with the divine form of God.’ Premji was crying.

Bapashri consoled, ‘Premji, Bachcha! Why are you crying? My body will not remain, but I am always there united with Maharaj.’

Premji said, ‘Bapa, when you are around, you make us aware of Maharaj. You bless us. Afterwards what will happen?’

Bapashri comforted him, ‘I am not likely to leave! I will bless you all remaining united with Maharaj.’

Premji asked, ‘May I inform Swami Ishwarcharandasji and Swami Vrindavandasji?’ Bapashri reminded, ‘Premji, you have promised me.’

Premji pleaded, ‘Bapa, how can I do that?’ Bapashri said firmly. ‘It is upto Maharaj. You must keep quiet.’

Premji cried whole night. It was early morning. Premji’s eyes were swollen due to crying. Bapashri’s sons inquired, ‘Premji what happened?’ Premji could not speak. Tears came into his eyes.

Kanjibhai asked, ‘Bapa, what is wrong with Premji.’ Bapashri explained, ‘He is sad because I won’t be around in this body for long.’ Kanjibhai became nervous, ‘Bapa, we all need you.’

He also started crying. Bapashri tried to console, ‘Now I will listen to your prayers while remaining united with Maharaj.’ Kanjibhai couldn’t utter a word!

Bapashri showed that his condition was deteriorating. Kanjibhai supported him and made him sit on the cot. Bapashri slipped into meditation. On the last night only a few Haribhaktas were with Bapashri.

Bapashri opened his eyes. They put on a dot of Kumkum on his forehead. Bapashri gave them blessings of last birth and communion with divine form of God. Bapashri went into meditative state.

Haribhaktas were singing Dhoon. They kept on chanting Dhoon. Bapashri was united with the divine form of God. (Samvat 1984, Ashadh Sud Pancham, friday, Dt. 22/06/1928).

Haribhaktas had Darshan of Bapashri with tearful eyes.

Difficult words:
Swollen - Bulging
Deteriorate - To become worse

Points to ponder:
- Anadimukta of Maharaj is never born nor dies. He is always united with the divine form of Maharaj.

Exercise

Answer the following questions:
1. What was Bapashri going to inform Premji?
2. Why was Premji crying?
3. How did Bapashri console Premji?
4. How does Bapashri bless us?

Fill in the blanks:
1. Bapashri had acquired the ____________.
2. Premji was ____________.
3. The ___________ which had been assigned to me by God is __________.
4. My ____________ will not remain, but I am always there united with ____________.
5. Bapashri gave them blessings of _______________ and _____________ with the divine form of God.

Arrange in proper sequence:
1. Liberate to spread the living beings and His glory sent Maharaj me to.
2. Maharaj while with I now listen your remaining to prayers united will.