|
Date: Dec 04 2003
Place: Kapura
Thought I should update you on the happenings here in India. We had a
great time at Kapura on Thursday Dec 4, 2003
11:00 am we reach Kapura. We saw Maa getting up to leave the satsang
hall but luckily we got to see her. We did pranams. She was happy to
see us. She told us to do one Mala of 'Om Yogeshwarai Namah' that was
being sung in the room and then have lunch. Lunch was extremely tasty:
puri, potato, eggplant, papad, salad, rice and daal. Everyone enjoyed
the lunch to their fullest.
12:00pm Vishnu Sahastra Naam was being chanted by everyone at Vaman
mama's house. I sat in the front porch as the house was packed.
Surprisingly Maa came from the back, climbed steps and entered the
house.
Two buses had come from north Gujarat to pay homage to Maa's elder
brother. After the singing of Vishnu Sahastra, Pujya Shree's Pravachan
was put on tape. Then Bhajans were sung. Then speeches were given.
Everyone in their addresses referred to him as Mama. He was very
caring person.
1) First, Bhojanibhai spoke. He said Vaman mama always lived for
others. His message was to serve everyone but love only God. He said
it is okay to have attachment in this world. But that attachment
should be directed to God only! Why? Because in this world we meet
only to depart. Two logs in the river come together, and then they
depart; or like the passengers in a train. They are together
momentarily; then they leave.
2) Then Kalyan arose. For the very first time I am seeing all the
great devotees of Maa in India. Truly they are great. One would find
it hard to find of their caliber outside of India. All of the speakers
arose with confidence, showing no sign of hesitation or trepidation.
They spoke most naturally. Saraswati flowed from their tongue like a
Ganges river. One did not get bored. On the contrary, time seem to
stop when they started to talk! Kalyan spoke of how caring Vaman Mama
was. He always looked after very well any guests that came to his
house. He would prepare the bed, bed sheets, would fetch them
water--From big to small -- all needs of the guest-- he would look
after! To Vaman mama nothing was his. Everything he had was for
others. Basically he lived for others.
3) Then Gulabben Spoke. She said Vaman mama had acknowledged Maa's
greatness. He had tremendous faith in her. Even though he was older
than Maa, still he respected Maa as Maa. When his daughter Minu was at
death bed, he was very strong. And that strength came from his Faith
in Maa. It is not ordinary thing to be born in Maa's family.
4) Then Panditji spoke at length. Vaman mama donated money in such a
way that if his left hand donated money, his right hand wouldn't even
know it! – meaning he did not advertise his donations or any help he
would give to needy people! Panditji narrated many incidents from his
contacts with Mama.
During his speech, tears rolled down from Maa's eyes and several times
she wiped them with handkerchief.
Panditji spoke of Sanjay - Shushilaben's son (Vamanmama's nephew).
Going to India was furthest thing from his mind this year. But Maa had
called him in America and had urged him to come to India and meet
Vaman mama. Finally when did come to India, he was in Surat. When he
spoke to Maa in Ambaji,
Maa said "what did I tell you? Did I not say to see Vaman Maa in
Kapura? "
Sanjaybhai said that 'Yes. He will see him in few days."
But Maa said "No. Go to Kapura ASAP."
Because it was night time, Sanjay bhai said he will go first thing in
the morning. Maa said that was ok, but call Mama in Kapura to say that
you're here, and that you will see him in the morning. When Sanjay did
see Vaman mama, both very happy. Sanjaybhai spend good time with him.
Later he mentioned of pain in his stomach. Immediately Sanjaybhai
took mama, in neighbor's jeep to the nearest hospital. His mind was
not vagrant. He was focused as always. He left this mortal coil in the
hospital without much pain or agony. Sanjay was at his bedside. Later
Sanjay was lucky to pay special homage to mama but lighting fire to
his pyre.
5) Then Sushilaben spoke about how iron man was his elder brother. She
described him like a 'Fanas'-Indian Fruit which is hard from outside,
but from inside it's very sweet. Such was Vamanbhai. Loss of Vamanmama
was a total shock for the Bhakta family. No one even had slightest
idea that he would leave the world so abruptly. The entire Bhakta
family is able to withstand this blow, is only due to Maa's presence
and guidance.
After this, Vamanmama's wife Gangaben had prepared special Gift for
everyone. However, Maa saw that the gift that was prepared should be
give to the needy people only. Everyone agreed. However, No one from
Kapura ever goes empty handed. The family had prepared hundred and
hundreds of packed of Magaj (sweet). Those out of town, who had to
leave, prostrated and took the prasadi.
Then we went to Ishwarkaka's house. Manimasi was very hospitable. In
fact, it is well known, that entire Kapura village is known for its
amazing hospitality they give to their guests. One has to see it in
person to believe it! In one of the house we also saw the detailed map
of the entire Kapura village, with names of the owners of each house!
We also so a banyan tree planted by Sri Yogeshwarji in 1980. It was
past 4, and we had a long way to go, so we left Kapura with sad heart;
though everyone's mind was still in Kapura.
Thus at Kapura, we had our first darshan of Maa in India, and that too
in her home town - Kapura!
|
