— Radhanath Swami's Journey

Anandamayi Maa

Wherever Radhanath Swami traveled, people spoke reverentially of a woman saint named Anandamayi Ma. Radhanath Swami himself had read of her extraordinary qualities in the classic Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahamsa Yogananda in the chapter entitled “The Joy-Permeated Mother.” On the bank of the Ganges at Dev Prayag, a sadhu informed Radhanath Swami that she was living in the Himalayan town of Dehra Dun. “I’m going by bus to visit the holy mother today,” sadhu said. “He was welcome to join him.” Upon arrival, Radhanath Swami entered into a quaint courtyard filled with the mother’s followers. All were eager to see her. Radhanath Swami’s companion disappeared. A small crowd gathered around Radhanath swami to share stories of their guru’s life.

Radhanath Swami was told that Anandamayi Ma, who was the guru of Prime Minister Indira Ghandi, was born in an obscure village in East Bengal at the dusk of the nineteenth century. From childhood she was indifferent to the trappings of the world and at times she bewildered her family by her spiritual trances. As her followers spoke to Radhanath Swami about her ecstasies, miracles, and compassion, Radhanath Swami became more enthralled than ever. Just then, everyone rose to their feet as a petite lady appeared in the assembly wearing a simple white sari. Greeting them with folded palms, her eyes glistened with joy and she sat on a chair. Thin and frail, she nonetheless emanated an unearthly power. Although the lines of time were drawn upon her wrinkled face, it shone like a playful child’s. She appeared wise and sober, like a universal mother, and yet she also radiated the exuberance of an innocent little girl. Although her demeanor was as soft as the flower she held in her hand, one could feel that she possessed an indomitable willpower.

Smiling upon them, she led everyone in chanting God’s names, all the while clapping her hands. Then, after several moments of silence, she spoke words of love, wisdom, and selflessness. “Love is everlasting forgiveness,” she began. “Wisdom is to see everything in relation to the whole. If you understand that everything belongs to Him, you will be free of all burdens.” Gracefully touching her hand to her heart, she closed her eyes. “All sorrow comes from the sense of I and Mine. All sorrow is due to one’s keeping apart from God. When you are with Him all pain disappears. By sorrow does the Lord dispel sorrow and by adversity does he destroy adversity. When this is done he sends no more suffering, no more adversity. This must be remembered at all times.” Radhanath Swami’s heart was deeply moved by the affectionate exchange between the Mother and her children. A breeze rustled the leaves of the surrounding trees. Looking up, Anandamayi Ma paused from speaking and gazed on a chirping sparrow. With glances and smiles, everyone relished her tender mood. “The world oscillates endlessly between pleasure and pain,” she continued. “There can be no security, no stability here. These are to be found in God alone. Suffering is sent to remind us to turn our thoughts toward God, who will give us solace. Whenever you possibly can, sustain the flow of the sacred Name. To repeat His Name is to be in His presence. If you associate with the Supreme Friend, He will reveal His true Being to you.” Her gentle glance awakened faith and hope, and her simple, unassuming nature brought peace to Radhanath Swami’s heart. Although she considered herself no more than a child, everyone present accepted her as Mother. In the time Radhanath Swami spent with her, He saw renounced sadhus, yogis, and swamis, who typically keep a distance from women, sit at her feet seeking her blessings.

One day, as Radhanath Swami sat alone in a courtyard, Anandamayi Ma gracefully appeared. To show his reverence, Radhanath Swami knelt down and touched her feet. Hopping backward, her face tensed with humility, she appeared embarrassed. Guilt rushed through Radhanath Swami like a whirlwind. In her gentle presence, attempting to show his reverence and respect, Radhanath Swami nonetheless felt that he had acted barbarically. What had I done? Radhanath Swami understood that, though she was an exalted being, she must humbly prefer followers not touch her feet. Taking pity on Radhanath Swami in his mortification, she sat on a nearby chair. With a childlike smile, her eyes rolled upward into her head as her eyelids fluttered and then closed. In the silence of that moment she entered into a trance. Radhanath Swami felt an aura of motherly affection beaming from her motionless form. Mystically, her face shone like an angelic child. An intimate silence prevailed as she came out of her trance, smiled, and motioned for Radhanath Swami to come closer. Her eyes sparkled with affection, yet as Radhanath Swami looked deeper into them, they appeared utterly blank from desires. Silently touching a lotus flower to her nose and lips, she placed it in Radhanath Swami’s hand, and then, rising from her seat, departed.

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