Heaven is where Baba is

Ac. Dasharatha

At that time Baba had just been released from jail. He was staying in Patna and was going to Kolkata from Patna. I went for His darshan. I do not remember the month, but I do recall it was the 29th. We had Baba's darshan that night. I thought that I would attend general darshan during the day on the 30th and then catch the train for Jamalpur in the night.

 

On the 31st Baba was to leave for Kolkata. I had an important work at home and had to return for it. On the 30th Baba did not come to the jagriti but did some office work and then left by car. Those who had come to the jagriti and were waiting for general darshan then ran after the car. But what was the use... we all felt very painful at having missed seeing Baba. What could be done?

 

So it was time for me to leave for home. At four o'clock I began preparations to leave. Then in the courtyard of the jagriti I met Kranti. She asked me where I was going. I replied “home”. She then said “No, wait till tomorrow - let us see off Baba and then leave for home.” I said that I had such important work at home that I had to leave immediately. Then Kranti enquired as to whether I had informed Ramanandaji that I was leaving. I replied that I had not. She then said “at least please inform him.” I liked this advice very much.

 

So instead of going to the station, I went to Baba's quarters. Surprisingly, the doors opened immediately. I had to say nothing and merely entered the house. Amitanandaji was sitting on one chair. I occupied another and began to find out where Ramanandaji was.

 

After locating Ramanandaji, I told him that I had very important work at home so I would catch the evening train to Jamalpur. If I could just do my Pranam to Baba I would be very happy. I continued to wait for an hour. Then Amitanandaji said “If Baba wanted that you should leave this evening, you would not have to wait for one hour.” Then I also said to let us leave it to Baba. At that moment someone called that Baba wanted me to see Him.

 

I went in. And there I spent one hour with Baba. I did not even notice the time passing. Others were also there. I sat down. I was feeling that if there was a heaven, then it would here, close to Baba. I then caught one of Baba's hands and said “Baba!, Baba! Baba!”, gazing at Him with unblinking eyes. I was not letting go of Baba's hand. Such a time would perhaps seldom come again.

 

Then Baba changed this situation. He touched my head with His hands and said “Look, Dasarath, at this boy, what was he so many years ago?” Like this Baba continued to ask questions about two or three boys present and I replied according to whatever was on my mental plate.