Memories of My Last Darshan

I went in to have my last ‘darshan’ as is customary, to receive parshad and to be given a striking portrait of the Master. Maharaj Ji greeted me by saying, “So, you are going home!” with a twinkle in his eye. So I said, “I am going, but I don’t know about ‘home’!” (Mentally I remember thinking: Where is ‘home’?)

Our Satguru then gave me his blessing and it was during this that I realized the truth of the saying that to serve a Guru (through seva) is in truth to gain spiritual wealth for oneself. One can give nothing in return to him – he can cause sticks and stones to serve him as efficiently as any human being, and to their great benefit. I felt no sadness this time at parting, only a great desire to go and serve.

What can I say of my experiences? Whatever I write will be an understatement of my true impressions, but to those who may be pondering whether or not they should go to the Dera, I would so like to urge them not to hesitate one instant, but go, and go for as long as possible. Though I had visited Beas many times before, over a period of years, this last occasion was so rich in spiritual experience; so many ends were tied up, so many knots resolved, through personal association with the Master and his disciples over a reasonably long stay – roughly three months – and in the most propitious circumstances. I learnt so much from others that it has taught me the necessity for associating with fellow satsangis, for as often and as long as possible. Truly, by such association, longing and love for the Master is deeply engendered and one’s meditation is benefitted – the final criterion in deciding all action.
_{In Search of the Way}