One summer evening in Karar ashram, Puri, more than a decade ago, after the evening meditation, I was accompanying Gurudev to his room in darkness, as there was no electricity. He held on to my shoulder as we walked. On the way he said, "Baba, until now no one has understood who Hariharananda is! If one will try to understand he will go mad. You know Hariharananda more than anyone else and even that is only five percent. Still it is enough."
For spiritual growth and the manifestation of our divine qualities we need a teacher, a guide, a guru, a preceptor who through his exemplary behavior, strong spiritual foundation and deep scriptural knowledge and realization can mould and shape the life of the student and open the way to the path of self Realization.
Once the chosen guru is found a sincere disciple would blossom under his care. A guru, in the Holy Scriptures is described as the philosopher's stone that is able to turn ordinary metals into gold. But a guru's power goes beyond that; he can transform the ordinary metal into another philosopher's stone. A true teacher knows through divine insight the mind and the thought pattern of his disciples. With these tools he guides them to achieve their true potential.
The guru disciple relationship is not easy. Many sacrifices are needed in order to grow in the spiritual path. Meeting my Master was the turning point in my life. For more than twenty years of close association, I have struggled to serve my master who represents for me the essence of spirituality.
In return, my Guru has given me the biggest blessing of all; he has helped me to accelerate my spiritual evolution. Our bond is complete; He is my father, I am his child, we walk together as father and son. I have grown through his love and wisdom. His life was like a stream of the Sacred Ganga, flowing down from the great Himalayan heights in spiritual ecstasy cleansing and purifying the life of sincere seekers.
Baba Hariharanandaji is the embodiment of spiritual truth, love and compassion. Not even the holiest scripture can substitute the encompassing influence of an enlightened Master. Blessed are those who live with realized Masters and more blessed are those who could understand and live as the master taught.
"My heart feels complete with your love and compassion. O Timeless One, your play appeared to be limited in the time frame but you are above all limitation. O beloved Gurudev, Your presence is eternal. I bow to you within and everywhere." Paramahamsa Prajnanananda