60th Anniversary of Mahaprabhuji's Mahasamadhi
In the Holy Scriptures of India, it is said that when negative forces become strong in the world, only the intervention of a higher power can provide a remedy. In such cases, God takes on human form to restore justice and protect righteousness. One such holy incarnation was Bhagwan Sri Deep Narayan Mahaprabhuji, a central figure of inspiration for the Yoga in Daily Life system, who left this world (mahasamadhi) 60 years ago, on 5 December 1963.
While some people associate such divine incarnations with figures such as Rama, Krishna or Jesus, the truth is that God can manifest in human form at any time, without being constrained by space or time. Just as fire can burn in several places at once, God can appear in human form whenever necessary to uphold the universal values of justice, honesty and righteousness.
A divine incarnation has perfect abilities and accomplishes deeds beyond what an ordinary human can achieve. They have the power to transform fire into ice, sickness into health and death into life, through their mercy. They understand the desires of every soul and have the ability to fulfil them.
This divine soul knows our inner self and its power has no limits. It can be present in several places at the same time. However, our limited intellect and ego create barriers that hinder our understanding and realisation of this divine power.
Love is the key to the realisation of everything. God is Love and Love is God. The universal form of the divine is love and it manifests as beauty in creation. The presence of the divine soul is always accompanied by love and beauty.
Bhagwan Sri Deep Narayan Mahaprabhuji was one such living saint who lived in Rajasthan, Northwest India, from 1828 to 1963. From his birth until his conscious passing from this world, countless devotees were inspired by Mahaprabhuji's words, protected by his compassion and supported in their spiritual effort by his loving kindness. Mahaprabhuji's wisdom and grace filled everyone who came to him. All were equal before him, whether of high or low caste; their souls were the soil in which he sowed the seeds of truth.
In the early months of 1963, Mahaprabhuji told his disciples that he would pass away from this world on December 5 of that year, at exactly five o'clock in the morning. Nobody wanted to believe this, because Mahaprabhuji seemed healthy and well.
On Wednesday, 5 December 1963, a morning satsang was held at Sri Deva Dungary Sannyas Ashram in Khatu as usual, and Mahaprabhuji distributed prashad to everyone. Ten minutes before five o'clock he blessed all present with his words of wisdom:
"Don't be afraid! You are with me always and I am with you. Whenever my devotees think of me I will be present, no matter what country, what place, what year it is.
My soul is indestructible and immortal. Only the physical body is mortal, since it is made of the five elements. This is an unchangeable, natural law but you should know that I am always with you. Those devotees who are unable to be here with me today will also see me once more and I shall grant them their desires.
Difficult times are approaching and the world will be influenced by destructive powers and disbelief. But you shall remain steadfast and never lose your path! Nothing belongs to you. Hold onto truth and always remember God."
After these words of farewell, Mahaprabhuji began to chant OM and at exactly five o'clock in the morning, his soul left his body, but his face still shone with the divine light of his gentle smile.
His closest disciple, Hindu Dharmsamrat Paramhans Sri Swami Madhavananda Ji, Holy Guruji, has described his master's miraculous life in the book Lila Amrit, as an inspiration for all spiritual seekers. Copies of Lila Amrit are available at your local Yoga in Daily Life centre and the full content can also be viewed online.
