Swami Abhedanandaji Maharaj was a brother disciple of Swami Vivekananda who also wandered in Gujarat and met Swami Vivekananda in Gujarat more than once. This article is compiled from his book ‘Complete Works of Swami Abhedananda’, Volume XI, 1970 edition, published by Ramakrishna Vedanta Math, Calcutta (Pg. 757-761)
MY LIFE AS A PARIVRAJAKA (Wandering Monk)
Four days on end I wended my way alone. I would have a meal with whatever I would get by begging at midday and at eventide I would, as before, stop and spend the night mostly under a tree. Gradually I reached Kasi. At Kasi I had bath in the Ganges and then I got a meal by begging from a Satra (centre for free distribution of food). I had spent a long time at Kasi before. So, I left Kasi and set out for Prayag and Allahabad. Although I was alone yet the remembrance and contemplation of Sri Sri Thakur provided me with help and strength. Gradually I reached Prayag and after having a bath in the Ganges I did madhukari in a village nearby. I did not feel inclined to stay at Prayag or at Allahabad. I continued my journey in the same manner. After having left Allahabad I first went to Agra and then to Delhi. Having spent one or two days at Delhi I visited Jaipur, Udaipur, Khetri, Abu, Girnar and other places. When I was travelling through these places a strong desire grew in me to meet Narendranath. I crossed river Narmada and made for Junagadh. On the way I became a guest in the house of Mr. Sankar Pandurang at Porbandar. I heard from Mr. Sankar Pandurang that sometime earlier a Bengali Sannyasin, well-versed in English, named Satchidananda had come to Porbandar. I could not recognise the Sannyasin from the name ‘Satchidananda’. I came to know later that it was Narendranath who was travelling through Gujarat and Kutch assuming the pseudonym of ‘Satchidananda’.
AT THE HOUSE OF SANKAR PANDURANG
My mind became extremely agitated to hear about the English-knowing Bengali Sannyasin from Pandit Sankar Pandurang. On enquiry regarding the appearance, complexion and behaviour of the Sannyasin, I was reminded of Narendranath.
Sankar Pandurang was very well-versed in Sanskrit. He was at that time publishing a compilation of Atharva Veda. Pleased with my discussion of scriptures he requested me to stay in his house for sometime. I agreed to stay there for one or two days, thinking that I might by chance meet Narendranath there. Everyday I would have discussion with Pandit Pandurang on various scriptures. He was pleased to observe the sharpness of my intellect and my way of discussion. After having had hospitality there for two days I sought the Pandit’s permission to leave the place on the third day. He requested me to live in his house for a few days more. I was, however, very much disappointed for not having met Narendranath there. In circumstances I bade good-bye to him and started for Junagadh.
MEETING WITH NARENDRANATH
On arrival at Junagadh I came to hear from people that a Bengali Sannyasin with high English education was staying for some days at the house of Mansukhram Suryaram Tripathi, a Gujrati Brahmin, who was the Private Secretary of the local Nawab (Muslim Ruler). On enquiry I came to know that the name of the Sannyasin was Satchidananda. I thought that the person in the guise of Satchidananda would be no other than Narendranath. Elated with joy, I reached the house of Mansukhram Suryaram Tripathi by enquiry and immediately found that my conjecture was true. Narendranath brightened up with joy to see me unexpectedly. I too could not check my tears to meet him after a long time. Fortunately, when I arrived there Narendranath was discussing some topic of non-dualistic Vedanta with Mr. Tripathi who was a keen scholar in scriptures. Narendranath introduced me to Mr. Tripathi. Mr. Tripathi rose up, greeted me with namaskara and courteously requested me to sit down. When I took my seat, Narendranath looked at me and said to Mr. Tripathi, “He is my spiritual brother and a votary of non- dualistic Vedanta. He will now discuss scripture with you.” I was taken aback. I was physically exhausted. Moreover having met Narendranath after a long time I was overwhelmed with joy. But before I had respite to talk to Narendranath it was Narendranath who called upon me to discuss scripture with Mr. Tripathi. In obedience to my elder brother, however, I started discussion with the Pandit in Sanskrit on some points of non-dualistic Vedanta. Mr. Tripathi began to put questions to me from the stand point of purvapaksha (the dis-senter) and I began to answer his questions one by one. Narendra was listening to my replies with delight. At last, being very pleased with my replies the Pandit greeted me with namaskara with folded hands. I found that Narendranath could not contain his joy within himself. His faces was glistening with pride at the success of his spiritual brother.
Mr. Tripathi requested me with courtesy to take rest and sent order in his house for arranging food for me along with Narendranath. After our meal when I was alone with Narendranath, I informed him of all that had happened at Baranagar Math and I said that I would never return to Baranagar Math. Narendranath heaved a sigh of relief after having heard the full story of Baranagar Math and staring at me he said with a spirited voice, “You are a child of Sri Ramakrishna. The Math is for you. If you do not go to the Math then for whom else should the Math exist?” Tears came to my eyes.
Narendranath drew me close to him and gave me solace. I shall never be able to forget the affection and solace that I got from him that day. I at last relented and told him that I would return to the Math. It seemed as if Narendranath was relieved.
I have already mentioned that all through my peregrinations, I was travelling bare-footed. Having seen me bare-footed Narendranath said, “You should not travel bare-footed like this in this part of the country. If you do not follow this advice then you will have to suffer later.” I need hardly say that these words of that great man came true subsequently. When I returned to Alambazar Math at Calcutta, I really suffered a great deal from an attack of guinea worms in my feet.
To DWARKA
At the request of Pandit Mansukhram Suryaram Tripathi I gladly stayed in his house for three or four days in the company of Narendranath and then I got ready to start for Dwarka. At last I bade good-bye to Narendranath. I saw that his eyes were filled with tears. I then remembered those delightful days with Sri Sri Thakur at Cossipore. I too could not check my tears. When I was taking leave from Narendranath, whose heart was inseparable from mine, he told me that he would be going to Bombay in a day or two. Pandit also saw me off with tearful eyes. With salutations to Sri Sri Thakur, I started for Dwarka.
After arrival at Dwarka, I visited the temple of Dwarkaji and having spent one night there I started for Prabhas-tirtha where also I spent one day. I decided to go to Bombay from there. But when I was thinking how to cross the gulf, a merchant of Gujarat suddenly came and greeted me and enquired in Hindi, “Mahatmaji (Great Soul) where will you go?” I said, “To Bombay.” He offered some money to me for a ticket in the ship. I said, “My son, I do not touch money. It would be better if you would buy a ticket for me.” The merchant gladly agreed and having bought and handed over a third class ticket to me he prostrated and left. I thought that all this was due to the infinite grace of Paramahamsadeva.
MEETING WITH NARENDRANATH AGAIN
I arrived at Bombay by ship. After having seen Bombay I went from there to Mahabaleswar. I heard that Narottam Morarji Gokuldas was a hospitable gentleman in Mahabaleswar. I went to Gokuldasji’s house by enquiry and on arrival there, I found that Narendranath had already arrived there one day earlier. Through the Grace of Sri Sri Thakur, I met Narendranath there once again. Gokuldasji received me cordially as the spiritual brother of Swami Satchidanandaji, that is Narendranath. Seeing me Narendranath said with laughter “Brother, why are you on my trail for nothing? Both of us have come out with the name of Sri Sri Thakur. We had better travel independently.” At this I said, “Why should I pursue you? I have come here, as you too have, in course of my wanderings. Through the Will of Sri Sri Thakur we have met again. I assure you that I am not deliberately after you” Narendranath reacted with a loud laughter. I said, “This time I shall start for South India via Poona, Baroda, Nasik, Dandakaranya, etc. You should proceed to the north, then there will be no chance of our meeting again.” Narendranath laughed aloud again. Gokuldasji heard our conversation but could not follow. He only said, “It is extremely good fortune for me to get two great men like you together.”
At the earnest request of Gokuldasji, however I spent three days at his house with Narendranath and on the fourth day I resolved to set out for Poona. I told Narendranath about my intention. Narendranath said, “Since we have come out with the name of Sri Sri Thakur, he will surely provide for our well-being.” I bade good-bye to Narendranath and Narottam Morarji Gokuldas, the owner of the house, and started for Poona.
Your Content Goes Here
