Shri Nimishananda Guruji said, “Understand the scriptures and all the mantras and rituals that you perform. Don’t simply chant the mantras (chants), Upanishads, slokas (hymns) and so on. Comprehend them first and then chant them. Then you will automatically surrender to divinity.” Jayashree said, “Pujya Guruji, I have not read much and am not a very intellectual person. So it may be difficult for someone like me to comprehend the scriptures.”
Shri Nimishananda Guruji laughed and said, “The intellect has nothing to do with it. When you got married, how did you learn the likes and dislikes of your husband and in-laws? You were able to understand your husband through your heart. Initially you quietly observed everything, absorbed it, assimilated it and this resulted in good understanding and a strong rapport. All this was motivated by the love in your heart. If one loves god, then one has a strong yearning to comprehend him.”
Jayashree looked at Pujya Guruji and said, “Pujya Guruji, I have a desire.”
Shri Nimishananda Guruji said, “Oh! Only one desire? Then your evolution has progressed very quickly!” Jayashree asked, “Pujya Guruji, may I tie a rakhi (a decorative band that symbolises the strong bond between a brother and sister. In India, every sister ties a rakhi to her brother, who in turn shows his affection for her by giving her a gift) to your hand?” There was doubt and trepidation on her face. It was obvious that she was unsure whether Pujya Guruji would agree to this unorthodox proposal.
Her face lit up with delight when Pujya Guruji said, “Certainly. I am here only to fulfill noble desires of all the devotees!”
Jayashree stood before Pujya Guruji with the rakhi in her hand. Pujya Guruji said, “Just a minute. Before you tie it, you should be aware that ‘certain conditions apply’, as they phrase it in advertisements.”
Jayashree once again looked uncertain and asked softly, “What are they Pujya Guruji?”
Shri Nimishananda Guruji said, “You will lose your capacity to think, speak and act negatively from the moment you tie the rakhi. If you are willing to accept this, you can go ahead!” Joy overflowed from Jayashree as she said, “Oh Pujya Guruji !....” She applied kumkum (sacred vermillion powder) to Pujya Guruji’s forehead in the traditional fashion and prostrated before his chair, tying the rakhi to his right hand. To lighten the moment charged with emotion, Shri Nimishananda Guruji said, “You know, she’s tying it really very tight! Now I know, in what a tight trap her husband is caught!” Jayashree joined in the laughter of all the devotees. Smiling Shri Nimishananda Guruji went into the puja room of the divine mother and came out after a few minutes carrying a cream coloured shawl. He placed the shawl around Jayashree’s shoulder and said, “This is the prasad (consecrated item) given by the mother herself. When you pray holding this in your hands, your prayers will be answered. Take it with you when you travel. It will always protect you.” As the devotees watched this, they felt privileged to witness this moving interaction - divine grace responding to human surrender. All hearts overflowed with love for Shri Nimishananda Guruji and the divine mother.
This article has been taken from the book Wisdom through the eyes of Shri Nimishanda by His Holiness Shri Shri Nimishananda