This series chronicles sweet experiences recounted by the devotees of HH Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji as well as some divine experiences of Sri Swamiji himself. These articles are translations from the Madhurasmaranam series that is published every month in Madhuramurali Tamil monthly magazine.
Predictions for Future
Sri Swamiji was staying in the ashram during the months of April and May of that year. Several devotees across various locations had come to stay at the ashram to have darshan of Sri Swamiji. Included in this lot was a family consisting of mother, father and son, from western India. They were all very much devoted to Sri Swamiji. The child was studying in school.
As far as that family was concerned, all matters proceeded with Sri Swamiji’s approval. Sri Swamiji was the head of the family for that family as well, as with numerous devoted families. The little boy was peppy and lively and spoke with Sri Swamiji very freely.
The day of their return came by and the little boy was so sad. His face was all droopy since the morning. There were two reasons for that. First was related to parting with Sri Swamiji. Second was related to the fact that he did not receive the answer to the only question that he had posed Sri Swamiji every day, since the day of his arrival at the ashram. It is quite natural for you to wonder what exactly would have been his question.
As for that child, there is no such thing that Sri Swamiji does not know. His parents had rooted the belief deeply in him that Sri Swamiji knew the present, the past and the future. His only question to Sri Swamiji was about how the upcoming year would be for him. He was very eager to find out. His firm belief was that there was no one more appropriate than Sri Swamiji to answer this question.
It was quite amusing to watch the little boy asking this question to Sri Swamiji periodically since his first day at the ashram and Sri Swamiji evading the question with a smile, citing different reasons!
The family got ready to leave the ashram. The three of them came to prostrate unto Swamiji prior to their departure. There was a grim look on the boy’s face then too. Sri Swamiji smilingly asked, “why are you so sad? You want me to answer your question, is that all? Grab a pen and a notebook. Listen to what I say carefully and take note of it. I will only say it once and do not ask me to repeat it. Not even a single percentage difference from what I say will happen. “Sri Swamiji kept on adding.
The little boy’s face lit up upon hearing these words from Sri Swamiji, as he came prepared with a pen and a notebook. The devotees around were all curious as to what Sri Swamiji was about to say. Sharpening their ears, they were all waiting to hear enthusiastically.
“The predictions that I am about to give are not just for you but are pertinent to the entire world. Not just for this year but for all the coming years. Note it down. The upcoming year has 12 months; 365 days; 52 weeks; everyday has 24 hours; every hour has 60 minutes in it and every minute has 60 seconds. There will be no change in this!” Saying so, He laughed hard. The little boy was stunned at this unexpected answer.
Sri Swamiji blessed the little boy saying, “What is the point of knowing the future? Only fear, confusion and mental stress prevail. If we tread the right path during the present, future will have to be great too. The right path is the path shown by the Guru. Let us travel happily down the path, shown by the Guru, doing Namasankeertana, with not a second of our lives wasted and not a single worry about irrelevant things!”
Article originally chronicled by Dr. A Bhagyanathan, personal secretary to Sri Swamiji, in Tamil Madhuramurali Magazine Jul, 2023 issue, Madhurasmaranam section.
Translated into English by Smt. Mangala Gowri Sridhar, Jacksonville FL
