Dádá Svaprakashánanda (from Baba's Love for South America)
I was initiated in Colombia, my country of origin. I was working at the Bogota jagrti as an LFT and it was around 7:30 in the evening on September 25, 1979, when I received a call from a dada who was in Caracas. He told me that Bábá had arrived that morning, and that if I wanted to see him I would have to go there immediately.
Through a series of miracles that were truly incredible, Brother Vishok from El Salvador and I were able to get our visas and plane tickets to Caracas for the next day. We landed at 8:30 at night, took a bus to the city center and from there called a taxi to take us to Jágrti.
To our surprise, the taxi driver drove in circles without finding the address. We were in a very nice residential neighborhood, but there was no telephone or even a person we could ask for help.
Suddenly, the taxi doors were opened violently. At that moment we realized that we were surrounded by police officers with automatic weapons, as if we were dangerous criminals. They ordered us to get out of the taxi with our hands up, threatening us with death if we disobeyed them. The terror we felt was truly frightening. Political tension between Colombia and Venezuela was very strong because of the territorial dispute in the Antilles Sea. We were arrested and were going to the Central Police.
It was almost midnight when they finally let us out. We took another taxi, however our hopes began to fade when we realized that this second taxi driver was also driving in circles. We then decided to get out of the taxi in front of a nursing home. The nurses didn't allow us to spend the night there, so we hid in the house's garden until dawn.
We found some school bus drivers “chatting” on the corner. When we asked for information, they pointed to a house a few meters from the street where we had passed with the two taxis many times. We were very happy to read the sign with orange letters: “Ananda Marga - Yoga”.
This was the last day of Bábá's visit; and we had heard that He had not given His Varábhaya mudra the night before, but that He would do it that day.
Brother Vishok and I were chosen, along with other margis, to go on a walk with Bábá at the Zoo. The Dádá responsible for Venezuela granted me the honor of traveling in the same car in which Bábá went to Parque Del Leste. In the car, Bábá showed His great interest in the situation in Colombia. He discussed the country's political system, talked about democracy and dictatorship, and about illiteracy, level of education, and much more. Dádá translated it for me, as I didn't speak English.
During the tour, an unforgettable scene was recorded: the group of Avadhutas in their bright orange uniforms surrounding Bábá. His figure was fragile and majestic, dressed all in white in traditional Indian clothing.
As I followed Him, I kept asking, “But is it possible that He is the incarnation of Shiva and Krishna? How can I know if this is really true?”
Suddenly Bábá stopped, turned around and looked straight into my eyes. I felt very uneasy, as it was clear that Bábá was aware that I was questioning Him.
Never in my life had I seen such sweet eyes. Much love and peace emanated from them. Then Bábá directed his eyes to the top of my head and moved them quickly up and down. I thought, “Surely he is reading my past lives.” Then He turned around again and continued His walk.
When we returned to Jágrti, Bábá was very busy, giving the last personal contacts. When it was my turn, I went in and did sást'aunga pran'ám. When I finished, Bábá asked me to sit down. I acted with respect, but at the same time I felt afraid; I sat more than a meter away from Him. Bábá motioned for me to come closer. Then He asked the traditional questions: what was my name, who was my ácárya, my position in the organization, etc.
Finally Bábá asked me to sit even closer. He touched my Anahata, vishuddha, Ajina and Sahasrara cakras, while reciting some Sanskrit mantras. This made me feel very scared, and my only desire was to escape from there. Using signs, I asked Bábá if I could go. He looked at me a little surprised, but smiled and nodded, saying yes. I immediately left the room, mentally asking him to forgive me, as I was not prepared enough to feel his high spiritual vibrations.
After personal contacts were ended, Bábá gave his last darshan. At the end we all sang Guru Pújá. Then He positioned His hands to give the famous Varábhaya mudrá. This caused many marguis to start crying, screaming and shouting, “Bábá, Bábá, Bábá…” Some contorted their bodies, even though their faces were full of peace.
I was surprised and thought about what they could be feeling that made them scream so desperately. Why didn't I feel anything at all except fear? Could it be that I had a heart of stone, unable to feel subtle vibrations?
These and many other questions assaulted my mind. I could find absolutely no rational explanation for this phenomenon. In fact, I had to wait eleven years, until September 29, 1990, to learn that the kundalini is raised by Bábá's Varábhaya mudrá. It is very difficult to explain such an experience in words; it must be experienced when one is spiritually prepared.
When we went to Caracas airport to say goodbye to Bábá, we created an incredible spectacle. Many people came and began to ask, “Who is this man? Why do you treat him like God?”
These are questions that, to this day, many people still ask. The answer must come from within. The more subtle a person becomes through the constant practice of meditation, the more he can understand who Bábá was and who He is. To see God, we have to become pure, very pure. The most important thing is to make an effort. This is the spirit of the true spiritual aspirant.
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