Baba Takes His Final Samkalpa

I said, “It is good that You have released those vibrations for us. But it would be even better for us if You stay with us along with those vibrations. That way we will get double benefits. SO please give up Your idea about leaving the body”.

I reasoned that we could get direct love and guidance from Baba as we knew Him. To trust to a dark, unknown future, hoping that one day we would acquire the spiritual energy with which to get in touch with those subtle vibrations, woule be absolute folly.

Besides, that long and difficult path would be impossible for a common sadhaka like me. I recalled the Samskrta proverb, ‘hastastham pindamutsrjya bhramante jeevitashaya’, (only the foolish go begging whilst ignoring the food in their hand). So I could never imagine reconciling myself to Baba’s offer.

By this time I was becoming numb and exhausted from the continual weeping and pleading.

I was now so weak that I was unable to speak and continue this round of circular arguments. I beseeched my brother disciples somehow to persuade Baba not to give up his body.

But Baba remained adamant and deaf to our pleas, single-mindedly repeating, “The time has come. I must go.”

Salutations to Baba who is the Giver of Everything Like KALPATARU Then Baba said “Nagina! You had a strong desire that I become the Kalpataru.

Lo! I have become the Kalpataru now! Ask whatever you desire”.

I thought this was another attempt by Baba to lull us into forgetfulness and I, therefore said, as before, that I wanted nothing from the Kalpataru and I have nothing to ask from the Kalpataru.

On hearing me, Baba very affectionately explained to me, “No, no Nagina! This is not the way to speak before the Kalpataru”.

I had already made up my mind that I wanted nothing else except that Baba may retain His body and in the same strain I repeated again that I had no request from the Kalpataru.

It dawned upon me that I should express my true heart’s desire before the Kalpataru, so I said,

I was quite frightened of Baba’s loud voice, but the next moment, itself through Baba’s grace, I regained my firmness and said:

“It is heard that no one returns disappointed from the Kalpataru. Today, I have to see whether my desire is fulfilled or not”.

I also, through the grace of Baba, said imploringly but with firmness, ‘If the Kalpataru is forever spotless then my request is also unchangeable, it is stable and steady. Today it is to be seen whether Kalpataru satisfies my request or not.”

Now Baba’s tone became a little mild and He tried to persuade me:

We continued this battle of wills, Baba insistent and I unyielding. But in spite of Baba’s repeatedly asking me to change my request, I remained steady in my desire and continued to request that the Kalpataru may grant my desire.

I replied , “No Baba! I shall never change my desire at any cost’”.

Now Baba grew kind and asked me to repeat my desire. I stated it formally thus: “Before this physical body of yours, may we celebrate Kalpataru Day every year for fifty years from today”.

Baba said, “Be it as you wish”, and patted me firmly on the head.

Relieved I cried, “Jai Baba’” (“Victory to Baba”), and withdrew my hands from around Baba’s waist. I lifted my head from His chest, and cried again and again, “Jai Baba! Jai Baba!” and folded my hands in reverence.

I asked the other brother disciples to let go of Baba’s feet and helped Baba sit in the lotus position so that he could take a samkalpa very soon. When, I was doing this, Baba gave a loving slap on my left cheek and said, “You have come to know all my secrets”.