Dadaji
Re-appears
Seventeen years after their initial meeting, Swami Kripalu encountered his guru, Dadaji, in Rishikesh during Mahashivaratri, recognizing him in a youthful saint who revealed that the body Kripalu had known in Bombay was temporary, and he was now seeing his true, purified form. This profound reunion led to deep discussions on yoga, spiritual evolution, and the attainment of the Divine Body, further guiding Kripalu on his spiritual journey.
Kripalu’s Early Literary Journey
Seventeen years passed since Dadaji left the sleeping Kripalu. Feeling dejected, Kripalu returned to his hometown of Dabhoi in Gujarat. He became a prolific writer, publishing his first collection of poems, Ek Bindu, along with articles and short stories in prominent magazines. His talent extended to playwriting, and he was hired as a staff writer for a traveling theatre company. When the company folded, Kripalu moved to Ahmedabad and worked in a textile mill.
New Opportunities and Personal Challenges
A nephew later offered Kripalu a position as a music teacher and administrative assistant at a school in Maninagar. Kripalu enjoyed five years in this role, but personal challenges soon arose. In 1941, he became engaged to a woman named Jyoti. However, family feuds caused the wedding to be called off, leaving Kripalu heartbroken. He left town and spent five months living anonymously in Bombay. Later, he would dedicate his principal work of music to Jyoti, naming it Raga Jyoti.
A Spiritual Quest Begins
Disillusioned with worldly life, Kripalu embarked on a spiritual journey. He wandered along the Narmada River in Gujarat, contemplating becoming a sannyasi (renunciant). He remembered Dadaji’s words, “In the future, when the spirit of renunciation is born in your heart, find some old cow-loving saint and take sannyas diksha from him.”
Meeting Swami Shantanandji
Kripalu soon met a high saint, Swami Shantanandji, who was known for his deep love for cows and his brilliance in Sanskrit. Impressed by his simplicity and duty-consciousness, Kripalu took sanyas vows from Swami Shantanandji in 1942, receiving the sacred orange robes and a new name: Swami Kripalvanand (the compassionate one). Swami Shantanandji offered Kripalu strict guidance, instructing him to live by begging and avoid staying in one place for more than a day or two.
Seven Years of Wandering
For the next seven years, Kripalu wandered, teaching music, Sanskrit, and the Bhagavad Gita. He served the poor and prayed for the sick, becoming a beloved humanitarian saint. His captivating speaking style attracted crowds of up to two thousand people in larger villages. During this time, Kripalu’s reputation as a saint continued to grow.
Farewell to His Guru
One day, Kripalu received word that Swami Shantanandji was ill. Rushing to his side, Kripalu found his guru on his deathbed. Despite Kripalu’s grief, Swami Shantanandji reminded him of the importance of detachment. Shortly thereafter, on January 23rd, 1949, Swami Shantanandji passed away.
A Long-Awaited Reunion
In Rishikesh, Kripalu sought solace in a secluded hut, fervently praying for a reunion with his Gurudev, Dadaji, after 17 long years. On Mahashivaratri, Kripalu went for a walk and encountered a saint who called him by name. Recognizing Dadaji in this youthful figure, Kripalu was overwhelmed with emotion. Dadaji revealed that the body Kripalu had known in Bombay was a temporary one, and he was now seeing his true, purified form.
A Deep Spiritual Conversation
Dadaji explained that he had entered the body of a yogi named Pranavanand after his death. The two engaged in a profound conversation about the nature of yoga, spiritual evolution, and the attainment of the Divine Body. Dadaji shared insights into the process of bodily purification and the continuation of spiritual practice across multiple lifetimes.
Pranavanand’s Continued Journey
Kripalu asked about Pranavanand’s rebirth, and Dadaji confirmed that he had already been reborn and would continue his spiritual journey when the time was right. Dadaji hinted at a larger mission that would unfold over many years, involving a select group of disciples, including Kripalu, to carry on the work.
A Heartfelt Farewell
As the conversation drew to a close, Dadaji gave Kripalu a Sanskrit stanza to ponder and explained that their reunion had a special purpose, one that would be fulfilled in the future. Despite Kripalu’s heartfelt plea to stay with his guru, Dadaji urged him to continue his work and purify himself further. With a final blessing, Dadaji departed.
Dadaji’s Continued Appearances
Over the years, Dadaji appeared to Kripalu three more times. He initiated Kripalu into formal yoga practice, saved him from drowning, instructed him on rebuilding his temple at Kayavarohan, and was present on the opening day of the Shiva Temple. These encounters continued to guide Kripalu on his spiritual path, shaping his life and legacy.
Discover Kripalu's Legacy
