Memories of Eknathji – A. Balakrishnan

During JanamShati Parva of Ma. Eknathji ___Vol 43 Feb 2014 Vivekananda Kendra had chalked out a plan for Jeevanvrati workers. In 1973 Eknathji selected a team of workers who resolved to dedicate their lives to social service. One among them was A. Balakrishnan. From this team Eknathji selected six karyakartas who were sent to the remote parts of Arunachal Pradesh in Purvanchal. A. Balakrishnan was also a member of this group. For the last forty-two years Shri Balakrishnan has been a Jeevanvrati. For the past few years he has been serving as the National Vice President of Vivekananda Kendra. He had the opportunity to closely associate with Eknathji and observe him since the first six‑month training programme of the Jeevanvratis. He had met Eknathji in Mumbai before coming for this training. From that meeting onward many memories of Eknathji remained fresh in his mind. He wrote these memories and they were published in the monthly magazine 'Yuva Bharati' brought out by Vivekananda Kendra in 2003. The series was published throughout the year under the title 'Sparkling Waves'. On the occasion of Eknathji’s centenary year these articles were republished in 2015. Here are some prominent memories from these articles in his own words. 12 August 1973 will remain in my memory forever. On this day I met Eknathji for the first time at Navyug Niwas in Mumbai. Completely drenched in rain I stood before him. He gave me a towel and a cup of hot tea. In that first meeting itself his glittering and penetrating eyes left a permanent impression on my mind. After explaining his dream about the progress of an individual and the making of a nation, he asked in a challenging tone: “Are you ready to face a life full of challenges that will test you physically and mentally? If you are ready, reach Kanyakumari on 28th August.” That very first meeting changed the course of my life and led me on the path of an ideal and meaningful life. Eknathji’s approach toward spiritual inspiration and its application in day‑to‑day life of karyakartas was very subtle. During the training Swami Chidanand conducted discourses on meditation for eight continuous days. During this time Eknathji was on tour. After returning he asked Swami Chidanand about the experience of the trainees regarding the meditation sessions. Swamiji replied that the experience was excellent and that all trainees were deeply absorbed in meditation. Eknathji thanked him and said, “I can feel that everyone is floating in spiritual joy after meditation. But now I must bring them back to the earth.” The next afternoon Eknathji addressed us and his words thrilled us. He said: “After this training all of you will carry the message of Swami Vivekananda to different parts of the country. India is the only lighthouse that can guide the world which today is like a ship that has lost its direction.” “Only young men and women with healthy bodies, calm minds and sharp intelligence can fulfill this responsibility. We must transform ourselves into karyakartas full of energy and firm determination.” “Do not get lost in spiritual penance and meditation alone. Be ready to do any work that comes your way. For us, wiping the tears of the distressed and helping the deprived is true spirituality.” “Therefore keep your eyes and ears open — not closed like during meditation.” Once I asked Eknathji if I could go on the Sabarimala pilgrimage because the dates had come during the training. Eknathji replied: “Now you are converting your entire life into a pilgrimage. Why do you need such a yatra? Your life itself will become an offering to the Divine.” He further said that there would be no need to observe fasts or go on pilgrimages anymore, though I was free to decide if I still felt the need. The first six‑month training proved to be a treasure of knowledge, inspiration and enlightenment for us. We were fortunate to receive guidance from many eminent personalities including Janardan Swami, Dr. S. B. Warnekar, Pt. Ram Narayan Shastri, Prof. Athavale, Dr. Mukul Batra, Swami Chinmayananda, Swami Ranganathananda, senior journalist Devendra Swaroop, Sisir Kumar Mitra, Kedarnath Sahani, Moropant Pingle, Dadasaheb Apte, Sureshrao Ketkar, Shriram Sathe and K. A. A. Raja, the Chief Commissioner of Arunachal Pradesh. On the last day of training Eknathji informed each of us about our respective areas of work. Our condition was like that of a pilot sitting eagerly in the cockpit, ready to fly and accept the challenge of the mission ahead. Before leaving for our destinations we wanted to visit our homes for a few days. Eknathji’s guidance on this was also very meaningful. He said: “You are now becoming members of a large family called the nation instead of just a small family at home.” “Before going to your field of work you may visit your home, but clearly tell your family that for the next five years you may not be available for family functions.” “In your work you may face defeat, disappointment and frustration. But a true worker neither becomes arrogant in success nor loses heart in defeat.” “Keep complete faith in God. Use your abilities to convert difficulties into opportunities.” “Always remember that the work you are doing is supreme, sacred and divine. Move ahead with the conviction that the Almighty is always with you.”