Mother and Me

The Mother and The Blessing Packets

As I said earlier, after 1967, I had become a regular visitor to the Mother. It was customary that those of us who served the Mother got our ‘blessing’ a day before the actual Darshan day.

On one occasion, while the Mother was giving the usual Blessing Packets — a small beautiful envelope containing ten petals of rose — one was also given to me. Suddenly she looked at me and enquired if I believed in these Blessing Packets. Imagine the Mother asking me that question!

By the way, I must point out that from the very beginning I did not have any strong emotion or attachment to material things — not that I was ever a ‘sadhak’ in the true sense of the word — nor am I one to this day. Perhaps it was because of the early teachings of my father, a staunch Arya Samaji, who did not have any faith in material things and idol worship or rituals. At the same time, I must also point out that I have never criticized anyone for believing in idol worship or rituals. Every person should have the liberty to believe in anything he or she considers sacred, divine or godly. Let anyone worship God in whatever form they like. I have never disputed anyone’s faith. I do not like to put someone’s faith on the anvil of science, logic or rationality. However, as a scientist, I firmly believe in the saying ‘In God we trust, all others must have data.’ Let each one find the Truth in one’s own way. But that does not mean that one should not have a Guru or guide. This is an essential requirement for all of us who wish to seek Truth or God or whatever name you give to that ‘ultimate source of everything.’

Coming back to the Blessing Packet and the question the Mother asked me, her query was innocent. She never wanted me to be subject to any external influence and whenever the Mother asked me something, I always told her the truth. I looked at the Blessing Packet (a pink one) and then I looked at the Mother.

Deep inside, I did not believe that once she gave a Blessing Packet, it meant that everything would be okay! I believe that even if a thief went to the Mother to get her blessings for the success of his next theft, she would bless him. She would not deny her benevolence. Does it mean that the thief could now commit his act without fear because of the Mother’s blessing? This would be ridiculous! I believe that the Mother’s love and blessings are universal. Aren’t sunlight and air available to everyone?

After a brief pause, instead of answering her query, I asked her, “Mother, do you yourself believe in these Blessing Packets?” With that counter-question, everyone in the room was stunned. But the Mother laughed. She paused for a moment and commented: “My doctor is a scientist. He will go into the depth and only then accept things.” Pointing towards me, she added, “These Blessing Packets by themselves do not mean much. Primarily it is you yourself who have to do what you must. Still, if you have faith, these could help you. And I want you to keep this always with you. You may keep this in your purse!”

Ever since, I always keep that packet in my purse. But I must say that there is also something “higher” that keeps me going. Whether the Blessing Packet also helps to solve my problems whenever I am in trouble, I do not know. Perhaps keeping the Mother’s presence deep inside me is better than keeping the Blessing Packet in the wallet!