Prasang 45

‘Anuvrutti’ is Bhakti

Once, Gunatitanand Swami set out with swamis and devotees toward Sānkhdāvadar’s bid (large piece of open land). On the way, they stopped at Mādiyā. After their meal, at noon, a spiritual discourse was underway. At that time, Swami saw mango trees drying up in the temple’s orchard. Observing this, he remarked, “These mango trees are drying due to lack of water.”

Many present heard Swami’s words, but no one grasped their true meaning. However, Bhagatji Maharaj immediately understood Swami’s intent. Even when we understand the inner felt wish of the Satpurush, often, following through is difficult. Most people would have responded:

• “Yes, Swami, its summer, and there’s a water shortage. That’s why they’re drying.”

• If a more assertive person spoke, they might blame the caretaker’s poor management and suggest a detailed action plan.

• And if a direct āgnā is given, most would request a team of 15–20 people to assist in watering the trees.

There were 300 mango trees to be watered—not with a sprinkler system. Water had to be manually drawn from a river, carried in pots, and poured on each tree.

Despite the immense physical effort required, Bhagatji did not hesitate. Swami had not even given him a direct āgnā, yet he took it upon himself as his duty to please Swami. Without telling anyone, Bhagatji found two pots, fetched water from the river, and began watering the trees. He gave each tree four pots of water. He continued tirelessly until almost the entire day had passed.

By the time he finished, all 300 mango trees had received water. His clothes became completely drenched from carrying the heavy pots.

Let’s reflect on the scale of his effort:

• A single pot held 15 liters of water.

• Each tree required 60 liters of water.

• Total water carried: 18,000 liters!

• Distance between two trees: 10 feet.

• Distance from the river to the trees: 50 feet.

• Carrying two pots at a time, Bhagatji covered a total of 44 km (~27 miles)!

Gunatitanand Swami had simply made an observation at noon about the trees drying, and Bhagatji Maharaj immediately sprang into action. By 6:30 PM, he had completed the task and arrived at the evening assembly. This means he carried water-filled pots for 44 km in just 6.5 hours, covering 6.5 km per hour—all for Swami’s rājipo! When one follows a Satpurush’s words with such swiftness and sincerity, one becomes Brahmarup (oneness with Bhagwān).

Seeing Bhagatji’s devotion and selfless service, Gunatitanand Swami joyfully said, “He never considers his body; his only goal is to please me. This is true love! That is why I am extremely pleased with him.”

Bhagatji Maharaj embodied the true essence of the spiritual principle “Bhaktyānuvrutyā”— “Following the Satpurush’s anuvrutti (innerfelt, unspoken wish) is true devotion.” He upheld this ideal throughout his life.