We were on the train to Banaras. It was dusk and the sun’s light was gentle and soft. Shree Maa and Swamiji were sitting besides the window in our train compartment and the rest of us were peering outside along with them. The country side was so beautiful and we could see little huts, cows grazing, little children waving at the train, farmers working and ladies folding clothes. It was so simple, joyful and beautiful. Our hearts were inundated with love, unbounded and pure. Love for our beautiful Mother India, love for Earth Mother and love for the Divine Mother of all creation.

Shree Maa was smiling at us and pointing to the different scenes outside. We looked at the corner to see Swamiji. He was seated in an asan with a blissful smile on His face. His eyes were closed and He was completely still. He was there with us physically, but in some other state of consciousness. Where? How? We know not and understand not. Only Shree Maa knows.

She gestured to us, “Photo thoolo” (Take photo).

Hurriedly we scramble to find our cameras but we worry that the flash will disturb Swamiji.

But Mother said again and again, “Photo, photo.” So soon we were clicking away.

Nothing could disturb our Swamiji. Not our scrambling, our whispers, our flash sound and light. He was with God in a place which has no space or time. We were in awe. With deep veneration, we bowed to Him again and again in our hearts. The stillness of His presence, the beauty of His smile made that moment a magical drop in eternity. After a while, ever so softly and gently He uttered some mantras. Shree Maa gave Him a little cup of water. His eyes opened like those of Lord Shiva in Shudda Vidya. His face broke into a beautiful smile of benevolence. We bowed to our Lord of Benevelonce, our Lord of Compassion, our Lord of Infinite Goodness. Om Namah Shivaya!