In the second chapter of the *Guru Charitra*, it is said: “Even if gods like Brahma, Vishnu or Mahesh become angry, the Guru can protect the disciple from that divine wrath. But if the Guru himself becomes displeased, then no god in the universe can save that disciple.” This shows the immense protection and fearlessness that a true Guru gives to the disciple. Even if a person behaves wrongly with gods or commits errors in devotion, the Sadguru can shield him, provided the disciple has complete surrender. This means that whatever destiny (prarabdha) or fate a disciple carries, the Sadguru can transform it. They can change the course of life and remove unfavorable conditions.
Just as Sage Narada transformed the hunter Valya into Sage Valmiki, Shri Vyankatnath Maharaj took into account Narendra’s past karmas, impressions and tendencies, and decided to transform him completely and make him a true devotee. For this, Maharaj made tremendous efforts to change Narendra’s nature, behavior, thoughts and life patterns. Just as Gahininath awaited Nivrittinath to transfer divine knowledge, Maharaj seemed to be waiting for Narendra with a similar intention. From the moment they gave Narendra the command for future spiritual work, it became clear they had planned to shape him through various experiences. They repeatedly hinted at Narendra’s identity from past births and attempted to tell him who he truly was — but Narendra remained stuck in intellectual doubts and overthinking.
His mind was disturbed by constant questions of “What is true?” and “What is false?” Maharaj understood this struggle very well. They gave him both — shocks that would break his rigid logic, and support that would keep him stable. Along with this balance, they also imparted spiritual knowledge.
Maharaj would often say: “When carving a stone idol, the sculptor must strike the stone repeatedly with his chisel. The stone must endure those blows. If the stone slips or breaks, the sculptor simply picks another and begins shaping it. Similarly, the Guru must shape the disciple.” Maharaj made every possible effort to carve and refine Narendra. It was truly the merit of Narendra’s past lives that such a Guru chose to shape him.
Narendra often complained, “Maharaj, people around me are happy without doing anything. But I am suffering even after being under your guidance. Why?” Maharaj would calmly reply, “If life feels painful to you, you may leave us.” But Narendra was not ready to leave his Guru. The spiritual practices Maharaj gave him were difficult — if he performed them, his mind became stormy with thoughts; if he stopped, he became restless. So the practice continued exactly as Maharaj instructed.
The various incidents through which Maharaj shaped Narendra will be described one by one in the following chapters.