Conversations Between Advanced Seekers

From the earlier articles, we saw that Guru Gorakshanath classified devotees into three types. A Guru, before reaching that state, is first a devotee. Through his own spiritual practice and worship, he becomes a true and pure seeker, earns the grace of his Guru, and finally reaches the Guru-state. We also learned how ordinary people should perform spiritual practice, and what type of worship suits each person, based on their zodiac sign. According to Hindu philosophy, every human birth corresponds to one of the twelve zodiac signs. Even though many religions and sects exist in the world, Hinduism holds a unique and special position.

The famous Western thinker Dr. Annie Besant, after spending forty years studying major world religions, said: “After studying all great religions of the world, I find none as perfect, scientific, philosophical, or spiritual as Hinduism. The more you know it, the more you will understand and value it.”

Based on Hindu principles, the zodiac sign determined at birth gives deep insight into a person’s nature. When one practices spiritual disciplines according to their zodiac sign, the mind becomes purified and uplifted. Mantras, rituals, meditation, and austerities help transform the mind. But there is also another path — even without mantras or deity worship, a person can elevate himself by understanding the cosmic principles, Guru’s method, and the divine plan.

All spiritual practices ultimately aim at purifying body and mind — making a person truthful, pure, simple-hearted, compassionate, and devoted to God. When such purification is achieved, one moves naturally toward Self-realization. After completing this inner journey and attaining spiritual maturity, he reaches the Guru-state and begins guiding others. Below is an example of what happens when two spiritually advanced beings meet. In the Nath tradition, such interactions often reveal extraordinary occurrences.

Long ago, Gorakshanath and Kanifnath performed a miracle — they plucked fruits from a tree and then restored them back onto the tree. Matsyendranath had not gone to the kingdom of women for sensual pleasure or enjoyment. Being originally the poet Narayan, this was not his nature. He is the Guru of the greatest divine beings. Teaching gods and shaping them spiritually is his real work.

To test his disciple Kanifnath, Matsyendranath sent women so beautiful that even gods would be enchanted. The idea was to see whether Kanifnath’s mind would get disturbed. But their efforts failed. Kanifnath remained untouched and unmoved, and even his disciples did not falter.

After taking a human body, beings forget their past lives. Only divine grace or intense austerities can restore this memory. The influence of the five elements, eras, and circumstances on a soul has been described in the book *Ha Khel Praktanacha – Ki Purvasanchita*. Matsyendranath’s forgetfulness was removed by Lord Shiva and Lord Dattatreya themselves.

Kanifnath was travelling through holy places like Bengal. Wherever he went, he was honored greatly. People took him as their Guru and praised him. He became famous and many villages invited him with devotion.

One day, Gorakshanath was returning from a pilgrimage to Jagannath. In a forest, both Guru-brothers met. They greeted each other affectionately. Kanifnath spread a beautiful mat and invited Goraksha to sit beside him. He asked Goraksha about his Guru-lineage.

Then Kanifnath felt the desire to test Goraksha’s spiritual power. He pointed to a distant mango tree full of ripe fruits and said: “Can you go and bring some of those sweet mangoes?”

Goraksha replied calmly: “Why make so much effort? There is no need for either of us to go.” Kanifnath said he could send his disciples. Goraksha said: “But suppose no disciple is present — what would you do then?”

To show his own power, Kanifnath said: “If you wish, I will now bring them by my Guru’s grace.” He prayed, used sacred ash, and performed a specific spiritual act. Immediately, all the ripe mangoes left the tree and came to him. Everyone ate the mangoes happily.

Then Gorakshanath felt he should also show his Guru’s power. He used a different spiritual technique, and instantly rare fruits from a distant clove forest appeared before them. All enjoyed the sweet fruits.

Once they finished eating, Goraksha said: “Now please restore the remaining fruits back onto the trees exactly as they were before.” Kanifnath said this was impossible.

Goraksha replied: “For one who has complete devotion to the Guru, nothing is difficult. Such a disciple can create even another Brahma if needed.”

Kanifnath became annoyed and said: “I know your Guru well! He is stuck in the kingdom of women, trapped there for years. He calls himself a yogi but has become lost!”

Goraksha responded sharply: “And where is YOUR Guru? Jalindranath has been buried in horse-dung for ten years! He cannot free himself. The king of Bengal buried him there. So do not criticize my Guru.”

Saying this, Goraksha recited a mantra, threw sacred ash, and instantly the remaining fruits reattached themselves to the tree, exactly as before. Kanifnath was astonished. He embraced Goraksha warmly and said: “You helped me find my Guru.”

Goraksha replied: “And you helped me find mine.”

Although their words seemed harsh, the inner meaning was understood by both. Advanced souls talk in symbolic language. What appears like an argument is often an exchange of deeper understanding.

Once, while Narendra Nath was in Akola, a Guru-brother brought a message: “Maharaj will come to Karanja, and from there they will come to your home. Do not go anywhere.” Narendra’s wife, Kunda, was present. Narendra interpreted the message differently — he understood the hidden meaning. He insisted on going to Karanja despite explicit instructions not to travel.

Kunda said: “Maharaj said not to go anywhere!” But Narendra replied: “If Maharaj arrives here, you welcome him. I will return soon.”

He drove to Karanja, completed a task there, and waited at the Guru temple. As he turned after taking darshan, Maharaj’s car arrived exactly at that moment. Narendra rushed forward and helped Maharaj out.

Maharaj said: “Bala, how much time has passed? Is the work done?” He had understood that Narendra grasped the symbolic message correctly.

When Narendra eventually brought Maharaj to Akola in his own car, his wife Kunda was surprised. She could not understand how Maharaj arrived with him when the message had prohibited travel. Such events happened often — impossible to understand without Guru’s grace.

Only a deeply surrendered disciple can understand this hidden communication. A normal person becomes a devotee through practice and worship. When Guru’s grace awakens, extraordinary experiences naturally arise. Therefore, one must continue spiritual practice regularly, without expectations, throughout life.

“Chant the Lord’s name — who can measure the merit it brings?”