On 5 June 1960, a renowned Sanskrit scholar and philosopher, Dr. Gopinath Kaviraj, 73, sent his friend Amiya Hazra to Guruprasad to ascertain whether Baba would give him darshan, as he happened to be in Poona.1 Baba informed Hazra that he would see Kaviraj the next day at 8:00 A.M. Hazra explained that as Kaviraj was observing silence two days a week, on Mondays and Thursdays, it would be better if he could be allowed to see Baba on Tuesday.
But Baba replied, "I am also continuously silent."
Therefore, Gopinath Kaviraj came to see Baba on Monday, 6 June, and since Kaviraj was keeping silence, Baba permitted him to come again the following day also. Kaviraj came again the next day and was embraced by Baba, and Baba kissed him on the forehead. Baba took him into the side room and had the door closed. Only one of the mandali was present to interpret. Baba spoke with Kaviraj at length about the future of the world, life's ultimate purpose and an individual's duties, all of which convinced Kaviraj of Baba's omniscience.
Kaviraj asked about himself, and Baba replied, "I have nothing to say except that you should continue to do whatever sadhana you are doing every day at midnight."
Hearing this, Kaviraj was wonderstruck, because no one knew what spiritual practice he did at midnight, and there had been no mention of it. Thus, he was further convinced of Baba's omniscience.
While leaving, Baba gave him a copy of God Speaks and told him, "I have an inner connection and association with you, which will dawn upon you by and by."
In the afternoon that day, Sardar Raste brought a famous classical singer of Poona, to give a performance. The 62-year old singer was named Vinayak Narayan Patwardhan. Baba was highly pleased with the quality of his voice. He removed the garland around his neck and gave it to the master singer. Afterwards, Patwardhan said he had never in his life sung as well.
The Maharani of Gwalior was also present that day.
Footnotes
- 1.Gopinath Kaviraj was an ardent devotee of Anandamayi Mai, whom Baba had contacted in Dehra Dun in 1953.