Brahmaswarup Pramukh Swami Maharaj

January 25, 1974, was a historic day. It was Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s first trip overseas after becoming the Guru. The day before, they had a huge farewell at Poddar College. And even then, thousands of devotees showed up at the airport, hearts heavy, to say goodbye to their beloved Guru. After giving everyone his blessings, Swamishri left for his vicharan.

When the flight from Mumbai landed in Nairobi, Africa, the atmosphere was filled with jaynāds. Devotees eagerly awaited darshan of their beloved Guru. Inside the plane, swamis and devotees were equally excited to meet the devotees of Africa and experience spiritual bliss. There was an overwhelming sense of joy and anticipation everywhere.

However, within moments, this joy turned into worry and distress. An airport authority officer arrived, holding a document, and announced: “Pramukh Swami Maharaj is not allowed to get off the plane.” Everyone was shocked. For a moment, it felt unbelievable - no one could comprehend what was happening!

Only six swamis and three devotees were allowed to disembark while the rest had to return. Despite this sudden restriction, Pramukh Swami Maharaj remained completely composed. With a mālā in hand, he continued chanting calmly and peacefully. He did not argue or question the order. He did not get agitated or upset, even though it was a humiliating moment.

Just then, a second order was issued, “Pramukh Swami Maharaj and everyone else must return - no one is allowed to enter.” Even the luggage that had already been checked through customs was sent back. Inside the plane, everyone was in disbelief. Outside, at the airport, devotees’ faces fell. The garlands they held felt meaningless. Some devotees even fainted from the shock.

Due to a misunderstanding, they had to return on the same plane they came on. Hearts were broken - what was meant to be a joyous occasion had turned into sadness and shame. But amidst all this, Pramukh Swami Maharaj remained unchanged. His mālā continued to move in his hand. His face held the same serene and composed smile. The same joy that he had when he arrived was present even as he departed. He was neither troubled by the situation, nor disturbed by adversity, nor unsettled by humiliation!

At that moment, Pramukh Swami Maharaj wrote a profound teaching - words of wisdom in Kothāri Bhaktipriya Swami’s diary, “Whatever happens is Shriji Maharaj and Yogi Bapa’s will. One should remain content. However they keep us, we must accept it. Never consider any situation as suffering. Becoming aksharrup and serving Maharaj is the path to transcend sorrow.”

These words are like the Vedas, guiding us to stand firm in the storms of life. At that moment, all witnessed the living embodiment of Bhagwān Shri Krishna’s teaching from the Bhagavad Gita: “Eshā Brāhmi Sthitihi” - This is Brahmisthiti, the ultimate state of equanimity.