Under the Shade of the Kalpavriksha

As a child, I once read a powerful story — often attributed to Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa — that quietly etched itself into my memory.

A weary wayfarer, after wandering through a forest, took rest in the shade of a large tree. Unbeknownst to him, it was the Kalpavriksha, the mythical wish-fulfilling tree. In his exhaustion, he wished for food — and immediately, a lavish meal appeared. Delighted, he devoured it and felt drowsy. Then he wished for a comfortable bed — and one appeared. Lying on it, he mused, “How wonderful it would be if my wife were here, feeding me pan.” Lo and behold, his wife appeared.

But then came a thought: "This is too strange — food, bed, wife — all here in the middle of nowhere? Could this be some evil spirit’s doing?" As soon as he doubted, the woman turned into a terrifying demon. And when he feared, “She may eat me,” she did just that.

The moral was clear: When under the Kalpavriksha, even thoughts are powerful enough to manifest reality. Not only desires, but doubts and fears too.

Years later, I realized I had wandered through the wilderness of samsara across many births and finally found shelter under my own Kalpavriksha — Sri Babuji Maharaj, our Gurudev.

The Wish and Its Detour

During the Sahasra Chandi Yagam in 2003 at our ashram, I saw American devotees who had come to serve as main karthas. Deep within, a thought arose: "Ah, if only I too could go to America and earn well, I could offer such service!"

Our minds are amusing — like the man who performs penance to meet Lord Shiva, and when Shiva appears, instead of asking for liberation, asks for hair to grow from his uncle’s ears!

That very day, I got a call from the office: "You need to travel to America immediately." I grumbled — "Why this interruption now, of all times?" — unaware that the very desire I had silently expressed was being fulfilled.

But the actual higher desire — to serve and grow spiritually — took nearly ten years to ripen.

Be Careful What You Think

In 2005, while flying on an Air India flight, another stray thought crossed my mind: "Air India is nice, but we were ruled by the British for 200 years. What would it be like to fly British Airways and have them serve us for a change?"

Within a month, I was sent to America again — this time on British Airways.

It struck me like a thunderbolt: "If even passing thoughts are manifesting this way, isn’t that dangerous? I must learn to control not just my desires, but my thoughts themselves!"

The Wake-Up Call

In September 2013, I encountered a near-death moment that deepened this insight.

I recalled seeing humorous signs in American restaurants with instructions on how to save someone if food gets stuck in the throat. I’d laughed to myself thinking, "People here are overly cautious. In our country, who dies from something like this?"

Just days later, while taking a vitamin pill before bed, it lodged in my throat. I couldn’t swallow or breathe. My vision blurred. Panic set in. I tried everything — nothing worked. “Is this how it ends?” I thought, preparing to surrender.

In that surrender, a soft inner voice said, “How can you give up so easily? Try!” Instantly, I remembered the instructions from that very signboard. With renewed clarity, I pressed my abdomen forward and forced the pill out.

It was a reminder that even thoughts of mockery or carelessness return with consequence under the Kalpavriksha.

A Realization Rooted in Grace

Sri Gurudev, like the Kalpavriksha, is always present — silently witnessing, protecting, guiding.

But like the wayfarer, if we live unaware of His presence, even blessings may turn sour. If we recognize His presence, our desires refine, our fears dissolve, and our lives align.

This is the essence of our Ashram's prayer — "Let us always want good, think good, see good." And even if we stray, our Gurudev, in infinite compassion, gently brings us back to the right path.