Kedar Nath Yatra — Guruji used to take all of us to “Yatras” periodically. He also allowed us to take along our families. Guruji took us to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Rishikesh and so on. While ascending towards Kedarnath on foot, all of us, around 25 people got so tired that the last 3 to 4 kms seemed really tough. Guruji was walking behind us. He did not seem the least bit tired and looked absolutely fresh. On reaching we could feel a little discomfort because of the height and the tiresome climb. I was extremely uncomfortable due to headache and suffocation. It was difficult to breath since the air was thin at such an altitude . Guruji then took out a packet of “Kesar” mixed it in hot water and gave half a glass to each one of us. When I consumed the Kesar Jal, I felt very uneasy and vommitted out more than I had consumed. To my great surprise, I got immediate relief. I asked, “Guruji”, why you did not think of curing us with “ Nimbu” (lemon) as you generally do?”, What Guruji spoke was something unheard or unknown to us.
He said,
“Putt, Nimbu is effective below the altitude/sea level of 9000 ft. Above the height of 9000 feet, only Kesar works.”
We all slept well and unimaginably comfortable that night.
On our way back, Guruji was driving a Fiat car. I was sitting next to Him and two of my Guru bhai’s were sitting in the back seat. While descending, Guruji said to me very lightly, “Ustaad, the breaks have failed.” I became alert and said to put the drive in lower gear. He again said, “putt, the gears are also free.” I hurriedly said, “Guruji, crash the right side of the car in to the hill, so as to obstruct the speed” I thought, the car shall be damaged but there seemed no other option to bring the car to a halt.
On the other side of road there was a river, about 40 to 50 feet down from the road level. I could not think of anything else and kept silent and non plussed. Guruji also was silent. I had, by then, become thoughtless. The speeding car slowed down to my surprise, since we were going downhill there was no such possibility that the speed could slow down without applying brakes but — YES — the car stopped silently and so effortlessly as if somebody had pulled it from behind.
Guruji was totally normal, He showed no effect of the circumstances which had prevailed for the last couple of minutes. I can recall that I was fearless at that time. We all got off the car. I went behind to see as to what brought the car to a halt and to my surprise, the left wheel had come out along with the axle but was not detached, had it detached the car would have turned towards the river and fallen off .
I and Sita Ramji exchanged glances… No comments and no discussion. Only admiration for Guruji.
