This was a Shivratri occasion in early 80’s. Many people from all over the country and abroad had gathered at Sthan in Gurgaon. About two days before Shivratri, a young man from Germany wished to photograph Guruji.
Guruji said, “Beta aaj nahin 2 din ke baad kheench lena photo” (Not today, you can photograph me after 2 days)
He asked, “Guruji aaj kyon nahin”? (Why not today Guruji?)
Guruji said, “Beta aaj mein nahin hoon” (Son, I am absent today).
He politely insisted and said, “Guruji aap mere samne baithe hain, kaise maan loon ki aap nahin hain” ? (I see you physically before me how can I agree that you are not present?)
Guruji smiled and said O.K. and the photographer started his actions. He clicked about 17 or 18 snaps.
NEXT DAY,
he came and kept standing at the door of Guruji’s room. I noticed him standing and asked him to come in and have Darshan of the super master. He was speechless. Then he started saying :-
“I am a certified photographer of Germany. My camera is the most expensive and a professional piece.” First time in my life, my total roll came out blank and I am unable to understand the cause of my failure.
Guruji said smilingly, “Beta, teri photography mein koyee kami nahin, par jab main hoon hi nahin to picture kaise aayegi?” Guruji further said, “Shivratri ko khinchna, sab aa jayen gi”. (Your photography and the technique is flawless but how can I be photographed when I am absent? You can do this after Shivratri and get as many pictures as you want).
And he clicked after Shivratri, got all the photos intact.
But he carried the mystery of blank roll along with him to Germany.
Guruji said to him that he was not there… What does it mean? The meaning can be understood by an aspirant only. What does it signify…?