The soft compassion alongside discerning dispassion, and the mood swings of kindness versus strictness emerged spontaneously. In effect, Master reflected the disciple’s thoughts and moods like a mirror and discharged his teachings on the spot with a subtle feeling that mixed the loving, yet logical ‘fierce grace’ temperament. His teachings of compassionate detachment bore testimony to his depth of understanding of the scriptures. The stoic side of him followed the genuine love that he portrayed. What a true portrayal of the name with which he was ordained.

Master not only displayed unalloyed devotion to God, but showed the way one can feel the living presence of God in all of creation. His teachings of divine love percolated through everything in his own life and the disciples around him. He would often sing to the glory of God and adored composing melodies to hymns. He freely uttered intuitive interpretations of the scriptures. His command of the verses along with the logical juxtapositions of their metaphysical meanings left lasting imprints on the listener. Interwoven with wit and wisdom, the verses often flowed seamlessly together each textured with metaphors for the right situation. What amazing spontaneity from the namesake of Hari-Hara.

During most interactions, his facial expressions and projected subtle feelings (bhava) portrayed this Harihara state. It was difficult to figure out whether the love or the reason would be the first to be borne out. But whatever came first, his depth of love and exacting reasoning were very predictable because they always carried such profound fullness. The joy reflected a sweet smile and a childlike innocent love. On the other hand, the mood of sternness was meant for corrections and was often shattering to the disciple. Scriptural aphorisms were aptly quoted to firm up each piece of advice and often elaborated upon in the same manner of love and reason. It was an amazing admixture of faith and rationality that infused his presence and teachings, thus bearing a true reflection of his name. No doubt, Master’s sweet chastisement awakened the sincere disciples quickly, helping them build their spiritual foundation.

The Bliss in His Name

His masterly strides in leading the stream of disciples garnered beautiful people from all walks of life. Swinging his staff around him with a magical flare, he always stood with an erect posture, as if urging all to emulate his spiritual rectitude. He was especially radiant at every pause he took while walking briskly with sure steps. Even though he did not directly utter the words “Be like Hariharananda,” he seemed to be silently conveying this message. He urged disciples to always keep walking their spiritual path, for when one stops to clear an obstacle, the path is still waiting. To keep at it was his gentle nudge whenever one would seem to falter or want to give up. Mistakes were not for the sake of making mistakes but for the sake of correction, he emphasized. He urged all disciples to embark on a spiritual routine and deepen their spiritual practice through a disciplined, dignified life, without which theories and precepts were of little use.