with instructions to show me the temple treasury. If I had a fancy for any article, it was to be immediately presented to me. What could I say? Unable to decide what to say, I replied 'What do I need? Sasi is arranging for all our requirements.' Again, thinking that they would be hurt, I said, 'All right, if Radhu needs anything, she may take it.' I told Radhu that she could take anything she liked. Then seeing all those priceless rubies and diamonds, my heart went pit-a-pat. Anxiously I prayed to the Master, 'Oh Master, grant that no greed should arise in Radhu's mind.' And so Radhu replied, 'What of these shall I take? I do not need them. But I lost my pencil. Buy me a pencil.' Hearing these words, I heaved a sigh of relief and bought her a two pice pencil at the roadside shop."
Conversing in this manner she got up to make food offering to the Master. We too came downstairs.
Two or three days before Janmashtami (Sri Krishna's birthday) I expressed to the Holy Mother my desire to be initiated by her on that day. Hearing this. Golap-Ma said in her usual loud tones, "Such a little fellow (a boy of thirteen), asking for initiation! He is likely to forget the Mantra in two days. How thoughtless of Kedar! The Holy Mother is from your own village. When she goes there after due deliberation, you can get initiated." Thus remarking, she went away. But the Holy Mother rejoined reassuringly, "Don't you take Golap's words to heart, my dear. If one of your age learns anything well, can he ever forget it? Let the boy do whatever he can from now on. As for the future, I am with you always." And so she initiated me on the day of Janmashtami after the Master's Puja. Demonstrating the manner of doing Japa according to her instructions, she said, "Can you not keep this much in mind? Certainly you can. Later, as and when necessary, I will show you everything." And then she blessed me, touching my head and chest affectionately. Getting up from her seat, she asked me to go with her. I made Pranam to her and followed her into the next room. She took two sweets out of a vessel, bit off a small part of one and gave me the remainder, saying "Eat" I received the sweets in my hand and out of shyness was hesitating to eat them in her presence. Noticing my hesitation, she said, "Don't be shy. After initiation one must take food," and then gave me a glass of water to drink.
Soon after that, we returned to Koalpara along with Kedar