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that surrounded him during those years.The loss of his
mother nonetheless had a profound effect upon the young
Parthasarathi, leaving an emptiness that followed him into
adulthood.
From an early age Chariji was a voracious reader and developed
a keen interest in music. A passionate student of the flute,
he excelled at playing the instrument but was persuaded
by elder relatives to give it up. After earning a bachelor’s
degree from Banaras Hindu University, he took his first
job with Indian Plastics Limited in chemical engineering.
He travelled abroad in this capacity and spent two years
in Yugoslavia studying plastics manufacturing techniques.
He and his wife, Sulochana, were married in 1955 and two
years later had their first and only child, a son, Krishna.
It was also in 1955 that Chariji joined the T. T. Krishnamachari
group of companies, thereafter rising to the position of
Executive Director of the Indian Textile Paper Tube Company.
His work required him to travel extensively inside as well
as outside of India.
Chariji’s conscious spiritual aspirations were awakened
at the age of 18 after hearing a lecture on the Bhagavad
Gita. He took up a detailed study of this book as well as
other religious and spiritual texts. At the age of 30, he
began Vaishnava traditional instruction in the Hindu religion.
Seven years later, in 1964, he met his Master (Babuji) and
started the practice of Sahaj Marg meditation.
While continuing to fulfil his familial and business responsibilities,
Chariji was vigilant in his spiritual practice and dedicated
to the work of Shri Ram Chandra Mission. As General Secretary,
he contributed greatly to the publication of Sahaj Marg
literature and to the strengthening of the organization
as a whole. Over the years he became Babuji’s most
devoted disciple, accompanying him on travels abroad and
ably assisting him in his spiritual work.
Babuji characterized the ideal human being as a person
having “a Western mind and an Eastern heart,”
adding that such a person would be needed to guide the Mission
successfully into the future. In Chariji he saw this blend
of qualities as well as the crucial ability to instil discipline
in others. Babuji passed away in 1983, leaving instructions
that Chariji should succeed him as spiritual representative
and President of the Mission.
Chariji’s labours have resulted in remarkable growth
and expansion in the Mission’s activities all over
the world. In recent years he has travelled extensively,
conducting seminars and giving instruction on the Sahaj
Marg system of meditation. His book My Master, a personal
tribute to Babuji has been published in nearly 20 languages.
His other books include diaries of his overseas travels
with Babuji, an autobiography, and numerous volumes of his
talks in India and abroad, interpreting, amplifying, and
representing his Master’s teachings.
In Sahaj Marg it is understood that the Master is the greatest
servant. Observing Chariji, one sees this principle in action.
His entire existence is presently devoted to the cause of
spirituality in the service of others, a service that he
undertakes with unwavering faith in the divine support of
his Master.
Sayings of Chariji:
We should practice first, then try
to understand.
A growing lightness of mind and spirit is the surest test
of spiritual progress.
Where to find a Guru? Where to find a system? There are
so many. Well, let your intuition guide you. As Babuji
Maharaj has said, it is simple. A sincere prayer will
bring the guru to your door. If you have one goal, it
is easy to find guidance.
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