Gurudev was in Uttarkashi with the first batch of brahmacaris in the summer of 1968. There was an almond tree just outside Tapovan Kutiya and the steps leading down. The sun was sending the long arms of its rays over the eastern mountains. .
The air was still and fragrant. Gurudev, in his deep stentorian voice, chanted the invocation. Just then, a tiny bird alighted on a branch of the almond tree. It opened wide its beak and trilled away till it seemed as though its heart would burst. .
Gurudev was quiet. We all listened intently to the bird that was in no hurry to stop its song. The seconds trailed into minutes. Finally, with a dramatic flutter of its wings, it flew away into the blue sky. Gurudev opened his eyes, looked at everyone, and then closed his Vivekachudamani.