Before his departure, Turiyananda called Gurudas to his cabin and gave him final instructions: “I leave you in full charge. I have told you everything. You have seen how I have lived here. Now try to do the same… . Depend on Mother for everything. Trust in Her, and She will guide you. One thing remember: Never boss anyone. Look upon all alike, treat all alike. No favourites. Hear all, and be just.”
Then the swami began to chant, “Om, Om, Om.” His body rhythmically rocked to and fro. After a few moments he suddenly stopped, and straightening himself, said with great force: “Control your passions, anger, jealousy, pride. And never speak ill of others behind their backs. Let everything be open and free. When anything has to be done, always be the first to do it. Others will follow. But unless you do it first, no one will. You know how I have done all kinds of physical work here only for that reason.”
Gurudas asked, “But what about the classes, swami? What shall I teach? I am a student myself.”
Turiyananda replied, “Don’t you know yet, my boy, that it is life that counts? Life creates life. Serve! Serve! Serve! That is the great teaching. Be humble. Be the servant of all. Only he who knows how to serve is fit to rule. But you have studied many years; teach what you know. As you give out, so you will receive.”
“Swami,” Gurudas ventured, “when you are gone we will be like sheep without a shepherd.” “But I will be with you in spirit,” Turiyananda said solemnly.
Turiyananda left Shanti Ashrama in late May of 1902, and set sail for India from San Francisco on 6 June. He had stayed two years and nine months in the United States; of this, about eighteen months had been spent at Shanti Ashrama.