Alok writes:

On the Guru-Purnima day of July 1988, after the initiation was imparted, an initiate asked Guruji - "What if we don't do this japam or mediation?" What follows is my recollection of Guruji's reply
(I am writing this from memory and its not verbatim) -

Guruji was going through difficult, but important, soul searching at that time. He had quit his lucrative TIFR job and was seeking to
find direction in his spiritual quest. He was told by somebody that there was an Avadhuta who lived in Anakapalli who could help
him in this very search. So Guruji went to this "Anakapalli Guru-Garu". Guru-Garu told him to come next morning at 4am. Guruji went back the following morning and was told that he will be
initiated into Sri Vidya, and was given the complete set of mantras (the ones that are included in this release). Guruji asked Guru-Garu
how should he do the japam to which Guru-Garu replied, "you do
it whatever way you want - Devi has told me that she will take
care of everything. So I am not giving you any procedure or method". Then Guruji asked his Guru, "What if I don't do the
japam? Will it cause me harm?". Guru-Garu said, "No compulsion.
If at all, good alone will come to you and there will be no harm whatsoever". Guruji went back and sat down to recite the mantras. As he started to recite the mantras, Devi appeared to him and then taught him the whole procedure (This is the procedure that Guruji chants in the audio file accompanying this release. As many of you know, this marked the beginning of years of learning for Guruji under Devi's direct tutelage.). Then Guruji said to the initiate who had asked the question, "My Guru gave me total freedom and how can I do any different? Do whenever and however you want. There is no requirement for you to be vegetarian or to force yourself to lead your life differently. If the change has to happen it will happen
from within you guided by Devi herself. Who am I to decide that for you? You have all the freedom in the universe!"

This narration and reply brought tears to all of us present on that day. This incident continues to remind me of Guruji's inspiration - an inspiration that is slowly permeating my living despite my shortcomings and failings.