The day of arrival of our Sadguru

It was just a night away! Guruji was to arrive in the morning. Though I am writing this after so many months or shall I say 7 months after the wonderful moments of having Pujya Guruji here, the memories are so fresh as if it just happened yesterday. I keep asking myself how is this possible? I realise that the answer is also inside me. It is because the divinity within me is able to sense and connect with the divine embodiment of Pujya Guruji. However, the mind and body is unable to do so due to the karmas acquired by me in my many births and in this very birth itself and due to the shield of maya, I am unable to immediately understand all of this. This is why Pujya Guruji always advise us not to analyse divinity with logical thinking.

However with Pujya Guruji's grace, I am now able to feel certain vibrations and have had a few personal experiences that I have decided to constantly share in this blog especially to remind myself on how lucky I am and that I should not deviate from this path which is the reason and purpose of my birth.

Coming back to the topic on the day of arrival of Pujya Guruji, we were at home and about to leave for the Ashram that has taken shape in Bangsar. As we left the house and passed the Shivan Temple at Jalan Bangsar, We stopped the car and bought garlands of flower and loosed flowers.

There is something That I need to share on our personal experience with regards to our car. My husbands and his Honda CRV just about 3 weeks before Pujya Guruji's arrival met with a bad accident and was in the Honda Workshop as we were claiming insurance on a "total loss" basis. As such, my husband driving my Honda Civic and I used our little Daihatsu Charade Aura around. This car was normally used to go to the market and for short distance grocery shopping. Now that I was using the car, the little charade was used for almost every thing from sending the boys to nursery, office, grocery shopping and for all the driving around that was required for Pujya Guruji's visit.

The car the day before Pujya Guruji's arrival was giving a little trouble as there was sudden sounds from the engine. Finally, after all the final touch ups were completed the day before Pujya Guruji's arrival, my brother in law had come over to the Ashram with a few of the items from our home to be used during Pujya Guruji's visit. He took a look at the engine and said that the black oil was finished and told me to get a overhaul done. I was a little concerned by decided to leave the problems to Pujya Guruji. I contacted my foreman and he immediately told me that he would come by the house at night and take the Charade and lend me his Wira Aeroback to use.

This was such a good news as the Wira Aeroback was a 1.3 liter engine in contrast with my little charade that was a 1 liter engine and the Wira would be able to carry more items in the car for all the temple decorations. Hence our car problem was solved just like that by Pujya Guruji! It has to also be noted here that the foreman lent me his car for the whole of 2 weeks and the day after Pujya Guruji left, the foreman in the evening called me and told me that my car was ready and that he would be collecting his car! How can all this be possible? The answer in in believing in your Guru Shakti and being ready to accept the divine grace from your Guru.

Coming back to the the morning of Pujya Guruji's arrival, we all reached the ashram with all the items that we had to bring and were doing some final preparatory works and rehearsing how we were to take Aarathi for Pujya Guruji and welcome Pujya Guruji into the Ashram. During the rehearsal, we received text messages from Surenji on the arrival of Pujya Guruji and the timing for the arrival of Pujya Guruji in the Ashram.

Uncle Maniam and Uncle Mahen were speaking to the drummers and nadaswaram player and checking on the song that they would play on Pujya Guruji's arrival. As all of this was going on, we received message the Pujya Guruji was just 10 minutes away from the Ashram. Everyone was so excited and extremely happy. I had the most wonderful gift of being able to take Aarathi for Pujya Guruji who is my "Shri Guru Paramathma Devata". I never ever thought that my life would be made so meaningful by Pujya Guruji. At that very moment all I could think of was how wonderful it would have been if only I had darshan of Pujya Guruji at a much younger age.

As we got the Aarathi ready, somehow in the tension that we were all feeling, the fire from the lighter just did not light the camphor. I tried to light it but just simply could not. I saw the car come into the drive way and within minutes Pujya Guruji was in front of us . I can still remember thinking "Oh! My God! God himself is already here and waiting and the camphor is not lighting!!" Thankfully, Bakiam Akka immediately came to our rescue and lighted the camphor. Aarathi was taken and Pujya Guruji looked ever blissful though a little tired.

Pujya Guruji walked into the ashram doors with rose petals and flowers laid down at Pujya Guruji's path as Pujya Guruji walked down the aisle. It was a wonderful moment and everyone was so happy to see Pujya Guruji and to receive Pujya Guruji in such a wonderful atmosphere with warm feelings.

All working members took leave and were there ready to carry out their duties and to receive Pujya Guruji with utmost love, respect and obedience. Those who owned offices, closed their offices and were there to greet their beloved Sadguru.

As Pujya Guruji walked down the ailse, Pujya Guruji had Pujya Guruji's hands reaching out to bless everyone standing in salutations to their Sadguru at the aisle. Everyone was so happy. The happiness was even greater as this time Pujya Guruji was received in this wonderful Bungalow -Private Hotel and everything was so beautiful and warm. We all knew that we had pulled our resources to create a wonderful atmosphere at this place that now had the "Sun" itself as a resident. It is to be noted that this is the first time that this private bungalow was used and the Nimishananda Banglore Ashramites were their first tenants! It is all Pujya Guruji's miracle! Jai Gurudev!

Everything was set for Pujya Guruji's Patham cleansing and placing of Pathuka. Pujya Guruji graced the seat for the patham cleansing and thereafter, a saree was laid down for Pujya Guruji's Patham as Pujya Guruji graced the path set forth at the aisle.

As Pujya Guruji sat at the Peetam, fruit juice was given by Vicky Ananda and Aunty Maniam. All members of the Malaysian Ashram took their blessings and sat down at the darshan hall. The Malaysian Ashram lead by Devan Anna and Bakiam Akka then carried out the Patha Pooja with water, panneer, milk and flowers. All members of the Ashram were also given the opportunity to place flowers at the Lotus Feet of Pujya Guruji and it was definitely a moment to remember.

As everyone was seated, the Malaysian bhajans team sang bhajans in joy and excitement. The singers were a little nervous as they were performing before GOD himself in the form of their Sadguru. A few young devotees also sang bhajans that made Pujya Guruji break into a wonderful smile at the young devotees on their performance. Though Pujya Guruji was looking tired from the journey, Pujya Guruji never let it show and was smiling with joy and happiness and with lots of energy. Pujya Guruji looked just as happy to see all of us!

After bhajans were sung, Pujya Guruji gave a short discourse and with that, everyone took patha namaskar at the Lotus Feet of their beloved Sadguru. Pujya Guruji was then lead to the dining room where Pujya Guruji was served lunch. All the devotees were also served lunch. We were told that Pujya Guruji would have his lunch in privacy however to all our sweet surprise, Pujya Guruji had his meal with all of us and graced us with more energy and vitality. "So gracious and loving is our Pujya Guruji" This was the thought that crossed the minds of all Malaysian devotees. Pujya Guruji mixed freely with all of us and everyone felt the vibrations of love, peace, joy and calmness at the Ashram. we all could feel the difference being in the presence of an enlightened soul and immediately understood the yogic powers and divine vibrations of a Sadguru and the blessings that we had being in the company of such a holy being. Such was the excitement of the arrival of our Sadguru!! Jai Gurudev! Guruve Sharanam!

The Final and Awaited Countdown to "2.10.2009"

It was already 26.09.09 and we were all really stressed about the event of our lives and also at the same time, totally excited at the thought of our beloved Guruji coming back to Malaysia! My god! As the days grew nearer, the very thought of our Beloved Guruji arriving in Malaysia would send the blood in our body rushing to our brain in total excitement! I could not help but remember, 14.11.2008 the faithful day that I set my eyes upon Guruji. With hindsight, i can now say that indeed, it was a day of total recognition of my very self. It has taken me one whole year to realise what had transpired at that particular time in my life! I am ever grateful to my Gurudev, for giving me the insight to understand what happened on 14.11.2008. The very burning fire that I had since my day of recognition was still aflame with the same heat if not, more! Jai Gurudev!

Lets come back to 2009 and the events and preparations that took place prior to 2.10.09. The Ashram held an important meeting on 24.09.09 chaired by Bakiamji who had meticulously printed out pages after pages of pre-planned activities during Guruji's visit. Bakiamji read out each committee's duties and a check list on each committee was also carried out. Alot of basic questions suddenly cropped up on the activities of each committee and everyone was a little worried that most of us still could not quite understand how to receive a Guru, the protocols involved etc.

The incredible Devanji, Uncle Mahen, Uncle Maniam, Aunty Kamala and Aunty Vicky were the cool cats during all the meetings that were held. They would always tell us not to get too uptight and to relax as with our self effort, divine grace will instantaneously flow through us and that all preparations would flow smoothly without a hitch! I really do hope that we, the younger crowd will be able to imbibe these qualities in us!

Bakiamji had to really deal with a lot of questions from all of us especially the welcoming committee and Bakiamji really looked quite worried. Devanji ofcourse was of no help with his great big smile and constantly saying "Don't Worry, Amma and Guruji will handle everything!" That particular meeting lasted till quite late at night but all of us did not budge (even knowing that my husband would already be back from work did not quite matter) and everyone quickly noted down whatever points that they thought were important for their designated jobs.

Again a final 'check list' meeting was held on 26.09.09 with everyone's presence and all the finer issues were raised and discussed. At that meeting, Sathyaji and Kavithaji showed all of us the first print of Guruji's poster and there was joy on everyone's face, as it felt as if Guruji was already here! Oh! Wow! you should have simply seen the overwelming joy on everyone's face! Everyone was suddenly energized and the event seemed closer that ever! Jai Gurudev!

Enthusiastically, most of us really hoped and believed that we understood correctly, all the itineraries that were set down and marched off for discussions amongst the various committee groups! The count down to 2.10.09 had begun!

Raviji's wife, Geetaji along with her sister, Deviji and Raniji from Kajang made hundred of prasadam packets for all the devotees at all temples. My aunt, Aunty Rajes also in her desire to join the band wagon, packed a few hundreds of packet at home once the twins go to bed. Aunty Rajes took charge of the twins very much during the one and a half months' preparation towards Guruji's visit which in turn, allowed my mother and myself to attend all the meetings and other activities related to the arrival of our beloved Guruji. Jai Gurudev!

During the last 2 weeks to the count down, Sathyaji and Kavithaji really worked on a 'razor blades' edge' as there were numerous amendments to the choice of the photo of Guruji, the details to be particularised in the pamplets, posters and banners. There were days when they worked until 3am continuously as editing and approvals for the printers had to be given.

The moment the banners and posters were ready, everyone enthusiastically collected the required number of posters and rushed to the designated places to have it pasted. Surenji and Sri Ramji I believe amongst other areas, covered the whole of Bricfields and Puchong. In their hearts desire to reach as many readers as possible, they pasted so many posters that they ran out of their alotted amount within one to two days. There went Sathyaji and Kavithatji to the printers again for more posters!Lo! Within two days, more posters were churned out!

During that period, the cool cats, Uncle Mahen and Uncle Maniam took Aunty Vicky and Aunty Kamala to Annalakshmi to finalise the food arrangements and they were extremely thrilled to see lots of Guruji's posters all around Brickfileds. I personally was so touched to see our beloved Guruji's first poster in a SS5 Petaling Jaya 'Cash and Carry' shop. My little twins jumped in joy and scream "Amma! Look! Guruji's photo" Even today, as I write this, the poster is still in the same sundry shop which has now become my regular haunt! How else could it be! Guruji's first poster that caught my eye was and, is there!The excitement in seeing Guruji's posters every where we went in itself exhalted everyone's feeling and set the mood and atmosphere for Guruji's visit to Malaysia.

Aunty Kamala and Aunty Vicky called the caterers a few time and quotations were passing to and fro a few times. The Menu was also discussed extensively. Bakiamji was contacted by both the aunties on numerous occasions on the types of vegetables that should be used and should not be used. The caterer was so amazed by the care and concern by both these aunties, that at one point, the caterer herself came over to our home to meet Aunty Vicky in person and to discuss the Menu. Both the aunties and Bakiamji discussed every detail of the Menu at lenght including the very minute detail of 'how much and how should the curd taste'! I believe the caterer also shared a new experience with all of us. This was a first time the caterer was going to cater food without adding garlic, onion, etc. Looking at the enthusiasm of both the aunties, the caterer herself decided to be present on the day of arrival of our beloved Guruji as she was so impressed with the devotion and dedication shown by both the aunties.

During the very last week, Uncle Mahen and Uncle Maniam went yet again for a final check at all the temple venues and to meet the designated temple committee members with a view to run through the itineraries that were set for Guruji's Satsangs, place to position the peetam, available space for blessings of all who attend these satsangs, prasadam, etc . They ensured that proper sound system was available and if it was not, then Surenji would be repeatedly harresed to ensure that Surenji would bring our own sound system to the temples that required it. Again and again both the uncles would discuss the temple itineraries until it came to a point that my sons started role playing both the uncles visiting temples!

Whilst all of these activities were onging, Devanji at all times kept a vigilant eye on all the activities and made sure that all of us were on our toes. We would receive constant reminder calls and 'short stories' on how comfortable their stay in India was made by all the ashram members in India. Listening to the constant gentle reminders, we all knew that we needed to really do our best and perform to the utmost of our capabilities in all our obligations within our limited time frame, as per the timing that was set. Devanji in a very fatherly manner also reminded us that 'Guru seva was not only seva to the Guru but also seva to all the followers of the Guru'.

During the 2 memorable weeks of Guruji's divine presence accompanied by the presence of the devotees from India, adhering to this very simple but meaningful principle thought all of us humility and brought forth wonderful feelings of compassion, love and selflessness. Living by the spirit of that simple principle coupled with, the love for our beloved Guruji, every soul in the Malaysian Ashram unknowingly worked selflessly and carried out all their duties and functions without aid or assistance from anyone! Such was the care and compassion that our beloved Guruji instilled in us even without our knowledge during Guruji's visit here!

The final banners and posters were up by 30.9.09! On 30.9.09, all the final touches were carried out and we at home, were getting all the items that were to be used in the new Ashram ready for transfer the next day! By then, everyone was on a high note and the working members of the Malaysian Ashram could barely keep their minds at work!

Lo! 1.11.2009 was staring at us without a blink! It felt as if everything suddenly exhilarated so fast and even though all the arrangements were made, every ashram member repeatedly looked through all their little notes, scribbles and sketches for further final touch ups!

The day before Guruji's arrival was just a night away!

The Preparations Towards the Arrival of Our Beloved Guruji in Malaysia

Oh! Guruji! What wonders happen in anticipation of your arrival and presence?

Yes, our beloved Guruji finally was ordained by our Mother Shri Nimishamba to visit Malaysia! Guruji informed us that Amma has set the path for Guruji's visit to Malaysia and that Guruji would arrive on 2.10.2009. Guruji also told that we are not to worry and that everything will be taken care off! All we needed were open, honest and sincere hearts! "How could it be so simple?" My mind asked. What transpired thereafter, is set forth below.

Yes, "Not to worry" was our Guruji's words and that "Amma will take care of everything!" was also Guruji' words. Words of wisdom that I only understood as we progressed into action. In the beginning, it was quite difficult for me to understand, "How not to worry?" "We need to plan and pre-plan and get everything organised" said my little mind! However, having trust and believe in my beloved Gurudev, my heart kept saying with total conviction, "Hang on Leena, yes, this will happen! Have faith in Guruji".

My mother (Aunty Vicky) was so confident in Guruji that she went on happily planning all the necessary itineraries for food, looking for lodgings, transportations, etc. This was still all too sudden and shocking for me as I was worried of the costs factor and still pondering on the "How" issue. Thanks to my hearts faith in Guruji, I never questioned any decisions and just moved on simply on faith, faith and faith.

This was the first time my family was involved in preparations towards Guruji's visit to Malaysia. During Guruji's previous 2 visits to Malaysia, my family only attended the nightly satsangs at Devanji's home which was the ashram. Now that my family was given the chance to take part and SERVE our beloved Master and Guru, we were really excited, grateful and full of energy. Especially my Mother! What energy!

As the organising committee went on with the preparations, the funds came in with perfect timing. Yes, what Guruji said that "Amma will take care of everything was so true!" The words "Not to worry" just kept ringing in my ear!

Next, we were looking high and low for a place for Guruji and the 26 followers from india to stay. My mother so wanted a bungalow for the followers and even wrote a note and left it at our prayer alter infront of Guruji's photo. She wanted everthing perfect for Guruji as in her heart she verily believed that Guruji deserved the BEST!

True to her faith and believe, a boutique hotel was discovered by Sathya and Kavitha whilst meeting a client. Lo! True to my mothers faith and believe, a beautiful self contained abode with 16 rooms for everyone came into place. Again Guruji words, "Amma will take care of everything" rang in my ear.

The place of abode was an ashram in itself with luxuries such as being fully air-conditioned, self contained rooms with heaters and air-conditioned, a pool, beautiful garden, terrace, dining area with a large table to fit easily 20 people at a time, a kitchen, common bathrooms for visitors, a large conference room that was turned into a darshan hall for Guruji, a sitting place in the higher floor for devotees to meet and have satsangs, parking for devotees, etc. Such was Amma's divine plan and love for Guruji that the best abode ever was found. As we moved to decorate the place with flowers, lamps, carpets, vases and everthing to give it a divine and indian touch, the place simply blossomed into a perfect ashram. Indeed, my mothers sincere wish for "The best abode for Guruji and his followers" came true!

The transportations also fell into place and the food was also arranged. My mother along with aunty Kamala Maniam were in charge of the food and they kept a close watch on the food itenary and the ingredients that were used. Again the motto in both their minds were, "Only the Best for Guruji"!

The rest of us went on with our asignments. Sathya and Kavitha deserve a special mention here as they worked day and night getting Guruji's posters prepared and banners ready to be placed in all the temples that Guruji was to give a talk. Again their full concentration and aim during the weeks that went by was "The best picture of Guruji and the best information and Banner for Guruji"!

Uncle Mahen and Uncle Maniam also diligently along with my mother went to all the temples numerous times to see to it that everything was properly organised for Guruji's satsangs at the particular temple along with the proper protocal for receiving a Guru. Again the motto for the them was, "Only the best reception for Guruji!"

Raagitha, Yogita, Roshini and Thasha and myself were in the welcoming committee and we were to see to the welcoming of Guruji at the ashram, the followers at the airport and to the decorations at all the temples where Guruji was to give a satsang. This was a 'first time' for all our team members. We really did not understand what it really entailed but were given briefings by Bakiamji and we went on with listing the items to be purchased and flower arangements. Special mention must be made of Yogita who really worked hard in preparing the floral arrangements as it was the first time for her as normally her sister would do it. Yogita really toiled at it and took numerous pictures of her sisters floral decorations and spent a lot of time buying all the necessary items and prepared all the floral decorations during the 2 weeks that Guruji was in Malaysia. Uncle Maniam and Uncle Mahen were really superb as they arrived very early at every temple and would call me as early as 4:30pm asking me to quickly get there. Kala and Karthik also took leave from work and really worked hard to get the flowers,decorate the peetam and place the sarees for Guruji's patham! Kala's sister from Melaka would also rush in to help us when she was down from Melaka! A big hand to the Mahenthiran family from all of us!

Roshini, Raagitha and her sister Thasha definately deserve applause as they worked really hard to clear the place after every satsang and keep the items back in the ashram. They would leave right after work for the temples and stay late to clear the diaz and the "peetam" which was Guruji's seat. As for me personally, my favourite was clearing the flowers at the ashram every morning and helping to set the new flowers for Guruji. I never knew that keeping an ashram clean for a guru could give me such pleasure. Jai Gurudev! Decorating Guruji's peetam was also such a gift from Amma! placing the sarees for Guruji to walk upon was also such a wonderful experience. Again, "Only the best for our beloved Guruji" was the motto that rang in all our ears.

True to Guruji's words, "Amma will take care of everything" was a vital energy force that was really felt by all and propelled every minute arrangement and event during Guruji's stay. My question, "How will Amma take care of everything?" was finally answered by an understanding within my heart and mind by Guruji divine darshan, grace and love. It's in the FAITH that we have in our Guru and in OUR SELF that matters at every beginning and end of any journey. That very FAITH, will carry any project, aim and mission far and high and make it an adventure never to be missed and only to be felt by the heart of hearts!

What more can I say? Have Faith in the Guru, absolute faith in the Guru and Complete faith in the Guru and ,that is all that is required in this journey of life. With the hand of a Guru, life will be like gentle whispers of fresh air that comes by and waves that moves back and forth on the wide spread sea shore of love and guidance of a Guru! Jai Gurudev!

All I can think of right now to end this post is, 'Lokaha Samastaha Sukino Bhavanthu'! What else can I pray for? I already have a Guru! Jai Matha!Jai Guru Nimishanandaya Namaha! I surrender all the fruits of my actions, thoughts and deed at my beloved Guruji's lotus feet!

Guruji's blessing is simply bountiful

What can I say about our beloved Guruji's Blessing? The word that is coming to my mind is "Bountiful". Yes, that is the right word to use if I want to express Guruji's blessing. Once you have Guruji's grace and begin to feel it, the first feeling that you get is, simply wonderful. You feel that all your problems have been resolved and that it is "ok". You know it for a fact that you have someone who will look after you and handle all the problems.

This was exactly my experience. I will never forget the first time I set eye on my beloved Guruji! Oh! My! The loving look on Guruji's face and his kind gestures! Oh! Guruji! How could you make me wait so long before showing yourself to me? All my troubles and pain suddenly vanished. It was simply amazing. I felt that I had to go through all the pain and ache in order to be able to unite with Guruji at that first meet. It also crossed my mind that if not for all that pain, I may not have appreciated Guruji as I did then and now! Oh! Guruji! How could you make me wait? Will I have to wait this long in my next birth?

Yes, this is a question that is running in my mind now that I have met Guruji. Every time I think of Guruji, all I can feel is his blessings and warm smile. I sincerely believe that every thing that has happened in my life was a purposeful design by GOD to meet Guruji. You will be put in such a spot that when you meet Guruji, you will just know that "this is it" and that you are in "the right place". As I started my sadhana meditating on "Om Jai Gurudeva", in the beginning, I felt that I had a series of difficult time along with heartaches. I constantly reminded myself to surrender it all to Guruji and that if it was my karma to face such music, then so be it. Atleast I am dealing with my karma right now and know for a fact that Guruji will handle my future. I simply have this unshakable faith that my future will be fine. Guruji will guide me to my destiny.

As time went on and as I continued with my prayers to Guruji and trying to constantly sing bhajans during my free time, I remembered my love to sing and my love for music which has been 'untouched' since I stated work as a lawyer and as life progressed into marriage and children.

Yes, once we are 'touched' by our beloved Guruji grace, Guruji will rekindle all the 'untouched' penchants and talents that we have. This is the beginning of realising our Guruji. Yes, as time went by, my troubles and worries started to subside. Even when my troubles start, I always believe that it is a gentle reminder to constantly do sadhana and remember Guruji at all times. That is how the law of life reminds us to constantly remember and touch God. Oh! My beloved Guruji, why did you have to make me wait so long for such realisation?

One evening as I sat to meditate in my home during Guruji's second visit to Malaysia, I simply bust into a particular tune and a whole complete song came to me. It was then that i realised that I too could compose music and that the words just fall in place. It was all the love for Guruji and the peace of mind that Guruji gives us that allows such music to blossom.

Over the months, my troubles with Guruji's grace have vanished. Even if I do face any trouble, I take it in my stride and do my best not to react as it is part of my karma that I have to face. But sadhana has to continue. I try to be more vigorous in my meditation but stilling the mind is still not that easy.

One of the best moments for me that I cherish is my evening walks. I still remember the first time I went for a walk after meeting beloved Guruji. I would sing bhajans and just imagine Guruji all throughout my walk. I would be so at peace and thank Guruji for Guruji's shower of grace. I did not know at that point in time what Guruji's grace was or meant but I just had firm believe that it would make everything go away, make everything better and simply wonderful.

Now as I continue to walk in the path set for me, I understand Guruji's grace better and enjoy all the moments of happiness and sudden luck that is all showered upon me by Guruji's grace. Yes, our beloved Guruji's grace touches all parts of our lives and leads us to certain cross roads. The grace even opens up avenues for our hearts desire. Yes, that is the key word I have come to believe. "Hearts desire" is the closest we can get to our soul. That is why Guruji's grace allows us to discover our innate talents as it is a vasana of the soul. When we express our talents, we are expressing our souls desire and merge with our soul.

Yes, the little Amma's temple that my family feverishly frequent every friday now has opened up an opportunity for me to sing bhajans there. Yes, it is such a wonderful feeling and union of many people from different sects singing and trying to make some music in our little Amma's temple. All for the love of Amma! Yes, this is just the beginning. May I be able to discover and re-discover my soul more and more with Guruji's guidance and blessing.

How Guruji's Blessings Materialise

It was a usual friday and I was hoping to finish up work by noon and thereafter take my mom, aunt and sons out to the nearest mall. As the day started at work, I received a message from Devanji of the Malaysian Nimishananda Ashram sending Guruji's love and blessing and showers of prosperity on an auspicious "Varalakshmi viratham". I did not know that it was varalakshimi viratham of that day. I was pleased to know that it was such an auspicious day as I had planned to give some donation from our office income to our dear Amma's little temple in Taman Seputeh that is slowly growing in strenght with a few peoples support and an insistent priest who wants to find as many conributors to further develop the little temple.

I had to in the morning collect my car that had a breakdown due to battery failure. My mechanic came to the office fetched me and went to the spot, changed the battery, insisted that I need not pay until later and escorted me back in his car to my office. I was pleased that everything was quite smooth. Thereafter, I had a meeting to attend and again, the cleint fetched me to their office and brought me back as well. I was required to do an urgent agreement and that too was not necessary as the documents were not complete as yet. I was really pleased as I could take my family out After taking the family back, we rested a little. My mum suddenly wondered if our "Adi Prayers" in the temple was on that day itself. My aunt and myself told her that our prayers was the last friday of "Adi".

My mum anyway called the priest and he immediately told us that all the arrangements were done and that it was indeed our prayers. We immediately rushed and got ready. My mum and aunt immediately said that it was really Guruji's blessing that has given us this auspicious day to carry out in our little Amma's temple. I too agreed that it was indeed a blessing. Little did I know that there was more to come. We finally got all done and quickly got into the car and set off to the temple.

I managedto find another route and reached quite timely. As the prayers was going on, we were told that the temple was also going to carry out the "light Pooja" wherein all married and young girls were given an opportunity to take part. We were not ready for it as we only brought the normal offerings of garland, flowers, fruits, ghee lamp, etc.

The temple priest then told me that he arranged all the items for me and that all I needed to do was just take my seat. I for the first time in my life took part in such a Pooja and was really happy that I was a vegetarian since it was a friday and actually took only a very light breakfast and nothing more due to the tight schedule of the day.

The priest conducted the prayers slowly and carefully, singing the verses so loudly and clearly. We finished the day happily as the "varalakshmi prayers" turned out totally auspicious for all of us!

Indeed blessings of a Guru always opens and leads us to the path for more and more auspicious and prosperous life. Om Jai Matha! Om Jai Gurudeva!

Accepting the Hands of the Divine Guru

I just had to pen down the following that transpired yesterday. We usually have bhajan practise on Wednesday nights. This week has been a rather difficult week for me as I am totally short staffed at the office. On Monday night (12.5.09), I have a client and we had a meeting regarding a new matter. Thereafter the same client requested that we meet on another project on Wednesday. I knew that it was bhajan practise night, but I decided to go ahead and fix the meeting at 5:00pm as both the clients were coming from 2 different states and that that was the most convenient day and time. I still had a nagging feeling about it as I have very rarely missed bhajan practise and never missed the Thursday bhajan.

Anyway, the meeting was fixed and I informed Uncle Maniam regarding the same by way of an email. I also stated in the mail to Uncle Maniam that unless there is some divine intervention, I would not be albe to attend the practise. I was really sure because both the clients have never cancelled a meeting nor attended late for a meeting.

As wednesday came by, (13.5.09), I still had a gnawing feeling about having to miss bhajan practise. In the afternoon around 1:00pm, I received a call from one client saying that they were almost reaching Selangor and would pop by after another meeting.

Then around 3:30pm, the other party called to say that they may not be able to attend the meeting and as they had an urgent matter to handle and may have to delay the time or cancel the meeting. I was totally shocked and thought for a moment that this could be 'the divine intervention' but decided to test it out! I immediately inform this party that the other client was already here in Selangor and that the meeting has to proceed maybe later if need be. I was convinced that we really can control the situation and that the meeting will be on.

The party then called an confirmed that they woould be attend at sharp 5:00pm but need to finish up quickly. By then, the first client called and told me that they were already around and would reach my office in probably half and hour. About 4:40pm, again the second party called and inquired regardign certain documentation and informed me that these documents should be shown. I informed the client that such issues should have been infromed to all parties before the meeting was fixed and that it is impossible to now check on such items. The client also said that there has been an emergency in her family and that she needed to be in Klang by 5:30pm as hr maternal aunt was very ill. I was dumbfounded and agreed taht the meeting should be canceled.

I immediately called up the first party and apologised th them about the cancellation of the meeting. This client normally would kick a fuss and still come up and meet me on another matter that was pending. Instead, the client was very cool and infromed me that he was already at my office builing at the ground floor having a drink. He said that he would go off to another meet and see me the next day on the other project. Again, I was utterly shocked as this client of mine would under normal circumstances still walk up to my office and discuss the the other matter as I received a few important mails regarding the other matter. The meeting was called off at 4:58pm without much fuss and mess!


His attitude this time really shocked me. At that juncture, I totally believed that it really is our divine Guru who determines everything in our lives. I tried so much to control the situation but totally failed in it.

I too with hands up to Guruji, attended bhajan practise. I called Uncle Maniam at 5:00pm to inform him that I would be abel to attend bhajan practise and he chuckled as he told me that he somehow knew that I would call to say that the meeting was canceled and that I would attend the practise session!

We have to totally surrender our day to day activities to our Guru as our Guru is really leading our day for us. If we have a doubt within us or a feeling that this is not right, then we should follow it i think as there would be some form of truth in it! I am of the view that we should put in effort as much as we can in our work. But now I realise that though we still must put in our sincere effort in our work but, the end results we should leave it to our Guru.

Our Guru's divine hands will always be seen in our lives. It is a must that we realise it and understand it. I believe that I still need to grow more to understand more. But, Guruji will be there to always guide me in my thinking and life. I would like to than Guruji for this valuable lesson and lay my day at Guruji's patham!

Jai Gurudeva! Jai Guru Nimishanandaya Namaha!

Guru Bakti

Guru Bhakthi
His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Sarasvathi Svamigal Sri Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham

It is said that Guru(preceptor) is greater than God, devotion to preceptor is more meritorious than that to God. If we ask why, the answer is that God has not been seen by any one, But the preceptor is present here and now before us. If a Preceptor who is immaculate and pure, full of wisdom and steadiness of vision completely free from weakness, were available to us, the mental peace in search of which we pray to God is at our reach by devotion to the preceptor. Hence it is declared

"Gurur - Brahma Gurur - Vishnuh Guru -devo Maheswarah Gurur - sakshat Param Brahma Tasmai Sri Gurave namah

The Preceptor is Brahma, Vishnu, is the God Maheswara, is verily Brahma itself. Salutation to such a Preceptor

In this verse it is to be noted that total identity between the Preceptor and Brahman reality is declared. Incidentally, since in this verse both Siva and Vishnu are clubbed together, if we prostrate before the preceptor uttering this verse we will get the sense of the identity of Siva and Vishnu.

God performs the works like creating and protecting the world. But the preceptor does not have these responsibilities. God has an 'office' while the Preceptor does not have one. is much easier to get things done by the grace of the preceptor than by the officer God whom we will have to disturb.

Whatever great and auspicious qualities God possesses, the Preceptor also has, namely, blem-ishless purity, truth, devoid of deceit or dissimulation, complete control of the senses, infinite compassion and wisdom. The only difference is that we are able to see the Preceptor by our eyes, while God is invisible. Hence if we begin to develop devotion to the preceptor clinging to his holy feet we will gain with ease all the benefits that we expect from God with effort. That is why our elders said that devotion to Preceptor is superior in its effects than that to God.
However we should not forget to practice devotion to god, because we are led to the presence and proximity of the Preceptor only by God. if the grace of God were not operating, how could one get near the Preceptor at all?

Acharya Sankara has stated in the beginning of the Vivekacudamani that three things are hard to obtain without God's Grace. They are(1) birth as a human being, (2) desire to know the truth and to get liberated and (3) the attainment of holy Preceptor.

"Durlabham trayameva etat devanugraha - hetukam manushyatvam mudmukshutvam-purusha-samsargah"

For all people at all ages, the Preceptor is one only. He is Dakshinamurthy.
"Sa purvesham api guruh Kaalena-anavacchedaat."

How could true knowledge have been transmitted to one Preceptor except through Preceptor of that Preceptor except through Preceptor of that Preceptor and so on? If we thus trace the line or Preceptor backwards, God Himself ultimately will become the First preceptor to his first disciple. That is why we are told not to forget God.

Sometimes this matter is stated in a different way. If instead of speaking of God and Preceptor as two different persons, if we treat them as one and the same and assume that God has appeared in the form of a Preceptor, we need not practice two-fold devotion separately as devotion to the Preceptor. we can consider God Himself as the preceptor and surrender to Him totally. He will save us by His grace through the preceptor in human form who after all is only His manifestation. hence we are taught even at the very outset that the preceptor is the basis of trinity of God viz. Brahma, Vishnu and Siva.

"Gurur - Brahma Gurur - Vishnuh Gurur - Devo Maheswarah Gururs - Sakshat Param Brahma Tasmai Sri Gurave namah

The meaning of the above verse is used sometimes to be explained more tastefully with reference to Sage Vyasa who is the most important of all the teachers of the Brahma-vidya.
"acatur-vadano brahmaa, dvibaahur-aparo-harih; Aphaalalocanah sambhuh, bhagavaan baadaraayanah."

'Baadaraayana' is another name of Vyasa. He is Brahmaa without four faces. He is Vishnu with only two hands; He is Siva without the eye on the forehead. Such is the greatness of Vyasa-Baadadraayana.

There is no one greater than the preceptor. We should have full faith in him. It should be genuine faith. if we have faith that God himself has appeared in the preceptor's form, then even God is not necessary. This faith and the devotion that we nourish towards Him, will of themselves redeem us.

For the Vaishnava, devotion to Preceptor is the most important and primary.
If we commit and offence against God, there is no need to seeking pardon from God himself. It is enough if the Preceptor pardoned us. God's anger will at once be appeased. On the contrary, if one offends the preceptor, and seeks pardon from God, nothing would happen. God himself would tell him that He is helpless in the matter. he will ask us to get the pardon from the preceptor alone.

The Preceptor can intercede on behalf of the disciple and recommend to God to pardon the sinner. God will never disregard this recommendation. If, on the contrary, the preceptor is sinned against there could be none to protect the sinner. There is a verse which tells us this.
"Gurur-pitaa, gurur-maataa, guru-daivam, guru-gatih, Sive-rysgte gurustraataa, gurur rushte na kascana.

That is why the scriptures enjoin the devotion to the preceptor. If a Preceptor, perfect in all respects is not available, one has to take to some Preceptor as a spiritual guide even though he is of a grade less and practice devotion to him and through him to God.

No benefit accrues to God or Guru by our devotion to them. The great benefit is only ours. What is that?

We have impurities and are fickle-minded. We are not able to fix the mind in one point even for a second. Only when we set our thought on one who is ever pure, is full of wisdom, is constant and inflexible like a dried wood, that state of immutability will be won by us also. We will become the same as He. The object of our thought need not necessarily be God. It may be any object or any person whom we consider to be possessed of such spiritual qualities as those of a Preceptor. We will become one with Him. Only when the mind stops to wander, self will shine forth. That is, we will know our true nature of bliss. Devotion to Guru or God is indispensable for the restraint of the mind.

In the Chandogya Upanishad itself it is declared that only by the grace of the Guru true knowledge is possible. It says "aacaaryavaan purusho veda" (only one who has a Preceptor, gains true knowledge).

It puts the idea in the form of short story.

A man belonging to Gandhara (now known as Kandahar) was kidnapped by some dacoits and was abandoned blindfold in a forest. what will be his predicament? How could he return to his country not knowing where he was?

Similar is the case with us. Maya, the deluding power, has left us blindfold in the world. In the above story, some wayfarer happens to come on the way in the forest. He removes the blind and instructs him on the way back to Gandhara. The poor man follows the instructions and reaches his place.

Similarly, we are now blinded by ignorance and can, following the instruction of the Preceptor, get our ignorance removed and attain release. This is the parable in the Chandogya Upanishad.
Sri Sankara Bhagavatpada, renowned as the world teacher (Jagadguru), sings the praise of the Guru everywhere. He asked "What if one has all the glories? What is the use of it all if his mind is not bound to the lotus feet of the Preceptor?" He asks "what if?" not once, but repeatedly. In the poem Gurdvashtakam (consisting of eight verses), he asks as a refrain at the end of every line "What if" in all the 32 lines.

And also in the teaching just on the eve of his casting off the mortal coils he commands; "Take to a Preceptor who is a savant and is pure. Then do service at his holy feet every day. Seek the instruction on Brahman, symbolised in the single syllable Om! Listen to the Mahavaakyas of Upanishads!"

"Sad-vidvan upasrpyatam pratidinam tatpadukaa sevyatam brahmaika akasaram arthyatam srutisriri-vaakyam samaakarnyataam."

There is no parallel to the Guru. He may be compared a philosopher's stone which turns the base metal into gold. But even this comparison is not Quite correct because the philosopher's stone turns base metal only into gold. it does not transform that metal into another philosopher's stone. But the Preceptor turns even the dullard into a wise sage like him.

When we look at the line of the Preceptors one by one, and our Paramacharya, the doubt deepens whether there could be any one comparable to him. We should contemplate on the Paramacharya not merely as a God walking amidst us but the Supreme non-dual Brahman who is beyond all difference and determinations.

Narayana Narayana

How to Sublimate Service into Seva

Service into Seva

Indulging in flimsy gossip and watching scenes of violence and cruelty, men today are wasting and missing a big portion of their precious lives.

Time is condemned, because it is too little, or because it runs too fast to fulfill galloping greed. Men are not aware that time sanctified by service offers high rewards to themselves as well as those whom they serve.

All acts of service are not equally sanctifying or uniform in the benefits they confer.

All acts of service are not equally sanctifying or uniform in the benefits they confer. When service is undertaken by power-hungry people, or under compulsion or by imitative urges, it results in more harm than good.

Self-aggrandizement or competition or ostentation, are motives that pollute the sacred spiritual practice of service. The candidate for this activity has to avoid ahamkara (egoism), adambara (exhibitionism) and abhimana (favouritism).

Before embarking on a service project one must introspect and examine their equipment, which is, whether their heart is full of selfless love, humility and compassion; whether their head has an intelligent understanding and knowledge of the problem and its solution; whether their hands are eager to offer the healing touch; and finally whether he/she can gladly spare and share time, energy and skill to help others in dire need.

How to Sublimate Service into Seva

These qualities can sprout and grow only when the ‘Reality of Unity’ is implanted in the consciousness. All men, and all living beings, are cells in the Body of God. Their origin, continued existence, and progress are all in God, by God, and for God. The individual is a unit in this unity. There are no other aliens. When one is ill, all suffer. When one is happy, all are partners of that happiness. Faith in this truth is the fundamental equipment the sevak (volunteer)must acquire.
Leaders and guides of service organisations offer charity, and claim that they are motivated by generosity and accept homage from recipients. This is the reason why such service all over the world does not yield lasting results. In order to deserve the sacred name, Seva, the activity must be freed from all attachment to the individual self and based on firm faith in the Divine resident in every being. Seva has to be considered as worshipping the form that God has assumed to give the volunteer the chance of worship.

When a hungry nara(man) is served a hearty meal, what is being done is Narayana Seva (serving the supreme lord), for, nara(man) is only ‘a form and a name’ projected by maya (human ignorance) on Narayana (God).

Do not allow your service activities to turn into shops which concentrate on window dressing, in order to attract attention and patronage. Service rendered to villagers, who are denied the ways and means of decent lives, draws Divine Grace, more than service elsewhere. Give a helping hand to the helpless, who are afflicted with many ailments and handicaps.
The True Purpose of Human Birth

But, before attempting to advise them, you must endeavour to advise yourselves; before venturing to reform them, reform yourselves. Care must be taken to avoid boasting before them about your superiority; it will hurt them and keep them away. Do not indulge in lectures. Action alone can inspire action. Example alone can instruct. Tall talk is a barren exercise

Service activities in all lands can thrive only through selfless dedication. Fanfare is a sign of insincerity. Silent, unsullied work alone can appeal. The villager has enough common sense to see through the show.

Remember that, though illiterate, he is aware of the ideals propounded by the scriptures, saints and sages of the land. Clever propaganda may achieve some temporary results but, in the long run, it will bring disappointment and disillusion.

Like the 'rockets' lit by children on Deepavali night, it will flare up and fizzle down. Today, we are confronted everywhere by statistics parading quantities and reports in glowing terms. Do not bother about adding to the number or achieving a target. I value quality, not quantity. Genuine and intensive devoted service offered in a few villages is more fruitful than casual contacts and superficial service offered to a large number.

Convince yourselves that life cannot continue long without others serving you, and you serving others. Master-servant, ruler-ruled, guru-disciple, employer-employee, parents-children, all these are bound by mutual service. Every one is a sevak (servant). The farmer and labourer whom you serve produce by their toil your food and clothing as their service to you.

Remember that the body, with its senses-mind-brain complex has been awarded to you to be used for helping the helpless. Seva is the highest of paths of devotion which wins the Grace of God. It promotes mental purity, diminishes egoism and enables one to experience, through sympathetic understanding, the unity of mankind.

I have been having really bad flu for the past month along with a bad throat. This week however, my flu seemed to have vanished a little and the throat has been better in fact, almost normal. I am really happy about it as I am always longing to sing at least one bhajan during our weekly satsangs. Brother Devan and Uncle Maniam have also been keeping an eye on me! Since my voice was improving, the best time for me to test it out I figured, was during my bath.

As usual at night, I brought my elder twin, Nishaal who is 3 years and 6 months old to my room and made him sleep. Then my aunt came in and told me that she will make him sleep and asked me to get my things ready for work tomorrow. It was already 9:30pm and a little later then their normal 9:00pm bedtime. I left them both together, got my things sorted out and as I entered my room again, Nishaal was fast asleep. My aunt left and I went to the bathroom to take a shower. I normally have my night shower while Nishaal sleeps and he has almost never woken up.

As I started to sing, I sang a few Guru Songs especially the ones I know Uncle Maniam would make us sing. Then, I sang a few Amma songs and the song that I created as well. I was so interested in my singing that my bath took quite a while. Suddenly I heard Nishaal crying for me in a very frightened voice. I quickly grabbed a towel and called for my aunt. My aunt’s room is pretty near mine and she came over very quickly. I quickly rushed to finish my bath as Nishaal was still crying for me.

As I came to him and took him from my aunt, we kept telling him not to be scared of the anything and that we were all there. By then, my mum who was watching the television down stairs also came up and consoled him. He soon stopped sobbing and calmed down. My mum then told him to sleep as tomorrow he had to attend nursery in the morning.

Nishaal suddenly said “I taw Amman”. We were all confused and then my mum said, “You mean you are going to see Isman in school tomorrow?” He very clearly shook his head and said “No” with such clarity that I began to look at him seriously. I then asked him again, “What did you say Nishaal?” and he answered “I taw Amma” Then we all looked at each other in shock. My aunt asked him “Did you see Nimishamba Amma?” and he first said “No” and then said “Don’t know”. At this juncture I was convinced that he was speaking the truth and not making it up as he would not know how Nimishamba Ammam looked like as he has never been to her temple. But over here locally, we do take him to the nearby Eswari Temple and he definitely knows how Amma looks like from there and also from our alter picture.

Then he again repeated on his own, “I taw Amman”. I asked him “Where did you see Amma?” and he pointed to the ceiling above where he slept earlier. We quietly made him sleep and we not sure what to think. I later spoke to Devan Anna who informed me after speaking to Guruji 2 days later, that Nishaal did see Amma and we were happy that he was granted a vision of Amma.

I truly believe that little children can see divinity due to their divine nature that does not know fear, hurt, harm dishonesty, ego, anger, greed etc. May our children realize their journey in life at a much earlier age and continue our vision and mission to spread the teaching of Pujya Guruji and all saints past and present to make the future a better and more beautiful place for all living beings. “Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu” “Sarva Jana Sukhino Bhavantu” “Sarva Jeeva Jantu Sukhno Bhavantu”

Holi message by Guruji

Facebook | Ashwini Rao's Photos - Pujya Guruji

Facebook Ashwini Rao's Photos - Pujya Guruji

Facebook | Shri Shri Paramapujya Nimishananda

Facebook Shri Shri Paramapujya Nimishananda

Vibrating bhajans during Guruji's visit to Malaysia

Om Jai Matha! Om Jai Gurudeva!

Dear Friends, I would like to write on the bhajan experience that we had this time with Guruji's presence. The Bhajans were conducted with alot of enthusiasm by Sister Mekhala. Sister Mekhala would start in the evenings about 7:00pm. Sister Mekhala was also very insistent that all of us participate in the bhajans. We were given certain musical tools to handle. Sister Mekhala also always insisted that the Malaysian devotees also sing a few songs. I composed a song on Amma and thanks to sister Mekhala, I was given the opportunity to sing in the presence of Guruji.

Though I learnt sangeetham and have attended numerous Sai bhajans, I never had a longing to be a lead singer. However, with Guruji and Amma, my experience is so different. I just can't explain it. Not only am I singing as a lead singer for a few songs but I have also composed bhajans in tamil language. This is all so new to me. I thank Guruji for is blessings.

Thanks to sister Mekhala, there are now many budding bhajan singers in our circle. Guruji also participated in the Bhajans and told us all to try and sing. Guruji has been a source of inspiration to many of us. Watching Guruji sing is so mesmerising as Guruji is always so immensed in the bhajan and so full of devotion.

Brother Devan also had a group of singers who sang soulfully with instruments before Guruji. Guruji was so kind to acknowledge them and also extended the darshan time to enable them to sing all their songs. Everyone was so mesmerised and sang the bhajans as best they could.

I wouuld like to take this opportunity to thank sister Mekhala for her support and tranforming devotees into singers.

Hand of Hope

A picture began circulating in November.. It should be 'The Picture of the Year,' or perhaps, 'Picture of the Decade.' It won't be. In fact,unless you obtained a copy of the US paper which published it, you probably would never have seen it. The picture is that of a 21-week-old unborn baby named Samuel Alexander Armas, who is being operated on by surgeon named Joseph Bruner.The baby was diagnosed with spina bifida and would not survive if removed from his mother's womb.

Little Samuel's mother, Julie Armas, is an obstetrics nurse in Atlanta She knew of Dr. Bruner's remarkable surgical procedure. Practicing at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville , he performs these special operations while the baby is still in the womb.During the procedure, the doctor removes the uterus via C-section and makes a small incision to operate on the baby.

As Dr.Bruner completed the surgery on Samuel, the little guy reached his tiny, but fully developed hand through the incision and firmly grasped the surgeon's finger. Dr..Bruner was reported as saying that when his finger was grasped, it was the most emotional moment of his life, and that for an instant during the procedure he was just frozen, totally immobile. The photograph captures this amazing event with perfect clarity. The editors titled the picture, 'Hand of Hope.'

The text explaining the picture begins, 'The tiny hand of 21-week- old fetus Samuel Alexander Armas emerges from the mother's uterus to grasp the finger of Dr. Joseph Bruner as if thanking the doctor for the gift of life.' Little Samuel's mother said they 'wept for days' when they saw the picture.

She said, 'The photo reminds us pregnancy isn't about disability or an illness, it's about a little person.' Samuel was born in perfect health, the operation 100 percent successful. Now see the actual picture, and how awesome and completely incredible it is... pass it on. The world needs to see this one!

bhajan sung by mekhala

bhajans sung by mekhalaji

bhajans by Guruji

Bhajan's by Guruji

Bhajans lead by Meghalaji on 16.2.2009

Bhajans so beautifully conducted by Mekhalaji on 16.2.2009

Guruji giving a discourse in Malaysia

" Each day is a Divine gift from God. Receive it with an attitude of gratitude."

By Shri Shri Parama Pujya Nimishananda Guruji

Up On The Hills

Dear friends,

On Saturday, we took a family outing to Bukti Tinggi for a day trip as my sister was on leave. It was quite a hilly place and totally calm. Though we enjoyed ourselves very much, for the first time, I was looking at the place from a different point of view.

To me, the place looked very calm and peacefull and i just felt that it would be the bst spot to just sit and think of God and sing his praises. The thought just came to me so naturally that I was waiting to get home and do some meditation.

A we drove along the roads, there was a sign board that showed the way to an "Athma Temple". We followed the signboard and it let us straight to a temple that had a deity. The temple was sort of an open concept. there was a shrine in the middle of a platform with a roof. Looking at the deity, it looked like Lord Brahma. It was so serine and calm and totally simple. There did not appear to be any priest anywhere. We paid our homage to the great lord and I chanted "Om Jai Gurudeva" It felt so right and wonderful.

For the first time in my life I could understand why is it that Yogis go the quiet places and why the Great Himalaya is the abode of Sages.

I thank God for giving me the opportunity to tap into divine thoughts and have a insight into "the realm of pece and meditation"

May all such nature be preserved forever for mankind to reallise and feel God within.

Om Jai Matha! Om Jai Gurudeva!

Religious practise v spirituality

I had earlier started a discussion on religion and spirituality in the blog "Wipe a tear and remove a pain". I would like to thank everyone for their participation and helpful comments.

As for me, pondering on the issue of religion and spirituality brings me back to my childhood. I grew up with my grandmother and aunt. Both were vegetarians even before my birth and followed all religious practises, ceremonies and functions very carefully. They even had different cooking utensils for the fasting days, normal day cooking for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. I grew up with my cousin and sister and we are till now non-vegetarians.

Going back to my childhood, we were made to follow a system of being vegetarians on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. We were also taken to the nearby murugan and Amma temple every week. During occasions such as Navarathri, Thaipusam, shasti, sathurti and others, we were made to eat vegetarian food and attend temple in the evening after school.

As I grew up in such an enviroment, praying and following religious practises were part of my life. We were also sent to the Sivananda Centre where we learnt Tevaram. Our grandmother also insisted that we learn tamil and tevaram at home along with classical music. I did all of this and followed the way of life that was expected of me from a pysical sense. But mentally, I always wondered as to why did we need to do all of this and if GOD really required all of this.

As I grew and left home to study in Kuala Lumpur, I slowly deviated from being a vegetarian on those particular days if vegetarian food was hard to get as i started thinking "why do it?" However, I always mantained kanda shashti viratam. That somehow was close to my heart.

Then I entered into an arranged marriage and my husband came from a family where there really was no system or particular 'circular' to religious following at home. Again following the religious ways and practises were a little difficult but I managed to get my husband to somehow accomodate what ever little that I was practising.

The religious upbringing though got me physically close to GOD, but mentally I always had questions here and there. As life introduced me to Guru's, the closest Guru to my heart and who I had the opportunity to have Guru darshan was Sri Sathya Sai Baba. It was a miraculous trip and an unforgettable experience. Though I still pray to Baba but my questions still arise every now and then on what Godliness was all about.

Then I met Guruji in Malaysia. Suddenly, all my questions seem to dissappear. Infact, I can't even remember why these questions were so important that Ihad to defy my grandmothers teaching! Eating Non vegetarian food does nor really feel right these days. Infact when I eat, I think I have lost the taste bud for it.

I suddenly want to follow my grandmothers ways, I want to read spiritual matters even while at work, I want to meditate, I want to keep my alter at home and at work full with flowers and decorate it beautifully , etc.... and all of this is rooted from a strong desire that feels so pure and simple. It is hard to put to words these feelings.

I think this is where spirituality collides with religious practise. Though all my childhood and teen youth was under a religious practise thanks to my grandmother and aunt, however the spirituality of it from within me was not really present. I think spirituality is a matter from the heart and within wherein, we are in touch with divinity from within and suddenly, everything we do is from a totally different realm and sphere.

I thank Pujya Guruji for giving me such a revelation and connecting me with my divinity. It feels so right to carry out matters and duties with a spiritual sense.

I believe that having a religious background or learning or following a religious way is quite necessary in one's life because once a person is in touch with his or her own divinity, then the religious background and teaching allows one to continue certain practises or imbibe certain ways with ease whilst giving a person a sense of 'what to do with your sudden spiritual thirst and energy'. Once you have a religious practise to follow, you will not feel like you are lost. You only find and continue to find yourself.

For me at least, all of a Sudden all the religious practises that I did in my younger days, I now perform it with devotion and with a sense of fulfillment. I realise that I have made a full circle back in life with a complete different angle and vision. My past now meets the present in continuous harmony and with a flow of water like it never stopped.

I believe that we need both the religious practises and the spiritual awakening to understand our lives better and to lead a certain order in life that will bring a sense of fullfillment, upliftment, purpose full if divine experiences.

Om Jai Matha! Om Jai Gurudeva!

Little lesson on surrender

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I had an amazing experience today that I would like to share with each and every one of you.

As usual this morning as I stood in the alter at home, I prayed my normal prayers and added that Amma and Guruji lead my day.

As I left home, I had to go to court today. As I started driving, a thought suddenly crossed my mind to take a different route. But I was not sure of it as I had never used that route. I was also afraid of heavy traffic if any, on that route which in turn might cause me to be late in reaching court.

Then, I remembered handing my day to Amma and Guruji. With that in mind, I took the new route. To my amazement, I reached about 25 minutes earlier that my usual route. As the day continued in court, the Learned Judge was also in a good mood and things went on quite well.

Now for the finale, as I walked to my car, I suddenly noticed that another car was blocking my car and I could not move my car. My first thought was that "How is it that this has happened? I was saying Om Jai Matha! Om Jai Gurudeva! all the way to my car and also practising a bhajan for the satsang on Thursday!" I thought. Then I decided that probably there might have been some unpleasant incident that might have transpired if I left at that time and that it is Amma and Guruji's way of stopping me and avoiding an unpleasant incident. With that in mind, I decided to take the long walk to the canteen and have a coffee.

Just then, 2 Chinese gentlemen came towards me and asked me what was wrong. I narrated the above to them. Both the guys walked to the car that was blocking, peeped in and told me that the hand brake of that car was down. They then told me to go back to my car and started to push the car that was blocking my car out of my way! I easily took my car out of the spot and thanked them. They too were very polite. This whole incident was less than 10 minutes and so smooth.

To me this is an amazing experience as about 9 months ago the same incident took place. But the biggest and time consuming difference was that I had to go to the Canteen for about 1 hour before the other driver came to take his car!



I also realise that the moment I decided that it is some design of events by Amma and Guruji and laid my mind off the issue, the helping hands arrived. I have read in numerous writings from various Gurus including Guruji’s ‘Questions and Answers’ in the Ashram webpage, and not forgetting Brother Devan and Brother Maniam say, that ‘We need to surrender to God and our Guru’. I think I realise it now after today probably in a small dosage, what “Surrender is or might be”. Only when we actually leave the situation to Amma and Guruji in totality in our minds and body, can God’s hand work it’s wonders!



Om Jai Matha! Om Jai Gurudeva!

Wishing everyone”Total Surrender”,

Leena

My first post

Dear Dr. Mahadevan,
Thank you for the mail as it was a good stop-gap from work.., work.... and work especially on a Monday afternoon! I would also like to offer my humble salutations to each and every devotee of Guruji. Meeting Guruji for the first time in the Malaysian Ashram was nothing but a MIND BLOWING EXPERIENCE.
The chanting of ‘Jai Matha Jai Gurudeva! ‘ were only heard by me when uttered by Mr. Maniam, Mr. Ravi, Mr. Mahendran and ofcourse, our Brother Suren when we met during out meets. But to attend a satsang by Guruji and hear Guruji say it, is like a thousand volts of energy that continues to vibrate in you. Whenever I utter those holy chants in a silent place, I can always hear Guruji’s deep voice echoing the chant! Even writing this feels so electrifying! Jai Matha!
When I was first informed about a public satsang by Guruji in the Malaysian Ashram, I was extremely curious to attend it and to meet Guruji in person as I heard so much about Guruji from Mr. Maniam, Mr. Mahendram, Mr. Ravi, Brother Suren and Dr. Mahadevan. To add fuel to my desire, my dear brothers, Datuk Paramasivam and Bob had earlier met Guruji for a sitting and called me numerous times as they were in total ore with the presence of his holiness. With a great desire and inquisitive mind, I took my aunt and my twin boys who are three years old to the Ashram. I did not know the way there but had a great guide in the form of Bob. He explained to me the way in the phone and met me halfway through the heavy rain and mad traffic and guided us right to the doorstep of the Ashram. I would like to take this great opportunity to thank Bob for his kind deed. The guiding hand that he gave me has helped me to guide more devotees to his holiness at the Ashram.
Going back to my first experience with divinity, as I neared the lift, I could hear Guruji’s voice over the speakers that Dr. Mahadevan had so wonderfully placed to enable Guruji’s voice and bhajans vibrate the entire area that had the gift of Guruji’s presence. As the lift door opened and as I walked into the hall listening to the deep moderated voice of Guruji,I felt a joy and excitement as I had during my childhood when I was taken to the funfair or to a place that I really liked. I immediately sensed that there was something different really going on here. Finally, I was in the presence of the great holiness seated before a crowd of devotees. Guruji had a big loving smile on his motherly face and gestured with his hands to my family and me to have a seat. I was so amazed at Guruji’s simplicity and kind gestures. I somehow felt that this was it. The restlessness in my heart that I always felt about work, life etc just vanished during the course of the satsang and great devotion just overflowed from me and my heart. It is an experience that I just can’t put to words!
As the satsang went on, I had a few thoughts and worries in my mind and somehow, Guruji during the satsang would touch all those questions and answer them with ease as if it was part of the satsang. I knew just then that this was the Guru for me. Throughout the satsang Guruji would look at his devotees intently and this personal touch is a divine blessing indeed for all of us. After the satsang Guruji also blessed each and every person in the hall and I noted that the blessing would be different for everyone as Guruji knows what each and every one of us need at that point in time. After the satsang, I was still too amazed with the whole experience and had a sudden desire to hear more satsangs from Guruji. Thereafter I attended 6 more satsangs held by Guruji and have promised to myself to continue the light that has been lit in me to further expand Guruji’s teaching to family members, friends and clients.
The magnetic force of Guruji is so great that it makes the soul weep and feel joy in a kaleidoscope of feelings whenever we chant and sing bhajans with Guruji’s presence in mind.
After experiencing Guruji in person, I humbly believe that at times, there may be no need for a personal sitting with Guruji as Guruji answers all our questions right there in the satsang. I also believe with all my heart that if Guruji thinks that the soul needs the energy from Guruji, then Guruji would definitely have a personal sitting for the soul.
Since having the opportunity to be in the presence of our divine master, Guruji, I actually feel peace and joy within. I have read those quotes before but this time, I now, today I really feet it! Om Jai Gurudeva! Whatever Guruji has imparted, I have easily moulded myself to follow. I don’t ask questions about it nor do I contemplate ‘to or not to’. It’s just ‘do and continue doing’ for me. This is a new experience that is enriching and humbling for me. I know that the changes in me probably come as a shock to my family members but I have learnt and decided to change for my own self and to never be shy about it.
I think I have to stop right here as I have a long list of things to finish at work. I wish a good day to all, Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year! May everyone’s Sangkalpa be synergized with divine energy! May the light of Joy and prosperity be always burning within us with a deep desire to continue our journey to be one with our soul.
Om Jai Matha! Om Jai Gurudeva!
Regards and warm wishes,
Leena