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!