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!

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!

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.

bhajan sung by mekhala

bhajans sung by mekhalaji

bhajans by Guruji

Bhajan's by Guruji