A Remarkable Encounter with Gurudev

In December 2009, I embarked on a journey that would forever change my life. Having been a part of the Art of Living community for just over four years, I was eager to attend an advanced course in Rishikesh, in the divine presence of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Rishikesh’s serene and spiritual ambiance was the perfect backdrop for a spiritual sojourn.

I arrived in Rishikesh a day before the course was set to begin, not only for the mandatory course registration but also because I held a deep desire to seek Gurudev’s blessings, even if it meant just catching a glimpse of Him.

However, things didn’t go as planned. Gurudev was engaged in meetings, and I was informed that the chances of a darshan were slim since it was already past 10 PM. I felt a wave of disappointment, but I refused to give up.

Wandering by the Ganges, I looked at Gurudev from a distance and silently wondered what it would take to meet Him that night. Tears welled up in my eyes as I yearned for this chance. After a disheartening 45-minute wait, with no sign of a meeting in sight, I phoned my mother for consolation and began walking back to my room.

But in an unexpected turn of events, the volunteer at Gurudev’s kutir opened the gate and invited me in. He had received instructions from Gurudev Himself to let all waiting devotees enter. It was surreal. With renewed hope, I entered the kutir and found my place on the ground floor balcony, where Gurudev would meet us.

It was a modest gathering, consisting of only a family of four and myself. When Gurudev entered, he smiled at me, and that moment made my day. He called me toward Him, and I approached Him on my knees. With a voice filled with concern, He inquired about my name and profession. I replied, “Ameya, Guruji,” and explained that I was a Part 1 teacher working at HSBC and participating in Satsang’s whenever possible.

With a smile brimming with love, Gurudev addressed my desire for direct access to Him. He assured me, “Yes, you have my access. Come whenever you want, and no one will stop you. I will take you on a tour with me. Talk to Jaina in the secretariat.” The promise was sealed with a warm hug.

My joy knew no bounds. What had started as a simple wish to catch a glimpse of Gurudev had turned into an extraordinary moment. His commitment to granting me total access and the prospect of accompanying Him on a tour exceeded my wildest dreams.

This story underscores the fact that Gurudev’s love and blessings are available to all, regardless of their social standing or stature in society. All that is required is faith, devotion, and complete surrender. I share this story to convey that a similar miracle could happen to you tomorrow.

Jai Guru Dev.

Ameya