Celebrating My Birthday With Him

I had shifted from Ludhiana to Mysore about two months back to pursue an MBA. As the Bangalore Ashram is close by from Mysore, I was eager to meet Sri Sri as soon as I could. It was my birthday on the 19^th of August, but since that was a Monday, I decided to meet Him a day in advance, that is, on Sunday the 18^th.

I did not know if I would be able to meet Guruji or no, questions and doubts arose in my mind, I wondered if Guruji would meet me. Would I be able to talk to Him? As there are many people in the Ashram and it is very crowded, I wondered if Gurudev would make this the most special Birthday for me or not.

I was too excited about the fact that, after two long years, I was finally getting to meet Guruji. Two of my friends accompanied me, as they had done the YES+ Course, based on my recommendation. They had found it really good and eagerly wanted to meet Guruji too. Some of my YES+ group friends and I booked a cab to visit the Ashram the next day. That night, the excitement of meeting the Master didn’t let me sleep for more than 5 hours. My friends and I woke up at 4.30 am in the morning and left by 5.30 am for the Ashram. On the way, I was listening to the song “Jab koi baat bigad jaaye,jab koi mushkil bad jaaye” on my phone, and suddenly in my heart of hearts, I could feel immense gratitude towards my Guru, for subtly and mysteriously being there, and taking care of me. The sting of longing hit me and I could do nothing but drop a tear or two while listening to the song. All of us were half-asleep during the journey to the Ashram, but the moment we saw the tip of the top of Vishalakshi Mantap (VM), we got charged up. Quickly, we made our way to the Ashram. Coming to the Ashram, after two years, was a totally new sight for me, as I saw a lot of new buildings and a lot more changes being implemented. The Ashram looked prettier than ever. We reached by 9 am and one of our friends reminded us that Guruji would be coming at around 9.30. So we all ran towards the Ganga Kutir, where we saw a bunch of people already waiting for Guruji to come. After waiting for a while, that moment finally arrived, when HE came in His car. At first, my heart skipped a beat and all I could do was smile. I was speechless. A lady stopped His car for a minute, teary eyed she shared the heaviness of her heart with Gurudev and Guruji, with all patience, listened to her, blessed her and went ahead. As a special Kerala and Tamil AMC was concluding that day, Guruji was to go to the VM at about 11 am for the same. His arrival and the Long Kriya timings were clashing, but I was adamant to meet Guruji and so decided to wait for Him rather than doing the Kriya.

Guruji came and I went towards Him and told Him that it was my birthday the next day. He smiled, looked at me and asked, “What is your name?” I said,” Kashish”. Then He asked, “Where are you from?”. I told Him that I had come all the way from Ludhiana to Mysore to do my MBA. Guruji said “Oh very good” and then He went ahead a few steps and started speaking to some ladies standing in the line. I somehow managed to sneak behind the line and get a little ahead of the row. The moment He came forward, I demanded, “Guruji, my birthday gift?” He smiled and gave me the two roses, one white and one red, which someone had given Him. I immediately said “I want to talk to you”. He held my hand and helped me come a little ahead. I made a wish to Him in His ear,” Please take care of my family. Please take care of me and everything else. I want to do well in my studies and profession and I want to do lots of Seva for You. This would be the biggest blessing and gift for me on this birthday”. Guruji heard it, looked at me and smiled, patted my cheek, blessed me and then went inside. That moment was like being on top of the world for me. I was overjoyed and overwhelmed by the Gurus Grace. After that, we all went for a tour around the Ashram, did Kriya and had lunch. We then got to know that Guruji would be meeting the course participants specially, in Badrivishala the next day. My friend, whose birthday too was on the next day (19^th August) and I, went inside with a cake, along with our YES+ teacher Kapil Saini. Then Guruji came to meet all the participants, He blessed everyone with a red rose. The moment He came in front of me, He looked straight into my eyes and again smiled and blessed me with the rose. It was as if an Angel with sparkling child-like eyes and a smiling face, was looking at me! He also cut the birthday cake with both of us! I also had written a small letter for Guruji and had already sent it through with someone.

I will wrap up by saying that a Guru will always make you feel special, no matter if it is your birthday or not. Ask for BIG THINGS from Him, the smaller ones will follow anyway! In HIS presence, words turn into Silence, your confusion melts into answers and you are left with a sense of Gratitude and Freedom in your heart and mind. You are left with a smile on your face, one that never fades. And mind you, a Guru’s charm can be 10,000 times more infectious and effective than the glamour of the entire world put together!

JGD

Kashish Vyas