Meeting Gurudev was a lifelong dream, one that had eluded me despite attending his darshans from a distance. The desire to speak to him, to express my deep connection, remained unfulfilled until June 2023.
Gurudev was back from his tour, and I couldn’t contain my excitement upon learning that he would grace the Art of Living Centre in Bangalore with his darshan. Hope surged within me; this was my chance to glimpse the spiritual luminary and, perhaps, exchange a few words.
As my wife and I reached the center, eager anticipation gave way to disappointment. The tickets for the darshan, scheduled inside the majestic Vishalakshi Mandap, were sold out. We were left with one last glimmer of hope – to stand outside the hall, waiting for Gurudev to pass by in his car.
Anxiety welled up in my chest as dark clouds gathered overhead. What if the heavens opened up, forcing us to leave? What if my ailing leg, undergoing treatment, couldn’t bear the wait? My silent prayer to Gurudev became my solace, a plea for his blessings.
Then, the unexpected unfolded.
Two strangers, whom I assumed were volunteers from the center, approached us. They singled out my wife, a young girl, and me, waiting patiently in line. Without explanation, they beckoned us to follow them into the Vishalakshi Mandap, the sacred ground where Gurudev would meet the ticketed attendees.
Stunned and perplexed, I struggled to comprehend what was transpiring. How had they chosen us? What gave them the authority to grant us access? Before I could articulate my queries, one of them said something that silenced my doubts: “Say thank you to Gurudev.”
In that moment, I understood that this was Gurudev’s divine orchestration. He had heard my unspoken prayer and responded in a way that defied reason. Among the throngs of devotees, he had chosen us to receive his exceptional grace. We were invited into the divine embrace of Gurudev himself.
Finally, an encounter that had long existed as a distant dream became an astonishing reality. I was granted the opportunity to speak to Gurudev within the hallowed Vishalakshi Mandap. The experience was beyond belief, a once-in-a-lifetime moment that rendered me speechless with gratitude and uncontainable joy.
As I pen these words, my skin prickles with emotion. This incident epitomizes the boundless reach of Gurudev’s grace and his unwavering attention to his devotees. It serves as a testament to the depth of connection that can be forged with a spiritual luminary.
In moments that defy logic, the divine plan unfolds. Gurudev’s love knows no bounds, and he works in mysterious ways to draw his devotees closer. My heart brims with gratitude for this miraculous encounter.
Gurudev’s call can reach even the most unlikely of places, guiding us to the light of his presence. I share this story not only as a testimony but also as an affirmation that Gurudev’s attention knows no bounds, and his grace is accessible to all who seek it.
Jai Guru Dev!
Anand Manvi
