Sri Sri Stories
This is Anuj Khanijau from Mumbai. I did my first AOL course in January, 2005. From being a firm non believer till I met Guruji in 2003, to date : it has been a journey that even I find difficult to fathom.
For some unknown reason, even though reluctant to carry on, I kept continuing the practices, on account of my commitment to the teacher during the course. Again reluctantly, my legs started pulling me onto one Advance (Part 2) course after the other. I knew I was losing control and Someone was taking over, but for a weird reason, I did not mind this happening, right to the point of walking into a TTC (Teacher’s Training Course)!!!
Probably it was only a few months back that I realized the true value of letting go of control!
My mother, who is a devotee since 2001, and also the one responsible for getting me hooked on, had gone for some work to Dadar (Mumbai), where she suddenly collapsed. I was not around, but another colleague with her rushed her to a close-by hospital. When I reached, the Doctor informed me that something was not right, as the ECG was varying constantly and indicated a heart blockage. Days went by and tests continued, till I was informed by the Doctor, one fine day, that she would require an angioplasty on an immediate basis due to a suspected blockage.
Without even bothering to go to the hospital, I decided to reach back home to try and connect to Guruji. I knew a Prayer was enough, but the mortal mind demanded a more tangible conversation. So I dropped in an email to Guruji with a simple ask :
“You know the best way forward. Please take control.”
As I penned it down, I had a mixed feeling of contentment along with a sudden realization; well I did not need to tell Him this. He already knew everything and would do the best for me. Its exactly what has been happening all these years. My mind required this event to bring down this Knowledge to me. A feeling of Stupidity and Gratitude reigned simultaneously, and nothing seemed to bother me any more.
Tests happened the next morning and at 1 pm came the reports, along with a call from the Doctor to her cabin.
This is what she had to say: “Your mother is a fit young lady. Her heart valves are as strong as that of a teenager. How does she manage to keep it that way!”
Surprise overtook the emotion of stupidity from the previous night. But Gratitude reigned more than anything. I could not believe my ears!
I mean, did the Doctor get a memory loss after the previous nights’ conversation or was I hallucinating? She seemed to remember nothing from her stern and urgent tone last night. It was all a great Miracle:)
When I look back, I remember His words:
“Mysterious are the ways of the Divine”
If people ask me: “Why do Sadhna?”, my answer is simple, “I don’t know, just do it!!!” Just let go of all your controls and let Him take over. Trust your Master. He will never let you down!
For me, it’s my connection with Him that no one can break. It’s a space that I get to share with Him, my own Personal and Private space, and who would not want that!!!!
Thank you Sri Sri
Anuj
Noise to Silence, Spoiled Teenager to Youth Leader, From a Rough Stone to Polished Diamond, yes, that’s the Miraculous journey of Kapil Bhatia, a 27 Years Young Dynamic Art of Breathing Workshop and Yes Plus Teacher from a very small island which is even hard to see on a globe, but, when drop meets the ocean it’s no longer a single drop, it itself becomes the ocean.
Noise to Silence
It began in my teenage, when a few of my friends and I were a part of Disc Jockeying group and would perform at house parties and college fests. One fine day, my friend invited all of us for a DJ party at his house. As I entered, I was amazed to see people celebrating, enjoying and dancing to the tune of Bhajans (spiritual hymns). They were smiling and were happier than people I would see every day in clubs. They were ecstatic and more joyful than people who would get drunk in parties and forget human values. I could see and feel so much of belongingness. Satsang got over after a while and we started playing DJ. I was astonished to see people dancing with same enthusiasm and wondered about their secret of endless energy and their ability to accommodate to both Satsang and party so well. I was amazed as I had never seen and experienced anything like this before. After everyone left, my friend’s mom came and asked me if I had done Art of Living course. I sort of avoided her question and didn’t pay much heed.
Turning point
Many people must have heard, “until you don’t get a right person or partner, you cannot fall in love”. Another fine day, a friend and I were shopping in the mall. He received a call from his mother and she intimidated him that Guruji is in the town. I decided to accompany my friend. When we reached the venue, yet again I experienced the same belongingness I had at Satsang. Everyone had a beautiful smile on their face; they were glowing and were meeting each other with so much of love and respect. I didn’t know anyone there, but not for a moment I felt that was my first meeting. Everyone greeted me with so much of love. It was indeed a heavenly feeling. Suddenly, people started screaming “Guruji” and rushed towards him. That was the day I saw him for the first time and was awestruck. I was sitting at the last with 50,000 ahead of me, but I could feel his presence right beside me. After amazing satsang, Guruji answered questions which were asked by people present there. As Guruji answered, I felt my questions were being answered. It was strange but true. I could relate to every question and answer. He was explaining in such a simple manner that I could understand everything he said. I was amazed that these were answers I had been searching for, and now, I have all of them answered in such a simple way. I met the most inspiring person that day. Since then, each day is no less than a miracle.
I always wished to do something for my country and Guruji made this vision broader. I feel belongingness to every person I meet and wish to serve the humanity forever. It takes life time for people to understand but it takes a real master to make you experience the absolute truth of life, and I am thankful to Guruji for being one. I have understood that SPIRITUALITY IS NOT THE PART OF LIFE BUT SPIRITUALITY ITSELF IS THE LIFE. Thank you Gurudeva for plethora of love and care!!
Jai Gurudeva
Kapil Bhatia
It was about 10 years back that I did my first Art of Living Course. Meanwhile, I had been facing several problems in my personal life, especially on the health front, which was one of my main motives to do this course, which I had already heard so much praise about. No doubt, the course lived up to every bit of my expectations, and I had a truly wonderful experience, mainly while learning the ever so powerful technique called the Sudarshan Kriya!
Then suddenly one day, my health issue started resurfacing. My legs got almost frozen and I could barely manage to drag my feet. I was taken to the Doctor, as I had a history of nervous breakdowns. On completing the test procedures, I was diagnosed with Disc Prolapse at c5 c6. This news had taken me by complete shock, I was slowly slipping into depression, thinking about who would take care of my small little daughter. The only hope I had at that time was Grace. I quickly rang up my Art of Living teacher, and he gave me the number of the Bangalore Ashram. I then called in there but was informed that Gurudev was out of the country at the time. I felt miserable. I then explained my situation to the volunteer who had received my call. He advised me to do the Sudarshan Kriya while lying down itself (as I was totally bed ridden by that time). He also told me to pray to Gurudev for help. I did the same. I was still very scared of getting operated, but there was no other way out.
That night, in my dream, I saw Guruji. I saw Him lying down on a stretcher, with a bandage on His neck, and He was smiling. When I awoke, I was infused with unexplainable, magical confidence! I told my husband that I was ready for the operation. That dream was a Miracle. It gave me the belief that my Master is there with me, not just by my side, but in my place, on the stretcher, to take away all my fear and pain. Now, nothing could go wrong.
And my faith worked. The operation was successful. Everything went off very smoothly. I was back on my feet within 25 days. It was a big thing!
Though I was not in direct contact with Him, He was there inside me, every second. He bore all my pain, not letting it touch me. He was my shield through this rough sea of sorrow. I know it was HE who took away all my tension, all my pain and came inside me to bear it all.
Thank you for being my pillar of strength, Gurudev:)
JGD
Anju Sharma
I feel extremely blessed to get this opportunity to share with you all, a simply Divine encounter that I recently experienced. It brought me closer to my inner self, I realised how fortunate I am to have the presence of a living Master in my life!:) So loved and so blessed!!!
So here goes…
My husband and I visited the Bangalore Ashram recently. It was the most Divine trip, full of surprises from Guruji himself! He has touched our hearts in a deep way. He has given us so much love and affection, like that of a loving God. Now I am completely convinced that He understands each one of us. He is so simple, yet sensitive to situations around Him and acts just as an affectionate friend would.
Yesterday was our first meeting with Guruji. Brief as it was, I introduced myself and vocalised my desire to meet Him on the occasion of my 50th birthday.
I thought, that was it! Felt extremely happy to give Him the laddoos (sweets), and receive a lotus from Him. I was just so overjoyed!
After concluding this beautiful meet with the Master, we headed back home, and as we were walking back, suddenly, we find His messengers bringing a vehicle towards us, to take us to Guruji . They said, “Are you the one who came here to meet Guruji on your 50th birthday ? Guruji wants to meet you and your husband. Come on, get into the vehicle!”.
AND HERE WE ARE!!!!
Guruji made us cut a cake, presented a gorgeous Sari to me, and honoured Vishwas, my husband, with a silk Shalla! All this He did with warm hospitality and utmost gentleness, and used the most loving words.I was speechless, so loved and so blessed! That was the gesture of a true Guru. It’s a message to learn. Who else other than the Guru himself can deliver this!!!
With lots of Love & Gratitude
Kalpana Vishwas
This is Dipti Deshpande from Mumbai. I did the AOL course a few years back & I am a devotee since then. The course really changed my life, in fact I am alive only because of the Sudarshan Kriya & Guruji’s blessings.
I was a Chemical Engineering student. I have been able to complete my course, the tough course, only because of Guruji’s blessings. It took me a lot of time to complete the course though, as it is obviously not everyone’s cup of tea. You really have to struggle a lot. Many expert students have had a difficult time accomplishing this degree.
We all put in a lot of effort studying, doing all our project work & making presentations.I told my friend Divesh, to keep sending me blessings, as I knew the importance of the Masters’ Grace in one’s life, especially when you are faced with harsh situations.
Finally came the day of our exam. We all were nervous. When we got our question paper, we all got a shock of our lives. The paper was extremely difficult. There were questions which we had never thought of, even in our wildest dreams. Even the top rankers were very uncertain. But now we could do nothing about it, apart from facing it. For a few seconds, I just closed my eyes & prayed to Guruji to be with me through this crucial, testing period. I then wrote the paper. After the exam when we friends had a chat, everyone was saying that they had left out questions of nearly 25 – 30 marks. So when such toppers were in this plight, I was wondering what was going to happen about my fate.
Then 3 weeks later, came the day of the results. TIME FOR A BIG SHOCK. I had PASSED the exam very comfortably. Wow! I was so relieved. It was a very big thing for me. Some of my friends even failed. Also, soon after the results, I got a god placement with a good package. I was finally on my own feet. I felt proud of my efforts, I felt happy about my independence, I felt grateful to my Master. I am currently working in an academy as a Chemistry Teacher.
GURUJI HAS TAKEN UTMOST CARE OF ME. He helped me through the rough phase of exam preparations, I cleared my papers with His grace, and am now very happy with my job as well, it’s all His blessing. HE REALLY KNOWS IT ALL, WHAT WE WANT, WHAT WE NEED, EVERYTHING.
My only advise to everyone is that just have Faith and Surrender, and things will be JUST FINE:)!!!
JGD,
Dipti.
It’s Saturday night and I’m getting ready to see Sri Sri tomorrow. I just took a hot bath and I’m ready for bed when the phone rings. I assume it’s someone from Los Angeles wanting a ride up North to a course, or my daughter calling to make sure I’m still alive.
I answer the phone and someone on the other line says: “Dvorahji? Guruji wants to talk to you?” “Me???” I chirp. “Why would He want to talk to me?” Then I suddenly hear laughter: “Dvorah!! How are you?” It’s Guruji. I’m speechless but my “brain” kicks in. “Hi Guruji. You’re calling Me????”
“Dvorah, come, come to see me?” When are you coming?” “Guruji this is the first time you ever called me!” I stammer. “How are you Dvorah, how are you doing? “I’m great Guruji. You called me, of course I’m great!” “Well you better be” He chimes. “You don’t want to ruin my
reputation!” He laughs and I also hear people in the background, roaring with laughter.
“I’m coming tomorrow Guruji. I have a hotel, and my son’s paying for it. Well, He says: “If it doesn’t work out, we’ll take care you…” “OHHH Guruji, that’s so kind and sweet of you, but it’s ok, I have a hotel” “Ok, but remember, if it doesn’t work out, we’ll take care of you!”
“Ohh Guruji, you’re too much! This is too much!” I said
“If this is too much I better go now!” Guruji said
“NO NO- I CAN TAKE IT. Don’t go!” I’m gleefully pleading, but to no avail. “Jai guru dev” He sings – and He is gone!
I sit there in my nightgown BLOWN AWAY!!!.”BOY!!!!! He must’ve been bored if He called me!” I chuckle OR .maybe my time is up and He called to give me last rites! (my dark sense of humor kicks in). Wouldn’t that be awesome, I chuckle!! Jai Guru Dev and off to my Master’s LAND.
The morning seems perfect. I get in the car and I’m off to San Jose. It’s a long ride and of course I get lost. (I’m a dyslexic driver). I finally get to my hotel and hobble to the reception desk, where they ask me for my credit card to pay for the room up front. I explain that my son is going to pay for it and give them his phone number to call. Well GUESS WHAT???? They don’t take credit cards over the phone.
I am stuck. This is NOT working out and I’m actually thinking of just packing it up and going home! then I remember an inviting loving voice saying to me: “Dvorah, If it doesn’t work out, we’ll take care of you!”. Mind-boggling!! He knew. He knew all along it wouldn’t work out. I am blown away with wonder. How the did He know???? I then get in my car to try and find
the Hyatt where Sri Sri is staying. I finally find it after driving around in circles and pull into a parking space. How will I find Him, I wonder, It’s a huge hotel with 14 floors.
No sooner do I get out of the car, than I recognize someone walking by with his family: “I remember you, we were on a course together”. He nods: ‘Hi Dvorah. I remember you, I saw you on course having fun with Sri Sri.” I look at him thankfully: “Oh thank God I found you. Do you know where Guruji is?” He points a couple of yards away: “He’s right over there, giving Darshan.”
We walk in and there is Sri Sri no more than two feet in front of me. I smile like a crazy lady, I was so happy to see Him. He throws a bunch of petals and sings: “OH Dvorah, you’re here!” I’m still beaming like a crazy lady as Guruji takes my hand and asks: “Dvorah, you have a room?” I shake my head: “No Guruji”. He calls one of His helpers over and points at me: “Find Dvorah a
room”.I twirl right in front of Him, It’s all I could do to show my joy.
Guruji kept His promise. I followed his helper to my new hotel room. Where do you think the room was???? It was on the 14th floor, right next to His!! Can you believe that??? RIGHT NEXT TO HIM. It was so weird, I was beyond shocked. How is that possible? I mean really???? How is that possible?? I’m in a room RIGHT NEXT to the Guru. It’s Crazy!!!!!!
No sooner do I put my things away, then I’m called into Sri Sri’s greeting room. I walk in and all of a sudden we start having the most ridiculous, hilarious, outlandish conversation in front of an entire crowd of devotees and I AM STOKED. WHAT a trip!
This happens several days in a row, and by this time I’m so grateful, that I’m begging for Seva!!! (and if you know me – that’s a miracle!!) I start bringing ice water to devotees waiting to see Sri Sri in the lobby. I want to do more, but everything seems under control. I’m blessed for no reasonWHATSOEVER. JUST AS I AM.. And so are U! Yea! U!!!
You are always taken care of. I promise You. You ARE ALWAYS taken care of. The DIVINE takes care of you. PERIOD. Relax. Just relax and the most amazing things will happen when you least expect them. The DIVINE is your nature. The GURU is your nature!
JGD
Dvorah
My name is Gunjan Malhotra and I did my first AOL course in 2008.I would now like to share with you all, a realization, an experience, that took me miles ahead in achieving my all-time dream!
Initially, as a fresher into the AOL family, I was not particular about doing my Sudarshan Kriya. I was very laid back about it as back then and I did not feel it’s importance and would seldom do it.
By profession, I am a model. But three years back, I would not be able to say that. It all started in 2011, when I began my journey to stardom. I started going for audition after audition with the hope of getting the right break. At every audition, the story remained the same:better looking girls, stiffer competition-lesser motivation.
I had now reached a point in time, when I was 500 auditions old but success wise, I was still at zero. I had not managed to bag even one assignment. In spite of putting in all my efforts, the results only disheartened me. This was the bitter reality. I was a failure.
This never ending struggle gave rise to suicidal tendencies in me.
One night at a dinner party, with my friends, a great realization dawned upon me. As I saw all my friends indulging in drinks and non-vegetarian, I could not help but feel disgusted.
I was extremely glad that I could stay away from these vices. This was only possible because of the teachings of Art of Living that kept me centered. I felt just so blessed. The very next day, I started doing my Sudarshan Kriya, and I have not stopped doing it till date. It is like an addiction now, a capsule without which I cannot begin my day. I feel so fortunate to know this.
Simultaneously, the biggest miracle of my life occurred. I got the shocking opportunity of doing the OREO 2013 Advertisement, with Ranbir Kapoor (A famous and celebrated Indian actor). Unbelievable, isn’t it? The journey from nowhere to just there. This would not have been possible without the merits that came from the Sudarshan Kriya. I am so grateful to Gurudev for fulfilling my dreams and wishes, and giving me a new life.
My life is now on a blissful high. I’ve done advertisements for Coca Cola, Garnier shampoo, Fair and Lovely and Shoppers Stop. Working with these big names, was nothing short of a fairytale. I also recently bagged a small role in a Bollywood movie as well. All these happenings have only strengthened my faith in the divine. I still wonder sometimes, if all of this is reality or merely a dream? Thank You Gurudev, for helping me at every step.
Jai Gurudev
Gunjan Malhotra
Today 21 July 2014, is my birthday. On this day, in this very moment, after my morning sadhana, my heart is filled with total gratitude for all that I have been blessed with. With this gratitude, tears flowing from my eyes, I wish to share my story with my Guru.
Since a young age, I have always been drawn towards the Divine withvregular visits to our local Temple in the area. I recall spending lots of time praying very hard that I pass my university exams, find a good job and continue my work in the field of human rights, my life long passion. And with the grace of the Divine I was fortunate to have received a scholarship from the US government to further my law studies at a prestigious law school in Washington DC. On my return to South Africa, my wishes were further fulfilled, when I was offered employment by the first democratic government of South Africa as a Legislative Drafter in 1994.
In 2010, on my way back to Pretoria, having spent a long weekend in Durban with family, naturally one feels totally depressed to leave them behind and return to Pretoria where life can be very lonely. Holding back my tears and clutching at my heart, I asked Sanjiv, my husband, to please stop at the local bookstore. I wanted to get a few things for home. We stopped briefly, I jumped off, walked into the store, browsed a bit and stumbled upon something that would change my life forever! There was this book, with a beautiful picture of this person dressed in white, eyes smiling back at me. The title of the book was “Guru of Joy”. I immediately picked up the book from the shelf, did not even page through, walked to the counter to pay and marched off to the car, forgetting all else. As we began our six hour journey back home, I began my own journey with my Master. I read the entire book spell bound by the beauty and grace of the Master, the stories shared by devotees and disciples. I finished the book upon arrival at home and announced to my children and Sanjiv, I have to know more about Sri Sri, I have fallen deeply in love with Him, with the stories and the Grace expressed in this book. I had this sudden desperate feeling that I too wanted to experience the joy shared in this book.
I continued my search for Sri Sri through the internet. Being drawn to music, I bought the Sacred Chants of Shiva without knowing that it was actually an AOL CD. I had to know more, I was restless, and then came my first encounter with our local teacher Anand Makan. He shared with me about the Art of Living Foundation and embraced me with open arms, inviting me to Satsang. I attended taking along my sons and my niece and a friend too. I loved it. I knew then as I know now, that was to change everything for me for the better. I did my Part 1 course with Anand, Neeraj and Shamala, and by the end of the course I immediately felt a difference in my body.
Two months later, I proceeded to the Part 2 course and I firmly entrenched Guruji in my life and in my being. There was a remarkable improvement in my health.
I continue to work as a human rights advocate in the Department of Justice of South Africa, I rise every morning before dawn to do my daily sadhana, and I can say with confidence that I am more effective in my work and my family life.
Of course my next deepest wish was to meet my Master so I could share my joy and surrender all that I have and all that I am to Him. And that too was to be. I met Guruji in Bali in 2012, and by His Grace was given this opportunity to share my experience with Him personally, when He met all the delegations from across the globe . I finally got my chance to share with Him how the Kriya and the breathing has healed my body. Guruji, of course, as He always is with all His devotees, was thrilled to hear one more miraculous story of healing through His Grace.
Initially I had thought it was going to be impossible to come near Guruji as the group gets much bigger each year in Bali and everyone wants to be close to Him. After two days of desperately trying to come near Guruji, I declared my feelings to my sister- in law, that “I don’t think I want to go to Satsang tonight, I feel despondent having come so far and not being able to meet even the Master’s gaze”. Not hearing a word I had said, she insisted we get ready and take a walk along the beach. Sulking as I did, we dressed and walked over to the beach. As we sat around the benches outside the designated area for Satsang, there came Guruji. I called out to Him, “Guruji one picture please?” And my Master obliged☺
Today I walk the path with my Guru, hand in hand, firm in the knowledge that whenever I feel weak, I know that He is always there for me! I will forever remain in the service of my Master and the Art of Living Foundation as it is doing great and wonderful humanitarian work across the globe, changing peoples’ lives for the better, everyday!
Jai Gurudev
Always in your service, with much love and gratitude
Ooshara Sewpaul
Pretoria
South Africa
I was in dire need to do an Advance course but something or the other would keep coming up. I was praying to Gurudev for it and then Blessings came to me in many forms. I happened to get the opportunity, this Gurupoornima, in the form of Kamalashile Gurupoornima Special Advance course. Kamalashile is a tranquil, beautiful village with dense forests and amazing waterfalls located in Mangalore. Our course venue was Sri Brahmi Durga Parmeshwari temple on the banks of a beautiful river in Kamalashile. Eight days spent in those surroundings were the most blessed and serene days of my life as they were soaked silence, meditation, knowledge, seva, satsang, homas, poojas, tears of gratitude tasty food made with lots of love by the volunteers, amazing people, sound of the flowing rivers and rain that never stopped, Chaya Aana (our course teacher) and Gurudev (whose presence could be felt every second). As every drop of rain fell and mother earth received love, I went into a deeper state of meditation.
This was my fifth Advance course, but as always was a very different experience. For the first time I experienced the enormous depth of meditation and stillness (State of Samadhi) which was also filled with love and grace. Along with me, 150 other people experienced this Divinity. So far I have heard Guruji saying “Nature takes care of you, Divinity loves you”, and I believed in it, but with this Advance course I have experienced it!
There is a very special incident that happened during the time before our course started. I, along with some course participants and our Teacher Justin, went to visit a nearby waterfall. I was not aware that we had to climb up the waterfall while it was still raining, hence I carried my spectacles along. While climbing up the waterfall, my spectacles fell down all the way from the top. Then there was no way I could have got them back. Honestly, I didn’t bother much about as that moment was too beautiful and I was enjoying it thoroughly. So in seconds, I forgot about my lost specs. After we came down and were sitting at the bottom of the waterfall and chatting, Justin, who was sitting right across me suddenly put his hand in the water and to my pleasant surprise, my specs, were found with no scratch on them. I was amazed and in that quiet moment smilingly I said “See, when we let go and be in the present moment, HE takes care of everything”
It was absolute Guru Grace and a beautiful opportunity to experience knowledge.This Advance course has given me joy, energy, knowledge, miracles,blessings and love in abundance. I pray to Gurudev that we all should be blessed with the experience of this course. I am ever soo grateful to my Master. Gurudev says,“I will continue to care for you, watch over you and meet your needs,You only have to trust me”.
Jaigurudev
With lots of love
Ketki
In my unquenchable thirst for Knowledge, I decided to follow Sri Sri around for a while. I wanted to become whatever He was. I went wherever He went, laughed whenever He laughed, sat wherever He sat, and I just hung around Him. Maybe, I just might get IT! (Whatever “it” was.)
I followed Him to a retreat in Canada. It was beautiful, and about 200 people showed up. Some of the regular devotees had spent a lot of time with Him. I decided to be one of the in-crowd and began to follow Him around.
Wherever He ended up, I made it my business to be there. If He stuck His head out, even for an instant, I was there; smiling, making chit-chat and waving. When the evening meetings were held, I made sure I sat in the front row, so He would see me with all the others that longed to be just like Him.
One day, as I was waiting for Him to come out of His cottage, I felt an acute attack of boredom. Here I was, waiting to see one of the greatest sages I’d ever met, and I was just plain bored. “What am I doing?” I thought. “Haven’t I learned anything yet? My knowledge isn’t inside of Him.
It’s inside of me. If I want to gain love, it’s going to have to come from inside of me, not from following around the ‘form’ of love.” I felt a voice say, “The kingdom of heaven is within you. Look there.”
I quickly ran back to my cabin and sat down to meditate. When I finished, I naturally went into silence. I had talked quite a bit on this course. Now, it was time to listen.
When I went to the evening meeting, I moved my backrest to the back of the hall. “Let someone else enjoy sitting near Him”, I thought. I didn’t need the proximity anymore. After all, it was all inside of me.
During the evening, people began to sing Bhajans (devotional songs) and dance. I sat in silence, enjoying them quietly. As I looked around the room everyone seemed so unbearably beautiful, I could hardly breathe. A tender wave of compassion and love washed over me.
“Dear Lord,” I prayed, “I can’t stand the beauty and I can’t stand the pain. What am I going to do? It’s all so unendurable.” With that thought, tears of compassion, relieving my predicament, began to flow.
When I calmed down, I saw Sri Sri sitting in meditation. He looked so royal and elegant, I could barely endure His radiance. An image of the Divine.
After the meeting (it was more like a celebration), I felt empty. I didn’t know what to do. Usually I went back to His cottage, to see if He’d come out. Tonight it seemed foolish, so I went back to my cabin. After awhile, I realized I wasn’t tired and couldn’t fall asleep, so I decided to go for a walk in the direction of His cottage.
As I walked by, I saw a group of people sitting on a bench just outside His door. There was room for one more, so I sat down in silence. Someone noticed how quiet I was and asked incredulously, “Are you in silence?” I felt a little foolish since most of the time I can’t stop talking.
“Yes,” I nodded as they playfully continued to chide me. “Dvorah’s in silence.” They laughed. “This must be a special night.”
I closed my eyes and continued my silence. I felt very peaceful, not caring what happened. Suddenly the door opened. There was Sri Sri holding a box of sweets. “Prasad?” (a sweet offering), He asked. “Oh, yes,” everyone gleefully answered, “Yes.”
I opened my eyes just as He began putting sweets in everyone’s waiting hands. As He walked by, He would occasionally call people by name.
“Oh, my God,” I innocently thought. “He’s actually going to give me a sweet. How wonderful!”
I held my hands open, cupped near my forehead, and sat patiently. When He approached where I was sitting, He stopped. I heard someone on the sidelines jokingly say, “Dvorah’s in silence. She’s not talking today.”
His eyes opened in a feigned expression of surprise. “Really?” He asked curiously. “How amazing!”
I began to feel very light as He continued to stand there. I felt completely rested, waiting for my precious Prasad. Then, I heard the most endearing voice. It sounded like a bell praising my name, “D-vor-ah,” it lovingly sang. “A-dor-a-ble D-vor-ah.” I swooned in loving ecstasy, still conscious of His presence.
A piece of sweet halvah touched my palms, as I slowly slid from the bench, down on my knees. I instinctively lowered my head, touching His feet. The Divine had called my name.
Isn’t it amazing that when you stop searching, you have a chance to be found. The moral of this story is very simple. If you’re looking for God – Stop! Be still. Sit down on a bench, fully at rest, with open palms. Then listen. God will find you and, in adoration, praise your name
JGD
Dvorah
