It was December 2009. I had been associated with The Art of Living for about four years and was eagerly looking forward to attending an Advanced Meditation Program in the presence of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji in Rishikesh. Anyone who has attended a program there knows how peaceful and uplifting the atmosphere is. Being in Gurudev’s presence makes the experience even more special.
I had registered for the last of the four course batches, scheduled for February 2010. Filled with excitement, I reached Rishikesh a day before the course began. While early arrival was necessary to complete the registration and accommodation formalities, I also hoped to receive Gurudev’s blessings through a darshan before the course started.
That day, I learned that Gurudev was occupied with meetings in the city. By the time I completed my registration, attended the evening satsang, and had dinner, it was already around 10:00 p.m. I still felt hopeful and walked to His kutir, wishing to catch even a brief glimpse of Him.
When I reached there, I asked one of the volunteers whether Gurudev was still meeting devotees. Like the many others waiting outside, I was informed that He was meeting only those who had prior appointments. Since it was already late, there was little possibility of a darshan that night. The volunteer suggested that I meet Him during the course the following day.
I explained that I had travelled from Mumbai and was a Part 1 (Happiness Program) teacher, hoping he might allow me inside. However, he was simply carrying out his responsibility and politely declined. Though I understood his position, I felt disappointed.
I walked to the promenade along the banks of the Ganga, from where I could see Gurudev on the balcony, meeting visitors. Quietly, I prayed within. My heart asked, “What would it take for me to see You tonight? Why does it feel so difficult to reach You, my Master?”
For nearly 45 minutes, I stood there, looking towards Him with faith. As it grew closer to 11:00 p.m., I called my mother to let her know that I had not been able to meet Him and slowly began walking back to my room.
As I passed the kutir, something unexpected happened. The same volunteer opened the gate and invited everyone who had been waiting to come inside. He said that Gurudev had instructed that all those waiting for darshan be allowed in.
I was filled with gratitude. I entered the kutir and quietly sat in one corner of the hall. There were only five of us waiting to meet Him, a family of four and me. When Gurudev entered the room, He looked at me, smiled warmly, and immediately put me at ease. After meeting the family, He looked at me again and gestured for me to come closer. I moved towards Him on my knees and sat before Him.
With great warmth, He asked, “Tera naam kya hai?” (What is your name?)
“Ameya,” I replied.
He then asked, “Tu kya karta hai?” (What do you do?)
I answered, “Main Part 1 teacher hoon. HSBC mein kaam karta hoon aur jahan bhi satsang ke liye bulaya jata hai, wahan seva karta hoon.” (I am a Part 1 teacher. I work at HSBC, and wherever I am invited for satsang, I offer seva.)
He smiled.
Gathering the courage to express what had been in my heart all evening, I said, “Gurudev, aapse milne ke liye itni permissions kyun leni padti hain? Mujhe aapka direct access chahiye.” (Why do we need so many permissions to meet You? I want direct access to You.)
He smiled with immense affection and replied, “Haan, haan. Tumhe hamara access hai na. Tum kabhi bhi aao. Tumhe koi nahin rokega. Main tumhe apne saath tour par le jaunga. Tum Jaina se secretariat mein baat kar lena.” (Yes, of course. You have My access. Come whenever you wish. No one will stop you. I will take you with Me on tour. Speak to Jaina in the secretariat.”)
Then He embraced me.
In that moment, I felt deeply blessed. I had come hoping only for a glimpse of Him, but instead I experienced His warmth, His reassurance, and His grace in a way I had never imagined.
Looking back, I realise that while we often make our own plans, the Divine has a far greater plan waiting to unfold. What I had hoped for that evening was a brief darshan. What I received was far more than I could have asked for.
This experience strengthened my faith that Gurudev love and compassion are available to everyone, irrespective of background, position, or status. His grace does not depend on who we are or where we come from. All it asks of us is faith, devotion, patience, and surrender.
Whenever I reflect on that evening in Rishikesh, I am reminded that He knows what is in our hearts, even before we express it. His grace reaches us in ways we cannot anticipate, often when we least expect it.
Jai Gurudev.
— Ameya
