Ever since I started practicing the techniques and knowledge of the Art of Living from 2024, Happiness Program, Dynamism for Self & Nation, Advanced Meditation Program and Sahaj Samadhi Meditation , all in succession with beautiful inspiration from my sister, I started experiencing a greater sense of inner peace and calmness. I also started attending weekly follow-ups and taking the Long Kriya more seriously.
The Art of Living’s (AOL) core principles are always close to my heart, as they help in making our lives more joyful, purposeful and meaningful. In fact, they teach us to make life itself a celebration.
The soulful bhajans always make me traverse into another world of harmony and bliss and help me connect to the Divine in a more profound manner. All this has made my connect with Gurudev to a deeper and more personal level. His vast knowledge, profound wisdom and His crystal-clear explanations on various aspects of life have always made me view life from a broader perspective.
My journey through life has not always been easy. I have congenital sensory neuropathy, which has led to frequent ulcerations and infections in my upper and lower limbs. Due to this, my left leg was amputated below the knee in 2012.
Yet, I continue to feel blessed for this second innings of my life, grateful for a loving family and a prosthetic leg that enabled me to continue my journey with hope and courage. Many a time, I felt deep in my heart, “When can I have the chance of meeting Him?” For my state of health, going all the way to the ashram in Bangalore is a tough one.
In May this year, a small infection with an abscess developed on my right toe. A course of antibiotics was advised for a week. However, after two days, I felt that the infection was concentrating at one place.
Drawing from my past experience, I felt that it might need to be drained through a small procedure so that it could subside. I decided to visit a doctor, silently making a wish while looking at Gurudev’s picture in my room that something decisive should happen.
Eventually, the doctor, who is both a family friend and an Art of Living teacher, expressed the same opinion and performed a small incision to drain the infection. Subsequently, the swelling and infection subsided with wound dressings and a further course of antibiotics.
In my heart, I felt deeply thankful to Gurudev for blessing me with a positive outcome. Little did I know that this experience would be followed by another unexpected and deeply cherished blessing, the opportunity to meet Him for the first time.
In August 2026, that unexpected meeting happened in the most unusual way, which left me in awe and in a pure trance of bliss. I came to know that Gurudev was attending a Satsang at Sun Ray Resorts consequent upon His visit to Bhogapuram International Airport.
So, my heart suddenly sensed a chance. When I enquired with the local Art of Living personnel, I came to know that the meet was for limited people only, though they told me it would be tried, but it couldn’t be guaranteed.
On that night, I felt sad. The only thing I could do was silently make a wish, staring at His picture in my room.
To my amazement, the next morning, a madam from Art of Living who was finalising the list called and said that I would be given special entry. Really, my eyes were filled with tears of happiness. I just couldn’t wait for that ultimate moment.
That D-day came, 16th of August, on Sunday evening. I went to the resort so excited. Being a special invitee, I was made to sit in a separate room where other such invitees had also come.
Meanwhile, the main program and Satsang started in a nearby room. I could just hear the blissful bhajans being sung. For a moment, I felt like I was missing seeing them, but I stayed in the room as Gurudev would be visiting us first before attending the program.
Meanwhile, I engaged in some meaningful conversation with one of my friends who had joined there.
Finally, that blissful moment arrived. Amidst holy chants, Gurudev entered the room slowly with His enchanting smile. The whole room was filled with divine grace. He personally visited each and every one, walking all along the room.
I felt immensely blessed to have the opportunity to bow to Him and take His blessings. When one among the Art of Living team introduced me along with others, He wrapped a shawl around me. It was a pure moment of grace, leaving me in a pure trance of bliss.
After that, Gurudev joined the main program. He was welcomed with a beautiful bhajan and an offering of diyas by the people gathered. He addressed everyone in His usual warm and affectionate manner. He shared some excerpts on knowledge and wisdom and conducted a small meditation session.
Then again, He went all around the room, greeting everyone before finally taking leave. After that, I also had the blessed opportunity to have dinner as the prasadam.
Getting that much-anticipated moment of meeting Gurudev in such an unexpected, blissful and blessed manner was truly magical. The positive vibes and divine echo I felt deep within will remain etched in my heart for a lifetime
– Sunil Kumar Magatapalli
