Walking with Gurudev

Once in June 2014, as I walked from my room to the amphitheater for the evening Satang at the Art of Living Bangalore ashram, I stopped on the way as I noticed Gurudev’s car parked outside a hall which was under construction. Two people were waiting for him outside. I peeped in to take a look, there he was, small in height as compared to the tall men he was surrounded with, but towering above them all in demeanor. After a rather unhappy and emotionally turbulent day, I did not feel like going for Satsang. I just wanted to hide in my room and not bother anyone with the sadness and pain that I felt. But here I was, waiting for my Gurudev outside that hall. He was giving instructions for further construction of the hall. As he came out, a smile automatically came to my face and with folded hands, I just stood there looking at him. Once he was done with the inspection, he suddenly looked in my direction and gave a sweet smile and waved at me. I couldn’t utter a word. I continued to smile and stare at him. Then I thought he would just sit in his car and go for Satsang, as he usually does. He never ever walks down from that place to the amphitheater, due to the massive crowds that line up to greet him. But that day he decided to walk! “Ready for the chaos?” said my Master, turning around and laughing lovingly at us.

He’s never been afraid for himself, for his own security. He just walks on with confidence! By that time, I was grinning and I was walking right behind him, following his footsteps to wherever he walked. There were only seven of us, so this could happen easily. After a point, I realized that I had come to walk right next to him. He was saying something to someone, but I never heard the words. I just looked at him silently. I felt that words were not needed at that moment. I was overwhelmed that Gurudev and I were walking together. He was walking down to the amphitheater silently, when some devotees turned around and finally took notice of his presence. “Oye!” one devotee exclaimed. Many others turned around to see, equally surprised at seeing Gurudev walking down towards them. All of us walking with Gurudev burst out laughing at that devotee’s exclamation. Gurudev too, laughed along and gave the widest and most innocent grin. My gaze was fixed on him and I helped set aside the huge crowd that clamored around him. Being rather tiny and petite, I was lost amidst the crowd as Gurudev walked on. I didn’t struggle to go forward and meddle in the crowd. I was content. My heart was so full of love, as I watched Gurudev walk to his seat, smiling as ever. I can’t recall what bhajan played that moment to greet him for Satsang, but I can recall how good it made me feel. Then it struck me – HE KNOWS EVERYTHING! He knew that I would have pined in my loneliness, so he came to my rescue! The Divine worked in such mysterious ways. This was so much more than just a few beautiful moments spent with my Lord, it was a beautiful realization. His love was an instant healing balm on my self-inflicted wounds. As I sat down with the realization that I was being taken care of at all times, I felt tears of gratitude trickle down my face.

This was Gurudev’s way of showing his love for me. When I had no expectations, he had given me the sweetest surprise. I felt so lucky to have him in my life and valued it beyond comprehension – Aashna