Mala Sridhar

It was a warm afternoon on the 30th of May 2003, I set out to Yercaud with a group of people whom I had met barely for a few minutes the previous evening. Strange though it may sound, the moment I entered the vehicle in which Swamiji was travelling, I felt at home, at ease, as if I was part of the family. Something inside told me - you are in safe hands!

I had the initial glimpse of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM on 29th May when I went to the city center at Bangalore. My first impressions were, that here is an honest man who is doing well for humanity. It was only later as time rolled by that I saw the multi-dimensional persona of this beautiful being.

On 31st May, a medley crowd gathered at the House of Peace, Yercaud, each with an expectant look on the face and eager heart. Swamiji graced the Hall and there began a journey for each of us. His classic opening sentence - "Leave your footwear and ego outside" was enough to leave me spellbound. It created such a wonderful sense of oneness, we all merged into the Mahamantra meditation as one entity.

To say that Swamiji is an excellent orator would be an

understatement. His deep voice, interesting anecdotes, stories and jokes struck a chord in every heart. So young, yet so full of knowledge - I could see his universal appeal.

Through each meditation, so deftly woven, I was taken through waves, through torrents, through silent downpours of emotions to experience at the end of each an inexplicable sense of peace. The incessant chatter of the mind gave way to an incredible calm.

I could see as time ticked by, in Him, a gamut of personalities - Godlike to some, father to some others, brother, friend... childlike... and I felt I could just sit in his radiant presence - forever... the energy he exudes has to be experienced to be believed!

Of all the meditation techniques he shared with us, the one that touched me most deeply was that taken from - Sufism, to live with an attitude of gratitude. Thank you Swamiji, for sharing your knowledge, for your compassion, for just saying - I'm always there should you need me... you have touched me profoundly...

Like a divine soul you danced, You let your garland fly, That which flew into my heart, The flowers will dry up with time, But the song in my heart will remain... till eternity.