The Ultimate Bliss

Mrs. Prabha

It was in September 2002 that I first met Swamiji. I was invited along with my friends to attend a programme on meditation and healing to be conducted by a young Swamiji. It was to be held at my dear friend's place. Being very skeptical about saffronclad men, my initial reaction was not to go. But existence had a different game plan for me. My friend's insistence and a strange curiosity to meet this young healer altered my decision. In hindsight I firmly believe that it was God's will.

On the given date, as I made my way to my friend's place there were still some doubts lurking in my mind. I started questioning my decision to go. What if the program turned out to be a bore? Will the Swamiji be intimidating and shooting out some sermons? Will he be pompous and fanatical. These fears had always kept me away from saffron clad gurus. But deep inside, I felt a strong urge to go ahead. I had an intution that there was something exciting in the offing for me. How right my intuition was! The program turned be an eye open and the young Swamiji a revelation.

We were all seated in the hall awaiting his arrival. There were quite a number of healers amongst the group. Though I was very much interested in holistic healing, I never went beyond taking the first degree in Reiki. I saw a lot of reverence on many faces and felt maybe I was out of place, but, one look at my close friend, reassured me that I was not the only one. I started relaxing. Our group also decided to leave during lunch breaking if the program was not to our liking. But, it was not to be that way, God had ordained a different experience for me.

In walked our Swamiji, radiating supreme confidence and youthful exuberance. He was so fleetfooted that we hardly heard him. There was no fuss or pomp. Immediately, I felt more relaxed. He was a tall lithe young mand with very expressive eyes and a sunny smile. He was looking ridiculously young. Young enough to be my son. All my inherent images of a 'Swamiji' changed dramatically. Here was a Swamiji so young, cool and without any 'airs'. There was an instant vibe atleast from my side. I was eagerly waiting in anticipation for him to speak, I sensed that it would be interesting, I was mistaken, Swamiji's lecture was not only very interesting but very revolutionary. His views on healing was thought provoking. His profound knowledge, wit and humour made me sit up. He talked on various other subjects with great authority and understanding. The little stories (mostly from zen) which laced his speech were so meaningful and apt. On the whole he came acrossas a very honest, practical person with loads of knowledge and understanding. His humour kept me in splits. His sincerity touched me. I concluded that this Swamiji belonged to Jet age and not the bullock cart age.

After the lecture was over, some of us went to him and grilled him further. He answered each one of our queries (some of them even personal) without any hesitation. There was no tracing anger or irritation. There was only a wide smile on his face. I went home a very happy and satisfied person. I gave a pat on my back for taking the right decision - to attend the meeting.

I am part of a small group of ladies who meet every

month at my place. We meet to exchange views on various religious, customs, spirituality, etc. When we invited Swamiji to attend our next meeting, he readily agreed. He enthralled the entire group with his views on women's role in society and the key role they have to play for world harmony. His concern for us really moved me. Here was someone who was openly declaring that women should boldly shrugs off the years of conditioning thrust on them by the partriachal society. His statement that flowering or emergence of Shakti was the only remedy for the chaos in the world, was greeted with resounding applause. It was not put on to please the gathering but, it came from his heart. His understanding of women's problems echoed my thoughts. He did'nt stop with condemnation of the patriorchal society but gave clear solutions for us to bloom into flowers and be of immense value to the family and society. He did not advocate militant feminism but wanted the creativity in us to bloom.

My association with Swamiji and his movement grew by leaps and bounds in the next few months. I next attented his Ananda Spurana program an inhouse meditation program. The two days went off in a jiffy. Swamiji's explanation of the various chakras were so simple and interesting. His meditation techniques from various religions were enjoyable. His eclectic approach further increased my respect for him. I have attended this camp five times, but everytime I see a new dimension emerging out of my experiences. It has clearly taught me how to make my life more meaningful and joyous. I had so many of my longstanding doubts cleared. My health which had taken a beating in the last few years improved tremendously. There was this newfound joy and energy.

Some of us have the privilege of spending few hours with Swamiji almost on a regular basis. He discussed various subjects with us. He is always very forthright and honest. There is no distance between us. He is a close friend with whom you can take any liberty. I am not in awe of him. Many times I have some question to ask him but even before I could do so I get the answers from him. When I am with him there is no time for mundane thoughts. I am just engulfed with joy and bliss. There is no past or future. I just cherish every moment with him.

Swamiji in the course of time made me a healer. It was a great honour, I am blessed. I go regularly to the centre for healing. Patients with even incurable diseases are getting relief. The crowd is ever increasing. The prospect of his vision reaching millions all over the world and that I have been blessed to be a part of this great movement, is exhilarating.

Swamiji's handling of the innumerable patients is to be seen to be believed. The moment he is with the patient, his body language is transformed. He is an epitome of love and compassion. He is so soothing and reassuring. I carry this picture always in my heart. It touches me most.

Not a day passes without my awareness of Swamiji's grace and blessing that permeates throughout our lives. Quite recently, while Swamiji was abroad, I went through some upheavals at home and there was sadness, anxiety and a lot of pain. I felt utterly helpless a few moments but I surrendered my anxiety at Swamiji's feet and mentally concentrated on reaching out for his help, even though he was across the seas. On the day when there was an emergency situation, I was stepping out of the house when suddenly I felt Swamiji's presence and looking up, I saw him standing there with the usual reassuring gesture of his hand held in blessing. I was astounded and froze for a moment, since, I knew that Swamiji was abroad and wondered how he could come back so fast!

I have heard about the different energy fields or planes of existence and that consciousness can function in many forms outside of the physical body. Many yogis have been known to travel in space and time and bilocate themselves in different places within a short span of time - all through their levels of consciousness and activating fields. Swamiji has also talked to us about etheric body and astral body and how his presence can be invoked at times of need by all his disciples. Science is yet to formulate its understanding of this phenomenon, but that does not undermine the truth of what we see and what we feel. It was Swamiji's energy field that he transmitted to me on those moments of need and his reassuring presence was by my side every moment of those agonising hours at the hospital.

I was so stunned by the incident and later on when Swamiji returned from his trip, I recounted this miraculous appearance. Swamiji went on to explain the simple facts of energy fields and etheric body and mentioned also that at that particular point of time when I had seen him, he was miles away in a chosen spot on San Diego beach in a Samadhi state of deep meditation. But he is with us in times of need, wherever that may be.

Not only was the miracle explained, but I had received a blessing and reaffirmation of my total faith in his grace. His views on some our customs and rituals were an eye opener to me. Though I was never a religious or ritualistic person, there was some confusion and fear in my mind. His explanation gave me clarity on these subjects. I have been interested in philosophy and mysticism right from young age. There has always been a thirst to know more about life and after. This search had become stronger in the last few years. The search is over. I have found my Guru. I am entrusting on his young shoulders, the responsibility to guide me to my destination - 'The Ultimate Bliss'.