The Way To Bliss

Prema Sastri

When a friend invited me to the inauguration of a healing centre in her house, I went out only of politeness. I knew little of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM and expected only the usual string of platitudes. To my surprise the young Swami had great vigour and clarity. Here was a person who had obviously experienced the truth. He dealt with questions expertly saying, 'Teachers are there to answer your questions, but the master is there to question your answers". He went on to speak of the gap an average person feels between his real life and his imaginary life. The words struck me as describing the basic cause of misery in human existence.

I was interested enough to join the ASP course. The beautiful campus with its charming cottages, the meditation hall, unique landscaping and interior decoration set the mood.

As soon as Swamiji entered and started the programme

we could see we were dealing with a warm hearted human being. As the course progressed we realized we were in the presence of an enlightened master.

Swamiji discussed the role played by the seven chakras in a person's mental and physical well being. He illustrated his discourse with appropriate stories. For cleansing each chakra he made us do various workouts, often blindfolded. As a result we found we had moved far from our original starting point. As Swamiji, humorously remarked, "Spiritual life not only transforms - it transports". The first evening was spent in a party spirit, with games and skits, and Swamiji actively participating. Humour and fun, says Swamiji, are an essential part of spiritual life. The second day, the Energy Darshan was awe inspiring. During the two days of ASP we lived in another world.

As a follow-up of ASP there was a visit to Bidadi. The calm surroundings and the presence of Swamiji gave us a divine experience. Aside from physical healing, most of us need spiritual transformation. We are fortunate to have in our midst a Swamiji who can help us to rid ourselves of pain, and enter into the kingdom of bliss.