1. Swamiji As We Know Him

THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM embarked upon his spiritual journey at a very young age. He traversed the length and breadth of Bharat on foot, studying with great masters in Bharat and Nepal and practising intense tapasya with extraordinary vigour. He experienced the final flowering of consciousness on 1st January, 2000, when he entered into the state of ultimate bliss - Nithya Ananda.

With a pragmatic yet compassionate approach to life and spirituality, and an enlightened insight into the core of human nature, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM has reached out to touch millions of hearts across the world.

THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's mission is simple - to awaken the divinity that lies latent in man. To this end, he inaugurated the worldwide movement for meditation - Dhyanapeetam - on 1st January, 2003. With its spiritual nervecentre in Bidadi (near Bangalore in Bharat) and over 300 centres around the world, Dhyanapeetam works towards the

transformation of humanity through the inner transformation of the individual. THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's divine healing powers and simple, practical meditation techniques help you blossom in every sphere of life - be it physical, emotional, intellectual or spiritual.

Disciples' and devotees' earliest experiences with THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM

"The first day I saw him... I realized how destiny could make its way, and change lives in minutes!" - Prashanthi

Ma Ananda Bandhu [Prabha]

It was in September 2002 that I first met THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM. I was invited along with my friends to attend a programme on meditation and healing to be conducted by a young THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM. It was to be held at my dear friend's place. Being very skeptical about saffron-clad 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.) At first I thought, what if the program turned out to be a bore? Will the THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM 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 intuition that there was something exciting in the offing for me. How right my intuition was! The program turned out to be an eye-opener, and the young THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM 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 break 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 THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, 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 man 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 'THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM' changed dramatically. Here was a THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM so young, cool and without any 'airs'. There was an instant vibe, at least from my side. I was eagerly waiting in anticipation for him to speak; I sensed that it would be interesting. I was mistaken - THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's lecture was not only very interesting but very revolutionary. His views on healing were thought-provoking. His profound knowledge, wit and humour made me sit up. He talked on various subjects with great authority and understanding. The 'small stories' (mostly from Zen) which laced his speech were so meaningful and apt. On the whole he came across as 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 THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM 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 (many of them personal) without any hesitation. There was no trace of anger or irritation. There was only a broad smile on his face. I went home a very happy and satisfied person. I gave myself a pat on the 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 THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM 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 shrug off the years of conditioning thrust upon them by partriarchal 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 came from his heart. His understanding of women's problems echoed my thoughts. He didn't stop with just condemning patriarchal society, but gave clear solutions for us to bloom, 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 THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM and his movement grew by leaps and bounds in the next few months. I next attended his Ananda Spurana program. The two days went off in a jiffy. THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's explanation of the various chakras was 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 so many times, but every time 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 a few hours with THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM almost on a regular basis. He discusses 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 a question for him, but even before I ask, 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.

In the course of time, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM 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.

THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM'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 THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's grace and blessing that permeates our lives. Quite recently, while THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM was abroad, I went through some upheavals at home and there was sadness, anxiety and a lot of pain. I felt utterly helpless for a few moments but I surrendered my anxiety at THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM'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 THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM'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 THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM was abroad, and wondered how he could have 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. THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM 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 THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's energy field that he transmitted to me in those moments of need, and his reassuring presence was by my side every moment of those agonizing hours at the hospital.

I was so stunned by the incident that later on, when THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM returned from his trip, I recounted this miraculous appearance to him. THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM 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 he 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 of 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 a 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 upon his young shoulders, the responsibility of guiding me to my destination - 'The Ultimate Bliss'.

The miracles continue...

Of late, I had been hoping and praying for a contemporary guru, who would be young, energetic and enthusiastic, with a modern outlook and one who is easily approachable, where you are not treated as one among the crowd but ONE in the crowd, who can provide me with health insurance, life insurance, spiritual insurance and death insurance (not in the literal sense). I prayed for a young Guru so that we can see him in close proximity, talk to him, grow with him, grow fond of him - and then it would be easier to worship him after intimate interactions with him - because 'seeing is believing', rather than reading books or hearing through someone else. As God willed it this way, He bestowed upon us his choicest blessings, by directing us to the lotus feet of SRI THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM - a guru custommade for us! This is how His game started - as far as we are concerned!

A fairly new acquaintance, a couple whom we had met just the previous week gave us a call and said they would drop by for a short visit. At that time, we were in the process of organizing ourselves and the home to receive my daughter with her 1-year-old baby from the USA. In the course of our conversation, I mentioned to the couple that these days my joints really remind me that I am an old grandma! As though somebody had sent him for this specific purpose, the gentleman took out a colourful brochure of SRI THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, with a compassionate smile and his hand held in blessing, and said, "Go see him today, all your pains will vanish!"

Naturally, I was eager. I looked at my husband - and there was this silent yes writ large on his face. The next thing we knew, we were driving towards the Dhyanapeetam City Center like two robots. It all happened before we could figure out what was really happening. Just as we entered, we were unexpectedly (and very warmly) greeted by our old friend Mr Palaniappan - and the next minute we were there, standing before Swamiji, being introduced by Mr Palaniappan!

There is this young Swamiji, sitting there with astounding radiance, a broad smile on his face, radiating motherly love and enquiring about our welfare. Then Swamiji gave his first healing to me. When he placed his hand on my head, I could feel a gush of energy passing through me in a very soothing way.

Swamiji said, "Take the healing for 10 to 15 days ma, it'll vanish completely."

The whole thing happened like a dream.

We drove back home cheerfully. I kept wondering whether I would really feel better. For the next three days we went back for healing. With each interaction it became clear that Swamiji is the very embodiment of love and the epitome of compassion. With this divine grace that I received, the pain practically vanished and I could handle the additional activities with my granddaughter around, and enjoy her precious company. I know I owed it all to Swamiji.

Then another incident happened.

A few days before my daughter was to return to the USA, her baby fell terribly sick with gastroenteritis. Within 5 hours, she went into dehydration, in spite of all the medicines being administered. My husband, being a doctor, decided to start her on the drip. After 5 days, despite a paediatrician's care, the motions were still continuing and the baby's tender arm was swollen from the drip needle. The little one refused to enter the room where she could see the I.V. bottle waiting. The agony of the child, her feeble voice, sunken eyes and helpless gaze tormented all of us. We were all in this morose mood at home.

It was at this crucial time that I said to my daughter, "Let's take the little one to Swamiji".

She asked, "Now which Swamiji?"(She knew I had seen many Swamijis in my lifetime!)

I explained to her about Swamiji and my miraculous cure from backache and joint pains.

My daughter and I are very fond of each other and we communicate very freely and frankly. She said, "Mom, that was a different affair, besides you have been exercising, so you have found some relief. What can any Swamiji do about the severe gastroenteritis of a little baby, when trusted medicines are hardly working? Besides, you shouldn't be trusting these people in saffron robes - especially when you say he is very young. No mom, please! You are really gullible, but I'm definitely not going to fall for this!"

I could sense her skepticism, but my conviction was too strong.

I said, "I'm going to Bidadi to see Swamiij and I'm taking the baby with me."

She exploded.

"How will you take her alone? How can you drive with the sick little one by your side? And who will change her and feed her? No mom, don't subject her to the additional strain of a 70 km journey and a long wait in the queue there. Be rational mom, he is just a young Swamiji with hardly any experience. You told me yourself that he has had realization very recently. Let him get a little older, then we shall see.

I said, "I am going with the baby to Bidadi ashram, whether anybody goes with me or not!"

In my heart, I knew that she would yield. Having no choice, she very reluctantly agreed to accompany me, just out of love and respect for me. My daughter, usually a chatterbox, never uttered a single word throughout that drive. According to her, she was an obedient daughter putting up with her mom's frenzies.

When we arrived at the ashram, Swamiji saw the baby almost immediately. He touched the baby on the belly once, gave my daughter some vibhūti (sacred ash) and her to apply the vibhūti mixed with water on the baby's belly. To my surprise, my daughter looked at Swamiji in awe, then smiled and bent down to touch his feet and take his blessings!

While returning, she told me, "Maybe there is something in him - but he is too young! As young as my brother. What kind of experience can he have? I am at least a mother, I have gone through the different phases of life… Anyway, just for you, I shall apply the vibhūti ONCE - mind you, JUST ONCE, because vibhūti will make baby's tender skin too dry."

At 3:30 pm, she applied the vibhuti for the first time and till 8:30 p.m., there was no problem! At 10:00 p.m., the baby had her first normal bowel movement in days. My daughter rushed to me, saying, "Mom, please take me back to Swamiji, I have to fall at his feet and express my gratitude!"

The next day, there we were, driving back to Bidadi. We hardly noticed the distance or the time as my newly converted daughter kept shooting questions at me about Swamiji, and I of course enjoyed answering them all triumphantly. At the ashram, just as we were entering Ananda Sabha (the meditation hall), Swamiji spotted us.

"How is the baby, ma?", he smiled.

We both answered together, "Thanks to you Swamiji, she is fine!"

Swamiji, in his typical loving way replied, "Divine grace has descended, ma. Don't worry, she will be fine."

This was a turning point in my daughter's life. A complete non-believer, she has become a staunch believer now. Whenever she has any problem, she gets in touch with Swamiji and he takes care of her.

And this is not just once, but all the time! Once it so happened that she was in a predicament, a situation which required immediate decision-making. In an agitated state of mind, she had sent an email to Swamiji, but as he was traveling, he could not respond immediately. She called me on the phone for guidance. We both decided to trust in prayer.

Surely enough, kind as he is, Swamiji appeared to me in my meditation, and at the same time appeared to my daughter in her dream, and solved our problem! Overjoyed at her dream, my daughter called me as soon as she awoke, and said, "Mom, Swamiji gave the answer in my dream!"

On my part, I confirmed that at the same time I had also had a beautiful darśan (vision) of Swamiji with a loving smile and his hand held in blessing.

Now we know, When we trust him, he takes the responsibility of taking care of us. He is the doer and he is the giver.

I started developing unflinching faith in Swamiji after doing the A.S.P, which happened within a fortnight after I first met him. Besides removing the negativity at the subconscious levels, he puts us on the right track with his special meditation techniques.

When I asked him, hesitatingly, if I could continue to follow some techniques that I was taught by my previous guru, Swamiji smilingly assured me, "You can surely continue your earlier spiritual practices ma. The only important thing is to remain blissful!"

He always says that we should be grateful to every guru who has come into our lives, and reap the best benefits from each. "Go to every garden, pick the best flowers, and make a beautiful garland for yourself!", he says. I think it is this liberal view of Swamiji that stirred in me such implicit faith, immense regard and unconditional love and devotion towards him.

I hope lots and lots of people get the privilege of having a holy dip in this "Ocean of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM Nectar", and enjoy his love and blessings. I am now beginning to realize that till now I haven't acknowledged and appreciated God for his generous showering of love, but only kept reminding him of the desires that He has kept unfulfilled. Thanks to Swamiji, I am cheerful and grateful - for I know that he will stand by me and guide me all through my life.

He answered the questions I couldn't ask!

Mrs. Asha

Do not believe in a thing because you have read about it in a book.

Do not believe in a thing because another man has said it was true.

Do not believe in a thing because it is hallowed by tradition.

Find out the truth for yourself, reason it out. That is realization.

So said Swami Vivekananda.

I heard about Swamiji from my very dear friend Prabha with whom I have been close right from childhood. I have always looked to her for learning life's lessons and to help anchor my very unsettled existence. When she told me about her Swamiji I was very keen to meet him, as I have always relied on her advice and choices.

Being in Chennai, living like a kūpa maṇḍūka (frog-in-the-well) tied up with home problems, I seldom get a chance to encounter people that I would love to meet and listen to. But once when I went to Bangalore, I had a chance to meet Swamiji.

When I first met him, I felt that he was too young to wear the saffron mantle of a Swamiji - which is usually worn with grey hair, a flowing beard and ageless wisdom...

As it was the time of Swamiji's birthday celebrations at the ashram in Bidadi, I spent a lot of time there with Prabha and other friends. This gave me the opportunity to be in Swamiji's presence many times. Since I have always been the type to hold back and be reserved, I guess I missed so many chances to speak my thoughts to Swamiji, although I was eager to do so. There was so much to ask him, personal anxieties to express and objective suggestions to obtain, but I found that I could not bring myself to actually talk. Instead, I chose to just watch and listen to him.

They do say that 'the harvest of a quiet eye is the best harvest of all'. And indeed, as I listened to Swamiji and as we accompanied him when he went to meet the people who thronged to touch his feet and be healed, I felt that I was in the presence of greatness, a phenomenon that could not be measured in words or images. There was something which reached the very core of our heart and soul, the sheer magnanimity of his vision, his grace and compassion.

His talks and discourses are so full of clarity. As we sat among the crowd asking unspoken questions, I found he gives you answers unasked. That is the sheer magic of his communication!

Tryst with Spirituality

Jagani Jagadish

The year 2002 will remain always marked in my memory as 'The Year of Spiritual Awakening'. Things were going haywire both in my personal and professional life. I could easily say that both were in shambles. I lost my job, quite suddenly, and for what was really unreasonable, in the 2nd quarter of 2002. My husband was also out of a job at that time, and was awaiting his next job which never seemed to materialize. Tension was eating the two of us, and coupled with this was an atmosphere of constant bickering and discontentment in the house.

After losing my job and being out of the ratrace for a while, I began to think - what was my life all about? A discontentment was brewing deep in the recesses of my heart. A deep-rooted, distinct feeling that a vital link was missing. A null, a vacuum, a void in my being. Of course, now, even knowing what it was, I was nowhere close to solving the gnawing problem. Was it a good job or jewels or a beautiful home? No. Increase in salary? No, that was not it. I knew I was seeking something, but frustratingly I couldn't put my finger exactly on what it was. I only prayed to Shridi Sai Baba to help me in this quest.

Sometime during all these disturbances in my life, I heard a distinct voice in my mind commanding me to go to Shridi. Now that was too far-fetched an idea for me. On the one hand I had lost my job and was barely making ends meet. On the other hand, who would accompany me to Shridi, which was a long journey from Bangalore? I shelved the idea for a later time and busied myself searching for a new job to relieve me from the immediate problem at hand. But Sai Baba willed otherwise. Around Oct 2002, the money for the trip to Shridi virtually fell into my lap, and the people to accompany me to this place were miraculously arranged. We arranged this trip at the last moment when no train reservations were available, and we were 130 on the waiting list. It seemed hopeless to expect to go. Then I heard of a package tour to Shridi being conducted. But even here we were on the waiting list. Again, wondrously, at the last moment, ten people with both reservations fell out of the package trip and our seats were arranged, all this just three hours before departure from the city railway station to this holy place.

When the master calls, the common mortals have to heed the call. The Samadhi Mandir at Shridi was like a balm to my tired, agitated mind. The waves of peace which emanated from the idol of Sai Baba filled my heart with peace and calm. I cried out to my saviour with all my heart to help me find bliss in my life. Could it be that my outpouring was heard by Sai Baba, and he directed me to my living guru Swami Nithyananda? Soon after returning from Shridhi, within a month, my close friend and I heard of a young enlightened master who was a jet age Swamiji. Some of his teachings which we heard about had a definite appeal for us. To my friend and myself, this was a Godsend. It was as if Baba himself directed me to this living legend to enable me to discover bliss in my life.

I was already imagining what this Guru would be like, and was excited at the prospect of meeting him. On Nov 22nd a meeting was arranged with him. He was very jovial and definitely belied our idea of a traditional guru - a serious face, a beard, etc. He spoke to the group casually and advised us to participate in the 'Ananda Spurana Program' which was starting the very next morning. This is a residential program designed by Swamiji, where he takes us through a series of meditations to cleanse the seven chakras. After this the 'Ananda' in our being is uncovered. It is akin to a mirror with dust on it, which the meditations erase, leaving behind 'Ananda' or 'Bliss', which is our true nature.

Swami, during those 2 memorable days, interspersed his meditation techniques with jokes and stories. He stressed the importance of meditation in daily life. He urged the participants to spread his message of bliss to all.

It was unbelievable, but after the Ananda Spurana program, I felt I was floating in the clouds. There was a lightness in my heart after I had unburdened my soul to my Sadguru. It seemed almost as if Swamiji had performed a major surgery and implanted an inner permanent core of bliss which nothing could touch. I could distinctly feel the difference! Earlier, I would take every daily mundane happening seriously and become

depressed and dull. But now, there seemed to be no place in my heart for all this; such things now hit the core of my being temporarily and got knocked off.

I can distinguish a constant, steady state in which my mind is set. Below this level, my depressions are held at bay. My faith in my Guru makes me believe that he is holding me in this state, and my heart swells in gratitude to him as this single thing has made a great difference in my life and the lives of my immediate family members, who always bore the brunt of my depression.

Swami THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM underwent so many hardships to discover bliss and healing! How fortunate we disciples are to be able to interact with this eminent person and receive bliss and healing all on a silver platter! We are indeed blessed recipients of his divine grace. Swami always teasingly remarks that like instant food, instant dosa and idli, he is showing us how to contact the divine instantly through healing. He always says that to be in bliss is the hotline connection to God, because that is the only state of mind to be in. His mission is to give this wonder-key to millions of people and transform this discontented, overworked, indifferent planet into an ecstatic one, filled with bliss and compassion.

The next memorable event in my association with Sadguru was the healing initiation. Swami passed on his healing power to us with a brief initiation. Just by healing the patients, we ourselves would get rejuvenated in spirit and leave the ashram in an elevated frame of mind. All the tiredness of the day would vanish. Added to this, our gratitude to the Divine would multiply manifold, for giving us good health, which so many people in the world were longing for, and which at many times we take for granted.

Swami would insist upon us that healing itself is a sadhna (spiritual practice), the reason being that during healing, your whole being is concentrated on alleviating the suffering of another, forgetting at that time 'the self'. Your thoughts of the Guru and bliss put you in touch with the divine. Hence, healing is like prayer or sadhna. During this period Swami would welcome the healers for a brief healers' meet everyday. Here we could ask any question on spirituality to which he would give his reply. Interesting stories, anecdotes, jokes were shared. Somehow, every word uttered by our Guru had a strange effect on us. Every word had a strange power and remained etched in my memory.

There comes to my mind an incident in which Swami rendered his healing first-hand. I had been suffering from fissure and skin problems since 1996. Nothing could heal this completely. I had tried all the dermatologists in the city, but none could find out the cause of the allergy. All skin specialists claimed that allergies were difficult to determine. My skin would flare up in the neck region and would leave a black mark. The fissures would rupture and bleed every now and then, causing acute discomfort. Finally, after Swami came into my life, I decided to approach him.

Swami placed his palm on my hand for a while and simply asked me whether I ate non-vegetarian food. He advised me to give up eating non-vegetarian food and said I would be fine. I just followed his advice and have been sticking to it for a year, and my problem has been completely solved.

Another case in which Swami came to my rescue was with regard to my son. He is really a hyperactive child. Invariably, he got into trouble because of this. He would throw objects in a fit of hyperactivity, with no intention of hurting anyone. But for his bad luck, the flying object would almost always find its victim - and my son would be the next one with his class teacher! His class teacher had had enough of him and things came to a stage where she complained to the Principal and sought her permission for me to keep my son at home and they would give him attendance. I was shocked speechless. What would I do with the child out of school? I decided to seek refuge in Swami again.

I took my son to him and put the problem before him. He laughed aloud and asked us not to over-react. After all, he said, he is barely five, and a five-year-old will be naughty. But nonetheless, to pacify us, he placed his hand upon my son's head for a few seconds and said that he would be fine. And true to his word, we sensed a distinct change come over the child. He was no longer hyperactive, and - believe it or not - did not get into serious trouble again! Again my gratitude to my Guru knew no bounds. Step by step, time and again, I am being drawn to my Guru's lotus feet. In all my life's day-today problems, I think of him and draw a lot of energy and moral support from him. Swami always says that he works in our lives, so there is often no need to tell him the problem verbally. It only involves connecting to him mentally with full faith in the Guru's powers. It has been wonderful to feel each and every problem getting sorted out so beautifully.

My only hope and prayer is to be of some service to my Sadguru, and to grow spiritually into a better human being with his divine grace.

Jai Gurudev!

Hari Om THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM

Kalpana Mani

When you placed my hand under your palm. Oh! My God, how to express! I felt the touch of God himself on my hands. The touch of a baby is the most beautiful in this world, But the motherly touch of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM just goes beyond it!

I felt the extreme love of this world in your touch, which I had not realized before. In my life, I had never used word 'death', I feel afraid even when I hear that word from others. But after the heavenly touch of yours, my inner voice said these words wholeheartedly, "I got my life fulfilled by this caring touch. I am ready to die now with this splendid happiness."

But no, I am not ready for it, as I want to live long, only to enjoy, devoted to my honourable Swami THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM. I feel very lonely without you for even a minute. It will be difficult without you during your foreign trip. But I made up my mind to be with thoughts of you from the past days, which are going to refresh me with joy. I am going to keep you with me in your portraits, and fill your presence around and inside me.

When I look at others, I feel as if you look from inside me. When I laugh, I feel as if your laugh has been replaced in mine. Even when I shake my hands, when I speak, everything must resemble you. It is very natural, not prepared, without my awareness. I feel as if THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM Swami has migrated inside me, in each cell. I feel this as an enlightenment in me. Swamiji is fully dissolved in my blood now.

In ASP, you teach us to thank everyone for their favour. I feel I want to thank a godly couple all my life. That is Swamiji's beloved parents, who gave us a wonderful, heavenly, graceful child. Whenever I see you I feel it!

Singing the praises of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM

Mrs. Muthiah

How do you sing the praises of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM How do you tell the story of this man? How do you sing the praises of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM A healing touch, a spiritual guide, a plan!

Many a thing you know you'd like to learn here Many a thing you ought to understand But how do you find your way? Just listen to all he says How to plant the joy upon this land.

Oh, how do you spread the feeling of Ananda? How do you hold these secrets in your hand?

When I'm with him it's so clear No more problems, no more fear

First Encounter with the Divine

And I really know exactly where I stand I'm out of stormy weather, so much lighter than a feather He's my guru, He's my father, He's my friend.

His knowledge is so vast Mastered sciences of the past He can set your rhythm right All your chakras glowing bright He is happy! He is wise! He's a Master! He's a guide! He's a Healer! He's our sunshine! He's our Light!

Oh, how do you spread the feeling of Ananda? How do you hold these secrets in your hand?

ASP Experiences in San Francisco

Muthaiah N.

My experience at the ASP retreat in San Francisco, which started with skepticism and uncertainty, quickly turned into conviction and commitment.

In addition to the range of emotions that I personally experienced, I witnessed grown men and women of all ages and backgrounds literally brought to tears when they received Swami's Energy Darshan.

During the two days of the discourses at the retreat, the various analogies and "small stories" that Swami narrated, and the knowledge that he imparted, left no doubt in the minds of most, if not all of us, that he was indeed an enlightened soul. The uncanny manner in which he related to the average person's dilemma and was so aware of contemporary culture in the east and the west forced one participant to ask Swami if he 'watched TV'. His answer was NO.

Most importantly, at no point did Swami say that he was anything more than an enlightened soul. He also preached the universality of religion without forcing down any religious doctrine or dogma. This is refreshingly different from others who practice proselytization without reproach. In fact when one of the participants told him that she was considering whether she should take him up as her guru, he told her to 'continue to contemplate' until she is comfortable. I am sure that we have all gained additional spiritual

insights, but the challenge that remains in each of us is to practise his teachings sincerely.

Rejuvenation

Ma Nithya Aparna [Revathi Ganesh]

Life for me had reached a point of crisis. My mind was racing with so many questions, there was an inner conflict going on almost all the time. I was contemplating and trying so many things to satisfy myself. The satisfaction, the joy, was always temporary, it faded away too soon. I was totally confused, and I did not even understand about what! All I knew was, there seemed to be a vacuum, I felt like an incomplete jigsaw puzzle. Actually I had come full circle, everything that one would wish for was there and I should have been very pleased and happy with life - but NO, that wasn't the case with me! It was not discontentment, unhappiness, not any kind of emotional insecurity, nor was I craving for any materialistic things?? But still there was this emptiness, a feeling of incompleteness, a vacuum deep within. What is life? What is success? Was life all about working hard, running a home, etc.? NO! Then what?? Many such questions kept my head pounding. Nobody, no books, no amount of meditation could give me a satisfying answer and nothing could fill that vacuum.

Rituals were something I never believed in, but praying was part and parcel of my life; almost all my intimate conversations are only with God! I started reading a lot of spiritual books and attending spiritual discourses. Through all this questioning and restlessness I was attuned to Reiki and went on to the third degree, thus practising a lot of meditation and healing. To a certain extent I could feel myself groping through and feeling satisfied, but still that vacuum remained as wide as ever.

Then I heard about Swamiji, that he was very young but very mature, contemporary, an ocean of knowledge, very modern in his outlook, and his discourses were excellent and he could reach out to the common man.

Since physical and mental fatigue had taken over due to all the questioning and confusion, I welcomed a break through Swamiji's 'Ananda Spurana Program' at a picturesque location, though it did not sound different from so many other programs being offered. But that was not to happen. Instead, on the same day that I was

supposed to attend his program, I ended up visiting the holy town of Shridi. (I am a staunch believer in Shridi Sai Baba, and have always considered him my guru.) Then started the wonderful journey - it was so sudden and miraculous! Suddenly, on my return from Shridi, I felt some kind of direction, some voice that was all the time prompting me to at least meet this Swamiji whose program I had missed. Finally I decided to listen, and went to meet Swamiji.

We were ushered into a room (around six of us) - and there I was, face to face with Swami! He was full of humour and I found myself feeling at home; it was more like I had met a good friend after many years and I could say anything I pleased without any inhibitions, and he would simply understand. I was talking with ease, and he was suggesting we attend his program which was the next day, and even before I knew it I was agreeing to do so, though I had already taken my break by going to Shridi.

Before I could even figure out what was happening I was at his program, though I had no inkling of what it was all about. But I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO REGRETS. THE PROGRAM WAS BEYOND WORDS.

Part 2: Swamiji As We Know Him_English_part_2.md

By the end of it I was in great ecstasy and full of gratitude for being introduced to Swamiji. The 'Energy Darshan' gave such a wonderful glimpse of bliss, I had never ever experienced such profound joy in my life, no never, not even when I got a good husband, a lovely child and so many more things in life. The joy is indescribable, beyond words and comparison. One has to feel and experience it to rejoice in it. It was so enveloping that I was overflowing with gratitude, and I fell at Swamiji's feet in complete reverence, remaining so forever... And from that day he has brought me a long way...

As per his final instructions to carry and spread the emotion, I carried it all home, and am still very earnestly trying to spread it. THE VACUUM WHICH NEVER SEEMED TO GET FILLED HAD DISAPPEARED, and I was ebbing with love and compassion; suddenly the sky seemed brighter, the songs of the birds more lovely, all relationships were sweet, there was great beauty and joy in the simplest of things, I was simply reaching the skies without even stretching my arms, I FELT I HAD NOW COME FULL CIRCLE.

An awareness had slowly crept in, I was and am being transformed - to WHAT, only Swamiji knows, but

It was over a month and all the wonderful feelings still remained, but I was expecting most of it to wane off sooner or later because that is how it has been with everything else. Suddenly, one day, I went into a depression for no apparent reason. I was convinced that it was all over again, the vacuum would come back, this was the end of all the glory, the ecstasy - only to discover that a transformation was taking place deep within me, an awareness that I did not even acknowledge before was identifying the cause, teaching me it was not worth getting depressed about anything, teaching me to live in the now and just be in 'NITHYANANDAM' (joyous in every moment). I slipped out of the depression in a wink and have not seen the face of it ever since.

This 'ANANDAM' has come to stay for ever, and with it has come faith in abundance, in THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM.

When Swamiji came into my life is when I was born again, I found my self, call it 'REJUVENATION' or 'REBIRTH'. My gratitude to Swamiji for giving a meaning to my life. Now I am actually living each and every minute in my life, each and every cell in my body has been rejuvenated. There is a total personality shift. I am living completely in the attitude of gratitude. Deep within is a quiet strength, great courage and PROFOUND FAITH which seems to be growing in leaps and bounds.

In fact, one does not need to ask him any questions, you just ponder, seek and you will find the answers handed over to you neatly in a nutshell.

It is like my life is being shuffled like a pack of cards, but this time the cards are so beautifully falling into the right slot, the end always turns out to be for my best.

Another intriguing thing with Swamiji is, you think 'He is doing so much for us, let me do at least this small service for him.' But sooner or later you realize that actually you have benefited from whatever service you did him.

YOU CAN NEVER GIVE ANYTHING TO SWAMIJI, YOU CAN ONLY RECEIVE FROM HIM.

It is one year since I met him, he has filled me to the brim, I am still overflowing with the same love, compassion, ecstasy. It has been a series of lessons and realizations of the past and present. I understand the meaning and answers to so many questions. I now understand the meaning and feeling of joy, bliss, ecstasy... that lasts and will last forever. The great feeling of unconditional love and how satisfying it can be, the meaning of life, the pathway to liberation... and though I know I have a long way to go, I KNOW I AM NOT ALONE, I am so happy to have found my friend, guide, son... GURU and remain in reverence and gratitude to him forever.

One bright sunny day (all days are sunny from the time I met THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM), when I was still rejoicing and basking in the warmth and afterglow of meeting THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, I was initiated as a healer by him on 9th February 2003.

Though I was healing people through Reiki, it was only after I started practising his healing that I discovered and experienced so much. To quote a few examples below (the list is endless):

• It is an opportunity to drop your ego.
• The word Depression has been removed from my dictionary.
• It serves as a great scale to measure yourself, because

as I healed I realized that I was also getting healed, not only at the physical level but at the mental level too.

• I used to end the day with healing and that left me with a very contented feeling.
• The thanking smile on the weary patient's face earned me millions.
• So many aches in me had disappeared. Even my blood pressure, which was fluctuating now and then, has been set to normal.
• I am so much more energetic, enthusiastic and cheerful.
• I notice (especially when I am tired at the end of the day), all I have to do is give healing to somebody! After healing, I simply sit up, so full of energy - just like you feel after a good night's sleep.
• In the past I was aware of only the pain in my body, now I am in gratitude for the good health God has given me.
• It has given a new meaning to my life.
• During the process of healing, you slip into 'Ananda' (joy) and into a lot of 'Self Inquiry'.

If you know how difficult it is to put a good book down, then it is much more difficult to come out of the bliss you feel when you are healing, to open your eyes and get back to reality!

These are just words. To know just what it is, you have to feel, to experience... anything with Swamiji is always an experience. To put it in his words, 'A TANGIBLE EXPERIENCE'.

Words are not enough to express my gratitude to him, but I thank him all the same for making me a humble extension of his 'hands that heal', and allowing me to be a part of many remarkable experiences...

I remain in a plethora of gratitude... reverence... forever...

From being healed to being a healer

Ma Nithya Deepakshi [Viji Shankar]

I wish to put on record my grateful thanks to THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM for the good health, peace and joy that he has bestowed upon me.

I happened to read an article published in 'The Hindu' about Swamiji's healing powers and I also came to know more about him through my neighbour. I had been suffering from certain health problems then. I went to meet Swamiji at his Bangalore City Center. For a few days I used to just stand and watch him healing others. One day as I stood in the queue for his Darshan, I could feel warmth right from my heart welcoming me into his Divine Grace. That's when I realized that there is much more to Swamiji than his physical form.

I had been suffering from backache, throat infection and headache for several years. I decided to take healing from Swamiji. During the first healing done by Swamiji, these symptoms reduced by 50%. After the complete 15 sessions of healing, my problems disappeared completely.

I was further advised to attend the Ananda Spurana Program, which Swamiji himself used to conduct. It was a great opportunity and a unique experience to learn various meditation techniques, and spend two whole days in the presence of this great Enlightened Master. I came back from the program, a totally transformed person with a very positive frame of mind and feeling blissful. Since then there has been no looking back.

After being healed and attending the first ASP, I wanted to become a healer. I was asked to attend another ASP. After the second ASP, I came back feeling totally rejuvenated, and feling as though I had been transported to another world! I was feeling a joy that is beyond any worldly description.

On June 29th 2003, I was initiated as a healer by Swamiji, and started a healing center at my home. Since then I have been doing healing for people with different ailments.

It's a wonderful experience being a channel for Swamiji in the healing process. The flow of His Divine energy through me gives me totally new vitality and vigour. These days there is not a dull moment in my life. Any symptoms of any kind of problem, physical, mental or otherwise, that I face, disappear as I carry out Swamiji's healing.

It is indeed my great fortune to be associated with our beloved Swamiji who is full of Divine Energy.

With love and devotion I totally surrender at the lotus feet of this Divine Master.

Capturing the essence of Swamiji

Ma Nithya Maneesha [Rahila Santhanam]

How do I reminisce about a force that has transformed my life with such completeness?

If I jot down incidences chronologically, then I would be penning mere history. I do not think a book, let alone a few pages of remembered metamorphosis will do justice to this extraordinary Energy, this profound Intelligence, this manifest Ecstasy called Paramahamsa Sri THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM Swamigal.

I have known Swamiji – no, not known – how can the mind ever know the fathomless! I have been with and around Swamiji for the past two years. The concept of Time becomes meaningless in his presence. Hours get telescoped into fleeting moments. Days and nights become seamless. Hunger, thirst, sleep, the very basis of human existence become mere words entombed in dusty dictionaries.

To be with Swamiji is to be totally alive, alert, aware! It's experiencing the exhilaration of a dew-kissed bud blooming by the touch of the morning sun. It's learning through laughter; eschewing seriousness for sincerity. It's knowing how to fall in rhythm with the dancing moonbeams. It's absorbing the grandeur of the Spirit. How do I capture Swamiji's essence? He is a continuous experience-ing. The Verb, not the Noun. He is pure energy – the formless in form, the bodiless in body. To be in his space is to enjoy utter security. His extraordinary innocence, his implicit honesty, his absolute ease of manner with both male and female are qualities to be cherished. The truth is, there is no physicality in him. He is a rare gem in an exalted firmament. I can state this categorically because I have had the privilege of being with him in all kinds of situations, at all times of day and night. Not once in all these months have I seen him violate anyone's personal space by word or deed. He offers protection in the ultimate sense of that word. He gives his space unconditionally to those who seek. The freedom to 'be' oneself without defenses and fears is a response that is evoked by the purity of his love for each and every one. Personal growth happens, blossoming takes place with total trust. I, as a woman, feel blessed to be in the presence of such a rare and beautiful Being.

His energy expresses itself in myriad ways. At times he is the greatest companion, the beloved Krishna of the twinkling feet, endearing, adorable, naughty, exasperating. At other times he is Shiva, exacting, relentless, filled with limitless knowledge, with a depth of ascetic quietness, dancer of the rhythm divine. He is the strength of the Father and the soft compassion of the Mother – a beautiful blend of the male and female energies. Ardhanareeshwar incarnate. Every nuance of his movement is sheer poetry in motion. He is flow. He is exquisite grace. He is the laughing child of the innocent gaze. He is undiluted charm. He is awesome intelligence wedded to boundless compassion.

His innate social awareness and etiquette belies the fact that he is, after all, a mere boy from Tiruvannamalai. Watching him conduct himself with people from all walks of life is a lesson in interpersonal management. His understanding of situations and individuals, the swiftness with which he resolves any kind of crisis, his readiness to give his time and energy to seekers on the spiritual path, his outstanding sense of humour, the exuberance and the joy which he exudes wherever he moves are the silken threads that binds each and every one of us to him.

I cannot imagine a time without him. Everything that has happened before his arrival has been nothing but a preparation to receive him. I do not know where I am going or what is in store for me. Everything is nebulous, unclear, uncertain. But the glorious truth is that there is no inner discomfort, there is no fear of what is to be. My trust in him is so complete that I know that he will help me actualize my latent potential, he will help me see the blueprint with which I came. The hitherto forgotten language, the faint inner echo, that unattended call will be addressed now. The more I let go, the more harmonious is the flow in my life. To learn to live in the 'Now', to free my Self from the clutches of autodeception, to realize that I, not the mind, is the master of my destiny - these have been the greatest truths he has made me experience.

Learning with Swamiji is experiential. Not for him the static age-old methods of knowledge transmission. Time and again he has made me 'empty my cup' so that the

space could be created to take in only that which is essential. All my voracious reading of books on New Age philosophy, the spiritual discourses that I have attended, all the lessons I have taken in self actualization, all the hours I have spent on discussions, have not led me to the truth the way the moments spent with Swamiji have. No amount of thanks can ever convey the gratitude I feel for the time, energy and space he has given me so unconditionally. Again and again he has shown me that what I want is not necessarily what I need. Sometimes these lessons have come with compassion and loving understanding, at other times with the swiftness and sharpness of an arrow in perfect trajectory. Yes, there has been pain, but it has always come only when the ground had been prepared by him, when the cushioning has been done, when I have been ready to learn and move on. To quote him, "Always remember that your lessons will come only when I know that you are ready. I will create the space for you to fall – and that space is the abyss of my heart. You will fall in, never out. That is my promise to all seekers."

Can one quantify energy? Can one fit it into set pigeonholes? Can it ever be labeled? Or possessed? The Master is pure boundless energy. An expression of Divinity. He can be experienced but never held. He is death to the mind. He pushes you beyond all limits He infuses you with the courage to face the Truth.

I wish to express my profound love, respect and gratitude to Swamiji for the spiritual fire that he has ignited within me. For starting the inner process of transformation. For allowing the alchemy to continue till the dross is dropped and pure gold is allowed to shine through in his compassionate presence. For showing me the way back Home.

Rahi… a spiritual wanderer.

Like a song in my heart...

Ma Nithya Raga [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 Swamiji 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 an eager heart. THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM 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 THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM 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 in Him, as time ticked by, a gamut of personalities - Godlike to some, father to some others, brother, friend, child... 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 THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, 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.

The beginning of a journey

Ma Nithya Satvati [Sivagami Ramanathan]

ASP is an Amazing, Spiritual and Peaceful Experience! It is an Absorbing, Sparkling and Pulsating Journey! It is an Astounding, Simple and Practical Demonstration!

It is an Absolute, Spellbinding and Profound Discovery!

It makes us Alert, Spontaneous and Perceptive Beings!

It makes us feel alive and whole, and makes us look within ourselves - in short, it is a discovery of oneself! It was a thrilling and eye-opening journey where I was guided by the great enlightened master and the final destination was the discovery of joy within myself. We were all transported to a higher plane of bliss, a timeless zone of joy and a throbbing field of energy.

There were various points in the ASP program that made a great impression upon me.

The main point is that THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM teaches us to overcome our anxiety over many things - including our most feared final destination. He teaches us about loving and dreaming, caring and imagination, compassion, spontaneity - and most importantly gratitude. He helps us overcome worry, greed, hatred, egoism, enmity and jealousy.

What has greatly impressed me is that he does not limit himself to any particular religion - he has such an unlimited realm of knowledge that he is able to draw from any religion and elucidate his explanations in such a simple way that we can all understand and grasp his meanings. He uses such apt and descriptive words that they stay fresh in your mind. He gives us such powerful insights into the various religions and draws the best from all of them.

He created a magic web with his words, involved us to the fullest extent, drew our attention to him completely and released joy, bliss and peace within us. He taught us a simple method to heal ourselves, made us very aware of our body, its functioning, our thought processes and their direction. We became conscious of how our thoughts traveled and he aided us in channeling them onto the right track.

There were many pearls of wisdom dropping from this enlightened master, but I was able to gather only some at the first meeting. This is like a thirsty man quenching his thirst. With his first sip of water, he is able to only wet his mouth; the second sip wets his throat, but he requires many more gulps of water to quench his thirst. In this ASP I was only able to wet my mouth - kindle my interest in life, death and beyond. I think I require a second ASP to be able to gather and string all the pearls that THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM has spoken about.

The meditation techniques are an Aid, Skill and Practice that we must use and follow with dedication all our lives.

This is 'Spiritual Surgery'!

Sri Nithyagnanananda [Dr.H. Noble Maria Regis]

Jai Gurudev!

I was preparing for my final year medical exams. Just for relaxation I came out from my room. On T.V. I saw a young swami being interviewed. In some way he attracted me - his smiling face, jovial talk, contemporary explanation for spiritual questions.

I thought that this person seems to be saying some truth. I forgot about my preparation for my exams and sat in front of the T.V. and watched the live programme which continued for two hours. I felt that in some way he must be great. (At that time I didn't know that he was an enlightened master.)

After a few days, at 10 o' clock in the night, I received the message that a two-day programme was going to be held in Yercaud by THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM the next day. The next day I attended his ASP. After the first session was over, luckily I got an opportunity to meet THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM. THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM held my hands and said, "You are my disciple, you are carrying my energy."

At that time I realized nothing. I thought, 'In a very nice way, Swami collects people to help him with his work.' Now I realize my idea was so stupid, and now I understand how compassionate he is.

After attending the same program three times my personality improved so much. Earlier I was so confused, and my mind was full of anger, fear, etc. Now there is unexplainable peace and joy in my heart. I thank THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM from the core of my heart.

Finally, I realized and accepted that he is an enlightened master. Until then I was very egoistic, I always felt I knew everything. Ego spoilt me a lot, now I realize I know nothing - I was wasting my life till I met THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM.

Then I joined his one-year residential programme. Every day THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM makes us learn so many things. In all possible ways he cuts down our ego.

In short, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM is doing 'spiritual surgery' on our minds. Each day we are growing. Once again my heartfelt thanks to THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM.

An experience beyond words

Ma Nithyananda Jesus [Swarna K. Reddy]

'UNBELIEVABLE' is the word that comes to mind! Such was my experience with ASP and THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM. When I first met THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM at my friend Sudathi's home in Los Angeles, my curiosity and interest was kindled, as I have been searching for a long time to learn more about meditation. I decided after the first teaching of the 'Maha Mantra' by THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, to come to San Francisco for the ASP, but I had my doubts - what was the ASP about? I asked THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's close devotee Chitra about it, but she said, "Words cannot express the feeling - you have to come and experience it to understand."

Chitra was so right! Words indeed cannot truly express the experience. THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's tireless discourses and the teaching of the meditation techniques, the ease with which he explained such complicated subjects in simple language, the giving of himself, his healing, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's ever-smiling face, the vast wisdom and knowledge, the radiance around him, his simple personality and approachability, and the ease with which he interacted with everybody are but a few of the things that make him an outstanding person and indeed the enlightened one. I consider myself so very fortunate and am so very grateful and thankful to THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM for these wonderful experiences and teachings.

During the ASP, when THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM was taking us through the meditation on the Ajna Chakra, I initially saw the vision of an old man. THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM again asked us to close our eyes. Before THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM started Ajna Chakra meditation he mentioned that we may see our ishtadevata (favoured deity) during this experience. In my heart I was thinking of seeing my ishtadevata Sri Venkateswara Swami. Instead I saw the figure of Jesus Christ on a cross with his head down and hands stretched between THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's eyebrows. When I later asked THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM why I saw Jesus instead, he told me that in my last birth I had been a Christian. When THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM said this, I mentioned to him that all these years, from my childhood starting in convent school, I offer my first prayer to Jesus.

In addition to all of the above, with just one healing touch

from THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, I have had total relief of my back pain, from which I had been suffering for the last 15 years. My heartful gratitude to THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM for this.

Being in such close proxomity to such a great person was an experience of a lifetime and I will always cherish this.

My sincere thanks to everybody who helped get this program together, which made it possible for people like me to have this experience.

Now it is my turn, to practise all of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's teachings and spread the word.

Thank you very much again THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM.

Thank you for making a fool of me!

- Confessions of a convert - Ma Nithyapriyananda [Raji]

"Listen can you help with a book on divine healing? I'll give you enough material, but we need it in a hurry."

The hasty phone call was from an old friend, a web designer who had recently become involved with Dhyanapeetam. It was the first I heard about THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM (a most unusual way to be introduced to one's future guru!).

I had all the ideal prerequisites to fall for such an invitation – I was already in the throes of deep depression, having 'tried out' various spiritual disciplines that hadn't worked for me. I was convinced that there was something basically wrong with me. I was desperate for spiritual guidance, but simply didn't know where to turn.

Still I said, I'll think about it.

It took more than two weeks of persistent calls from my friend to get me to agree.

Finally I went with him, half-skeptical, half-excited.

Those were the days when THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM was operating out of a makeshift studio-cum-healing centre, located just off a busy road. Soon after we entered, we were ushered into THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's presence. I guess it was the perfectly wrong place to meet him! The obviously religious atmosphere of the place made me somewhat uncomfortable. Standing quietly in a corner of the room, I took a good look at the saffron-clad figure seated on an ornamental throne. He looked like just one more of those spiritual figures one sees everywhere these days. I was bitterly disappointed.

"So you have come, ma! I'm sorry you had to wait so long!", THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM said when he spotted us, smiling broadly.

(I was bewildered; I had got there only five minutes earlier! At the time, I was too much of an idiot to realize what exactly he meant by those words…!)

Then he beckoned to me to come forward – and to my utter dismay, I found myself going up to him and prostrating at his feet!

I was furious with myself*. Now just why did I do such a stupid thing?* I thought. I, who hadn't visited a temple since I was ten, who was allergic to anyone in saffron, had just fallen at the feet of this young stranger! I felt a thorough fool.

After discussing the job on hand, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM dismissed the others and asked me if I had anything personal to say to him.

"Nothing." I said firmly.

"Nothing - except - ?" he queried gently.

I was taken aback. How did he know? Should I go ahead and tell him? I was torn between the rulings of heart and mind.

"Well, nothing except… where do I go from here…?", I faltered weakly.

"NOWHERE. You have come to the right place, ma. This is the end of your quest. You are going to be with me", he said, smiling mysteriously.

Like hell I am, I thought angrily. What did he mean by taking charge of my future like this? He's making a fool of me!

I left in a huff, deeply disturbed without knowing why. Soon after, my friend called to say that THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM had asked me to take ten days' continuous healing from him for my depression (which I hadn't even mentioned to him).

I went, nevertheless - without missing a single day.

During that period THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM asked me to attend the upcoming ASP. I was reluctant. I had attended so many personal development programs, could this one be any different? To tell the truth, I was afraid. I felt I simply couldn't bear it if things didn't work out one more time…

"It might help you with the writing, that's all", THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM said gently.

The ASP proved a total non-starter for me.

Everybody had been asked to wear white clothes; I wore green and purple instead. I don't know whom or what I was fighting! During the program, all around me people were going into paroxysms of bliss - and I was just bewildered.

Just before the energy darshan, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM remarked on the tremendous effect it would have on our systems.

"Of course, emotional people can enjoy both the experience and the effect. Intellectual people will feel no experience, only the effect", he said, looking me straight in the eye (or was I imagining it?).

After the Energy darshan, I felt exactly nothing.

I returned home, envious of all those who had had those beautiful spiritual experiences*.* Why not me?

I want nothing to do with this stuff anymore, it's not worth it! I decided*.*

Still, what with one thing or the other, I ended up going to the healing center every other day.

Why is he dragging me here everyday? I don't want to come! I would tell myself bitterly.

Well, why was I going? I was free to drop the jobs any minute. Was I really being forced to go, or was I being drawn by something irresistible, beyond my comprehension?

I hastily put these uncomfortable questions out of my mind.

Instead, whenever I was in THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's presence, I would fire my questions at him: Why the saffron robe? Why all these poojas and rituals? Above all, why would an enlightened person waste his time running a mission?

During healing one day, as I sat at his feet afire with questions, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM reached out and took my hands gently in his own. His eyes were closed, but he was smiling.

"Your Mind can resist as much as it likes, ma. But see, your Being has already merged with mine!"

He spoke with infinite love, infinite compassion. As he said the words, I experienced the very thing he said - a silent, glowing wave that arose from me and disappeared gently into Him. And all my questions dissolved in his Love.

Then one day I received a call from the Secretary, asking me to attend the next healers' initiation program.

"But I'm not ready", I protested.

"THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM says you are", he said quietly.

"I don't think I'll come."

"THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM expects you here tomorrow morning."

Against every argument that logic could offer, I went.

Without even understanding what I was there for, certain that I was quite incapable of being a channel for THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, I went through with the initiation. I couldn't understand why I was doing this. I was slowly losing control of my life! I felt angry and helpless.

One day, in desperation, I put the question to THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM himself.

"Swami, I respect you, I feel blessed in your presence. Then why am I resisting you like this, why am I fighting you with everything I've got?"

"Perfectly OK, ma. The greater the devotion you feel, the greater the resistance you'll experience", he explained gently. When you surrender to the master, you surrender control over yourself. Naturally, your ego will be in fear, in fear of its own death! What you call 'resisting' is nothing but your ego fighting a losing battle against your love for me."

That was a strange and difficult thing to believe – like so much else that was happening to me at the time.

Soon after, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM moved to the Bidadi ashram permanently. Several times, we were invited to the ashram for various functions. I didn't attend a single one. I had acquired a terror of the ashram, without even visiting it. (Perhaps I sensed even then that something phenomenal was about to happen, and I was simply too afraid..!)

In fact, I was in terror of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM himself. The man was deliberately pushing me to the brink! Here I was, with a perfectly good job, a loving husband and family, so much to be complacent about. And yet, he was stirring in me a longing for something that I could not articulate, but could not ignore. Deep inside, I knew I was being called upon to fulfil a quest I had felt since I can remember.

How long will you postpone it, Raji? THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM asked me every time I went to him. He never said a thing aloud, but I could see it in his eyes, I could hear it in the silence between his words. But was I prepared to take the final step?

Finally, one lovely day in April, I made up my mind to get the visit to Bidadi over with.

We drove into the ashram - and it was like coming home. There is simply no other way to describe it.

For someone with a special talent for not receiving visions, I had a truly amazing experience of de ja vu. Here it was, at last! Every shrub, every brick was in place, just as I remembered it! Even the sunshine, the voices of the people talking, the smell in the air, was as familiar, as dearly beloved as from a long-forgotten home.

Then I spotted THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, watching me with a quiet smile. "Oh, I'm sorry Swami, I didn't see you...", I stammered. "I know, you couldn't see me. But I saw you right away", he smiled, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

In Bidadi, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM was truly in his element – or perhaps, only here did I finally open my eyes and see. He was radiant with Love. His divine presence permeated the air; it spoke eloquently through every leaf and blade of grass, through the very sand beneath my feet. On a warm summer day, I found myself shivering. I had never been so dizzily happy, but I was fighting back tears! I felt suddenly weary, as if I had just completed a long journey, entrusted with some precious thing that I was to deliver safely to THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM. Finally I could lay it down at his feet, and rest peacefully there…

Astonished at all the weird emotions welling up inside me, I spilled them out to THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM.

There's a word for these 'weird emotions' you're feeling, ma. It's called Love, he smiled.

After that visit, no questions remained anymore, no more excuses, no more power to think.

The next time I came to Bidadi, it was for good - to be part of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's first group of ashramites.

"So you have come!", THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM smiled at me that day, a repetition of his very first words to me.

All I could do was nod silently in return.

I was brimming over.

They say that when the disciple is ready, the master appears.

But it would take an ignoramus like me to turn my face away from the master's presence for almost a year.

All through that year, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM worked silently upon me. Ploughing through prejudices acquired over the years, dissolving my resistance with his unconditional love and compassion. And all the while, pouring, pouring joy into me. He is still working, for there is so much, so much left to unlearn...

How can I ever thank you enough, Swamiji..?

Thank you so much for finding me... and thank you for showing me what a fool I was (and still am, sometimes!)

It's not easy, putting all this down on paper… it's never easy admitting to such folly in public!

But I feel compelled to write, because I know there are many out there who feel exactly like I did, less than two years ago.

To them, a couple of words: let go.

When your find your master, here or elsewhere, please

don't let your prejudices, your foregone conclusions get in the way.

Please, don't make the mistake I made!

Everyone does not get the precious chance to be in the master's divine presence – you are truly fortunate! Allow the master an opportunity to transform you.

In life, we rarely get a second chance.

My heartfelt prayers for all of you.

Spreading Nithyananda Everywhere!

Sri Nithya Swaroopananda [P. Magesh]

When I was attending the meditation course called ASP (Ananda Spurana Program), the very name happened in me. 'Ananda Spurana' means "Flowering of Bliss", which happens inside our being i.e., the 'Atma' attains the state of Ananda.

During the ASP, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM taught us lots of meditation techniques related to the main energy centers of our body, called Chakras. Each meditation was to cleanse and energise each chakra. This made my vision towards life much wider…much broader… and deeper.

I was a person who didn't even know about 'Meditation' or 'Inner Journey'. I had never even heard the word 'Enlightenment'. Even after hearing the word I couldn't trace its meaning. In such a state, I came to know about an 'Enlightened Master'. I came to know about him by his divine healing method i.e., healing through meditation. It was like a flood coming and filling a well in a desert area.

When I saw THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM for the first time, I was very surprised because he was so young. He was only 26 years and doing miracles, by healing the most severe diseases in the world. This showed that he is a person who knows the past, present and the future. So, he would certainly know what kind of a personality we could be in future. The only thing is, we must completely surrender ourselves to his sacred feet. We will definitely see our personality gets widened and we become much more aware.

He often says the ultimate truth is his very name. 'Nithyananda' (permanent bliss) can be attained by anyone in this world. I am sure that the stage of 'Nithyananda' would be much more superior to the stage of 'Enlightenment'!

A lot of things in my life became clear. THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM is a person who doesn't go by anyone's face. Instead he sees the Being, or Atma. That is why he allowed a person like me, who doesn't even understand the basic idea of spirituality, to stay with him as an ashramite.

He once told me a small story: that he is like a person

standing on the 10th floor of a building - from that height he has a wide and broad view, and he knows which car is coming at what speed and what distance. We are like the persons standing on the road, we cannot even know or see if a car is coming. That is the difference between our small plans for ourselves, and his enlightened vision!

THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM says, "When we share dukkha (misery) it becomes less. But when we share ananda (joy) it becomes more and more. When we just spread ananda it will be a blissful experience. But we are lucky to have with us an enlightened personality called 'Nithyananda', i.e. the ananda which is forever. When we spread Nithyananda, we too will experience Nithyananda!

More than one Lifetime

Sri Nithyatmananda [Atma]

Jai Gurudev!

It is very difficult to express in words my experience with THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, because it not even an experience... it is beyond that.

Before I met THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, I was in Osho Center, Salem, doing my spiritual practices. Once THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM visited Osho Center but I was not there. When I returned I saw THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's photo there for the first time. I was very much inspired and wanted to meet and be with him. But it took six months for me to meet him. It happened when THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM came to Salem to attend a public function. I went to meet THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, but since it was a public gathering, I couldn't talk much. I returned to Osho Center and continued my practices.

But from the next day… I could feel tremendous changes happening within me. I experienced boundless bliss and felt a higher energy force pulling me towards THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM. But my mind played its games, and I wanted to test whether this pull was real or an illusion, so I argued and analysed a lot and tried many meditation techniques intensely for two days. Then finally I realized it was not an illusion, but a real call from a high energy force.

After that I immediately rushed to Bangalore Ashram and met THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM to surrender myself at his lotus feet. Whatever I read in Zen and Gurdjieff books, I witnessed it happening with THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM. THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM put all his time, space and energy to help in my spiritual growth, only I could not match his speed! He helps me and lifts me to where he wants me to be. This shows how compassionate he is.

Each and every day I see so many miracles happening in his presence, and they are more beautiful than what you read in any spiritual books. But he always speaks very ordinarily about his extraordinary miracles.

I feel the relationship with THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM is not from this birth but a continuation of previous births. I don't know anything about the future, whatever I am experiencing in this moment with THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM is blissful.

Whatever I have expressed here is very little, but my experience with THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM is beyond expression.

I prostrate at the lotus feet of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM.

A 'Twist' in my Life!

Prashanthi

That was the first day I saw him.

It was the second session of ASP in Hyderabad, in July 2004.

We waited for about one-and-a-half hours before THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM arrived. He came and started the session, but I found myself totally uninterested in sitting there till he finished. Somehow I managed to do it.

At the end of the day, I saw so many people deeply touched, healed, and moved - and I realized that I was missing something by not accepting him. But still, I could not let anybody take the place of my favourite god, Krishna.

Then, after the Energy Darshan, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM started dancing amidst us. It was a real eternal dance, and I was in myself relating it to Krishna's raas. Just then a lady called me and told me that this was Krishna himself dancing! I was overjoyed on hearing that, and decided to speak to him, but still in a corner of my mind I had foolish doubts about anybody else being my Krishna. But THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM read my thoughts! At the end of the session, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM himself spoke to me. This was the moment that I feel was the 'Twist in my life'. THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM told me that he was my mother, father and my everything, and that he would never leave me. To my surprise, I found myself answering, "You are also my Krishna!"

After speaking to my parents, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM permitted me to join the ashram. That was when I realized how destiny could make its way and change lives in minutes!

The Way to Bliss

Prema Sastri

When a friend invited me to the inauguration of a healing center in her house, I went out only of politeness. I knew littlle of Swami 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 THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM 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.

THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM discussed the role played by the seven chakras in a person's mental and physical well-being. He illustrated his discourse with appropriate 'small stories'. For cleansing each chakra he made us do various workouts, often blindfolded. As a result, we often found that we had moved far from our original starting-point. As THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM humorously remarked, 'Spiritual life not only transforms - it transports!'

The first evening was spent in a party spirit, with games and skits, and THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM actively participating. Humour and fun, says THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, 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. Aside from physical healing, most of us need spiritual transformation. We are fortunate First Encounter with the Divine

to have in our midst a Swamiji who can help us rid ourselves of pain, and enter the kingdom of bliss.

Before THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, With THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM

Vishwanathan [Vishwa]

In the name of reading books I felt I was undergoing a great illusion of practising spirituality. I was also trying meditation techniques, and discussions on spirituality. This was nicely satisfying my ego. As I confined myself to a small spiritual world, I stumbled, was dominated, controlled and in great confusion. I developed 'schizophrenia'. I suffered from deep depression and felt my whole life was dark and I was in deep trouble.

I met him in Chennai and like everybody I was greatly influenced by THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's smile, laughter and speech. His presence immersed the whole atmosphere in a blissful state...

He understood the state I was in, and asked me to come

and stay in his ashram and experience real spirituality. I really felt influenced by his commanding presence and the authenticity of all his experiences and realizations. It was a real test for me to take a decision to come to Bangalore and stay in the ashram, though I felt the pull. Even after a few meetings with him in Chennai, I could not make a decision. Then he said, "Come to the ashram just as a web designer to design my website."

Each meeting with THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM in Chennai touched me deeply. Finally, I got permission from my parents to go to Bangalore for a week to stay and design the website.

Reading about an enlightened Master has nothing to do with living with an enlightened Master.

After I came to Bangalore, I had the privilege to be with him and work on the website as well, but the great work was going on in the inner world. The one week I planned to stay extended to more than one month. I attended his 'Ananda Spurana Program' in which my questions were answered, and I really experienced something which cannot be put in words and that has made me stay with him till now (it is two years now).

Part 3: Swamiji As We Know Him

The moment-to-moment happenings in his presence and energy are inexpressible.

The relationship with the master is personal, intimate and unique to each one. The communion, the emotions, the wildness of it is an ultimate experience and can only be experienced, not expressed!

Devotees in the USA share their thoughts

"I can't seem to get over Swami... I feel like I need to imprint his energy into my body before he goes away... How amazing to be in such an energy field! He is truly enlightened and I can tell it." - Dr. Barbara S. Boyd

Head of Religious Studies, Oklahoma University, USA

Dear Swami,

My humble pranams to your LOTUS FEET, I surrender to THEE.

Ānandam, Ānandam, Nithyānandam. Oh! thank you Swami! If I have ever doubted your divinity, it is the shortcomings of my limited understanding. I apologize sincerely. I am so grateful, I cannot express in words what Swami has given me on this birthday. Thank you so much Swami for teaching the true meaning of SAI (See Always Inside). I do not know if I am making much progress in meditation but I am very joyful.

Thank you Swami for spending time to read this mail.

Ever surrendering to your lotus feet,

Meenakshii Nallappan

Dear THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, This is Renu… I came last Sunday evening past 10 p.m. to be seen by you, to receive your blessings for which I feel so fortunate. I am the one who was born with no hearing and whom our close family friend, Swarna, arranged with my mother for me to meet you.

I still have been unable to find the right words to express my deep heartfelt gratitude that you made the time to see me, especially when you are so tired, have thousands wanting to see you, and you've already given so much of yourself with consideration only for others. I felt so honored and so privileged to be in your presence, to have received your blessings.

Even as I write this, I just can't find the right words to really relay how much your presence meant to me.

One thing I've always wanted is to be able to hear my children's voices. I really hated being born deaf and having to constantly face insurmountable challenges and frustrations because of my hearing loss and constantly dealing with people who just couldn't understand.

I grew to accept my hearing loss as an integral part of who I am... however, the frustrations, dealing with insensitive people, and trying to handle situations made more challenging because of my hearing loss remain constant.

Since the birth of my daughter and later my infant son, I really feel my deafness even more. I cannot hear my daughter call my name or how lovely her voice must sound when she sings... I cannot hear the babbling of my son and it really pains me when other people tell me he calls for me, "Ma ma" and I cannot hear him calling me. For that, I truly wish there was some way I could hear, only for my children who are the most precious things to me.

I also have some other thoughts I'd like to ask you, but I don't know if it is my place to do so or if you have the time.

I felt your energy when you placed your thumb on my forehead and it was a sensation I cannot find words to describe.

I hope I see you again. Your presence was so reassuring and immediately put me at peace.

With utmost respect,

Renu Raghuraman

Dear Renu, You will be healed. My love and blessings. THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM

Vanakkam Dearest Swami,

Humble pranams at your divine lotus feet.

Swami, I don't know where to start.

You came into my life and I am no longer the same person. Each time I see you and spend time with you, a transformation happens and I love you even more than before.

I feel immensely blessed beyond words to even think that we are worthy of having such a great soul stay in our humble abode. Swami, in my anxiety to do everything right and take care of you to the best of my ability, if I have done or said anything wrong, or not done anything I should have, please, please forgive me. I have nothing in my heart but you and that's why I am so oblivious to

anything and everything else when I am around you.

You touched me in so many ways that I cannot even explain - you showed love and compassion more than a mother, you gave me fatherly advice, you guided me as my Guru, you showed me that I could count on you always.

Swami, more and more, I feel that I want to come and spend the rest of my life with you. You keep telling me that I have issues and need to finish my responsibilities. Please give me the strength to do so and then take me. I have already surrendered to you as my new name suggests.

Swami, the house is so empty and the walls are echoing your laughter and wherever I go, I see your face. I know you are with me always, but I miss your physical presence. I don't know what we did to even meet you Swami. Why is it that my heart is aching for you??? I can't stop crying Swami....

Swami, Gertrude is also feeling so bad and missing you so much. I talked to her for a long time last night and went to her house this morning to console her again. I was there for over an hour. What have you done to all of us Swami???!

The NSP experience was beyond words. You touched the very core of each of our beings and brought out all the dirt and cleansed our souls. Hope we can all follow your teachings and be nice to each other and grow more spiritually. You showed us that each person in this world has good in them and that we must look at that instead of the so-called bad. I am going to see THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM in each person I meet.

Swami, I don't even feel like going home! As long as you were here, I was like an energizer bunny, now I am so tired, sleepy, and sad. Swami, thank you again for all the lovely moments and memories you gave us. That is the greatest gift and I will hold on to them forever.

I know you probably want to read, rest etc, so don't want to take up more of your precious time.

I love you Swami and miss you...

Yours humbly,

Ma Anand Samarpan

Ma Nithya Karuna

My dearest Swami,

My humble pranams at Your Lotus Feet!

Thank you so much for replying to my email. Swami, we are all missing you so much :(

Nacha, Subadra and I have been exchanging emails and all of us are feeling depressed at your physical absence from here. Swami, really what an impact a Guru can make on His disciples! Everything else in life looks dull and boring after tasting the nectar of spiritual bliss that you've given us. Every moment my mind goes back to your small stories, your spiritual experiences and the moments spent in your presence in the last 2 weeks. I just can't seem to stop talking about them to others.

I was listening to your bhajans VCD this morning and Swami, it's a feast to the ears to hear you talk in Tamil. So beautiful it felt to hear your voice in Tamil, and the bhajans are simply excellent. At least this I will treasure as a fond reminder of you till I see you in Bangalore this year.

With lots of love and pranams at Your Divine Lotus Feet,

Ma Nithya Karuna

Dearest Swami,

My humble pranams at Your Divine Lotus Feet!

Swami, Sharmilla (Ma Anand Prabha) is really suffering from high fever, head and body ache. She is not taking any medications or seeing a doctor as she has full faith that you will cure her. Swami, I pray to you to please grace her health back to normal. Swami, everyone including you fell sick after the NSP what was the reason for that Swami? Was it because our negativities such as guilt, pain and karmas were leaving us? Or because the meditation techniques were too powerful for our bodies to withstand? Why did you fall sick Swami? - did you take on the illness of someone else? Swami, I really hope you are not in pain! I know you mentioned once that enlightened souls may have pain but no suffering, but still I pray to you to please cure yourself completely, at least for the sake of your disciples.

Swami, you mahātmas are so great, always thinking about the welfare of others selflessly, living solely for others, imparting the greatest knowledge and gift of enlightenment for others, so you should never be in pain or suffer for the sake of others.

With lots of love and pranams at Your Lotus Feet.

Ma Nithya Karuna

This is Nithya Seva (Shaila). Swamiji, I am blessed to have had an opportunity to spend so much time with you. I am always remembering the memorable days I spent with you and every day I am so happy, and I am dancing with joy listening to your beautiful songs. You are my FATHER, MOTHER, BROTHER AND YOU ARE MY LIFE.

Physically I am missing you but the thought that you are in my HEART keeps my life going. I hope you are enjoying your stay in Seattle. Have a good time.

Dear Swami,

My humble pranams to your lotus feet!

After the Healers' Initiation yesterday (Monday) in Holiday Inn, Newark, CA, myself and Maa Nithya Roop (Jyothi) were bubbling with enthusiasm and bliss. But as soon as the day passed, we found ourselves in a kind of depression. Swami, we know we cannot stay doing what we are doing and still be where we want to be. Swami, please allow me to be one of your hands.

My wife and I have talked about our options, considering our son's life and our responsibilities as parents and our desire to be your children.

We have come to the US in 1997 and worked sincerely hard, and got the green card only two months back. Amongst many of our dreams, we also dreamt of being

able to have our son live in the US and study here. In your ecstatic presence and under your compassionate divine guidance during the last two weekends, our desires have changed and worries have been thrown away. But the lingering attachments are still in us. We need to live in the US 50% of the time to maintain our green card status, which is required to support our son's education and take care of him.

I seek your compassion. Please bless us to be your sevaks. Swami, please bless me with the opportunity to become one of your hands and cherish life as an ashramite for five to six months every year.

With your blessings, I want to use my software/ computers knowledge or anything you feel fit, to do something for Dhyanapeetam. I am eager to work hard and rise up to your expectations. Maa Nithya Roop and I would take turns to cherish our time in your service and take care of our son. These are our humble prayers. Swami, please guide us and make us instruments of your Compassion.

Swami, as per your divine guidance I turned down the Dallas offer, which was 25% higher monetarily for me. I already knew it is because you see more dimensions than I can imagine. But to my utter surprise, I just got a call from a friend that he is getting me an independent contract, which is like 60% higher than my current pay, and this is without moving from where I am!!! What this means to me is that I can stop measuring with my matchstick, and I should be aware that when you bless, I need to be ready to receive in all forms.

In THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM,

Sri Anand Roop

Vanakkam Dearest Swami,

Swami, I miss u sooo much!! All the ladies here are missing you and feel empty without you! Everyone is calling me and saying they don't know what to do. I am telling them all to listen to your tapes, CDs, discourses etc. You have attracted us all like a magnet and now we don't know what to do without you!!!

I cannot concentrate on my work Swami! I really want to hear your voice, so will call you today.

I love you Swami.

Humble pranams at your lotus feet.

Ma Anand Samarpan

Ma Anand Shri [Aruna Reddy]

My dearest Swamiji,

Ever since I have seen you in LA, You are in my heart all the time. You have touched me deep inside my heart. I am trying to see you in everyone, as you said. It has made great changes in my perception. It is like seeing others with love eyeglasses! Just thinking of you gives me immense joy and I am simply lost while listening to your kirtans.

It has been so hard to fast all these years, but after your ASP and NSP, I was able to fast on Shivratri with no problem. I could not believe it myself. No trace of hunger on that day! Moreover Swamiji, I had a problem of oversleeping. Now I am just fine with 6 and a half hours' sleep. I know you are with me and guiding me in my sadhanas.

Swamiji, I want to grow fast spiritually, and my goal is not to have another janma. I don't think it is that easy to reach that stage. But definitely with your blessings, I feel I can attain anything. It just seems so easy! Ever grateful to you ...

Ma Anand Shri

Ma Nithya Seva [Shaila]

My dear loving Swamiji,

This is your Nithya Seva. Swamiji I GOT MY CANADA VISA. Thank you so much, you really did a miracle. The Visa people did NOT ask me a single question, and they gave me Visitor Visa for 2 years, that's great…

I am missing your physical presence but I know that ur love and blessings are there for me. Thank you so much again!

Thank you and Love you,

With a heartful of love,

Nithya Seva

Vanakkam Swami,

Humble pranams at your lotus feet.

Swami, I want to tell you something that just happened to me.

I was driving to an appointment and was using the navigation system in the car to find the route. (Whenever I am not using the navigation, I always listen to Nithya Kirtan). Once I found the way, I decided to switch the CD to the Nithya Kirtan which I am hooked onto.

The CD got stuck and wouldn't come out, and in the process of trying to take it out while driving, I got onto the wrong freeway. Swami, for 10 minutes I kept trying to take out the navigation CD. It just wouldn't come out and got stuck.

Immediately, the inner chattering started and I was saying to myself:

The car warranty is over and it's going to be so expensive to replace the Navigation system - and moreover, I won't be able to listen to the Kirtans. What

am I going to do? I have to be able to listen to the kirtans. I should have sold the car after the warranty finished, but then, this is THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's car, so I shouldn't sell it. I just wish THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM was here with me. He would have clapped his hands or done something and this thing would work. Too bad THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM isn't here with me now."

By then, 10 minutes had passed. (So much inner chattering!)

That same instant, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, I heard a click and I knew that the CD would come out. I tried it again - and of course, it popped out immediately! What a fool I am to not know that you are always with me, even if you aren't physically here! It was a good lesson for me. I will tell this "small story" at the satsang this Saturday. THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, you are incredible.

Just wanted to share that with you.

You must be so busy in Oklahoma. I am thinking about you all the time.

Please take good care of yourself THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM.

I MISS YOU THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, SO MUCH.

Humbly,

Ma Anand Samarpan

Dearest Swamiji,

Thank you so much for the love and blessings that you showered on me and on Addie (the small white dog) when we took your ASP program and the Ananda Healing initiation in Bellevue! I cannot tell you how much I appreciate what you have done for us and what you are doing for all people in the world. I look forward to a lifelong relationship with you.

I am excited to start doing Ananda Healing and also to study with you further both here and in Bharat.

With love and gratitude always,

Trisha

Dear Swamiji Friend :-)

I know you are busy, but I felt like writing to you to say hello.

After speaking with you on Monday after the Healers' Initiation, and reaffirming the blissful experience (which seems to come and go) as Ananda Gandha chakra, I am beginning to realize the value of the initiation.

Now your physical presence is not here... I know however that your energy is everywhere and when this mind drops its conditionings/habits more, it will open still more to receive that energy.

I wait for that day when the mind merges with the Universal energy and when this body/mind becomes a perfect instrument to serve that Universal Energy/God. Hope you will write.

Love,

Yamini

Dear Swamiji and Friend,

It is so nice to hear from you. Your words keep echoing to me - "Drop all the conditionings of the mind" - and it is having its effect since then. There is an underlying current of happiness that seems to always exist, as the mind is just beginning to let go of memories and prejudices, and live in the Now.

The intellect wants "Atman Spurana experience", the intuition says that is another conditioning of the mind, just let go. So the mind is going to surrender and let go. I wrote this piece after I read your mail and am sharing it with you.

Dropping the conditionings of the mind Seeing through the Form into the Formless Surrendering to the Now Seeking no more Waiting no more Just being in the present Embracing/Being the Energy And just Living That is all that seems to matter now.

Love,

Yamini

Dear Swamiji,

It is quite different using this 'aircraft' body instead of a 'bullock cart'! I believed you when you said that one could move in the world with this 'better' body, but am still surprised to find myself so changed. I don't allow my mind to think too much about the difference, because it is so startling that the mind gets nervous and wants to pull back.

The effortlessness of it all is so delightful that I feel like I did as a child... open and tender with every living thing.

I have changed my diet completely - and that includes a great attachment to coffee and coca cola - all in one week and with no effort whatsoever. I have energy 24 hours and am completely mystified how different everything looks, yet is as it was, all the same. (The mountains are still mountains, yet totally new).

I am still experiencing lots of motion outside my body that I assume is the energy body, and it is uncomfortable (very) at times. But I keep your mala with me and hold on for the ride and trust you. It is the hardest thing I have ever done, but also the sweetest. Thank you from the top, bottom, and all sides of my heart!

Thank you very much for your reply! I look forward to staying with you at the ashram. My husband and I are in the process of selling our house and once we get rid of most of our possessions, we will be able to spend extended periods of time with you.

In my last Mahamantra meditation, after I had been humming about a half hour, I felt my root chakra growing very warm, and then it felt like it exploded and a great energy rose up my spine all the way to my crown chakra. I was in bliss for hours afterwards. I had heard about the kundalini rising, but this was the first time I'd experienced it. Wonderful!

Other happy news: There are a growing number of people in New York who want to see you. While I was doing the ASP last weekend, I talked on the phone every evening with my husband Dean while he was treating patients in New York. He was impressed by the experiences I was having and told his patients about them. Now they are calling his office asking for more information. My husband is, of course, also very eager to meet you. He's been looking at your photo and remarking about how wonderful your energy is. He can see and feel energy more easily than most people as he has developed that skill extensively through his work.

In closing, allow me to tell you something really funny: On Monday night, when I bought a complete set of your work, I also got your large, lovely biography, The Formless in Form. As I had already read a sample copy all during the ASP (I spent most breaks reading it), I didn't think to open my own copy until Tuesday.

When I did open it, all the pages were blank! I laughed and laughed because it was so unexpected and yet strangely appropriate: it is impossible to really capture a person's life in text and photos, and somehow the blank pages conveyed to me the blank slate a person's life is the freedom and possibility to become one with God by dropping all hindrances to that union. Then one shines forth as the formless (the blank pages) in form (the book).

The appropriateness of this metaphor for the blank book I received seemed like a special gift to me. I have not been a person who laughs a lot, but I notice that I've been finding more things funny and laughing a good deal more since I've been with you.

Anyway, be well and I look forward to all that is ahead. Lots of love,

Trisha

Dearest Swami,

Thank you for your inspiring presence.

I miss you tremendously Swami. I cannot think about anything but you.

My entire being wants to be with you constantly. I want to do the ASP as I know its benefits for my spiritual progress. Love,

Priya

Pranam Dearest Swamiji:

You have only been gone a few days and I am already feeling lost. Thank you for everything you did for me when you were in San Francisco, CA. In a few days you have transformed my life. I have become a complete vegetarian and my outlook on life and death is changing significantly. I consider you my guru and my master and I thank Shirdi Sai Baba for directing me to your feet.

My love and prayers to you always.

Please write a few words if time permits. Please keep your love and blessings in my life always.

Your loving disciple,

Sri Ananda Jyoti

Ma Nithya Seva [Shaila]

Dear loving Swamiji,

Tons of roses to ur feet. I am fine here by your blessings.

I hope you all are fine. Swamiji, I am happy to inform you that your Nithya Seva has started to heal in the name of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM Swami from last Friday. Some of them came to me to be healed and they are all happy.

Swamiji I am sorry to bother you all the time with my email, please DON'T mind ok. Whenever you are free, you can send me the reply ok. I will NOT feel bad bcoz i know that my Swami is busy and there are many people like me who are also wanting some suggestions from you. Swami I would love to come there and spend time with you all, but the situation here is not so good, just in a matter of time when you bless me, then totally I shall be at ur feet, I will do Seva for you and others.

With tons of love,

Ma Nithya Seva

I don't know how to start.

I'm one who is looking for a job and very very unlucky in getting a job. Many times I ask God, why did you give me a desire that's not going to happen? But I try everyday for a job, hoping one day I'll get it. When I met you I wanted to ask you this, but I was not able to ask you at that time.

Will I ever get a job? Is it because of my karma? What should I do?

Please help me and show me a way. Sometimes I even feel, why should I live, and I cry and cry whenever I think I'm so unlucky with acquiring a job. I know that you know everything and will show me some way and give me an answer.

Unable to express my feelings by writing.

Thanks for your answer in advance.

Sivagami

My dear Sivagami,

Before April you will have a job, don't worry.

My love and blessings.

Swamiji

Dear Swamiji,

Please come to my travel business and fill it with your healing light. Please infuse everyone that interacts with my business with your healing. Fill my partner with light so he makes sound decisions.

And last but not least, fill my heart with your inner light so I can share it with others and find the best possible solutions in these times of crisis.

Thank you again and again and again.

Kay Burtness

Vanakkam Swami,

Humble pranams at your lotus feet.

Swami, I don't know what is happening to me. I am thinking about you every minute and want to be with you! Swami, I have never felt like this before about anyone or anything, but I am always longing to be with you.

Swami, if you cancel your trip to Dallas, why don't you come back here???? PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE. I know I am being selfish, but if you have a few days, you can come here and I will pay for your ticket.

I miss you Swami and love you.

Humbly,

Your pest, Ma Anand Samarpan

Dearest Swamiji,

I just wanted to share this unusual experience with you.

Last Sunday mid-afternoon Naomi, Konane (our daughter) and I drove up the coast from Santa Cruz to a place called Big Basin. It is a beach where the forest comes all the way to the ocean.

We walked out to the beach and there was a really strong

wind. I started to feel lightheaded and strange. I tried to play with Konane but I was very much distracted. I knew something was going on with Naomi as well. After a short time she said that she would go back to the car, she needed space.

I played some more with Konane and then asked her to come along for a walk into the forest. She didn't want to go, but wanted to stay with Naomi in the car.

I then started walking. I looked up at the mountain that is covered by forest and I saw a gigantic face of Hanuman looking over the mountain in the clouds. I had a very wobbly feeling in my stomach. Then the image was gone and a moment later it was part of the forest/mountain, then it faded. I started walking again and I could hear everything magnified, I could see the most vibrant green in the plants and I knew that if I asked the plants anything they would answer me. Everything was very very intense and my vision was enhanced (can't really describe in words).

This lasted for a short while and subsided somewhat. I picked 2 purple flowers and took them back to the car for Naomi and Konane. Then we all went for a walk... I have never worshipped Hanuman or really known anything about him... I think about him a lot now... you know my question...

With the deepest love and devotion,

Anand Bharathi

Dear Sri Anand Bharathi,

Hanuman was the messenger of Rama, you are my Hanuman, be ready to spread my message and plan to start living with me in the ashram.

My love and blessings

Swamiji

[P.S.M. - A devotee]

Whoever reads this mail, I have a prayer for SRI THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM Swamigal. My brother is suffering from lung cancer. At the age of thirty he became depressed and became mentally ill and was treated by some doctors. Nobody was able to find out the real cause of his suffering. He came to the United States for his higher studies and returned with severe depression. Nobody could diagnose his condition. He suffered, as well as his family. Finally we were forced to send him to a place where they take care of all patients of this nature. Now he has been diagnosed as having lung cancer. IT IS VERY SAD THAT MY BROTHER, WHO WAS VERY SENSITIVE AND GOD-FEARING IS FACING THIS KIND OF SITUATION IN LIFE. IT IS UNBEARABLE.

I had the opportunity to attend SRI THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM Swamigal's discourse in Fremont, USA. It was total bliss!!!! I am told that Swamigal and his healers can heal any kind of ailment upon request. I call upon you to visit and heal my brother with your prayers. Can you please do this for me, for our family?

With lots of thanks and regards,

[Name]

I am SRI THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM Swami, reading your mail myself.

I will meditate and help your brother in whatever way is best. Don't worry, I will take care. If possible send his photograph.

My love and blessings

Dear Swamiji,

Oh! God! I just couldn't believe my eyes, nor can I control my tears of joy! What a blessing to a soul to feel and experience the Love of God! You are the embodiment of love, Swamiji. I am just out of control today, with all emotions, as I believe God is amidst us all the time if only we look for Him. I feel very much blessed by your kindness and love. My heartfelt thanks Swamiji.

Regarding the photo, I have only one, which was taken in '93. Hope this will help.

Thanks a lot.

With lots of Love and Pranams,

[Name]

Hello Swamiji,

I am the African American woman that was at the retreat in Oklahoma City this past weekend. It was a wonderful, awesome experience and I want to THANK YOU again for the opportunity. You are such a BLESSING!!! However, I needed to email you with something that I'm dealing with that seems to persist. I feel like I can't maintain that state of inner peace. I tend to be so dissatisfied with myself. I do acknowledge today that I do not really know myself, who I am or what I want (or what God desires for me to do with my life) or even really trust myself. It is so frustrating. Up two days down three, on and on and on. I feel like I keep repeating so many of the same life-lessons. And like you spoke this weekend - we can have 'head knowledge' but if we don't experience it - it will not work. Maybe I'm not patient with myself??? Not really sure, so your guidance will be so appreciated.

You Are The BLESSING!

Fredonna

Dear Swamiji,

I was one of the University of Oklahoma students that attended your talk last night. I want to thank you for coming to our little corner of the planet. We definitely need more visitors like you here!

Last night, I asked you if enlightenment was really as easy as you made it sound. You were able to communicate the simplicity of it in a way that cut through all my ego games and allowed me to taste the bliss of which you spoke. I am eternally grateful to you for that gift. I wanted to talk to you personally afterwards, but I was so blown away that I could not formulate anything to ask, so I left. But today, Dr Barbara Boyd of the OU Religious Studies Program and I spent hours talking about your message & the profound impact you had upon the both of us (I am Dr. Boyd's graduate assistant in the RELS program).

I am wondering if there will be any more opportunities to see you while you are still in Oklahoma?

I have often read about & a few times experienced

powerful spiritual presences that have cut through the ego's defenses and allowed one to See. I am coming to realize that my soul is hungry for this food. I intend to come to your ashram and take you up on your generous offer to conduct research, but it will be some time before I can manage the arrangements. In the meantime, I want to know how I can continue what was begun last night (aside from continuing the meditation technique you taught us). I feel like you gave us all a tremendous jumpstart that broke down the ego barriers of those open to it, and I want to continue and augment this process, but am unsure how to proceed.

Thank you so much for coming & sharing with us! In gratitude,

Dara Fogel

Dear Swamiji,

How can we live without you - we miss you so much!

Please, if you can, come to Fremont before you go back to Bharat. I will take care of your trip as soon as you let me know. If you cannot, then, please come back in 6 months. I would be happy to sponsor the event in Fremont. I am aware of the importance of your mission, and hence would be delighted to help you somehow, some way. Just let me know. I just want you to know I am here for you. If you need something, anything... I am here for you.

Love,

Gertrude (Ma Nithya Premi)

My Loving Master,

How can I thank you enough for everything you have done for me?

I am not going to try. I am blessed and extremely lucky to have gotten You for my growth. I know I am born anew.

I henceforth give my good, bad thoughts, actions, words to thee. I have nothing which is mine... everything is yours. My love for you is much inferior to the love I saw in the eyes of the beautiful THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM today. Still, however poor quality it is... I do love you. I love you with all my being.

Thanks for my new and real name… you have told me my path and I will remain your gopi forever. I give myself to thee... do whatever you want with me... I do not question or doubt anymore... You are my Guru and I follow you... however I am, I belong to you. I love you Swamiji…

Many times during the meditation I felt your presence just next to me. I am grateful for everything Lord. I am sorry that my love for you, although it is 100%, has been masked by my worldliness and doubt.

Thanks for the chance to love you.

Your loving

Ma Krishnananda

Dear Swamiji,

Namasthe.

I sincerely thank you for spending time in Oklahoma, especially for being so open to share with us your inspiring healing. You have been kind and patient with the research projects.

I will be compiling the article with the exciting new findings in the next two weeks and will send it to you before you leave USA .

Meanwhile the news about your visit to Integris Jim Thorpe has been added to the website that can be seen by anyone .

There are two web pages with your photographs and the type of studies done.

With Warm Regards,

R.Murali Krishna, M.D.

Dearest Swami,

I need your help and guidance... For the last week and a half I have been having a lot of amazing experiences, but now I am feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the things I feel and see around me. I am finding it harder and harder to find solace with the people around me. Sebastian has been really wonderful in trying to understand, but I knew he didn't really know the extent of it. So I did the Mahamantra with him one morning where we held each other's hands. I knew that I could not convey with words what I am feeling, only by feeling it himself could I explain more accurately... and it seemed to work. I have no doubt in my mind that you know what I have experienced. I know now that I do not want to and cannot go on alone and I would like to have your presence as a guiding light as I enter into this new life and journey. I would be overjoyed if you would be my teacher and guide...

With All my Love and Deepest Respect,

Ma Abhayananda Bharathi

Dear All,

I am the father of Shailender, who was brought to Swamiji under conditions of severe physical and mental illness. The power of prayer and the healing of Swamiji has had the desired effect on Shailender - the WBC count which was 600 at the time of admission into the Hospital, gradually increased and he was discharged from the hospital.

The recovery has been miraculous and he has been found fit to take the arduous flight to Bharat, for recuperation and convalescence.

In your own way, each one of you has contributed your share, for the miracle that has happened.

God Bless you all.

In the Service of Swamiji,

Affectionate regards,

Dyumani and Ramachander

Thank you so much for coming into my life. I am indeed blessed to have had such wonderful opportunities with you. I had never felt this kind of pure love that you showed me. It is so pure, so true, so sweet - really a THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM true to the word!!!!!!! I thank you for the lovely hug that you gave me and for calling me 'Mom'. I am at loss for words but you know that I have you in my heart forever!!!!! Thank you Swami from the bottom of my heart. I seek your blessings always on my family. Thank you for touching my daughters with your presence. They feel they missed so much and wished they had attended the ASP. Sunil, of course cannot wipe the smile from his face, and my husband is truly happy to have been with you. Part of me misses you but part of me is in the bliss of having been with you. Please be with me always, my dear son.

Love you lots,

Shanti - Mom

Ma Vivekananda Bharathi

Ma Anand Swabav [Savitri Rambhatla]

Dear Swamiji,

Thank you so much for your advice. As per your advice, Anand Kamal is continuing with his online courses.

I have learnt not to worry since you said, "Don't worry ma, now, he is my worry. He will be fine."

I am still helping him with all his assignments - I feel like I am a fulltime student and a fulltime doctor and a fulltime homekeeper!

But just even thinking about you and meditating gives me all the energy. I have become more patient. At times when I get tired, bringing your blissful form into my mind and slipping into Ananda Gandha meditation and thinking, 'Swami, help Anand' calms me down and his work automatically improves!

With love and respects,

Ma Anand Swabav

Dearest Master,

I say I love Thee, but I see it is tainted still, I say I surrender to Thee, but I am constantly using my free will, How will I grow and when will I grow... I am at a loss, Can you ever forgive me... for being so gross? Why did you create me... if I am meant to be me? How ignorant and foolish I turned out to be? How fortunate I am to have seen Thee!! I feel your compassion and love… Almighty!! Forgive me for my doubts… I am really ashamed, Forgive me for my love... filled with taint, I do not know how to love or surrender or have faith, I only know that I am blessed to be loved by thee…

Krishnananda

Namaste Swamiji,

This is THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM Praba (Douglas MacKallor - the red headed devotee.)

Once again, many thanks for helping Ma THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM Shanta (Tam Truong). Her position seems more secure. That is a relief! And she is very grateful for everyone's help (especially yours).

All is well with us. When my wife, Ma Anand Praba (Sharmila MacKallor) does the Shakti Dharana meditation, it is very easy to see that you have entered into her! She sways back and forth with energy and bliss. So we know (with physical proof) that you are always with us. (I feel your blissful energy too, but not like she does.)

Swamiji, I know that you are with us, but being of human form, we would also like to ask you directly for help. Several times, during your visit to the Bay Area (we wanted to ask you about Anand Praba's job situation, but we were too ashamed to ask you about worldly matters.

Ma Anand Praba works at the same place as Ma THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM Shanta, and it is a very political (difficult) place.

For the past three months, Ma Anand Praba was supposed to be promoted, yet there have been many political obstacles.

Could we please ask for your help? Could you please help Ma Anand Praba so that she gets the best situation possible and all goes smoothly?

Swamiji, please forgive us. I know that we need to approach God with namaskaram and not in begging form... but this means so much for both of us, that I must take the risk and ask for help in worldly matters. Please forgive me and accept my humble request.

Thanks again for all...

We have been keeping to at least one meditation a night (sometimes more) and feel blissful just knowing that you are with us.

THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM & Anand Praba

Good Evening Swamiji,

I am in the midst of many miracles, blessings and bliss, thank you!

Am working on coming to Columbus to experience the ASP program again. Also am talking to others about it. Am using the healing technique more and more and have wonderful experiences with healing others, myself and animals.

Am looking at some business ventures .. please help me figure out which directions to go.

Thank you for your smile, your bliss and your wonderful light in the world. I cannot begin to tell you how deeply touched I am with the fact that you have shared this incredible gift of bliss with me and the world.

Kay Burtness, California

Part 4: Swamiji As We Know Him_English_part_4.md

How are you? Everything is just ok here actually the truth is it has gotten worst. We went out to texas yesterday and oh my gosh. All my father could say was lies. He was telling all his friends that he had spent time with me so much as a little kid that i was very lucky and still am. He says to people my mom has the easiest life, if she does then why is she always sad and cries all the time.

This is just an update of how it is going here at our house. Now for my life and how it's going. Woow i feel great, i'm not as worried about things as i used to be and i'm more relaxed. I have a big college exam coming and i'm really nervous. This is going to determine where i go. I really want to go to this one university but i don't think my dad can afford it unless i get a 1600 on that test. So please give me some advice on what to do

I just wanted to say thank you for being there and guiding me. Suddenly it seems you are the only one i can trust with my thoughts. I have always wanted a big brother or sister as i was growing and i'm glad i found someone. You make me feel very secured and happy any time i think of you. For some reason i have tears running down from my eyes as i am writing this email. You make me free and alive with love. Much love and happiness! love from your little sister,

L.

Sri THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM Swamiji:

We feel blessed by your visit to Oklahoma City. I attended both the ASP and NSP programs and here is what I feel. I feel that ASP encouraged me to start living normally and NSP took me even beyond, it has given me a second chance at life.

When I mentioned to you that I still am getting unnecessary thoughts you said, 'Relax, I will take care of you'. I am already seeing the effects of your taking care of me. For more than two months, our accounts receivables were locked up, putting my partner and me

in a very tight financial position. Immediately following the NSP program week, we started getting checks, and as I type this email things have eased up financially and the future is looking bright. It goes to prove beyond doubt that you are taking care of me.

My only question Swamiji is, how am I supposed to react when a thought considered socially or religiously wrong crosses my mind? Should I not feel guilty for any of my actions, whether or not they are socially or religiously wrong? Or does it mean that I am still not liberated from all my past guilts and sins (I am sorry to use these words but I don't know how else to describe them), by the simple fact that I am asking these questions?

Jai Gurudev!

Syam Sundar Mannava,OKC

Respected Swamiji,

We are fortunate that You have bestowed Your Blessings and grace upon us. I have always been a "bullock cart", and now I know that I can be a tractor and even a helicopter!!

Due to my late arrival yesterday, I missed the opportunity of having Energy Darshan from You. I do not know if I will have an opportunity to be in Your presence until Your next visit, and therefore I am requesting Your Blessings and Energy Darshan and Healing for all of us in my family.

Thank You Swamiji for showing me what I am capable of, for healing my leg, for healing my thyroid, and above all, for truly helping me understand what the power of meditation is.

In THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM Ananda Sri Abayananda Giri

Dearest Swamiji,

With your blessings I got into a job and I'm starting work tomorrow. I need your blessings always.

Thanks a lot Swamiji.

I would like to send my first paycheck to Dhyanapeetam. I would like to know the details of how & where to send it. With love and respects,

Sivagami

Dear Swamiji,

You might think I lack courage, since I want to be with you, yet at the same time want the experience to be gentle. My dilemma is always that I want to go forward, yet my body does go to extremes so easily and I have to live in the real world.

You will say it is all for the good and relax and don't be afraid. But I go OBE so easily (when we did the hum meditation for the heart chakra, I left my body, and I dislike it very much, it is terrifying) and have very much nausea and uncomfortable physical results. Or you might say just come when you are ready. But what does one do when one loves God and the bliss associated with him so much that you can't stay away? I have nowhere to speak these words where they will be understood - unless You can understand and advise.

I am coming to Ohio to see you... perhaps you understand.

Sincerely,

Monica

Harsha Parekh 28/03/04

Dear Swamiji,

A very big thankyou for that most glorious experience! No words can describe the gratitude that I feel.

I sure would like to go beyond this state of elation, enjoying the kriyas, to go beyond mind and into samadhi!!!! I guess I am asking for too much! My steps are pretty much dancing to the bathroom in the mornings. I wish to retain this state of energy!!

Any further guidance you can give me on my sadhana will be a blessing.

Thank you once again,

Namaskar,

Harsha Parekh

Dear Swamiji,

Namasthe.

I hope that you have received the detailed images of PET Scanning and Q-EEG that I have sent. I am herewith sending you 'TheMind Of The Mystic' article. I have thoroughly enjoyed your teachings and immensely respect your wisdom and your willingness to share your valuable insights. I truly believe that you are an important bridge between mysticism and modern science, most of which is yet to be discovered.

With the warmest regards,

R .Murali Krishna, M.D.

Sunil Pai 29/03/04

Dear Swami,

When I meditate and also when I pray, I find myself always worshipping your form. You said this is alright, but how do I go beyond form and worship the God in everyone and everything?

You have said people should not become attached to your physical form, so is there a technique or method to see God not only in your form?

I've noticed many changes in myself after becoming vegetarian, I feel lighter and even my friends have told me they see a change, they have said I have become a more optimistic and positive person.

I feel I have gone through these changes because of you, and I want to worship your true form and not only the body which you have taken.

Your disciple, Sunil Pai

Dearest Swamiji,

How can I express how I feel?! You have given me my life back!! 9 years of studying philosophy had left me literally ready to die. As recently as 3 months ago, I was ready to kill myself. All I saw was blackness & ego. I had come to believe that enlightenment was not really possible - that it was just a cruel joke played upon us by a malicious god. My mantra had become 'Life is evil & God is evil for inflicting it upon us.' But a series of miracles, culminating in this past weekend, has totally turned me around & shown me that my highest aspirations are not only justified, but actually attainable!!! Words cannot express my eternal gratitude to you for breaking through my ego's iron cage and releasing me to the light & love of God!! If you had told me last year that I would be in this place, I would have thought you were deluded & a 'Pollyanna.' But now, I am beyond a believer - I am an experiencer! The whole world is new & beautiful beyond description!

What happened this last weekend goes beyond my plausibility structure - my hard-won logic & reasoning fails to account for what is happening to me & I couldn't be happier about it!! I would like to share a little bit of what happened to me over the last few days:

Friday night, after the 'Sex, Death & Meditation' talk you gave at Kamala's, I slept little, but had 3 dreams about you. In one of the dreams, I dreamt you healed

my lower back. My back has been a problem for me for over 10 years & I had planned to ask you for healing. But you beat me to it!! My back did not bother me all weekend - even with sitting on the floor for hours!!! And it is still going good!!

In the second dream, I dreamt that I had asked you if I could take your picture, but while I was fumbling with the camera, you walked away. I misinterpreted this to mean 'move fast', instead of meaning 'don't bother with pictures'. Later, when I thought I had lost the camera with the 'illicit' pictures, all I could think was that I had ignored your warning, betrayed your trust & cast a shadow over the whole experience with my silly desire to capture the eternal in the ephemeral! I was so relieved & overjoyed when I finally found the camera stashed in a little pocket of my bag! I won't be making that mistake again!!

The third dream, I don't understand at all, but maybe time will reveal it. I dreamt I was in a van, travelling at night with you & many faceless others. I was crouching on the floor in the front seat, while you were reclining in the back. I was facing you as you told us all that we were to be the roots of your 'first church,' and that those who came after would be your 'second church.' I don't understand what this means or why you would use Christian language, but I thought I should share it with you. Thank you for all the care & love you have shown for me! I feel I have been lifted by the grace of God to a whole new level of being that I had only dreamed of!! My fears are melting away...

By making it possible for me to attend ASP last weekend, you have changed my life! Already, people are noticing a change in my energy & orientation. You saved me!!! I would not have believed it was possible if I had not experienced it! You have reconnected me to my source!! I cannot thank you enough!!! If there is ever anything I can do for you, you have but to ask!!

I think I may have freaked out some of your followers, as some of the older women seemed to find my intense releases alarming. But as you had said to give everything & since I want to be like you, I took your advice to heart. I did not mean to offend or distract the others, but I could not hold all that awful nastiness inside me any more – it was killing me. I saw the chance you offered me to transform & I jumped at it! I am so glad I did!! You liberated me from the prison of my own mind. I could not do it myself - I know, because I spent 5 years trying, but to no avail.

Next week is the Jewish holiday of Passover, which celebrates the Israelites' liberation from slavery to Egypt. I shall be celebrating my own release from egobondage when I gather with my family & friends, and will offer the ancient traditional prayers with new depth and meaning!

With the greatest love and gratitude from your redeemed philosopher,

Dara

Dear Dara,

My love and blessings, I read your mail totally.

The third dream means, you will be a member of my inner circle.

You have written that "If there is ever anything I can do for you, you have but to ask". Now I tell you to come to Bharat to the ashram, as soon as possible, to explore the spiritual life and enlightenment.

All my love and blessings, you will grow spiritually. Swamiji

Dearest Swamiji,

WOW!!!!!

Yes! Yes! A million million times YES!!!

Now all I have to do is figure out how...

This is an honor I never dared to dream of!! I think there may be a way to come in January, but it is going to take a lot of hard work on my part, tolerance on the part of the university & a couple of miracles to accomplish....

But this amazing opportunity you offer is my lifelong dream. Somehow, I will work it out & be with you & help you with your mission! There is nothing else I would rather do! That would truly be meaningful work that would benefit all humanity, just as the philosophy student in my joke was seeking!! I know the value of what you offer me & how rare & important this opportunity is. I will not squander it!! Somehow, it will happen!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

All my love, gratitude & effort,

Dara

Dear and Honorable Swamiji,

I am Cindy from Ohio, USA and recently attended Ohio ASP. I have no words to express my love for you.

I am a doctor of psychology. My life has been focused on healing the psychological pain of others. You, 1/2 man, 1/2 God have shown me true healing!

I desire to be of service to your Great Mission.

How may I serve you and God?

I saw the YOU.

I pray and meditate each day. I wear my MALA to my office when I am with my patients. It allows me to remain close to your healing power.

With Deep Respect,

Cindy

The following is an email exchange between Sri Nithya Bhasker (a devotee) and Dr. Barbara Boyd, Head of Religious Studies, Oklahoma University.

(This exchange was later mailed to Dhyanapeetam by Sri Nithya Bhasker)

Barbara Boyd 05/03/04

Dear Rama,

Thank you for inviting us to Swami's talk. It was wonderful. He has such a kind presence. We have talked about it all day!

I have friends who would like to see him. Is he talking publicly anywhere else this weekend?

I will work on the idea of students going to the ashram. I myself want to go but it would be a few years before I qualify for a sabbatical.

Thank you again for a wonderful, wonderful experience.

Dr. Barbara S. Boyd

Dear Barbara,

Thank you for your sincere recognition and appreciation of Divinity in SRI NITHYANANDA.

He is conducting ASP in Ohio and New York during this month (21-22 and 27-28 March 2004).

If any of you or your students are interested in attending this meditation course, please feel free to ask for any help.

With love and regards,

Sri Nithya Bhasker (Rama)

Dear Rama,

We will be there - there will be four of us. I would love to speak with Swami for just a few minutes again... I want my spouse to meet him, too. This young man is so effective... I can't seem to get over him... I feel like I need to imprint his energy into my body before he goes away... How amazing to be in such an energy field... he is truly enlightened and I can tell it... I read energy very well...

Thanks and see you this evening.

Barbara S. Boyd

Barbara Boyd 11/03/04

Dear Rama,

Several of us were VERY moved by Swami and want to see him when he comes again. I think this may be a new path for several of us. I have practised meditation for twenty years, and I am most interested in learning the healing tools. As a minister, I would like to know how to help others with healing.

I would LOVE to have a meditation group each week... though my life is so busy I don't know how that would be possible..! I do meditate every day, though, after my yoga practice. But I know Swami teaches a special kind of meditation.

THANK YOU SO MUCH for the pictures. I have him sitting on my mantle so that I can look at his lively and lovely face whenever I feel like. I have taken another picture to my office.

Thank you!

Namaste

Barbara Boyd

Dear Rama,

I just learned that Dara is going to Ohio for the retreat with Swami... I am SO excited for her... and wishing I could go, too. But the timing isn't right... I do want to start training with Swami when he comes back to OKC... but I am patient and willing to wait for the time to be right...

All things work for harmony...

Namaste

Barbara

Dear Barbara,

Swami is born with the purpose of uplifting all, especially the Westerners. Of course Swami is listening to you. I will keep you posted of Swami's visit in future.

In the meanwhile, may I invite you, your husband, friends, students to join us this coming Sunday for meditation at [address].

With love and regards,

Sri Nithya Bhasker [Rama]

Barbara Boyd 17/03/04

Dear Rama,

I am glad to hear what Swami's divine purpose is... this means that our paths will cross again and again... for this I am grateful... and I am also deeply aware that this path is where I am supposed to go. I have had many teachers. I have learned much. I have been waiting very patiently for the universe to send my next teacher to me. It has, and he is Swami... so now that I have found him I am in no hurry. I will continue to meditate and do my yoga. When he comes back to OKC, I will be prepared... for what he has to teach me.

Namaste

Barbara

Ma Vivekananda Bharathi 03/04/04

Namaste Swami,

These last few days have been worrying for us. My mother's brother is having a stomach operation today at Mallya Hospital in Bangalore. They are suspecting cancer. Please shower your blessings on him.

My brother called from South Carolina. He lost his Lord Venkateswara chain which his wife had given him several years back and so he was wondering if he should perform some particular puja. Please Swami tell me what he should do.

I think of you night and day, and though you say you are with me I still miss you very much! I can see you smile reading this e-mail. With lots of love, Shanthi Mom (Ma Vivekananda Bharathi)

Don't worry, I will take care of everything. My love and blessings.

Namaste Swami,

Many many thanks to you! I just heard that the tumor which was the size of a cricket ball looks benign!!!! The final report is still to come but this is really good news. We are ever so grateful for your Divine Grace. Also my brother called to say he found his Venkateswara pendant in his pocket!! It was not there before!! Thank you for all the miracles Swami.

With lots and lots of love and hugs and kisses to you, Love,

Shanthi (Mom)

Swamiji, last Saturday as usual we (the healers from the Bay Area) got together at Nacha's for our regular biweekly gathering. In about five minutes after I entered their house, I went into meditation. I don't think I was able to control my physical body (maybe I didn't even try). Then we did the Mahamantra meditation. I did the humming and sat in silence, but my fingers kept snapping (I'm working on controlling the snapping of my fingers). Then they played one of your Kirtans. I truly melt into that Kirtan and start dancing. Dancing beyond my control. I have to say that it was not me who was dancing, it was Your divine energy. I moved and swirled (I didn't fall), I was aware of my movements but surely the movements were not out of my own action. I truly enjoyed it. Can I say I was in ecstasy? People say I was in trance, and the best part is, I was in my Guru's energy. Thank you Swamiji!

Then everyone sang bhajan & finally Nithya Kirtan for aarti. I was on my knees and again went into meditation. All I felt was, like You were pouring blessings on everyone. My hands were moving as if You were giving blessings to Your devotees. It's an experience that I do not know how to put in words.

Nithya Praba will be celebrating his birthday on April 15th. I am planning to celebrate his birthday with Your meditation, kirtan and the opening ceremony of the Healing Center in our home. Thank you for your GRACE Swamiji.

Sorry for the long message. Love you much.

Jai Guru Dev,

Nithya & Anand Praba (The MacKallor Family)

After my wonderful experiences at the Ohio ASP, I was in bliss for a week.... then I hit a brick wall! My ego reasserted itself with a vengeance! I have spent the last 2 weeks battling my body, my fears & doubts! It was like the universe was challenging me - Are you serious about this enlightenment stuff?

In a sense, it was worse than if I had never done ASP, for I now know what is possible & how far I have fallen from it. After sitting & stewing in my own juices for a week, I finally remembered what you told me - that the ego is not satisfied unless it has a big problem to solve. All I know is that I have made more progress in the short time I have known you than I have in some 20 years of seeking on my own. But I still have some fears & concerns. Am I worthy of being in your inner circle? What will I have to give up & am I really ready to do it? Will I lose my free will & become a fanatic? What is it that you see in me that I cannot see?

Maybe these questions are more ego nonsense & not worthy of a response... That is why I hesitated to bring it to you. In the West, this kind of existential angst is considered a matter of personal choice & responsibility - and that asking for help is either a sign of weakness or a shirking of one's existential responsibility to choose for oneself.

Maybe I am over-analyzing this... After all, although I aspire to be more, I'm still just a lowly philosopher....

So thank you for your time, care & patience with me... If you can help, please do... If I have to deal with this on my own, please think kindly of me... I'm doing the best I can, even if I take one step forward & two steps back! With love & effort,

Dara

Dear Dara,

Don't worry, Divine will take care.

Allow this confusion to work on you.

I will work out miracles from this confusion.

Just once, if you put your whole energy and get totally confused, you will see that confusion never touches you again.

My love & blessings.

Dearest Swamiji,

I have news for you.. I saw you yesterday! You were

standing in the doorway while we were doing Aarathi at the Satsang, and smiling at everybody! I was wanting to see your physical form for a long time. Thank you for showing me that you are there for us! I am forever grateful to have you in my life and wish to be united with you for ever and ever.

With lots of love, hugs and kisses,

Ma Vivekananda Bharathi (Shanthi 'Mom')

Pujya Swamiji,

My pranaams to you.

Swamiji, I am not able to control this roller coaster of feelings. So much has happened so suddenly, I'm still trying to digest it all. I was deep down in the dumps, could see no direction for my life. I used to just listen to everyone and get more confused. That was the state I was in when you came into my life and transformed it miraculously. I cannot tell you how blessed I feel to have your touch. I feel so right in my entire being, I've never felt like this before.

Now I struggle to carry on with my daily chores! I am aware that I cannot shun my responsibilities and try hard to maintain the balance. If I could have it my way, I'd be at the aashram right now. I also know that you told me to wait. Give me the strength, please.

Swamiji, I also wanted to ask you whether anything is required for the aashram from here. I'll be very happy to bring it.

My love and regards, Anjula

Dear Swamiji:

I hope you are well.

When I met you in San Jose in February you asked me to spend some time with you at the ashram when you returned. I want very much to do that, if you still want me to come.

I know you have many devotees who are more devout in their faith than I, but I am trying. The time that you spent with me awoke something inside me that seems to have gone into hiding once more, yet those were moments that will be with me forever.

I think about you each day, and know that you are with me, even if you cannot be with me physically. I ask for your continued blessings so that I may continue to progress along the path that lies in front of me.

Peace.

Sri Anand Swaroop

Thank you for appearing in my dream yesterday! I am so happy that I had a glimpse of you, Swamiji! Swamiji, there is a remarkable change in my daughter and her health is improving. This is all due to your grace. Last weekend our family had been to NewYork. When we were returning in the middle of the night, there were some stray peices of debris in the middle of the road.We were travelling at high speed, but in spite of being tired and sleepy, Rajeev was able to spot the obstruction and avoided it. I knew immediately that Swamiji had saved us from danger. We are all protected by Your Divine Grace.

Swamiji, I'm hearing about many great 'Leelas' regarding You and am very happy. Sometimes You have to make us understand that You are God! Since You are so simple, we tend to take You for granted and sometimes do not realize Your greatness. Thank you for reminding us also.

Reverential Pranams to the Lotus feet of Swamiji, Kavitha

Dear Friends,

I want to tell you about the wonderful weekend I just spent with THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM (Paramahamsa Sri Nithyananda Swamigal), a fun, funny, joyful, compassionate, healing, and very high-energy enlightened master from Bharat. He celebrates and embraces life fully, and I really felt this intense joy and sense of possibility in his presence. There is no drudgery, solemnity, nor stifling "shoulds" imposed on you. It is all fun, laughter, and awakening possibility. But this doesn't mean a lack of discipline or that anything goes. It's just that once you have a solid experience of the basic energy of the universe, you can trust that, follow the deep intelligence within you, and you'll do the right thing without needing external rules imposed on you. You just trust God/the Universe/Energy (however you want to call it), and it will guide you in your own growth and service to others.

I have gone to numerous events with spiritual teachers and healers, and many have had valuable advice and

techniques, but I have never met anyone quite like Swamiji. This vigorous young master (he is only 26 years old) is so practical and in tune with the realities and challenges of life right now, and his teachings are so universal (not religious but spiritual), that everyone can benefit greatly. It doesn't matter what your religion or other beliefs are, the energy of total bliss (Nithyananda) that Swamiji embodies and shares will enhance your life. Swamiji does not ask you to believe anything—in fact, he invites you to doubt everything, to verify anything he says, including the techniques he teaches, by how well they work in your life. Swamiji always tells you to put your total attention and effort into all you do, and then experience what thereby happens within. Your inner experience is your proof.

Swamiji respects everyone's freedom and invites you to learn from everyone and everything. He welcomes all questions, insights, and other contributions. He seems to be the living embodiment of his conviction that we should never have a closed mind and should learn from everyone. He is NOT forming a cult. His worldwide movement for meditation - Dhyanapeetam - is designed to awaken the divinity that lies within us, not to make converts to any one path or way of doing things.

I know talk of enlightenment sounds abstract, but if you meet Swamiji, you'll see that it's really the most practical and joyful way to be. I had always thought that it would be nice to be enlightened and that, of course, it would bring benefits, but I don't think I really understood in a very concrete way - until my time with Swamiji - that it's the way of being that's freest, happiest, and most useful to yourself and others. You can be free from all worries, fears, depressions, conflict, wasted effort, illusions, etc., and replace them with bliss. Even if, like me, you are not enlightened, you can get a lot of these benefits through practising the meditations.

I highly recommend that you arrange to meet Swamiji and take his Ananda Spurana Program (ASP) when he's in your area or that you travel to his ashram in Bharat to take this two-day course of study that energetically conveys to you the fundamental meditation techniques for each of the seven chakras (Ananda Spurana means Flowering of Bliss). I am planning to go to Bharat to take his more advanced courses. You can find out more about him.

(Beth Wegener is an American lady from Oklahoma City who has been very inclined towards spirituality for decades.)

As he flows into the room, Blessings envelop the assembled pilgrims, Each one wanting something from the Master. Will he see your special values? Will he touch you first? Will he call you by name?

As the Truth flows out, Simple, yet so profound, The energy floats from laughter to self-examination. Can this be true about me? Do I really see things in this way? How could I not have seen that before? The light around his face and frame Can be seen most easily

By those who do not think they are "someone special," Someone chosen by the Lord, Deemed superior to "the crowd."

Who holds THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM in the depth of his being, Seeing all as the embodiment of the Almighty Is the one who easily glimpses the Divine grace Embodied in the sublime form of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM.

A swirling dance of bliss Envelops him in every moment As his flying feet and flashing eyes Dazzle the senses and touch the soul.

The simplicity of his wisdom, Blended with his acceptance and love, Helps people of all faiths and backgrounds See the folly of life's delusions. Only through God's grace Could we receive so easily The healing touch that flows continuously From the tender, outstretched hands of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM.

His smile and laughter Are recorded in the journals of the stars And the many hearts he touches each day. The love he pours forth shakes the soul so deeply That we can never again be as we were Before the advent of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM.

Eternal bliss is truly here For those who allow themselves To be touched at the depth by his Divine hand. Adored as a fountain of radiance, He is held ever-close in the Highest Heavens. Nothing can cause even a moment's worry To the fiery brow of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM.

Enter now into the ocean of true existence With THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM as your guide. A deep lover of the divine, Surely he can help lead us to Immortality.

Intimate moments with the inner circle at Bidadi ashram

We come to offer ourselves at His feet But with depthless Compassion and infinite Love He gathers us into his arms instead..!

Here we are, caught in the telling of experiences too profound to tell, and too overwhelming to hold! We don't know what the following pages are – but of one thing we are certain: they are NOT an introduction to Swamiji.

For how can we hope to introduce him – the Formless in Form?

Can we describe his eyes, his voice, his incomparable laughter?

What phrase is rich enough to describe his Compassion, what book can contain the vast spaces of his Love! Which word dare we utter, to bring forth the Nithyananda that we have experienced!

These pages are no more than an offering of love: every smile, every wave of Love that we have devoured with our senses, imprinted in our memories – our gift to all who have experienced the pure joy of Swamiji's presence, but haven't had the chance to spend so many precious hours with him – yet.

There is no order to these scribblings – for where is order in one's relationship with the Master? We hope to reveal him to you, the way he chose to reveal himself to us – in bits and pieces, shades and hues, whirls and swirls of form and colour and emotion and insight!

These anecdotes are the experiences of all the ashramites. The 'I' in the stories could be any of us, all of us, each of us. It might be you, too – for these might very well be your experiences that haven't found their way into words..!

With the deepest devotion and gratitude to Swamiji, and heartfelt love to all,

Ashramites Dhyanapeetam In the Arms of the Master

~ 21st September 2003 ~

Among the most beautiful moments I experienced at the ashram were the midnight meditation sessions with Swamiji.

A clutch of the earliest ashramites, we would gather in a circle beneath the starlit sky, or sometimes in the thatched hut (aptly named Laughing Temple) that was witness to our most joyous experiences and our richest moments with Swamiji. Made sacred by hours of meditation, and resonating with Swamiji's laughter even in his absences, this tiny rustic shelter was the de facto hub of the ashram.

Here we would sit cross-legged on straw mats, hands linked with THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's in meditation, knowing even then that moments such as these were too precious to last. And here, as always, he would pour upon us his love, his joy, the boundless energy born of his years of tapas. Our senses sharpened by the inky darkness (that didn't allow us to see each other or THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM), we would feel each person's presence that much more intensely. And after the meditation (which often left us in an explosion of bliss, or sobbing with emotion), THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM would draw each of us close in an unforgettably beautiful embrace, or place his hands upon our heads and shower us with blessings.

As always, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM gave us experiences, never words. Simply, without a word exchanged, he would bring us in direct touch with the joy of universal love, and the sure sense of oneness with All - all of which had only seemed hollow phrases till then!

~ 28th September 2003 ~

A late arrival for the one-year residential programme (which was to stretch into a lifetime for many of us!), I attached myself to THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM with a vengeance to make up for lost time.

Soon after I arrived in the ashram, the task of checking THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's voluminous e-mail fell upon me. After returning from healing at the City Centre at 12 or 1 a.m., THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM would enthusiastically settle down to this midnight exercise. (Strangely, the internet was our sole contact with the world outside – no newspapers reached the ashram, not to speak of radio or TV! Even power supply was characteristically topsy-turvy – we could be certain of having power only between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m!)

While a brilliant moon outside played havoc on our senses, we would sit hunched up before the computer, sorting out fan-mail, official stuff and earnest messages from seekers of spiritual guidance – to each of which THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM insisted on replying personally.

At that time of night, his robe would be in a state of gentle disarray, his turban resting on the table beside him; he would be running his fingers absently through his curling locks. Looking up casually from an email, I would be suddenly shaken by the sense that beside me sat a beautiful, almost languorous woman, eyes aglow with joy and compassion at the outpourings of love in so many of the mails.

Then suddenly, catching my wondering look, he would crack a characteristically bawdy joke - and gaily shatter the vision.

O Nithya!

In the Arms of the Master

~ 25th October 2003 ~

Nothing escaped THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's keen eye. Every morning he would do the rounds of the ashram, twirling his staff and checking on progress and maintenance, down to the smallest detail. Before my wondering eyes, he would command the brahmacharis (students),

There is a broken bucket in the third toilet near the ashramites' dormitory. Replace it.

He would enquire of the youngest brahmacharis, Have you washed your clothes today?

Look at your hair! When did you last take a bath?

Then he would tease them about personal hyegiene.

Much later, we found out that there were other reasons for THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's daily barefoot walks. One rainy day, when we rushed to fetch him his sandals, he refused, saying: No slippers! When I walk barefoot, I am in communion with the earth. Also, walking barefoot is one way I energize the ashram.

(then, with a disapproving look at our sandaled feet) You should all practise walking barefoot as much as possible. It is an excellent way to absorb the powerful earth energy!

~ 4th March 2004 ~

It was amusing for us to watch devotees stunned by THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's unselfconscious simplicity.

No matter what the weather, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM usually walked the half kilometer from his kuteer to Ananda Sabha (the healing and meditation hall). The people waiting for healing would watch in amazement as the ochre-robed form wove its way - sometimes alone! - through the green fields towards Ananda Sabha, with no motorcade or fanfare to announce his arrival.

He ate his meals in the common dining hall, seated on the floor and eating out of a steel dish like the rest of us.

At the washing area, it was common to find his ochre robes fluttering in the breeze alongside the white clothes of ashramites and patients. It always gave me a thrill to hang out our clothes right next to THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's... to think that we should be moving so closely with the Divine!

In the Arms of the Master

~ 18th January 2004 ~

It took us too long to understand his Divinity, longer still to realize his Innocence.

When he once gently reminded me that he was innocent of all I saw happening around him, I smiled wickedly at his leela, the Divine humour of the Master, the allpowerful, the all-knowing.

Then, one day, we were to witness something that would stun those first impressions into silent awareness.

Going to seek his blessings on the night before his departure to the USA, a group of us ashramites quietly entered his room.

THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM lay on his bed, deep in sleep or meditation, we couldn't know which.

When he noticed our presence, he motioned us out of the room with a gentle gesture of his hand.

Still we lingered, bewildered.

Was he ill?

After the whirlwind activity surrounding his Jayanthi celebrations the previous fortnight, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's overwrought body had suffered from weakness and a persistent fever.

After a while, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM spoke.

Slowly, in a voice made still more eloquent by the silences in between.

'Can you feel it..?', he whispered.

We nodded silently.

Almost as soon as we had stepped into the room, we had been engulfed in wave upon wave of pulsing energy, that seemed to flow endlessly from the Master's body. Even as we waited, it rose and fell, swirling around each of us, baffling all understanding.

What is it, Swami..?

Slowly he continued,.

This body is being prepared for the explosion of energy that is to happen in the coming weeks… this energy has to touch thousands…

It has happened early… I didn't expect this till tomorrow… but Existence has willed it to happen now… I am sorry… stay a while and then leave... you will not be able to handle this energy… my love and blessings to you all…

He turned away from us, trembling from the sheer force of energy which was sweeping over him.

His words drove into us like the edge of a diamond.

He spoke of his body simply, with humility – as if it were no longer his own, but merely an instrument of the Divine!

Here was a man who had completely surrendered control over himself.

Until then, I had always thought of Enlightenment as something gained, a state of complete control and total power. It took only that moment to realize that Enlightenment is a losing, an unquestioning surrender, a dissolution into nothingness – a state of utter innocence and a childlike trust in Existence.

O Nithya!, we sobbed inwardly, How poor a tool this limited mind, to fathom your supreme Innocence!

In the Arms of the Master

~ 14th November 2003 ~

THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM happily flouted every rule that we'd set (in our minds) for an enlightened master. (How dared we, indeed, set rules for an enlightened one!)

But still we watched, astonished, as he gleefully refused to be defined.

After spending time with us till the early hours of the morning, he would retire to bed and rise as late as 9 or 10 a.m. He would arrive for healing sessions notoriously late, unperturbed by the sight of the weary crowds waiting for healing and darshan in Ananda Sabha. (Only we knew that this was a ploy, to keep the ailing in his healing buddhafield for a longer time…)

On the rare days when he rose early, he would step out unwashed, fresh as a flower in his gently crumpled robes, and do the rounds of the dorm. He would knock noisily on the doors with his staff and generally put up a big drama about how lazy we were – how unfit to even aim at enlightenment! Then he would announce a special morning class in Laughing Temple. These were usually yelling sessions about jobs poorly done - what we ashramites jokingly referred to as THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's special pooja (worship) for us! But in between the scolding and the joking would jump out some of the most inspiring and touching words I've ever heard THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM speak.

One such day, he was full of mischief (so what was new?). Some of us had been putting questions on spirituality to him – and he had answered by asking us, as usual, to shut up and mind our tasks instead. He ruthlessly discouraged any claims we made to intellectual understanding of any kind*. How long it took us to even glimpse the wisdom of his techniques!*

Suddenly he asked me, laughing with helpless mirth at his own harsh treatment of us:

Ma, why don't you write a book of mystical riddles, based on these Zen koans? Call it Ananda Zen!

See, it can go like this…

Vishwa: THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, how many hours should I meditate every day to attain enlightenment?

THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM: Poda, arivuketta naaye! (Get out of my sight, you foolish dog!)

In that moment, Vishwa became enlightened! Ha ha! (uproarious laughter from all)

Part 5: THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM As We Know Him

In the Arms of the Master

But THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, first they must get enlightened, no? I ask, laughing. Otherwise the stories won't be true!

The laughter leaves his eyes; he is suddenly staring me intently, serious. I feel somewhat uncomfortable.

Why do you worry about that?

His words cut into me.

You just write – do you understand? Do you understand? Your (people's) getting enlightened is my responsibility. I am here to see that it happens. That is what I took this birth for! Don't you know that?

(as we grasp the enormity of the Master's statement, a deep silence descends on Laughing Temple)

In the Arms of the Master

~ 30th November 2003 ~

Even his admonishing was an outpouring of compassion - compassion which, in our ignorance, we usually failed to see. What a test we must have been to him!, I shudder to think.

One day, after one of us had goofed up as usual – I forget what the mistake was – THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM assumed a pose of utter exasperation and ultimate hopelessness about our ever making it. Stubbornly rejecting our apologies, he threatened to go without his meals that day (he knew just where to hit us to make it hurt!).

Being the only girl in the group, and older than most of the boys, I usually received decent treatment from THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM. After sending the boys away, he complained bitterly to me, saying that he didn't know how he was saddled with the scum of the earth as disciples. How was he ever going to manage his mission? What sort of punishment was this? And so on and so forth.

Exasperated by his words, not realizing that all this drama was actually a test of my insight, I finally asked him why on earth he hadn't chosen the right people in

the first place.

In an instant, anger gave way to a glittering smile.

Because, ma, they have the only qualification I need from them: Love, tremendous love for me! You will see, out of this very group the right people will emerge.

Unpolished diamonds, my boys are..! These naïve boys you see today will be the gems who will carry my message to the world!

~ 25th October 2003 ~

Astonishingly, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM himself came up with an Ashramites' Union of sorts - called SEM (Self-Expressive Movement)! He himself coined the name, and even a hilarious jig to go with it. According to him, SEM was a forum where ashramites could meet, conspire and organize rebellions against the master's cruel ways! The leader was to be Vishwa – our 'prime questioner'. THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM would chaff us mercilessly about the supposed activities of SEM, embarrassing us no end. To drive home the point, he would repeat the story of the Buddha and his disciples:

When the Buddha got enlightened, it caused great alarm in Hell. One more human being won over by Heaven! Not only that, this mortal looked like he had the capacity to convert hundreds of others onto his path.

But while the younger devils complained loudly about how no steps were being taken to curb the fatal spread of goodness, the older, wiser ones remained calm and silent.

Finally one of the young campaigners asked the wisest devil why nothing was being done about the Buddha's enlightenment.

Who said nothing is being done?, smiled the old devil. We have already sent down so many disciples for the Buddha. They will ensure that the Buddha's teachings are thoroughly distorted before they reach the people. They will do our job for us!

After recounting this none-too-flattering tale, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM would laugh long and loud, all the while shrewdly watching our faces for any telltale signs of anger or hurt. Like a bunch of scolded schoolkids, we would sit and glower at the floor, determined not to let him see how mad at him we were.

What could possibly be the purpose of such a drama?, we often wondered.

Then one day THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM gently clarified:

To forge a strong group consciousness, I need to create some common enemy!

Right now you are all going through a severely trying phase. Your egos are suffering blow after blow from all sides. You may not be able to handle all the negativity rising up inside and outside you.

When you target all your negative emotions against me, you don't throw it out on each other! That's why I take it on myself…

We could do nothing but listen in wonder.

O Nithya! What have we done to deserve your depthless Compassion!

~ 25th October 2003 ~

It was especially touching to watch THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM fumble for scientific proof during his discourses – knowing that the sheer enormity of his experience, the absolute authenticity and utter honesty of his words could never be fathomed by minds attuned to demanding scientific proof for everything they saw or heard.

I don't know what I felt at those times! An overwhelming gratitude for his compassion. Reverence for his gentle wisdom. And a mother's deep concern – as if watching her kindergarten child struggle through a recitation contest in public, badly wanting him to go through it without fumbling…knowing that the people out there are somehow sitting in judgment of him, knowing they'll never truly understand his joy, his love, his utter innocence…

Later, when we heard that scientific research in the USA was proving so many of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's statements, it was more a sense of relief that we felt. Relief that so many more hearts would now open to him; relief that humanity would finally understand the selfless compassion that drove him onward to heal a seriously ill world…

In the Arms of the Master

~ 18th April 2004 ~

To live around THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM was to get used to witnessing daily miracles.

Apart from the healing he gave patients at Ananda Sabha in the mornings and the City Centre in the evenings, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM usually had to deal with casual complaints of all sorts from ashramites and devotees. Not just us, but the ailing tamarind tree in his private garden, the bamboo grove near the patients' quarters – even our sole struggling computer – his healing touch was placed equally upon all.

Old-timers tell of their first visit to the Bidadi ashram site, when the land had just been accepted from a devotee.

The sight of the vast thorny wilderness was enough to dishearten practically everybody. The few plants that stood among the brambles were wilting away in the harsh sun. The tamarind tree in a corner of the site was reduced to a brown skeleton, its few remaining leaves eaten away by disease. Fringing the border of the site was a dying clump of bamboo.

No one saw THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's eye fall upon them with silent compassion.

Within a month after THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM moved to the ashram, the tamarind tree began to sprout fresh leaves. When I first saw it four months later, it was already a vibrant, leafy tree, just coming into fruit. Who would have believed it! The powerful energies released in THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's buddhafield allowed nothing to waste away.

Magically, as if in response to his very presence, the bamboo grove too came to life overnight. You should see it now! - a riot of yellow and green, a hundred flutes dancing to THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's joyous song! And most heartening of all, the Healing Sticks (energized lengths of bamboo) that THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM grants devotees when he initiates them into Ananda Healing, now come from that very bamboo grove!

Our sole ashram computer was just as idiosyncratic as the rest of us. A Celeron machine, decadent even by own (very lax) standards, it especially hated being woken up at midnight – THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's preferred time for checking email.

The computer's regular mode of protest would be to refuse to connect to the internet (we had a paleolithic dial-up connection). With THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM sitting impatiently beside me, I would be furiously pounding the keys, foolishly trying and retrying – with no results.

THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM would raise his eyes from the book or letter he was busy with. His voice, splendidly weary, would speak volumes about my incompetence.

Just a minute Swami… I'm trying…it was working just this evening…

I would break out in a cold sweat. I dared not tell him that the computer wasn't cooperating – again. He didn't believe in the words, It's not my fault or I don't know.

Finally, after twenty minutes of pathetic effort, I would turn to him.

No choice.

Swami… can you heal it… please…?

Chuckling in amusement at my failed efforts, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM would bring his palms together in a resounding clap, and force the energy towards the computer.

And instantly, like clockwork, the numbers on the monitor would start moving again!

This I have witnessed myself, numberless times… And why not, indeed? Cannot the power that moves the sun and the stars coax a mere computer into life?

I don't know, but there was none who didn't understand.

In the early days, practically all the devotees spoke Tamil, so THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM would usually conduct his talks in Tamil. The only person who didn't understand the language was Keerti, a gentle Marwari lady – a staunch devotee who attended the talks every single day, nevertheless. THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM always had an especially kind smile for her.

During the talk one day, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM made one of his hilarious observations which had us all in splits. Spotting Keerti joining in the laughter, we asked her teasingly what she could possibly be laughing for. To our astonishment, she gave us a clear English translation of the joke that THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM had just made in colloquial Tamil!

How did you figure that out?, we asked, stunned.

I don't know! It just came to me – is it correct?, she asked, no less surprised herself!

We were to witness this strange thing several times with her. She would give us the meanings of discourses - even Tamil poems! – with near-perfect accuracy. And the funniest thing was, if one of us gave her even a simple sentence to translate, she would end up shaking her head helplessly!

What was at work here?

Baffled, we took the issue to THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM.

This doesn't happen just to Keerti Ma. It is true for every single one of you!, he smiled. When I speak to you, I don't communicate in words. It is a communion, a transfer of energy from Being to Being.

I use words simply to keep your mind engaged, intellectually satisfied. At that time, when you are no longer resisting me, my energy is free to enter and transform you!

But because you also understand the language (Tamil), you don't realize that what you're absorbing is at a far deeper level.

You think that it's the words you've understood! If your awareness is 100%, if your devotion is total, you would understand me even if I spoke in Spanish! That kind of awareness is difficult to maintain. But Keerti Ma manages to achieve it occasionally. That's when she performs all those translation miracles!

Of course, what he said about not understanding through words was devastatingly true for most of us.

It is a fact that the more you'd enjoyed a talk by THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, the less likely you were to remember a single word of it! You would somehow have a complete sense of it, but if someone were to ask you for specific information, you were sure to find yourself struggling for words!

At first, each of us kept this 'shameful' fact to ourselves – angry with ourselves for not paying more attention to THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's words.

It took that explanation from THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM to bring out the confessions – and to forgive ourselves!

In the Arms of the Master

It hadn't occurred to us that for THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, this transfer of energy was equally possible with any living thing anything in the Cosmos, one could say. It simply wasn't a concept that you could grasp with your mind. And THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM spoke nothing about it.

He was especially averse to a display of power for purposes other than healing.

I'm not running a magic show here, he would reply curtly if we ever hinted at it.

But one day, in his deliciously wicked way, he caught me unawares.

Emerging from his kuteer one morning and catching me dreaming in the sun, he smiled broadly and asked - out of the blue -

What ma, what is all this you've been saying to the tamarind tree today?

Then he proceeded to give me an exact description of my pell-mell thoughts when I had sat under the tamarind tree earlier that morning!

Oh my God! How did you know, Swami..?

I was incredulous.

The tree told me, of course. How else would I know? He tried to keep it as simple and non-scary as possible. You mean, in words, Swami?

No, ma! In .. hmmm… pictures. Something like pictures… He must've felt like someone trying to explain the Theory of Relativity to a pre-schooler!

I had the sense not to pursue the matter, and watched in wonder as the Master walked away, chuckling merrily at his little revelation!

In THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's benign presence it was easy to be playful as a child, joyous - sometimes even careless. He took such good care of us that we sometimes forgot our reciprocal responsibilities.

Every day, devotees would bring baskets of fruit to the ashram for THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM. Except for the occasional glass of juice for breakfast, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM rarely consumed fruit. Busy (and heedless) as we were, none of us ever enquired as to what was happening to the fruit that piled up in the kitchen.

One day, it came to THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's notice that large quantities of fruit were going waste, for lack of any initiative to chop and distribute them.

Without a word as to why he was summoning us, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM called a meeting in Laughing Temple late that night. That night we were to witness one of his rare outbursts of kopa (Divine rage).

All of us were seated silently at his feet, afraid to meet his eyes. Somehow, we knew that something was terribly wrong.

Do you know what this is?, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM asked suddenly, pointing at the thatched roof of Laughing Temple. We kept silent, bewildered by the question.

Are you thinking, It's a thatched roof*?*

It is not! It is my tapas (penance).

Every straw in this thatch is a fibre of my tapas!

Every structure here carries the imprint of my years of struggle.

Every meal you eat here is a meal I have gone without!

Every night you spend comfortably in your rooms is a night I have spent shelterless, in cold and rain, during my years of struggle!

It is my tapas that brought enlightenment.

It is my tapas that has built this ashram.

And it is my tapas that people are saluting when they pour their love and money into this place.

Do you think that the public has nothing else to do with their hard-earned money? Why should they choose to offer it here? They are saluting the enlightenment that resulted from my tapas. They are paying their gratitude for the healing powers that blossomed with enlightenment. Even the humblest offering is a tribute to my struggle, to my tapas. When even a morsel of food is wasted here, it is not only the devotion of the people that you are disregarding. You are showing direct disrespect to my tapas. Be very clear..!

Never before had we heard THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM speak about his years of relentless tapas. Never had he demanded any acknowledgement of his struggle.

O Nithya! Your Compassion had blinded us to our duties to the world! How unfit we are to live up to your Vision!

Who could resist his radiant warmth? THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM drew children and animals to him like a magnet. To us, it was no surprise to watch him walk around the campus with a little girl in pigtails swinging on his arm. They especially enjoyed sharing with him all the littlebig details of their lives – which he listened to with complete attention and patience.

He had the marvelous capacity to turn into a child with children, a woman with women, a naughty young boy with naughty youngsters. He entered into each role so totally that no one would suspect that he was anything other than what he was revealing himself to be at that moment. A very dangerous thing, that. In his charming way, he would coax risqué jokes out of middle-aged women – and then tease them nonstop about their lax morals! When he chose to, he could drive anybody to exasperation. But still, he couldn't put us off him…

And the animals!

The two much-loved nameless ducks on the campus always behaved as if he was their personal property. They would waddle behind him all the way from his kuteer to Laughing Temple, quacking officiously. I wonder what he spoke to them in return!

The canine couple that had made us their adoptive family usually preferred to sleep on his seat in Laughing Temple, their muddy paws resting on his satin bolster! Then there was a honey-coloured puppy, the sole survivor of a litter, that became simply too attached to THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM. It was suffering from a skin allergy of some sort, and THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM would give it healing once in a way. In the way of all babies, it achieved an intimacy with THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM that we longed to have! - climbing into his lap and 'helping him' read his email, or curling up in the sun with its head resting against him.

One pet that THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM himself still recalls was a baby squirrel, badly bruised from a fight, that made its way into Laughing Temple from god knows where. In THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's gentle care the squirrel healed rapidly, but it stayed for days, playing hide-and-seek with itself in the thatch of Laughing Temple (sometimes plopping down on THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM in the middle of a serious discourse!) We were to see another miracle in those days – in THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's presence, the puppy and the squirrel gradually gave up their natural hostility and became good friends. (Both puppy and baby squirrel have been since immortalized in 'The Many Moods of Swamiji'!)

THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's stone seat in Laughing Temple was home to an astonishing variety of insects. Between the seat and the large cushion laid on it, one could practically witness the evolution of species! Brilliant lizards and chameleons, rows of ants of every size and colour, interesting spiders – they all seemed to live in perfect harmony in that sacred space. No amount of dusting and cleaning could make the creatures vacate.

One day we warned THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM about the teeming planet under his cushion.

Under my cushion? Really?! We have to be careful! He sounded very concerned.

Yes, Swamiji. One never knows, they may be poisonous... Oh, don't worry about THAT!, he waved us away impatiently. I was thinking, I keep shifting around on the seat…have I been hurting them? We must find a solution for this… I had no idea..!

With THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, we should have known..!

In the Arms of the Master

There was no end to the weird things that kept happening around THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM. Even the most casual incidents would take on the awesome significance of divine revelations.

One morning, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM emerged from his kuteer all puffy-eyed and red-skinned. He seemed to have broken out in a rash of sorts. The funny thing was, he didn't have the least idea what it was, or what might have caused it. He just kept saying that his skin itched and the rashes hurt terribly.

We were on the edge of panic, when someone suggested we check his room for any insects. We checked – and found that the space under his bed was simply crawling with red ants! Where they came from or why, we didn't have a clue.

When we told THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM about it, he just sat silently for a while, shaking his head in amused disbelief. Then he revealed,

Now that you mention it, I remember this happening last night! When I left the body and was in my Consciousness, I distinctly remember seeing these ants crawling all over my body.

But at that time, being myself in a boundariless state, I couldn't perceive any difference between them and me. It's very difficult to explain… actually, I couldn't realize where I ended and the ants began! We were all just one Energy… And of course, I felt no pain. So naturally, I felt no need to shake them off!

It's only after I returned to the body this morning that I slowly started experiencing these sensations of pain… but by then, the ants had disappeared from my bed, and I couldn't remember what had happened!

And we thought all we had witnessed that morning was a common rash..?!

THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM could put any eight-year-old to shame, at playing truant from meals. The only difference was that an eight-year-old could be spanked into obedience! The truth was, he rarely remembered whether he'd eaten or not. He truly didn't feel the need; it was just a chore he had to perform for the sake of his body.

At six in the evening, in the middle of some really interesting talk, he would suddenly turn to Amma and ask,

Amma - have I eaten anything today?

Amma would simply scowl at him angrily, and turn away. She'd already have begged him about six times that day to eat something.

Then THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM would put on his sweetest accent and plead, Okay, I'm sorry! Won't you bring me something to eat? I'm really hungry now…

That was enough to melt Amma's heart!

On the rare days when he ate with relish, it was usually in the homely ashram kitchen. Behind the closed doors of the kitchen, out of sight of the eyes of casual visitors, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM would happily sit cross-legged on the kitchen platform and munch crisp dosas straight off the stove. The Ladies of the Kitchen would bustle about, serving him, watching over him – glad to have him all to themselves for a while. And he, in turn, would accept their loving offerings with all the enthusiasm of a schoolboy.

Those were really special mornings!

In the Arms of the Master

Swamiji just loved creating chaos in our lives. As if the conditions we were operating under weren't chaotic enough already, he would dream up creative ways to drive us crazy.

He usually returned from the city center only after midnight, sometimes even close to one a.m.

Where are those fools?!, he would roar in mock rage, if any of us was not present to receive him. (Nobody dared remind him that people are usually asleep at one o'clock in the night!) Then he would hold a group session which would go on till 2 or 3 a.m.

It was his special custom to start us on six different tasks that were all top priority, and then ask us innocently why each one wasn't complete, each time completely ignoring any mention of other tasks! In other words, he behaved just like a bully boss in a big corporate – the kind we thought we'd escaped from when we came to the ashram.

One night he summoned us to the office and asked for

all the photographs of the public programmes he'd held that year. We brought in a staggering pile of albums, neatly organized and labeled. Organizing the photographs had taken us more than two weeks of collective effort.

THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM asked for a mat to be laid on the floor. Then, before our horrified eyes, he started rapidly removing photographs at random from the albums and throwing them down in an untidy pile on the floor! When he had removed more than a hundred photographs, he selected a few from the pile and then told us casually,

Here, put the rest back where they belong – quickly!

We were ready to cry from sheer exasperation. The way the pictures had been jumbled, there was simply no way we could sort them! Everywhere the same thronging masses, the same stage decorations, the same ceremonies! Many of the pictures were close-ups of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, and those were the worst. Everywhere he wore the same ochre robe, the same garlands, sat upon the same white cushioned seat. How were we to tell which event was which?

That night THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM returned to the office at 1 a.m., and found us still bent over the pictures in sleepy confusion. Then he picked up the photos and patiently started to show us:

See the largest garland I'm wearing in this picture? There are more red roses in this garland than pink ones. Can you see? This garland was the one I wore in Salem - didn't you notice at the programme? That means all the photos where I'm wearing this garland are from the Salem programme.

Another picture: See this clock here in the background? It shows two-thirty. The only places I held afternoon programmes were Mumbai and Coimbatore. And only in Mumbai were the lights switched on in the hall – don't you remember? Here, can you see a reflection of the lights in my eye? That means this is Mumbai. Simple! Now sort out the rest.

This was detective work!, we groaned in despair.

But still we worked, pushing our powers of observation to the maximum, calling up every memory of the actual events, scrutinizing each picture with an altogether new awareness. We noticed, in wonder, how much we'd missed in each picture. Now it was like seeing them for the first time, with fresh eyes, with total mindfulness. It took us till morning to realize that Swamiji's 'careless' behaviour the previous evening had been an expert device to lead us into intense meditation, only minus the name!

Hour by painstaking hour, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM cleared our clouded vision. He chipped away at our rusty minds, broke us through into new layers of awareness. He plucked out by the roots, the comfortable habits built up over a lifetime.

I am here to break your heads!, he would laugh.

I have to destroy your thinking, your planning, most of all your habits – because that is where the ego lives.

With schoolboy glee, he would repeat time and again: H-A-B-I-T is like this!

If you remove H, still A BIT is left, If you remove A also, BIT is still left, If you remove B also, still IT is left.

He spared nothing that might bind us without our knowledge. In his infinite compassion, he showed us no shallow pity. Like a master trainer, he threw us upon the utter insecurity of life.

Money, social status, family ties, jobs, the million pulls of daily living – these we had already given up gladly when we sought refuge at his feet. From the day we entered his care, he worked on us relentlessly – hunting down the ego in its still more secret recesses, hidden so deep in our unconscious that we didn't even know it lived and fed on us…

Personal belongings were the first to go. Other than a toothbrush and a couple of sets of clothes, we owned nothing. We needed to own nothing, for everything was provided in reasonable abundance. Food was nutritious, delicious and plentiful. Fruits or sweets sent by devotees were shared equally among all ashramites. One day, when a new ashramite was found to be hoarding pickles from home, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM silently emptied the contents of the bottle on the kitchen doorstep. That was the last time

'Private' space, of course, we didn't get – or want. Night after night, we slept in any room that was available, often in the dining hall or office if there were too many patients or guests. Nobody minded because it was just so much fun.

Handling THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's upside-down time schedules was tougher! By and by, we got used to working, eating and sleeping at the oddest hours without a sense of disorientation. On many days, he deliberately made us go without our meals. Though the funny thing was, doing this actually hurt him more than it hurt us! The youngest ashramites were barely fifteen, and we knew THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM hated being harsh on them. To make up, on his trips to various places, he would unfailingly bring back sweets and other offerings made by devotees, saying,

The children will be waiting to see what I've brought them! No father could have been more thoughtful!

Finally – identity itself! We knew it had to go, but it was terrible. In bits and pieces we were losing it, sometimes striking out blindly against THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's 'cruel' ways, sometimes bowing gracefully to his superior wisdom (but more often the former!)

He would ask us sweetly which jobs we loved doing and which we didn't - and then gaily allot us the ones we hated or feared most. If you hated speaking in public, you could be sure of being put in training to take the Ananda Yoga classes! If you loved working in the garden, it was the computer for you.

So many times he was to remind us,

I don't give you freedom of the senses. I give you freedom from the senses!

Continuously learning, unlearning and relearning, doing and non-doing, someday we hope to slip into what THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM calls the ideal state -

Be like water! Be soft, liquid, receptive. Flow without resistance. Adapt unconditionally. Become a wellspring of love, of delight, of Ananda! In the Arms of the Master

On special occasions, or on the evenings when he didn't need to go to the city center, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM performed the evening aarati himself.

Those were the moments when time stood still at the ashram.

In the soft stillness of early twilight, in the rustic space of Anand Sabha, rows of brass lamps would be lit and waiting for THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's touch. The air would be heavy with jasmine and incense. Ashramites in white would patter about on silent feet, whispering instructions to each other. The elaborate pooja arrangements would be ready…

A swirl of saffron at the door, and THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM would be with us in the darkened hall.

The air would resonate with his chanting of Brahmanandam…

Then the conch would be blown, the aarati music would strike up, and THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM would take up the first lamp – to begin the enchanting dance of lights.

Lamp after lamp would swing in graceful arcs before the idol of Nataraja (the Dancing Shiva), oblation after oblation would be offered to the Divine by THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's own hand, in beautiful harmony with the splendid rhythm of the aarati.

Like luminous flowers in the breeze, they would sway gracefully in his hands – giant chandelier lamps that the rest of us could barely lift.

How did he manage it? Like everything else he did, we guessed.

Outside, night would be falling rapidly.

Inside, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's robes would take on the awesome shades of fire.

Uncannily like a flame, his tall lithe figure would sway and dance with the graceful motions of the aarati.

How much like a mystery - now in light, now in shadow! - his face would be revealed and hidden and revealed to us again, with the swinging of the lamps in his hand. Eyes aglow with ecstasy, in deep communion with the Divine – he would be lost to us.

And something would stir inside us too, at these solemn

moments. Bodies swaying to the resonant notes of the aarati, thought and breath would fall still for a moment, as we entered spontaneously into prayer. Somewhere a pair of eyes would be glistening with tears, somewhere a muffled sob would rise.

At the end of half an hour, the aarati would reach its crescendo, and culminate in a triumphant burst of song. Then - silence.

Lit with THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's radiant light, we would stand in deep inner joy, still and luminous like so many devotional lamps. Our hearts would be brimming over…

Now our turn has come to worship…

We have come to worship you, O Nithya – with ourselves!

Was there anything THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM didn't delight in? He plunged into Life with the buoyant joy of a child. There was nothing that was too trivial to merit his eager attention. The blooming of the golden marigolds outside Laughing Temple, the arrival of a cute pair of geese on campus (an offering from a devotee), the first rain of the year… he reveled in the little-big delights of daily living.

No one who hasn't seen THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM at play can understand the infectious joy of his presence. (And I don't mean his leela, for who can presume to understand his Divine play?)

We were lucky to capture him in his most riotous moods. One Diwali (The Festival of Lights) day, soon after sunset, I was surprised (and perturbed) to see devotees arriving in the ashram with loads of firecrackers. That was my first Diwali with THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, and I had no idea what was going on.

Noisy celebrations in the ashram? What will THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM say?

Unnecessary worry, that.

When the time came to burst the crackers, I found that it was THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM who led the group of animated youngsters! The whole bash had been his idea, I discovered later.

Whooping and dancing with the bravest of them, he sent rocket after rocket into the sky, vied with the boys in holding lighted pinwheels in his hand, bullied the shy and the elderly into joining in, and generally had a rollicking time. Suddenly, before our eyes, he was transformed into a child. He was certainly the brightest light I saw that Diwali!

What can we call it but Divine humour, that the Formless should so revel in the beauty of Form?

At his very first photosession, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM quickly struck up a love-affair with the camera. He would pose uncomplainingly for hours, sweetly following the photographer's requests to turn-left-turn-right. THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM was astonishingly photogenic - I guess it was his complete un-selfconsciousness, the ease before the camera that we see so rarely in adults - that made such a difference.

And when the photos came, he would lock himself up in

his room to delight over them in private! Who could presume to understand his whimsical ways?!

It was his own idea to create a new kind of robe for himself, to wear on special occasions.

He had taken a fancy to the elegant gold-bordered sarees of Kerala, and happened to mention it to someone. The news spread rapidly, thanks to the highly active ladies' grapevine – and soon THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM was swamped with Kerala sarees from his closest devotees. These he personally dyed ochre, and even devised an exquisite style of draping them. We would wait for him to emerge from his kuteer on festive occasions, just to catch a glimpse of his regal figure in that splendid robe. No woman could have done such justice to that delightful garment, the saree!

He was candid about his fondness for 'jewellery' – if one could call it that. The truth is, he cared for nothing but rudraaksh malas (rosaries), but of these had a sizeable collection, of all possible sizes and 'faces'. He would source them from as far away as Tibet, and show them off to us as if they were pure gold! They were, too – in terms of their therapeutic value.

Like a child totaling up his daily booty of marbles, he would sit for hours counting, sorting and stringing the sacred beads.

Such, indeed, are the amusements of the gods!

Yet time and again he warned us,

Don't get caught in my form! This form you see does not exist. When you lose sense of your own boundary, you will lose sense of mine. Then you will see me as I really am - as pure energy - as Nothing!

But how could we believe him? Mesmerized as we were, by the enchanting play of his form!

The crinkly-eyed smile, the sudden laughter, the joyous abandon of dance, the childlike charm – could we hand over these incomparable treasures to that wily witch, Maya?

Like children, we guarded jealously the delightful

trinkets of his form in our hearts, even knowing every moment that they were false gems.

One day, in a moment of rare intimacy, I told him playfully,

You know Swami, you're behaving just like a five-yearold!

I am five years old, ma!, he told me in dead seriousness.

I laughed, watching him.

Who was he, this boy-god who was watching me intently, challenging me to ask that very question?

He might have been eight or eighty, man or woman… I simply could not fathom him!

Who – are you?, I faltered, gazing at him.

I should have known better than to ask – for THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM was in a mood to reveal himself.

Even as his eyes looked into mine, without moving a muscle, his face took on a terrible grandeur – unknown, unknowable!

In that moment, in the dark depths of his eyes, I seemed to sense towering mountains, roaring seas, whirling galaxies – I know not what!!

I saw nothing, but I saw them all.

Suddenly I was seized with raw fear.

Oh please, don't show me! I don't want to see, I don't want to see!, I wailed pathetically, covering my eyes in fright. It's okay, ma. I'm normal now… see, I'm normal now!, he reassured me.

It was a few minutes before I gathered the courage to look into his face again. A mischievous boy with dancing eyes was smiling at me once more.

But dared I trust that smile anymore?

Why did you ask?, he teased me gently.

I was still shaking.

What was it, Swami?

See ma, to move about in the world, I need to make use of a thin layer of ego. When you asked me, I just dropped that ego for a moment, that's all. In the moment when you sensed my boundarilessness, you sensed your own also. That's why your ego felt so much fear. If you had waited just a moment, I would have revealed my vishwaroopam (cosmic form) to you. But silly girl, you had no courage!

At that moment, I had no wish to possess that sort of

courage! – for who knows where it might have led me?

Every moment on the brink of a revelation What is this life we live with you, O THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM!

~ 17th January 2004 ~

On the morning of his 27th birthday (Jayanthi), he summoned all the ashramites into his kuteer. Some of us had never been in there before, and we didn't know how to respond to the honour. Selfconsciously proud, like schoolchildren summoned to the principal's office for a trophy, we filed in quietly (and excitedly!) Swamiji was seated on his bed, looking breathtaking in the elegant robe that he wore with such simple dignity.

When he spoke, his voice was a flood of love, of compassion.

I wanted to meet you first, before I met the rest of the world.

I wanted to thank you all…

We were astonished. What was Swamiji saying? He, who had given us everything..!

Swamiji continued:

You are the people who have given your lives for me, for my mission! Without you, where would I be? Where would this mission be?

Where, indeed! As if Swamiji needed the paltry services of us mortals to direct his all-encompassing mission! We knew only too well that none of this was true – except his overwhelming compassion, that flowed towards us as love and gratitude.

One by one, Swamiji drew us close and gave us his blessings. To each, he whispered, Come, my beloved one… thank you…my love and blessings…

He placed a sacred rudraaksh mala around each of our necks.

That day, Swamiji's blessing was a downpour of Love – calling up an answering flood in our hearts. The moment his touch fell upon us, we burst into sobs without knowing why.

How could we bear the force of his divine Love?!

There was not a person in the room who wasn't crying. Then, looking up at his face, we were shaken to see – the Master's own eyes were glistening with tears! What could we say?

How much love you carry for us, O THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM – and how foolish we are, that we don't know even how to receive! Have we forgotten the Divine so completely, that we cannot even recognize the depth of your Love?

What a flood of compassion struggles in your heart – how will you not give, even though we are so undeserving! Like the ripe fruit, like the raincloud that cannot bear its own burden, you continue to shower upon us, unaware as we are!

Research report of American neurologists who studied Swamiji's science-defying neurological system

Appendix : The Mind of a Mystic

Does all life spring from one cosmic source? Are we all connected in ways too deep for the mind to grasp?

Is there really such a thing as no-mind state?

For centuries, science and spirituality have been battling it out on these issues of perennial importance for humanity.

Although spiritual leaders have always maintained that the no-mind state is a 'real' phenomenon, and a perfectly realizable goal for all of us, the scientific community has naturally been unwilling to accept this without solid proof.

For the first time in our century, science has hopefully found a key to supernormal and paranormal phenomena, with sound medical evidence that explains why the spiritually super-evolved are blessed with 'powers' that the rest of us can only dream about.

In March 2004, hoping to find answers to these vital questions, a team of top neurologists from Oklahoma (USA) performed pioneering and extensive scientific research on Swamiji's sciencedefying neurological system.

The team's preliminary research report, presented in the following pages, has profound relevance not only for the global medical fraternity, but for every one of us who has been silently asking these same questions - who believe and yet don't believe, who know and yet don't know - for all of humanity, fellow adventurers on this pathless path that is Life!

A Mind Matters Column™ The Mind of a Mystic By R. Murali Krishna, M.D. President COO, INTEGRIS Mental Health & James L. Hall, Jr. Center for Mind, Body and Spirit

Paramahamsa Sri THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM Swami is a trim, healthylooking young man with dark, shoulder-length hair. Handsome and polite, possessing an open manner and a wealth of curiosity, he could be any ordinary American college student.

The difference is that ordinary American college students do not wear saffron robes and turbans, have not experienced spiritual enlightenment and are not regarded as a teacher, healer and mystic by millions of people in all corners of the world.

A mystic? The term is not a bad fit for 'Swami', as he is known. Mystics, popular culture tells us, have direct communion with God. Through means not understood or measurable, mystics are thought to have access to ultimate realities or truths. Picture a mystic and you'll probably picture someone full of bliss, someone gifted with lofty thoughts and insights that the rest of us do not possess. The very presence of a mystic is thought to bring peace and healing to others.

That's an apt description of Swami, a 27-year-old from South Bharat. He is approached by thousands of people every year seeking relief from diseases and ailments that conventional medical approaches have not cured. Swami's background lends him the air of a mystic, too. He left his home as a teen, visited ashrams across Bharat, immersed himself in philosophy, read extensively and mastered the art of meditation.

When Swami passed through Oklahoma City recently as one stop in his world travels, I asked him if he would let me use some of modern medicine's newest technology to peer into his brain while he meditated. My goal: to understand, measure and demystify what happens during the mystic phenomena. Swami, who believes that meditation has a scientific basis, happily agreed.

The procedures Swami went through were administered by some of Oklahoma City's finest and most experienced physicians, neuropsychologists and researchers: Drs. Fordyce, Ruwe and Higgins of the Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Center Neuropsychology Department and Dr. Chacko of the PET Center of Oklahoma. These doctors were using technology they use with patients on a routine basis. When they look at images obtained by their technology, they know what's normal and what's not.

The results from testing Swami? Decidedly not normal!

Our first look into Swami's brain was achieved with the help of a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) device. Unlike traditional diagnostic techniques that produce images of the body's structure or anatomy, such as X-rays, CT scans or MRI, PET produces images of the function of the brain through the metabolic activity of cells. An analog of glucose is attached to a radioactive PET tracer. The PET scanner then images the metabolically active brain areas at any given time.

In the case of Swami, the drug was intended to identify highly active areas of the brain in an alert and conscious state, in the early stages of meditation and during deep meditation.

The results of the PET scan tests were stunning. To begin with, the activity in the frontal lobes of Swami's brain were significantly heightened, even in early meditation stages. The level of activity was several times higher than would be seen in the average human brain under any conditions. The frontal lobes are associated with the functions of

intelligence, attention, wisdom and judgment.

When we then asked Swami to go into the deepest meditation state, there were two more remarkable findings.

First, the dominant hemisphere of Swami's brain was more than 90 percent shut down. It was as if Swami's brain had packed up and gone on vacation. It was quiet and still, completely at peace … and Swami had made it so at will.

A second amazing aspect of Swami's deep meditation was that the lower portion of his mesial frontal areas lighted up in a very significant way. This area roughly corresponds to the reputed location of the mystical 'Third Eye'.

When we later asked Swami what he was doing when the mesial frontal areas lighted up, he said he was opening his Third Eye.

Associated with both cosmic and inner knowledge, and thought to be a place of clarity and peace, the Third Eye is considered by many to be the seat of the soul. Were we seeing an indication that deep meditation can open an area of the brain responsible for communicating with the divine, looking deep into the mysteries of Self or creation? I believe the PET scan revealed what I call the brain's 'Dspot'. Whether you consider the 'D' in D-spot to stand for Delight, the Divine or even Dopamine (the chemical

Part 6: Swamiji As We Know Him_English_part_6.md

through which our bodies experience pleasure), initial indications are that meditation can stimulate it.

The second procedure we used to look into Swami's brain is known as Quantitative Electroencephalography, or QEEG. QEEG measures electrical patterns in the brain, patterns commonly referred to as brainwaves.

There are four bandwidths of brainwaves, each different in speed, and each associated with a different state of mind. For instance, beta brainwaves are small and fast and linked with an awake, alert state of mind. Alpha brainwaves are slower and larger and are connected to feelings of well-being. Theta waves represent a state of consciousness that is close to sleep, a stage in which there is a sense of calmness and serenity without active thought.

In a day's time, most people will experience all four types of brainwaves. The progression from one bandwidth to another, though, is not so easily in their control.

From Swami's QEEG, though, we can see that he has complete control over his brainwaves. When in deep meditation, his brain smoothly shifted from one state to another, like a talented pianist playing the scales. There was no hesitation and no retreating, just continuous, fluid shifts from one type of brainwave to the next. Because the QEEG represents the five brainwave bandwidths as colors, it was as if we were watching Swami float from color to color within a rainbow!

The brain is the body's most complex organ, containing more than 100 billion neurons, each of them in chemical and electrical conversation with upto 10,000 other neurons. Its sheer capacity to process information is astonishing.

Remarkably, that complexity presents little difficulty for Swami in managing his brain activity. Swami's mind – his thoughts, emotions and intellect – control his brain. He can, in a very fluid, easy way, shift his brain function and alter his brainwaves.

More than answering questions, the voyage we took into the mind of a mystic brings intriguing questions for study.

Are there techniques we can learn and teach that will bring balance and peace into people's lives?

Can we invoke a healing response or accelerate healing through specific training? Can we learn techniques that will allow us to control pain or alter the course of a disease?

Can we learn to activate what I call our D-spot, thus

putting us in instant connection to delight or the divine?

The results from our study of Swami are new pages in our world's growing book of research on the brain. There continue to be indications that the human mind may be able to choose to heal the body. We're now looking at the possibility of people learning and acquiring these healing capabilities, an event of immense benefit for humankind. The potential for altering the rates and progression of many diseases – heart disease, cancer, arthritis, alcoholism and many others – is beginning to look achievable.

Swami is a bridge between the invisible, ancient world of mysticism and the modern, visible world of science and discovery. As brain research continues on a widespread basis, and as we appropriately bring the phenomena of mysticism into the realm of science for further study, we are taking strides on a path of hope and health**.**

TITLES IN ENGLISH

The Formless in Form A pictorial biography of Swamiji

The Gossip Of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM A collection of Swamiji's most memorable quotes

A Small Story... Swamiji's best-loved parables

The Many Moods of Swamiji Swamiji captured on camera

From Pain to Bliss Insights from Swamiji

From Worrying to Wondering Insights from Swamiji

Question + Swamiji = Answer! Your questions answered

The Simple Truth, Straightaway! A public address by Swamiji

Is spirituality relevant in our time? A frank talk with the press

Om Mani Padme Hum 27 ways to approach the Master Discovering Love Insights from Swamiji

Ananda Healing : Your shortcut to God! An introduction to healing initiation

A Garland of Memories Devotees' reminiscences of time spent with Swamiji

Voices of Gratitude Testimonials about healing miracles

Nithyasmaran A printed collection of devotional songs

Six Days to Total Transformation An introduction to chakra healing through meditation

Open the door... let the breeze in! Tools for joyful living

Uncommon Answers to Common Questions A compilation of talks given bySwamiji

Meditation is for you! An introduction to the science and art of meditation

TITLES IN TAMIL

THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM : Oru Arimugam Arivu Anubhavam Anubhooti Yein Pada Poojai? Pada Poojayin Mahatvam

• Swamiji's talks
• Mantras (Healing Chants)
• Music

• Red sandalwood malas (rosaries)
• Swamiji pendants
• Rudraaksh (holy bead) pendants
• Bracelets
• Rings
• Watches
• Vibhooti (sacred ash)
• Kumkum (vermilion)
• T-shirts & sarees
• Photographs
• Table clocks
• Keychains
• Yantras (Energy maps)
• Meditation Mats
• Chanting boxes
• Calendars

A 2-day healing and meditation workshop that focuses on the seven major chakras (energy zones) of our body, with powerful meditation techniques to cleanse and activate each.

An introduction to a more fulfilling, stress-free and blissful way of life. Acharyas personally trained by THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM guide participants through practical meditation techniques that help them easily integrate spirituality into their normal lifestyle.

A 1-day entry-level meditation camp that introduces participants to the three bodies (physical, subtle and causal), and helps them harness the energies of each for optimal daily living.

A four-day advanced-level course conducted personally by Swamiji, and open only to those who have already completed the ASP. Particpants work on all their seven bodies, with intensive guided meditation sessions and workouts.

Selected sincere seekers who have completed at least two ASPs (or 1 NSP) are personally initiated by Swamiji into Ananda Healing. Healers become direct channels for Swamiji's powerful healing energy, which has cured diseases from migraine to cancer.

Do visit your nearest Dhyanapeetam Healing Centre for:

** FREE Ananda Healing services (for physical and mental ailments) * Books and literature * Swamiji's talks, chanting and music on Audio tapes, Audio & Video CDs * Energized products & accessories for meditation & daily use * Information about Swamiji's schedule and upcoming courses & activities * Fortnightly satsangs (prayer meetings)*

THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM (Swamiji) is a revolutionary young spiritual master of our millennium. He walks on a mission to heal the world through the powers of

Dhyanapeetam, Swamiji's worldwide movement for meditation, is located at Bidadi, near Bangalore in Bharat. However, Swamiji himself is always on the move, carrying his message of spirituality and blissful living to the

meditation.

people of the world.

AMaster gives you nothing in words. He simply shares with you his presence, his Being. Just by opening yourself to the Master, by absorbing him into yourself, you will gain that experience which a thousand words cannot give! - Swamiji

S

wa

miji

as

we

k

now

him

An offering

to Swamiji's Lotus Feet

Swamiji

An offering to Swamiji's Lotus Feet from disciples and devotees

as

we

know him

DHYANAPEETAM

How does one convey in words, the wordless experience of being with Swamiji

An offering to Swamiji's Lotus Feet from disciples and devotees

as

we

know him

In this book, Swamiji's disciples and devotees attempt to share the joy of their most precious moments spent with him - his famous healing miracles, the wonder of unspoken ques t ions being answered in words or in meditation, the life transformations brought about in self and family, or just the sheer delight of being in his radiant, allembracing presence!

a Master?

How does one convey in words, the wordless experience of being with a Master?

In this book, Swamiji's disciples and devotees attempt to share the joy of their most precious moments spent with him - his famous healing miracles, the wonder of unspoken questions being answered in words or in meditation, the life transformations brought about in self and family, or just the sheer delight of being in his radiant, all-embracing presence!