Chapter 5: Darshan🔗

The word 'darshan' means 'to have a glimpse of.'

Darshan is traditionally used to describe the moment when we behold a deity, an Avatar, a saint or an enlightened being.

The experience of darshan is highly revered in the Vedic tradition, as just seeing such a being can cleanse the karmas of lifetimes, and create a deep and lasting transformation in the receiver.

Darshan is something far beyond mere physical 'seeing'. Like many mystical Sanskrit words, it is a word that cannot be translated; rather, it has to be experienced.

Darshan is actually the powerful superconscious vibration that is present around an Avatar at all times.

Although we usually speak of 'getting' the darshan of an evolved soul, an Avatar does not actually 'give' darshan - He simply radiates darshan. Just as the sun continuously radiates light, whether anybody is present to receive it or not, the Avataric consciousness is forever radiating its presence. The auspicious moment when each receiver is able to 'catch' it becomes the moment of darshan for that individual.

1. Physical - in the presence of an enlightened Master or an Avatar

2. Physical - in the presence of an energized deity

3. Perceptual - An intermediate level (between 2 & 3) would be the darshan of the ishtadevata or deity in the form of the Master (e.g. people seeing Sai Baba or Meenakshi in Swamiji's form). This is not directly perceiving, but using the existing form to project / perceive the desired form. It could be a mental projection which is the result of a deep yearning on the part of the devotee, or an actual vision granted by the deity or saint, who makes himself available on the astral level.

4. Perceptual - in the form of a previous incarnation now no longer in the physical body e.g. Mahavatar Babaji.

5. Perceptual - in the form of the image of a deity (ishtadevata). Perception can happen in the waking, dream or meditative state.

6. An instantaneous and direct intuitive grasp of the formless consciousness. This is rare; it usually happens through the intervention of the Guru, or very rarely, spontaneously. This is called Anupaya.

Enlightenment

The science of quantum entanglement, entrainment and enlightenment can be elucidated further.

In physics, quantum entanglement usually occurs between energetic subatomic particles.

A thought too is nothing but a small packet of energy released by the cells in the form of subatomic particles. Scientifically, the thought-free space of an Avatar would be filled with virtual particles, unlike that of a thought-ful human mind.

The absence of thoughts in the Avatar would not allow entanglement to be transferred from the thought energy of the devotee into the Avatar’s mind. On the other hand, due to the high energy of the Avatar, the virtual particles having no thought patterns would rush to fill the space of the devotee, entangling with the devotee’s thought particles and creating entangled virtual particles in the devotee, leading to a temporary no-mind state.

During quantum entanglement, the entangled particles acquire oneness in action, irrespective of their separation in space. This is what Albert Einstein termed ‘spooky action at a distance’, and offers an explanation for the phenomenon of long-distance healing by the Avatar.

Darshan also has lasting effects, because the quantum correlation between the two systems (ie. the Avatar and the disciple) survives their separation in time as well as space. So the Avatar’s space continues to influence the disciple’s space for an extended period after darshan. This would explain the delayed effects of darshan recorded in certain devotees, who continue to experience an accelerated speed of healing of diseases for weeks or sometimes months following a single darshan.

The simultaneous and synchronous movement of energy in two or more biological systems is called Entrainment. This phenomenon can easily be studied on the brain waves using the EEG technique. A similar process can happen at all cellular levels (not just neurons), and would still be considered Entrainment.

Name: Vimal Patel

Location: Austin, USA

Email: [email protected]

I had a mysterious skin-nervous disorder, which was only recently labeled a disease by the CDC, due to its unknown and controversial nature. It is so controversial that only a few physicians even try to treat patients within the USA, while others look the other way.

Symptoms ranged from unfamiliar particles arising from the skin and unexplainable skin cuts, to major nervous system problems, which caused me to experience what felt like bugs crawling, electric jolts, high sensitivity to electromagnetic frequencies (from any electronic item), muscle aches and fatigue.

I was very confused, frustrated, scared and shocked by what was happening; I had no clue what was going on, and when, if at all, I would be rid of this. The entire situation caused a lot of tension within my family, as I chose unorthodox natural treatments. Finally, this condition prevented me from going to work for a long period of time.

After Swamiji compassionately blessed me during Pada Puja darshan and gave me the assurance that He would take care, I was healed completely in less than three months! Yes, what CDC labels as ‘incurable’ was now completely healed by the grace of the Master!

I don’t even want to think about what would have happened to me if Swamiji was not with me! His compassion and blessings have no limits. I am so grateful, and even now, simply beyond words!

Thank you Swamiji, Thank you! Pranam to Your lotus feet!

Name: Graciela I. Rodriguez

Location: Cd. Juarez, Mexico

Email: [email protected]

I used to have an abnormal tissue on the skin, near the throat, for three or four years. After receiving darshan and blessings from Swamiji, the growth fell off by itself!

My diabetes has also improved much and I know it will completely disappear soon.

To tell the truth, I have not felt this good in 30 years!

Rupa, Sunnyvale, CA, USA [email protected]

When my aunt died, I went into total depression and was crying all the time. I thought that there was no more life for me without her.

Within four days after her death, Swamiji came to Seattle and I attended the Nithyananda Spurana Program. The energy darshan at the end of the program was simply amazing. I told Swamiji that I am very sad. He just gave me a compassionate hug. At that very moment, I could feel that all my sadness suddenly disappeared! It was surely not a normal hug from a human being; it was like a hug from God!

I was just in bliss after that, and I could see the huge difference between before the commencement of the program and after completing the program. Amazing! Thank you Swamiji... I have no words for your compassion.

The Darshanopanishad, which is part of the Sama Veda, clearly spells out the preparation a devotee can make to get the maximum out of darshan:

♦ Tapas (Spiritual discipline) ♦ Santosha (Completion) ♦ Astikya (Conviction in the existence of the Divine) ♦ Dana (Benevolence towards all) ♦ Ishvara Pujana (Gratitude to the Divine) ♦ Siddhanta Shravana (Listening to the Truth) ♦ Hri (Humility) ♦ Mati (Faith built on conviction) ♦ Japa (Constant remembrance of the Divine)

In fact, this space of approaching darshan is akin to an internal tirtha (pilgrimage), which is far superior to the external tirtha.

Darshan serves as a conduit for the constant inflow of Cosmic energy, allowing one to maintain continuous awareness in all the states of being - wakefulness, dream, deep sleep and beyond.

Once darshan has become a complete initiation within the receiver, it is possible to receive darshan in any of these states.

Large congregations influenced by the presence of Avatars or saints, or massive events like the Kumbh Mela (the largest spiritual congregation on the planet) open up the space of the seeker or devotee due to the highly charged atmosphere and the mirror-neuron effect happening on millions of people at the same time.

Paramahamsa Nithyananda describes this phenomenon:

The Master is like a radiating light. Your body and mind is like a mirror. When you sit in an unclutched® way in the Master’s presence, all your bodies and minds become mirrors reflecting the Master’s Consciousness. They get focused like laser beams, aligned and polarized towards the Master’s Consciousness. So his bio-energy is simply transmitted into you. Your body becomes light and just flows in the ether.

If you keep five such mirrors in front of a single light, the illumination is going to be five-fold, because five mirrors are reflecting the light, and the whole area is lit intensely.

Now, if 10,000 mirrors are kept in front of the same light, can you even imagine what will happen?

In the same way, when 10,000 people sit in the Master’s presence in an unclutched® space, the same Superconsciousness is reflected 10,000-fold, and an intense Superconscious energy field is created. If 10,000 bodies and minds focus themselves on the Master’s Consciousness, it becomes equivalent to 10,000 enlightened beings sitting in samadhi. This is what I call creating Shambhala on planet Earth!

Legal name: Subha Kalyanasundaram

Location: Atlanta, United States

Email: [email protected]

For nearly a year, I was suffering with severe stomach pain, followed by diarrhea at least 4 to 5 times in a day.

Doctors did all kinds of tests but were not able to diagnose the cause for the condition.

I decided to request Swamiji for healing when he visited the USA.

Towards the end of 2009, Swamiji visited North Carolina. I went there and attended a one-day program called 'Kalpataru.' I had decided to ask him to heal me during darshan.

But finally, when it was my turn and I went near Swamiji, I just felt it to be too silly to ask such a great incarnation to heal my stomach pain! So I did not ask him anything. I just received his blessings and came back to Atlanta.

A couple of days later, Swamiji appeared in my dream! In my dream, I told him about my stomach pain, and he touched my stomach lightly and said, "You will be alright."

The next morning I woke up and found that I do not have that pain anymore!

What a miracle!! He healed me in my dream!

Till today, I have never experienced that pain again.

Words are not enough to convey my gratitude to my Swamiji. His compassion is beyond words.

Legal name: Magdalena

Spiritual name: Ma Nithya Avantikananda

Location: Wroclaw, Poland

Email: [email protected]

I had big issue with alcohol addiction for a few years.

The nature of my work was such that I had free access to alcohol, and I never refused to drink when invited. Alcohol made me feel bad, but even then I continued to drink, especially to release my anxiety.

One night, Swamiji came to me in my dream and spoke to me, and showed me how bad that habit was for me. The most incredible thing is that I had never been in Swamiji's physical presence until then! After that dream, I started naturally losing the attraction to alcohol, and soon dropped it.

Later on, I had a privilege to spend one year in Swamiji's ashram, and I can confirm that my life has changed a lot in a positive way and is still changing every day.

In deepest gratitude to Swamiji!

Tricia Royall, Scottsdale, AZ USA

In Swamiji's presence, the smiles begin... I feel this life of mine is worth living... such a great relief that He is walking the planet with me. I feel worthy and happy!!

Name: Sharmila Malla

Location: Nepal

Even before meeting Swamiji, I used to be a meditator and received many visions from Swamiji, in my meditation and during dreams.

One day in dhyan (meditation), I saw the form of Swamiji sitting in his dark brown kavi robes, and behind him was Durga Devi standing with her many hands, and a beautiful white swan with a golden anklet walking in front of him.

At that time I wondered who he was!

Years later, after meeting Swamiji physically, I came to know that I was blessed with that vision on Ardhanarishwara Day (signifying the fusion of the cosmic masculine and feminine energies, Shiva and Devi).

Another day, while traveling with my husband in a car, I happened to close my eyes for a few minutes. I had a vision of Swamiji dancing very swiftly and putting a red flower garland on me.

In another vision, Devi appeared from the right side of Swamiji and got fused back with him. Swamiji was wearing a tiger skin in that vision.

One day, I woke up from sleep hearing Swamiji’s super-loud laughter – HAHAHAHAHA! Only much later, only when I experienced my first Kalabhairava darshan with Swamiji, I came to know that as Kalabhairava, he laughs like this.

I am grateful to Swamiji for granting me these beautiful visions and experiences even before I met Him physically.

Devi, Coimbatore, India

I first came to know about Swamiji in 2014 from a friend, and was aspiring to meet Him in person. The first time in my life, I prayed to Him before sleep and went to bed. It was a very simple prayer of just 1 minute, asking for His blessings.

That night in my dream, I saw Him walking towards me, with his one hand up as if He is blessing me.

Till then, I never met Him in person. I hadn’t watched His discourses in Youtube , and I didn’t even have His photo. I only know His name and nothing else. But He graciously responded to my simple prayer and visited me in my dream.

Later I came to know that He visits His devotees in ethereal form during sleep.

A week later, I attended NKY session at Bidadi and got His blessings in person.

He gave me energy darshan and cured a long-standing illness which I had for almost 10 years.

Glenn Walbridge, Sedona, USA

During darshan, I realized that receiving the fully focused attention of a realized Master is a blessing in itself. And knowing that just through a request, I can ask this monumental power to focus on my specific need, is just amazing to me.

I have experienced complete protection and support, and I know that it was purely Swamiji’s grace and I had no part in it.

Name: Vimal Patel

Location: Austin, USA

Email: [email protected]

Even before ever having Swamiji’s darshan, I would frequently see flashes of Swamiji smiling during my meditation.

Another vision I had was of Swamiji sitting on his seat, smiling and in bliss! He then turned to his right, picked up a clear white water- bottle that was on a stand and drank some water, during what seemed like a meditation session.

Later I saw some videos of Swamiji on youtube, but had not had a chance to meet Him physically.

One day I was very sad. I felt that I was so alone that there was nobody there to support me.

I immediately picked up a photo of Swamiji which I kept with me, knowing He is the only one there for me. I grabbed it and hugged it, placing it in my heart area.

Immediately, I felt an intense amount of heat and energy in my heart area. It was so much energy!

I was a little shocked, because I was not expecting it, and didn’t even know it could happen!

I’ve never had an experience like that from a ‘mere’ picture. I felt as if He was physically there, giving me darshan and healing.

Thank you Swamiji for the experience!

Name: Radhika Panikar

Spiritual Name: Ma Nithya Priyaadvaitha

Location: USA

Email: [email protected]

On the night of Ganesh Chaturthi in 2010, before I met Swamiji, I had a vision. I remember wearing white and running down a path with many others. I remember feeling like a child running to her parents’ house to play. That was the exact feeling of joy and freedom, with no agenda!

I remember also sitting in a car with a sannyasi in the front seat. As we passed in the car, I saw a black statue to my left. I couldn’t make out exactly what it was! It seemed like a man and woman together.

The next feeling I had was I was like in a magnetic field! I felt a perfect state inside my skin, which did not waver for a second. It was like a permanent state of joy - something beyond joy!

Next, I run into a hall and I see Swamiji with a turban welcoming all of us. He says something which I cannot hear, but I remember three words, “Come to me!”

There are lots of people in the hall, singing English and Hindi devotional songs, and suddenly, people start to dance. Swamiji was sometimes there and sometimes He disappeared! I began to dance with some lady, and then I break away and dance in the most beautiful, ecstatic and uninhibited way, without boundaries, joyfully! The dream ended and I woke up feeling the perfect pitch of happiness still resonating in my skin.

Later, when I visited the Bengaluru Aadheenam for the very first time, I walked to the temple and saw the Dakshinamurthy deity and I felt as though He smiled at me. This was the beginning of my journey with Swamiji - or the ‘official’ beginning as I knew it then, of God knows how many lifetimes!

Name: Vadwatee Enal

Location: Trinidad & Tobago

I have had too many experiences with Swamiji even before knowing about him, but don't know how to put them in words. But I will try to share a few!

In September or October 2012, my sister Sumatee Enal was conducting shraadh homa for the first time.

I did not know Swamiji then. I was sitting with the rest of my family while the homa was happening and suddenly I went into a trance.

I felt someone behind me; I could only see his frame and he was hugeeee!!!!!, tallllllll!!!, and a tiger skin was around his waist. I perceived him to be Lord Shiva, but he seemed different. He asked permission to do something with my spine, and for some reason I just said Yes!

I felt something move in my spine, and from that day my visions were very pronounced. Many, many incidents happened, too much to share.

In February-March 2014, I started to make preparations to travel, ie. getting my passport in order, etc., but I had no clue why.

Around April 2014, I had the vision of a Swami walking with me wherever I was going, I thought I was hallucinating.

Around July 2014, I had visions of this place with a long walkway leading to a wall and a big tree behind it. There were men in orange clothes running around busily. I did not know what this was about.

Then in August 2014 my sister Savitri who lives in Austin, Texas, told us about this Swamiji she was listening to, and that she and a friend were going to meet him in India.

Before I really understood what was happening, everything was lined up for me to do Inner Awakening in October 2014! My sister Sumatee paid for me, arrangements were made to take care of our mother and home, and everything just happened.

When I met Swamiji physically for the first time in October 2014 IA, we did pada puja on the very first day of IA, first thing in the morning. During the pada puja I saw that this was the tall person who came to me in 2012!

Name: Abirami Paramanathan

Location: Toronto, Canada

Email: [email protected]

Swami Nithyananda has helped and is helping me in many ways.

I heard about Swami Nithyananda in 2009 from a family friend who asked me to watch his YouTube videos.

At that time, for 3 years, I was suffering from powerful nightmares that sometimes shook me physically. After the very first day of watching one of his YouTube videos, I was again suffering with a nightmare that was shaking me physically in my bed. I felt I was inside a horror movie. I was able to see so much chaos happening in the nightmare.

Then I saw a small light in the middle of the nightmare. This small light kept getting bigger and bigger, until it covered the whole area in front of my vision. Inside this light I saw Swami Nithyananda sitting like Lord Shiva, with a tiger skin on his shoulders.

Then He said very powerfully in Tamil, “Athai ippa niruthu” which means “Stop that NOW”. As soon as He said this, the nightmare vanished, and the screen became very calm, and I went into deep sleep after a very long time.

The next day I shared this with my mother and said, “This Swamiji is very powerful”.

I met Swamiji physically for the first time about three months after this incident.