Arunachala with Shiva – The Completion

By Ananthanarayanan Sankaran, Australia

An opportunity to set the foot on the holy hills of Arunachala in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu is not possible unless there’s Guru’s and Divine grace. I, along with 20+ others had the opportunity to bathe in the ocean of grace and compassion from Brahmarishi Mohanji at this very holy place and the experience has been truly profound.

It is believed that, by seeing Chidambaram, by being born in Tiruvarur, by dying in Kasi, or by merely thinking of Arunachala, one will surely attain liberation.

Arunachala a.k.a. Annamalai is no ordinary mountain. The hill is Lord Shiva Himself (unlike other places such as Mt. Kailash which are abodes of Lord Shiva) in the form of Agni (fire element). As per “Arunachala Mahatmyam,” the supreme knowledge (Self-knowledge), the import of Vedanta, which cannot be attained without great difficulty, can easily be attained by anyone who sees the form of this hill from wherever it is visible or who even thinks of it by mind from afar. Hence, when the programme was announced, I couldn’t resist the urge to visit this holy place again. You may want to read my previous blog on my journey to Arunachala with Mohanji. (Arunachala with Shiva).

I had a packed agenda (pilgrimage + personal commitments) for the visit and prayed to Mohanji that everything should go well. Having attended various retreats and pilgrimages with Mohanji in the past, I knew what I had to do, which is to expect nothing and be prepared to flow.

It was a long and tiring flight with little sleep but after a short 5 hours break, I was rearing to go. I soon realised that His energy had already kicked in and that I had nothing to worry about. The journey to Arunachala was peaceful and I was immediately on the tasks I had to complete.

Just before I landed in India, there was an alert from the Meteorological Department that severe weather was predicted for the 6th, 7th and 8th (the days we were supposed to be in Arunachala). Everyone in my family started forwarding those messages to me. However, I was very clear… Mohanji was coming and He will take care. When we have Lord Shiva making Himself available amidst us, what on earth could come our way?

I was greeted by grey clouds and occasional drizzle to rare heavy showers en route to Tiruvannamalai. Upon arriving at the venue, things started falling into place and I was laughing within as I began to witness the grace of Mohanji at every stage. Our dearest Amma (Snehajyoti) came to receive our beloved Mohanji and waited patiently for her Son to arrive.

Mohanji arrived with His parents by the 6th evening. To see Him holding the hands of His Mother and walking was truly a sight to behold. Later someone asked Him “There are people at your disposal to look after your parents, why would you have to do it by yourself?” (accompanying His parents and making them comfortable). He said, “There is no other reason except Putra Dharma (duty of a son).” This is a message for every one of us to ensure we fulfil our duties within our capacity and don’t skip one for another. He walks the talk of fulfilment and completion.

Mohanji wasted no time and made His agenda clear for the trip. A visit to the shrine of a Siddha who had lived a few hundred years ago, a visit to an old age home, Girivalam (circumambulating Arunachala Hills) and an open satsang for the 8th of October, were on His priority list.

During dinner on the 6^th of October, a couple of people from the UK arrived, immediately identified Mohanji and sought His blessings. One gentleman lovingly said, “Three times I tried attending your retreat in the UK and never succeeded as it gets full almost immediately. It’s a blessing to meet you here in the holy place of Arunachala.” Mohanji invited them for the satsang on the 7^th of October. Though it was for in-house participants, it became clear that the connection and devotion of these men moved Him, prompting this invitation.

We were in for a surprise the next morning as the gentlemen from the UK requested that we wash the holy feet of Mohanji (paada pooja). We were already on a packed agenda and any delays would mean we have to either postpone or cancel a portion of the schedule. But what could stop a true seeker when he surrenders everything and places a request in front of the Guru? Soon, we all witnessed something truly special, the feet of Mohanji being washed with warm water and milk, with His aarti and other chants being recited by the participants. Tears of joy rolled from everyone’s eyes and we could begin to feel divinity at play. Later Mohanji explained the importance of washing Guru’s feet and that He normally doesn’t entertain it unless people understood the real meaning behind it.

 

A visit to the Siddha’s samadhi followed by a visit to the main temple (Annamalayar temple) took place and everyone settled into silence instantly. Ramana Maharishi had meditated at the Siddha’s samadhi during his early years and the energy surge could be truly felt in this temple.

Since the morning (on the 7th of October) Mohanji was keen to meet Madhurai Swamigal, who accompanied us on Girivalam in December 2017. Not knowing his contact details, we tried reaching him through some local contacts and didn’t make much progress. However, when we arrived at the main temple, we quickly spotted him. He informed us that he had been trying to reach us for the past 3 days (after seeing our posters around the town), but had very little luck. I knew this was Mohanji’s leela, for He was the one who brought him (Swamigal) to the temple and made it appear as a mere coincidence.

We had wonderful darshan at the sanctum and as a divine signal; it rained as soon as we walked out. There were monkeys around the temple complex. One particular monkey held Mohanji’s dhoti and had food from His hands. The monkey wouldn’t let go of the dhoti until he’d eaten all the biscuits from Mohanji’s hands. Later Mohanji informed everyone around Him that this year’s visit to Arunachala was all about completion. First was Madhurai Swamigal’s meeting, followed by an up-close darshan, rains and Hanuman (monkey) accepting food from Mohanji’s hands.

We had plans to visit Ramanashram and Virupaksha Caves on the 8th morning. However, upon arriving at Ramanashram, Mohanji advised us to spend as much time as possible in the shrine. It was the morning aarti time when we reached there and I couldn’t control my tears upon setting foot in the ashram. Not to be seen as a cry baby, I walked out of the temple and stood quietly connecting to Ramana Maharishi. Soon, I encountered a person who started talking to me. Something in me said I need to seek his blessings, which I did. He spoke with authority and quoted the Avatar ‘Parasurama’ a couple of times during our brief talk.

After taking prasad, I settled down on the gents’ row and observed silence. The person whom I met at the gate walked inside the shrine and I offered my prayers once again. He gave me a coconut, blessed me and walked away. Mohanji, until then meditating, suddenly turned to my side and said, “Oh coconut… make it into pieces and distribute it to everyone. I would like to have some as well.” I immediately knew that the coconut was for Him and I was a mere instrument blessed to receive it on His behalf. When I walked out of the ashram after a good 45 – 60 mins of being in silence, I encountered that person once again and this time he gave me a banana and a rose flower. I felt compelled to offer him a dakshina. He wouldn’t accept it and said, “Why are you giving money to me, what will I do with it. Come out with me and give it to the person I show you,” which I gladly did.

As it started becoming very hot, we had to shelve the idea of visiting Virupaksha Caves and instead chose Seshadri Swamigal Ashram which was a few yards away from Ramanashram. There was a little disappointment among some participants for not going to the Caves but I completely believed that it happened for a reason which soon became clear.

A little later, we had an amazing darshan of Mookupodi Siddhar, a very powerful Master in town. Later, during my conversations with an auto driver, he told me that there are 7 Siddhas walking the streets of Tiruvannamalai and Mookupodi Siddhar is one among them. Nobody is allowed to touch or go near him but can have darshan from a distance. With Mohanji’s grace, Barbara took some amazing pictures of the Siddha and in fact, she was invited by the person who regulated people around the Siddha to come up close and take some more pictures.

Later in the evening, we visited Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram where we were lovingly welcomed by Devaki Amma, Yogi Ji’s disciple who looks after the ashram. She spoke at length about Yogi Ji, who was a powerful Avadoota, whose energy you could instantly feel upon meditating on him or on the chant that continuously goes on in the ashram. Amma told us that by going once around the ashram, we get the same benefit as one would get upon doing 5 Girivalam (circumambulation around Arunachala hills).

An interesting and an unexpected thing happened here at the ashram. As there wasn’t enough space for everyone in the car, I volunteered to accompany Snehajyoti Amma to the ashram and we went there by an auto. At the entrance of the temple, I found a lady with matted hair, torn clothes and fully consumed within. I could recall Mohanji telling me about a lady Avadoota whom they met in 2017 and how she accepted an offering from everyone else but Him. Something told me that she must be the same Avadoota. I immediately went near her, prostrated at her feet and offered a dakshina which she accepted.

Later, while returning, I could see her walking at a distance. Raksh and I literally ran towards her as I wanted Raksh to receive her blessings. While she wouldn’t accept dakshina, she did spit on the ground and I quickly remembered someone recalling an experience that when this Avadoota spat on someone last time, the person had a huge release. I offered her a dakshina again but she politely told me, “Enakku edhuvum venam” (I need nothing). I prostrated once again at her feet and proceeded to take an auto to complete few other things around the town.

I was supposed to go to the resort to look after the preparations for the evening satsang but something in me pointed me to do another job which was pending. I asked the auto driver to go to a particular location and as destiny would have its way, he had to refuel. While the auto stopped at the fuel station, I could immediately see the saint whom I met during the 2017 Girivalam (Arunachala with Shiva – part 1). He was the one who told me that, “Land for ashram will happen,” and later on was confirmed by Mohanji about how the Divine takes various forms to convey a message.

I immediately asked Raksh to come behind me as I went up to him and started having a conversion. After a few inquiries, he remembered me asked me the exact same question that he had asked me during my previous encounter with him 🙂

He held my hands and applied pressure on my wrists (I was literally but unintentionally making a scene of sorts in the middle of the road by crying) to stop my tears. Raksh invited him to the satsang, but he didn’t give a clear response. I knew he wouldn’t come and when she asked him again, he said, “You don’t need two Suns under one roof. I hope you understand” – YES. We fully understood his message on the stature of our own beloved Para Brahma and tearfully bid adieu to him. He told me where I could find him as I prostrated at his feet and continued my journey.

Deep inside, I was thanking Mohanji a lot for giving me experience after experience and honestly, I never expected any of them. It also became very clear to me that it is only HIS compassion that gives me such divine experiences in my life. Otherwise, who could fathom meeting such Siddhas, an Avadoota and saints – all in one day 🙂

It rained heavily in the evening before the commencement of the public satsang. However, it didn’t deter the 75 odd people who turned up to witness it. The satsang was very intense and I could see how people instantly connected with Mohanji and swam in His Consciousness. By the time I hit the bed it was already early morning and I knew I had a couple of hours before Girivalam.

With Mohanji’s grace all the participants completed the Girivalam, a 15 km walk around Arunachala Hills, stopping at various points to have darshan and connect to Him. As Rajesh Kamath hadn’t had a chance to visit the Siddha’s Temple (a place we visited on our first day), we all had an opportunity to visit the shrine once again and spent few quiet moments there.

I was planning to pack my things to leave and was suddenly reminded of one more job to be completed. Rajesh and I went to the old age home we had visited the previous day and I was surprised to see Mohanji arriving almost at the same time as us.

He called the two of us and said, “There is an Avadoota sitting on the road. I didn’t stop my vehicle as I knew the crowd would swarm. Quickly take some food, offer it to him and come.”

We immediately got some food from the old age home and went to the place where the Avadoota was sitting. He made the two of us sit on the road as he was busy having a conversation with a labourer. The labourer was supplying cold drinks to the roadside shops and poverty was quite visible. The Avadoota engaged in a conversation with this person and commanded him to get him water from the roadside shop which the person did with utmost bhav. The Avadoota then went on to pour the water on the road and asked him to go get more water again and this time, he made the labourer stretch his feet and poured water on it. When the labourer asked him, “Ayya, naan kelambatuma” (May I take a leave), he said give me 1000 rupees and go. The labourer took all his earnings from the day he had in his pocket, offered it to the Avadoota and left the place after taking blessings.

Now it was our turn 🙂 Rajesh offered food to the Avadoota and also gave him Mohanji’s card. The Avadoota kept the card in front of him, took the food in his hand and threw almost 80% of it in all directions.

With the remaining food, he hand-fed it to the labourer (before he left) and Mani who was with us. 

He then took Mohanji’s card, tore it into pieces while giving A-grade abuses. Rajesh didn’t have a clue (language barrier) and Mani and I were looking at each other wondering what was happening. The Avadoota then asked us to pay him and leave. While I emptied my wallet and gave everything, Rajesh felt he should give him one rupee. The Avadoota looked at the one rupee coin, rubbed it awhile saying a few things before throwing it away. We both prostrated to him in the middle of the road and he said, “I am a big actor, you are all becoming bigger actors than me,” and left the place laughing, leaving behind all the money.

Returning to the room, I went straight to Mohanji and shared with Him what I had witnessed. He asked me more than once if the Avadoota abused Him and tore His card and when I said yes, Mohanji said, “That’s very good. I am happy.” Being someone who doesn’t ask why, I silently left the room and was sharing this experience with one other participant. She asked me, “Did you ask Mohanji why the Avadoota tore the card?” I said, “No. I don’t ask any questions to Mohanji.” She said, “Sometimes, it is important to ask such questions as not very often do we get such experiences and understand our lessons from it.” Later on she asked the question to Mohanji to which He said, “When the Avadhoota tore my card, it was a blessing. Tearing a card is similar to breaking barriers on various dimensions. This coupled with the A-grade abuses he hurled on me is a sign of his blessing and that’s how Avadhootas operate.” He further narrated “I shall explain. What the avadhoota abused was the negative energies that might have come from others into our path/life blocking us or trying to disturb me (us), this could be jealousy, envy or any other kind of negative energies or even possibly some parasite entities in some cases. When he tore my card (which I was hoping he would do), he cleansed me from all kinds of negative energies that may have joined (collected unknowingly by us) with us from various places and people as well as removed the possible blockages in our further journey. These parasite energies are like smaller fishes getting attached to a huge whale and feeds on them or a parasite creeper clinging on to a good tree and feeds on it. When we meet many people, when many people connect to us from various locations, physically or non physically, we will have to handle many types of energies and frequencies. Some residue of it may stay with us for sometime. Avadhootas like him cleanses us and our path ahead in one shot as river Ganga cleanses us deeply with every dip. Shirdi Sai Baba and Bhagawan Nithyananda used to scream, shout at and abuse people in the same way. They were not abusing the person, but the poisonous energies that they might have ignorantly/unknowingly collected and carried. They were doing deep cleansing out of deep compassion. This is why I was happy with what he did. His abuses was towards the energies around us, not us. Tearing the card was like removal of “evil eyes”, “black magic” or similar negative energies that regular jealousies and envies might have contributed. Card/picture represents the person. Tearing means annihilation/removal. When our path is clear, journey ahead becomes smooth and pleasurable. When accumulated weight is removed, it helps our flight. If we approach the methods of such avadhootas with ego and doubts, we will not understand and experience their unfathomable compassion. ” 

Looking back, what an amazing trip it had been. It’s sheer grace and love Mohanji has towards each and every one of us which allowed us to have such divine experiences, all in a matter of few days. Things that are learnt or understood over years are delivered in a matter of moments and I am eternally grateful to Mohanji for accepting me under His wings and teaching me the much-needed lessons for my existence.

I have learnt a few key lessons during this pilgrimage:

1. I had the choice to avoid going to the old age home citing some reason or postponing it. Had I done it, I would have missed a wonderful opportunity. It reminds me of Mohanji’s quote, “Never postpone anything. Postponing it could mean denial of a valuable experience that would never happen again.” In fact, every single moment during the retreat, I kept hearing Mohanji’s words, “This trip is all about completion,” in my ears and I pushed away tamas, allowing grace to take over the situation and COMPLETE everything that had to be completed.
2. An Avadoota will strip you naked. We should be willing to be stripped for it removes layers and layers of accumulated baggage. This is what I realised with the Avadoota who made me sit on the roadside, and I was witnessing his totally irrelevant conversations with people.
3. Never think, just BE when you come across such Masters. Sitting on the road, crying, holding their hands or feet, being spat at, just doesn’t matter. If I had been cautious of the surroundings, had I  become even a little aware that people were watching me as I stood in front of these giants, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to witness the grandeur of all the Avadootas and saints on the streets of Tiruvannamalai.
4. Always sharpen your ears when someone speaks about a Guru. It doesn’t matter which Guru it is as they are all one and the same. More than reading through books, when I hear someone speak about a Guru, I close my eyes and play the scene in my mind and to me that’s a sadhana. It was such a divine experience to hear Devaki Amma speak about the leelas (plays) of Yogi Ramsuratkumar.

I would like to complete this testimonial with a verse from “Guru Gita”

Dhyaana-Muulam Gurur-Muurtih
Puujaa-Muulam Gurur-Padam |
Mantra-Muulam Gurur-Vaakyam
Moksha-Muulam Guruur-Krpaa ||

Meaning:
1: The root of meditation is the form of the Guru,
2: The root of worship is the feet of the Guru,
3: The root of mantra is the word of the Guru,
4: The root of liberation is the grace of the Guru.

I surrender everything at the holy feet of my beloved Guru Brahmarishi Mohanji and pray that I remain eternally at His feet as dust.

— Ananth

Foot Note:

Mookupodi Siddhar, one of the Siddhas who walked the streets of Tiruvannamalai.
Yesterday on 8th December, 2018 he attained Maha Samadhi.

Exactly two months back, Mohanji and all the pilgrims who were on the Arunachala trip in October 2018, had the blessed opportunity to have darshan of this great siddha. This is completely the blessing of Siddha Loka and our prampara gurus. This grace of having His darsan in this lifetime is a great thing.

Usually everyone could have his darshan from a distance but nobody was allowed to go near him. However, it was indeed Gurumandala’s grace that Barbara was allowed to go closer and took some amazing pictures of the Siddha. The advent of such a powerful Siddha on the earth will remain preserved with these memorable photographs.

We leave you with some of these memories!

|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI ||

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Mohanji – The Vishwamitra (The friend of the Universe)

By Lata Ganesh, Virginia, USA

The Grace received through one’s Guru is difficult to describe in words. I am totally overwhelmed and overawed by the benevolence and magnanimity of the blessings bestowed on me by my beloved Guru Mohanji, by allowing me to experience the presence of the Supreme Goddess herself.  Let me begin this narrative with complete surrender at His lotus feet.

The Autobiography of an Avadhoota, the fascinating life story of Guruji Avadhoota Nadananda gave me an introduction to the Mookambika Temple in Kollur.  But I had never thought that I will be visiting the temple and walking the same grounds that Guruji had been.  But my Guru had other plans for me!  He wanted to grace me with this divine blessing out of pure compassion.

A few months ago, during a conversation, Mohanji told me to visit Mookambika and offer prayers to Bhagavathi (the Mother Goddess).  What was strange was that, when He mentioned this to me, Mohanji said, “Oh, I was about to mention another temple, but Mookambika just came out of my mouth.”  I thought this extremely strange.  No words ever ‘slip out’ of Mohanji’s mouth! Since Guru’s command has to be fulfilled, I was very certain that I would visit Mookambika soon.

In the following months I was approved for the Mohanji Acharya Level 1 training and the first training was going to be held in Bangalore at the end of October.  My request to be part of that training was approved and with the hope of fulfilling Mohanji’s instructions, I planned a visit to India in October so that I could visit the Mookambika temple as well as attend the training. However, there was a hurdle to pass through. I had just taken some time off from work to attend Mohanji’s retreat in Virginia in August, and was a bit concerned whether my office would consider giving me leave again in October.  But lo and behold, my colleagues surprisingly agreed to my travel and were happy to fill in for me during my absence!

Now, I was wondering how I was going to travel all by myself to Kollur which I believed to be a remote place.  I casually mentioned my travel plans to my mother who was quite thrilled and wanted to join me. She had been wanting to go to the temple for many years but had not told any of her children of her wish.  This gave me an opportunity to fulfil my mother’s wish as well.

On October 25^th, after a comfortable flight, I landed in Chennai from Washington DC. I spent the day with my family and was off to Bangalore the following morning.  As soon as I landed in Bangalore, our angel escorts in the form of moths and butterflies, guided my way to Mohanji’s Ashram.  The Ashram located in a quiet cul-de-sac beneath the umbrella of a huge Audumbar tree shelters our beloved Mohanji.

 

The Audumbar tree (Ficus racemose) is not planted manually but grows on its own mainly through birds which eat the fruits. The Audumbar is associated with Lord Dattatreya who is always portrayed as sitting under its shelter.
I was blessed with the opportunity of partaking lunch (prasadam) with Mohanji, Acchan and Amma. After lunch, Mohanji left the Ashram for the Acharya training which was taking place at a venue on the other side of the city. Taking Mohanji’s blessings I proceeded to Devi Amma’s house.

Most of you may have heard of Devi Amma, a loving saint and Mohanji’s spiritual mother. Devi Amma, the daughter of the revered Sage Agastya and his wife Mother Lopamudra has come back to this earthly plane, as a realized being, to speak the Truth and lead humanity on the right path.  I had made an intention of meeting Devi Amma this time while in Bangalore and Preeti Duggal had kindly arranged a meeting for a small group of us. However, on the day of the meeting, none of the other people who planned to attend could make it to Amma’s house.  I ended up being alone on a long drive to Whitefield where Amma lives.  Even though I was late by over an hour from the agreed meeting time, Amma was so kind and had waited patiently for me.  I was totally blown away by her simplicity and childlike innocence. She seemed like a beautiful fragrant celestial flower, so fragile yet so powerful!  We talked for a long time in our mother tongue, Tamil, and listened together to the audio recording of Siddhar Potri (a hymn offering praise to powerful Siddhas) that I had on my phone.

When I mentioned to Devi Amma about the upcoming first Mohanji Acharya training, she told me that she would specifically seek the blessings of the Guru Mandala, her Guru and spiritual parents Agastya Muni and Lopamudra Ma.

During our conversation, I lovingly asked Devi Amma to speak about Mohanji.

Devi Amma said,

“Mohanji is a very great Siddha who has been sent to this world by the Divine Masters of the Guru Mandala. He is an extremely compassionate being.  His role in this avatar is to spread unconditional love on this earth and beyond.  He is not only a Jagatmitra (friend of the world) but Mohanji is a Vishwamitra (friend of the universe). I am clarifying here that He is not Vishwamitra, the sage of yore, but Vishwa-mitra, Friend of the Universe.  Being an incarnation of compassion, Mohanji can only offer unconditional love, under all circumstances.  That is why in spite of the many negativities and obstacles that come His way, He still offers love.  That is the purity of His nature.”

This is an important message to mankind, revealing the inter-galactic dimension of Mohanji, and comes directly from the Divine Masters conveyed through one of their purest and truest representatives.

We clearly see in the picture above, how Devi Amma is immersed in the love emanating from Mohanji’s heart center – Two divine beings melting in pure love and bliss.

After spending a couple of hours with Devi Amma, I took a cab to the venue of the training, which was at the other end of the city.  And oh boy, did I experience the legendary Bangalore traffic!  Stranded on the streets of Whitefield for over an hour for a cab and then the drive to Banashankari was quite an adventure.  Sri Sathya Sai Baba, a very powerful Master, used to visit his Ashram in Whitefield often when he was in his body.  I had the blessing of spending some time, waiting for a cab, soaked in bliss of being in the energy cradle of Sai Baba, Mohanji and Devi Amma that nothing bothered me.  When I finally arrived at about 10.00 pm at the Subramanian residence where the Acharya training was to take place, all the participants had already gone to bed.

I have no words to describe the hospitality, generosity and love of the Subramanian family.  I felt totally at home when I entered Skanda Vilas and was welcomed by Radha, Sathya and their mom.  I am very grateful to have met this loving family. I thoroughly enjoyed the spiritual discussions with Mr. Subramanian and am deeply grateful to him for including me in his daily morning ritual of feeding the cows and calves at a nearby goshala (cowshed).  The experience of staying at their house where the vel and mayil (lance and peacock – the symbols of my Lord Muruga) reside was simply a divine blessing.

The Acharya training which started early next day was very intense.  As promised, Devi Amma had indeed prayed for us and she received a message after having sought the blessings of the Guru Mandala.  Preeti Duggal had received a call from Devi Amma early that morning to convey that the Guru Mandala was going to be present at the training session and that all the participants had the blessings of the Masters.  And true to their promise, the Masters did make their presence felt and the entire training session was filled with intense divine energies, much more intense than witnessed before in front of and through Mohanji.  It shook us all up!

During the stay in Bangalore, I had mentioned to fellow participants about my upcoming trip to Mookambika and Devadas then shared with me his own experiences when he had visited Mookambika several years ago, before Mohanji had entered his life. He had seen Prashobji (Guruji Nadananda’s spiritual brother) at the temple, who had prophesied about Devadas meeting Mohanji in the future.  Devadas was very excited about my visit to Mookambika.  He had told me that he will share the phone number of the temple priest who could help with any rituals at the temple.

On Monday night, at the end of the training, I took Mohanji’s blessings before heading out of Bangalore.  Mohanji blessed me and said, “Do a prostration at Mookambika temple on my behalf.”

I joined the ride back to Chennai along with our loving Mohanji Chennai family members. With Kishore’s impressive driving skills and Rekha’s non-stop conversation to keep Kishore awake all night long, we reached Chennai in the early hours on Tuesday. Having reached home at about 4.00 am, I was ready to take the flight to Mangalore with my mother in a few hours, filled with excitement and energy.

As I boarded the flight to Mangalore from Chennai at 11 am, I realized that I did not have the telephone number of the temple priest as for some reason, neither Devadas nor Rajesh were able to provide it to me.  However, I was quite confident that Mohanji would take care of that! I was thinking, may be, I won’t need the contact as the temple would not be so crowded during the weekdays. But as the flight landed in Mangalore at 1.30 pm and before the plane doors opened, I got a call.  It was from Devadas.  He called to give me the phone number of the temple priest.

I fell in love with Mangalore right from the moment of landing.  The small airport was so clean and the air was filled with the fragrance of sandal wood or some herb.  We were welcomed by a pleasant and polite man, Bibin, who was driving us to Kollur. Bibin and my mother enjoyed a lively conversation in Malayalam all the way to the hotel.  It was a warm welcome.  My mother and I felt so relaxed and at peace, driving past the lovely green landscape and many bridges over strips of water bodies, the Brahminy Kites with white heads and striking chestnut brown shining bodies, soaring high in the skies over our heads. It felt like we were being enveloped with love and gentleness in the embrace of the Mother Divine. My mother said that as kids, they would run along with the Brahminy Kites soaring over their heads and would ask for wishes to be fulfilled, as they believed these Kites to be Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu.  True to that belief, there were hundreds of these birds flying over the skies on the long stretch from the airport to Udupi and beyond.  Udupi is the site of a famed temple of Sri Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu.  Garuda was certainly guarding the Master.

After a comfortable three and a half hour ride from the airport, we reached the small town of Kollur.  The highly revered shrine of Sri Devi Mookambika at Kollur is one of the oldest temples of Adi Parashakti, the primordial feminine energy. Nestled among the thick forests of the Western Ghats and the tranquility of the Kodachadri Hills, and on the banks of the Souparnika river, with a gold-plated crest and copper roof stands the majestic temple of the most benevolent and gracious Mother.

Legends of this ancient temple go back to date it as being over 1200 years old and it is believed that Devi Mookambika transformed herself into a Jyotir linga after destroying a demon named Mookasura who was disturbing the penance of Sage Kola.  Answering the intense prayers of Kola Maharishi, for the upliftment of righteousness and welfare of humanity, the supreme energies of the trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and their consorts Saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvati, have empowered the Jyotir linga (the linga of Grace light) with their divine presence.  The Svayambhulinga (a linga which manifested itself) manifested when Parameshwara (Lord Shiva) drew a Srichakra with his toe.

The chronicles of history teach us that the supreme Master of this yuga, Sri Adi Shankaracharya sat in meditation here, during his travel through this region.  The supreme Goddess appeared in Shankaracharya’s vision in the most beautiful and magnanimous form.  The idol of the Divine Mother was sculpted according to Shankaracharya’s vision and the magnificent Devi stands there today in brilliance, behind the Jyotir linga, bestowing blessings to millions of people who have visited her since then.

The idol of Devi Mookambika is visible in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, but the Jyotir linga is kept covered and is revealed only during the time of offering the archana (offering or kumkum or flowers) or abhishekam (ritualistic bathing of the linga with water, milk and other liquids).  Devi Mookambika has merged with this linga, incorporating both Shiva and Shakti and fulfills all the desires of her devotees.  A golden line (Svarna Rekha) has formed in this linga making a wider left side, where reside the energies of the Goddesses Saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvati, and a narrower right side where the energies of Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Parameshvara reside.

The hotel Mahalakshmi Residency is at the foot of the Mookambika temple and it was close to 5.00 pm when Bibin dropped us there and told us that he would meet us back the next morning at 8.30 am.  After quickly freshening up and having some coffee and snacks, my mother and I were eager to get to the temple.  I called Dr. K.N. Narasimha Adiga, the chief priest or tantric at the Mookambika temple who has deep respects and reverence for Mohanji. The present head of the Adiga clan, who has served the Mookambika temple for several generations, Narasimha Adiga is a charming scholar whose quiet demeanor radiated remarkable devotion and dignity. At the mention of Mohanji’s name, he welcomed us to his home and assigned one of his priests to accompany us to the temple and help us conduct all the desired rituals. After offering some fruits and dakshina to the priest, we proceeded to the temple.

As the evening rituals at the temple were yet to begin, the crowd had not started to gather.  We entered the inner chamber (antaraalayam) adjoining the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagudi) where the deity is installed and were guided to stand in a spot on a platform from where we could easily see the Goddess and also watch all the rituals.  The energy inside the inner temple was supreme and intense.   Goddess Mookambika is the most exuberant expression of the Supreme Shakti. Words are insufficient to describe the effulgence of the Devi, such is her magnificence and brilliance. Standing there, right in front of her, I felt the deepest sense of gratitude and surrender. The thought that She had brought me from so far to grant me her darshan made me weep in gratitude.  The only way I could compose myself was to start chanting the Mohanji mantra.  As I started chanting the mantra intensely, it stabilized me, and I was able to connect with the Goddess. And I began talking to her, pouring out all my own thoughts, desires, fears, seeking for family and friends and whatever was there in me.  As this mental dialogue was going on, I realized that we had been inside the sanctum sanctorum for over an hour!  It was as though Mohanji had literally led me here to make me experience this oneness with the Divine.  This is how the grace of the Guru operates.  And it was awareness that brought me to this realization. It was as if time had stopped and so had everything else – there was only the blissful chanting of the Mohanji Guru mantra in my heart and the brightness of the Mother in front and all around.

There were hundreds of people passing into the hall for Devi’s darshan and exiting the sanctorum.  My mother and I continued to stand there, in front of the deity.  The young priest sent to us by the Adiga came to take our sankalpa (special prayer) for the rituals to be done for the Goddess.  As the rituals for the Devi idol started and the priests removed the covering that was over the Jyotir linga and performed the archana and abhisekam, we were completely soaked in bliss and gratitude and  Devi blessed us with a beautiful darshan of the Jyotir linga and lovingly allowing us to witness those highly sacred ritual offerings to the linga, where all the divine energies reside.

As the pooja rituals of the evening were coming to an end, we proceeded closer to the idol and did one pradhakshina (circumambulation of a sacred place) of the sanctum sanctorum and left the inner chamber.  There are two doors to the inner chamber building where Devi resides; the main entrance facing the deity has two large doors separated by a small platform and the exit door to go out of the inner chamber is on the right side of the inner chamber building.  The normal procedure is for devotees to enter the main temple building passing the two entry doors, walking in facing the Goddess and then to go around the main temple and exit out of the door on the right.  Having completed one pradhakshina, my mother and I came out of the right-side exit door to the outer courtyard and then came back through the front double door to re-enter the inner chamber.  I had mentioned before that the main entry to the inner chamber has two front doors and there is a gap of about 2 feet between them.  There is a platform covering the gap.  This area is not very well-lit.

As I was passing the first entry door, my attention was diverted on an elderly lady sitting on the platform in between the first and the second door leading directly to the inner chamber of the Goddess.  I glanced at the lady who seemed to be in a meditative state, her eyes half closed.  As I passed by her, something was drawing me towards her.  Even though I had entered the inner chamber and was getting ready for another pradhakshina after the viewing the Devi, my mind was with the elderly lady.  All of a sudden, the priests and the temple authorities asked the people who had gathered in the inner chamber to exit immediately as they were getting ready for the deeparadhana (grand showing of lamp to the deity). No one other than the priests are usually allowed to remain inside the inner chambers while they prepare the Goddess for this grand deeparadhana ritual.  The doors to the inner chamber were about to be shut.  There was a bit of a confusion among the crowd inside.  As the temple guides were directing the crowd to exit the temple through the side door on the right, my thoughts went to the elderly lady and I was desperately hoping to see her again.  I was worried that she might have already left the platform where she had been sitting!

As my mother and I were getting closer to the side exit, the young priest sent to us by the Adiga suddenly appeared out of nowhere and guided us to move towards the front entrance of the temple.  This was very odd because, the exit was only through the side door.  But here, we were the only two people being asked to exit the inner chamber through the entrance door.  As we came out of the entry door, I saw the lady again, and this time very clearly.  As they ushered us out of the main temple, I was able to go and sit on the platform very close to the lady.  There was a metal railing dividing the lady and me and both of us were sitting on the platform alongside the wall of the inner chamber.  This meant that all of us were outside the inner chamber, and except for the elderly lady and the temple priests, there was no one within the boundaries of the inner chamber.  Strangely, the priests did not ask the lady to move out of her position, i.e. she was within the inner boundary. Even stranger was her attire.  She wore a silk dhoti deep red in color with a zari border, that was tied to her waist and falling to her ankles. The upper part of her body was covered with a half-saree, with an off-white colored shawl draped over her head.  This was  a most unusual attire and not a single person in the entire crowd was dressed in anything resembling that. The women from Kerala do wear dhoti/mundu, but they don’t cover their heads, nor do they wear a silk dhoti as a mundu, only a cotton dhoti is worn. She seemed to be of about 70-80 years old, but her face was shining bright and she had a large round deep red kumkum on her forehead.

As I sat close to her, with the railing separating the two of us, she came very close to my face and looked directly into my eyes.  It was the most beautiful and glowing face filled with love. She asked me, in Malayalam, “Child, you did recognize me, didn’t’ you?” I was totally numb for a second.  Deep within me, I DID RECOGNIZE HER! SHE WAS NONE OTHER THAN THE MOTHER DIVINE, GODDESS MOOKAMBIKA. I was spellbound.  I replied, “I did recognize you, Mother.”

Meanwhile, my mother, who was sitting on the other side had told me that we should chant the Lalitha Sahasranama till they opened the doors and allowed us back inside. But I could not focus on the chanting at all.  I was so conscious of the energy emanating from this lady – on the one had she looked like a beautiful divine being and on the other hand she was behaving like an Avadhoota too, a bit unstable.  Nobody seemed to be making eye contact with her, although she was making some gestures at certain people.   Since my focus was more on her and not on the chanting, I looked at her again. She lovingly smiled at me and ran her finger on my face as though talking to a child.  She asked me what my name was and took out a small banana from under her shawl and gave it to me.   I accepted it reverently and asked her if I might offer her dakshina.  As I took some cash and placed it in her hand, she took her hand and put it on my head in a gesture of blessing.  She then told me to go stand right in front of the line and to rush inside as soon as I heard the temple bell ring, signaling the start of the deeparadhana.  Most of her communications were by hand gestures.  Except for the first sentence of asking me whether I recognized her and then asking my name, she was making several gestures, looking at some people in irritation etc.

Meanwhile, the people gathered around the temple were getting restless and were ready to charge inside the inner chamber for the deeparadhana.  My mother and I and a couple were standing at a spot the lady had gestured us to.  As the temple bell rang, everyone rushed inside.  We followed the crowd and the lady asked us to walk behind her and took us to a spot, once again on the raised platform, with a fantastic view of the Goddess.  The deeparadhana was an elaborate ritual and extremely beautiful.  The radiance of the Goddess was brilliant and overpowering.  As I kept my eyes focused on the beautiful idol in front of us, and as the lighted oil lamps were being waved by the priests, Devi’s face from the dark inner sanctum sanctorum was becoming visible.  Even though the priests were some steps away from the idol, there certainly was some motion inside the sanctorum.  Devi was alive.  A jasmine flower garland which was going across Devi’s neck and attached to the Vel (lance) to her right side moved and fell on her chest.  It was an extraordinary moment. There was a tiny bird, moth or a butterfly flying inside the inner chamber. The elderly lady who was standing below would every now and then glance back at me to make sure that we were getting a full and beautiful view of the entire proceedings.

As the evening rituals were coming to an end, the lady gestured us to come down from the platform and guided us to stand directly in front of the Goddess as the final aarati was being conducted.  We got an up-close darshan of the Devi and filled our hearts with her image and energy.

As we were doing the final pradhakshina to come out of the inner chamber, the lady returned to me and said that she would see us next morning.

Within the inner chamber was also a small shrine dedicated to Adi Shankaracharya, called the Shankara Simhasana.  This was the spot where the five hooded Nagaraja, Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiva in the form of Veerabhadra Swamy were also installed.

Almost 4-5 hours had passed thus in the temple.  We came out after the deeparadhana and were waiting outside as the priests were getting ready to bring Devi outside for a procession in the outer aisle outside the limit of the flag post (dwajasthamba). Several hundred people had gathered and were waiting around for the final darshan of the Devi.  I looked for the elderly lady in the crowd but could not find her anymore. Another thing that I observed was that though there were hundreds of people that evening at the temple, the lady had not spoken to a single person other than me, and a brief conversation with my mother which was kind of garbled and non-coherent!

After joining in the three outer pradakshinas walking behind Devi’s idol being carried in a palanquin by the priests, the evening rituals ended.  We proceeded to get some prasadam (consecrated food).  There is a huge hall in the temple complex where every day hundreds of devotees are served prasadam as lunch and dinner for free.

On the way back to our hotel, we visited the house of Narasimha Adiga and collected the prasadam of kumkum (vermilion) and flowers which had been offered to Devi Mookambika during the evening rituals.

As the day ended, all I had left in my heart was unlimited love and gratitude to my dear Guru Mohanji, without whose Grace, this experience could not have been possible.  The deep connection with which I held on to my Guru was the one and only way I could have had this divine darshan.

I was also very happy that my mother who had wanted to visit this temple for several years and was now fulfilled with the darshan. Both of us slept so peacefully that night, like a baby in its mother’s warm and loving embrace.

We woke up at sunrise the next morning and were ready once again to visit the temple.  Bibin, the driver had told us that he would pick us up at 8.30, so we did not have much time.

Once again we got to walk right into the inner chamber as it was not too crowded.  As we entered I saw the elderly lady again.  This time she was right in front near the garbha griha. As soon as we walked in, she turned around and nodded with a sense of recognition.  She was appearing a bit serious today, no smile at all. She just looked deeply and directly. With her standing there, the temple guides did not ask us to move out at all.  Normally, the temple staff usher people out of the main chamber allowing them a maximum of two to three seconds.  But we stood right in front of Devi, soaking in her energy and admiring her timeless beauty for several minutes.  The rest of the people were being asked to leave after taking darshan just for a few seconds.  Standing in front of the idol, I recalled Mohanji’s words to me to offer a namaskaram (full body prostration) on His behalf.  I prostrated in front of the deity. And as the elderly lady was standing close by, I also touched her feet.  The priest then brought out the saree that had been on the idol overnight as they change the clothing during the morning ritual.  The elderly lady gestured to us to come forward and touch the saree as it had only just been removed from the Goddess’s idol.  Another unexpected and special blessing!

After that, the lady told me to keep doing pradakshina.  She conveyed this message with gestures and not words.  She herself started going around the main temple and I followed her.  We did several rounds thus.  While doing the rounds, she came and gave me some grains wrapped in a paper. At that point I asked her if I could take a photo of hers.  She suddenly seemed irritated.  She said, “You cannot take a picture inside this chamber.  I will come out.”  We remained in the inner chambers for about 15-20 minutes more.  Once again we got to watch the full aarati, this time much closer and just in front of the idol of the Goddess.  She was resplendent.  Goddess Mookambika in the temple is worshipped as Sri Saraswati in the morning, Sri Lakshmi at noon and Sri Durga in the evening.

As it was nearly time for us to leave the town, after the mahaarati, my mother and I came out of the inner chambers and were doing a couple of rounds in the outer chamber.  I could no longer spot the elderly lady, who I do believe to be Goddess Mookambika herself, who graced me by taking a human form again.  Unfortunately, I could not take a picture of her!

We came out of the temple, fed a cow and calf and some baby monkeys that were in the courtyard outside.  We then started walking back to the hotel so that we could pack our bags and check out. I was flooded with the memories of the life of our beloved Guruji Avadhoota Nadanandaji.  I remembered that he had walked these grounds several times and with his Guru Maa Taramayee.  I was desperately wishing that Maa Taramayee would come and bless us.  As these thoughts were flooding my mind, a dog passed by and I gave it some biscuits.  I was still holding a few biscuits in my hand to offer some more to the dog, when I saw a lady approaching me – (I get goosebumps as I write this now) – a frail beggar woman with a half-tied saree above her ankles, the sleeve of her blouse falling off her shoulders – I walked up to her and handed her the biscuits which she accepted in her hands and then asked for some money.  I gave some cash to this mother and bowed down to her!

What more could I have asked for?  The compassionate Mother left me completely full of bliss and blessings.

It was now time to take leave.

On our way out, we stopped by at the Shankaracharya Ashrama and the Bhagawan Nityananda Ashrama.

There was a cave temple and a Shiva linga which was worshipped by Adi Shankara.  The priest mentioned to us that it was a doorway to Kailash.  I am left wondering if Adi Shankara astrally left from there for Kailash and if Mother Parvati appeared to him through that doorway, walking behind him!

We then visited the Ashram of Bhagawan Nityananda located a few minutes from the Mookambika temple. As we entered, a young swamiji was conducting an aarati to the idol of Bhagawan.  The ashram was very peaceful and there was no one there except for the swami who was very friendly. Though there were a number of unique photos of Bhagawan Nityananda, what caught my eye was a particular framed photo of Lord Dattatreya on a chair and the Datta Gurus, with a flower garland.  I sought permission from the swamiji to take a picture of that framed photo. He granted this promptly and even raised up the flower garland from the frame so that I could get a good picture. Strangely, though the temple was poorly lit, the picture (shown below), is filled with light, as though Bhagawan has merged into Lord Dattatreya. The other picture of Bhagawan protected by Nagaraja, I thought was very powerful.

A visit to Kollur is not complete without wetting our feet at the holy Souparnika river. I was very keen on visiting the area and also to see the river and the forest behind, since this was where our Guruji Avadhoota Nadanandaji had spent his Gurukula days with Maa Taramayee. We walked to the shallow river where Maa Taramayee used to bathe Guruji by rubbing his body with the stones of the river bed. The dense forest on the other side of the river where Maa Taramayee and the boys had lived does not appear like any ordinary woods at all – one can see slippery walls of stone that have to be crossed over first to get into the forest. I wondered how they lived there or walked across in and out to the river and the temple. It is very hard to imagine living in those forests with Mother Earth to sleep on and the vast sky as the roof. But with the Guru by the side and a surrendered mind, it is of course completely possible. They were no ordinary beings either.

We left Kollur soon after and visited the Udipi Sri Krishna Temple on the way back to the airport.

Though it has been two weeks since I got back to my home in the USA, my experience at the Mookambika Temple has captured my mind completely.  As I began writing this blog, I was quite disappointed that I did not have the photograph of the Mother (who came in the form of the elderly lady) to share with everyone.  I thought that I could perhaps draw a sketch of her.  Someone suggested that I get a painting done by a professional artist.  However, I feel that none of these could ever capture the feelings and the unlimited love that I had experienced at the temple on the evening of October 30, 2018.  That moment when the mother looked at me and had asked, “My child, did you not recognize me?” and my eyes locked with hers, it was a moment of deep stillness – the fullness of emptiness! If at all there was anything existing, it was only PURE LOVE.  That is the lesson I take from this experience.  That is what I believe Mohanji wanted me to experience and learn. The ability to feel that equanimity and wonder at all times would be such a wonderful thing! No photo, no painting or sketch can possibly explain that moment.  That moment of experience I surrender to my Guru Mohanji.  It is only His Grace which made that possible.  And I am ever so much in gratitude for that.  I am happy to share with you the photos of the two gifts that I received from the Mother.

The introduction to Goddess Mookambika began back in April 2016 when Mohanji handed me a copy of the original Autobiography of Avadhoota Nadananda, The Pyre of the Destined.  Mohanji held my hand every step of the way, as we edited the original version of the book and published the now well-known Autobiography of an Avadhoota, so that Mohanji Foundation could take the story of this amazing saint to all over the world. The fascinating life and spiritual journey of this great Avadhoota gave me insight into the divine world of the Masters of Gyanganj, where the Supreme Mother Goddess, the dispeller of ignorance and compassionate giver par excellence, takes the spiritual seeker along the journey.

The instruction from Mohanji to visit Mookambika that came to me in July 2018, as I have mentioned at the beginning of this story, was also part of the divine play! As I mentioned earlier, words don’t merely fall out accidentally.  The Master Mohanji, true to His role of a Supreme Guru – the one who has the power to dispel (ru) darkness (gu) – gave me this experiential knowledge.  Even remarkable is the fact that this knowledge should come after the level 1 of the Acharya training, as I, like the others who attended, was being purified at subtle levels to embark on this important journey in our lives.  To receive this blessing from the Goddess is a boon and I share this blessing with all my fellow Acharya Trainees, and wish that the journey we have embarked upon with Mohanji, bears fruit for humanity. We are also deeply grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us by the Guru Mandala, the Masters of the Tradition.

Although my stay in India during this trip was barely for ten days, a lot had been experienced and learned.  I conclude this blog with the deep understanding from the revelations that came from Devi Amma about Mohanji, His mission and His incarnation.  The Lord of my heart, Lord Muruga, son of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati is the Lord of the Pleiades and he is deeply connected to the earthly plane.  He lived on our planet at one time, as is shown by the several temples of worship dedicated to him in Southern India. Lord Muruga is believed to have incarnated again, taking the form of Mahavatar Babaji as a disciple in the ashram of the great Siddha Bhoganathar, belonging to the ancient tradition of Nava Nath Sadhus (ascetics) who trace their tradition to Lord Shiva (Adhi Nath).  The Siddha Kriya Yoga tradition was taught by Bhogar Maharshi and was then carried further by his disciple, Kriya Babaji also known as Mahavatar Babaji.  It is believed that it is Lord Muruga’s will to reveal himself as the friend of the universe to help humanity evolve from the gross consciousness to that of subtle consciousness, which is pure light.  Devi Amma’s words to me that Mohanji is a great Siddha who has taken the incarnation as Vishvamitra (friend of the universe) is a great revelation and has supreme significance.

 

Offered at the lotus feet of my Guru, Mohanji.

Om Sri Bhagwan Sri Brahmarishi, Mohanji Namah Om

Om SA RA VA NA BHA VAAYA,  Babaji Namah Om

I thank my spiritual sister Geetha, for her constructive comments and help with editing this blog.

Jai Mohanji.

Lata Ganesh, Virginia, USA.

|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI ||

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Mohanji Satcharita Chapter 2 – November 2018

“Mohanji ek naam mein, saare roop samaye,

Unki krupa hoye toh, dukh koyi na sataaye.

Chaaro dhaam ka vaas hai, Mohanji ke Charan,

Kaialsh unka dhaam hai, kehlate dukh haran.

Jai Mohan Maharaj, Jai ho Yogi Raj.”

“In the one name of “Mohanji,” all forms are encompassed,

When His grace prevails, sufferings stay away.

Being at his feet is like visiting all four sacred places,

He who is known as the dispeller of woes, His home is Kailash,

Glory be to Mohanji Maharaj, Glory to the King of Yogis!”

The recently released devotional song about Mohanji, Mohanji Amritwani   expresses how devotees see Mohanji as ONE in ALL, ALL in ONE and that Mohanji is indeed the only path and only destination!

In every Yug (era), God or the eternal supreme power takes a physical incarnation to come to this Earth and liberate beings (human and others). This is for the benefit of the creation, and the beings. During a physical incarnation, God Himself goes through the process of birth and death, undergoing all the normal pains and discomforts associated with an incarnation. We see this in every religion, in every Master’s life.

So the question that arises is – Why do we have Mohanji in our lives? Mohanji’s incarnation in this time-frame, His advent in our lives, is not for His sake! The purpose of His incarnation is only for us, to lead us towards liberation. He never calls anyone, nor does He ask anyone to leave! He never asks for anything from anyone. He only gives. We may just carry on being self-centered, submerged in our own selfish thoughts of “me and mine.” Then what is the relevance of Mohanji in our lives? What has Mohanji got to do with our likes, dislikes and opinions about Him? We have asked for and created Mohanji in our lives! However, when we see Mohanji as separate from ourselves, we do not understand Him.

Mohanji represents the highest possibility of our own self. This means being natural and established in happiness, compassion, kindness, unconditional love, supreme causeless joy, care, unconditional acceptance etc.

If we look at Him as an individual incarnation, then all that we will see are the same human weaknesses that we all have such as anger, hatred, jealouosy, lust greed etc. He surely is not our lower and the terrestrial aspect of existence!

 

Behind the very ordinary physical form of Mohanji, is the most extraordinary being, an AVATAR, which we need to recognise and merge with, over and above our weaknesses and selfish desires. He is here to liberate us and we must not lose this golden opportunity!

With the stories published in ‘Mohanji Satcharita’, we try to bring to light the invisible force, the eternal supreme consciousness behind every existence that comes as an experience.

In this chapter of ‘Mohanji Satcharita’, we are sharing nine stories in the three categories as below:

 

• Divine Vision
• Divine Transformation
• Divine Healing

Divine Vision

Many elevated souls have had divine communions with Mohanji through visions and experiences. These experiences reveal only the tip of the iceberg that is Mohanji as His depth stays unseen and hidden deep within the layers of the universe! In this chapter, we are bringing the  story from three devotees who have tried to share their unbelievable experiences  that are beyond reasoning and imagination of the mind! He is the sun, the moon and every particle that makes up this universe. This is how we can envisage Him while reading these experiences.

1.    ‘Pure Brightness’: Ramadasa Gowda, Karnataka, India, October 2018

Words fail in describing this enigma that is Mohanji! This is exactly the feeling of Ramdasa Gowda, who has not met Mohanji physically but experienced Him in His expanded state! He has made an attempt to narrate his vision through a letter to the Sathguru! This experience throws open doors of dimensions that are unfathomable and draws us into unknown realms of existence. The most beautiful learning through this sharing is to look beyond the laughing, talking, unassuming form that walks this earth as Mohanji. A seeker has to look past these delusions and become HIM!

Ramadasa Gowda narrates:

“Sathguru Mohanananda Chaithanya Maha Prabho.”

I had the greatest of all visions and I am grateful to Him for that. I have never met Him physically. I had a vision of Him, which still vibrates within me as I write. The name that I have mentioned above came to me along with that vision. I am unable to explain what I saw about Him in human words.

Painting courtesy Mataji V Sharma

I saw Him as pure brightness – an unexplainable brightness without a body. I saw Him entering and exiting though numerous incarnations as a bright light, leaving them purified and elevated. I saw Him entering through the lower chakras of people and going out of them as a pure stream of sharp bright light through their Sahasrara Padma (crown chkara), thus opening all their channels. I saw Him literally without a body, as pure bright light.

Photo courtesy Mataji V Sharma

I saw Him coming out of the sun and merging back into it. He was moving at great speed, as a ball of light in the solar system. I saw Him entering and exiting trees, plants and many beings of this planet and many other planets simultaneously. I saw much more but I don’t know how to explain it all. He is beyond any explanations.

I believe that He is deliberately creating illusions by maintaining a form to ward off ineligible people from Himself. It’s true that many human beings cannot reach Him while non-human beings easily reach Him. I dare not ask who He is! I understand there is no name for pure brightness – something that has no birth or death. Those who can recognise Him are truly lucky. Finally, through all these, I understand that You are my innermost core self or my real self. “Am I right, Prabho (My Lord)?” is my innocent and sincere question that comes out of my heart. I hope my understanding is correct, that I should look nowhere anymore, not even at His available current form, which He uses to delude people. I do not dare to ask why He maintains this painful play, coated with pains of separation by the mind. I do not dare to look at Him. All I can pray to Him is to bless me so that I can “see” only His truth always.

“Guide me Prabho! Bless this one, Prabho! Make me Yourself!”

This is the cry that comes out from the heart of His humble servant.

–Ramadasa Gowda

2.    ‘Beyond the mind’: A devotee from India, September 2017

Mohanji’s communion with a world that is beyond our perception has been glimpsed at times by some devotees through amazing events that changes the idea of our very existence, pulling us out of what we assume to be ‘real.’ A doctor, who is also a devotee of our Parabrahma sensed the formless and fathomless depth of Mohanji, through an unbelievable vision! These may appear as mere coincidences and at times unexplainable unless viewed with an inner vision. Such divine miracles simply leave us in awe. Our Guru cannot be contained in this simple, physical frame of Mohanji that we are used to. Read on and enjoy this stunning narration by a devotee who narrated his experience to Madhusudhan, but has chosen to keep his identity anonymous. We respect his anonymity.

Madhusudhan narrates the story from the devotee:

This person is a close follower of Mohanji, a doctor who treats people using traditional methods such as Ayurveda. Mohanji and the doctor have known each other for many years. They share a deep spiritual bond too. Some time back, Mohanji visited the doctor’s clinic for some wellness therapy. During this time, the doctor used to visit Mohanji daily as part of his routine check-ups.

One morning, he came to Mohanji’s room as part of his routine. They exchanged pleasantries, but before he could enter the room, he was called aside to look at some urgent scan reports of another patient. The doctor was occupied with this for a brief while and when he went back into the room, he found Mohanji missing!

In his words, “I wondered about his whereabouts. I knew Mohanji couldn’t have gone out of the door as I was standing there, near the room. This was puzzling. So I connected through my inner vision realised, Mohanji was in my Guru’s Samadhi temple, nearby. Then I turned and saw Mohanji walking back to the room. He had a shawl draped over his shoulder. This was surprising as earlier he was wearing only a T-shirt. So how could this have changed?

I realised what had happened. Mohanji is omnipresent and he was in a communication with my Guru at the Samadhi. It just proves that this great soul who walks this Earth as Mohanji is not bound to his physical form. My head bowed to Mohanji, who despite of His extraordinary existence, behaves absolutely ordinary. With this realisation, even though I was totally speechless, Mohanji made sure that I came to normal state soon. He kept me engaged with the normal discussion regarding the wellness therapy. After my conversation with Him, I proceeded for other check ups carrying a smile on my face.”

This narration from the doctor, yet again shows through this divine vision of Mohanji, that He is beyond the body, the mind and the intellect! This body of His is only for interactions with the world! This physical form does not bind him. He lives in freedom. He is FREE.

Jai Mohanji.

—Madhusudhan

3.  ‘The unseen aspects’: Jay Jayaseelan, London, September 2017

Being in the physical presence of Mohanji or in His energy field enabled Jay to connect with Mohanji and have a peek at the other divine side of Mohanji! Jay’s experience throws light on an aspect of Mohanji in communion with various divine beings that surround us but not visible to the gross self. Faith and belief are the only links that helps us understand or experience these divine visions! What is required of us is to just stay rooted in the energy field of Mohanji!

Jay Narrates:

During a recent trip by Mohanji to Skanda Vale, Wales, I had the opportunity to be with Him, driving Him there and looking after His well-being. While Mohanji was completely dedicated towards His mission to support the Skanda Vale community, staying busy for more than 12 hours every day, we (there were three of us with Him), were  trying to ensure that He had everything that He needed within reach. Being with Mohanji was like being in a powerhouse – especially during the union of divine pure souls of Skanda Vale community members.  All three of us (the assistants for this occasion), were highly charged and trying to keep up with the pace that unfolded during this period. Each moment was a big learning as I was going through a cycle of deep cleansing. Trying to keep pace with Mohanji’s efficiency and speed was no joke and not naturally possible for any of us, but for His grace. The three days in His presence passed like three moments, but with lots of experiences.

On the last night, all of us were up till very late with Mohanji. He was in a very relaxed mood and kept us rolling on the floor with laughter with His jokes. He was just trying to keep us joyful, as we were sad that this heavenly stay with Him would end soon. We chitchatted till 1:00 am!

Painting courtesy Mataji V Sharma

I went to sleep, a little later that night. In my sleep, I felt as if I was in the middle of a big crowd. I felt as though there were lots of heads in and around Mohanji’s room. The whole area was very bright too. Although I could not see any faces, I could feel the presence of people/beings.

The next morning, I narrated this incident to Mohanji and He smiled.

He said, “Beings come to meet me every night. They were here last night too. You could peep in through the curtains and were able to see. This is what you saw last night.”

This was an amazing experience, after an energetic four days with Mohanji. Being in His energy field, I was able to witness such a wonderful and divine meeting!

I feel super blessed and filled with lots of energy! Heartfelt gratitude to Mohanji for having given me this opportunity!

“It is the union of consciousness that makes one “see” the unity in beings. The blindness factor that prevents this is called the MIND. – Mohanji”

—Jay Jayaseelan

 Divine Transformation

Such transformations can be experienced in a myriad different ways, as is shown in the accounts of Moushumi and Sreenivas. These happen because of one’s connection with the Guru. Mohanji explains the non-duality in bhakthi (devotion), where our limited consciousness melts into the Supreme Consciousness, through His blog, ‘Krishna – The Eternal Romantic’ .

 

 

4. ‘Expression of Love’: Moushumi, UK, June 2018

 

Small changes we make in our everyday lives can add up to make our existence more meaningful and joyful. Read on to see how Mohanji’s teachings on being spontaneous and in the moment led Moushumi to become more friendly, gracious and empathetic.

Moushumi Narrates:

It would be apt to begin my experience sharing with Mohanji’s quote which inspired me to write today.

 

 

I can say definitely that my life has changed significantly after I met Him. I remember Mohanji’s words when He was talking about smiling at strangers.

And it happens so naturally these days, after meeting Mohanji. I expereince it each day while going about my routine life. Such as during drop off and pick up at school and even grocery shopping! I have been happy all the time and strangely, now, it’s not just me but others, who are just strangers, they smile back too.

One such incident happened last Christmas.  I met a lady in the supermarket and wanted something but couldn’t find it. I asked her for help and she obliged happily, with a wonderful smile. My daughter thanked her and the lady asked us to hug her. It was all very spontaneous. After the hug, she became emotional; tears started to roll down. She thanked me for hugging and explained that it was a very warm hug that lasted for a few seconds. I knew immediately the cause behind the episode – Mohanji, my Guru ‘within’ made a seemingly commonplace incident, significant!

I recount another magical incident. I wear a Rudraksha mala which was blessed by Mohanji last year. Recently I experienced something beautiful when I hugged my friend. My friend explained that as I hugged her, she could smell a beautiful aroma/scent. When the mala touched her body, there was a feeling of overwhelming love, my eyes appeared transparent and very different and very importantly, she felt  a strong magnetic force!  I knew for certain that it was Mohanji’s grace at work. I felt His presence often that day. Koti koti pranam to my Guru.

There is not a single desire now that needs to be fulfilled.

–Moushumi

5. ‘A stride towards freedom’: G Srinivas, Chennai, India– September 2018

“Doership causes karma, ownership causes binding. When both are consciously forsaken, only freedom remains within.”  These words of Mohanji describe the journey to freedom of Srinivas. Read on as he explains his trials and tribulations, before finally resting against the pillar of faith!

Srinivas narrates:

My name is G. Srinivas.  I am from Chennai and aged 53 years. It was through Facebook that I came in touch with Mohanji. He was in the friends list of a sadhu, a Shirdi Sai Baba follower. Something stirred my heart when I read His words. I sent a friend request and it was accepted. To be frank I was at crossroads of my so-called spiritual life. My Guru of over 30 years had left His body and I had not been able to reconnect with Him within myself. And Mohanji was the farthest from being my prospective Guru, at least as per outer signs. Here was a person who has an extraordinary attraction but defied description and definition. He wore white, had a beard but was not a sadhu. He had a wife and a child and also earned His living. He chanted mantras, gave initiation but also derided mechanical worship. He seemed so down to earth and also expounded profound thoughts. I read His write ups often, enchanted, but stopped half way not being able to comprehend the full import of His words.  His words stirred emotions within, but He seemed emotionless.

Somewhere in late 2015 He was about to visit Tiruvannamalai and I messaged Him that I wanted to meet Him. But I did not get a response. Later, there was a message on FB stating that we should stay at home and be safe due to the rains in Chennai. I registered for the initiation programme in Chennai, held on 8th March 2016. Here also, Mohanji continued to break stereotypes. The day started with light yogasananas and the rest of the time was taken up on question and answer sessions. Here was a Guru totally at ease and down to earth, chatting happily. I had doubts about taking initiation since I was already initiated by my previous Guru and my doubt was answered by Mohanji without as much as my voicing it! But for the usual prostrations by some and devotional singing of bhajans by a lone tearful lady, there were no outward signs of devotion or reverence. I waited patiently for a meditation session but it never came. It was a relief that at least there was an initiation session, with Mohanji pressing the spot between the eyebrows.

As I read Mohanji’s words, I subconsciously started watching my thoughts. I have had a love hate relationship with my mind. All along I had been chasing my ‘monkey’ mind with the stick of good conduct, morals and do and don’t. The result was that the monkey was more often playing truant and would bite me back.

I viewed the world coloured by the prism of emotions and was often miserable, momentarily happy or sad. My joyful moments were filled with dread of losing the joy, good conduct jarred with the fear and guilt of bad conduct and hours spent on ‘worldly’ conduct ended with the guilt about not thinking about God. God seemed unattainable with a ‘monkey’ mind. More often there was a continued restlessness. The dread of not ‘attaining’ God with each passing day made my life miserable. As I was emotionally attached to people and places my mind never found rest.

On deeper introspection stirred by Guruji ‘s words I started observing myself within. By His grace I could ‘unhinge’ from the clutches of repetitive negative thoughts and feelings, by focusing on the ‘now’ moment. Thereby I could escape from the shadow of past thoughts and impressions.

Mohanji on how to control a series of unwanted thoughts

Once, when I was going through a particularly tough phase, I chanted ‘Mohanji Gayatri’ and prayed for His grace. By this chanting and focusing on the eye card, I gained clarity in thinking. Free from the burden of expectations and judgements about myself, my actions and thoughts and the outer world, my mind achieved a lot of peace and equanimity. Whenever I had doubts they were answered instantly by Mohanji. I used to wonder why I did not meditate or have the inclination to meditate. I now understand that my Guru was working on clearing the cobwebs of the mind in the form of preconceived notions, judgements etc. about God, Guru and the world.

Mohanji on Being in Now, Silence and Existence

I find that after coming in contact with Mohanji and His grace, the burden of the world rests lightly on me. I have attained a sense of tranquility and peacefulness. I try to keep my emotions in check, be it elation or disappointment. And when I do slip, I take recourse to remembering Mohanji and His calm visage which comforts my mind immensely. A sense of inevitability rather than resignation has taken over me.

I understand that come what may in each and every aspect of my life, I have to put my best foot forward and time will take its course for good or better. Being in the ‘now’ I cherish, savour and contribute my best to each moment. That for me, coupled with His thoughts is the greatest blessing I can have.

After attending Mohanji’s satsangs and hearing His words, I feel I should give myself more to the world in the form of selfless actions. I am sure with His grace it will be done in due course.

I often had a dream which I could never decipher but enjoyed immensely. I saw myself striding on a long road all alone. The sights and sounds of the world flitted across my vision. But though I was seemingly running fast my feet seemed to glide on as if flying and I never ran out of breath. I always woke up with a strange sense of exhilaration and joy.

Now I understand it is Mohanji’s grace, which has enabled me to stride across this world with joy, free of all worries. If only I can envision His deep, penetrating eyes each moment, I will consider it His blessing.

Jai Mohanji.

 — G Srinivas

Divine Healing

“Surrender is a subtle matter. When total surrender happens, suffering is removed. Absolute surrender removes duality, too. Yet, what will be given is what is right for you and not what your mind wants. What is right for you is that which ultimately sets your soul free.” – Mohanji

6. ‘Healing of throat pain’: Bojana Fabel, Macedonia, March 2017

When we surrender to the Guru and feel true love for Him in our hearts, He will take care of our every need. Mohanji says, “If you have firm faith and conviction in your path, tradition or Guru, that itself will lead you, guide you. All you need is firm faith and conviction.” Bojana narrates what happened when she fell ill at a crucial time in her career, and how her prayers were answered.

Bojana narrates:

I would like you to read this post, as I want to share my most recent experience with Mohanji. I am a singer and I had a very important concert performance in Singapore on the 15^th of March. The night before the concert, I felt a slight throat irritation. The next day on the day of the concert, I was diagnosed with tonsillitis. I took all the medicines prescribed, yet I felt extremely exhausted and went to bed with the need to sleep and to rest my tired and feverish body.

Before falling asleep, I wrote to the Mohanji team for some support and protection from Mohanji and they told me that He would take care of me.  20 minutes later, I felt a huge wave of very warm energy that was actually around me but not inside of me (as I was having fever inside my body).

I fell asleep. When I woke up an hour later, my energy level was much higher. I had no pain at all in my throat. Miraculously the pain had vanished.

 

During my performance, I sang effortlessly and all I could witness was ecstatic faces of joy and laughter, and not a single moody or unhappy person. Everyone was dancing and smiling.

As Mohanji frequently says:  “I do my job”, So He did! He took over my problems ….

 

With love and enormous appreciation,

Yours truly, Bojana

 

 

7. ‘Healing of foot pain’: Rashila Pankania, UK, December 2017

Mohanji’s presence in our lives gives us so much peace, solace and joy. When we pray with faith and surrender, He responds. There are times in all our lives when the mind questions and asks for some kind of tangible evidence to feel our connection to Him. Rashila shares with us how her yearning for a miracle became a beautiful reality. “When devotion overflows, the devotee melts. God reciprocates and melts too.” – Mohanji.

Rashila narrates:

Yesterday, as I was moving a bookshelf, the shelf came off and hit my foot. This was an old-fashioned bookshelf made from real wood and was extremely heavy. I was in so much pain that I couldn’t move my foot, but I knew I hadn’t broken it as I was able to hobble on it. By that evening, after a hot bath, the pain had worsened. I was in so much agony that I wondered if I would be able to attend the Christmas fun night which coming up in two days! This was an ACT UK organised fund raising event and I had been looking forward to taking part in it very much.

I did my Kriya the next morning, but couldn’t sit cross legged for long. I had to keep moving my leg as any pressure on the foot was so painful. I finished my Kriya and offered aarati as usual to all the deities in my altar. I offered aarati to Mohanji’s photo, which was also in my altar. As soon as I moved away after giving Him the aarati, I realised that I had no pain in my foot! He had gracefully healed me! From having a painful foot, I was now with no pain at all. I didn’t even pray to Mohanji to heal me! He knew and did His job!

Not only had He healed me and removed my pain, He had also removed the obstacle, which would have prevented me from attending the event that I had been looking forward to. Most importantly, He gave me the evidence my mind was seeking. My mind was asking for a miracle from Him, to show me that I am really connected to Him! With this incident, He showed me that I am connected to Him, and in such a beautiful way! However much our mind doubts or wonders, Guru is always there, the connection intact, just like the electricity connection in our house. We just need to ‘on’ the switch and realise it! 

Thank you Mohanji for the reaffirmation and for being with me always.

Koti pranams to you Gurudev.

 –Rashila

8. Healing of birds, September 2017

Mohanji says, “When we witness the same permanent object in all beings such as human beings, trees, plants, animals, and birds, beings of the air, sea and land that exist all around us, we become truly universal. We become liberated.” Mohanji lives by example; His unconditional love to all beings of the earth is always evident.

Milica from South Africa shares with us how Mohanji’s physical proximity had healed a little bird, and Subhasree from London shares with us how her prayers to Mohanji had healed an injured bird – both happened on the same day, thousands miles apart, witnessed by different people, the healing source being ONE and the SAME – Mohanji.

Milica, South Africa:

On Monday during a visit from Mohanji’s from Mauritius to South Africa, we were having small satsang. Suddenly a small bird flew into a glass door which was next to where Mohanji was seated. The bird was hurt and fell down. It was gently picked up and placed on Mohanji’s lap. It stayed there for a while, looking very calm and resting peacefully. Initially we thought it had a broken wing and tail. After about half an hour of being on Mohanji’s lap, it recovered well and was ready to fly.

We felt that this soul was very determined to meet Mohanji and was blessed to have had such love from Him!

 

Jai Mohanji!

–Milica

 Subhasree, London :

On Monday late in the afternoon, I was waiting on a platform for my train. Suddenly, an injured bird came flying slowly, landed near me and started limping. There was no one else around me and I didn’t know what I could do to help. Therefore, I just started praying to Mohanji, chanting His Gayatri. As I was chanting Mohanji Gayatri, I noticed that the bird seemed to calm down and just sat in one place. I continued to chant. After a few minutes, it seemed to recover well, and flew off with no evidence of any unsteadiness. Such is the power of Mohanji. Just by chanting His name, the bird was healed!

 Jai Mohanji!

–Subhasree

9. ‘Mohanji, the anchor!’: G Srinivas, Chennai, India, June 2018

We face many challenges in life, but with the guidance and protection from the Guru, we pass the storms of life with relative ease. Mohanji says, “Surrender is a subtle matter. When total surrender happens, suffering is removed. Duality is removed too.” A beautiful sharing by Srinivas shows us how deep faith and surrender to Mohanji protected his family.

Srinivas narrates:

I have been regularly chanting the ‘Mohanji Gayatri’ and praying with Mohanji’s eye card. This gives me great peace, equanimity and emotional composure. One day, in mid-June this year, I had some personal work to finish and had a strong instinct to apply for 3 days leave. This was sanctioned by my bosses. On the same day, I received a call in the evening from my son, informing me that he was sick and was being admitted for medical care. The next day, along with my wife, I rushed to Bangalore to find out that he had been admitted to the ICU with a chest infection. I could feel the grace of Mohanji all along. I just kept praying and being in the present, and everything worked out fine thereon. Everything happened smoothly.

I was guided subtly to make arrangements for obtaining reimbursement for expenses by making inquiries. There was an apprehension that the medical bill would be quite high as per the inquiries made, but the final bill came out to be very reasonable and by the grace of Mohanji, my son made a quick recovery.

A month later, on the 18th & 19th of July 2018, a  chance inquiry by my wife, prompted by apprehension and made in haste with an astrologer, followed by his negative words regarding my son’s health caused us much emotional turmoil. My wife was distraught and exhibited highly temperamental behaviour, which was quite natural for a mother. I took it upon myself to maintain a calm composure and also to take care of her.

The dark energies seemed to have encircled us that night.   However, I clung to my faith in Mohanji and His eye card, which I kept under my pillow that night, so that I could pass the storm of anxiety and restlessness with emotional composure.

I realised that without the grace of Mohanji, I could have panicked and it could have had a detrimental effect on my health, as I suffer from hypertension. The storm passed with Mohanji as my anchor. After the night of mental trauma, the next day, I sought help from Mohanji by messaging Him.

My message read, “Guruji, our family is seized by a great fear of misfortune due to a prediction regarding my son’s health. Please save us. This comes at a time when we have planned to build a temple with Shirdi Sai’s grace. Please help us. Jai Mohanji.”

Mohanji’s reassuring words, “Faith can move mountains. Have unshakable faith. Miracles will happen. I am with you. Bless you.” acted as a balm to my anguished heart.

I am sure with His grace and guidance anything can be accomplished. My fervent wish remains that I am able to surrender everything at His feet and forever remember His calm and serene eyes, so that this alternating dream of sweet and stormy life passes by.

Jai Mohanji!
–G.Srinivas 

 

With deep gratitude and love, we offer this second chapter of ‘Mohanji Satcharita’ at the lotus feet of Brahmarishi Mohanji! It was only through His grace that this Satcharita saw the light of day. Pure intention and faith was all that we had, as we commenced this chapter. As instruments, we bow to our Guru with this verse from the Guru Gita:

“Gurubhāvaḥ paraṁ tīrthamanyatīrthaṁ nirarthakam
Sarvatīrthāśrayaṁ devi pādāṅguṣṭhaṁ ca vartate”

Which means:

“Absorption in the Guru is the most sacred place; every other place of pilgrimage is meaningless. O Goddess, the big toe of the Guru’s (right) foot is the abode of all places of pilgrimage.”

Jai Shree Guru Datta.

Jai Mohanji.

— Compiled, edited & published By, Mohanji Testimonials Team, 15th November 2018.

|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI ||

Disclaimer:
The views, opinions and positions expressed by the authors and those providing comments on these blogs are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of Mohanji, Mohanji Foundation, it’s members, employees or any other individual or entity associated with Mohanji or Mohanji Foundation. We make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of any information presented by individual authors and/or commenters on our blogs and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries or damages arising from its display or use.

We reserve the right to delete, edit, or alter in any manner we see fit blog entries or comments that we, in our sole discretion, deem to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, threatening, in violation of trademark, copyright or other laws, of an express commercial nature, or otherwise unacceptable.

— Mohanji Editorial Team

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE CONSCIOUS CONNECT

by Lisette Bötschi Schild, Switzerland

Guru walks with you always. All that is required by the seeker is to just take that one small step towards him with faith and surrender. Everything is then taken care of.  On this path, the easiest thing for all of us is to connect with Mohanji’s Consciousness! Lo and behold, he is immediately there by our side gently holding our hand and leading us towards moksha!

This testimonial by Lisette Bötschi Schild reiterates the importance of feeling the resonance that is Mohanji within us and being guided by the inner self. Distance and time cannot deter the inner connection with the Master as Lisette Bötschi Schild lives with her husband in Uetikon am See, 20 train minutes from Zürich/Switzerland.

Lisette writes:

 My spiritual Journey so far…

After 15 years of practising Zen meditation with a teacher, I spontaneously experienced in a Sesshin (five days of silent meditation) that there is nobody and nothing, just formlessness. That changed my view of life completely.

Formless is the essence of all form, it can take any form and is any form, such as a picture or a figure representing a divine aspect, an idol.

 The first contact…

In October 2016, Brahmarishi Mohanji visited Somaskanda Ashram up in the mountains near Fideris, for the inauguration of the Ashram. Fideris is not far from Klosters or Davos canton Graubünden. I felt an immediate resonance with Mohanji although I didn’t talk to him personally. 

In October 2017, during a home visit, organised by friends in Richterswil, I had the opportunity to meet him again and a few days later again at the Somaskanda Ashram, where we had a Satsang. While driving back home with my friend Meret, we shared our experiences at the temple with Mohanji and spontaneously decided to register for the retreat with Mohanji at Bor Lake from 16th to 21st November 2017.  

From the first Satsang at Bor Lake I felt completely accepted and loved by Mohanji and his team in all aspects. During the whole retreat, it was a feeling of continuously being showered with love.

Gently and naturally, Mohanji invited me to let go, to be myself and flow with what is at any moment. At the first contact with him, he said, “I will always be with you.” this reassurance has since then always been with me.

 

The divine love…..

At Somaskanda Ashram in Fideris, Switzerland, there is a wonderful dark idol of Lord Hanuman about 40 cm high. When I look into his lovely eyes, along with the warmth, and softness of his whole expression, I feel immense love.

Whenever I have the opportunity, after the Puja is finished, I say hello to Lord Hanuman and speak with him. Soon, Brahmarishi Mohanji also gave me a Mantra for Lord Hanuman to practise daily that helps me connect more deeply. 

The deepening connection with grace and love….

On my return from the November retreat with Mohanji, I felt so very blessed and filled with grace, love and thankfulness. I felt absolutely rich inside and needed time to slowly and gradually digest, assimilate and apply it all. Since then, it has become a part of me.

A lot of what Mohanji taught us in his Satsangs resonates in me and I apply it in my daily life.  I sincerely attempt at being positive, not letting the negativities dominate the mind. His talk on the mind, impressions and concepts are very helpful.

 The Christmas present…

A major change in my life since my meeting with Mohanji is that awareness is heightened. I am deeply connected with my self and my life seems to flow smoothly.

In the last week before Christmas there is usually a Christmas Concert in a small church in Zurich situated near the river. Sitting outside on a bench, while waiting for my husband and some friends, in silence I thanked Mohanji for his grace to be able to attend that concert as my husband and I both love classical music. Suddenly a young woman stood in front of me and gave me a little present. She said that she had seen me walking towards the church and had the thought to give me a present. It was a bar of chocolate with blessings from Jesus. The woman disappeared after that! Once more I felt just showered with love and grace. Then my friends and  my husband turned up and we went into the church to enjoy a wonderful classical music concert.

When we are free of expectations/concepts, open and present, with no thoughts, we can experience the divine anywhere – in nature, listening to music in a concert or even in the midst of noise.

 Connecting to the source through a friend….

I have a friend who is very ill. Last October, out of the blue, she was diagnosed with bone cancer and Leukemia. Being a yoga teacher, she had to cancel all her yoga classes which she had planned up to the end of the year. She sought my help to accompany her to the oncologist in Zurich and later to help her move into a nursing home.

Our relationship has deepened since then. She is a very spiritual person, and we were able to share our thoughts and experiences. This was a great blessing,  filled with grace for both of us. Towards the end of February, being very weak and exhausted, she decided for palliative care. I visited her  twice/thrice a week, according  to her wish. Everyday, I would read Mohanji’s articles and excerpts from the Q&A sessions. This  inspired me and also helpd me in moments when I struggled with myself.

 The present connect….

Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by everything which needs awareness, conciousness and application. Although a lot of it is not new to me, the mind comes in with judgments and criticism of myself.  This is where the love for myself needs to come in. Sometimes I am afraid as I am not able to cope. Letting go and  trusting 100% is the only solution. But it’s not so easy to just turn on the switch!!!

Now, I often read or listen to his teachings through the website and I can feel his grace and his love. It’s enough to just think and connect with him to feel his selfless love. He encourages us to love ourselves with all our positive and negative sides. These words resonate in me – Be your silence within.

With much love and gratitude to Brahmarishi Mohanji.

Lisette Bötschi Schild 

||JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI||

Disclaimer:
The views, opinions and positions expressed by the authors and those providing comments on these blogs are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of Mohanji, Mohanji Foundation, it’s members, employees or any other individual or entity associated with Mohanji or Mohanji Foundation. We make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of any information presented by individual authors and/or commenters on our blogs and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries or damages arising from its display or use.

We reserve the right to delete, edit, or alter in any manner we see fit blog entries or comments that we, in our sole discretion, deem to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, threatening, in violation of trademark, copyright or other laws, of an express commercial nature, or otherwise unacceptable.

                                                                                                                                      

 

Being with Mohanji – Retreat in Virginia, USA, August 27-30, 2018 : Part 1

— Mohanji USA Team

The spiritual retreat held in Virginia in August 2018, was absolutely fascinating and filled the minds of all its participants with such joy and bliss that no one really wanted to leave the pristine sanctuary of the Sevenoaks retreat center in Madison or part with Mohanji’s company at the end of it.

After a brief introduction on the first day, Mohanji let everyone get to bed early with the promise that he will make sure that everyone is purified and emptied of various blockages – mental, emotional, intellectual and spiritual, ready to be filled with total bliss, paving the pathway to liberation.

The first level of purification began in the early hours of day 2, before the sun had risen, as the participants gathered around a ceremonial fire.  As Mohanji lit a lamp and offered prayers before lighting the sacred homa fire amidst mystical chants and prayers, the magical power of transformation had already begun.  The participants symbolically offered dry coconut, with faith and surrender, representing the offering of all negativities and blockages, which the sacred fire swallowed and turned into ashes.  As the ceremony was culminating, the sun rose flooding the area with brilliant rays filling every heart with warmth and joy and content having gone through this magical homa.

After the purification by the fire element at the fire ritual, Mohanji took all of us beautifully and with great love through various other processes of cleansing.  The yoga, meditation, chanting and the Q&A sessions were all so fulfilling and Mohanji took everyone through a journey of contemplation and realization which resulted in absolute silence and bliss. 

 

The conscious walk to the nearby river was very refreshing after a lovely vegan lunch.  But what no one  expected was the mid-afternoon session in the river, which is used for tubing!  As soon as everyone walked down the narrow steps to the fresh water of the Rapidian river, it was fun and joy all around. 

We crossed all barriers of age and everything else and were just a bunch of kids playing in the water and splashing water at each other! It was amazing.  With Mohanji talking, laughing and joking with everyone, those were moments of pure love and joy. 

Being with Mohanji in the exclusive retreat center amidst of the natural surroundings of the beautiful Blueridge mountains of Virginia was nothing less than being in paradise! Let’s read the first-hand experience of some of our participants.

An Avatar in Jeans and Sweatshirt – Laina Rey, Sedona

As we waited for Mohanji to make his appearance at the airport, I realized I had never felt such intense anticipation (without any expectations) before. Only a few months previous to this event, I never heard of Mohanji, yet as we waited I knew Him. I felt him approaching. I hadn’t felt that kind of energy before. I said ‘hello, Mohan.’ It didn’t sound like my voice but, a voice deep within, like I had waited a very long time for this moment indeed, and this voice recognized him. As I reflect on him saying just four days later, he said ‘I love you.’ Did I dare to ask for the experience of perfect, divine, infinite, unconditional love of him? I felt like crying but, was too taken- in by the moment. I was meeting this avatar in his jeans and sweatshirt too. No formalities for this holy man. I was relieved, as I don’t know very much about formal Indian protocols.

 

Mohanji was speaking in Bethesda, Maryland, that evening. Again, as I waited in anticipation for his

appearance. I felt that energy coming. Even though I had my eyes closed, I knew where he was. He was passing this energy over everyone in this auditorium. I wasn’t going to leave this bliss. I didn’t open my eyes through most of the event. I don’t think I could move and I didn’t want to. A few minutes before the end, having been totally cognizant of everything in these proceedings in bliss, I slowly opened my eyes. 

The retreat started the very next day in Madison, Virginia. The first day was homa, a fire ceremony when everyone burns blockages they don’t want. This was also a first for me. I didn’t have a clue what to expect but, it did happen! I felt relieved and lighter after this. This ceremony took a while; Mohanji was totally focused on every detail the whole time. We all had personal time with Mohanji at this retreat in between ‘conscious walks’ to the Rapidan River, yoga and other scheduled events. Sevenoaks is a unique place with

its 300 ft. well water, organic garden and wild life on 120 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I found a great little sanctuary in the woods, where I spent my free time. It was the perfect place for me to assimilate all of this. 

I learned specific techniques for meditations and quieting the mind, some of which were personal and individual over the next 3 days. Every event was more blissful than the previous one. The people from Sedona had a separate interview with Mohanji of which I attended, being a Sedona resident. He gave his blessings for an ashram here. This was getting better and better! Shakti path, given by Mohanji, has to be experienced as words would be too difficult here.

As we said good- bye after a miraculous four days he said, “I Love you” in perfect, divine, infinite, unconditional LOVE.

– Laina

 NOURISHMENT THAT FED OUR SOULS – Andra Baylus, Virginia 

What an experience…and what a pleasure to be with the Spiritual Master Brahmarishi Mohanji! 

From the moment we entered the Seven Oaks Retreat grounds through the long entrance road, we could feel tranquility descending upon us like the dove, the spiritual symbol of peace mentioned in the Bible. It was as though we were driving away from the material world transitioning into the realm of a spiritual oasis located in the magnificent mountains of Virginia replete with lush greenery, as far as the eye could see, and beautiful butterflies of every color escorting us to the Registration area.  We were warmly welcomed by Mohanji’s devotees happily giving out name tags and a canvas bag carefully packed with everything they knew we would need. They thought of everything! …a map of the grounds and buildings we would be frequenting, information about the Seven Oaks Retreat Center and, of course, a notebook and pen to capture the spiritual information Mohanji is famous for sharing.  We were so excited and felt so cared for. 

Our accommodations were so comfortable regarding our sleeping quarters with beds so beautifully prepared with clean sheets, towels and washcloths provided for each one of us. We happily unpacked and made up our beds and freshened up. 

The highlight of the day was when we had an opportunity of really BEING WITH MOHANJI. So many of us came from so many parts of the US to be with Mohanji for these few days and were so excited when that time finally came. With great anticipation, we entered the circular sanctuary building listening to Natesh quietly playing his guitar and chanting mystical sanskrit words in preparation for the meditation. It was a guided meditation recorded by Mohanji himself who is gifted with a magnificent speaking voice having a resonance that purified our minds and hearts. 

Towards the end of the meditation, when we opened our eyes we saw that Mohanji was already seated on a platform adorned with beautiful flowers and lighted candles looking radiant in his white sadra. Mohanji began sharing his spiritual insights reminding us of our divine origin and encouraging us to  be who we really are, expressing our unique gifts and talents to not only care for our families but more importantly to move away from the I, my, me and mine to be compassionate and loving beings and bless the world. He teaches the consciousness of compassion and the importance of caring for all life forms. Mohanji walks his talk and lives that sensitivity himself. He actually feeds all life forms around his residence wherever he stays before eating himself. It brings tears to my eyes being in the presence of someone with such great love who is willing to sacrifice his own comfort for the welfare of other beings. 

There is no need to share his teachings in this blog for, hopefully, you will have an opportunity to hear them if you are fortunate enough to attend one of Mohanji’s amazing retreats…or to listen to his many you tube videos, so expertly organized so that each video captures the essence of his response to questions posed at the various retreats he has held around the world. I will share that, as he spoke, Mohanji spoke with such sincerity, without ego, hoping to assuage every person’s concern about life’s myriad of challenging circumstances we face in daily life. It is laudable that he wants so much to provide clarity to life’s conundrums helping to speed our evolvement in consciousness on the “Journey of the Soul”.  

It is being with Mohanji and his beautiful expansive energy of love that has a transformational effect on each person in one way or another.   

In the early hours of the next morning, before the sun rose, we gathered around a fire and felt the invitation of the Divine to release whatever concerns that were causing blockages on our spiritual path. All of us felt that magical power of transformation as Mohanji led us through an authentic Homa Ceremony with mystical chants and prayers. Each one of us had a chance to physically participate adding our own contributions of powders and herbs to the fire. Keeping the fire flaming seemed to be so beautifully orchestrated by Mohanji so that all of us felt part of creating this special Homa ceremony. Mohanji gently encouraged us to take the paper where we had recorded our areas of emotional blockages and through( throw ??) it into the sacred fire to be given up. We felt so much lighter and more connected to our divine nature free to express who we really are.

These special spiritual moments were balanced with caring for the physical needs of our bodies by our enjoying a fabulous vegan dinner that would satisfy anyone’s palate!  Truly, we couldn’t ask for a more conscious retreat center!  We were delighted to know they had an organic farm which provided the fruits and vegetables used in the many delicious recipes they served. Also, you cannot imagine the joy of drinking fresh clean pure water from their deep well of spring water…coming from the tap!  This retreat was truly living, for a moment in time, close to nature…. and close to God. Having the gift of being in the beautiful auric field of Mohanji and experiencing his emanation of pure love was the nourishment that fed our souls.  

The peaceful setting of this truly marvelous retreat center set the tone for the wealth of wisdom we received from Mohanji. Each Satsang, covered many topics and we experienced the pleasure of being with a real spiritual master who is so humble. He said that, rather than creating devotees, his mission is really to create Masters. There is no doubt that he empowered everyone who attended to be a better person in every regard and to progress with more awareness on the spiritual path.  

Following Mohanji’s spiritual philosophy, we will have a more harmonious, loving, compassionate and peaceful world if we each can focus on observing our own behavior, living more consciously, not criticizing others and accepting ourselves for who we are as Divine Beings of Love.

I left the retreat with renewed energy and enthusiasm to be natural, more accepting of others and to find ways of giving back to society, the earth and to its beings. This responsibility is sacred if we are to be co-creators in building a more loving compassionate world.   

I see now the value of a retreat such as this, to connect with nature and who we really are. Most importantly, I see the value of having a Guide like Mohanji to mirror for us how we can unfold the Divine qualities we were blessed with by birth…and, in turn, “Bless the World”. 

— Offered by Andra

The presence of God – Ketlie Laurenceau, New Jersey

I believe when you are sincere, God will mysteriously show that He is with you. Going to the retreat wasn’t an accident.It was meant to be. When my friend Thea told us and with no hesitation I answered (we’ll go) my daughter Walda was surprised and she couldn’t believe it.

And meeting the Beloved Mohanji was the surprise that God had for me; seeing Mohanji I felt the presence of God, the electricity on the bottom of my right foot was intense and I still feel it when doing my meditation. Mohanji ‘s presence is still with me. I’m calm, happy and no more have anxiety. We must keep the faith and never doubt God or Our Beloved Mohanji.  Love, Ketlie.

While Laina and Ketlie were meeting Mohanji for the first time, Andra had met Mohanji in 2014.  The excitement and joy of all the participants, old and new to the M family, was insurmountable.  We will be sharing more experiences of the Virginia retreat soon.

 

||JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI||

Disclaimer:
The views, opinions and positions expressed by the authors and those providing comments on these blogs are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of Mohanji, Mohanji Foundation, it’s members, employees or any other individual or entity associated with Mohanji or Mohanji Foundation. We make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of any information presented by individual authors and/or commenters on our blogs and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries or damages arising from its display or use.

We reserve the right to delete, edit, or alter in any manner we see fit blog entries or comments that we, in our sole discretion, deem to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, threatening, in violation of trademark, copyright or other laws, of an express commercial nature, or otherwise unacceptable.