An Ocean of Grace in Scotland

By Michael Draper, UK

In a testimonial published in November 2023, I described the divine grace expressed and transmitted by Mohanji and Devi on my first physical experience with them and how that grace continued on my first visit to MCB (Mohanji Centre of Benevolence) Scotland during the inauguration and Prana Pratishtha of Lord Ganesh idol, Shirdi Sai Baba idol and Lord Dattatreya idol.

At the divine inauguration, the Mohanji Acharyas and volunteers at MCB Scotland were very kind, attentive and eager to serve. As an example of their openness and alignment with Mohanji’s consciousness, I would like to share their role in another act of supreme grace.

I wanted to purchase a set of Padukas for my shrine at home and approached the volunteers who were serving at the stall, where various items, including Padukas, could be purchased. I might have simply been sold a set on display, and that was my expectation, but in the discussion, the volunteers had an inspiration. 

There was a set of Padukas that had been acquired by the team for sale but had happened to find their way onto the altar in the Shirdi Sai Baba temple and had been worshipped as part of the Shirdi Sai Baba temple inauguration. Enquiries would be made of the officiating priest, Shri Sulakhe Maharaj (former chief priest of Shirdi), as to whether these could be transferred to me. I was taken aback but extremely grateful for the generosity of spirit that was being demonstrated in going the extra mile (and then some) in this unexpected turn of events.

Grace flowed.

Following an exploratory discussion, Maharaj approved and agreed to transfer the Padukas to me after the final completion of all ceremonies. I was informed that I should attend and meet Maharaj in the temple accordingly.

This was and is an incredible honour and certainly unexpected. It is an expression of how, at the right time, divine grace delivers more than actually sought or even considered possible, but only if the agents acting in delivery and expression of that grace are open to play a role in transmitting the flow.

I attended as instructed, and Maharaj gave a big smile (we can all picture that) and a hug by way of welcome. He then moved to hand over the Padukas with reverence. He positioned me in front of the now-living Shirdi Sai Baba idol and instructed me to wait. He then reached for a Shirdi Sai temple shawl, placed it around my shoulders and then handed the Padukas to me in the presence of and view of Baba.

By ‘chance’ Selma and Peter witnessed this, and Dirk also appeared in the temple. Peter had his mobile phone with him and took a picture to record the event. I was awestruck.

I have no conscious memory or understanding of why I was eligible to receive this grace and honour. Prior to meeting Mohanji, my connection with Sai Baba in the form of Shirdi Sai was through my experiences with Sathya Sai Baba. Many years ago, I was unexpectedly given a small photograph of Shirdi Sai Baba in Prashanti Nilayam. 

I was told by the individual handing it over that I had a connection with Shirdi Sai. I was very happy to receive the photo but was perplexed by what the connection could be. I placed the photo in my passport for ‘safe-keeping’, but it subsequently disappeared. I don’t normally lose items and certainly not pictures of avatars. Why I chose my passport as a fitting place to keep the photo is loaded with meaning. The seed of my connection to Shirdi Sai had been planted in my waking consciousness, ready to grow at the right time.

What do the divine feet of Mohanji and Sai Baba represent?

When Sathya Sai Baba declared his avatarhood, he walked out of his family home to the garden of a devotee and sat upon a large rocky outcrop or boulder. His close devotees soon gathered around him, and Sathya Sai Baba led them in the beautifully poignant bhajan of

“Manasa Bhajare Guru Charanam Dusthara Bhava Saagara Tharanam.”

[Oh, mind! Meditate on the Feet of the Guru. This can take you across the difficult ocean of existence, birth after birth.”]

A photographer recorded the event, and when the photograph was developed, the small rock formation in front of the young Sathya Sai emerging from the larger boulder had taken on the form of a Shirdi Sai Baba idol. The supreme consciousness of the Masters is one, even though the forms may differ.

Worshipping the feet of the Guru is considered one among the 9 forms of Bhakti or devotion: the Navavidha Bhakti Marga. However, a close former student devotee of Sathya Sai Baba has disclosed from an intimate conversation with his students that:

“Swami said that people often thought Padasevanam only meant service to the Guru’s feet. This was the reason why everyone felt it was the easiest route to God because all one had to do was to get the opportunity to press and massage his feet. But that was not the actual meaning. Swami said that Padasevanam means walking in the footsteps of a Guru. To walk the path that the Guru walks is true service to his feet.”

To walk the path that is walked and shown by the Guru – that is the invitation and the truest expression of service to the feet of the Master. In the book Mast: the Ecstatic given by Mohanji, a probing, exploratory conversation takes place between Maharishi Shantananda and his prospective follower, Vamadeva, whose heartfelt desire is to be accepted into the Master’s Gurukul (a residential school where students live as part of the Master’s family):

Maharishi: The path is right here within you; why not walk?

Vamadeva: I am param buddhu. I don’t know the way, respected Master

Maharishi: Final destination?

Vamadeva: My Self, the Supreme Self, respected Master

Maharishi: Where shall you walk from? (Read: Where will you start? When can you start?)   

 Vamadeva: At your lotus feet. (Read: Right here! Right now!)

There is evident genuine camaraderie, friendship, and humour at MCB Scotland in a very welcoming and divine environment. When walking past Mohanji en route to the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Mohanji quipped, ‘Nice T-shirt’, to which I replied, ‘Yes, it is’. 3 words each but with profound meaning in the space between them. My Mum would probably roll her exasperated eyes at the depth of emotional expression in my acknowledgement.

As a ‘newcomer’, it was more than heart-warming to be acknowledged. Inclusivity was also the foundation of the closing events following the Shirdi Sai Baba temple inauguration through two satsangs with Mohanji.

At one closing satsang, a number of individuals spoke about their experiences, being encouraged by Mohanji to do so. The sharing of experiences benefits both the experiencer and those listening on a number of levels. Mohanji is also keen that those reluctant to speak, go beyond their comfort zone as this helps to dissolve restricting and limiting ideas and leads to further expansion. 

Mohanji and Vijay made sure that everybody was acknowledged and valued. Blessed miniature statutes of Shirdi Sai Baba were presented on a personal basis, with the opportunity to express love and gratitude to Mohanji when receiving the grace of Baba from Mohanji’s hands. Everyone agreed that the food consumed during the divine inauguration event (on all levels) was awesome.  

Mohanji gave his concluding satsang in the Datta garden in the presence of Lord Dattatreya. There are no ‘accidents’, and nothing happens by chance. We were all meant to be here at this time for the inaugural event. Mohanji asked us not to bring mental interference into play with ‘why?’ Let the grace and experience flow without obstruction. 

Mohanji then gave everyone gathered the opportunity to seek their own clarification to personal questions. In responding to some of those questions, Mohanji explained that the establishment of MCB Scotland and other centres was to provide connected portals or spaces for the expansion and expression of consciousness in a divinely inspired environment which could also inform and inspire personal practice wherever we happened to be. I asked how best to maintain personal evolutionary practice. Faith, connection and consistency, Mohanji responded.

There was just enough time for a group photo. A genius was operating a drone with a camera that took a wonderful ariel picture of those gathered. That picture has since been published.

On returning home, another miracle occurred. At Dirks’s request, I opened up my first-ever WhatsApp account. I could not say no to Dirk. Dirk kindly sent some articles about his experiences with Mohanji and a beautiful picture of himself and Mohanii on a train, which I subsequently printed and framed; a family photo that I placed on the shelf sitting next to me.

MCB Scotland then announced their Rise and Revive retreat in September 2023. To be continued…

Offered at the lotus feet of Mohanji and the Masters of the Tradition with gratitude, love and blessings.

Samastha Lokah Sukinho Bhavantu: May all worlds and all beings in those worlds be happy and free.

Sai Ram! Jai Mohanji!

|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI ||

Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 3^rd December 2023

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 Testimonials team

To register for the next Empowered 5.0 in India, click here!

A piece of heaven called MCB

by Elham, Mohanji Acharya

“Gratitude opens the door for grace to flow.”

Mohanji

One of the ways to express gratitude to the Guru is to speak up about the grace that happened to us; in this way, we acknowledge it. Otherwise, time can wash away those blissful memories, and we may not remember how much Mohanji helps us, and we may forget his miracles that time and again gave us the experience of a blissful state. But when we express it solidly, it stays; the mind cannot deny it, time cannot wash it away, and it may inspire someone in the same situation now or even many years later.

I would like to share some of the experiences regarding my last trip with Mohanji to the Mohanji Center of Benevolence (MCB) USA. My husband Farshad and I were blessed to serve in Mohanji’s office team during this trip; we could observe Mohanji from a much closer perspective.

First, a little about this new center in the USA. In a word, it’s divine! It’s like that part of Power of Purity meditation when Mohanji talks about a serene land where you would like to sit for meditation forever! While driving towards the center for the first time, we were amazed by the area’s beautiful landscapes, serenity and peacefulness. Every early morning, driving from the hotel to the center was an amazing journey. It was a foggy, beautiful road, like movies, and we had the chance to see many deer and baby deer along the road, cows and calves, rabbits, horses and baby horses and crows peacefully sitting on the road. Mohanji says connecting to Lord Datta is not easy, so when people asked Datta how to connect to you, he said look at nature. While looking at that beautiful and peaceful nature, you could tangibly feel Datta deep inside. It was the first time I could feel or connect to Datta, and Mohanji himself could be felt as Datta during this trip. As Mohanji says, “I am an empty pot. I reflect what fills into me, time after time.” 

On the very first day, when Mohanji arrived at the center, a female black dog appeared (confirmed by Lata Ganesh), and even though it had a collar, it seemed to have no owner. Her eyes were full of love! She was looking at us with so much compassion. She also came inside the hall and attended Mohanji’s satsangs. We told Mohanji about the dog, and he said, “She is Gauri, wife of Shiva.” We all left in awe! This land started attracting divine beings immediately because of Mohanji’s presence. During his lunch, Mohanji gave me a handful of food from his plate to feed Gauri. 

For those who may not know, Mohanji always offers his food to divine beings in many dimensions and lokas, so this food becomes blessed by them, and it’s so nurturing and called Prasad. I am not scared of animals but don’t like to get very close or touch them, especially always avoiding their licking. Meanwhile, going out to feed her, I was thinking what to do! I don’t feel good to drop the food on the ground since it’s blessed food (Prasad). Then I gathered all the courage I had to feed by hand! Gauri was standing there, waiting, and I offered the food by hand and to my surprise, she took the food in a way that didn’t lick my hand at all! Obviously, the food was very nurturing to her, not only physically; she was very pleased. The next day, she brought her three kids, all in black! 

When we told Mohanji, He talked about the four dogs of Datta, which are the four Vedas. He said, “Feed them.” When Mohanji wants to eat, he keeps telling everybody to eat and asks if the animals outside have been fed. Once at lunch, He suddenly stared outside from the window near the lunch table and said, “Nobody should go hungry from here, nobody, no being.” Mohanji walks the talk; he always speaks about feeding the hungry, and he does the same in his daily life. Also, he doesn’t only eat for himself, as I had an experience of this. When he ate, my stomach was full; I wrote about it in the Guru Leela book, Volume 4.

Before coming to the USA, Mohanji had some programs in MCB Scotland, and since then, his feet have been swollen and painful, but he still proceeded with the schedule. When he arrived, his feet were very bad, and standing was not easy either, but you couldn’t see any mark of pain on his face; people were trying to touch his feet, and he was pulling them back. He did not request the people not to touch his feet! 

Once, after a meeting, he went out and sat on the terrace, and I took a tea for him and noticed a wheezing sound coming while he was breathing. I asked him what happened, “Father, this was not there a bit before”. He said, “I had to cleanse these people.” Our limited mind cannot understand that he is already in so much pain, and god knows what he has taken on to himself, but still, this can’t stop him from helping people by removing blockages and what else! This situation with the feet happened around the time of the earthquake in Morocco, and I felt there was a connection, and he saved many by taking things to himself.

When the retreat started on September 22, many meeting requests came up, and Mohanji’s team did their best to accommodate everyone. Being a witness to all these closely gave me much more understanding and respect for Mohanji and his team. It’s really not easy to manage these many requests, especially when Mohanji’s health is not well. He gives all of himself. He was fulfilling everyone’s wishes. Sometimes, people wanted to say something but might have felt shy. Then, Mohanji, with a smile, would ask, “You wanted to tell me something,” and they would open up. He does one thing constantly, non-stop: “Giving”. I told him, “Father, you gave a lot to everyone even though you are in pain, and you even fulfilled people’s expectations.” He said, “I’m here for this.” So simple, so selfless, without thinking of himself. He said, “I can take care of you, but I can’t take care of myself. I am always looking after you, right?” Absolutely, this is true, not me only; everyone who is connected to him has experienced it, he’s also taking care of many who are not connected but praying intensely. Sometimes, we have expectations that Mohanji will take care of everything. We should always remember that in this life, anything we experience now is the product of our deeds; nobody should be blamed for it, and nobody should take care of it. The Guru is not here to clean up our mess, but if he removes things out of compassion, it’s all his grace, nothing else. 

There was a very important event at the MCB: Homa. A sacred fire ceremony ritual that Mohanji himself was supposed to conduct. Many people joined, almost 200. As soon as Mohanji joined and started the ritual, the shift of energy was felt. There were thick clouds, and based on the day before forecasts, it was supposed to rain that day, but the map started changing, and there was no rain! Mohanji kept gazing at the sky several times during the 3 hours of the homa, probably each time with a different purpose. One of his gazes parted the clouds, and beautiful sunshine emerged. He was instructing what mantra to chant at times, and the presence of the deity connected to each mantra could be felt powerfully! When Mohanji said to chant the Vishnu mantra, soon after, a huge eagle appeared in the sky, flew above Mohanji’s head in the sky and then disappeared. Maha Vishnu himself came to bless the homa. When Mohanji instructed to chant the Hanuman mantra, the energy got so intense, and fire flames became tall and violent. Each deity had its flavour and sign. All deities came because Mohanji called upon them. 

After the homa, everyone felt super light, happy and joyful. There was so much kindness and love between everyone, and the land was much more vibrant. It felt like a higher realm, another dimension. After the homa was done, Mohanji was very satisfied and said, “It could not be done better!” So, the deities accepted the offering, and this is because of his purity; who cannot accept his pure offering? After this powerful homa, MCB USA felt like a powerful portal of light and energy, ready to give stability and awareness to anyone looking for it.

Most offered coconuts got burned sooner or later by that evening, but a couple of them were more resistant; they were still burning until noon the next day. Mohanji had eyes on them to make sure all would go. He always does his job perfectly and much more than that. He said one of these coconuts was about someone who committed suicide life after life, for 6-7 lifetimes, thus not completing a lifetime fully. In this life, too, the person tried to commit suicide, and that’s why it was tough to burn.

Despite a busy schedule and daily satsangs, Mohanji attended a school to donate some shoes to kids that some of their families might not be able to afford. This happened through ACT USA. The school was far, and it was a long drive, which meant it was not good for the feet, but nothing could stop him from making someone happy. Little kids were waiting in the hall, and they didn’t know who Mohanji was. The principal introduced him as the founder of ACT charity. Mohanji spoke to them briefly, but I felt he touched their hearts. He spoke about being kind and not selfish. Then, he took their attention to their breathing and body and encouraged them to feel themselves. Then they had the chance to select their shoes and were so happy and excited. Some of them couldn’t find their size, and one child was so sad, but nothing was missed from Mohanji’s eyes. He instructed the team to write their names and sizes, get their correct size, and deliver as soon as possible; such compassion and attention to detail!

He fulfilled many of my wishes on this trip. He has many ears and hears the hearts well. At the end of one satsang, someone tied a bracelet on Mohanji’s wrist, and when I saw that, just this thought passed through my mind, “Oh, it’s beautiful!”. A few hours later, after satsang, Mohanji was speaking to someone in the hall, and I was in the next room, so he called me to open this bracelet. By the time I could get there, he could open it himself, give it to me, and say, “It’s yours!”. I was so surprised, like a child, because first he heard that thought and this was sitting on his wrist for a few hours!! Such a blessing! I was so happy going around and showing others what I got!

My feelings about the time were very odd during my stay with Mohanji. I felt time go very fast, and at the same time, one day felt so long because so many things were happening in just one day. This cannot be explained in words because, from the mind level, there is a contradiction. But in simple words, time was fast and slow simultaneously!

Mohanji always goes the extra mile! Two days before the end of the retreat, Mohanji’s arati happened at 6 pm to his picture, and whoever was there in the MCB joined, and it was so powerful. People asked to meet him and have a satsang. His feet were not good at all, very swollen and painful, and he had a flight in two days. Yet, he fulfilled this wish! Mohanji had to keep his feet up to prevent more swelling, but he did not hesitate and preferred to bend his leg and have more pain than sitting in that position. 

On the last day before leaving for the airport, we met Mohanji in his room. He always asks us how we go back home, and he clears our way back, and if we experience anything, we know that Mohanji already made it a lot lighter. This time, without us telling him anything, he said, “Your flight is 8 hours, right?” and asked for the complete route back home. I felt it meant something. We started driving to the airport after receiving his blessings and a warm and lovely goodbye with everyone at the MCB. It was amazing to see eagles all the way to the airport constantly; Mohanji’s people (as he calls them) who were protecting! When we arrived at the airport and got our boarding passes, I heard another agent telling some other passengers that there was a delay in the flight, but I didn’t pay attention and thought it should be another flight; otherwise, this agent would inform us. We proceeded to the gate, and as soon as we arrived, they announced that there had been a 1.5-hour delay! 

The agent who served us was there, and I went to him and asked him why he didn’t inform us earlier about the delay. He started justifying himself that they just heard about it, but I couldn’t believe it because I had heard it from another agent. I was upset because if we had known earlier, we could have waited and seen Mohanji again since his flight was from the same airport but an hour later. 

After some unpleasant conversation with that guy and when the guy started shouting because they didn’t have any plan or explanation of what would happen if we missed our connection, we left the argument and waited for the flight. If we missed the connecting flight, that meant we may not even get home the next day, and Farshad had to be at work the next morning! So we could only surrender to Mohanji and wait. They announced boarding, and when everyone boarded the plane, it felt warm and suffocating with no AC. 

After some time and no movement, the captain started saying that there was some issue with the plane, that they needed to shut down for 10 minutes, and that it would get too warm in the plane. After a few minutes, a cabin crew member said that if it was warm and suffocating, we could get off the plane and leave our stuff inside but not go far away. After a few more minutes, another crew member asked everyone to get off the plane and take all our stuff! It was so weird. 

We felt we had lost the connection due to all this delay, and many thoughts came. What to do?! While walking out, we decided to cancel this flight and find another one-way flight, which was at a much higher rate now. I started searching for a flight, and Farshad was speaking with the agent. I found a flight in 3 hours with the cost of more than a 2-way flight. Then Farshad called me to check something with me, and I understood they would not refund the money but would give credit to our account with the same airline for the next travel! I told the guy, we’re not going to fly with them anymore, so what was the use of that? I noticed the guy’s attitude was different than before and trying to be helpful. 

There was a long line of people behind us, and everyone was so frustrated because the next flight would be the following day, and now it was 5:30 pm. The agent came closer and asked, ” Are you okay with me transferring your flight to another airline that flies in one hour? We both were so surprised and immediately said yes, of course. He said, but your luggage might be delayed and come in 1-2 days. I said it’s completely fine. He started working on the computer and called the crew to pull out our luggage and leave it aside for him to go and pick it up. He was working fast as though it was for his own family! He transferred us to another airline without any extra payment and asked me to check in online, but the page was not loading on my phone and kept asking me to pay for the seat. I was about to pay that, but he stopped me. He started checking on his computer and emailed us a boarding pass! At the end, he asked us to run to the gate, which was a bit far. We shook hands with him, and I thanked him a lot. He apologized for his earlier behaviour, and I felt Mohanji cleared something between us. His eyes were very different, and I felt so much kindness from him. 

After a long run, 30 minutes before the flight, we arrived at the gate, which was closed. I asked the agent if we could go in, and he said they’re not boarding yet! Just then, I noticed many people were around and released a big sigh! Something happened that was a sign of Mohanji’s presence in this whole incident. While boarding, we noticed a sign on the body of the plane next to the entrance door saying “One World,” and Mohanji always says “One World, One Family”. Jai Mohanji!! 

The flight was very nice and smooth, and we arrived 3.5 hours earlier than the previously booked flight, which was midnight! The next day, I received an email that the delayed flight was cancelled altogether. It was very obvious who was behind all these miracles. I’m sure we wouldn’t have returned home that day without Mohanji’s blessings. He removed all heaviness and obstacles; we just experienced a breeze instead of a tornado. 

Words fall short of expressing gratitude to Mohanji. Words are too gross to explain his stature and greatness. I keep remembering October 2022 when he had that accident. And he might have left the body, but he stayed out of love and compassion for every being who had hope in him. So I feel grateful every day, every moment he is here on Earth, breathing from the same air and walking on the same Earth. On top of that, we have the blessing to meet him in person here and there. A hundred years later, people will remember us as blessed and lucky ones who had the chance to be in the physical presence of such a Guru even though to me, Mohanji is an Avatar, and I believe it will be revealed just years later. 

A big thanks to Mohanji’s office team for making my experience more pleasant with their love, warmth and support.

Surrender this whole existence, this personality, all experiences and ego at the lotus feet of my Lord, Mohanji Baba.

|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI ||

Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 26^th November 2023

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 Testimonials team

To register for the next Empowered 5.0 in India, click here!

Shiva comes home to MCB Scotland

By a devotee from the UK

Everything starts with Shiva, ends with Shiva and unfolds as His will in between.

When I was asked to tell the story of how the Shiva Lingam I had at home ended up at the Mohanji Centre of Benevolence (MCB) in Scotland, I thought I could simply sum it up in two words ‘His will!’ However, it also seems to be His will to share the beautiful leela of how His journey there unfolded. Therefore, I humbly surrender to Shiva and allow these words to carry us all in His presence and grace as I recount His divine play. Just as He has filled my heart with so much awe and wonder, may this testimonial touch you all with His essence in some uplifting way.

Only Shiva knows when this story truly started, but in my conscious awareness, I trace it back to January 2018 when I lived in London. On a snow-laden winter’s day shortly before Shivaratri, when all was pure and white, I found myself invited to visit a friend’s warehouse. She has a crystal business, and I was looking to buy some. Since a young age, I have always been drawn to crystals, or rather, they have just come to me. I’ve been told that we actually never choose a crystal, but in fact, they choose us.

I have experienced the truth of this. That day I went to the warehouse with no particular expectation or firm idea in my mind. There was just a loose intention that whichever crystals were meant for me would come to my awareness and follow me home. On arrival there, amongst the hundreds of crystals, my eyes were immediately drawn to a particular section. There were some Narmadeshwar Shiva Lingams on a shelf. Wow! Shiva in such a pure form! My heart rejoiced, and I knew my Shiva had found me, and I had found my Shiva.

To give you some background, Narmadeshwar Shiva Lingams, as the name suggests, come from the very sacred Narmada River in India. They are swayambhu lingams, meaning they have formed naturally into the lingam shape, in this instance, through the flow of water. They are already jagrit or alive with Shiva’s vibration and energy. Therefore, we don’t need to do the Pranaprathista or awakening process with this particular lingam, as He is already fully present. These lingams are very pure and powerful. They are a true blessing to all.

Back at the warehouse, there was a range of different-sized lingams varying from a couple of centimetres to as large as 20 inches or so. The logical mind was looking at what it considered to be a practical size for my flat and personal use, but I kept myself open to whoever was calling to me, and one of them certainly was! It thus transpired that divine will defied logic, and I found myself bringing home a Shiva that was around 18 inches tall and 22 inches in circumference (I have never weighed Him, but He would have been over 20 kg). It is a conventional religious belief not to keep a Shiva Lingam higher than your thumb size in your house. 

Something I was reminded of by my family. Bigger ones are only meant for temples and such spaces. My small flat in London was certainly not in this category by any means. I was just as surprised as anyone that He was the One. I wasn’t looking to buy such a big lingam! However, I simply trusted He was meant to come to me for some reason and with all my love, I gave Him a place in my heart and my home, and I hoped He would be happy!

Over the next few years, Shiva’s beautiful energy became a part of me and the space around me, within and without. However, come 2020 and the start of the covid period, I was rather unexpectedly and suddenly relocated by destiny, as borders closed and I remained at my family home overseas for three long years. I was unable to return to London for various reasons until April 2023. The day I came back to my flat, I immediately sensed that the lingam was calling for a new home. I just wasn’t sure where. Momentarily I considered whether He was going to stay with me abroad, but this somehow didn’t feel like the case.

I surrendered it to Shiva that He would go wherever He wished for the highest and that it would come to my awareness in some way. It occurred to me at this time to ask Vijay Ramanaidoo whether the Mohanji Foundation in the UK would like the lingam for the MCB in Scotland. I had first spoken to Vijay in December 2022 regarding the initiation of ACT4Hunger activities where I am now based. Having only spoken to him a couple of times and being a relative stranger to the Mohanji Foundation, I was hesitant to approach him about the lingam as it seemed, for want of a better word, completely random! So I decided not to act hastily and let destiny unfold as per Shiva’s will in divine timing. Since I had surrendered this situation fully, it was then out of my mind completely, and I simply forgot about it at that time.

Just over a month later, on the wings of Shiva’s grace, I was flying to the MCB in Scotland a few weeks ahead of the Pranaprathista taking place there. Flying, not just literally but also figuratively speaking, as my entire being started to open and expand noticeably from the heart from the very start of my journey there. It was clear that this was going to be no ordinary visit, and the MCB was definitely no ordinary destination. Arriving at the MCB, there was something intangible that my soul recognised.

With Shiva being my first and last love, my heart has naturally and firmly established its home in the purity of Kailash. It was unmistakable; my heart felt a sort of homecoming. It sensed and recognised the Kailash frequency in some way. This feeling grew, becoming more tangible and validated through all I experienced over the day and a half I spent there. Sulakhe Maharaj, the now-retired chief priest from Shirdi, and also someone else I know has shared similar sentiments and connected the MCB in Scotland to Kailash. Yes, definitely no ordinary destination, but most wonderfully extraordinary!

No sooner had we entered the premises, we were taken on a tour around the grounds with Christopher Greenwood as our guide. Within the first few minutes, he mentioned that based on a Vastu expert, the energy of the Centre is already very good, and it will just take Mohanji coming there to make it what it needs to be. However, there was a pond on the property that wasn’t a natural body of water. It had been installed by the previous owners as a requirement in case of fire. It had been advised that a Shiva Lingam would be necessary to help shift the energy of this pond.

As soon as the lingam was mentioned, my entire being became alert. I just knew. I felt this was no coincidence that a lingam was being talked about within minutes of my arrival at the MCB for the first time. Silence was no longer an option. I mentioned the lingam that I had to Chris and then also followed up with a message to Vijay about it. I had shared what I was meant to share, and now it was up to Shiva. When I returned home from Scotland, and I was before the lingam, I noticed for the first time that I could see Mohanji’s image on the lingam! This was just incredible and another confirmation literally staring me in the face. Subsequently, a couple of other people have separately mentioned being able to see Mohanji in the lingam to me.

Mohanji arrived in the UK a couple of days after I got back from my trip to the MCB. Vijay showed Him some photos of the lingam. The answer was yes! Shiva was going home to His Kailash! Everything began to align and move with such speed and ease. Mohanji’s energy at work, no doubt. Within another couple of days, I was bidding Shiva goodbye, and He was lovingly transported to Vijay’s house for the onward journey to the MCB.

I had first come across Mohanji a year after I got the lingam before I went to Ganeshpuri and Shirdi. I had gone to Skanda Vale and Kailash later that year, too, and He was brought to my awareness for a second time around then. Subsequently, it was through connecting with Shirdi Sai Baba and the ACT Foundation that Mohanji had once again come to the fore over the past couple of years for me.

Looking back as a witness, I could see all the dots connecting and how the synchronicities over the years had been the most beautiful and perfect unfoldment of Shiva’s divine plan culminating in this moment. I understood that I was only ever meant to be the lingam’s temporary caretaker until the Centre could come into manifestation. Once in place, Shiva would find His way to his rightful home and that too at the most opportune time of the opening of the MCB and the Pranapratishtas. What divine timing! What exquisite planning!

The lingam was never mine to keep, yet Shiva will always be eternally mine wherever He goes, for we are inextricably connected. We are One. I am so truly grateful and blessed that Shiva came to me in the form of this lingam, bringing tremendous purification, power and peace to me, my family and my area.

However, I am even more grateful and happy that His blessings will now touch countless more beings at the MCB. May they, too, find their burdens eased and their hearts lightened by His benevolent presence. May they, too, discover the essence of Kailash not somewhere outside but within the silence and stillness of their own being. Shiva is untouched by anything, for He is the Nirguna (formless with no properties or attributes), yet He will touch everything. In the end, He is simply everything. All is Shiva’s will. In the love, light and truth of Shiva, Jai Mohanji, Om Namah Shivaya!

|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI ||

Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 17^th July 2023

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 Testimonials team

When Soul Meets Source

By Meghan Rose, USA

On March 4th, I landed in Bengaluru, India, for the Himalayan School of Traditional Yoga Training. It was my first time out of the USA. I traveled with a classmate and arrived in India with a fresh mind, as I had not googled much about India before. I didn’t even know what it would look like! I wanted to be surprised. When I stepped foot out of the airport, It was after midnight. We got into a cab, and I was mesmerized by how everything looked. To my surprise, I did not feel I was in a foreign place at all. In fact, I have felt more foreign in places in the USA than I have in India.

During the cab ride, I couldn’t get my mind off Mohanji. Knowing he was in the same city as me, I began really yearning to be around him. I started to tell my friend in the cab about how recently I really wished to hear Mohanji’s voice. You know that feeling when you just wish to hear a loved one’s voice. It was like that. I longed to receive a voice message from Mohanji saying I love you.

A couple of days after this yearning, I was doing the Power of Purity meditation with headphones in my ears. A few minutes into the meditation, my body got extremely hot to the point I felt I should take my shirt off! Suddenly Mohanji’s voice did not feel like a recording anymore. I could feel him speaking deeply into my ears! I knew then that Mohanji had fulfilled my desire in an unexpected way.

When I told my friend of this, I got the idea to send Mohanji a voice message myself. I was hesitant as I had heard some doubts of others before. They were scared to message Mohanji. But I told myself that I should conquer this fear and tell him I am thinking of him and I love him. What is there to lose? The only thing I could gain was regret if I did not take this chance. So I sent him a message a couple of hours later.

The yoga training commenced, and I was wondering if I was going to get a chance to see Mohanji. Four days after the training, we were told we would take the evening off and see him. I was so excited and crying! I had only seen Mohanji in person once before and went to his ashram with no expectations. When I arrived in front of the house, I could not feel my legs! I took my shoes off, and the moment I went inside and saw him, my soul took over.

All my moves were automatic, flowing. I kneeled at his feet and held his hands as if they were a magnet for mine. We were smiling at each other like little kids, and I told him I loved him. He said it back! He must have known I wanted to see his altar because he then told me to take a look at it. We sat down with a group of people, and a satsang commenced. I waited patiently for my turn to speak. I had a lot of courage this time around. When I was speaking with him, I could not take my eyes off him. I was sweating a lot but not uncomfortable.

Between him speaking with others, he would turn to look and smile at me, and my heart would burst with happiness! It was amazing. We took a break, and it was time to eat. Even him asking if I was hungry and showing me where the bathroom was something I can’t explain in words. I felt extremely loved and cared for, more than I ever had felt in my life. This was different. It did not feel like the type of love you receive from a family member, friend, or anything.

After the satsang, he offered to take some photos. He must have known I wanted one because he just called me to him. I put my arm around him, and again my soul took over! I immediately kissed his chest and possibly his cheek. At one point, I was facing one way, and he stood next to me facing the other way. I looked down at his hand and felt the magnetism. I held it, and it felt like the most romantic moment of my life. Not like the typical relationship romance, but really pure.

Soon it was time to leave, and he stood in front of me, looking down at me and smiling. All I could say was I love you very much. He told me he was with me and blessed me. We left, and I was totally blissed out. I shared my feelings with everyone in the group, and I did not want to stop thinking about it. I started yearning for more time with him. I wasn’t sure when he would leave the body, and I just wanted to be able to experience living with him.

My friends assured me that I would get my chance, but still, I was yearning for it. The yoga training finished, and I badly wanted to go back to India. So I booked another flight and a longer stay in Bengaluru. Some time had passed, and one night I was telling my dad how badly I wanted to be around Mohanji again. But I wasn’t sure; would he want me around just cause I wanted to be with him? Would it require me to do some work?

The next morning, I received a reply from Mohanji about my voice message! He told me he would possibly be in the USA soon, and I told him I would like to come be with him. But I knew I would be back in Bengaluru in April, so this was my chance. I told him I would be in Bengaluru again and that I would like to see him. He told me I was welcome anywhere and everywhere with him. Then he told me I was his family. I knew he had heard my thoughts and was answering a really sincere call of mine.

A week after landing in Bengaluru again, I arrived at Mohanji’s place. One night, we spoke privately, and I told him about my thoughts on wanting to see him. He told me that he received them and confirmed he had answered my request! I also shared how magnetic it felt to be around him back in March, and he was smiling. He told me that is what happens when the soul meets the source. The reason why I share these things is because 1. I wish to express how amazing it felt to have my soul take over around Mohanji in March and 2. In case other people are sharing their doubts on whether or not to speak to Mohanji, not being sure if they should see Mohanji… if YOU want to, you should take that chance!

It is really now or never, and we don’t know how wonderful it can turn out! I could have missed such wonderful experiences and opportunities if I listened to other people’s fear of speaking to him. Our experiences can be very different from others. What is there to fear? Whatever he would tell us would be for our own benefit because he really loves us! Take the chance; give your heart out. Love consciousness! 

|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI ||

Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 11^th May 2023

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 Testimonials team

Experiences of Empowered 5 – Part 3

By Linda Abrol, Netherlands

In the final part of this testimonial, Linda shares some of her beautiful experiences with Mohanji in India after the Empowered programme.

The moment I got home from Serbia at the end of October 2022, my existing problems worsened. It was as if the Kailash challenge had come home with me. And not unsolicited or unwanted. It was welcome but also extremely painful. 

Energy prices were skyrocketing, and our popular vegetarian Indian restaurant, where energy is used in abundance for the tandoor oven, the big gas stove, and all the refrigerators and freezers, the dishwashers, the grease filtering system and lighting, was quickly heading toward bankruptcy. 

My husband’s depression worsened together with our marital problems. And that to an unbearable point where my husband and I began to discuss divorce seriously. Since I didn’t have a job, ageing and osteoarthritis made the chance of finding a job difficult – living on my own seemed virtually impossible. Not wanting to depend on others, I faced the worst-case scenario of becoming homeless.

I simply witnessed the possibility and was amazed at how balanced and empowered I felt beneath the emotions and mind games. I kept my back straight and continued to practice my focus on alignment by concentrating on Guru Consciousness, self-acceptance, Kriya, inner silence and, in extreme situations, Pause Technique. 

The same issue I faced during the days of the Empowered retreat in Serbia surfaced again and again – misunderstanding – but with more intensity. To the extent that I thought that no one really understood my pure intentions. Many loved ones seemed to look at me through a veil of their convictions, colours, ideas, and opinions and judged me for almost every decision I made with a pure heart.

My decisions seemed totally egoistic in the eyes of nearly all my dear ones, and their judgment seemed final. I felt extreme loneliness. Kailash and Empowered 5 energies seemed to intensify my challenges. Shiva takes everything and leaves you empty, but only with your permission. It is like buying a ticket for a rollercoaster ride and yet being surprised by its ferocity.

Fortunately, I didn’t resist even the deepest feeling of desperation and fear of the unknown and stayed considerably stable. Both Kailash and Empowered didn’t only trigger the trials. They gave the ‘medicines’ as well in the form of a deep underlying peace, acceptance and a feeling of absolute safety, no matter what happened.

In the midst of all personal trouble and trauma, I bought my ticket for India to attend Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s birthday celebration, which was being conducted yearly on the 23rd of November 2022 in Sri Soma Sai Skanda Ashram in Nidugatha, Maddur taluk, near Bangalore. This was the first time the celebrations were held without the presence of Swami Gopal Baba, who took samadhi in 2020.

After his samadhi, covid prevented any celebration in the ashram. While still in the body, he had asked all of us devotees to keep attending the celebrations even after his samadhi. I couldn’t disappoint my Guru, and although our financial situation seemed to be under immense pressure, I completely trusted that the universe (the Tradition) would take care.

But the deciding factor to go was the chance that Mohanji would attend the celebrations. A few months ago, I woke up with a strong feeling: how wonderful would it be to celebrate our beloved Sathya Sai Baba’s birthday in Swami Gopal Baba’s ashram in Mohanji’s divine presence? 

Experience has taught me that those ‘satwic desires’ tended to come true. I called my friend Sita and told her of my vision. She said that her husband Nico had a dream in which he saw Mohanji in ‘Kalyanpur’s room’. Kalyanpur was a businessman who donated the money for many constructions in the ashram. He had an apartment in the ashram where he would stay when construction work was going on. This sounded wonderful to me. We decided that B. was the best person to invite Mohanji to the ashram personally, and Sita asked him if he was prepared to do that. He loved the idea and said he would consider it.

We took that as a ‘yes’ and assumed that Mohanji was officially invited. Every time I thought of my coming journey to the ashram, I felt the joy of Mohanji being there. Both Sita and I sent an unofficial WhatsApp message to Chris Greenwood, Mohanji’s EA, and I mentioned in a message to Preeti Duggal – still assuming that Mohanji was already invited – our sincere prayer that he would be willing to be present at the coming celebrations in Sri Soma Sai Skanda Ashram.

Mohanji was in Delhi and appeared to have extended his stay there beyond the expected arrival time in the Sri Soma Sai Skanda Ashram. He was North, and we were South. Somehow, I knew he would change his mind. There was no fear, doubt, or desire, simply a happy anticipation. And a prayer that all Swami’s disciples would feel Gopal Baba’s love through him.

Always when a great Master takes samadhi, and there is no appointed successor, a situation arises where there may be confusion about future plans, convictions, positions and opinions, mixed with intense feelings of mourning about the Master. As far as I could see, despite this turbulent time, Swami’s boys and sevadals did an amazing job of upholding the Guru’s will and maintaining the ashram according to his liking. They never missed performing a ritual that Swami Gopal Baba would have done, even if no attendee or visitor showed up.

A few days before the birthday celebrations, my travel companion, Yvonne, and I visited Mohanji’s ashram in Bangalore to join in the noon aarathi and to embrace Amma and Acchan, Mohanji’s parents. Rajesh Kamath was home and told us that Mohanji had changed his plan and cut his visit to Delhi short to come to the ashram in Nidugatha. I was over the moon with joy, as you can imagine.

On the 23rd of November, I heard Mohanji’s voice inside me: ‘… therefore, I was sent (from Delhi) to the South to look after my children.’ I experienced it as a confirmation of my prayer that Gopal Baba would bring clarity and happiness in the form of Mohanji. Swami Sri Gopal Baba was the embodiment of the divine Mother and – although occupying a male body – would call us her children. Now it was absolutely clear to me that she had come on this auspicious day to look after her children in my beloved Mohanji’s form. 

When Mohanji actually arrived, and I got the chance to express a few words of gratitude, he simply said: ‘I had to come!’ What a blessing it was, and what a confirmation! Mohanji was received by Swami’s disciples with all regards, was invited to the sanctum sanctorum of the main (Kamakshi) temple, had lunch in Kalyanpur’s apartment, just like Nico’s dream had already predicted a year earlier, visited Swami’s house, walked hand in hand with the main trustee of the ashram, inaugurated the newly built dispensary and made each and every disciple happy by his unconditional love.

Beautiful pictures of this joyful occasion can be found on Mohanji’s official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MohanjiOfficial/posts/pfbid028ApVHoTyYQ5bYromd7Fn8mm3rHXtSYZHJaogaub8h2PCwwJuSd82P4WiEPWbD4awl

After the celebrations, the real mystery evolved. Who had officially invited Mohanji? It appeared that our assumption B. would do it had not come true. B. had not been able to invite Mohanji for some understandable reasons that he explained to us later. But he told us that Dinesh – one of Swami Gopal Baba’s devotees from Delhi, who happened to have walked the Outer Kora with Mohanji – had invited him during his recent stay in Delhi.

My Sherlock Homes instinct woke up. I sent a message to Dinesh. He answered: ‘No, I didn’t invite Mohanji. I only mentioned the celebrations to him. Mohanji then told me that He had heard about the celebrations from Preeti Duggal and a few others, and He ‘impulsively’ decided to attend them while talking to me.’ I was stunned to hear this.

Then who invited Mohanji officially? How did The Mother come to her children? Was it simply the innocent and sincere prayer of two of her children and a dream of a third that invited her all the way South? Dinesh and Sita said: ‘It was the Tradition that invited Mohanji.’ My inner voice had already confirmed that statement. Which mother needs an official invitation to come to her children? The mother is simply drawn towards her children when they need her. She knows every need, even before her child cries. 

Miracles do happen, but it is not a good thing to assume things without checking facts and turning them into a miracle. Therefore I didn’t end my search here. I asked the managing trustee of the Sri Soma Sai Skanda ashram, and the missing part of the mystery got solved.

After hearing from Dinesh about Mohanji’s change of plans and his intention to visit the Sri Soma Skanda Ashram, they officially invited him for lunch and the inauguration ceremony of the dispensary, despite the intern rule of the Trust to not invite any spiritual Gurus or Masters to the ashram during major functions like Swamy aradhana, and Sathya Sai birthday. The reason was understandable and simple. They all would be busy with function activities and probably would not be able to receive their official and holy guests with proper rituals. 

So, the actual miracle was that for Mohanji, the Trust members made an exception to their own rule. A miracle was that Mohanji came spontaneously, despite having other plans in Delhi. That it so happened that he had another function in Bangalore on the same day and could combine them conveniently.

Nico’s dream was part of the miracle, and our prayers that came true were part of the miracle. Our hearts being filled to the brim with love and joy was part of the miracle. Kannaiah’s presence and his being able to officially welcome Mohanji and attend to all his needs while Swami’s Indian disciples were busy with the function was part of the miracle.

Seeing Mohanji humbly bowing down in sincere respect to our Guru’s picture in his house, despite his own immeasurable spiritual status, was part of the miracle. Mohanji’s remark during our goodbye was that we were welcome in his ashram in Bangalore during the remainder of our stay in India was part of the miracle. 

Sita, Nico, Yvonne and I were blessed to spend three afternoons with Mohanji before we flew home, with many hours of satsang. And with blessings and hugs of dear Amma and Achan, his parents who felt very very close, eating with the family, attending aarathi, watching Mohanji in the set up for a live zoom session, meditating in the guestroom while he was doing some other work.

On the day before our flight, Mohanji served us our meal like a divine Mother. He served every item with his own hands and didn’t forget anybody or anything. Once again, during this journey, he proved that he is not only the embodiment of the Divine Father but the Divine Mother as well! 

These were sheer miracles and completely unexpected. On how we deserved this grace while Mohanji had such an incredibly busy life being involved in activities in 91+ countries, He answered (as I remember): ‘It is not easy to get to me like this. You have been involved with sadhana and with Masters for many years.’ 

We experienced so many blessed miracles on this journey that we had to ask ourselves: are we able to digest all this? As soon as I heard my limited thinking, I recognized the mind talk and directed my mind towards more elevated ways of watching the course of events: being with our Guru involves being open and limitless. There is nothing to digest. Digesting is limited to a person.

Being in divine presence requires simply flowing and experiencing the grace of every living moment. In the best-case scenario, there is only Him. My sincere prayer is: May we all be able to flow in Guru Consciousness, where there is no mine or me. Experience moment by moment. And as soon as we forget, may we wake up to his presence once again.

Experiences of Empowered 5 – Part 2

|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI ||

Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 4^th February 2023

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 Testimonials team

Experiences with Mohanji, India 2022 – Part 4

Linda Abrol, Netherlands

Yesterday afternoon, on the 31st of August, I had the unexpected good fortune of attending the Ganesh Charturti event with Mohanji, and I was still staying with Harish and Neetha, two dear friends I had not seen for a decade. Harish was, in succession to his father, Dharmadarshi NC Nannaiah, the Managing Trustee of the People’s Trust, a charity that had incessantly worked the past forty years for the welfare of eighteen of the poorest villages in the countryside around Bangalore.

After waking up at 4.30 this morning, I did my daily sadhana practices. When I opened my eyes, a beautiful surprise awaited me. The reflection of the candlelight, shining through the transparent frame of a small Shiva picture, created a cross of light on Mohanji’s heart on the picture behind it. From a physical point of view, the appearance of the cross was perfectly explainable, but it was a miracle for my heart and gave me an intense feeling of being connected. Born a Christian, the very first thought I had during the satsang with Mohanji in Onderdijk last year in 2021: ‘This is how the disciples of Jesus must have felt at the feet of their Master by the waterside two thousand years ago.’ I posted the picture on the Mohanji Netherland app, and this was the immediate and astonishing reaction that followed from Selma, one of the devotees: 

This is really remarkable… Early this morning, I did a prayer to Jesus. I said that I just wanted to be in his presence; I closed my eyes and just kept seeing Mohanji in front of me, I often feel Jesus and Mohanji as one energy, so I jokingly said to Jesus: ‘You will have to give a sign with a cross or something hahaha’.I fell asleep…and see this picture now that I just woke up!

After visiting the People’s Trust project in Sriramanahalli that day, we went to Mohanji’s home address, where we were expected at half past three. Because the main road to the airport had been blocked, it became a bumpy ride through small villages and fields, which made them silently wonder if we would be too late this time, too. But no, we were kindly received, and Mohanji entered his reception room after a few minutes, dressed in white cotton trousers, a plain cobalt blue t-shirt and his hair in a ponytail that had been twisted into a bun at the back of his head. It looked casual and gave us the feeling of talking to a good friend. He inquired about my trip to Kerala.

At Mohanji’s right hand was a beautiful, lifelike painting of himself. To my surprise and amazement, the booklet In Silence with Mohanji, which I had only recently written and was published by Gurulight, was leaning comfortably against his picture. It gave me an enormous feeling of connection and also recognition of the – for me – life-transforming experiences that are described in the book. Rajesh told me afterwards that Mohanji had placed the book there himself a few weeks ago and, in the meantime, had shown it to several people and also given it as a gift. That touched me tremendously and made me think of Swami Gopal Baba, my deceased Master. He, too, did not give direct compliments, but through others, one heard how happy he was with your work. 

A week earlier, a spontaneous thought had come to me: how wonderful would it be if Mohanji would come and visit the People’s Trust project. After all, People’s Trust had already committed itself for forty years to social work for eighteen of the poorest villages around Bangalore and had provided children from poor families with free schooling, nutritious food and much more. One never knew what cooperation or inspiration from both sides with Ammucare (Mohanji’s charity foundation in India) might result from it. Harish had brought a leaflet of the Trust and handed it to Mohanji. Mohanji looked at it calmly and agreed to come. The condition was that there would be no ceremony or garlands, gatherings, speeches, etc. He just wished to come incognito as a mere guest. That, too, is great, so Harish had no problem with that commitment. 

Soon our conversation became what could rightly be called a satsang. Mohanji visibly enjoyed answering the in-depth questions that were asked. When Milica came and pointed out the time and that his next meeting would start elsewhere, he replied nonchalantly: ‘Just tell them I’ll be there in twenty minutes. No, tell them to start already.’ The importance of silence was discussed at length, and briefly, he explained daily life techniques. Freely translated, the technique went like this: Imagine a busy road (symbolising all the mind matter and daily concerns), and on the other side, you see a quiet bench. Now stay focused only on the peace that the bench radiates. As if you were looking right over the passing cars and buses. After a while, there will only be silence. No matter how many cars pass by.

Mohanji also told us about the tremendously beneficial effect of Pitrupaksha, freeing you from the karma and inclinations of your ancestors. And he also said that even without giving annadaan to saints and the needy, you could already experience a great difference in your life by simply offering all your food and drink to the following six forms of Gods: 1. Ganesha, 2. Kul Devatas (to the God who your family worships), 3. Naga Devatas (High souls who return to earth in the form of snakes – nagas – because then they are most likely to be left alone and to function unseen as saviours of the consciousness of the world), 4. Ishta Devatas (your personal form of God), 5. Pitru Devatas (the ancestors), and 6. Gurus.

He spoke about how Mina (a devotee from Serbia) sat next to him on the floor in Novi Sad, Serbia, while he was busy with the messages on his phone. He heard her inwardly repeat the question: Who is Mohanji beyond the physical body? He looked up from his phone and told her to touch his big toe. Finally, after wondering about this question for five years, she got a fulfilling answer when Mohanji took her on a wondrous journey to the sun and through the universe. She has described her experience in a three-part blog. Mohanji asked me to share the link to her experience with one of the attendees, and now I am sharing it with you. Read the first part of her incredible experience: https://minaobradovic.wixsite.com/understandingtruth/post/mohanji-the-universe-a-true-experience 

He took all the time for us and, when a few more people arrived, for them too. Calm, interested, clear and loving as always, he asked us not to leave yet, but to remain seated while he spoke to the other guests. When he finally had to go, he asked us to stay for a meal. We felt at home and welcome and accepted the invitation with both hands.

The arathi in the house mandir started and was similar to the arathi during the Ganesh Chaturti event one day ago; anyone who wished could participate in the flame-waving. Being able to experience this sacred ceremony at Mohanji’s own home will certainly add a special dimension to my daily Mohanji-arathi at my home temple. Mohanji’s parents were watching with shining eyes, and I felt strongly attracted to them. Realising at that moment that calling Mohanji my bada Bhaya (big brother) included them to be my parents as well! While the others were in the living room, I had a long conversation with both of them. They did love the bustle in their house. There were people coming and going all the time. Mohanji’s father had been a surgeon and had worked till old age. If I remember correctly, he was seventy-two when he finally stopped performing surgeries. 

He told me that when he saw me, he thought: ‘I know her. I have seen her before, but where and when?’ Then he went to his sleeping room and returned with a triumphant look and a copy of my booklet. He pointed at the picture on the cover, showing Mohanji and me. That was why I had seemed familiar to him! Now he knew! He smiled. He had even read all my testimonials and therefore felt he already knew me. I was delighted. Mohanji’s father wondered why I did not write a thicker book about Mohanji. His idea was to add new experiences to the book and let it grow. Both parents were so sweet and involved. Mohanji’s mother was a woman of great integrity, and when I mentioned that because of their great example, the world had gained such a Divine Friend, tears ran down her cheeks. We looked deep into each other’s eyes and shared the emotion.

We had a delicious meal of dosa and puri, and when I asked Rajesh why he was not eating with us, he said that he had eaten before, and that his current habit was to eat no more than two meals a day. I smilingly asked him if that was difficult for him because I knew from translating Miraculous Days how fond he was of food. To which Aditya, president of Mohanji Foundation India, said that Rajesh had changed a lot. So he had not only given up smoking (as he wrote in the same book) but also eating a lot since he was with Mohanji. Transformation with Mohanji is unforced and lightning fast; I have had the feeling (and the experience). 

Rajesh, as coordinator of Gurulight, helped enormously with the process of translating and publishing MAST and In Silence with Mohanji, and I had never seen him in person, although we must have exchanged dozens if not hundreds of messages with each other. So he got not one but more than four hugs spread over arrival and departure. After which, I asked him if he had already received a hug from me. After a short photo session with all of us, we said goodbye smiling, satisfied, grateful and happy.

Three beautiful days with my friends later, my flight was leaving at 6 o’clock in the morning of the 4th of August. My loved ones at home were joking that they were doubting whether I was coming home this time or making a new impulsive decision again to stay in India. But this time, I arrived safe, grateful and immensely happy. Being inwardly connected to Mohanji all through the process, I felt safe, loved and cared for, and I was guided to the right people and given the right inspirations and prompts at all times. I had continued my daily Shiva Kavacham listening sessions every night in Vedasudha Hospital, and I felt confident that nothing untoward could happen to me. 

To be continued after the coming blood test results from the hospital in the Netherlands are released within two months…

Links: Pitru Paksha: https://www.facebook.com/sacredbharat/posts/pfbid0XFgpugrVEfhsVNbKv5EvSjeA1ywZAsZ81chctPPcXzUnBKvP7hxNZktFiacLoRFel(https://spiritualpracticecalendar.wordpress.com/)

|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI ||

Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 26^th November 2022

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 Testimonials team

Blessings with music

By Arvind CS and Eesha Arvind, Canada

Eesha and I visited Mohanji’s Datta Tapovan Ashram on August 27 2022, for the 4th-anniversary celebrations. We arrived just before the afternoon aarthi. Other devotees were present at the ashram, and Eesha was blessed with the opportunity to start the aarthi for Mohanji. The divine energy at the ashram was electric. I closed my eyes and could feel the energy enveloping me, taking me in its arms and swaying me in Baba’s infinite beauty. I am unable to find words to describe the feeling other than “Pure Bliss.” 

After the aarthi, we all got together for a nutritious and tasty lunch followed by lively discussions. One of the devotees, Aruna, shared her musical journey and her experiences with the group. She also shared her music along with songs sung by her father. Watching the videos and listening to the songs, Eesha, who was sitting next to Aruna, was getting excited. Eesha shared her musical journey also and one of her older videos of playing the sitar. During the discussions, we mentioned that Eesha has not been playing for over a year now, as she did not have a sitar. Listening to this, Aruna immediately shared that she has her father’s sitar and would be able to lend it to Eesha to practise. 

Eesha was always musically inclined, and she was taking sitar classes in Edmonton, which were discontinued due to our move in July 2021. We have been looking to purchase a sitar, but it has never happened for almost a year. The high cost of purchasing a new quality sitar was prohibitive, and other avenues of finding a sitar never materialized. 

Eesha was finally getting a sitar, and this was happening at the ashram in Mohanji’s and Baba’s presence. Both Eesha and I were very happy. As it slowly started sinking in, we were overwhelmed by the kindness and the grace of the Master, Mohanji. We had almost decided not to go to the ashram, but something in me compelled me to go. Mohanji orchestrated everything and made it all happen with so much grace and love. It was a wonderful experience for both Eesha and me. 

Following this, the very next day, Aruna invited us to her house for tea. The sitar holds many sentimental and emotional memories for Aruna and her family as it belonged to her late father. Aruna showed Eesha the sitar. Eesha was initially hesitant to play the sitar, but with encouragement she started playing a tune on the sitar, and the tune she remembered was “Om Sai Namo Namaha.” We brought the sitar home and kept it in front of Mohanji, thanking him for his love and graciousness.  

Eesha’s experience in her own words:

“The next day, I was sitting in front of our altar and looking at Mohanji’s picture. It looked like Mohanji was smiling at me. Then Mohanji’s aarti came to my mind, and I wanted to play it on the sitar. I wasn’t sure I would be able to play it, but I felt like I should at least give it a try. I started to play the strings and initially was having trouble getting the notes and the tune right. 

But something in me wanted to continue practising. After a few attempts, I got the rhythm of the aarthi and played it to mom. My mom recorded it and shared it with Aruna and her friends. Later in the day, mom shared that Mohanji liked it. I was very happy. It was suggested that I do a video recording. I did not want to do this and was very hesitant. Mohanji gave me the idea to make an audio recording. I practiced the next day and stayed up late perfecting the aarthi and recording it.”

Often times when my parents ask me to play or practise the sitar, I really don’t want to play it, but when I sit in front of Mohanji, the music just takes over, and it flows through me. I forget everything, and it’s just me and my sitar, and it’s like someone else is playing the sitar. 

Thank you, Mohanji, for your grace and blessings. I would like to continue playing the sitar, perfecting the art and sharing it with everyone to enjoy.”

|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI ||

Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 15^th September 2022

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 Testimonials team

Presence without presence

By Mahesh Bhalerao, Canada

When you love Mohanji from the bottom of the heart, Mohanji does appear, you can feel and observe Mohanji’s presence. It happens with awareness and if your sentiments are strong, you can undoubtedly feel Mohanji’s presence.

We have all had so many experiences in the past; however, Mohanji Datta Tapovan (MDT) Ashram, Toronto, is a place where you can strongly feel Mohanji’s presence even though he is physically not present at the ashram site. Mohanji’s last visit in June 2019 was very powerful and a strong presence of Guru Mandala was experienced because we had Mohanji Acharya training conducted by Mohanji at the MDT Ashram. After finishing the program, Mohanji left for his next destination on June 27th, 2019, and while leaving when I went to see him, I was feeling very nervous and sad, and Mohanji said to me, “I am going, however, I am not going, you will feel me.”

This beautiful experience unfolded whereby I felt his presence in his room, very soon after Mohanji leaving Canada.

At Mohanji Datta Tapovan Ashram, Mohanji has a room and when I went inside the room on June 28th, 2019, I felt Mohanji’s strong presence and he gave me his darshan sitting on his usual chair. I could see with my eyes that he was sitting on his chair.

This may sound delusional, and I too was carrying the same thought. Maybe it was a hallucination. However, my doubt was cleared by one more evidence of Mohanji’s presence at the ashram. This time it was his footprint on the cushion, which Mohanji normally uses under his feet, whenever he sits in the main sitting area near the fireplace. My son Neerav also confirmed the same and then I realised that it was not a hallucination and his presence was evident and true. Later, when Sanjay Bhai came, he also saw the same and confirmed the presence of the footprint as Mohanji’s presence without presence.

Even after one year, on June 19th, 2020, at 3:30 am, I heard a noise in Mohanji’s room. Because of the Early Birds Club, I was awake and ready to do my daily Sadhana. I heard a noise and my first thought was, what was that noise and who might be in that room early at 3:30 am? I really felt that someone was in that room.

I checked the door and it was locked. The second thought was it must be Mohanji, and I opened the door and went inside, putting the diya (lamp) in front of the Sai idol. I could feel a presence, had goosebumps and literally felt the energy source moving around exactly as if someone was walking in the room behind me.

I realised that it was Mohanji’s energy as his favourite perfume smell in the room at the time was very strong. As I was sitting there thinking in my mind if this was real, there was a noise in the room again, this time it was from the washroom. My joy had no boundaries as Mohanji was responding to my thoughts. I prayed to Mohanji that I was very happy, my Father/Baba (Mohanji) was present with me on my birthday, and as usual, started crying and was on the floor doing Sashtang Namaskara (prostrations). After a while, I left the room thinking that if this is all real, I would like to see Mohanji in any physical form.

After performing the Kakad aarati, while I was at Lord Dattatreya’s temple around 8:15 am, I saw an unusual movement on the ground near the temple. Curious and a little upset as I thought that someone had thrown some garbage on the ground, I went closer and realised it was moving. After taking a good look, I realised that it was a turtle! I ran back to the basement kitchen to bring some food for it. I was happy to see the turtle because at the same time last year when Mohanji was at the ashram, we saw a turtle, and that turtle was referred to as Maha Vishnu Swarup (a form of Lord Vishnu).

 

For me, it was darshan of my Maha Vishnu MOHANJI, my Father had shown me his physical presence in a unique way. For me anything and everything is Mohanji, as it says in Mohanji’s aarati, ‘Bhagavan Brahma Vishnu and Shiva Swarup, which is nothing but Lord Dattatrya as one.

I believe that Mohanji himself appeared in the form of a turtle showing me his Vishnu Swarup. I did Vishnu Shastra names chanting and Lord Dattatreya’s aarati. My strong belief is that Mohanji is a Swarup of Lord Dattatraya and his consciousness resides in all living beings as well as in the smallest living sukshma (subtle or intangible), beings on Earth.

My humble and loving gratitude to Mohanji for showing me his presence in the Mohanji Datta Tapovan Ashram in such a beautiful and tangible way.

 

|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI||

Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 5^th July 2020

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 Testimonials Team

 

Guru Mohana Raksha Homa

Bhavani Nair and Ami Hughes share with us their experiences on the power of the Guru Mohana Raksha Homa being conducted regularly by our dear Mahesh Bhalerao at the Ashram in Canada! Distance is never a constraint and all that is required is pure intent! 

By Bhavani Nair, USA

Lately, I have been going through a difficult process of churning and accepting life events and situations that are flowing in my direction. I recently became a Mohanji Acharya, we moved to a new home, and I even received a new name! All these brought in energies that were welcoming, confusing and overwhelming all at once! With so many changes, it was hard to find some stable ground under my own two feet, but my faith and belief in Father (Mohanji) has been my anchor. I believe he is the best anchor one can have in a lifetime, and having had so many situations thrown at me at once, I wondered how and where I got the energy to handle everything so effortlessly?

A little bit of background on the situation here. At our Acharya training, we were advised by Mohanji that we should all support the Canada ashram in whatever way we can. I took it upon myself as a sankalpa (intention) that I should contribute something to the ashram for some time since we had received so much love, care, laughter and comfort of a home there. During this time, the news about a homa came out from the Canada team. I didn’t think much about it at that time since I was content with everything in my life and the recent homa conducted at the Kailash Mansarovar yatra; although thousands of miles apart, I felt the energies of it here in the USA. But I guess the higher powers wanted me to go ahead with the homa that was being offered in Canada. A couple of days into the announcement, I was asked by another devotee in the USA to participate in the upcoming homa and help the ashram. Once again, I didn’t feel the push, but something made me contact the team to let me participate since I was donating to the temple anyway. I requested them and was advised they will take care of everything and all I had to do was provide them with some information from my end. I wasn’t too sure about what to tell them, so I left the question for some time.

A couple of weeks went by and I saw someone post pictures of the homa done in Canada on a Whatsapp chat, and it occurred to me that I never followed up with the team. So, on the same day, I contacted Mahesh Bhai and he told me that he can do it on the following day. I told him that wasn’t going to work because we were going through the Pitru Paksha period (honouring one’s ancestors), and it wasn’t an auspicious time to do anything related to purchasing anything new, starting something long term or conducting any poojas. So, I requested him to perform the homa during Navratri (nine nights of celebrating the Goddess) time and Chitra Nakshatra (birth star of Lord Sripada Srivallabha). He advised me that the day I requested wasn’t possible since he was conducting prayers in his home but told me not to worry as he will conduct it sometime during Navratri and will text me the night before. I was okay with that since any day during Mother’s Navratri is auspicious. By this time, I decided that I wanted the homa conducted for my children since they were enrolled in a new school and could use the extra blessings.

As Navratri rolled in, we conducted a little housewarming prayer in our home to bring in the auspiciousness of Mother’s energy. The following morning, I woke up feeling very drained and with muscle ache. These things usually happen when one is about to get sick. I took it as a cleansing from the puja the day earlier and the energy of Mother Goddess working on subtle levels. Feeling drained and exhausted physically, I felt completely disconnected from everyone at home and on social media. My thoughts were to completely disconnect and just be with myself. Finally, on Thursday, October 3, 2019, the negativity took a turn for the worse and I felt completely unworthy, jealous, not good enough and all the comparisons that can happen in one’s mind came up. I knew deep down this was my mind’s play and being aware of this made the process easier. Despite feeling negative emotions, a wonderful awareness flowed within my consciousness. I realized that everything that has happened in my life thus far since meeting Mohanji has been done only by him. All the doubts, pain, pleasure, happiness, love, envy, shortcomings, anger were created by him to help me grow. If he gave me anger, he also provided the solution. He brought obstacles, but also brought in new ways of thinking. He brought confusion, only to resolve something that needed to get resolved. It truly felt like I was being given a window to glimpse that it was him all along and I just needed to be here in full awareness to experience and move along in my progression.

After this feeling, I thanked him for letting me get a peek into something that cannot be perceived with the naked eyes but can only be felt by grace. In the evening, as we started Mohanji’s aarati, I got really upset at my daughter for something very silly. The root cause was once again a feeling of not being worthy or smart enough. Since childhood, I have always felt that I wasn’t the brightest child. I had to work extra hard to earn everything, and that pattern extended into every aspect of my life. I always watched my friends and family in awe at how things worked out for them without even giving too much effort. But later in my life I realized, my mind was never attuned to the material way of life, it flourished in connecting to the divine and in that I realized my strength. Later, self-acceptance came with Mohanji’s teachings. So, as my anger took a turn, I started crying for no apparent reason; all while Mohanji’s aarati was in process. My little daughter came and sat on my lap to help me calm down. The older daughter, after being yelled at, also came to console me. Looking back, what I felt at that moment was Baba’s love, which has the energy to pierce one’s heart center and brings forth pain that needs to get resolved. I had experienced this pain during the Pran Prathishta (energizing the Idol) of the Sai Baba idol in 2018. This pain has the healing power which can only be felt after it has cleared all that wasn’t necessary. That night, after the big sob, I was drained and went to bed.

The next morning, I woke up knowing I had dreamt about Baba, Mahesh, and the others, but wasn’t sure about the content of the dream. I made a mental note to text Mahesh about the homa since Navratri was almost over, and I had not heard anything from him. As with kids, chores took over and I completely forgot about the dream I had earlier. Later in the morning, I received a text in a local girl chat that there was a homa done in Canada for Jaya and family. Upon glancing at this message, I texted Mahesh right away and informed him that I saw him in my dream and wanted to know about the date of the homa. He texted me back, “You were informed that homa was done successfully in your dream.” I thought, “Does this man always joke and talk in riddles?” Then he told me the homa was conducted yesterday on Thursday, October 3, but since it was a busy day at the ashram, he had forgotten to text me. Along with that message, he sent me some pictures as well. As I glanced through the pictures, I could see Mohanji’s presence in the fire pit and realized that the homa was done during his birth star. After receiving this news, everything that had happened in the last few days made sense to me. I was asked to share this experience with others to show the Guru’s leela (play). However, I felt too disconnected from social media, and I felt vulnerable to share my emotions, but I informed Mahesh that if Mohanji wishes, I will certainly do so. Later that evening, while cleaning I sensed my heart center expanding and getting warm. I have Mohanji’s picture in my kitchen and felt him telling me to share with others as our Tradition encourages us to share these magical experiences to strengthen our faith and belief in the Guru.

The homa which I thought was just meant for my children, brought blessings to my whole family. It was later revealed by the Canada team that they will be naming the homa Guru Mohana Raksha Homa (Mohanji’s Protection Homa). I had no idea that I had signed up for such an auspicious event. In hindsight, it was for the best since my mind is too active and would have conjured up unnecessary things and that would have blocked the natural course of events to take place. Once again, it was all under the guidance of Mohanji and all I had to do was just be present and listen to my inner voice. I am grateful to the Canada team for helping us despite their struggles. It has been a great honour to be part of their journey since the commencement of the Ashram. Thank you Mohanji, for making all this happen even without myself being aware as you are omnipresent and know what is best for each one of us. All we need to do is follow our inner voice and let him do the rest.

Jai Mohanji, and Jai Gurudev Datta.

 

By Ami Hughes, South Africa

It was about a week to go to the Mohanji Acharya Training – Level 1 in Andrevlje, Serbia, and I was exceedingly blessed to be able to attend it for a second time as a refresher. Well not only that, I was miraculously able to attend the ‘Ignite Your Inner Flame’ retreat with Mohanji in Mt. Kopaonik – on the heels of the Acharya Training as well. Just how cool is that!

I couldn’t believe how effortlessly all the arrangements fell into place, including the worrisome matter of leave from work. That too worked out – albeit not without a few anxious moments initially. I was agog. Talk about Guru’s Grace. It was amply evident.

The timing of the Guru Mohana Raksha Homa was also almost on cue. I was consumed by this … er … ‘little’ matter of internal/external purification before I left for the Balkan country. I wanted my entire being to be cleansed in the sacred homa – the blazing fire of Shiva – so that I went to the Balkans empty of all mind/matter/ego concepts.

Trishul

The Letter M

Mahesh Bhalerao, who conducts the homas at Datta Tapovan in Canada, was quite amused when I asked whether a little bronze figurine – representing this lower self with its associated bindings and limiting concepts could be offered into the fire for annihilation.

My flight out was set for Saturday, 13 Oct 2019, and I was hoping the homa would be done on Guru Day – on a Thursday before I travelled. However, Mahesh said it would possibly be held on Saturday, not ideal for me because of international travel. OK, then Saturday it is, I said to myself. My husband and sister-in-law were also included in the family homa. Five other families were also participating.

So on Thursday then, from around 18:15 ish local time, I started feeling very irritable. My body began to experience inexplicable weird sensations. My legs, especially the right began to feel strangely numb. I did not know where to place my body, nor what to do with it. The irritation level heightened. I felt IRRITATED with everything … with myself … my life … with just about everything. On some abstract level, I felt a little alarmed wondering what was happening to me! Then a flash of that light-bulb moment! The Guru Mohana Raksha Homa was taking place. I was in the throes of deep cleaning and purification. The homa was being conducted in Canada and I was feeling its powerful effects continents and oceans away!

Now I was in full ‘Awareness’ mode and began to accept and flow through whatever was happening. I was in no doubt that what I was feeling was due to the homa. Some 45 minutes later, my body began to be softly blanketed in an unusual calmness – a kind of ‘suspended’ stillness. I felt distanced from the room I was in and everything in it. I recognised a feeling of energy expansion. It began to surge, almost comfortingly through to my head, hands, and palms. The gentle fire moved to the centre of my chest and it got stronger. Then the heat intensified as it moved to my spine and the back of my chest. By this time I was almost in an altered state – but in full awareness.

I realised something. In that blessed state, ‘I’ knew I could heal as the fire was that of potent Life. This beautiful blanket of fire was powerful. I automatically extended my hands out, holding my palms in blessing … intending with all my heart for the magnificence of the energy flooding and flowing through me to reverently touch my beloved Master Mohanji and his family, in the deepest love and gratitude, to Mother Earth … to all elemental life, the animals, the atoms and cells of my bodies to everything, to all life, including my husband and family, and our ancestors and lineages.

 

This went on for quite a while. I was in the holy arms of the divine, in the universal flow, that state of Beingness without comparison called Love. Gradually as the ‘gentle powerful’ fire began to ease, I became more aware of my physical body and immediate surroundings. Yes, the Guru Mohana Raksha Homa had indeed taken place. Mahesh only confirmed this much later on. By then I needed no confirmation. I had already had the most tangible, powerful experiences of purification, transcendence and healing, and found it to be pure and transcendent love.

Dear Mahesh, thank you for facilitating and conducting the homa. May the grace of the Guru empower and bless you always.

How do I feel now?

I feel gratitude for the unforgettable experience, and a sense of deep purification, increasing stillness within, more expansion into love, which personally translates into alignment with the Source. This is what Mohanji has done for me. It is called Guru Raksha – being constantly under the powerful radiance and protection of the Guru or Master; and I need no convincing that Mohanji whom I consider my Spiritual Father and the pure essence of the eternally flowing river of brilliant golden light, is always with me.

To you Mohanji, all praise, all gratitude, all thanks and love.

 

 

|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI||

Compiled, Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 14^th November 2019

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 Testimonials Team

Thankful, grateful, and blessed

By Shyama Jeyaseelan, UK

Preparations are on for the 4th Mohanji Acharya training in Serbia in October. I am very blessed to be attending this training again. The excitement of being able to see Mohanji in a few days time is growing day by day. Messages on the phone about the details of travelling, booking accommodations and transport in Serbia are taking place. Emails are being exchanged. As all this is happening, I’m reminded often of the many joyous moments that I had experienced during the Mohanji Acharya training in Canada, that I attended in June 2019. It was a privilege to attend the programme, to be a part of a very special group and spend so much time in the presence of Mohanji during that week.

There were many times when we were not even sure if the training in Canada was going to happen. Dates were changed a few times too and I was beginning to think that I would not be able to make it due to work and home commitments. But Mohanji’s grace was at play and a wonderful group of people met in Ontario, Canada for the 3rd Mohanji Acharya training. It was a small group. 15 excited people looking forward to the training were joined by 5 already trained Acharyas.

Acharya group

Every day brought so many beautiful moments. Words are not enough to express the joy and love we all received from Mohanji. Sitting at his feet, soaking in his energy, and learning from the Master himself, it was more than a dream come true. And the Mohanji Canada team were simply wonderful. They welcomed us like family, worked so hard to take care of us all, and gave us so much love. My heartfelt gratitude and love go to the whole team for all their hard work.

As Mohanji says, “Most relationships are conditional, based on expectations, if you do this for me, I’ll do this for you. It is sometimes transactional. But in a spiritual family, it is never transactional. It is never conditional and there are no expectations. Love is unconditional. When you are in such a family, you know you are at home.”

Despite the many uncertainties of where to have the training, the final decision of the venue made all our hearts sing with joy! We were in the most beautiful place, surrounded by nature. There was a lovely pond, acres of woods, unusual birds and friendly chipmunks who were a joy to watch. However, having a Shirdi Sai Baba temple at the venue, along with statues of a beautiful Lord Dattatreya and other deities, filled the entire premises with so much energy.

Lifeguard

Each day left us with memories to cherish. One such memory is taking a special photo with Mohanji. One day, Mohanji came into the training room, wearing a beautiful red vest top and a colourful bandana. He looked so cute and during the discussions in the morning, I was thinking it would be so lovely to have a picture with Mohanji in this attire. Usually camera shy, I tend to hide away when pictures are being taken and I was surprised at myself as this thought persisted during the course of the morning.

As we broke up for lunch, Mohanji, as usual, spent a few minutes speaking with those who wanted a few moments with him, before going in. As I hovered near him, Mohanji finished speaking with the last person and turned towards me with a smile. Unsure if I was troubling him with my request, I hesitantly said, “Mohanji, you look so beautiful, can we have a picture with you please?” Without any hesitation, he promptly said, “Of course, does everyone want one?” It was a unanimous, “Yes please!”

Mohanji with Shyama

Mohanji patiently stood near the doorway while each person took a picture with him. Taken by George, the pictures were stunning. The vibrant red of the vest, the bandana, and the cool shades made Mohanji look so amazing. But most of all, the words on the vest, ‘Lifeguard’ was just perfect! The loving Guru, the Eternal Charioteer, the Guardian of our life and soul, was fulfilling yet another loving wish. Thank you dearest Mohanji, for this precious picture that we are all blessed to have.

Laughter the best medicine

During the training, we were all asked to do a short presentation. Although much better at it now, the thought of public speaking leaves me a nervous wreck. As it got closer to my turn, I could literally feel myself turn to jelly. Most people were wonderful at presenting and it was inspiring to watch them speak with so much confidence.

Jaya, who spoke at the end, is a beautiful person. She has an amazing capacity to remember all that Mohanji was saying. If during the group discussions I had a doubt, I knew she will have the answer. Her turn was at the end, and as with the others, we expected Mohanji to ask for feedback from the group.

After a few moments of silence, Mohanji started laughing. He was laughing so hard that tears were streaming down his face and he was rocking from side to side. I really thought he might fall off the chair. It was hilarious to watch him and we were all laughing not knowing why, but because his laughter was so infectious. In between the laughter, he managed to tell us what he was visualising and of course, that made us laugh harder. Mohanji, in the end, said she’s like a cuddly teddy bear with an AK-47, verbally firing away at the audience with her superb knowledge.

After feeling so tense, which I know was very unnecessary, it was a great way to finish the day. All the tension melted away and I was left feeling so grateful to Jaya who made Mohanji laugh so much. Jaya later said she felt deep gratitude for the grace and blessing to have been the cause for making Yogi Nath Shiva laugh! I have never seen him laugh like this in the years I’ve known him and am so grateful for this joyful memory. As you can imagine, I’ve got a huge grin on my face while writing this.

 

Lotus feet

One day, during the mid-morning break, Mohanji stayed back in the training room, talking casually, while a few people sat around him, near his feet. A couple of the ladies started to massage his feet and I know what a blessing it is to have such an opportunity. It happened so naturally and it was beautiful to see the joy in their faces. Wishing I could join them, I just sat and listened to the conversation flowing around me. Being an introvert is a nuisance at times, especially when one wants to be physically near and interact with the Master. But he knows each one’s inner-most thoughts and blesses us in the most unexpected ways.

On Thursday mornings, abhishekam (ritual bathing) to the Shirdi Sai Baba statue is done in the temple. On the first Thursday of the training, we all had the privilege of watching Mohanji bathe, dry, apply perfume and decorate the statue. Mohanji’s focus, love, and reverence while performing the rituals were amazing to witness. The energy created was so powerful and it enabled us all to feel Baba’s presence very much. We were also fortunate to take part in this abhishekam.

The day before Mohanji was leaving Canada, on Thursday, abhishekam was being done again. I was watching the Canada team do the rituals, their love for Baba mirroring Mohanji. Suddenly Sanjay beckoned me forward. Giving me some perfume oil in the hand, he asked me to apply it to Baba’s feet.

I was overjoyed! Sitting at the lotus feet of Baba and applying perfume to the feet that felt so much alive, I felt as if Mohanji was fulfilling my desire to massage his feet. As I realised this, my heart simply melted. Tears of joy and gratitude formed. It was also a reminder to me that Mohanji’s physical form represents the Tradition which encompasses all Masters of the Datta Tradition. At that point, Shirdi Sai, Sathya Sai, and Mohanji, all became one. I was at the feet of the Tradition, being showered with love and blessings. My most humble and loving gratitude to the Masters of this beautiful Tradition.

Kailash to Canada

A couple of days after the training had started, when talking with one of the Canada team members, I realised that Mohanji was leaving Canada two days after the training finished. We had all made arrangements to leave on the last day of the training or the next day. I had made plans to be picked up on the last day too.

The morning after this conversation, I was thinking to myself that I would love to stay the extra night to spend more time with Mohanji. I was reluctant to ask anyone as we had to vacate the house as planned and I did not want to trouble anyone from the Canada team, they were already doing so much for us.

At lunchtime, I was walking towards the lunch hall, speaking to my husband back in England. Suddenly, I realised Mohanji was feeding or watching the chipmunks on the bird feeding stand and George was taking photos. Not wanting to intrude, I stepped aside and put my phone away to be silent.

As Mohanji turned to go inside, he spotted me lurking near the bushes and said, “Ah Shyama, come inside.” A little startled at this unexpected request, I thought perhaps Mohanji wanted to ask me something about the UK team and followed him inside.

Mohanji was about to have his lunch, and so sweetly, asked me to join him. I don’t know why, but I was so surprised that George had to literally push me into one of the chairs to make me sit down. And the first thing he said to me was, “When are you leaving for London?” The in-dweller of our hearts, the one who knows all our thoughts and desires, gave me the opportunity to tell him my plans and also ask if I could stay an extra night. And ever so graciously Mohanji said, “Welcome, welcome any time,” leaving me feeling totally accepted and loved.

Staying that extra night and day with Mohanji and the Canada team fulfilled another desire, something that I had not consciously wished for, but think of, almost every day. It has taught me with no room for doubts that our thoughts, whether positive or negative, make a huge impact on our lives. Mohanji says, “What you talk to yourself is your destiny. What you talk inside are commands to the inner universe which the outer universe reciprocates. Watch your thoughts.”

During my Kailash pilgrimage in 2016, after the dip, I had watched a couple do pradakshina (circumambulation) to Mohanji on the banks of Mansarovar. Their love and devotion to Mohanji were palpable and I had thought how very blessed they were. The prayer below is one of my favourites and whenever I say it, I would remember this incident.

On the last day of Mohanji’s visit to Canada, after the morning aarati, while he was standing before Baba, we all did pradakshina (circumambulation) to Mohanji. What a wonderful blessing it was to do pradakshina to the Guru who is the focal point of my life; the centre, source, and essence of my life.

This was something beyond a desire or a wish. I don’t know what penance I had done in the past to deserve such a divine blessing. We were all emotional, knowing Mohanji was leaving in a few hours. Our hearts were overflowing with love, devotion, and gratitude. As we prostrated, Mohanji’s feet were being washed with our tears. Every time I think of that moment, my heart expands with love for this precious gift.

“When the mind is with the Master, you are with the Master. When your body is with the Master, there’s no guarantee you are with the Master. Your mind is elsewhere, that’s where you are. It’s not that you’re not visiting Shirdi or you are not in Shirdi, it doesn’t matter. If your mind is in Shirdi, you are in Shirdi. If your mind is with the Master, you are with the Master.” Mohanji

My Acharya training was something which was beyond what I had imagined. Many more incidents, all filled with grace, reminds me that when we surrender with love, humility, and gratitude, grace flows. I recently read this quote, “Life is a series of thousands of miracles. Notice them.” With Mohanji in my life, this is so very true. Big and small miracles remind me that He is with me and within me, every moment.

May I always remain thankful, grateful, and blessed at his lotus feet.

 

|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI||

Compiled, Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 3^rd October 2019

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