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 meetMaharaj 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, 3rd 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.
‘We booked tickets to Skanda Vale and got a room even though everything was said to be full!’ Sita is clearly touched when she shares the good news with me. For it was in Skanda Vale that she married Nico, during the time when Swami Subramanian was alive, more than 45 years ago. It was the most beautiful time of their lives. They preferred to live there permanently.
I had not made a decision to go to the UK until then because the excitement of Mohanji’s stay in the Netherlands (early June 2022) a week prior to this call was still tangible in my cells, and I was integrating all experiences. But there were only a few days left, and I really had to decide now before everything was full and sold out. Still, I was relaxed because if Mohanji wanted me to come, it would work out anyway.
Skanda Vale had a certain attraction for me. Why? I did not know. I had never even seen a picture of the ashram or Guru Subramanian, the inspirator and initiator. But the sound in Sita’s voice when she told of her desire to visit Skanda Vale again and the prospect of a week in divine and natural surroundings sounded very attractive to me. It felt special and familiar at the same time. And when I heard that they would most probably be on the same plane as Mohanji, who would also go to Skanda Vale, I was convinced.
For over thirty years, with countless blessings from my beloved Masters, it had never happened that I had been on a plane with my Guru. Only a few small problems to tackle:
A plane that was full.
No place to sleep.
A ticket sale that could come to a close at any moment.
I decided to call Selma – who was very familiar with Skanda Vale – to ask if she would know of a place to sleep somewhere near the ashram since there were no more available rooms in the ashram. Selma liked the prospect of us coming so much that she immediately offered that she and Peter would sleep in the camper and I could sleep in Peter’s room. She had even spoken to him about the possibility beforehand!
‘And you should book the June 24 event soon because Vijay is about to close ticket sales as we speak this afternoon. He’s just waiting for you! I will then bring you a comforter, pillowcase, towels, thick woollen cardigan, and anything else you might need. It’s a very small wooden shack with no bathroom or toilet, though. Do you mind?’ No, of course not! I had no expectations, so everything was a bonus.
How could it be that she had already talked to Peter about the possibility of my coming, and how could it be that Vijay was waiting for my ticket request? And how could it be that Selma and Peter were willing to squeeze themselves into a camper with three children to grant me a room at the ashram and that she was also willing to arrange bedding, towels and clothing for me? If this wasn’t a higher plan?
The cold was a bit worrisome because just two weeks before, I had received the diagnosis ‘cold agglutination’ from the haematologist, a fairly rare condition that belongs to the autoimmune varieties. The blood attacks itself when it gets cold. It will then start to clot, and red blood cells get destroyed. But with all the help Selma so spontaneously offered, it could only work out well, right? It was too surprising for words.
Within the record time of half an hour, I had a room, a ticket for the event at the end of the week in London, about the last plane ticket to Manchester, and an extra night’s accommodation on the night before the event. And someone was showing so much care for even the smallest details of my comfort! Being able to book such a complicated trip so quickly and surprisingly felt like a warm welcome and divine grace.
My husband took us all to the airport on June 20. There were huge crowds at Schiphol Airport due to major staff shortages and long lines blocking the counters. Due to physical problems, Sita had booked airport assistance for Nico, so we sailed with the help of a friendly assistant along each row and were at the right gate in no time.
Loes, Sita’s girlfriend, apprised us every few minutes of the whereabouts of Mohanji’s plane from Belgrade, which she followed via a sky scanner app on her phone. But their plane turned out to be delayed, and with our simple calculation, it didn’t seem possible that they were going to catch the plane to Manchester. I prayed quickly, and then Loes reported that our plane was also delayed. That would solve the problem, I thought gratefully, because once in my life, taking off with my Guru, even if only in kilometres instead of energy frequency, felt like an unexpected blessing I had never had the chance to experience before.
One often reads in books on Sathya Sai Baba about people ending up in the skies with him, and somewhere deep inside, it must have settled in me as an unconscious wish. And my experience is that the Guru makes every wish come true even if you don’t know you have it. For years I have been trying to be without expectations towards the Guru. My way of dealing with desires was: I noticed them. If it was a good desire, I would picture the outcome, feel the happiness of it and let it go. And it has produced the most wonderful experiences.
I even thought that my Guru Swami Gopal Baba, who passed away in 2020, had already fulfilled all my unconscious and conscious desires that a devotee can have. He was masterful at that, with divine timing and precision.
At one point, we heard that we would probably leave at the scheduled time after all, to the relief of many and the sadness of us. Mohanji’s plane had yet to land, and to get out and arrive at the right terminal and gate on time would be a witch’s errand. Would he start running if he had to? Sita got antsy and started walking up and down the hall looking for Mohanji and the team.
When she came back, I burst out, “Look! Behind you!” I threw everything off – including my bag with all my important papers, passport and cards that I always guarded like a guard dog when travelling – and flew up to greet Mohanji. His arms were immediately wide open, and his smile radiant. What a welcome! And they had made it! Miraculous. When I commented on it, Mohanji said, “I ran.” With which he immediately answered my unspoken question.
He gave me a second warm hug. What had I done to deserve that? No idea. And why should I wonder? His love has no limits. Because I was so absorbed in his presence, I accidentally went through boarding with him while my section was still far from being called. On board, it felt like the entire plane was sparkling with Mohanji’s energy.
Even though, of course, I saw nothing of him during the trip. I didn’t even want to read my brought book. Just enjoying the energy because when do you experience something like this? ‘Live like it’s your last day’ became very tangible. At Manchester airport, I lost Sita and Nico. Since they were in front of me on the plane, I assumed they were already at the baggage claim and quickly walked over. No Sita and Nico but Mohanji, who was waiting for his bags.
Meanwhile, he was fumbling with the Wi-Fi connection, which wasn’t working, and he said it was probably because he didn’t like all that messaging but had to; otherwise others would complain that he wasn’t answering. I mentioned that I had lost Sita and Nico, and as the suitcases began to roll onto the conveyor belt, I wondered aloud which ones were theirs again. Without a moment’s thought, Mohanji looked up from his cell phone for a moment and, pointing to a burgundy suitcase, he said casually, “I think this one,” and continued searching for a Wi-Fi connection.
To my utter surprise, when I turned the suitcase, I saw that it was indeed the one. Sita had tied a red ribbon to the handle. I smiled warmly and said, “That’s what happens when one travels with divinity.” We both laughed. Sita, who had just arrived, asked why we were laughing, and I explained to her. Mohanji simply added, “I see those things,” – so ‘matter-of-factly’ that you would think it was nothing special.
Masters at airports have something very special. Years ago, when we waved goodbye to Swami Gopal Baba at Schiphol Airport, the clasp of my backpack was tangled in my hair, and my mother tried to undo it gently. It was a hassle. Swami suddenly watched the spectacle with a laser look, and the clasp came loose.
A seemingly useless miracle but with great meaning. It probably helped me detach from my identification with the personality, whose clues were all in the bag, such as ID, bank cards, etc. What would this suitcase miracle mean except the proof that Mohanji is hugely involved, even in the smallest details, despite knowing and leading thousands of people. A ‘superhero’, Ana Divac (Guru Leela volume 3) would say.
At the Luton Airport, Mohanji was lovingly welcomed by Vijay, Subhasree and others. Pictures could not be taken since Tea’s suitcase with her camera equipment was missing. In the parking lot, I heard Mohanji say that we should go somewhere for lunch. Because he felt the gnawing hunger of all the people, and he could not stand it. He doesn’t think about himself. He feels what others feel and reacts.
We stopped at a Mexican restaurant after a short drive along the way. Not only flying with my Guru but also driving together (not in the same car, as we were sitting with Rahul) and eating together on the road were unconscious wishes that I thought I had let go of for a long time. Seeing those wishes fulfilled made my heart sing.
At the restaurant, we were all seated at a table. And I realised that this was the second time I ate together with Mohanji at the table. Just like a few months ago in London after the BE YOU event in April. That was enough for me to consider the whole trip a loving sequence of unexpected, beautiful moments. Were they in my stars, or had they ended up there spontaneously by ‘fresh’ Mohanji’s grace?
Mohanji was seated opposite Vijay, the president of Mohanji Foundation UK, and showed him his hand with a beautiful ring with nine stones. An amazing story followed, which turned out to be really significant. For the world ánd for Mohanji. And a little bit for me, for it turned out to be the answer to my prayer, which I will describe later.
During an interview, Sathya Sai Baba materialized a diamond ring for Dirk van de Wijngaard (different from this ring). But Dirk was not interested in the ring. What was the value of a ring when the Divine Maker, who was infinitely more important to him, was sitting right in front of him? When he found out that the ring was incredibly valuable in terms of money, he cried all night. Not out of happiness but out of sheer pain. He didn’t want gold or diamonds. He wanted only God!
Please read the beautiful and authentic testimonial of Biljana and Dirk about the miraculous way the diamond ring turned into a nine-stone Protection Ring that ended up on Mohanji’s finger. Dirk, in his characteristic, childlike innocence and modesty, had expressed his sincere desire to remain anonymous as the giver of the ring to Mohanji. But he had not taken into account that Mohanji had different plans. I am getting the feeling that the anonymity thing didn’t work out very well after Mohanji himself told about the divine gift to different people. Then Dirk surrendered to Mohanji’s will and shared the amazing ‘Protection-Ring story’ with the world:
Let’s look at the amazing significance of this Protection-Ring-event! In Miraculous Days with Mohanji, the book of Rajesh Kamath that every devotee should read and that I am translating at the moment, I have just read: He (Tyagananda) took out a long rudraksha mala (a string of prayer beads) and put it around Mohanji’s neck. He then narrated the story of the mala and the reason for his advent. This mala was worn by his Guru’s Guru, Swami Poornananda. He said that Swami Poornananda had done hundreds of millions of chants on this very mala. Swami Poornananda attained mahasamadhi on April 6, 2000.
Before this event, he handed over the mala to Tyagananda and said, “One day, you will meet a powerful Master. Give this mala to him.” Tyagananda asked, “How will I recognise him?” Swami Poornananda replied, “His third eye will be like a blazing sun. You won’t fail to recognise him.” When he left Hyderabad, Tyagananda had doubts about Mohanji – whether Mohanji was a real Guru and whether Mohanji was the person to receive the mala. But now that he had met Mohanji, he was convinced that he had to come here to accomplish the task of handing over the mala entrusted to him by his Guru’s Guru fourteen years ago.
Let’s just look at the similarities! A great Master (Swami Poornananda) recognised Mohanji’s divine and omnipotent nature and stature through a gift through his disciple (Tyagananda), many years after his mahasamadhi.
And here we are; Sri Sathya Sai Baba, a Divine Master and avatar, left a gift for Mohanji to be given to him by a disciple who recognised him. And that too, many years after his mahasamadhi. And like Tyagananda, Dirk had strong doubts about Mohanji at first. Doubts that evaporated after meeting Mohanji in person.
Imagine this seemingly small event’s significance for many Sai devotees! As a Sai devotee, it might have felt like a valuable reassurance from Sai on the authenticity of Mohanji’s divine stature if I hadn’t already fallen in love with Mohanji completely and wholeheartedly!
sdr
|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI ||
Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 4th August 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.
Written by Biljana Vozarevic and Dirk van de Wijngaard
Biljana V.
Biljana and Mohanji
This year’s Guru Purnima (13th July 2022), a group of close and dedicated volunteers from Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Macedonia and the Netherlands, gathered at the Mohanji Centre in Novi Sad to be in Mohanji’s presence. I also had the great privilege to celebrate this auspicious and joyous occasion with our beautiful Mohanji family. During the function, we gave Mohanji flowers, fruits and other offerings to express gratitude for his divine presence in our lives.
We also bowed down and touched his feet to physically demonstrate our surrender with deep love to his all-encompassing consciousness. I realised the deeper meaning of touching a Master’s feet. It denotes our surrender to rid of ownership, release our burdens and set an intention for our vision and ultimate life purpose. Thus, we can stay focused on achieving and expressing our highest while keeping our egos under control. It does not matter whether we bow down physically in Mohanji’s presence, in front of Mohanji’s image or even mentally. Can it be any simpler?
“Touching and kissing the lotus feet of Mohanji, my Guru, Guardian, Guide and Goal, is the greatest gift I can get in all my past, present, and future lives. May He always permit me to be the servant of His servants, nothing more, nothing less.” – Dirk
When we gave our offerings to one of his assistants, he accepted it with a smile and gratitude, yet detached and disinterested. He blessed the offerings and later had them distributed among the assembled people. The pure intention of gratitude, respect and love in our hearts mattered more than our offerings. Sincerity and receptivity were the most precious gifts we offered from hearts melting in gratitude. In return, we received something precious beyond lifetimes, taking us to liberation and complete dissolution. I felt his occasional subtle smiles reveal his inner joy at the transformation he effected as he worked on us.
I realised that he cared not whether we gave him a million dollars or just a flower. From my Consciousness Kriya initiation as a fresher to the many times I volunteered as a photographer at various programs during my decade-plus association with him, Mohanji always behaved the same way. The growth of the mission has not changed him in any way. He always showed the same detachment and dispassion to avoid contamination by name, fame, adulation, wealth, and other Maya’s (the grand illusion) traps.
As Sai Baba has said (from the book ‘Sai Satcharita’- Chapter 13), “Though I have become a Fakir, have no house or wife, and though leaving off all cares, I have stayed at one place, the inevitable Maya teases Me often. Though I forgot Myself, I cannot forget Her. She always envelops Me. This Maya (illusive power) of the Lord (Shri Hari) teases God Brahma and others; then what to speak of a poor Fakir like Me? Those who take refuge in the Lord will be freed from Her clutches with his grace”.
When one is highly active in adding value to the world and increasing humankind’s awareness to being kind humans, one has to contend with opposing forces who aim to keep all beings in suffering and illusion. They even try to corrupt or contaminate Masters, trying to do good in the world, and, if that does not work, destroy them. The Masters of the Tradition know that and support Mohanji’s mission because it is the need of this time – to raise Earth’s vibration and re-establish dharma. Mohanji does this on a wide scale through various platforms that support the many varied and unique expressions of 7.5 billion people on the planet. He reminds people of their full potential and urges them to be themselves.
One of the function attendees was Dirk van de Wijngaard from the Netherlands. He had lived with Sathya Sai Baba and is now Mohanji’s staunch devotee who is in deep loving communion with Mohanji all the time. Dirk says, “Sai Baba and Mohanji are one and the same. Mohanji is my all-in-one Guru (spiritual Master). If I pray to Krishna, Mohanji will appear as Krishna; if I pray to Radha, Mohanji appears as Radha, and so on. In my meditation, I can see everyone in Him! Mohanji is not his body, just as Krishna, Rama, Jesus etc., were not limited to their respective forms. Mohanji only uses his body so that you can experience His light, presence, guidance, and divine love. Mohanji can also come to love or test your devotion in any form – a bird, cat, dog, crazy man, beggar, weird person, etc. When you become a serious full-time devotee, you will always feel Mohanji’s presence and will never be alone anymore!”
Guru Poornima at the Mohanji Centre, Novi Sad
During the function, Dirk related his extraordinary experiences with Sathya Sai Baba and Mohanji. Before leaving, Mohanji asked us to continue our experience sharing. Then Dirk told us more stories. I could feel how Mohanji was working through him. His rhythm, tone, cadence and messages were similar to Mohanji. Dirk illustrated his learnings with examples from his life. Surprisingly, Dirk had never listened to Mohanji before Mohanji’s program in the Netherlands the previous month. A few of Dirk’s messages follow.
The following message from Mohanji has been the guiding principle in my life, “Turn pain into purpose. All successful people who have excelled in something had some pain in life.”
Do not be arrogant, self-important, or egoistic; else, life will pull you down. Be humble always. He related the following story to elucidate the point better. A lorry driver, proud of his earnings of fifteen thousand rupees, looked down upon rickshaw drivers who earned barely fifty rupees. This went on for a while. Once while driving, he was laughing at the rickshaw drivers when a bee entered his mouth and stung him. The piercing pain shocked him, and he lost control over the lorry. The lorry turned over, and it was severely damaged. When he filed damage claims with the insurance company, the officer inquired, “How did the accident happen?”. He responded, “A bee entered my mouth and stung me.” The officer replied, “Your insurance does not cover this.” He ended up paying his entire salary for the damages. That is how life orchestrates events to humiliate arrogant or conceited people.
Be Humble
In many cases, we don’t know what we need, what is good for us or our eligibility. Hence, we ask for the wrong things or get much less than we can receive. Masters give us what we need, not what we desire. They always give us more than what we deserve and our eligibility. Hence, it is best to leave it to the Master to decide what is best for us. Mohanji always emphasises the need to be focused in our approach. He says, “When you knock on one door countless times, you are a seeker. When you knock on many doors, you are a beggar. Follow One Master – One Path – One System – One Goal.”
A baby cries when hungry, thirsty, tired, or demanding attention. Who attends to it? Usually, the mother or father. If the baby is alone, other people would say, “Oh, no, someone’s baby is crying.” Similarly, who responds when you pray while sad, desperate, or eager for divine presence? Your Master! Because your Master connects to you through the love in your heart. Remember that when you pray to all Masters, nobody is responsible, and hence, none may come to help. If you pray to one Master, they come to help you, just like parents do for their aggrieved baby.
Your deep connection to one Master ensures grace from all Masters since they are one consciousness. Any Master suitable to provide the necessary help may show up. It is similar to your parent’s close family and friends being available to help you because they love your parent and, consequently, their child – you. Were it not for the parents, their close friends and family have no connection to you.
An Answer to my Longing
In striving to be one with Mohanji, a wish had crept in and kept growing. I was longing for regular communication with him and working under his direct guidance, as I did ten to twelve years ago. I already have responsibilities in his mission to lead or work as a member of several global teams. By connecting with Mohanji, I can see what is needed and attend to it or start new initiatives. But this desire was torturing me. I often wondered how to get closer to the fire (Mohanji). Instead of longing for a merger, the Maya-induced separation, slithering like a snake, entered my mind. I didn’t tell anyone about it, nor was I consciously aware of it much.
Translating Dirk’s talk filled me with profound wonder and awe. He told us about his sudden unplanned trip to Novi Sad. He wanted to spend Guru Purnima (13th July) sitting in a corner in silence in Mohanji’s blissful presence. On 9th July 2022, around 3.30 a.m., when Dirk was in deep meditation, Mohanji telepathically told him, “Dirk, I want you to be with me on Guru Purnima. ” Dirk asked, “For silent meditation, Mohanji?” Mohanji replied, “Yes.”
Dirk wondered how to arrange finances to buy flight tickets from the Netherlands to Belgrade and accommodation in Novi Sad. A friend offered to pay for the tickets, and the Mohanji community arranged for his stay. With all obstacles removed, Dirk came to Serbia on 12th July for the first time in his life. Yet, he felt that he had been there in previous lives. In the early morning, as usual, Dirk got up at 2.30 a.m., took a bath, recited his prayers and mantras, and made a beautiful flower garland for Mohanji for Guru Purnima. Later, Mohanji, his staff and Dirk travelled by train to Belgrade and arrived there early in the morning.
Dirk had planned to be in complete silence the whole day! But funnily enough, Mohanji invited him to talk about his experiences at all the sessions. Man proposes, God disposes. Dirk spoke several times in different cities. He held the audience spellbound as they listened to him in rapt attention. People were eager to hear about his experience with Sathya Sai Baba, Shirdi Sai Baba, and Mohanji. Masters orchestrate events based on dharmic purpose, i.e. the cosmic order, not personal desires.
Mohanji told us about Shirdi Sai Baba’s appearance in different forms after the prana pratishtha (ritual to infuse an idol with the deity’s energy) of his idol in the Mohanji Centre of Benevolence in South Africa. The first time he came as a beggar who spoke perfect English, sat down but asked nothing. Mohanji directed one of the team members to donate clothes and a blanket to him. Later, when Mohanji was having a meal, he heard a voice, “You are eating inside, while I am hungry outside.” He looked outside and saw a dog. Realising it to be Shirdi Sai Baba in a dog’s form, Mohanji asked someone to feed the dog well. Thus, he impressed upon the audience to serve all beings with equal love and respect since deities and Masters can appear in any form.
After Dirk had related his experiences with Sathya Sai Baba, Shirdi Sai Baba and Mohanji, Mohanji turned to me and said, “See! We don’t talk via WhatsApp or any other way. It is all telepathic communication.” Thus, he addressed my longing. I realised that I should strive to communicate with him within- through meditation, Kriya or just deep silence. It was a wake-up call. A huge relief as I understood that Mohanji is always with me. There is no need to see or communicate with him. Of one heart, we communicate internally, and the message clarity will improve with time as I tune in more and more. This ‘innernet’ communication is not bound by time, space, or even the body. I am grateful for that forever.
In this regard, Dirk sounded out a warning, “Please remember- ABC: Always Be Careful. Many mentally sick or selfish, egoistic people may say, “Mohanji speaks through me”. They tell you nice stories or what you may want to hear, offer Shaktipat or promise enlightenment. Some may even ask for money in return. Never believe them. Stay single-pointedly focused on Mohanji, who only wants your love through duty, discipline and sincere devotion. You can achieve the highest through sincere and honest prayers and selfless service to the poor, helpless, needy, animals, flowers, trees, birds and fishes. Just thinking of Mohanji can make your heart warm and the tears flow. Be assured that Mohanji is always with you and gives the darshan in the ashram of your heart.”
He continues, “Mohanji is all Gurus, all deities, all beings – Dattatreya, Krishna, Rama, Sarada Devi, Radha, Parvati, etc. Mohanji’s divine love is always available to those who need pure divine guidance. If you love him, you need nothing else. Only as full-timers can you experience his stature and purity. Your connection and dedication make Him responsible for you. He is helpless before those who surrender completely to him. He has been watching over us over many lifetimes and has come here only to take us back to our real home. Surrender 100% and live his teachings – you will never be alone anymore. I have spoken about my life story (given below) to inspire everyone to become full-timers and unconditionally connect to Mohanji’s lotus feet. Never question where He takes you because if you become a full-time devotee, you are already home! There is no need to go anywhere else.”
In addition to Dirk’s comments, I would close with this word of caution mentioned by Mohanji in his book, ‘The Silence of Shiva’
“Let me make one thing clear. This body, existing today, is called Mohanji, and it will remain so till my last breath. People may confer titles before or after this name, but the name stays the same. This body is not Rama, Krishna, Shiva, Sai Baba, or Jesus. These are names of bodies (of certain people) of the past. Their consciousness is certainly One, eternal and eternally available. Hence, one can connect to them effortlessly. One may see the reflection of their object of connection in me. That does not make me that object. There could be resemblances and character similarities, but one is certainly not the other. A son may resemble the father, but he is not his father. Do not be affected by or connected to me while imagining or thinking of this as someone else’s body. That will lead to disillusionment and disappointment. Do not be disillusioned.”
Dirk van de Wijngaard
Dirk and Mohanji
At just eight years, I lost my mother. She was raped and murdered. Sorrow and grief rent my heart, tearing me apart and accumulating immense pain and heaviness. My drunkard father always scorned me. At twenty-nine, my wife eloped with my ‘best’ friend. After she left, I was no longer interested in life and people and started drinking heavily – two bottles of whisky/cognac and twelve litres of beer daily!
On 25th June 1989, I had a clear dream where a man with a full Afro hairstyle, a mole on his cheek, wearing an orange-coloured lady’s night dress, was sitting on a huge lotus flower. In a loving motherly voice, he told me, “Now the time has come to tell you about the Love of Life and the Life of Love, come to Me, and I will give you a mission.” I thought I was going mad.
The next day I went to see my doctor regarding my liver issues. I told him about the previous night’s dream of this ‘Turkish’ man with an Afro and asked if I had gone crazy. The doctor replied, “No, you are not going mad. You have a serious liver problem. You are hardly eating food and are coughing blood. Unfortunately, you barely have six to nine months to live!” Then he asked me to wait a moment and went inside to get something. He returned with a book titled ‘Sai Baba Avatar’ and asked if the man on its cover was the one I saw in my dream.
Cover of the book ‘Sai Baba Avatar’
I exclaimed,” Yes, that’s him – the Turkish man with the Afro hairstyle.” The doctor said, “He is Indian, not Turkish. His name is Sathya Sai Baba- an Avatar who lives in India at Puttaparthi.” Puttaparthi conveys the meaning: put apart ‘I’. (No ‘me’ or ‘mine’. No ownership.) The doctor continued, “I cannot save you from death. You have nothing to lose anymore. Please go there.” With help, I arranged for tickets for my maiden flight experience to visit India for the first time in my life, accompanied by the only trusted friends of a thirty-three-year-old alcoholic – two bottles of whisky and twenty-four half-litre bottles of beer.
I went to Sathya Sai Baba’s ashram in Puttaparthi. Being an alcoholic, no one paid me any attention. When I went for darshan for the first time, seva dals came to me and informed me that Sai Baba had invited me for an interview. I thanked them and said, “I am neither religious nor pure or devoted like the others. I can never be with such holy people. Also, I am a dying alcoholic. Please take someone else!” But, Sathya Sai Baba’s commands were words-of-law. Not giving up, the seva dals helped me to my feet and brought me gently to the interview room in Sathya Sai Baba’s presence.
He asked me, “How are you?” I said, “Good.” Baba said, “No, no, no,” and he tapped me on the chest thrice and saying, “Swami knows, mother pain, mother pain, mother pain.” I burst into tears, and they flowed abundantly like a waterfall. Sathya Sai Baba knew everything about me, including the agonising, traumatic wound from childhood. He materialised vibhuthi and told me to eat all of it.
After the interview, I was taken to the hospital. I soon became violently sick and had a high fever. Three holes appeared on my left foot, with puss slowly and constantly oozing out. This lasted for seven days. The doctor who came to see me looked at the flowing pus and asked, “May I ask you a question?” Sick and ailing, I responded in a weak whispering voice, “Of course.” He asked, “Did you drink a lot of alcohol?” I affirmed. The doctor assured me, “Sathya Sai Baba is completely cleaning your liver!”
“I am still with Sathya Sai Baba. He came now in the form of Mohanji. Mohanji has no form and contains all forms of all Gods. His real ashram is in the hearts of His children who live His teachings with pure and sincere selfless devotion.” – Dirk
I soon recovered fully, feeling like a newborn. When I later went for darshan, I was called for an interview with Sathya Sai Baba again. I thanked Him for His help and asked, “How can I honour God?” Sathya Sai Baba laughed and said, “God does not need any honouring. Selfless service to the poor, helpless and needy is the only way to serve and please God.”
I met some people and built my first orphanage in Kengeri, India. Later, I asked the Sathya Sai Baba community in the Netherlands to help His efforts to render selfless service to the poor, helpless and needy. My efforts did not meet much success. Hence, I made good on my promise to Sathya Sai Baba by starting my charity organisation and spoke on several forums, platforms and places about selfless service to the poor, helpless and needy. We built orphanages, old-age shelters, hospitals, job training centres, schools offering free education to ‘harijans’ (literally God’s people – referring to the oppressed lower castes), etc.
Initially, all the donations were used for charity work in India and later also in Nepal. In a few years, we adopted twenty-six villages in India and fourteen villages in Nepal. I attribute all this to Sathya Sai Baba’s grace and people’s belief in me. Subsequently, when I went for Sathya Sai Baba’s darshan, I was again granted an interview. Five other influential ladies, possibly from the government, were in the interview room. As was my usual practice, I kissed His Lotus Feet nine times and sat by His feet.
When one of the ladies came forward, Sathya Sai Baba said, “Don’t touch!” She protested, “But Swami, this boy is kissing Your feet so many times?” He replied very politely, “Yes, he does the same in Holland at least twice daily!” The omniscient Master knew I kissed a photo of His Holy feet nine times, at least twice daily. I have also experienced the same omniscience with Mohanji.
Sathya Sai Baba told me He was pleased with my sincere devotion and hard work for the poor and needy. He then materialised a gold ring with four huge diamonds and put it on the ring finger of my right hand. When I left the interview room, I met a diamond grader from America who exclaimed, “Wow, these four diamonds are of perfect quality. Their value is at least two hundred thousand dollars; you are fortunate!”
On hearing this, I ran to my room, slammed the door and spoke to Baba’s picture, crying profusely, “Why did you give me this ring? I don’t want gold or diamonds. You, my mother and father, are seated in my heart. I only want your love, nothing more, nothing less. I thought you were real, but you are fake! All I believed in was fake! Tomorrow, I will return this ring. If you refuse to accept it, I’ll commit suicide!” I cried the whole night.
The following morning I went for my ‘last’ darshan. When Sathya Sai Baba walked through the audience, he gazed silently at my teary eyes and gestured to let me come for an interview. In those days, the audience would be two to three hundred thousand. Some had visited Sathya Sai Baba every year for 20 years and yet not had an opportunity to touch His feet or get an interview! I have a sincere request to all Mohanji’s followers. Please realise that you have a once-in-a-eternity chance right now. You don’t realise how lucky you are. Sathya Sai Baba is now Mohanji! Shirdi Sai Baba is now Mohanji! Krishna is now Mohanji! There will be hundreds and thousands of people who can attest to Mohanji’s omnipresence and omniscience.
The same five ladies were in the interview room with Sathya Sai Baba. Immediately, I returned the ring to Swami, kissed His feet nine times, and then started to massage Sathya Sai Baba’s feet. After getting rid of the ring, I felt I could fly- so happy, relieved, and free.
Swami then threw the ring among the five ladies. As they scrambled to get their hands on it, Sathya Sai Baba silent spoke to me telepathically. “My boy, I very well know why you came here. You always come just for Me. Those ladies are more interested in miracles or presents and treat me like Santa Claus! They have come to improve their career, name, and fame. I act like a shopkeeper and ask them, ‘What do you want?’ I give people what they want. If you ask for coffee, I give you coffee. If you ask for me, I give you myself.” Swami’s loving motherly face turned into a fierce, stern countenance as He thundered, “Return that ring!” The ladies immediately returned it to Him.
Sathya Sai Baba said, “Last night, my boy cried the whole night because I gave him gold and diamonds when all he wanted was Me. He decided that I was fake and refused to perform his usual practice of touching my feet and kissing them nine times.” He thankfully skipped mentioning my suicide threat. Thus, Sathya Sai Baba demonstrated His omnipresence. Mohanji does this often as well. However, many people miss the hints, even when they sit right before Him!
Sathya Sai Baba then touched the ring to His third eye and thrice blew gently on it. The four diamonds were transformed into nine precious stones. He slid the ring on Dirk’s right finger. It was twice as big. Sai Baba said to the ladies, “Oh! This ring is too big.” He gently tapped the ring, which immediately shrank to the perfect size. I tried to take it off, but Swami stopped me and firmly said,” This is for my boy’s protection.”
I looked at Sathya Sai Baba’s loving gift from a different perspective, “Through love for God, be the brightness that you are – complete, realised and fulfilled.” It is not eight plus one or seven plus two, but nine – fullness, total oneness, completion. With this insight, it made perfect sense. I melted and humbly and lovingly accepted the ring with gratitude. However, I was unsure why I needed protection.
The protection ring
The ring was called Navaratna (nine ratnas or gems). Nine is a holy number signifying completion. The ring had eight hearts around the ring’s periphery, with a star in the middle that touches each heart. Each heart had a gem connected to a planet, the Sun or the moon. The gem positioned in the centre star was related to the Sun since it is the centre of the solar system. One of the gems was connected to the moon to align the mind and emotions. The single-pointed concentration of the mind devoid of emotions is essential for enlightenment. This is the symbolic meaning of the moon on Shiva’s head, secured by his matted locks. The rest of the gems were connected to other major planetary bodies- Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, Mars, etc. The gems are particularly suitable for prayer during the full moon.
The same night, I heard the loud cries of young girls in my meditation. In the morning, I met a professor from Nepal and mentioned the strange crying. The professor asked, “Have you never heard of trafficking?” I said, “No”. He explained how children as young as five were kidnapped from poor villages in Nepal, drugged, taken thousands of kilometres away from their homes, and sold for three to four hundred euros in the brothels of Delhi and Mumbai. I immediately understood my purpose, which required protection.
I travelled to Mumbai and Delhi and started two rescue centres, ‘Rescue Foundation’ in Mumbai and ‘STOP’ in Delhi, with professor Roma Debabratta and then set up rescue teams at these locations. I acted as a tourist paedophile, befriended the brothel keepers and rescued the children with the help of my team. Every rescued child who returned home to her mother made me intensely happy as I felt as if I were returning to my mother. The operation was dangerous and life-threatening. My Indian (brother) friend was indeed killed. The underworld had put a bounty of a hundred thousand US dollars to have me dead. Many a time, I felt the ring’s powerful protection. We have rescued around four thousand children and put hundreds of pimps and traffickers behind bars with sentences of fifteen to twenty years. In twenty-five years, the organisations have become self-sustaining and receive worldwide sponsorship that provides the funds required for this noble initiative.
“This is Rama, the first girl I rescued from the Delhi brothels. She was only 12 years old and raped by 20 ‘customers’ daily. After the rescue, she underwent many operations and also HIV treatments. She later worked in our rescue team for ten years. Dedicated to her duty with discipline and devotion, she helped hundreds of victims. She passed away two years ago. I feel she is still with me as my Guardian Angel and always helps me be a good servant for God’s children like herself.” – Dirk
With growth came recognition, name and fame. I became famous and even appeared on television. Once, I heard Sathya Sai Baba’s voice in my meditation, “No name! No fame! Be a star, not a film star!” The next day, I quit the organisations I had run for twenty-five years.
On 5th June 2022, just when Mohanji visited the Netherlands, Sathya Sai Baba and Shirdi Sai Baba appeared in my dream early in the morning. They said, “Hey, boy, get up and give the protection ring to our son.” Being unsure, I clarified, “To Mohanji, Swami? Sathya Sai Baba gave an exasperated look to Shirdi Sai Baba and asked, “Are we talking to an idiot?” Turning to me, he said, “Yes, of course, Mohanji. Who else?” I knew it was not just a dream but a real communion. I asked Devi (Mohanji’s wife) for a private, confidential meeting alone with Mohanji and Devi.
In the meeting, I explained the command from Shirdi Sai Baba and Sathya Sai Baba and handed the ring to Mohanji. Mohanji simply said, “Ok,” and accepted the ring. With Sathya Sai Baba’s direction, ‘No name, no fame’, I swore my daughter Parvati to secrecy about the handover of the ring. With Mohanji’s advent into our lives, I have also ‘handed’ over my daughter, Parvati, back to her real father, Mohanji!
“I always beg ‘my’ daughter Parvati, ‘Please never, ever, be a part-time follower’, because when you become a full-time follower, Mohanji has to be with you full-time and give permanent darshan in the ashram of your heart.“
A few days later, Parvati travelled to Montenegro for a retreat with Mohanji. When people enquired about the ring, Mohanji answered, “Oh! Dirk gave it to me. Ask Parvati.” So much for secrecy! No secrets with our divine beloved, Mohanji. He is always transparent as he lives his teachings and showcases his example with his life, just like Jesus did. I pray that we understand the real Mohanji and not wait until He announces, “My Father and I are one.” I humbly beg everyone, “Please become full-timers, not part-timers,” Jesus had only twelve disciples, Buddha five.
I long for nothing else in this world but to remember, live and practise Mohanji’s teachings. I cry daily, knowing and feeling Mohanji’s infinite unconditional love for me. I would gladly refuse a million paradises just to be with Him. I never ever want to be alone anymore. Mohanji is my world, universe and all that I have been longing for all my lives. Helping hands are better than praying lips! I offer my body, mind and soul to be a willing instrument for whatever Mohanji wants to do through me.
Jesus has returned in the form of Mohanji and is asking you to join Him. I implore all to surrender your ‘crazy-horse’ mind that keeps you bound through temporary pleasures to a fake life full of pain. You can walk with Him full time if you attune your heart to Him and practise his teachings. It is as simple as ABC – Always Be Connected. Hold Mohanji’s divine hand and never let go. Swami Mohanji is a Universal Atomic Bomb of Divine Love. We all should work hard to put his teachings into practice and please Him with our selfless service. Our faithful, sincere, pure, single-pointed devotion and unconditional love activate this bomb to explode in the whole Universe, thus allowing all beings to feel His divine love. I wish to split into 7.5 billion atoms and inject each living creature with the pure divine love of my all, who has now come as Mohanji.
My humble pranaams at the Lotus Feet of Mohanji, my Guru, Guardian, Guide and Goal. May He bless me with an uninterrupted flow of divine love towards His Lotus Feet and make me the lowest and humblest of His servants. I want nothing more, nothing less.
Jai Sai Mohanji!
Dirk, “Servant of his servants, nothing more, nothing less.”
|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI ||
Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 24th July 2022
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Experiences With Mohanji 