Spreading THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM Everywhere!
P. Magesh
When I was attending the meditation course called ASP ('Ananda Spurana Program'), the very name happened in me. 'Ananda Spurana' means "Flowering of Bliss", which happens inside our being i.e., the 'Atma' attains the state of Ananda.
During the ASP, Swamiji taught us lots of meditation techniques related to the main energy centers of our body, called Chakras. Each meditation was to cleanse and energise each chakra. This made my vision towards life much more wider… much more broader…….and deeper.
I was a person who didn't even know about 'Meditation' or 'Inner Journey'. I had never even heard the word 'Enlightenment'. Even after hearing the word I couldn't trace its meaning. In such a state, I came to know about an 'Enlightened Master'. I came to know about him by his divine healing method i.e., healing through meditation. It was like a flood coming and filling a well in a desert area.
When I saw THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM for the first time, I was very surprised because he was so young. He was only 26 years and doing miracles, by healing the most severe diseases in the world. This showed that he is a person who knows the past, present and the future. So, he would certainly know what kind of a personality we could be in future. The only thing is, we must completely surrender ourselves to his sacred feet. We will definitely see our personality gets widened and we become much more aware.
He often says the ultimate truth is his very name. 'THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM' (permanent bliss) can be attained by anyone in this world. I am sure that the people the stage of 'THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM' would be much more superior to the stage of 'Enlightenment'!
A lot of things in my life became clear. Swamiji is a person who doesn't look at anyone's face. Instead he sees the Being, or Atma. That is why he allowed a person like me who doesn't even know the basic idea of spirituality to stay with him as an inmate.
He told me a small story that he is like a person standing on the 10th floor of a building - from that building he has a wide and broad view and he knows which car is coming at what speed and what distance. We are the persons standing on the road, we cannot even know or see if a car is coming.
Swamiji says, "When we share dukkha (misery) it becomes less. But when we share ananda (joy) it becomes more and more. When we just spread ananda it will be a blissful experience. But we are lucky to have with us an enlightened personality called 'THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM' i.e., the Ananda which is forever. When we spread THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, we too will be part of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM!
Like a song in my heart...
Mala Sridhar
It was a warm afternoon on the 30th of May 2003, I set out to Yercaud with a group of people whom I had met barely for a few minutes the previous evening. Strange though it may sound, the moment I entered the vehicle in which Swamiji was travelling, I felt at home, at ease, as if I was part of the family. Something inside told me - you are in safe hands!
I had the initial glimpse of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM on 29th May when I went to the city center at Bangalore. My first impressions were, that here is an honest man who is doing well for humanity. It was only later as time rolled by that I saw the multi-dimensional persona of this beautiful being.
On 31st May, a medley crowd gathered at the House of Peace, Yercaud, each with an expectant look on the face and eager heart. Swamiji graced the Hall and there began a journey for each of us. His classic opening sentence - "Leave your footwear and ego outside" was enough to leave me spellbound. It created such a wonderful sense of oneness, we all merged into the Mahamantra meditation as one entity.
To say that Swamiji is an excellent orator would be an understatement. His deep voice, interesting anecdotes, stories and jokes struck a chord in every heart. So young, yet so full of knowledge - I could see his universal appeal.
Through each meditation, so deftly woven, I was taken through waves, through torrents, through silent downpours of emotions to experience at the end of each an inexplicable sense of peace. The incessant chatter of the mind gave way to an incredible calm.
I could see as time ticked by, in Him, a gamut of personalities - Godlike to some, father to some others, brother, friend... childlike... and I felt I could just sit in his radiant presence - forever... the energy he exudes has to be experienced to be believed!
Of all the meditation techniques he shared with us, the one that touched me most deeply was that taken from - Sufism, to live with an attitude of gratitude. Thank you Swamiji, for sharing your knowledge, for your compassion, for just saying - I'm always there should you need me... you have touched me profoundly...
Like a divine soul you danced, You let your garland fly, That which flew into my heart, The flowers will dry up with time, But the song in my heart will remain... till eternity.
ASP Experiences in San Francisco
Muthaiah .N
My experience at the ASP retreat in San Francisco, which started with skepticism and uncertainty quickly, turned into conviction and commitment.
In addition to the range of emotions that I personally experienced, I witnessed grown men and women of all ages and backgrounds literally brought to tears when they received Swami's Energy Darshan.
During the two days of the discourses at the retreat, the various analogies and "small stories" that Swami narrated and the knowledge that he imparted left no doubt in the minds of most, if not all of us, that he was indeed an enlightened soul. The uncanny manner in which he related to the average person's dilemma and was so aware of contemporary culture in the east and the west forced one participant to ask Swami if he "watched TV". His answer was NO.
Most importantly, at no point did Swami say that he was anything more than an enlightened soul. He also preached the universality of religion without forcing down any religious doctrine or dogma. This is refreshingly different from others who practice proselytization without reproach. In fact when one of the participants told him that she was considering whether she should take him up as her guru, he told her to "continue to contemplate" until she is comfortable.
I am sure that we have all gained additional spiritual insights, but the challenge that remains in each of us is to practice some of the teachings.
Singing the praises of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM
Mrs. Muthiah
How do you sing the praises of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM How do you tell the story of this man? How do you sing the praises of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM A healing touch, a spiritual guide, a plan!
Many a thing you know you'd like to learn here Many a thing you ought to understand But how do you find your way? Just listen to all he says How to plant the joy upon this land.
Oh, how do you spread the feeling of Ananda? How do you hold these secrets in your hand?
When I'm with him it's so clear No more problems, no more fear And I really know exactly where I stand I'm out of stormy weather, so much lighter than a feather He's my guru, He's my father, He's my friend.
His knowledge is so vast Mastered sciences of the past He can set your rhythm right All your chakras glowing bright He is happy! He is wise! He's a Master! He's a guide! He's a Healer! He's our sunshine! He's our Light!
Oh, how do you spread the feeling of Ananda? How do you hold these secrets in your hand?
More than one Lifetime
Nithyatmananda [Atma]
Jai Gurudev!
It is very difficult to express in words my experience with Swamiji, because it not even an experience... it is beyond that.
Before I met Swamiji, I was in Osho Center, Salem, doing my spiritual practices. Once Swamiji visited Osho Center but I was not there, when I returned I saw Swamiji's photo there for the first time. I was very much inspired and wanted to meet and be with him. But it took six months for me to meet him. It happened when Swamiji came to Salem to attend a public function. I went to meet Swamiji, but since it was a public gathering, I couldn't talk much. I returned to Osho Center and continued my practices.
But from the next day… I could feel tremendous changes happening within me. I experienced boundless bliss and felt a higher energy force pulling me towards Swamiji. My mind played its games, I wanted to test whether this pull was real or an illusion, so I argued and analysed a lot and tried many meditation techniques intensely for two days. Then finally I realised it was not an illusion but this was a real call from a high energy force.
After that I immediately rushed to Bangalore Ashram and met Swamiji to surrender myself at his lotus feet. Whatever I read in Zen and Gurdjieff books, I witnessed it happening with Swamiji. Swamiji put all his time, space and energy to help in my spiritual growth, only I could not match his speed! He helps me and lifts me to where he wants me to be. This shows how compassionate he is.
Each and every day I see so many miracles happening in his presence and they are more beautiful than what you read in any spiritual books. But he always speaks very ordinarily about his extraordinary miracles.
I feel the relationship with Swamiji is not from this birth but a continuation of previous births. I don't know anything about the future, whatever I am experiencing in this moment with Swamiji is blissful.
Whatever I have expressed here is very little, but my experience with Swamiji is beyond expression.
I prostrate at the lotus feet of Swamiji.
This is 'Spiritual Surgery'!
Dr.H. Noble Maria Regis
Jai Guru Dev!
I was preparing for my final year exams. Just for relaxation I came out from my room. On TV I saw a young sannyasi answering some questions. In some way he attracted me - his smiling face, jovial talk, contemporary explanation for spiritual questions.
I thought that this person seems to be saying some truth. I forgot about my preparation for my exams and sat in front of the T.V. and watched the live programme which continued for two hours. I felt that in some way he must be great. (At that time I didn't know that he was an enlightened master.)
After a few days, at 10 o' clock in the night I received the message that a two day programme was going to be held in Yercaud by Paramahamsa Sri Nithyananda Swamigal the next day. The next day I attended his Ananda Spurana Program.
After the first session was over, luckily I got an opportunity to meet Swamiji. Swamiji held my hands and said, "You are my disciple, you are carrying my energy."
At that time I realised nothing. I thought, "In a very nice way, Swami collects people to help him with his work." Now I realise my idea was so stupid, and now I understand how compassionate he is.
After attending the same program three times my personality improved so much. Earlier I was so confused, and my mind was full of anger, fear, etc. Now there is unexplainable peace and joy in my heart.
I thank Swamiji from the core of my heart.
Finally, I realised and accepted that he is an enlightened master. Until then I was very egoistic, I always felt I knew everything. Ego spoilt me a lot, now I realise I know nothing - I was wasting my life till I met Swamiji.
Then I joined his one-year residential programme. Every day Swamiji makes us learn so many things. In all possible ways he cuts down our ego.
In short, Swamiji is doing 'spiritual surgery' on our minds. Each day we are growing. Once again my heartfelt thanks to Swamiji.
Joy in every moment
Dr. Pasupathy
One day, when I came home from college, I met Swamiji. He was talking to the members of my family very jovially, but it was interesting. At that time itself, I was attracted to Swamiji. He asked me about my studies and told me that course selected by me is good. After completion of my studies, he asked me to meet him.
Then on June 25th 2003, I met Swamiji in Bangalore personally. He advised me to attend the 'Ananda Proksha Program' which was starting on 4th July and I joined the program. Till that time I wasn't practising meditation properly. But after attending this program, I started to practise meditation.
After coming to Swamiji, I started meditation and am able to keep my mind free from tension and confusion. Then Swamiji initiated me as a Healer.
When I am giving healing to people, I feel a lot of energy passing through my body, and my mind also feels relaxed.
When I was in college, I was doing yogasanas, but I was not able to concentrate and do yoga. But after meditation, I am able to do yogasanas properly and feel very comfortable.
As I am a naturopathy and yoga consultant, this spiritual healing also helps me to cure many patients. Ever since I came to to THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, I feel "Every happening in my life is Joyous".
The Ultimate Bliss
Mrs. Prabha
It was in September 2002 that I first met Swamiji. I was invited along with my friends to attend a programme on meditation and healing to be conducted by a young Swamiji. It was to be held at my dear friend's place. Being very skeptical about saffronclad men, my initial reaction was not to go. But existence had a different game plan for me. My friend's insistence and a strange curiosity to meet this young healer altered my decision. In hindsight I firmly believe that it was God's will.
On the given date, as I made my way to my friend's place there were still some doubts lurking in my mind. I started questioning my decision to go. What if the program turned out to be a bore? Will the Swamiji be intimidating and shooting out some sermons? Will he be pompous and fanatical. These fears had always kept me away from saffron clad gurus. But deep inside, I felt a strong urge to go ahead. I had an intution that there was something exciting in the offing for me. How right my intuition was! The program turned be an eye open and the young Swamiji a revelation.
We were all seated in the hall awaiting his arrival. There were quite a number of healers amongst the group. Though I was very much interested in holistic healing, I never went beyond taking the first degree in Reiki. I saw a lot of reverence on many faces and felt maybe I was out of place, but, one look at my close friend, reassured me that I was not the only one. I started relaxing. Our group also decided to leave during lunch breaking if the program was not to our liking. But, it was not to be that way, God had ordained a different experience for me.
In walked our Swamiji, radiating supreme confidence and youthful exuberance. He was so fleetfooted that we hardly heard him. There was no fuss or pomp. Immediately, I felt more relaxed. He was a tall lithe young mand with very expressive eyes and a sunny smile. He was looking ridiculously young. Young enough to be my son. All my inherent images of a 'Swamiji' changed dramatically. Here was a Swamiji so young, cool and without any 'airs'. There was an instant vibe atleast from my side. I was eagerly waiting in anticipation for him to speak, I sensed that it would be interesting, I was mistaken, Swamiji's lecture was not only very interesting but very revolutionary. His views on healing was thought provoking. His profound knowledge, wit and humour made me sit up. He talked on various other subjects with great authority and understanding. The little stories (mostly from zen) which laced his speech were so meaningful and apt. On the whole he came acrossas a very honest, practical person with loads of knowledge and understanding. His humour kept me in splits. His sincerity touched me. I concluded that this Swamiji belonged to Jet age and not the bullock cart age.
After the lecture was over, some of us went to him and grilled him further. He answered each one of our queries (some of them even personal) without any hesitation. There was no tracing anger or irritation. There was only a wide smile on his face. I went home a very happy and satisfied person. I gave a pat on my back for taking the right decision - to attend the meeting.
I am part of a small group of ladies who meet every month at my place. We meet to exchange views on various religious, customs, spirituality, etc. When we invited Swamiji to attend our next meeting, he readily agreed. He enthralled the entire group with his views on women's role in society and the key role they have to play for world harmony. His concern for us really moved me. Here was someone who was openly declaring that women should boldly shrugs off the years of conditioning thrust on them by the partriachal society. His statement that flowering or emergence of Shakti was the only remedy for the chaos in the world, was greeted with resounding applause. It was not put on to please the gathering but, it came from his heart. His understanding of women's problems echoed my thoughts. He did'nt stop with condemnation of the patriorchal society but gave clear solutions for us to bloom into flowers and be of immense value to the family and society. He did not advocate militant feminism but wanted the creativity in us to bloom.
My association with Swamiji and his movement grew by leaps and bounds in the next few months. I next attented his Ananda Spurana program an inhouse meditation program. The two days went off in a jiffy. Swamiji's explanation of the various chakras were so simple and interesting. His meditation techniques from various religions were enjoyable. His eclectic approach further increased my respect for him. I have attended this camp five times, but everytime I see a new dimension emerging out of my experiences. It has clearly taught me how to make my life more meaningful and joyous. I had so many of my longstanding doubts cleared. My health which had taken a beating in the last few years improved tremendously. There was this newfound joy and energy.
Some of us have the privilege of spending few hours with Swamiji almost on a regular basis. He discussed various subjects with us. He is always very forthright and honest. There is no distance between us. He is a close friend with whom you can take any liberty. I am not in awe of him. Many times I have some question to ask him but even before I could do so I get the answers from him. When I am with him there is no time for mundane thoughts. I am just engulfed with joy and bliss. There is no past or future. I just cherish every moment with him.
Swamiji in the course of time made me a healer. It was a great honour, I am blessed. I go regularly to the centre for healing. Patients with even incurable diseases are getting relief. The crowd is ever increasing. The prospect of his vision reaching millions all over the world and that I have been blessed to be a part of this great movement, is exhilarating.
Swamiji's handling of the innumerable patients is to be seen to be believed. The moment he is with the patient, his body language is transformed. He is an epitome of love and compassion. He is so soothing and reassuring. I carry this picture always in my heart. It touches me most.
Not a day passes without my awareness of Swamiji's grace and blessing that permeates throughout our lives. Quite recently, while Swamiji was abroad, I went through some upheavals at home and there was sadness, anxiety and a lot of pain. I felt utterly helpless a few moments but I surrendered my anxiety at Swamiji's feet and mentally concentrated on reaching out for his help, even though he was across the seas. On the day when there was an emergency situation, I was stepping out of the house when suddenly I felt Swamiji's presence and looking up, I saw him standing there with the usual reassuring gesture of his hand held in blessing. I was astounded and froze for a moment, since, I knew that Swamiji was abroad and wondered how he could come back so fast!
I have heard about the different energy fields or planes of existence and that consciousness can function in many forms outside of the physical body. Many yogis have been known to travel in space and time and bilocate themselves in different places within a short span of time - all through their levels of consciousness and activating fields. Swamiji has also talked to us about etheric body and astral body and how his presence can be invoked at times of need by all his disciples. Science is yet to formulate its understanding of this phenomenon, but that does not undermine the truth of what we see and what we feel. It was Swamiji's energy field that he transmitted to me on those moments of need and his reassuring presence was by my side every moment of those agonising hours at the hospital.
I was so stunned by the incident and later on when Swamiji returned from his trip, I recounted this miraculous appearance. Swamiji went on to explain the simple facts of energy fields and etheric body and mentioned also that at that particular point of time when I had seen him, he was miles away in a chosen spot on San Diego beach in a Samadhi state of deep meditation. But he is with us in times of need, wherever that may be.
Not only was the miracle explained, but I had received a blessing and reaffirmation of my total faith in his grace. His views on some our customs and rituals were an eye opener to me. Though I was never a religious or ritualistic person, there was some confusion and fear in my mind. His explanation gave me clarity on these subjects. I have been interested in philosophy and mysticism right from young age. There has always been a thirst to know more about life and after. This search had become stronger in the last few years. The search is over. I have found my Guru. I am entrusting on his young shoulders, the responsibility to guide me to my destination - 'The Ultimate Bliss'.
The Way to Bliss
Prema Sastri
When a friend invited me to the inauguration of a healing centre in her house, I went out only of politeness. I knew little of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM and expected only the usual string of platitudes. To my surprise the young Swami had great vigour and clarity. Here was a person who had obviously experienced the truth. He dealt with questions expertly saying, 'Teachers are there to answer your questions, but the master is there to question your answers". He went on to speak of the gap an average person feels between his real life and his imaginary life. The words struck me as describing the basic cause of misery in human existence.
I was interested enough to join the ASP course. The beautiful campus with its charming cottages, the meditation hall, unique landscaping and interior decoration set the mood.
As soon as Swamiji entered and started the programme we could see we were dealing with a warm hearted human being. As the course progressed we realized we were in the presence of an enlightened master.
Swamiji discussed the role played by the seven chakras in a person's mental and physical well being. He illustrated his discourse with appropriate stories. For cleansing each chakra he made us do various workouts, often blindfolded. As a result we found we had moved far from our original starting point. As Swamiji, humorously remarked, "Spiritual life not only transforms - it transports". The first evening was spent in a party spirit, with games and skits, and Swamiji actively participating. Humour and fun, says Swamiji, are an essential part of spiritual life. The second day, the Energy Darshan was awe inspiring. During the two days of ASP we lived in another world.
As a follow-up of ASP there was a visit to Bidadi. The calm surroundings and the presence of Swamiji gave us a divine experience. Aside from physical healing, most of us need spiritual transformation. We are fortunate to have in our midst a Swamiji who can help us to rid ourselves of pain, and enter into the kingdom of bliss.