The Ultimate Bliss
Ma Ananda Bandhu [Prabha]
It was in September 2002 that I first met THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM. I was invited along with my friends to attend a programme on meditation and healing to be conducted by a young THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM. It was to be held at my dear friend's place. Being very skeptical about saffron-clad 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.) At first I thought, what if the program turned out to be a bore? Will the THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM 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 intuition that there was something exciting in the offing for me. How right my intuition was! The program turned out to be an eye-opener, and the young THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM 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 break 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 THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, 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 man 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 'THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM' changed dramatically. Here was a THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM so young, cool and without any 'airs'. There was an instant vibe, at least from my side. I was eagerly waiting in anticipation for him to speak; I sensed that it would be interesting. I was mistaken - THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's lecture was not only very interesting but very revolutionary. His views on healing were thought-provoking. His profound knowledge, wit and humour made me sit up. He talked on various subjects with great authority and understanding. The 'small stories' (mostly from Zen) which laced his speech were so meaningful and apt. On the whole he came across as 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 THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM 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 (many of them personal) without any hesitation. There was no trace of anger or irritation. There was only a broad smile on his face. I went home a very happy and satisfied person. I gave myself a pat on the 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 THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM 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 shrug off the years of conditioning thrust upon them by partriarchal 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 came from his heart. His understanding of women's problems echoed my thoughts. He didn't stop with just condemning patriarchal society, but gave clear solutions for us to bloom, 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 THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM and his movement grew by leaps and bounds in the next few months. I next attended his Ananda Spurana program. The two days went off in a jiffy. THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's explanation of the various chakras was 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 so many times, but every time 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 a few hours with THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM almost on a regular basis. He discusses 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 a question for him, but even before I ask, 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.
In the course of time, THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM 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.
THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM'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 THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's grace and blessing that permeates our lives. Quite recently, while THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM was abroad, I went through some upheavals at home and there was sadness, anxiety and a lot of pain. I felt utterly helpless for a few moments but I surrendered my anxiety at THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM'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 THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM'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 THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM was abroad, and wondered how he could have 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. THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM 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 THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM's energy field that he transmitted to me in those moments of need, and his reassuring presence was by my side every moment of those agonizing hours at the hospital.
I was so stunned by the incident that later on, when THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM returned from his trip, I recounted this miraculous appearance to him. THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM 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 he 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 of 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 a 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 upon his young shoulders, the responsibility of guiding me to my destination - 'The Ultimate Bliss'.
The miracles continue...
Of late, I had been hoping and praying for a contemporary guru, who would be young, energetic and enthusiastic, with a modern outlook and one who is easily approachable, where you are not treated as one among the crowd but ONE in the crowd, who can provide me with health insurance, life insurance, spiritual insurance and death insurance (not in the literal sense). I prayed for a young Guru so that we can see him in close proximity, talk to him, grow with him, grow fond of him - and then it would be easier to worship him after intimate interactions with him - because 'seeing is believing', rather than reading books or hearing through someone else. As God willed it this way, He bestowed upon us his choicest blessings, by directing us to the lotus feet of SRI THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM - a guru custom-made for us! This is how His game started - as far as we are concerned!
A fairly new acquaintance, a couple whom we had met just the previous week gave us a call and said they would drop by for a short visit. At that time, we were in the process of organizing ourselves and the home to receive my daughter with her 1-year-old baby from the USA. In the course of our conversation, I mentioned to the couple that these days my joints really remind me that I am an old grandma! As though somebody had sent him for this specific purpose, the gentleman took out a colourful brochure of SRI THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM, with a compassionate smile and his hand held in blessing, and said, "Go see him today, all your pains will vanish!"
Naturally, I was eager. I looked at my husband - and there was this silent yes writ large on his face. The next thing we knew, we were driving towards the Dhyanapeetam City Center like two robots. It all happened before we could figure out what was really happening. Just as we entered, we were unexpectedly (and very warmly) greeted by our old friend Mr Palaniappan - and the next minute we were there, standing before Swamiji, being introduced by Mr Palaniappan!
There is this young Swamiji, sitting there with astounding radiance, a broad smile on his face, radiating motherly love and enquiring about our welfare. Then Swamiji gave his first healing to me. When he placed his hand on my head, I could feel a gush of energy passing through me in a very soothing way.
Swamiji said, "Take the healing for 10 to 15 days ma, it'll vanish completely."
The whole thing happened like a dream.
We drove back home cheerfully. I kept wondering whether I would really feel better. For the next three days we went back for healing. With each interaction it became clear that Swamiji is the very embodiment of love and the epitome of compassion. With this divine grace that I received, the pain practically vanished and I could handle the additional activities with my granddaughter around, and enjoy her precious company. I know I owed it all to Swamiji.
Then another incident happened.
A few days before my daughter was to return to the USA, her baby fell terribly sick with gastroenteritis. Within 5 hours, she went into dehydration, in spite of all the medicines being administered. My husband, being a doctor, decided to start her on the drip. After 5 days, despite a paediatrician's care, the motions were still continuing and the baby's tender arm was swollen from the drip needle. The little one refused to enter the room where she could see the I.V. bottle waiting. The agony of the child, her feeble voice, sunken eyes and helpless gaze tormented all of us. We were all in this morose mood at home.
It was at this crucial time that I said to my daughter, "Let's take the little one to Swamiji".
She asked, "Now which Swamiji?"(She knew I had seen many Swamijis in my lifetime!)
I explained to her about Swamiji and my miraculous cure from backache and joint pains.
My daughter and I are very fond of each other and we communicate very freely and frankly. She said, "Mom, that was a different affair, besides you have been exercising, so you have found some relief. What can any Swamiji do about the severe gastroenteritis of a little baby, when trusted medicines are hardly working? Besides, you shouldn't be trusting these people in saffron robes - especially when you say he is very young. No mom, please! You are really gullible, but I'm definitely not going to fall for this!"
I could sense her skepticism, but my conviction was too strong.
I said, "I'm going to Bidadi to see Swamiij and I'm taking the baby with me."
She exploded.
"How will you take her alone? How can you drive with the sick little one by your side? And who will change her and feed her? No mom, don't subject her to the additional strain of a 70 km journey and a long wait in the queue there. Be rational mom, he is just a young Swamiji with hardly any experience. You told me yourself that he has had realization very recently. Let him get a little older, then we shall see.
I said, "I am going with the baby to Bidadi ashram, whether anybody goes with me or not!"
In my heart, I knew that she would yield. Having no choice, she very reluctantly agreed to accompany me, just out of love and respect for me. My daughter, usually a chatterbox, never uttered a single word throughout that drive. According to her, she was an obedient daughter putting up with her mom's frenzies.
When we arrived at the ashram, Swamiji saw the baby almost immediately. He touched the baby on the belly once, gave my daughter some vibhūti (sacred ash) and her to apply the vibhūti mixed with water on the baby's belly. To my surprise, my daughter looked at Swamiji in awe, then smiled and bent down to touch his feet and take his blessings!
While returning, she told me, "Maybe there is something in him - but he is too young! As young as my brother. What kind of experience can he have? I am at least a mother, I have gone through the different phases of life… Anyway, just for you, I shall apply the vibhūti ONCE - mind you, JUST ONCE, because vibhūti will make baby's tender skin too dry."
At 3:30 pm, she applied the vibhuti for the first time and till 8:30 p.m., there was no problem! At 10:00 p.m., the baby had her first normal bowel movement in days. My daughter rushed to me, saying, "Mom, please take me back to Swamiji, I have to fall at his feet and express my gratitude!"
The next day, there we were, driving back to Bidadi. We hardly noticed the distance or the time as my newly converted daughter kept shooting questions at me about Swamiji, and I of course enjoyed answering them all triumphantly. At the ashram, just as we were entering Ananda Sabha (the meditation hall), Swamiji spotted us.
"How is the baby, ma?", he smiled.
We both answered together, "Thanks to you Swamiji, she is fine!"
Swamiji, in his typical loving way replied, "Divine grace has descended, ma. Don't worry, she will be fine."
This was a turning point in my daughter's life. A complete non-believer, she has become a staunch believer now. Whenever she has any problem, she gets in touch with Swamiji and he takes care of her.
And this is not just once, but all the time! Once it so happened that she was in a predicament, a situation which required immediate decision-making. In an agitated state of mind, she had sent an email to Swamiji, but as he was traveling, he could not respond immediately. She called me on the phone for guidance. We both decided to trust in prayer.
Surely enough, kind as he is, Swamiji appeared to me in my meditation, and at the same time appeared to my daughter in her dream, and solved our problem! Overjoyed at her dream, my daughter called me as soon as she awoke, and said, "Mom, Swamiji gave the answer in my dream!"
On my part, I confirmed that at the same time I had also had a beautiful darśan (vision) of Swamiji with a loving smile and his hand held in blessing.
Now we know, When we trust him, he takes the responsibility of taking care of us. He is the doer and he is the giver.
I started developing unflinching faith in Swamiji after doing the A.S.P, which happened within a fortnight after I first met him. Besides removing the negativity at the subconscious levels, he puts us on the right track with his special meditation techniques.
When I asked him, hesitatingly, if I could continue to follow some techniques that I was taught by my previous guru, Swamiji smilingly assured me, "You can surely continue your earlier spiritual practices ma. The only important thing is to remain blissful!"
He always says that we should be grateful to every guru who has come into our lives, and reap the best benefits from each. "Go to every garden, pick the best flowers, and make a beautiful garland for yourself!", he says. I think it is this liberal view of Swamiji that stirred in me such implicit faith, immense regard and unconditional love and devotion towards him.
I hope lots and lots of people get the privilege of having a holy dip in this "Ocean of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM Nectar", and enjoy his love and blessings. I am now beginning to realize that till now I haven't acknowledged and appreciated God for his generous showering of love, but only kept reminding him of the desires that He has kept unfulfilled. Thanks to Swamiji, I am cheerful and grateful - for I know that he will stand by me and guide me all through my life.
He answered the questions I couldn't ask!
Mrs. Asha
Do not believe in a thing because you have read about it in a book.
Do not believe in a thing because another man has said it was true.
Do not believe in a thing because it is hallowed by tradition.
Find out the truth for yourself, reason it out. That is realization.
So said Swami Vivekananda.
I heard about Swamiji from my very dear friend Prabha with whom I have been close right from childhood. I have always looked to her for learning life's lessons and to help anchor my very unsettled existence. When she told me about her Swamiji I was very keen to meet him, as I have always relied on her advice and choices.
Being in Chennai, living like a kūpa maṇḍūka (frog-in-the-well) tied up with home problems, I seldom get a chance to encounter people that I would love to meet and listen to. But once when I went to Bangalore, I had a chance to meet Swamiji.
When I first met him, I felt that he was too young to wear the saffron mantle of a Swamiji - which is usually worn with grey hair, a flowing beard and ageless wisdom...
As it was the time of Swamiji's birthday celebrations at the ashram in Bidadi, I spent a lot of time there with Prabha and other friends. This gave me the opportunity to be in Swamiji's presence many times. Since I have always been the type to hold back and be reserved, I guess I missed so many chances to speak my thoughts to Swamiji, although I was eager to do so. There was so much to ask him, personal anxieties to express and objective suggestions to obtain, but I found that I could not bring myself to actually talk. Instead, I chose to just watch and listen to him.
They do say that 'the harvest of a quiet eye is the best harvest of all'. And indeed, as I listened to Swamiji and as we accompanied him when he went to meet the people who thronged to touch his feet and be healed, I felt that I was in the presence of greatness, a phenomenon that could not be measured in words or images. There was something which reached the very core of our heart and soul, the sheer magnanimity of his vision, his grace and compassion.
His talks and discourses are so full of clarity. As we sat among the crowd asking unspoken questions, I found he gives you answers unasked. That is the sheer magic of his communication!
Tryst with Spirituality
Jagani Jagadish
The year 2002 will remain always marked in my memory as 'The Year of Spiritual Awakening'. Things were going haywire both in my personal and professional life. I could easily say that both were in shambles. I lost my job, quite suddenly, and for what was really unreasonable, in the 2nd quarter of 2002. My husband was also out of a job at that time, and was awaiting his next job which never seemed to materialize. Tension was eating the two of us, and coupled with this was an atmosphere of constant bickering and discontentment in the house.
After losing my job and being out of the ratrace for a while, I began to think - what was my life all about? A discontentment was brewing deep in the recesses of my heart. A deep-rooted, distinct feeling that a vital link was missing. A null, a vacuum, a void in my being. Of course, now, even knowing what it was, I was nowhere close to solving the gnawing problem. Was it a good job or jewels or a beautiful home? No. Increase in salary? No, that was not it. I knew I was seeking something, but frustratingly I couldn't put my finger exactly on what it was. I only prayed to Shridi Sai Baba to help me in this quest.
Sometime during all these disturbances in my life, I heard a distinct voice in my mind commanding me to go to Shridi. Now that was too far-fetched an idea for me. On the one hand I had lost my job and was barely making ends meet. On the other hand, who would accompany me to Shridi, which was a long journey from Bangalore? I shelved the idea for a later time and busied myself searching for a new job to relieve me from the immediate problem at hand. But Sai Baba willed otherwise. Around Oct 2002, the money for the trip to Shridi virtually fell into my lap, and the people to accompany me to this place were miraculously arranged. We arranged this trip at the last moment when no train reservations were available, and we were 130 on the waiting list. It seemed hopeless to expect to go. Then I heard of a package tour to Shridi being conducted. But even here we were on the waiting list. Again, wondrously, at the last moment, ten people with both reservations fell out of the package trip and our seats were arranged, all this just three hours before departure from the city railway station to this holy place.
When the master calls, the common mortals have to heed the call. The Samadhi Mandir at Shridi was like a balm to my tired, agitated mind. The waves of peace which emanated from the idol of Sai Baba filled my heart with peace and calm. I cried out to my saviour with all my heart to help me find bliss in my life. Could it be that my outpouring was heard by Sai Baba, and he directed me to my living guru Swami Nithyananda? Soon after returning from Shridhi, within a month, my close friend and I heard of a young enlightened master who was a jet age Swamiji. Some of his teachings which we heard about had a definite appeal for us. To my friend and myself, this was a Godsend. It was as if Baba himself directed me to this living legend to enable me to discover bliss in my life.
I was already imagining what this Guru would be like, and was excited at the prospect of meeting him. On Nov 22nd a meeting was arranged with him. He was very jovial and definitely belied our idea of a traditional guru - a serious face, a beard, etc. He spoke to the group casually and advised us to participate in the 'Ananda Spurana Program' which was starting the very next morning. This is a residential program designed by Swamiji, where he takes us through a series of meditations to cleanse the seven chakras. After this the 'Ananda' in our being is uncovered. It is akin to a mirror with dust on it, which the meditations erase, leaving behind 'Ananda' or 'Bliss', which is our true nature.
Swami, during those 2 memorable days, interspersed his meditation techniques with jokes and stories. He stressed the importance of meditation in daily life. He urged the participants to spread his message of bliss to all.
It was unbelievable, but after the Ananda Spurana program, I felt I was floating in the clouds. There was a lightness in my heart after I had unburdened my soul to my Sadguru. It seemed almost as if Swamiji had performed a major surgery and implanted an inner permanent core of bliss which nothing could touch. I could distinctly feel the difference! Earlier, I would take every daily mundane happening seriously and become depressed and dull. But now, there seemed to be no place in my heart for all this; such things now hit the core of my being temporarily and got knocked off.
I can distinguish a constant, steady state in which my mind is set. Below this level, my depressions are held at bay. My faith in my Guru makes me believe that he is holding me in this state, and my heart swells in gratitude to him as this single thing has made a great difference in my life and the lives of my immediate family members, who always bore the brunt of my depression.
Swami Nithyananda underwent so many hardships to discover bliss and healing! How fortunate we disciples are to be able to interact with this eminent person and receive bliss and healing all on a silver platter! We are indeed blessed recipients of his divine grace. Swami always teasingly remarks that like instant food, instant dosa and idli, he is showing us how to contact the divine instantly through healing. He always says that to be in bliss is the hotline connection to God, because that is the only state of mind to be in. His mission is to give this wonder-key to millions of people and transform this discontented, overworked, indifferent planet into an ecstatic one, filled with bliss and compassion.
The next memorable event in my association with Sadguru was the healing initiation. Swami passed on his healing power to us with a brief initiation. Just by healing the patients, we ourselves would get rejuvenated in spirit and leave the ashram in an elevated frame of mind. All the tiredness of the day would vanish. Added to this, our gratitude to the Divine would multiply manifold, for giving us good health, which so many people in the world were longing for, and which at many times we take for granted.
Swami would insist upon us that healing itself is a sadhna (spiritual practice), the reason being that during healing, your whole being is concentrated on alleviating the suffering of another, forgetting at that time 'the self'. Your thoughts of the Guru and bliss put you in touch with the divine. Hence, healing is like prayer or sadhna. During this period Swami would welcome the healers for a brief healers' meet everyday. Here we could ask any question on spirituality to which he would give his reply. Interesting stories, anecdotes, jokes were shared. Somehow, every word uttered by our Guru had a strange effect on us. Every word had a strange power and remained etched in my memory.
There comes to my mind an incident in which Swami rendered his healing first-hand. I had been suffering from fissure and skin problems since 1996. Nothing could heal this completely. I had tried all the dermatologists in the city, but none could find out the cause of the allergy. All skin specialists claimed that allergies were difficult to determine. My skin would flare up in the neck region and would leave a black mark. The fissures would rupture and bleed every now and then, causing acute discomfort. Finally, after Swami came into my life, I decided to approach him.
Swami placed his palm on my hand for a while and simply asked me whether I ate non-vegetarian food. He advised me to give up eating non-vegetarian food and said I would be fine. I just followed his advice and have been sticking to it for a year, and my problem has been completely solved.
Another case in which Swami came to my rescue was with regard to my son. He is really a hyperactive child. Invariably, he got into trouble because of this. He would throw objects in a fit of hyperactivity, with no intention of hurting anyone. But for his bad luck, the flying object would almost always find its victim - and my son would be the next one with his class teacher! His class teacher had had enough of him and things came to a stage where she complained to the Principal and sought her permission for me to keep my son at home and they would give him attendance. I was shocked speechless. What would I do with the child out of school? I decided to seek refuge in Swami again.
I took my son to him and put the problem before him. He laughed aloud and asked us not to over-react. After all, he said, he is barely five, and a five-year-old will be naughty. But nonetheless, to pacify us, he placed his hand upon my son's head for a few seconds and said that he would be fine. And true to his word, we sensed a distinct change come over the child. He was no longer hyperactive, and - believe it or not - did not get into serious trouble again! Again my gratitude to my Guru knew no bounds. Step by step, time and again, I am being drawn to my Guru's lotus feet. In all my life's day-today problems, I think of him and draw a lot of energy and moral support from him. Swami always says that he works in our lives, so there is often no need to tell him the problem verbally. It only involves connecting to him mentally with full faith in the Guru's powers. It has been wonderful to feel each and every problem getting sorted out so beautifully.
My only hope and prayer is to be of some service to my Sadguru, and to grow spiritually into a better human being with his divine grace.
Jai Gurudev!
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Hari Om Nithyananda
Kalpana Mani
When you placed my hand under your palm. Oh! My God, how to express! I felt the touch of God himself on my hands. The touch of a baby is the most beautiful in this world, But the motherly touch of THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM just goes beyond it!
I felt the extreme love of this world in your touch, which I had not realized before. In my life, I had never used word 'death', I feel afraid even when I hear that word from others. But after the heavenly touch of yours, my inner voice said these words wholeheartedly, "I got my life fulfilled by this caring touch. I am ready to die now with this splendid happiness."
But no, I am not ready for it, as I want to live long, only to enjoy, devoted to my honourable Swami Nithyananda. I feel very lonely without you for even a minute. It will be difficult without you during your foreign trip. But I made up my mind to be with thoughts of you from the past days, which are going to refresh me with joy. I am going to keep you with me in your portraits, and fill your presence around and inside me.
When I look at others, I feel as if you look from inside me. When I laugh, I feel as if your laugh has been replaced in mine. Even when I shake my hands, when I speak, everything must resemble you. It is very natural, not prepared, without my awareness. I feel as if Nithyananda Swami has migrated inside me, in each cell. I feel this as an enlightenment in me. Swamiji is fully dissolved in my blood now.
In ASP, you teach us to thank everyone for their favour. I feel I want to thank a godly couple all my life. That is Swamiji's beloved parents, who gave us a wonderful, heavenly, graceful child. Whenever I see you I feel it!
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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
First Encounter with the Divine
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?
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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 practise his teachings sincerely.
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Rejuvenation
Ma Nithya Aparna [Revathi Ganesh]
Life for me had reached a point of crisis. My mind was racing with so many questions, there was an inner conflict going on almost all the time. I was contemplating and trying so many things to satisfy myself. The satisfaction, the joy, was always temporary, it faded away too soon. I was totally confused, and I did not even understand about what! All I knew was, there seemed to be a vacuum, I felt like an incomplete jigsaw puzzle. Actually I had come full circle, everything that one would wish for was there and I should have been very pleased and happy with life - but NO, that wasn't the case with me! It was not discontentment, unhappiness, not any kind of emotional insecurity, nor was I craving for any materialistic things?? But still there was this emptiness, a feeling of incompleteness, a vacuum deep within. What is life? What is success? Was life all about working hard, running a home, etc.? NO! Then what?? Many such questions kept my head pounding. Nobody, no books, no amount of meditation could give me a satisfying answer and nothing could fill that vacuum.
Rituals were something I never believed in, but praying was part and parcel of my life; almost all my intimate conversations are only with God! I started reading a lot of spiritual books and attending spiritual discourses. Through all this questioning and restlessness I was attuned to Reiki and went on to the third degree, thus practising a lot of meditation and healing. To a certain extent I could feel myself groping through and feeling satisfied, but still that vacuum remained as wide as ever.
Then I heard about Swamiji, that he was very young but very mature, contemporary, an ocean of knowledge, very modern in his outlook, and his discourses were excellent and he could reach out to the common man.
Since physical and mental fatigue had taken over due to all the questioning and confusion, I welcomed a break through Swamiji's 'Ananda Spurana Program' at a picturesque location, though it did not sound different from so many other programs being offered. But that was not to happen. Instead, on the same day that I was supposed to attend his program, I ended up visiting the holy town of Shridi. (I am a staunch believer in Shridi Sai Baba, and have always considered him my guru.) Then started the wonderful journey - it was so sudden and miraculous! Suddenly, on my return from Shridi, I felt some kind of direction, some voice that was all the time prompting me to at least meet this Swamiji whose program I had missed. Finally I decided to listen, and went to meet Swamiji.
We were ushered into a room (around six of us) - and there I was, face to face with Swami! He was full of humour and I found myself feeling at home; it was more like I had met a good friend after many years and I could say anything I pleased without any inhibitions, and he would simply understand. I was talking with ease, and he was suggesting we attend his program which was the next day, and even before I knew it I was agreeing to do so, though I had already taken my break by going to Shridi.
Before I could even figure out what was happening I was at his program, though I had no inkling of what it was all about. But I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO REGRETS. THE PROGRAM WAS BEYOND WORDS.
By the end of it I was in great ecstasy and full of gratitude for being introduced to Swamiji. The 'Energy Darshan' gave such a wonderful glimpse of bliss, I had never ever experienced such profound joy in my life, no never, not even when I got a good husband, a lovely child and so many more things in life. The joy is indescribable, beyond words and comparison. One has to feel and experience it to rejoice in it. It was so enveloping that I was overflowing with gratitude, and I fell at Swamiji's feet in complete reverence, remaining so forever... And from that day he has brought me a long way...
As per his final instructions to carry and spread the emotion, I carried it all home, and am still very earnestly trying to spread it. THE VACUUM WHICH NEVER SEEMED TO GET FILLED HAD DISAPPEARED, and I was ebbing with love and compassion; suddenly the sky seemed brighter, the songs of the birds more lovely, all relationships were sweet, there was great beauty and joy in the simplest of things, I was simply reaching the skies without even stretching my arms, I FELT I HAD NOW COME FULL CIRCLE.
An awareness had slowly crept in, I was and am being transformed - to WHAT, only Swamiji knows, but
definitely for the very best.
It was over a month and all the wonderful feelings still remained, but I was expecting most of it to wane off sooner or later because that is how it has been with everything else. Suddenly, one day, I went into a depression for no apparent reason. I was convinced that it was all over again, the vacuum would come back, this was the end of all the glory, the ecstasy - only to discover that a transformation was taking place deep within me, an awareness that I did not even acknowledge before was identifying the cause, teaching me it was not worth getting depressed about anything, teaching me to live in the now and just be in 'NITHYANANDAM' (joyous in every moment). I slipped out of the depression in a wink and have not seen the face of it ever since.
This 'ANANDAM' has come to stay for ever, and with it has come faith in abundance, in THE SUPREME PONTIFF OF HINDUISM BHAGAWAN SRI NITHYANANDA PARAMASHIVAM.
When Swamiji came into my life is when I was born again, I found my self, call it 'REJUVENATION' or 'REBIRTH'. My gratitude to Swamiji for giving a meaning to my life. Now I am actually living each and every minute in my life, each and every cell in my body has been rejuvenated. There is a total personality shift. I am living completely in the attitude of gratitude. Deep within is a quiet strength, great courage and PROFOUND FAITH which seems to be growing in leaps and bounds.
In fact, one does not need to ask him any questions, you just ponder, seek and you will find the answers handed over to you neatly in a nutshell.
It is like my life is being shuffled like a pack of cards, but this time the cards are so beautifully falling into the right slot, the end always turns out to be for my best.
Another intriguing thing with Swamiji is, you think 'He is doing so much for us, let me do at least this small service for him.' But sooner or later you realize that actually you have benefited from whatever service you did him.
YOU CAN NEVER GIVE ANYTHING TO SWAMIJI, YOU CAN ONLY RECEIVE FROM HIM.
It is one year since I met him, he has filled me to the brim, I am still overflowing with the same love, compassion, ecstasy. It has been a series of lessons and realizations of the past and present. I understand the meaning and answers to so many questions. I now understand the meaning and feeling of joy, bliss, ecstasy... that lasts and will last forever. The great feeling of unconditional love and how satisfying it can be, the meaning of life, the pathway to liberation... and though I know I have a long way to go, I KNOW I AM NOT ALONE, I am so happy to have found my friend, guide, son... GURU and remain in reverence and gratitude to him forever.