Divine intervention at last
My sweet child, I had gone for a YSS weekend spiritual retreat at Igatpuri near Nasik in Nov’ 2004. It was a period of catharsis and I was consumed with a sense of deprivation, grief and loss because of which I had an emotional outburst on the 9th morning as I was unable to find and appoint a divine godhead or a spiritual entity to sort out my life and ease my problems a wee bit.
There was anxiety building up because I was certain by now that I will not be able to sort it out myself and tide over my complicated ongoing life-crises. I desperately wanted a Guru to hold my finger like a loving Father and make me walk on my path as I knew that the long, slippery and arduous path of emancipation and salvation was impossible to trek alone. I wished to be initiated by someone so that I could start as soon as possible and reach my destination fast . My frenzied burning desire to find God and then talk to Him directly reached a crescendo and I was inconsolable. I was weeping bitterly in my bed and praying fervently to find my spiritual mentor when just then a very auspicious incident took place in my room in Igatpuri that morning…

Sri Paramhansa Yogananda
Divine appearance of the loving Spiritual Master and Yoga expert, Sri Paramhansa Yogananda appeared at the threshold of my room. He was wearing a flowing ochre robe, his curly hair were left open on the shoulders and there was an aura of divinity all around Him. His divine face was full of compassion and genuine sympathy and understanding. Though not surprised, I was relieved to see Him and I was released of ongoing painful agony. I took a sigh of relief as I was being heard at last and with His appearance at that moment, the feeling of being abandoned in me disappeared like a gust of thin air. While still sobbing, I made a very earnest request to Him by asking- Who is my Guru? With a gentle smile, He answered- “The Guru is ordained and appointed by God. I am your Guru.”
I was very perplexed at His reply. How can he be my Guru I thought to myself. During those days, I was practically having so many visions of Divine beings and of celestial beings of astral world that I was unsure who would be my Guru after all. I was a bit confused now because I did not know what would become of me if I completely surrendered myself at His sacred feet.
It has been my strong conviction since the beginning that once you appoint a Guru and harbour Him in your heart, we must never step back. It was for keeps. Therefore, I wanted to tread my path very carefully and take one step at a time. All this while I was ruminating over this fact, when he first looked at me with a fixed gaze, smiled at me cryptically. He raised both his hands in the air to shower his godly blessings and left me. It took me a while to move my body and think of anything else but him. Anyway, I felt comforted after that and I slept soundly for a few hours in the afternoon and all the emotional exhaustion was washed away. I felt better by evening and wished for good things to develop soon. The retreat got over by Sunday afternoon.
I reached the house from the retreat in late evening that day on 10th November and there was nobody at home. I retired early to bed and I was resting by closing my eyes when…
Effulgent mellow light of pale yellow colours and hues began to scatter everywhere in my room and it soon engulfed me. I was bathing in the warm and yet soft genteel rays of Cosmic Light. I became tranquil and serene while the mind became tuned in with Supreme Consciousness. I was elevated to very subtle divine vibrations and there was no sense of body consciousness. I was transported to a far off world, far away where there was no pull of gravity. I felt very, very light as though I was floating in the waters of the measureless depth and silence of a vast expanse of an ocean! Everything was quiet there…
I must have remained like this for some time when I saw Mahavatar Babaji’s form appear before my closed eyes in radiant golden light and glimmer. I recognized Him instantly though this was a new phenomenon much beyond my wildest expectations and dreams. I was ecstatic and became overjoyed and I began to stir. As Babaji asked me to lie still with a gesture of his hand, I recalled and connected myself with the incident of Sri Yukteshwarji who saw Babaji one sunny morning, under the shade of the banyan tree on a river ghat after he completed the book ‘Holy Science’ . Recalling that, I became cautious and remained still and my restless mind was firmly reinstated.
(Chapter 36 of Autobiography of a Yogi) (I later visited this river bank and I have mentioned about it in the post-Expand your Consciousness-II)
Babaji was wearing an ochre coloured dhoti on his waist which ended on his left shoulder. He was walking swiftly with a long stick in his right hand on a mountainous terrain while his disciples were following him with quick steps. He approached me and I saw his glowing face and flowing shiny copper coloured loose long hair uptil his calves. It was still very difficult for me to believe that He was present there with me in my room. I thought to myself, “How come of all the people He is visiting me? What good have I done in this life to earn this? What could be the purpose behind his darshan?”
He came a little closer to me and I could get his close up view. He had a big, dark black serpent coiled around his neck and He looked like Lord Shiva in the snowy mountains. He eyes were so peaceful and benevolence radiated from his face profusely. His face was extra-ordinarily calm and softness in the form of compassion emanated from it. I tried to absorb and retain this holy picture in my mind very intently. I considered myself very, very blessed in those peerless moments of being with God.
He came forward to pick up the serpent from his own shoulder which He did, and then he flung it towards me. Next moment the serpent was in my neck coiled and sitting up harmlessly with his face upright on my right shoulder. I was very frightened to feel its sensation of heavy spiral weight over me. The sensation of the coiled big snake was very real- heavy to feel and soft and slimy to touch. So I lifted my left hand in scare and raised it a bit to remove it from my right shoulder. Babaji scurried forward and made a firm gesture with His hand not to do that at all and I obeyed Him.
Then His blessed words began to flow, ” You are very fortunate and truly blessed. You are reaping the harvest of your stock of virtuous acts from the reservoir of many lives. From now onward don’t cry. You have taken my refuge, may God bless you. This is not your house, this is tapa- sthal. (A place where penance is to be done.) Do tapasya. Be victorious.” With these kind words and supreme divine blessings, the exalted Maha Siddha Yogi and Immortal Guru left my place for His abode in the high snow-capped Himalayan mountains through the molecules of ether.
Let me now express myself that apart from feeling exhilarated, I had no idea whatsoever what could be the repercussions and impact of such a great spiritual experience over my life. I was still in disbelief and in a shocking daze. But with passing years the mystery around this experience slowly unfolded and I have understood that the serpent was not an ordinary one. It was a kind of a protective armour in the form of a mythological serpent that Babaji gave me to shield the avalanche of physical, mental and emotional onslaughts and harmful surreptitious scathing attacks from people that I faced and encountered later on. To me, it felt as though the serpent was Vasuki, the king of Nagas, also known as Nagaraj and not an ordinary one. But all said and done, throughout my prolonged illnesses that followed later, I did experience and realize that I was very much protected with Babaji’s intense grace and mercy on me, otherwise I would not have been able to survive the lashing of the whirlwinds of typhoons hovering around me for many years.
I assumed that my difficulties were mitigated and will be over from now onward because Babaji had come and blessed me. But alas no! I was naive in dealing with human life problems of huge complexities in nature. In fact, they worsened and what I described to you in the last post is just a small glimpse of the trying ordeals. In fact, Babaji could foresee my impending upheavals in future and had come to my rescue and to forewarn me so that I would imbibe his spiritual power and mental strength to put up with all my problems and go through it. And after I saw Babaji on 10th Nov 2004 night, rapid significant developments took place.
Soon after, by Babaji’s invisible will, I and your Papa went to Ganeshpuri in May, 2005, where there are samadhis of Swami Nityananda and his foremost disciple Dayananda Shaligram Swami. We visited Ganeshpuri and found the precinct so peaceful and spiritually charging. The moment my eyes fell on an old photo of Swami Dayananda Shaligram in his room where He once came and stayed, I traveled back in time and history and recognized Him as my very own and felt a kind of affinity for him. The soul remembers everything even if it means things that happened thousands of years ago. That is ‘smriti‘ as explained in one of the previous articles. The soul has a unique power of retention in the form of memory and it felt so good to recognize and meet my beloved one from distant past once again!
For me life took a beautiful turn at this juncture and grace and blessings began to pour incessantly in my life after my visit to Ganeshpuri.
With Nityananda Baba’s blessing, my soul’s mute voice began to speak to me and my intuition developed. I could now communicate through the media of telepathy and extra sensory perceptions on various levels in the astral world with the blessed souls. I could now depend on them through my new medium of communication and started being fearless. I became empowered and charged as there was no confusion and doubt any more. Faith in myself and God was re-kindled and re-established. My attitude again became positive and at last I could see rays of hope at the end of the long, dark dark tunnel. They took up charge of me and my family. Nityananda Baba told me not to worry ever again as they will carry all my burden. I no more felt abandoned and was relieved that after all I was not alone in this big complicated world. I began to make future plans and self assurance and courage was built up. I learnt many life skills, developed new interests like finance, planning, management, life management etc. I took responsibility and control of all the spheres of my life. I resumed my passion and interest in music, building health, participated in social activities and so on. I stopped looking back thereafter and life smiled upon me when…
One early morning in June 2004, in my dream I saw Nityananda Baba’s benevolent face, he was smiling sweetly and compassionate love radiated from Him. There was golden aura of light dispersing around him and he called me affectionately with his one hand towards him. I went up to Him like a little girl. He gave me a beautiful smile which burnt away all my sorrows. In his hand were four glittering pens which He very lovingly handed over to me. I clasped them with my fingers and looked at them with fondness. He then pointed towards a wrist watch tied to his left wrist and made a sign to tell me that there is still time for it and that I should wait. At that time, I had no inkling that one day I will ever write down my very intimate and personal spiritual memoirs as a blog open to all to read. I had my reservations and inhibitions regarding it from the very start. But as it is their wish that I share the prasad or grace with others, so be it!
Spiritual-Lessons learnt from life -experiences
Due to man’s ignorance and lack of knowledge of God’s laws of action and reaction, he is unable to distinguish between right and wrong, good and evil and righteous and wrongful actions. He sows all sorts of seeds of actions in the cosmic universe which sprout and manifest as harmful reactions in the form of suffering and illness of various types over a long period of time. The type and quality of our actions done gives shape and quality to our present and future lives.
There are 3 categories of karmas inherent in the humans, out of which he goes through one type at one point of time in his life. They are:-
Inevitable karmas: These are the irrevocable and unpardonable karmas of the past (sanchit karmas) as well as those done in present life (kriyaman). When we have more negative karmas than the good ones at a particular time in our share, we undergo a tirade of rough weather patch and storms. During such times, the Guru comes forward to help the disciple liberate by carrying some of the weight of his excess baggage. Knowing that they cannot be nullified and preempted now and it is in the interest of the disciple to exhaust the bad effects of the actions done in the past. The disciple’s path is cleared and cleaned by this procedure and exercise. The circumstances cannot be altered now but the perception and outlook of the person in concern can be. Hence, the Guru gives his disciple a new mental perception, a new approach to look from at the existing state of affairs. Big lessons are learnt by grave mistakes of past as now the devotee obeys the spiritual laws with submission and humility. Penance helps in purification of the soul and redemption is the outcome. Peace is inevitable.
Evitable karmas: When the collective karmas are in 50:50 ratio of bad and good ones they are evitable- the number of count of good karmas equals the bad ones in our pool. So when we are faced with hardships, obstacles, sickness and sorrow, the Guru advises us to do good acts like charity, donations, poojas, forgiveness, spiritual practices by which the adverse effects can be either mitigated or minimized. This is a mild punishment for the man. A mild slap on the cheek so to say and he is released from the karmic ties. He realizes his mistakes and becomes careful for future and understands that it was a warning from the speechless God.
A reservoir of deeply sunken mass virtuous karmas: Towards the end and pinnacle of the human evolution cycle, when all the negative karmas are to be burnt once and for all, a whole lot of seeds of incredible virtuous karmas which are buried deep inside are waiting to rise up and manifest. The devotee is unconscious of this fact while the guru can see it coming with his divine insight. He understands that the impact of mass good karmas have to be taken advantage of. Depending on the faith and nature of his disciple, the Guru intervenes and shows him the guiding path by hinted suggestions via telepathy, clairvoyance and other mysterious suggestions. By making his dear devotee carry out specific actions of high degree and quality, the good ungerminated seeds are awakened by creating right environmental conditions consciously. After germination and manifestation of meritorious acts, the impact of the supremely good selfless acts are visible in the disciple’s life soon. They come in the form of good health and fortune, overall prosperity and achievements, exceptional accomplishments, fame and popularity, success in material as well as spiritual world and a forward march in spiritual advancement by leaps and bounds. There is no force to stop the disciple now as the forces in nature are with him. The disciple with his new found freedom and self realization dedicates his life and works for his beloved God and is at last free of every bondage and misery. His soul is at last purified and he takes a deep respite.
In practical life this translates as:
- Take responsibility of your own actions. Have trust in God’s justice. Have unending patience.
- Endure. Face life. Put up with whichever tests comes to you. Do not try to run away from your destiny. Accept it with a smile.
- Have faith in God. He listens. He is impartial.
- Don’t quit. Never ever give up.
Conclusion
Our whole life is a melting pot of a spiral chain of events leading us upwards and towards our goal of God-realisation. Whatever happens, happens for good, it is for our progress. It is with cultivation of our skills and abilities, proficiency and accomplishments that we blossom. By working out our destiny agreeably, we are purified and shine at last. We are ready to seek the attention of God. The blossoms of the sweet flowers of our devotion are then to be offered at the sacred feet of our Guru who opens the door to heaven and God. We enter the House of our Lord and attain indescribable inner peace and Supreme Bliss!
My many, many pranams to all my Gurus and Param Guru Shri Mahavatar Babaji who has given me refuge, protection, peace, God’s knowledge and salvation. The objective of human life is fulfilled and is being lived with a sense of purpose- of serving God and Gurus. May the fragrance of Divine spread everywhere, everywhere and everywhere!
Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevaya!
“I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection. ‘Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death.” Leonardo Da Vinci.
Picture of Paramhansa Yogananda: google images
this made for a wondrous and uplifting read! i really am amazed to hear of darshan..i mean i have read a lot about these, but to atually read your narration, it was spell-binding.
i want to devote more of my time in prayer and reflection. more for others, beacuse of late everyone of my dear ones are going through rough patches, and it pains me more than my own agony 🙁
i understand meditation opens the hidden / unexplored powers of our mind and soul to be aware and reach out to the universe and our spiritual masters. but is meditation the only way?
i have once been a part of white light meditation, and i could feel the warm energy passing through every part of my being. can i practise white light or are there more meditation techniques i need to learn about?
it is true, we are guided by a source greater than we can conceive, how else could i have found your blog just when i have doubts that you have already provided answers here? 🙂
@craftyshines- Real Gurus do not have to be in their temporary physical body to guide their disciples and devotees. Even without it they are in constant touch with the spirit and mind of disciples. The contact can be made via telepathy, intuition, visions, dreams, subtle hints and suggestions, bizzare incidents or in some rare cases direct appearance in front of the dear disciple called darshan via which shakti paat or transmission of divine energies is directed. When the cry and call of the devotee is intense and sincere, they do appear as messengers of God!!
Please do pray for people who are in need of God’s mercy, help and compassion. You are a good soul who wants to help others thru such pious ways! May God bless you and them too.
Meditation, if done with right intention and method, is the fastest way to reach God because it disciplines our senses and mind and purifies our being. To know God, the method is concentration of God onepointedly. Along with meditation are reqd, devotion, good karmas, service and prayers. If you do all these things, you will surely seek God’s favour very quickly. Or else the path is too long, arduous and we fall in many traps.
At the moment practise the meditation technique that you know. When you are ready for the next jump, you will find the next reqd tool of meditation and concentration.
Besides all this, have faith, retain your good temperament and be good to whoever comes to you.
You are God’s blessed child. Always be fearless, joyful . You are under the patronage of the divine souls. Ma.
Wonderful to read this post and feel very uplifted / serene.
Thank you soooooo much Sarikaji and all the Guru’s
who energy showers blessings on all those who
read this blog.
GLORY TO THE DIVINE !!!
I loved it when Shri Babaji said ” This is not your house, this is tapa- sthal. (A place where penance is to be done.) Do tapasya. Be victorious.”
TAPASTHAL, Like that word, had me thinking wherever I go in life
for study, vacation, shaadi etc I can do Tapas wherever I stay and make that place into a Tapasthal. Right now I dont think I have reached the tapas stage so right now my home is a Naamsthal since I chant Om Namo Bhagawate Vasudevaya as you had suggested long back.
Naamsthal will be changed into tapasthal also.
First the body will burn the seeds of past karmas Shahid and will become purified. After some time, the burning continues and penance starts takeing place. Wherever that happens will become tapasthal. So continue doing whatever you are doing now, God is watching over you and you are becoming purer and purer day by day. And you too shall become victorious….
Love and blessings
Ma
Happy to read this post again 🙂
Mom towards the end “Door to heaven” is highlighted in blue, did you intend that it should lead to some website or link ?
Also had this question that who actually installed the sacred yantra and footprints at Shri Babaji’s birth place ?
THANK YOU /GRATITUDE to God, all the masters and to you dear mom <3
Today early morning cant stop gazing at beloved Babaji’s pic…strong pull 🙂
I feel oneness with you, your experiences, the joy of meeting our Great Gurus. It brought tears to my eyes. They speak to us through you. Aum Guru Aum!
“The blossoms of the sweet flowers of our devotion to be offered at the sacred feet of our Guru who opens the door to heaven and God”
I pray to my Guru Ma to hold my finger like a loving Mother and make me walk on my path on this long, slippery and arduous path of emancipation and salvation.
ॐ असतो मा सद्गमय ।
तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय ।
मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय ।
Ma, we are indebted to you, Babaji and all the divine masters and sweet God for this grace on us.
Pranam Ma and Babaji.
Love to read this, ” He came a little closer to me and I could get his close up view. He had a big, dark black serpent coiled around his neck and He looked like Lord Shiva in the snowy mountains. He eyes were so peaceful and benevolence radiated from his face profusely. His face was extra-ordinarily calm and softness in the form of compassion emanated from it. I tried to absorb and retain this holy picture in my mind very intently. I considered myself very, very blessed in those peerless moments of being with God.”
Pranam to all guru’s, and Thanks to Nithyananda baba for the gift of ” 4 glittering pens “..❀
” Take responsibility of your own actions. Have trust in God’s justice. Have unending patience.
Endure. Face life. Put up with whichever tests comes to you. Do not try to run away from your destiny. Accept it with a smile.
Have faith in God. He listens. He is impartial.
Don’t quit. Never ever give up. ”
Thank you God, Masters and Mom <3
Dear Shahid, be steadfast on your path. Let storms come, you be rock solid. Storms pass away with time. Storms of destiny should make you a submitted devotee, don’t move and after that the rains of blessings shall pour…..Mom
” Endure. Face life. Put up with whichever tests comes to you. Do not try to run away from your destiny. Accept it with a smile. ”
” Don’t quit. Never ever give up.”
I was guided to read these 2 posts related to how to surmount obstacles today morning. I always feel better after reading each blog. Thank you again God,all the masters and mom.
Every time, i read this, i get reminded of a life, reflecting great courage, endurance and being persistence.A attitude of never say die. I get humbled and get new energy and inspiration to fight back. I offer my salute and gratitude to you Guru Ma. Thank you mother.
This Blog holds a very special place in my life as when I was searching more about Bhagwan Nityananda and Swami Dayanand Shaligram , Google brought me here at SIL
Glory to Gurus, Mahavtaar Babaji and you Guru Ma.