When I was reading the book of ‘First meetings with Sri Ramakrishna’, I dreamed for such a godly guru who could lead me to the path of spirituality and devotion. Likewise, I prayed to my Durga Amma to show me the way to attain spirituality and enhance my bhakti. I started praying to Shridi Baba about 5 years ago and was, initially, not an ardent devotee. My belief and faith in Him grew as I had some magical experiences praying to Him. I asked Him to always be with me as a guru and guide me to the path of spirituality and bhakti.
Little did I know that 27th Dec 2015 would be my blessed day. My husband and I were informed of a visiting Swamiji from Kerala staying at His devotee’s house. Knowing that it is always a privilege to get blessings from a Swamiji, my husband duly made arrangements to meet Him.
My first meeting with my guru – On 27th Dec 15; 5.30pm: We were at Shanti Dhaam Sg. Petani. While waiting for Swamiji, I noticed pictures of an unfamiliar face on the wall and my first thought was “He has Jesus’ style”. After a few moments of looking at the pictures, I told my husband “I think He is the third Sai baba, Prema Sai… He has that look”. Little did I know that he was the Swamiji that I had to come to see.
Moments later Swamiji walked in with His palms put together saying Namaste and, me being the sceptic and analytic person, I felt no instant connection or any surreal feeling. We introduced ourselves and started talking casually. He was friendly, charming and amusing. Then He asked us whether we were in rush or if we could wait for Him till He’s had His shower. Without any hesitation, we said we will wait. Then I overheard Him telling His devotees that “They are my souls”. Meanwhile Swamiji requested His devotee to share her experiences with us which really amazed me.
After freshening up Swamiji beckoned to me to sit close to Him and asked, “What you want?”. I said, “Nothing”. He blessed me by touching my head and I felt a strong vibration within me. He told me that it is spirituality. I teared and told Him that this is what I wanted. He put my head on His right lap and I held His leg, I felt as though as I was on Shridi Baba’s lap as I used to do the same on His shrine. He advised me to chant Om Sai Ram and think of Him. I questioned him “How could I think of You as I always pray to Durga Maa and Shridi Baba”. He laughed His musical laughter and said, “Sometimes you can think of Me also”. I left the place feeling blessed, happy and transcendent. I was wondering whether He could be the guru I was hoping for as I felt a certain bond with Him.
Ironic isn’t it that I had said, “I will try to think of You Swamiji” but (to my surprise) He was always on my mind. The next day I met Him again and I received His supreme hug which felt like Durga Maa’s hug which I used to imagine. With just 2 meetings with Him before His departure on the 30th Dec 2015, I had overwhelming experiences in meditation. From a person who barely keeps her eyes closed for 5 mins, I became focused and even hesitant to come out of my meditation. I feel Swamiji is someone God sent to me just as what I had wished for from Shridi Baba.
During Swamiji’s 22nd May 2016 visit and stay, I had numerous opportunities to meet Him and got some amazing experiences. Now, I am experiencing what I read in the book of Sri Ramakrishna about a guru and devotees’ relationship. It is so wonderful, marvellous, sublime and incredible. I have found my guru, my guide. I am reformed from a sceptic and analytic to a person with conviction, faith and belief in my guru. I realize I see God through guru and they are the same.
Every encounter with my guru has elevated my spirituality and devotion. I am transfixed with my guru, a kind of affection I never felt before. I learned that this is a godly devotion, a divine feeling. I now understand that I belong to Him, I came from Him, His soul.
“I love you not only for what You are, but for what I am when I am with You and for what You are making of me”.
Om Sri Guru Sai Parabrahmane Namah.
