THE DIVINE ENCOUNTER
It often happens that a man hitting for silver hits upon gold………..but it almost never happens that when you are looking for nothing, you find diamond!
This is what exactly happened to me on 13th October this year, at Rishikesh when I had the privileged luck to meet Swamy Chidanand Saraswati, the founder of India Heritage Research Foundation, at the Parmarth Niketan Ashram.
In my life of over five decades, by the blessings of my parents, grace of God, guidance from teachers, love from family and support from my innumerable friends and well wishers, by all social parameters, I have done well and cannot complain. In academics, profession, career, family, social front and all other fields one can say, that I have been sailing smoothly. In spite of having a busy schedule of a cancer surgeon I have always found time for my passions, hobbies, family and friends. Have done justice to my profession, academics and administration, without neglecting family, relatives and friends. My ability for multi tasking and time management has been a great asset in this. Academics, writing, reading, stage, making friends and communicating are my passions and movies, music, cooking, gardening, interiors, crafts, photography and event management are my hobbies. I have tried to pursue all, but whenever I have been short of time and resources, I compromised on them. Above all have endeavoured to follow the motto of my life to spread Love and happiness to all!
I have always enjoyed whatever I do, and do everything with sincerity and dedication, putting my heart and soul in it. But over the last decade or so, something has been amiss…..there have been a feeling of monotony and craving to do more, something different and not just what all comes under the purview of duties and responsibilities. This almost depressive feeling created a kind of a void in me and I always felt that I am underutilized and I can and I should do more. I wasn’t at peace and mind was never at rest. May be God sensed this and has sent this opportunity.
On way back from Badrinath Darshan, we decided to go for the Ganga Aarti at the Parmarth Ashram at Rishikesh. When we reached there, it was amazing and one could not have asked for more. Calm and cool weather, sacred chants, white marble steps, banks of Ganga, crowd of devotees and visitors from India and abroad and above all saffron clad rishikumars of all age groups, all round, managing and conducting the event. My staff had probably intimated the concerned in advance, as we were invited to perform the main Yagya on the occasion of Dushehra.It was a great honour and privelage and I felt lucky, happy, proud and above all at peace. The chants of the holy shlokas, echoing over the silent waters of Ganga, created an unbelievable ambience. We were then intimated that Swamyji will join us for the antim poorn ahuti .
And then the miracle happened. Swamiji arrived accompanied by many. Even before I could see him, I could perceive the change in the surrounding; from holy to holier……there was a strange silence and a new spark around us. Swamiji came to the havenkund, looked and smiled at all of us, and joined us for the antim poorn ahuti reciting the mantras .He then ascended the steps and sat, surrounded by the inmates of the aashram and for the next one hour there was recitation of Hanumaan Chalisa, singing of bhajans and delivery of mantras……..Ihad heard all of them before, but none had sounded so sweet and meaningful before. But the best was, of course, Swamiji’s pravachan !
He spoke effortlessly on varied topics, ranging from spirituality, global harmony, heritage, peace, giving, life, motivation, mission and activities of the foundation, future plans for the ashram, ecology and preservation of Ganga……..ganga tu to behti hai, sab kuch sehti hai ……………par kuch nahi kehti hai!
This experience of around ninety minutes was nothing less than the highest form of meditation. Swamiji’s presence seemed to have held me in a spiritual embrace. There was something indescribable about him. The calm face, the tranquil looks, soft voice, the graceful movements, sweet smile, the joyful looks, the loving attitude, the serene persona and the heart touching words created a divine aura around him and the glow of his personality touched my eyes, heart and soul .There was a sudden surge of calmness and energy within me and it seemed as if a heavenly light had entered me, and filled the void that had been exciting within. I felt mesmerized, revitalised and above all felt confidant, determined and committed to do something new, more and better! One thing very significantly noted was the fact that there was no transaction of money and nothing overtly religious during the complete proceedings.
I mustered the courage to introduce myself to swamiji, as he started his return and was surprised at his warm welcome and magnanimous invitation to the Ashram which was small, cosy and had a great heavenly ambience. He made me sit next to him and we had a discussion on varied issues for about 15 minutes. Was amazed at his knowledge on almost every issue of current affairs, command on English and Hindi, the myriads of humane tasks in hand of the foundation, future plans and above all his humbleness, humility and vision .I was in a total trance, with shaking body, trembling hands and palpitations. Wanted to spend more time with him, but was too nervous and needed to calm myself.Cant refrain from mentioning the warmth and love in all the inmates of the ashram,I interacted with,specialy Nandini.
It was a Divine Encounter, and at that moment I surrendered my body, heart and soul to Swamiji and decided to be part of the various missions and ventures of the Ashram and Foundation, now and in future and contribute in whatever little way I can to this humane cause, along with my duties and responsibility, under his able guidance and desire.
I pray that Swamiji graciously accepts my humble services and look forward to best wishes and support from all my near and dear ones on my journey to serve the humanity with vigour , zeal and a mission