Lynne Bindu Jordan, Baton Rouge, USA

A clear vision showed Krishna rhythmically moving through nature. Krishna was playing His flute into the air creating a beautiful sound vibration. Behind Krishna walking in the very same momentum and movements was a line of humans, one after the other stretched out to infinity.

My first memory in my  life is that of Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, which occurred when I was three years old, on a tricycle asking Him, “Where are you? Why was I hurled down here? When are you going to come back for me?” My memory of Him was that of great love and closeness, wanting to be with Him again, but somehow finding myself in this life with this family. Growing up in a traditional Christian church, deep spiritual truths from any religion were the most intensely compelling interest for me.  Wherever there might be methods, answers and inspiration one could find me exploring those.  At seventeen I began fasting, thinking if Jesus did, then we, too, must benefit.  As well, that same year I met a priest who taught me much about diet and its effect on thoughts. This led me to become a vegetarian much to my mother’s concern. This was even a blessing to her since she later became well-studied in natural health matters.

         While in high school, dreams began coming to me in an unusual language and words. Their memory was strongly imbedded making it easy to research. The language was Sanskrit and the words had deep spiritual meanings. Studying Sanskrit and the Yoga Sutras created within me an overwhelming interest in India. Upon finding out that India was the home of spiritual masters, it became a personal longing to meet one with whom I might study. This prayer was answered; out of the blue it seemed, upon winning three trips to New York in one year. A Swami affiliated with the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Organization in NYC, graciously instructed me in meditation and Jnana Yoga. While feeling very blessed and fortunate, there remained in my heart the unfulfilled determination to meet “the “One”, the Swami of my first memory in life, whom I knew would provide the ultimate guidance for my spiritual quests.

While on retreat in Thousand Island Park, New York, with the Ramakrishna- Vivekananda Order Swami, one morning during meditation we experienced a very loud rhythmic breathing in the center of the room. A most interesting issue with this audible breath just happened to be that there was no one sitting in that spot! Excitedly the handful of us spoke to the Swami about this unusual event. My hair stood on end and I named this very present ethereal form, “The Yogi of Yogis”.  I felt so happy that, “He is close!”  The Swami was surprised when during the evening meditation in which he participated, the loud rhythmic breathing occurred again. This pranayama continued for morning and evening meditation sessions, three days in a row, without any physical form visible. Each occurrence lasted approximately ten minutes with each individual in the room experiencing the same powerful Divine phenomena.

A couple of years later, in 1992, while working as a psychotherapist in the office of an Indian psychiatrist, Dr. Krishna Yallamanchili, he left a booklet on my desk. While reading through the Bhakti Mala, it surprised me to find that the message was consistently pure, loving and yogic. Happily I listened to Dr. Yallamanchili telling me about Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji, a Sadguru, in the order of Dattatreya. Six months later, the doctor informed me to get ready to meet this Sadguru in Baton Rouge!  I enrolled in the Kriya Yoga course and the connection became clear; both to the early childhood memory at three years old and to the audible ethereal pranayama experienced by everyone in Thousand Island Park. When I later had the chance to personally ask Sri Swamiji about these two events, before the words came out of my mouth He said simply, “It was Me”.

Having studied mostly Jnana and Raja Yoga, Sri Swamiji’s words to me that He was a Nada Yogi left me curious as to the exact meaning.  Soon after meeting Him some of His longtime devotees readily and joyfully invited me to ride to Atlanta to attend a concert.  My curiosity was incredibly satisfied during that concert. Every note in the compositions was physically felt inside of my body as if they were the adjustments over a lifetime by a chiropractor.  The words of my physicist, my adopted grandfather, became clearer. A brilliant genius himself, the retired Colonel in the US Army used to tell me, “You must always remember this! Matter conforms to the L-field – the electromagnetic field of an organism or molecule – and an L-field is alterable by thought.” Noticeable ongoing changes continued after Sri Swamiji’s concert.  I was the living experiment field observing the reality that, indeed, matter is influenced by vibration and conforms to it. The vibration of Sri Swamiji’s music can affect molecular structure. This was a tiny realization of that Truth He embodies, just as a high note can break glass.

After this first physical contact with Sri Swamiji spiritual guidance from Him immediately began happening through dreams and visions.  Having heard of this before, and being a psychotherapist, dreams were already valued as helpful for therapeutic insights.  The overt qualitative difference in the dreams from Sri Swamiji showed me that visions are unique, crystal clear, making vivid memorable impressions and quite readily available spiritual gifts for our growth. They were very encouraging, inspiring, educational and helpful.  A simple yet very meaningful vision occurred, for example, where Sri Swamiji’s face came before me and it began to change into various faces. As this continued, I began joyfully laughing. Then the faces became scary faces, each scarier than the last. Still, my joy and laughter grew exponentially. There was a fearless peaceful remembering that it was Sri Swamiji’s faces, each like a mask and all an amazing fun play. The message was beautiful and clear that He is Love and He holds everything together on the outside and on the inside, good and bad, ugly and pretty. He is the One and only Creator, Sustainer and Destroyer.  Being a psychotherapist in America, analyzing dreams, wanting to provide the best treatment possible, these visions have consistently been in unison with Christian beliefs and it has been easy to find a biblical verse that presents the very same spiritual Truth.

Through the next few years there were various difficulties associated with raising two daughters after a divorce from their father in 1987.  Nonetheless, the necessary strength to maintain an emotional equilibrium and persevere on the spiritual path was a direct outcome of Sri Swamiji’s spiritual guidance, Kriya Yoga and meditation. During this period my oldest daughter got into a serious automobile accident, in a convertible in which the top was sheared off. The EMS lost her pulse at the scene while cutting her out of the vehicle. A devotee telephoned Sri Swamiji in India and told Him about the situation. His amazing comforting response was that we should not worry; she will be all right. By the time the EMS reached the hospital she had begun breathing again. Later on Sri Swamiji told me that He had given her a second life. He took care of my family with such love and continues doing so daily.  Both of my children who were raised in a normal American lifestyle have been consciously and surprisingly touched by Sri Swamiji experiences.

The psychiatrist, Dr. Yallamanchili, who told me about Sri Swamiji, was going to attend one of His programs in New York, which provided an opportunity for him to take a letter to Sri Swamiji for me.  When the doctor returned he told me that Sri Swamiji had taken the letter and sent me a crystal which He had materialized while they rode in an auto together. I was so excited to get this particular crystal. The doctor told me that he had given it to his wife and she had gone to Houston. Feeling disappointing, I had to wait until his wife returned. My disappointment melted when the crystal was actually brought to me on the eve of my birthday. That night I had a beautiful vision of Sri Swamiji being in Trinidad that awoke me. This then presented the perfect time to open the package as my first birthday gift that day. The crystal was my favorite necklace worn daily over the next several months until one day it vanished. Sri Swamiji having given it to me, I frantically searched everywhere. Sadly discussing this loss, a devotee readily told me these materializations are often given for a purpose and would disappear when fulfilled. Once again, it was amazing that just the right devotee came along at just the right moment!  Later this would be one of many examples of Sri Appaji’s strong words, “Always like this!”  Divine Grace is always occurring, flowing, the True actual Essence of this Creation.

During my first week of physically meeting Sri Swamiji, He spoke the words, “Come to India. Sri Swamiji will let you know when.” One year later Dr. Yallamanchili amazingly was able to get the hospital to pay “educational training” in India and give me two weeks’ salary while gone!  Being a single mother it had seemed unlikely that a trip to India would be happening in the near future. God is Infinitely Creative! Before leaving I wrote out all my checks to pay the bills for the month, but uncharacteristically and accidentally dropped them all in the mail together. Immediately it was a major concern that my account would be lacking enough funds and decided to take out a signature loan. That night during meditation, Sri Swamiji came in my mind’s eye and took my house, car, children and money, threw them into space, saying that they were not mine.  The message to release all worry and rely on the Creator was so clear. The next day as planned, a $1,500.00 loan application was approved. In faith it seemed symbolic for this money to be donated to a charitable organization.  So as instructed, this was a lesson on learning to rely on ‘The One Who Cares for All of His Creatures in His Creation’. Upon returning home there was a donation card from DYCUSA in the mailbox, as well as a box of cereal! Sri Appaji has so shown the caring humor, love and joy that is immersed in the essence of this Creation.

         The money was readily mailed to DYCUSA and the next week flew by.  Daily there was another box of cereal in the mailbox!  By payday the balance in my bank account was still several dollars with no overdraft. What a wonderful feeling knowing that He was saying not to worry for all of this is His. We just simply aren’t in charge of His Creation; but we are in charge of ourselves and our determination to awaken!

Walking into the ashram tears came to my eyes at seeing the beautiful Datta Murti at the entrance.  Approaching the priest who performed the morning puja, he stated he had seen me in a vision during the previous night.  It is still moving to know that God in His infinite omnipresence is capable of reaching out to all simultaneously, human by human, devotee by devotee, every hair on the head counted!  Later that morning while sitting in the temple, someone tapped my shoulder about some saris, which I very much needed. There was a distinguished man sitting just behind me. I had hoped to meet the USA president of the Datta Yoga Center, Dr. Prakash Rao. Beginning to understand how Sri Swamiji shows us the workings of this universe, the idea came that perhaps this could be Dr. Rao amongst all of the thousands of people.

Introducing myself, he informed me he was indeed Dr. Rao!  He stated he knew who I was already because in faith, he agreed to publish the Datta Mala for Appaji without having sufficient funds.  Sri Appaji had told him not to worry; the necessary fifteen hundred dollars would be coming. The next donation that DYCUSA received was that very amount sent by me from the bank loan. These occurrences have been constant and daily which transform my heart with increasing compassion and devotion; Sri Appaji role-models this, moment by moment for Our Human Family. Sri Swamiji seems to be a living example that everything we have and everything we experience is for our benefit imbedded with the capacity, out of love, to teach us. It all belongs to Him/God/The Prince of Peace/The God of Your Understanding: even the money, the cars, the homes, the children and the related accounting duties.  Our responsibility seems to be to not just survive, but learn how to survive well!

          The rest of my stay in India was wonderful. Several other Americans became wonderful friends, such as, Padma from the Jesus Datta Retreat Center in Pittsburgh. It was the beginning of a blessed sisterly relationship for us. On this first trip Sri Swamiji had given me the name Bindu. After receiving my name I went to visit the Chamundi Hills. On the way a little boy shouted to me, “What is your name?” Hesitantly, my response was Lynne, but feelings of remorse began bothering me for not saying the name Sri Swamiji had given just moments earlier.  As I walked further with this on my mind and heart, amazingly another young boy shouted to me the exact same words louder, “What is your name?”.  Of course, I was relieved to be given another opportunity and gladly responded, “Bindu!”  The patience and creativity of Sri Swamiji is infinite and continues to bring such awe!

          Back at the Ashrama I sat down in the walkway to the temple and was meditating. Being unfamiliar with the protocol of things at the Ashram, a loud clapping sound by my ear brought me out of it.  To my surprise Sri Swamiji was standing beside me with a large crowd behind Him.  In one gracious flow He handed me a piece of candy which materialized while clapping His hand.  The lesson that the principle of Guru helps us to find the God within was reinforced in a sweet, infinitely creative way!

The next year, 1995, Sri Swamiji was coming to the USA.  In Baton Rouge we all were busy in preparation for His program. On the day of His arrival we went to the airport in New Orleans around 10:00 p.m. to pick Him up. We stood waiting as the passengers came off the plane. Something seemed strange as there was no Swamiji by the time at least half of the passengers had disembarked.  We began to look around the rest of the corridor, which was empty and dark by this time of night. Several gates down from us, we saw Sri Appaji poking His head out from behind a room divider screen laughing at all of us. What a fun surprise!  Everyone went running down the hall in the dark, so happy to see our Guru once again. During this visit to Baton Rouge, Sri Swamiji asked for a present to give to Smita Patel who helped in the bookstall. She was not in the room, but I happened to be.  Out of several neatly wrapped gift boxes a devotee randomly picked up a gift. Sri Swamiji had a long stem yellow rose in His hand; He lightly tapped the box with the rose and handed it to me stating to give it to Smita.  As He drove away Smita ended up standing right beside me in the crowd.  I gave her the box and told her the story of how it came to her. She opened it to find numerous fresh yellow rose petals everywhere under which was a lovely watch. Such a sweet and tender gesture spoke volumes.

From Baton Rouge, Sri Swamiji was flying to Trinidad.  My ticket had long been booked to go, as well. Unbeknownst to me, several of us were on the same evening flight with Sri Swamiji. Another devotee, Swami Manasa, then ‘Radhakrishna’ and I sat about five rows behind Sri Appaji.  At some point during our lively spiritual discussion, my attention was drawn towards where Sri Appaji sat.  On the abstract designed walls of the bulkhead were images of Hanuman facing each other on each side of the single doorway. There in front of Sri Swamiji Hanuman led the way. Little did I know at the time what this foretold for Trinidad’s future. Many years later Sri Swamiji announced the sankalpa to build the eighty-five foot Hanuman Murti in Trinidad.

This was my first trip to Trinidad and it was such a wonderful trip. After arriving, my tiredness from assisting long hours in the Baton Rouge program caught up with me and I found myself going to bed with a stuffy nose. While sleeping under a mosquito net, a sudden large blast of air going up my nostrils awoke me. There, in front of me, at the foot of my cot, stood Sri Swamiji, although His form was simultaneously transparent. The next morning while sharing that Sri Swamiji had visited us in His ethereal form while we were all fast asleep, another devotee said she also awoke and saw Him.

Later that morning, during darshan while expressing my great appreciation for feeling well again, Sri Appaji smiled and said, “Swamiji made the rounds last night!”  How sweet!  He was looking out for all of His children.  During that trip I saw Sri Appaji giving warm caring personal support to the most humble inconspicuous of devotees, and thereafter, to a crowd of approximately three thousand.  We were invited to poor simple homes where He gave freely of Himself, and to lavish big homes where the blessings remained the same.  It reminded me of the story that the sun’s light doesn’t discriminate upon whom it shines. The love felt at all the homes was the same. It showed me that He loves everyone equally in all their varied circumstances.

To the crowd of thousands Sri Appaji stated, “Close your eyes; Swamiji will give you a vision of Krishna”.  Dutifully my eyes closed yet my mind was saying, “How can this happen, I don’t really know so much about Krishna, but, okay, we’ll see.”  In the next moment that very same mind suddenly was filled to capacity with an understanding of Krishna! A clear vision showed Krishna rhythmically moving through nature.  Krishna was playing His flute into the air creating a beautiful sound vibration. Behind Krishna walking in the very same momentum and movements was a line of humans, one after the other stretched out to infinity.  The waving grass was tall and flowing in exactly the same motion as Krishna.  The leaves of the tree nearby were swaying to Krishna’s rhythm and movement.  A gentle rain was falling onto the scenery of the trees, the grass, all the people and Krishna. The rain came softly down swaying and swirling onto the earth under the spell, the motion, the power, the rhythm of Krishna’s being.  What an incredible, overwhelming beautiful teaching of how this is ever the case, that a blade of grass can’t blow in the wind without grace, and that this grace is eternally happening in each moment.

This particular Trinidad trip came to represent an ongoing kaleidoscope of one experience after another with Sadguru.  While still there, a group of people were talking about a “murderer among us”.  Of course, by this time my inner voice was preparing me for a highly possible encounter.  Once, in the large hall where everyone awaited Sri Swamiji’s arrival, I meditated to the chanting of the priests for the Yagna.  Upon opening my eyes, there sat a man with a warm countenance and with a small child. My inner voice was now telling me, “Told you”!  He began to openly chat with me about accidentally killing someone in the line of duty as a police officer.  He stated while in prison an acquaintance brought him a photo of Sri Appaji. As the man sincerely deeply prayed one day, a brilliant light came out of that photo and into his body.  He said he was completely transformed and became overwhelmed with feelings of compassion and love for all, dedicating his life to God.

Several times through the years I have had ex-prisoners sitting in my office for therapy. This experience reminds me of the miracles that can transform the human heart. It has made me sit with an inner stillness as the individual’s story unfolds. With a quiet surrendered mind, it can help me see the loving awakening we undergo through our struggles.  What love resides within the human consciousness waiting to be revealed!

For a Guru to capture the attention of His Bhakta, guide and utilize the devotee, He, also, does “miracles” on a very physical level.  Such one occasion happened during an evening program at the Datta Temple and Hall of Trinity. A hand seemed to be firmly sitting on top of my head, although Sri Swamiji was sitting on the altar about fifteen feet away from me.  No one else was touching me. Driving home that night singing in my car, the sound that came from my voice was distinctly different. Surprised, and in a funny way, I tried various notes that would have been more difficult for me previously. The next morning when I went to the airport to see Him off, Sri Appaji said, “Bindu, I want you to sing Bhajans at my temple.” Singing Bhajans was an unexpected request from my Sadguru, but the previous night’s experience began to make sense. Now there is a deeply felt pull to sing Datta’s Grace.

There is a beautiful stretch of land between Dallas, TX, and Shreveport, LA which one drives between the Hanuman Temple and Datta Temple. Recently, feeling completely inspired by Sri Appaji’s visit to Dallas, I made a sankalpa to sing on the drive back to Baton Rouge. After the first full hour or more of singing, a powerful momentum took over deep inside of my body that began “singing me”. This same power simultaneously seem to be singing the entirety of nature and the landscapes left and right were also resonating with Sri Appaji’s Bhajans.  A strong determination came for me to drive straight to the Temple, rather than to go home, and go inside to sing.  Several devotees were there and commented on having an uplifted experience when the bhajan began to “sing me”.  If we all could learn we are nothing without Him, what a Divine life we could have.  It is our true self and birthright. He has taught me that if one person can have “It”, “It” (meaning the Indivisible called by various names, in various languages) is available for each and every one of us. It is the Infinite Reality that not only is available, but also is unequivocally the Life-force within every particle of Creation. Jaya Guru Datta

S Rajasingam, Malaysia

What an incredible thing to grasp. Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji was in Malaysia in the 1930s, yet He was born in 1942 in India. He is truly ‘Kalateetaya.’

In 1979 I was making my first trip outside Malaysia, to Bangalore, India, so I went to apply for a passport at the immigration department. At the department, I met my wife’s nephew who was a senior immigration officer, and he was excited that I was visiting India. He gave me a small photo of Sri Sathya Sai Baba and told me that it was his Guru, and I should have His darshan once I am in India. I got all my documents and left, and I started making arrangements for the trip..

My mission on this trip was to take my younger son, Arun Raja to the Baldwin Boys’ High School (BBHS) in Bangalore. We met his cousin there who was already a student at the school. The next morning, after arriving in Bangalore, I went to the school and had my son admitted. I had the rest of the day free so I decided to visit Sri Sathya Sai Baba as suggested by my wife’s nephew. I found out that His ashram was in Whitefield, a suburb of Bangalore. I took a bus and went there. When I got there I was told that Sri Sathya Sai Baba was in His other Ashrama in Puttaparthi. I took some photos and left.

The next morning I went to the Bangalore Airport for my return trip to Malaysia. I sat waiting for my flight when I heard a little disturbance; I stood up and saw a man walking, into the airport, surrounded by a group of people chanting very softly. The man looked like a Swami; He had a long black beard and wore long orange clothes. I thought that I did not get to have the darshan of Sri Sathya Sai Baba so I should take advantage of this opportunity and get the darshan of this Swami.

The Swami and the group came and sat a little way off from me. I was staring at Him and a man next to me asked if I believed in God Men. I told him that each individual has his own belief. Just then a young man tapped me on the shoulder and told me that Sri Swamiji wants to see me. I came to know that the young man was Sri Ramesh, the secretary for the Swami, Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji. I told Ramesh that I was worried about leaving my bags, but he convinced me they will be safe and took me to Sri Swamiji.

I went and sat near the right side of His Holiness and He said to me that He had seen me somewhere before. I told Him that He couldn’t have, for I was from Malaysia. Sri Swamiji then asked Sri Ramesh where Malaysia was, and he told Him it was near Singapore. I then told Sri Swamiji that this was my first visit to India and I had come to admit my son in the High School. He then asked Ramesh to take down my address and He told me that He will write to me.

He asked me what was my profession and I told Him that I was a police officer. I asked Him to bless me and He did.  He left for His flight to England and I went back to my seat. The man next to me asked me what the God Man said to me. I told him that it was personal and that I was very lucky to meet a Guru. I told him that it was not necessary for me to go and find a Guru, because this Guru came to me.

Suddenly a lot of people came around me and began questioning me as to how I knew this Guru and what did He say to me. I told them what had happened. Later I boarded my flight and the man sitting next to me began questioning me about Sri Swamiji. I told him that this was the first time I had met Him. He said his name was Krishnamurthy and he was travelling home to Chennai. He told me that I was indeed blessed to have met Sri Swamiji for he has been to the Mysore Ashrama many times and could not get to meet Him because of the crowd. Mr. Krishnamurthy got off in Chennai and I continued my journey to Malaysia.

When I got home, I told my family about my experience and they said that I was fortunate, for some people go searching for a Guru and a Guru had found me instead. Time went by and I kept busy with my work. Two years later, in 1981, I received a letter from Sri Ramesh who wrote that Sri Swamiji will be visiting Malaysia and He will be in transit at the Subang Airport on a particular day and time. The letter also stated that Sri Swamiji would like to see me and my family at the airport.

Being a police officer I got the necessary passes to enter the transit area of the airport. I went out to the tarmac area; there were no chutes to the planes then. I saw Sri Swamiji coming down from the plane along with a few others and as He saw me He said, “Rajasingam!” I prostrated before Him and then we all went to the transit lounge and sat down. Sri Swamiji turned to me and asked, “Where is your wife and family, I want to see them, call them.” I went and brought them in. He called my wife, Prema, and asked her to sit in the empty chair next to Him. She hesitated for a moment, but I pushed her to go. She sat down and He asked her what her job was. She told Him that she was a school teacher.

He called out to Prasadi who was very young then, and told him that this person was a teacher and he could ask her any question. Prasadi asked, “What is the longest rope in the world?”  My wife did not know, and then Prasadi said, “Eu-rope” Everyone laughed. I took the opportunity to tell Sri Swamiji about my wife’s terrible migraine headaches which gave her so much trouble that she used to lose her temper and scream. He took her right hand in His and said to her that in future she will not see this migraine problem again. He dropped something in her hand and told her to wear it on her neck. She kept her fist closed till we got back home. The children were curious to see what it was but she did not open her fist. At home she put a photo of Sri Swamiji on the pooja shelf and then opened her fist in front of the photo and she found a medallion. She put the medallion on her neck and since that day to now she has never suffered another migraine attack.

Two weeks passed and I received a phone call from a man named, Mr. I K Moorthy, who invited me to his house to attend a meeting concerning the Guru I met at the airport. I went to his house and assembled, there were; Major Gunasingam, Mr. I K Moorthy, Mr. Naidu, Mr. Shanmugham and another Mr. Murty, a reporter. Mr. I K Murty said that Sri Swamiji had expressed His wishes to visit Malaysia again and since we all had made contact with Him we should form a committee and group our efforts to bring Him to Malaysia.

We formed a committee which later became known as the Malaysia Gnana Bodha Sabha, which met regularly. A little handicap for us was that we had a language barrier; we spoke Tamil and Mr. Moorthy spoke Telugu, nevertheless, things progressed well. Mr. Moorthy bought a house across the street from his house for Sri Swamiji. His children were excited about Sri Swamiji’s visit and they cleaned up the house.

Sri Swamiji returned in 1982. I took my wife and my sister and we went to the house for bhajans in the afternoon. He was singing along with the people gathered there. They were singing Telugu bhajans. After the bhajans, I noticed that He was looking at my sister in the crowd, He then asked, “Who is that lady?”  I said, “She is my sister Swamiji”. Then my sister said, “I am Rajasingam’s sister.” Then He continued with His program. Sri Swamiji had His reasons for calling out my sister.

In 1936 I was a boy living in a peaceful village about sixty miles from Kuala Lumpur. We were a poor family; my father worked as a road overseer and my mother stayed at home taking care of us. Living in the same village, there was a man of medium height with a black beard. He carried a staff and a black kidney shaped bowl.  Daily He begged alms from the villagers and would bring the coins He collected and give them to my mother. He would tell her, “Amma, do me a favor, save this money to get me a ticket for me to go to India.” My mother kept the money in a jar and my sister used to count it everyday. When enough was collected, we purchased a ticket for the ship, Chidambaram, to take the man to India. He left and we never saw Him again. Later on, we confirmed with Sri Swamiji that this man was none other than Himself. What an incredible thing to grasp! Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji was in Malaysia in the 1930s yet He was born in 1942 in India. He is truly ‘Kalateetaya.’

On one occasion Sri Swamiji was coming to our house for a visit. I used to smoke about fifty-five to sixty cigarettes a day. My wife told me not to smoke that day for Sri Swamiji would smell the smoke. I took a packet with me and I put it in the glove compartment in the car. I then thought to myself that I should not smoke again. I took the cigarette and threw it in a ditch and asked Sri Swamiji to help me with this addiction. From that day on I never smoked again.

Sri Swamiji came to our house and said He wanted to see the whole house. We showed Him the entire house and He said He liked it. Then He saw my roses outside and said that He wanted a rose, He took a red and a white rose. Then He saw a pomegranate tree with the fruits hanging off. He said He loved the fruit and I plucked one and gave it to Him. I had kept a Hibiscus plant in my yard for Sri Swamiji to plant. I then asked Him if He would plant it as a remembrance of Him and He planted it. We all went back inside and began singing bhajans.

While in the house Sri Swamiji saw a photo of Jesus Christ and said, “Hey, Christ, I am that.” My wife is very fond of Jesus Christ. When the bhajans were over He took the white rose and blew on it and a beautiful smelling fragrance filled the room. Then vibuthi came out of the white rose. He took the red rose and kumkum fell out on the chair. He went to have His Bhiksha in a room and in my happiness I began sharing the kumkum with the crowd. He called me in the room and asked me if I got kumkum I told Him no that I gave it all to the devotees. He materialized some more and gave it to me and said that this was only for me. I then asked Him if I can give some to a friend of mine who could not have children. He said okay. I gave the kumkum to that person and after two months a child was conceived. They had been married and trying for six years. Now they have a beautiful child.

A few weeks after Sri Swamiji’s visit, a lot of Indonesian house robberies were taking place in our neighborhood. We were close friends with our neighbors, only a wire fence separated us. One morning we found a hole was cut in our back fence and another hole on the side fence leading to our neighbor’s house. It seems the robbers came into our yard, could not get in our house and so they went to the neighbor’s house. The hole on the side fence was just pass our Audumbara tree and the hibiscus bush which Sri Swamiji planted. Our house was definitely protected by Sri Swamiji.

Our neighbor was the director of the special branch of the police service. He was robbed of his firearm, jewelry, car and money. I used to wake up early to meditate and that morning when I woke up I heard the neighbor’s wife calling, Mr. Singam, Mr. Singam! I opened the door and she shouted that they were robbed and their car was gone. I got the license plate number and immediately phoned the police and told them. They found the car in the evening about five miles away.

I gave up my membership with the Gnana Bodha Sabha after two years because of the committee politics. They were having a meeting on later occasion and Sri Swamiji was present. He jokingly said that this was His first meeting. He told all the members to have an election for the different posts. My name was submitted but I lost. I went outside and I heard Sri Swamiji calling my name. I went to Him and in front of everyone He gave me a garland. I felt very blessed indeed.  On another occasion He materialized a Tulasi mala for me. I keep it in my pooja room. My life changed since the first day I met Sri Swamiji in the Bangalore Airport. Once again Sri Swamiji found me; I am His and will always be. I did not go searching for Him. He found me. This is my greatest blessing. Jaya Guru Datta

P Kondala Rao, Pithapuram

There Sri Swamiji was sitting, giving us His darshan. I have never seen Him like that. Looking at the radiance in His face I wondered, is He human or Angel?

Initially we did not know about Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji. It is a miracle to know about Him. I met Him for the first time in 1992. We used to worship Shiridi Sai Baba, and every year we would take Ayyappa Swami Deeksha. The entire year of 1992 was full of heavy rains; it flooded everywhere. But still, we were determined to make our trip to Shiridi. We started Sai Parayana also, chanting of Sai Baba life history. Then, there appeared a line on the picture of Sai Baba. It gradually extended into the form of zero. Everybody saw that. We were all surprised.

That program got cancelled. We could not make it to Shiridi, because of those rains. Then we said to ourselves, Sai Baba, we could not have Your darshan now, but if Your Avatar exists anywhere on this earth, You have to show Him to us. So we prayed, and prayed and prayed again. Then the line again appeared, but this time it’s not in the form of zero, and we did not know what it meant. In that year, all road transportation got cancelled, because of floods. We started our trip to Shiridi in a hired private bus. We just crossed Kurnool and reached Mantralayam where the journey got interrupted, our bus was stopped. The people over there stopped our bus and said the way ahead was totally flooded and that we could not go any further. Villages like Ballari were full of water, and they told us to go back. We wondered perhaps this is what the meaning of the line that appeared on the picture of Sai Baba might be. We decided to take a different route now, and came to Mysore, through Bangalore.

There was one Post Master Swami in our troop, he said “There was a person who used to work in our department who has attained many powers and He has become a Saint. Shall we have His darshan? “We were on the quest for a spiritual Guru, someone who is an incarnation of Sai Baba. So we sent the rest of our team to hotel and entered into the Ashram for the first time. It was about 4 .00 pm, and at that time, Janaki Garu was at the counter. She told us to come back at 7.00 pm to have darshan.

We went back to the hotel, brought the rest of our team along with us and we had our bath and everything in the ashram, we also performed Ayyappa Swami Sarana Pooja then and there. There Sri Swamiji was sitting, giving us His darshan. I have never seen Him like that. Looking at the radiance in His face I wondered, is He human or Angel? That’s my experience. He received us with a beautiful smile, and invited us as if we are known to Him since long ago. We went in, sat on the floor in front of Him and He continued to look at us with a cheerful, pleasant face, smiling beautifully at us, giving us a wonderful darshan.

Then He sent a message to us, stating we could take leave as it was getting late for our next day program and gave permission to have pada namaskarams. We could not take our eyes off of Him while doing the pada namaskara, he was literally glowing. Thus we had a wonderful darshan of Swamiji and came back, successfully completing our trip. We were glad that we could make a successful trip and return, but never expected that our relationship with Him would be such a deeply bonded one.

Later on, I would see Sri Swamiji in my dreams. I wondered why He was appearing in my dreams, what is this attachment? He had no devotees around in this area. I inquired around, and came to know that there are two business persons, Smt. Vijayalakshmi and Sri. Narasimhamurthy, who are His devotees, close by. There was one person, Gouda, in the village of Vedurupaka and who initiated Datta Homam in the Kukkuteshwara temple of Pithapuram. I decided to attend the Datta Homam, where I also happened to meet the devotee couple, Vijayalakshmi and Narasimhamurthy. They gave me a few pamphlets and invited me to their house the next day.

I visited them, and they gave me a huge bound book, a Biography of Sri Swamiji. They said I would know more about Sri Swamiji if I read it. I finished reading that book in about five days without stopping, except for taking meals and attending nature calls. After this I began to understand a little about Sri Swamiji, I thought that He was a great man; a celestial personality and thought He is one among the Gurus. I still did not gain complete faith though.

Whenever Narendra, another devotee, from Gokarnam came to Pithapuram I would visit him. Once, in 1993, he looked at me and said “Sri Swamiji is looking for you, go to Mysore immediately”. I was extremely surprised, how could someone so great like Sri Swamiji want to meet someone like me; a very normal, simple person? I did not even know how to take a train to Mysore, I only knew bus routes. However, I went to Madras, and from there I took the Brindavan train to Mysore. I met a person on the way who took me all the way to the Ashram and left me there. That is how Swamiji’s arrangements are going to be for us, making things smooth.

I went inside and saw Sri Swamiji. But then, He would not look at or talk to me. A few days went by like this. My wish was to get an Ayyappa Mala from Sri Swamiji’s hands, i.e. that I should take the Ayyappa Deeksha from Sri Swamiji. When He is not even looking at me, where He is going to grant me the sacred garland (Ayyappa Mala)? After searching throughout Mysore I found one small chain of Rudraksha, a very small and delicate one. Then I got the opportunity to take Sri Chakra Pooja Prasadam from His hands. Everyone left, and His Holiness was about to leave also.

There were some discussions going on between some other individuals and Sri Swamiji told them to take it inside. Then He called us near to Him and asked us “What do you want”? I said “Swamiji, I would like to take this Ayyappa Mala from Your hands, I want to take the Ayyappa Deeksha from You”. Sri Swamiji took the mala and my wish was granted, I got the Ayyappa mala, the Rudraksha chain from Sri Swamiji’s hands. This chain is so delicate, it could break very easily, but it remained intact, around my neck, for the forty days that I was in the Deeksha. I did not change it.

I realized then that Sri Swamiji is so powerful; I started worshipping Him through His picture. In 1994, we asked Him to bless us with His Padukas. Swamiji said, “Which town are you from?”  We said we are from Pithapuram. Then He said, “I want a temple in Pithapuram. That is the place where Sripada Sri Vallabha Swamiji was born. Could you acquire some land for that purpose?” We replied that we would do our best in acquiring the land. Then He said, “You go ahead and be on the job, the others also will join.” To get a good piece of property we needed three to four lakhs of rupees. Each of us contributed little by little and bought about one and a half acres of land. Ten individuals, all ‘non government officers’ from the surrounding villages of Pithapuram formed the first ‘Board of Trustees’.

There were a couple of temples already in Pithapuram, and they were telling us, why you need one more temple, why can’t you just join with us. They were questioning as to how we were going to construct the temple, as it would cost a lot. With confidence, we said, “Sri Swamiji, our Guru will take care of that.” We traveled around asking people from different villages to contribute, even if it is for one cent of land, maybe two thousand, three thousand rupees. In those days one cent of land, (436 sq. ft.) would cost about two to three thousand rupees.

We traveled like that through twenty-four townships, and whatever one contributed, as per one’s own capacity, we collected. During those days, not many knew about Lord Datta; only a few folks who were into the business profession knew about Him. In every village we would conduct a session, gather people and explain about Lord Datta. Finally we collected eight lakhs and seventy thousand rupees. We informed Sri Swamiji about this and He said “Very good. You will always be in my heart. The elders will come and take care of the other things”. We were extremely happy. What more do we want, if we could be in His heart?

We all went back to our homes happily. Till then we only had a society registered, but not a trust. Once, the manager, Mr. Subbarao, called me and said that Sri Swamiji would like to see me urgently. I went to Him and He said “you form the trust and register it”. I said there was not much time to do so, but after He insisted, I came back, and with some of the old and new members formed a trust and registered it. After this, Sri Swamiji said, “Now, the one who is going to construct the temple will come there. You be on your jobs”. We thought Swamiji again put a responsibility on us.

Each of the trust members contributed between ten and eighteen thousand rupees each and the construction began. During the construction, 1999 Sri Swamiji arrived in Pithapuram. During that session He addressed the Inspector General of Police, and said: “Ramanamurthy, all these are my devotees. They have love, and devotion, but they don’t have money. You too are from Pithapuram and for a long time it is your wish to serve. So be here and offer your services, be part of the temple construction”.

IG Ramanamurthy called all the trustees to Hyderabad and we discussed the temple construction, planning. Everything was taken care of. Construction costs were estimated at forty lakhs. IG Ramanamurthy pledged twenty lakhs, and the trustees would take care of the rest, and we were happy about the developments. We then traveled to Vijayawada with all the plan documents to show them to His Holiness. After seeing the plan He said it is too small, He informed us that it should be a big bungalow type of construction, and proposed His plans.

Again we spoke to IG Ramanamurthy and he came up with an estimate of one crore rupees for the construction. We were wondering where the money will come from. In His wisdom Sri Swamiji made a public announcement for the people to contribute, what all we trustees did was in meager amounts. In this way, everybody got a chance to serve for a good cause and the amount got gathered. After the construction was complete, there was no Guru Nilayam.

Rajahmundry Ashram has a Guru Nilayam. They thought that since Pithapuram Ashram does not have a Guru Nilayam, when Sri Swamiji comes He would stay there and both the Ashrams would share the expenses. We were disappointed. After constructing such a huge temple, what if there is no place for our Guru to stay? IG said, “if you buy the land, I will construct the Guru Nilayam.” We purchased a piece of land, literally overnight, from a person who lives in Vishakapatnam and started the construction. The Prana Prastitha and Kumba Abhishekam were exceptionally wonderful and colorful, amidst shimmering lights. More than two lakhs of people came for the event. That is the relationship I have with Sri Swamiji.

I should also tell you how I came to believe in Sri Swamiji. In the initial days, a great miracle happened. Such miracles we watch only in movies, but not in real life. One day, in December1994, Mr. Narendra came to me and said that Sri Swamiji asked him to convey this message to me, that my son is in danger. He informed me that I should chant the Datta Stavam nine times a day for nine days, keeping aside one fistful of rice for each chant. After nine days, I must prepare prasadam with that rice and distribute it to small children, and the negativity will be wiped off.

I did not believe it then, but since Swamiji said so, we did. In April 1995, while I was watching some workers, a huge coconut tree, of about thirty meters, fell on my son and he was trapped under it. About thirty people tried to lift the tree without success, it was that big. Then miraculously my son just got up as if nothing happened, uninjured without a single scratch. What a miracle? After this incident, I began to pray that this great ‘Uplifter of the downtrodden’ should come to Pithapuram. Everybody should receive blessings from Him. Sri Swamiji should move around in this area, this place should be blessed with His presence. In order for Him to come to here, a temple has to be built. Please, my Appaji, You should definitely bless us with a temple here in Pithapuram; so we prayed. Then Sri Swamiji said: “I will grant your wish”. So He granted us our wish.

In 1999, I was scheduled for a back operation. Swamiji told me not to worry, that He will be with me during the operation and I could bravely go for it. During that time, the Lord Datta Venkateshwara Temple was being inaugurated. I couldn’t go for the program for I was in bed. However, with His grace Sri Swamiji showed me the entire scenes, from the program live, in my dream. It as like watching a movie; I could see the Conch, Disk, and the Crown of Lord Venkateshwara clearly. Such is the compassion and mercy of Sri Swamiji. His is an unfathomable compassion. Usually, we pray to God, and only if He grants us something, we would offer Him something in return. But Swamiji is Sadyo Jatham. If He grants something, it will happen at any cost.

In my astrological chart, it is said, there is no house in my destiny. I may have money and everything but they said there is no house. I bought farms, earned a lot, but could not construct a house. I never asked Swamiji though. However, recently in Ganagapur, I took the interview. I requested Swamiji to grant me a house. Swamiji said, you don’t have a house in your destiny. “But still Swamiji,” I requested. I prayed to Him and when I got back, I bought two houses. This is the latest miracle in my life. What more do we want? God is not located elsewhere. In my perception, He Himself is God.

I used to listen to Swami Suprabhatham, Dattatreya cassettes. He brought me in line gradually, on the spiritual plane. After He entered into my life, He consolidated my devotion towards Guru. Actually the one who showed me my Guru Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji is Sai Baba. Carrying Sai Baba’s picture we went to Him. I feel that there is no difference between the two. In that life time it’s Him, in this life time it is Sri Swamiji. It is only one soul; it is the Datta’s incarnation.

Since then, very importantly, I have lost fear. There are no fears about what is going to happen in life. There is only one assurance; He is there, no matter how much losses are incurred, no matter how much we gain in business. He gives, and if it is lost, He has taken it away, and it’s for some reason. This kind of detachment and courage I have achieved. All these folks around here are also part of it. There are many experiences to share, its going to be a big episode. There are many incidents, small, small ones.

He gave me rebirth and He gave my son rebirth. The other materialistic things are there, also given by Him. After meeting Him, I have not been deprived of anything in my life. No tensions. Life is going smooth, happily.

Jaya Guru Datta

Varalakshmi Rajkumar, Chennai

Sri Swamiji is not a Guru whom I ask for things (materially and spiritually), for me He has come to teach us how to eradicate karmic bonds, to lighten our sorrow, misery and pain and when we are ready, He reveals the knowledge of ‘Who Am I’.

My father, C.K. Rajaram Naidu, an Industrialist, was an ardent devotee of His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji from 1974. He later became a member of the Jnana Bodha Sabha Trust. The members of the Trust were a conglomeration of minds, ethics and professionalism. Anyone looking at this group and how they interacted with Sri Swamiji couldn’t help thinking that they were a group of friends with a bond flowing from many births. The most salient remembrance which a few of us have, of this wonderful bond, was the way Sri Swamiji treated each of them and the absolute love, affection and commitment with which this group worked.

Our relatives were perplexed with this new found friendship and asked my father why he wanted to serve a Guru when he was so well placed in life. My father saw Sri Swamiji as one being worthy of love and respect, and that love grew into an atmic bond between them. The trust performed seva not only for the Madras Ashram, but extended its dedicated service to the Mysore Ashrama. My father was instrumental in arranging the first trip of Sri Swamiji’s abroad in 1976. They included; The United Kingdom, The United States and Trinidad.

This was the beginning of many trips for Sri Swamiji, and for the devotees abroad it was the blessed moment in their lives when they would meet their beloved Sadguru once again. This event in Sri Swamiji’s mission will always be linked with my father, Mr. Rajaram Naidu and we are extremely touched by this wonderful opportunity that was given to our family by Poojya Sri Swamiji. Sri Swamiji was everything to him and to us and He became the centre of our family.

Soon turbulent times visited us and our world around us collapsed, my father tumbled and fell so far that friends and relatives lectured my father that he was fine before his meeting with Sri Swamiji and running after the Guru had brought him to his knees. Sri Swamiji became the center piece of mockery from our family and friends.

My father never bothered to reply; neither did he ask Sri Swamiji for help, he felt he had no need to tell Sri Swamiji anything for Sri Swamiji would take care of all our problems without us even asking, as He was one with us. When my father hit rock bottom financially all his friends and relatives turned their backs on him, but the only one who stood beside him like a pillar was our beloved Sadguru Deva.

My father had lost his health by then and my mother approached several people whom my father had helped but of no avail. One day Sri Swamiji came to our house unannounced with a pouch containing money and a car, He said to my father, “Rajaram, I cannot watch you struggling without a vehicle, you are the person who introduced me to cars and flights, here is my car; take it! You have debts and problems, I cannot see you suffer, please take this pouch. As a brother and friend it is my duty to stand by you.” Thus Sri Swamiji showed us that a Guru is mother, father, sibling and friend. I would firmly say that if Sri Swamiji was not in our lives, life would have defeated us. I also saw the transformation in my father, who had learned from his bond with Sri Swamiji “Atma Gnana”.

I was extremely fortunate to spend most of my childhood days along with my brother with Sri Swamiji in the Mysore Ashrama. Around the age of ten, with the other children in the Ashrama we had the blessed opportunity to spend our summers with Sri Swamiji. We were some of the most fortunate ones who got the opportunity to bathe Him, eat all His left over food and sleep in His room. We were a bunch of kids fighting to bathe Sri Swamiji and hence He would give His right hand to one of us, left to another, right leg to one, left to another, scrubbing the back was for another and shampooing the head was the most coveted part of all. At nights we would lie on the ground all around His bed. He would tell us stories, sing songs, play with us and make us laugh. Next morning if He found any of us still sleeping when He woke up, He would roll with all His might from the bed straight upon the one sleeping, waking us with a fright. He gave us candies and chocolates, He taught us yoga, bhajans, various sloka and introduced us to satvik Ashram food. We learnt to be contented with what we received and He indirectly taught us not develop taste nor demand for anything more.

He was our mother and our father and when we were with Him; we never missed the comforts of our home or our parents. He would scold us when at fault, He would make us cry and laugh and in His unique way taught us to become good people through play.  He was our playmate and our father and for those who watched He may have seemed like Sri Krishna with His playmates. Today as a mother of two, I recollect those wonderful memories and re-live them by telling them to my children. Blessed were we.

When my younger sister was a few months old, my mother brought her and placed her at Sri Swamiji’s feet. He picked her up and called her, “Deepa.” My mother told Sri Swamiji that her name was Dhanalakshmi and not Deepa. He asked my mother what was the meaning of Deepa? My mother said, light or lamp. Sri Swamiji told her that Dhanalakshmi also meant light or lamp. He then called my father and said to him, “There is something I have to tell you about this little one, she is the one who has brought you to me.”  My parents looked puzzled and Sri Swamiji continued, “There is a devotee named Krissan Kumar who lives in Delhi, this child has come from that home. I need your help to propagate and teach to the world and she is the angel who has brought you to me.”

My parents did not understand what Sri Swamiji was saying and asked Him to explain. He then said, “Mr. Krissan Kumar’s second daughter was named Deepa and she died of cancer. Her parents were shattered by her death, they came to me and I consoled them by telling them that Deepa will be here again, and that they will see her, so here she is now. I must call Mr. Krissan Kumar so that he can see his Deepa again.”

My father then remembered a photograph he had seen in the old Annapurna Mandir at Mysore. It was that of a little girl. He was attracted to it so much that one day he asked Sri Swamiji for it. My father took the photo and kept it at home in the pooja room. My relatives told my father that the photo did not belong on the altar, for the child in the photo was dead. My father did not listen to anyone and he kept the photo. Later on he learned that the girl’s name was Deepa. So that day my parents found out that my little sister, just born, was none other than Mr. Krissan Kumar’s daughter, Deepa. Until this day Sri Swamiji calls her Deepa. When my sister got married my father had passed away already so Mr. Krissan Kumar came and performed the role as her father in the wedding ceremony. This is one of the many miracles of Sri Swamiji.

While growing up Sri Swamiji blessed me always with the word “Strength”. I wondered why. When troubled descended upon me, the only words He uttered were “why have you molded yourself like this. Am I not there?” Those words remain in my mind to this day and I learnt that good, bad, joy and pain were all a state of mind and once we realized the truth behind our existence and our bond with our Sadguru for Janmas, we can break free of all feelings. I took Sri Swamiji’s word as my life’s lesson and I have changed as a person and my entire outlook towards life has completely changed. All I had to do was make the effort and He did the rest. I have also learnt that serving Him eases the pains of life. We don’t have to talk to Him or get His darshan to feel better, we only need to serve; He knows how to cure. With the loving grace and guidance of Sri Swamiji I have grown up and am married with a beautiful family and hold a profession as an advocate.

Being associated with Sri Swamiji all my life, I have learnt to correct myself in many ways from observing Him. He wants us to conduct ourselves and live our lives in a good manner. Sometimes He instructs us verbally and sometimes by actions. His life is His message. His noble actions, benevolent characteristics, dynamic personality and overall sweetness speak for themselves. The most wonderful quality of Sri Swamiji is that He never forgets a single help extended to Him, however insignificant and blesses such devotee with abundance, never ceasing to forget that little help rendered.

Sri Swamiji is not a Guru whom I ask for things (materially and spiritually), for me He has come to teach us how to eradicate karmic bonds, to lighten our sorrow, misery and pain and when we are ready, He reveals the knowledge of ‘Who Am I’.

To show my love, devotion and gratitude to Him, the best thing that I can do is to follow His command intrinsically and strive to be His best child. He is my past, present and future.

Jaya Guru Datta

V G Suresh Kumar, Chennai

“You must be brave, you must not shed one single tear and I want you to stand strong through all this; support your mother, sister and the children. Promise me that you will not cry”.

My father Sri V R Gopalan, one of the most ardent devotees of Sri Swamiji, who had rendered yeomen services to Sri Swamiji and the institution, had his first darshan of Swamiji in the month of May 1969. I was fifteen months old at that time. A few months later, I was diagnosed with a urinary tract block which required a major surgery, but because of my tender age, it was risky and the doctors had advised my father that it was a difficult operation, the success of which could not be guaranteed.

My father, who had gone to Mysore during Navarathiri in September 1969, was very worried and agitated. Sri Swamiji asked him the reason as to his being so perturbed and my father naturally confided in his Guru and informed him about my ailment. Sri Swamiji casually said, “Don’t worry; let them do the operation. I shall be there to take care of Suresh. Inform me as soon as the date for the operation is confirmed”. My father came back to Chennai a very relieved man, knowing that our Guru was there to support and bless us in that hour of need. However, due to the stress in making requisite arrangements for the surgery, he omitted to inform Sadguru the date on which the operation was to be performed. To his great surprise, he received a telegram from Sri Swamiji on the day of operation, blessing me and my father.

Sri Swamiji was there during the operation to support me. The complicated and major operation was successful. Sri Swamiji blessed me and saved me. Thus began an enduring relationship with my Sadguru, which has spanned over four decades. Whenever anyone asks me how long you have been with the Sadguru, I take pride in stating “my age minus one”. Few are as blessed as me, to be under the “kalpavriksha”, to be guided by Him at all times. At every important juncture in my life, when crucial decisions are to be taken, he is there to guide me and ensure that I proceed in the right direction.

My father was blessed to serve in Sri Swamiji’s mission and I can take pride in saying that I am the son of a devotee, who has rendered services in various spheres to Sri Swamiji and the institution. He served at the Chennai Ashrama and played an important role in the formation of the SGS Trust in Mysore. Today, my father is no more, but he is vividly and affectionately remembered by Sri Swamiji. Growing up, I followed the footsteps of my father and Sri Swamiji became my life. As a young boy, I spent a lot of time with Sri Swamiji in the Mysore Ashrama.

I am a born left hander and do all activities only with my left hand. I was even taking food only with my left hand and though my parents tried to change the habit, they were not successful. In 1978, when I was ten years old, I was at the Mysore Ashrama waiting outside the Annapurna Mandir for food. Sri Swamiji who came there asked me, “Why are you waiting here?” I replied, “I am waiting for the bell to ring, so that I can go inside for food.” He said to me “Then go inside”. I answered “The bell must ring and only then I will go inside for food”. He replied, “Come I will take you inside today”.

He picked me up, put me on His shoulders, with my legs on either side of His head and took me inside the Hall.  He put me down and directed food to be served to me. As was my practice, I began eating with my left hand. Sri Swamiji asked me “Why are you eating with your left hand”. I answered “I am left handed and do everything with my left hand, including eating food”. He said “Eat with your right hand” I tried explaining to Him that I could not do it for I had tried before and failed. He then said to me “I bless you. From today onwards you will eat with your right hand”. I ate with my right hand that day. Till this day I do everything else with my left hand but I eat perfectly well with my right hand. This is possible only because of Sri Swamiji’s blessing.

One summer, when our family was in the Mysore Ashrama, Sri Swamiji informed us that we would all be going to Bommeparthi the next day. It turned out to be one of the most memorable trips in my life. We travelled with Sri Swamiji in a fiat car. With Sri Harish as the driver, Swamiji was in the front seat. My father, mother, my sister and I were in the back seat. We had a wonderful time travelling with Sri Swamiji and spent one day at Bommeparthi. On the way back, my sister asked Sri Swamiji, “Swamiji can you drive a car?” Swamiji replied “Yes”. Both us then asked Swamiji “Please drive this car. We want to see you drive”. Sri Swamiji readily obliged. He drove the car for quite a distance. During a major part of the journey, we played various games with Sri Swamiji participating, including ‘word building game’. It was an unforgettable experience.

While studying in the seventh standard, I went through a very difficult phase in my life. Every human being does at one point of time in his life due to the seven and half years circle of Lord Saneeswara (Saturn planet). I had gone to Mysore to attend the Shivaratri Festival, as I usually did every year. Sri Swamiji, who could see that I was going through a difficult phase in my life, commanded me to sit in the first row near the Homa kunda (fire pit) and to stay awake all night.

In obedience to his command, I sat there throughout the night. At about 4.00 am He entered the Homa kunda. After a while, He came out with a lingam in His hand and walked towards me. His Feet were covered with ashes. He hit my forehead with His right leg with great force. He then told my father that He was blessing me. There was a remarkable change thereafter and Sri Swamiji had blessed me by giving me the strength to undergo the difficult period in life.

My grandfather, Sri V G Ramachandran, who was very attached to the Paramacharya of Kanchi and had served the Kanchi Mutt with distinction, was also an ardent devotee of Sri Swamiji and was deeply attached to Sri Swamiji. My grandmother also rendered services to Sri Swamiji and was always in charge of the kitchen during Sri Swamiji’s visit to Chennai. Sri Swamiji affectionately called her “Mummy”.

I remember one incident involving my father, which to this day is a reminder to me that I must implicitly follow the instructions of the Sadguru. In 1976, when the Gnana Bodha Sabha at Kutchery Road, Mylapore, Chennai was ready for inauguration, my father requested Sri Swamiji for tentative dates. Sri Swamiji suggested that the function be held after Shivaratri, which was in March, but my father insisted that the function be held in February and Sri Swamiji reluctantly agreed.

My father planned to organize a function on a grand scale with a Souvenir to be prepared and released. With the date on which the function was to be held fast approaching, all the other members of the committee had to leave on one pretext or another and my father was left alone. He, as a lawyer, had to attend to his regular court work and also the preparations. One day, on returning home, under great duress, when questioned by my grandmother as to why he was straining himself, unable to control himself, had an outburst and used harsh language against Sri Swamiji and ended up saying “Let the function go to dogs.” Things improved the next day and the members started coming back to work along with my father. Here I extract my father’s narrative:

“Three days before the program, I went to the airport to receive Sri Swamiji, who was coming from Bombay. As soon as he entered the car, the first question was, “Gopal, how many causalities are there in your camp,” meaning thereby the non-availability of my fellow committee members. I asked, “Swamiji why this testing” and He said, “I told you to have the function in March, but you were adamant and particular to have it this day. I wanted to avoid it and advised you, but if you are destined to suffer, in spite of my advice, you have to suffer.” That was a lesson to me: a lesson to everyone. Sri Swamiji foresees everything and gives His advice and guidance. You cannot expect Him to come out openly and give detailed instructions. We must have implicit faith in Him; otherwise we will be in trouble.

Later, Sri Swamiji called my mother and said, “Mummy, last Wednesday at 8:30 pm, Gopal scolded me.” And He actually repeated all the words and expressions I used, both in Tamil and English to my great surprise. Only my mother and I knew about it and no one else. Sri Swamiji was in Bombay, how could He reproduce the very same language and expressions, as if He was personally present? Then He called my friend, C K Rajaram, who had arranged the Bombay program and asked him to explain what had happened at Bombay.

 Rajaram said that Sri Swamiji was addressing a small gathering and suddenly He had a shooting pain to His ears; He stopped the discourse and told the gathering that a devotee was cursing Him and immediately went inside the room. He bolted the door from inside and did not even take bhiksha. Sri Swamiji turned to me and said “Look Gopal, don’t think Sri Swamiji does not know what is happening in your house. I am watching you and your movements from the photo I gave you and you cannot escape. Because of you and your utterances the program at Bombay was cancelled. Avoid repeating this mistake.” It was again a thrilling experience. I came to realize that Sri Swamiji has been watching the devotees and their movements meticulously even from far off places. Nobody can escape Him. He has such a phenomenal power.”

I narrate the above incident only to emphasize that all devotees must implicitly follow Sadguru’s instructions and directions. I always endeavor to do so.

 When I completed High School, I wanted to become a lawyer, but my father wanted me to study a degree in commerce and then progress further by studying business administration. As I would not agree, He took me to Sri Swamiji and requested His guidance. Sri Swamiji blessed me to study law as I desired and I thus graduated in law and enrolled as a lawyer in 1990. I am practicing as a lawyer and am indeed blessed by the Sadguru.

In 1995, when I was twenty-seven years old, my father was in the process of securing a suitable alliance for me and He became worried as there was a delay. Sri Swamiji visited Chennai in the middle of that year. While He was there, He directed my father to arrange for a trip to Kumbakonam, a town known for its famous temples, built by the great Chola kings. My father, who, by that time was involved in the activities of many temples around Kumbakonam, including Patteeswaram, the famous Shiva Temple, where the shrine of Goddess Durga Devi, is situate, was only too happy to oblige. The problem faced by my father was regarding the stay of Sri Swamiji as He could not be made to stay in a hotel.

My father therefore made enquiries in Kumbakonam and was informed that one Sri Ramesh had a beautiful bungalow, where even the seers from Kanchi stayed during their visit to Kumbakonam. My father approached Sri Ramesh and he informed my father that he would give an answer in twenty-four hours. Sri Ramesh thereafter seems to have contacted the Kanchi Mutt seeking guidance and was explicitly told to welcome Sri Swamiji and have Him stay at his house. He was further told that he was blessed to have such an opportunity to host the stay of the Sadguru. The next day Sri Ramesh informed my father that he would indeed be glad to have Sri Swamiji stay at his house.

Sri Swamiji visited Kumbakonam and had darshan at many temples including Patteeswaram. However, He was very attached to Goddess Durga Devi, one of the important deities in that temple. All of us had a wonderful time being with Sri Swamiji and going to many temples with Him.

On the day He was to depart, Sri Swamiji called our family upstairs to the room in which He was staying and He asked my father “Gopal, do you know why I came to Kumbakonam”. My father replied “To visit to all the temples and have darshan, Swamiji”. Swamiji then said “No Gopal. The visit is not only for going to the temples. I came to fix an alliance for Suresh. I have done it. I am now leaving”. We were all surprised. Nothing extraordinary had happened during His stay at Kumbakonam. Fixing an alliance meant seeing the prospective bride; exchanging horoscopes, views and finalizing the marriage. We had not seen the bride nor was there even any indication that there was a proposal regarding my marriage. But, we all knew that when Sri Swamiji said something, there was a meaning in it. He blessed our family and departed to Mysore.

One week thereafter, my father received a cover by post from Kumbakonam. It contained a letter written by my proposed fayher-in0law elder brother (who is an auditor in Kumbakonam and the eldest member of his family). The letter stated that all of them had come to have darshan of Sri Swamiji during His stay in Kumbakonam. There they came to know about our family and our dedication to Sri Swamiji and also my father’s contributions to various temples around Kumbakonam, including Patteeswaram. Because of this they were happy to propose an alliance. He further stated that their family would be happy if his brother’s daughter, Revathi, was given in marriage to me.

My father requested instructions from Sri Swamiji and He was directed to proceed. He therefore replied that we would be happy to consider the proposal. They sent a photograph of my future wife and her horoscope. On enquiries, we came to know that Sri Ramesh was Revathi aunt’s son. My father, my mother and I were of the unanimous opinion that the final decision would have to be taken only by Sri Swamiji. I even declined to have a look at the photograph unless Sri Swamiji approved so my father went to Mysore with the letter, the photograph and the horoscope.

Navaratri celebrations were going on and my father was in Mysore on the day of Saraswathi pooja. When he saw Sri Swamiji and informed Him about the developments, Sri Swamiji said “Yes Gopal. She is your daughter-in-law. Suresh will be very happy in life with Revathi as his wife. Perform the marriage”. My father rushed back to Chennai the same day and informed the family about our acceptance. He asked that we would like to see Revathi the very next day in the Patteeswaram Temple and requested him to make all arrangements.

All of us went to Kumbakonam the very next day and I saw my future wife in person on Vijayadasami day in the shrine of Goddess Durga Devi. My alliance was fixed. Till this date, our horoscopes have not been compared. What is the need when the divine hands have fixed the alliance? Sri Swamiji could foresee everything and had come to Kumbakonam to fix my alliance. The fact that He stayed in the house of Sri Ramesh, Revathi’s cousin, was instrumental in my marriage being fixed. I am happily married and we are blessed with three beautiful children, all named by Sri Swamiji. My eldest daughter was born on 6^th January 1996 was named her ‘Hemavathi.

On the same evening, when performing bhajans in the Chennai Ashrama, Sri Swamiji played the raga Hemavathi for more than one hour. It only showed how overjoyed my Sadguru was when I was blessed with my first child. My second daughter, born on 3^rd May 1999 was named ‘Narayani’ Sri Swamiji who had great love for my grandmother, whom he called “Mummy” always says that He sees my grand-mother in her. On 26^th July 2001, I was blessed with my third child, a son. named him “Poosha Datta.” I am proud to say that my children have followed the footsteps of my grand-father, my father and myself. They are all very attached and dedicated to Sri Swamiji. We are indeed blessed in that four generations of our family have been with Sri Swamiji and are serving Him.

In 2002, Sri Swamiji’s 60^th birthday was celebrated in a grand manner. My father had an important role in the celebrations. He organised sixty priests from Thanjavur District to go to Mysore to perform the rituals. In fact he stayed in the Ashrama for nearly a month during the celebrations. On the last day, after the program, when Sri Swamiji was returning to his abode, my father started to go with Him on the catwalk. He turned to my father and said, “Gopal, this passage is only for me. You must go down and walk through the Universal Prayer Hall to come to Guru Nilayam”. My father replied “Yes Swamiji, time has come for me to go down, but I pray that you will be the guiding light for my son’. With that my father left.

In July 2002, after performing my son’s first birthday, in the evening my father called me and told me “This is the last function I have performed in this family. Hereafter, you, my son will take care of everything. Do seva to Sri Swamiji as I have been doing and also do seva to the Temples. Take care of the family.” My father had a premonition that his end was near. On 17^th September 2002, my father passed away at the age of sixty five. That evening, Sri Swamiji spoke to me over phone and commanded “You must be brave, you must not shed one single tear and I want you to stand strong through all this; support your mother, sister and the children. Promise me that you will not cry”. I promised my Sadguru.

 I was only thirt- four years old and still very young in my career as a lawyer. I was inconsolable. He was not only my father but my mentor in the profession. I was at a total loss. However, I implicitly followed Sri Swamiji’s directions and remained strong. I performed the funeral rites and the obsequies. After completing the thirteenth day ceremonies, I went to Mysore with my sister to have the darshan of Sri Swamiji.

Sri Swamiji then said to me, “Your father may have left his body but his soul will always be in this Ashrama. He is always inside me; he is my atmabhakta (devotee close to my heart). Whenever you want to see him come to the Ashrama and see me. When you see me, you will be seeing him.”  Sri Swamiji’s words gave me solace and confidence. I then asked Him to bless me to do well in my profession and also to bless me to serve Him as my father did. Sri Swamiji has indeed blessed me. I am now happy in my profession and rendering services to Sri Swamiji and the institution to the best of my ability. I am now a Trustee of the Chennai Ashrama.

My father was a noble soul who served Sri Swamiji for over 32 years. I am doing my best to emulate him. My mother is very devoted to Sri Swamiji and has been rendering services with unwavering devotion to Sri Swamiji. My wife is also very supportive and is an equally ardent devotee of Sri Swamiji.

My father had arranged Sri Swamiji’s first trip to many temples in Tamil Nadu in the early ‘70s. I was blessed to arrange the first trip for Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji to temples in Tamil Nadu. I take pride and consider it my privilege to serve Sri Swamiji and Sri Bala Swamiji. By Sadguru’s grace, my children are continuing and will continue this service to our Sadguru.

Sri Swamiji once said that Sadguru is like a train into which the devotees – passengers get on. Some passengers journey till the end whilst certain others detrain in the middle. My family has boarded our Sadguru, Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda; train and has travelled and continue to travel with Him. May He shower His blessings on all of us and bless us to stay with Him on the train forever and also make the journey a happy one while rendering services to the best of our ability.

Jaya Guru Datta