Tera May

There are many spiritual organisations in this world. But none as complete as the Art of Living. None as widespread. None as diverse.

My first encounter with saints was in the Ramkrishna Mission. It's a great organisation engaged in tonnes of service activities, plenty of knowledge, melodious bhajans and if you've ever been to any of the centers, you'll know how beautiful the ashrams are as well.

And while I still visit the place out of tradition and respect, AOL is where my heart lies. Celebration, service, sadhana, silence, chaos, serenity- there's nothing I don't find here. Including detractors who question my choice. 😁

In India, I find most satsangs tend to be noisy affairs. Endlessly long bhajans are sung by someone who loves being loud on the mic. And while many people enjoy this sort of singing, it has never brought tears of love, joy and gratitude to my eyes.

But then AOL happened and all of a sudden, the meaning of satsang changed. The understanding of sat-sangha, the components of gaan, gyaan and dhyaan- it comfortably made its way into my heart and life.

I love AOL satsangs- simple lyrical words, beautiful heartfelt music, and a balance of percussion, wind and string instruments, lovely meditations and knowledge sessions, and above all such devotion that each time I am left with a lump in my throat and tears of joy in my eyes. I haven't ever experienced this state in any other bhajan sandhya in any part of the country. Yesterday, on the most special day of the year, I was thankful once again for being a part of it all.

Tera Mai- the birth day of my Guru. A more joyful day than my own birthday, graduation day or any other special event put together. It is the day my Guru graced the Earth and introduced me to all that is most special in my life.

It's been a little over 6 years now, that He has found me. And the journey so far as has been filled with all kinds of flavours.  You know, one can read a thousand books on spirituality, tradition and rituals. One can undertake pilgrimages to all the holy lands of the world. But if you've not experienced the company of the divine. If you haven't walked with the Master, if you've not had the chance to shed tears of gratitude at the feet of your Guru, you may just need to take another birth.

I've never had a picture taken with my Guru. When He is before me, it seems futile to pose or look at Him through a lens. Those are moments so dear to me I can't afford to lose them over such demands. Of  course, given a chance who wouldn't love to have a pic with Him ;-) But until then, here is a video I cherish-

Caught on camera at Thiruvanamalai- Rishikesh of the South. Abode of Arunachala Shiva- the fire element. At 0:12 seconds, you can spot me in flaming orange amidst the sea of white. Walking with Him, circling the holy temple with Him, being so close to Him for those few days is ONE of the many awesome experiences that make my life so wow!