The Divine grace dissipates darkness

A devotee shares her experience below.
It is two months since I met Swamiji in Delhi on February 6th, 2013. I still carry the feeling of awe that I felt at seeing Him in flesh for the first time. His photos or videos don't capture the true Self. I have never ever met anyone with such a glow emanating from every pore. It was like the soft beautiful glow from the Sun. Throughout my journey in India whenever I saw the Sun rise or set my mind was immediately transported to that divine darshan. His smile and twinkling eyes were as if holding a wonderful secret and couldn't wait to share it with everyone.

My personal and professional life suffered a setback and I was looking for answers. My father suggested that I take some solace reading articles published in Speaking Tree and that was when I read some of Swamiji’s posts and went through his blog. When I watched the video of "Vision of the Goddess" I knew He was an Enlightened Soul and the one I was looking for.  My six weeks of interactions with Swamiji on the Speaking Tree was so life changing that I was determined to meet him.

When the time came for me to visit India, I learnt that Swamiji was leaving for Canada and the US. I was devastated and wrote to Swamiji for his darshans.  He replied back saying He will be holding a pravachan in Delhi. We rearranged our travel plans to be in Delhi and I am ever so grateful for Hemaji. She guided me with directions to her place and took care of all Swamiji’s devotees with such love and care.

I had some regrets that I was not fortunate to attend Maha Kumbh Mela . But meeting Swamiji and touching his lotus feet (His palms and feet do look as tender and as pink as lotus petals) was like having a dip in Holy Ganges. Whatever nameless demons that plagued me have just vanished by His darshan and touch of His lotus feet.

 I feel light and free now and understand that when you clear the dirt from the glass you can see that what is inside is better. Swamiji's darshan has cleared the glass for me. There will be occasional smudges on it but if I am vigilant I will clean them as soon as they are formed. By His grace I will get a key to open the door to the real side and be One with it.  Traveling by car and taxi through different states in India we had so many near misses I feel we were saved only by the Divine Grace.

I have come back with feeling of calm. That whatever I was searching for can never be found in my parents, siblings, spouse, children, friends, books, temples or places. I have the least bit interest left in possessing any clothes (which was an obsession), jewelry or money. Without informing anyone I just donated whatever I could carry to a deserving family. I am in state where I ask myself every now and then, why do I need anything? Do I really need anything? Clothes, money, jewelry, property are just unnecessary baggage. I pray this feeling of calmness stays forever.

During the question and answer session some had asked Swamiji why is it one feels bliss when they meet a divine person and as soon as they leave the place they don't feel it. Swamiji replied that when one is near a heater one feels the warmth and away from it one doesn't feel it. On that day, Swamiji lit a spark in me and I will see to it is ever burning and I always feel the warmth and never the cold.

Rama

Experiencing Om Swamiji's Discourses: A devotee shares his first hand experience

‘Na mrugatrusnadayo api niraspada bhavanti’, which implies that even a mirage has a positive basis or nothing in this world happens without a reason.

I came to know about Om Swami ji, through the speakingtree website and was instantly attracted to the ‘love’ that permeates from him, be it in ‘printed words’ by way of his blogs/teachings and/or the thoughtful replies that He provides against insipid queries. Through just a few casual exchanges, I was convinced of the fact that our revered Swamiji was no ordinary being. Besides online interactions, I also consider myself extremely blessed for the opportunity to meet him in person, few days back, at Delhi. May God bless the lovely souls who had very kindly arranged for the discourse by Swamiji.

Swamiji's energy and aura immediately enveloped us in a state of bliss and contentment. The simplicity with which He guided us, coupled with a great sense of humour, is beyond any words.

I am reminded of a light hearted banter (which is also relevant metaphysically) when Swamiji asked the group "Hum log Bhagwan ko Bhog kyon lagate hain?" (Why do we offer food to the Gods?). Many of us tried answering that ‘out of love’, ‘out of respect’ etc.

Then Swamiji shared his unique and enlightening view on it. He said that we generally do so because we know for sure that ‘Bhagwan’ (God) is not going to eat. :))) The day He starts actually consuming the Bhog (food) that we offer, we would stop offering Him any :)))

The session ended with the soulful rendering of Bhajans.

I must also mention here that in between the sessions, we were also blessed to witness Swamiji actually stopping his heart for a few minutes. In fact I checked it personally and I am 100% sure of the fact that His pulse had stopped completely. Also Swamiji placed His finger on my forehead and I was immediately able to sense subtle vibrations. It was an amazing experience!

I am of the firm opinion that many of us, who love and believe in Om Swamiji are linked with a common intention. I feel most of us are enquiring the spiritual and the metaphysical aspects of who we are and the highest ‘truth’ that encompasses everything. Allow me to conclude by submitting that I am of the firm belief that our revered Om Swamiji would lead us to the ‘highest’ truth, when the ‘time’ is both ripe and right.

Be Blessed. :)

Warm Regards,

Basab

Bhagavad Katha [Hindi] - 5 of 5

Dear friends!

Here is the final episode of the Bhagavad Katha. Swamiji explains the rites of mantra puruscharana, the process of invoking mantras. In this episode, Swamiji covers:
1. Departing of Krishna from this world.
2. Salvation of King Parikshit
3. Bhrama Vidya
4. Light on Mantra yoga

There are two nice bhajans at the end of the discourse. I would like to thank Suviji for painstakingly recording the videos with the extremely limited resources at Badrinath.

Hare Krishna
Navjot

Bhagavad Katha [Hindi] - 4 of 5

Dear friends,
Here is the 4th episode. Swamiji had called this Raas ka rahasya (The secret of Raas).

In this episode, Swamiji explains the esoteric meaning of puranic stories. If you have ever wondered about Krishna's Raas-lila, you must watch this discourse then. He explains the hidden meaning behind:
1. Gopi vastra-haran (Krishna's stealing clothes of gopis)
2. Maha-raas (Krishna's sporting on sharat-poornima)
3. Krishna-rukmini vivah (Krishna's union with Rukmini)

Audio quality is consistent and better in this video. Still using head phones will make it even better. Enjoy!

Hare Krishna
Navjot

Bhagavad Katha [Hindi] - 3 of 5

Dear friends,

Here is the third episode! There was a power genset running at the time of discourse so there's a constant sound in the background. It stops for a while in the middle. The good news is the next two episodes will have much better audio quality. In this episode:
1. Glories of Krishna
2. His taking birth in human form
3. Going to Gokul and other Krishna lila
4. Kundalini

One thing I know is I'd never heard Krishna-janama like this. If you sit through you will enjoy every moment of this discourse by Swamiji.

Hare Krishna
Navjot

Bhagavad Katha [Hindi] - 2 of 5

This is the actual beginning of Bhagavad Katha. The previous episode was an introduction. This one is almost 3 hrs. It's better if you use your earphones to listen to it. Sound quality is not the best. In this episode, Swamiji covers:
1. The yogic meaning behind 12 chapters of the Holy Purana.
2. Various incarnations of Lord Vishnu till Sri Krishna.
3. Esoteric meaning of Samudra Manthan.

This video quality is lower than the first episode because of the size of the video. We thought it was best to pack each day's discourse in one episode. Enjoy!

Hare Krishna
Navjot

Bhagavad Katha [Hindi] - 1 of 5

Here it is! All those who've been waiting to hear Swamiji's discourses on Srimad Bhagavad Purana in Badrinath need not wait anymore.

In October 2012, Swamiji narrated Srimad Bhagavad Purana in Badrinath. In total there are five episodes. The original orator got sick and could not do the katha so Swamiji stepped in. He narrated the whole Purana from the beginning over four days. This discourse (video) was a preliminary introduction he gave on the Holy Purana. The narrative is in Hindi. In episode 3, the sound quality is quite poor unfortunately because there was a power generator running and it's constant sound spoils the joy of listening to only Swamiji. The quality is good in this episode though. Enjoy this discourse of 1 hour.

In this video:
1. A beautiful eulogy to Sri Hari.
2. Reason why Maharishi Ved Vyasa wrote the Holy Purana.
3. Meaning of Srimad Bhagavad Mahapurana.

I'll release the next one on Monday most likely. That'll be almost 3 hours!!

Hare Krishna.
Navjot

A Visit to Om Swamiji's Ashram (Experience shared by a Devotee)

 Aum, Aum, Aum.

No words can remotely justify  the amazing  divine experience I had at Guruji, Om Swamiji’s Ashram. Everyday was a joyful celebration of divinity in the presence of Guruji. His radiant smiling face would light up the whole Ashram like thousand suns.

I was like a toddler waiting eagerly to see the divine father and mother everyday.

His purity, truthfulness, compassion, care, and above all his unconditional love was engulfing me in divine raptures. His words of wisdom, teachings, simple stories soaked in  knowledge, divinity and spirituality are still ringing in my ears. He sang some bhajans. His sound penetrated every cell of my body and tears of joy would flow like a river non stop.

He also made me laugh with funny stories about sadhus in Himalayas and the commercial money making aspect of spirituality which is so prevalent now.

I have been to many Ashrams in my search for a Guru. In many places they made me feel so insignificant and was barely allowed to see the so called Guru.  There was so much rigidity, distance, too many rules, and yes depending on how much one donated you were segregated as to whether you were entitled for a group or one on one dhrashan and how much time you were allowed.

This is the first Ashram of Guruji OmSwamiji I felt like being at home, a place drenched with divinity.

I could freely discuss with Guruji and it didn’t matter whether you were a millionaire, rich, middle class or a poor man. Everyone was treated equally and given unconditional love by Guruji.

After searching for many years I finally found my Guruji. I feel so blessed to have connected with Guruji  and having visited the Ashram. I thank the universe for the life transforming  divine healing experience I had with Guruji’s grace and blessings. I offer million pranams to Guruji and surrender myself at his lotus feet. I think of him in every activity I perform and feel so energetic and enthusiastic.

Everyday is a celebration now with his grace and blessings.

Ganesh Easwer

(If you wish to share your ashram or Swamiji experiences with others, you can write to me on navjot@followomswami.com and I will be happy to publish it here for you. It may inspire others.)

With Swamiji at Badrinath!

With excitement running high I started my journey for Badrinathji on the 13th October night in Patiala with 19 other devotees, in a taxi and a mini bus. We were going to meet the remaining 30 in Haridwar, the following morning. It was going to be a long journey but we were all happy and spritely.

It was not just the idea of visiting one of the most revered pilgrims that made me joyous but staying in the presence of Swamiji, my Master and listening to His preaching’s everyday for so many days filled me with happiness that was pouring out from with in.

The following day on the 14th we all freshened up at a Dharamshala (rest house) in Haridwar. Here we were accompanied by other devotees who had come in from Delhi, Dehradoon and Banaras. We all started off for Badrinath in two buses. It felt like one big family, all tied with a bond of love for Swamiji. All singing praises of the Lord while on the way. We reached upto Karan Prayag where we had to halt that day. It was cold and we were all tired but the enthusiasm was so high that we all decided to start as early as 5 AM, next morning on the 15th so as to reach our Swamiji as soon as possible.

Swamiji had left a few days before us to ensure that all the arrangements were done in time and we were comfortable on arrival.

We reached around afternoon at 12PM and Swamiji welcomed us all and ensured we were comfortably settled in our rooms.

The weather was beautiful yet cold and with Swamiji’s divine presence the entire town seemed to light up for me. His sweet voice that I heard after so long was like a symphony to my ears. The darshan (meeting with) of my Master made me feel like I needed to go no where else, no other temple or shrine. All of it was right there.

It was night already and time to go to bed. It had been a long journey but it was only the body that was tired, the mind was refreshed and the heart at peace, my Master was close by.

Next day the ceremonies stared off with us visiting the Holy Temple of Badrinath. We took with us the Holy book and water pots; for collecting holy water to be used in the religious ceremony of seven days and seek the Lord’s blessings for all to go well. There was a two hours long prayer followed by simple yet delicious food for all and after a small break Swamiji honoured the Katha vachak (religious orator) who shared with us all enticing tales from the holy book, the Bhagawat Puran.

Everyday a select number of people would do the morning prayers and after a delicious breakfast made without onion or garlic, Satvic bhojan(meals) as we Hindus call it, all would collect in the hall to listen to the orator. He was a fine old man with an in-depth knowledge of the holy book but by the third day we all realized that his health had deteriorated. It was too cold and his body was not taking it well. We all were very concerned for his health and his task ,what would happen if orator would not be able to complete his task, how would we hear the holy bhagawat purana. It was during this time when Swamiji stepped in and showering us with his divine grace decided to deliver the sermons himself. He started from the beginning and over the next four days, narrated the entire scripture in the most charismatic manner.

Swamiji’s narration and preaching’s are difficult to explain in words but just know that none of us had ever heard or understood any of the stories and meanings the way we did this time. Swamiji helped us in understanding the deeper meaning of the epic and stories and it was full of the Lord's divinity and love for His subjects. It felt as if Krishna Himself spoke in Swamiji. For all those who could not be there, video recording was done that will be uploaded in due course with Swamiji’s blessings.

Swamiji also shared His views on various other topics like how to pray, how to use the chanting beads, how to train the mind and body, how to lose oneself in the divine bhakti or just how to become better people. He spoke on the esoteric aspects of mantra yoga, how to bring mantras to life, the hidden meaning behind churning of the ocean (samudra manthan). He also spoke on the real meaning behind maharasa (Krishna's divine dance with the gopis) and many other topics.

During the free hours of the day, people would gather in His room for listening to Swamiji and also seeking His guidance on queries they had in their mind. Never did I once see Swamiji turning anyone away or avoiding a question or being angry or showing any signs of tiredness. He was there for all, full of love and blessings for all. My dear Master, will I ever be able to thank Him enough for all that he is blessed me with, I don’t think so. How can I am too small in every which way!

In the evenings all the devotees and musicians who had specially come in from Banaras would gather in the hall and sing praises of the lord. And the day would end with Satvic Bhojan (meals) for all.

It was a very beautiful and divine experience dear friends. I have shared a few pictures and will keep on adding on it as and when I receive some more from the devotees that went with us. I thank Swamiji for being able to be there with Him, on the land he went for His Sadhana. I hope I have shared enough to be able to give you all some idea of the entire trip.

A very Hare Krishna!

Navjot Gautam.

Swamiji preaches About Life From Life For Life!

It is surprising how we actually experience all Swamiji's teachings in our daily life and do not even realise them until we read them as blogs from Swamiji's writings. In one of his earlier blogs he has talked about being a toddler, and also about unconditioning one's mind. If we just sit down and think about it we might say - my mind is totally unconditioned and I am pretty flexible and open to change and accept and learn things easily! But are you really?

I remember one incident from own life about 14 years ago, my daughter was just 3 years old at that time. And as my family tradition goes we start with shlokas very early, so one day I started to teach my daughter the Ganpati Sankat Nashana stotram. It goes " Pranamya Shirsa Devam Gauri Putram Vinayakam...". My husband was sitting there listening. He was shocked and exclaimed " how can you start teaching a little girl such difficult Sanskrit shlokas she can bearly speak our mother Tongue. To which I replied " she will learn anything I teach her" and truly enough she learnt the entire stotra in 6 months without being able to read or write. My husband took 2 years to learn the same!
So truely if we did uncondition our minds and become toddlers we will learn much more easily, experience and find out the truth for ourselves sooner!
Haribol!

By Swamiji's Devotee.

Editor's note: This is a real-life experience shared by a devotee of Swamiji. If you have something to share, please post it in the comments or email me and I'll put it here.

Swamiji's pearls of wisdom on this auspicious day of Janamashthami!

Sun rises every day and it sets every evening, billions have taken birth and billions have gone. Each day is new, a special day in His creation. No two leaves are like, no two lives are alike because He is one without the second. Today is no ordinary day, the Supreme Soul decided to assume a human form and grace our planet, our Bharatvarsha, on this day over five thousand years ago. Let us offer our obeisance to the Foremost Person, the Cause of all causes. Obeisance in words alone may not suffice, however.

I encourage you all to make a resolution today, something you will keep no matter what and revisit it this day next year. A resolution to do something or to give up something or to refrain from doing something, anything, that you think will help you become a better, a kinder, a more compassionate person. Anything you believe will help you tread the nobler path. If you feel not up to it, I implore you to engage in a random act of kindness today, help someone, express yourself, make someone feel important, celebrate the presence of Krishna in any living creature. There is no finer way to celebrate His descent on earth, His physical appearance.

The river is high, it rained buckets last night. Villagers are gathering today at the ashram to do kirtan from 7PM till midnight. All of you are in my thoughts, and we will sing His glories on your behalf too.

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

One morning He came!

One morning He came.
Silently in, silently out,

I could have missed Him without His grace.
But when He left,
He dismantled my being,
Out of my slumber and rust, 
Couldn't believe myself!

All shiny and new,
as pure as morning drop of dew
Free from my own karmic dust,
soaked in His Divine lust,
One cannot escape his immense presence,
though, much beyond human sense.
At times like a lullaby at dusk,
and an alarm bell at dawn,
He’s a silent cyclone, capable of demolition,
Setting fire over one’s curtain of illusion.
And for that I greet each day,
With no words to say,
With a whole lot of gratitude,
I bow down to Him in solitude.
Unless one is touched by the real cosmic sorrow
A GURU like Him will not care to spot us
Before maggots eat through our marrow, blood & pus….!

To His Lotus Feet

Krishna Mohan

Editor's note: This is a beautiful poem written by Swamiji's devotee based on his real-life experience with Swamiji. If you have something to share, please post it in the comments or email me and I'll put it here.

Darshan of my Guru

 

My experience with Swamiji is very unique. I read his blog one fine day and then decided to meet him within four days after that. Coincidently I met him on Gurupoornima. As I saw him I said to myself "He is my Guru". I am a believer in Shridi Sai Baba and I thought that Baba had sent me to Om Swami ji to get all the answers for my questions. The three days I spent at the ashram changed my being forever. I got to learn so much about life and the way one has to look at it. I cherished every moment of being in Swamiji's presence and all that he shared with me, his experience of the Divine and his thoughts of various aspects of spirituality and material life. After I met him, I thanked my inner voice or as I call it grace from above which led me to this great siddha.   

I would love to keep in touch with his writings which is so thought provoking and guiding for many of us.

Love

Rupa

Editor's note: This is a real-life experience shared by a devotee of Swamiji. If you have something to share, please post it in the comments or email me and I'll put it here.

Above the muddy water

I had worked only in big corporates and had come to believe that pressure was the only way of getting work done from others. So I used to shout and be forceful in approach towards everyone. But after meeting Swami ji, I don't know what happened, I was transformed. And today I don't give much importance to material pleasures and am softer and calmer in my approach. The rat race is over for me. Plus my colleagues love and respect me and also pay attention to me when I have something important to say. 

I'm very grateful to Swami ji for every good thing in my life.

Pranam
Mani

Editor's note: This is a real-life experience shared by a devotee of Swamiji. If you have something to share, please post it in the comments or email me and I'll put it here.



Basking in my Guru's presence

All we can say is that we, my wife Deeksha and I are together because of Swami ji's blessings. I would like to share a small part of my first and only meeting with him. I met him through my wife before our marriage. She had known him for a while and used to praise him a lot. Many a times I thought, how was it is possible to admire a man so much?

Finally, I met him in Chandigarh. Wow !!! I still remember my experience. I had seen his photographs earlier, but his physical presence was something which cannot be explained in words. At that moment I understood why my wife admired him so much. I am sorry, I wont be able to explain it completely because I have no words for what I felt at that time, all I can say is Wow !!

During our conversation  I told him that I was a devotee of Lord Shiva. Soon he closed his eyes and started singing Shri Rudrakshtam for me. At that time I did not understand a single word as it was in Sanskrit. I just kept looking at his Lotus eyes while listening to Shri Rudrakshtam in his melodious voice. My body was covered with goose bumps. I felt as if the energy of Shri Rudrakshtam had been transferred into my entire being.

During my lows he has been my strength. He is one true Guru, who is highly needed in today's world.
With our whole heart we thank him and beg him to keep his grace on all of us.

Amit and Deeksha

Editor's note: This is a real-life experience shared by a devotee of Swamiji. If you have something to share, please post it in the comments or email me and I'll put it here.

Swamiji— My Guiding light!

Over time, I intend to share experiences of devotees here. You are welcome to email me your story if you wish to share yours. I am starting by sharing one of my own. Enjoy!

I have known Swamiji for many years now and may be that is why when I try to think of any one particular experience, it gets really tough. Every second of every minute that I have had him in my life has been a divine experience, beyond words. But I am was recently reminded of a very important event of my life.

I met a friend from my college days and she was shocked to know that I am a vegetarian. I have been one for the past three and a half years now. She reminded me how crazy I was about non-vegetarian food back in the college days. She almost couldnot believe it. The miracle offcourse happened with Swamiji's grace. He never directly asked me to give up eating meat, ever. But like he once said that "if we practice what we preach, it has much more impact". Every meal that I had with Swamiji after meeting Him was vegetarian. First time in my life I was trying the GREEN side of the menu. And I really liked it. I felt healthier too. And offcourse I finally realised that I didnot like the idea of killing something just to satisfy my taste buds. But more importantly it was Swamiji's presence that cleansed me and helped me.

Hence, with Swamiji's blessings I was shown the right path...for me that is :)
Thank You swamiji for being my guiding light.

May we all live and flourish under his endless grace and love.

Navjot.