I was diagnosed with the Covid-19 virus on Monday, after doing the test last Tuesday (17th March 2020). The diagnosis was definitive, with a slight collapse of the left lung, but nothing significant. I was shocked and quite devastated. I never thought it would be me; I cannot describe my feelings and the definitive moment, where I knew that I was going to have to really beat this adversary, no matter what.
After doing the test on that Tuesday and before the results were released, I was put onto medication to treat my immediate flu-like symptoms and sent home to rest.
I spent the balance of the week in relative isolation but experienced an uneasy feeling about so many unresolved issues in my life, whilst the news of the virus just seemed to escalate and create further widespread panic and pandemonium.
In the quietness of my relative ‘quarantine’, I decided to look inwards and to connect to our Guru on a deeper level. I started reading Mohanji’s Power of Purity (PoP) book, which just re-emphasized the implications of one’s thoughts, words, and actions and then proceeded to do the meditation on my own.
At this stage, I realized that I really, really, did not want to be adversely affected by this virus and that I would go within, and have my Guru Mohanji guide me to where I needed to be. I surrendered completely and made the decision to pick myself up and to push forward in every way to heal myself spiritually and physically.
The following day, I received a Zoom invite to join our beloved Acharya and Mai-Tri Practitioner Milica to do the PoP meditation, which I duly did. During the meditation, I felt so close to Mohanji, I felt his hand holding mine as a parent holds a child’s, guiding me to a place of safety and sanctuary within myself. I felt the warmth and light he radiates. The meditation itself was just so healing. I was able to allow myself to forgive and let go of my brewing anger, grudges that I felt, and general negativity. I allowed myself to feel the emotions going on inside of myself, and then watch them vaporize as I listened to Mohanji’s sublime words. In this meditation, I was able to forgive myself and feel love for myself, which I have never done. I had amazing clarity and insight about things in my life, which I had previously felt so clouded about. I felt so cleansed in every way.
We then did a meditation on Tuesday which again left me with a feeling of clarity about myself and the road ahead. I felt the love and warmth, the light, the purity and just felt cleansed again.
I was incredibly lucky to have a wonderful Mai-Tri Method session with Milica after the meditation. Despite us being 25 kilometers apart, I felt her absolute presence in my room. I felt her so intensely, it was quite phenomenal. During the session, I felt my left lung releasing a white substance, like liquid tar. I saw many things in my life, which had been affecting me adversely, and I could see how I had attracted the virus to myself. I woke up the following morning, with clear breathing and a stronger constitution.
Again, I was privileged to join another Zoom Mai-Tri Method session with Milica. The energizing, rejuvenating and healing session was just on a different level. I have never experienced such light and divinity. I experienced no darkness, just pure light, pure universal healing, complete oneness with the Supreme, and pure unconditional love.
During this time in isolation, I have had the most tremendous growth, and specifically, just being able to be with myself. To care for ME, to love ME and what I am, and what I represent. I feel renewed, despite my illness.
My advice to all is to NOT watch all the negative reviews. To isolate yourself without the media negativity, to look inside oneself, connect to Mohanji, surrender to Mohanji, know that Mohanji has your hand, and make the decision to survive this and conquer your fears.
I’m not at all suggesting that the virus is not serious and I don’t want to underplay the severity. I just want to inspire you to not be sucked down the spiral of negativity and succumb to it. You can heal yourself if you want to. You do have the power, and now is the time to make all the positive changes to your life that you have neglected, as I have done too.
Raise your frequency now, don’t wait, be proactive and rise above the physical universe. There is hope if you are ill, just eat clean (no animal products), take the recommended medications and natural supplements being circulated, and BE MOHANJI!!!
|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI||
Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 28th March 2020
Disclaimer:
The views, opinions, and positions expressed by the authors and those providing comments on these blogs are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of Mohanji, Mohanji Foundation, it’s members, employees or any other individual or entity associated with Mohanji or Mohanji Foundation. We make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of any information presented by individual authors and/or commenters on our blogs and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries or damages arising from its display or use.
We reserve the right to delete, edit, or alter in any manner we see fit blog entries or comments that we, in our sole discretion, deem to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, threatening, in violation of trademark, copyright or other laws, of an express commercial nature, or otherwise unacceptable.
Mohanji and a small group of 12 people had the ultimate opportunity to visit Girnar in the state of Gujarat, which is considered as one of the most ancient ‘Datta Kshetras’ in India.
The very appearance of the mountain symbolizes that ‘A Guru is always on top of the world.’ Lord Dattatreya is considered as the ADI GURU or THE SUPREME POWER and he meditated here for over 12,000 years. Lord Dattatreya’s lotus feet are on the Gurushikhar peak which is more ancient than the Himalayas. Another great symbolism of Girnar is that ‘To reach and have the darshan of Lord Dattatreya’s holy footprints, one should have a lot of determination, dedication, surrender and utmost faith. One should follow the same path as his Guru in the same direction, and only then can we reach our goal. Lord Dattatreya is present here and he is protecting all his devotees.
In Mohanji’s words, “A visit to Girnar is not an ordinary journey. It is surrender and commitment to the Tradition. Unless you have deep commitment and conviction, you may not be on this land. Many people may visit not fully knowing why as in some instances; Lord Dattatreya could be their family deity, etc. However, for people who are consciously going, it reaffirms their deep conviction to the path of Avadhoota. In fact, there is no better place more powerful and more relevant than Girnar for a true spiritualist on the path of Avadhoota (total dissolution). We aren’t talking about enlightenment or even the path of Siddha here – this is much beyond human realms or thinking. In fact, even today, the nine Naths and 84 Siddhas visit Girnar in sookshma form, chant and pray for the darshan of Lord Dattatreya who continues to guide them along. Only grace alone can bring an individual to this land, and grace and surrender alone will help one complete this holy pilgrimage.”
Visiting Lord Dattatreya with our own Datta Master is never complete without a share of his leelas.
Since October 2017 when I had done my 1st pilgrimage to Girnar; it was my wish to be with Mohanji in Girnar. With Mohanji’s grace, my wife Shilpa and I could join Mohanji on the Girnar pilgrimage last month, on 11th February 2020. This was my fourth and Shilpa’s second visit to Girnar.
Girnar, also known as Girinagar (city-on-the-hill) or Revatak Parvata, is a group of mountains in the Junagadh district of Gujarat, India. It is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Jains, who gather here during the Girnar Parikrama festival. Mount Girnar is older than the Himalayas and the Jain temples upon it are amongst the most ancient in the country; it is the Nirvan bhumi of the 22nd Tirthankara, Lord Neminatha (a Jain saint).
Junaghad
Junaghad
It is advisable to start the journey at dawn generally, or evening on full moon days as it takes hours to complete the pilgrimage. Climbing the 10,000 steps is no easy task and takes a fit person about 4 to 5 hours to complete the yatra. One has to reach Junagadh first from where autos are available to reach Bhavnath Taleti, the starting point of the Girnar yatra.
Guru Gorakhnath Ashram
The plan was to start the ascent by late evening. We reached the ashram in the early morning on the 11th. Ananth welcomed us at the Guru Gorakhnath ashram also known as Triloknath ashram and escorted us to our room. This is one of the best ashrams here which is well kept. The ashram provides good quality meals. One can easily enjoy the magnanimous and serene view of Mount Girnar from the ashram. Evening aarati at 7 pm is mesmerising and soothing.
Damodar Kund
Damodar Kund
Damodar Kund
Ananth informed us that Mohanji would arrive in the afternoon. The rooms were quite spacious, neat and clean. We rested and waited for the rest of the group members to arrive. By 10 am, we met the other group members and then left the ashram. We visited the holy Damodar Kund. Many devotees prefer to bathe in the Kund or immerse the cremation ashes (asthi-visarjana) here; as it is believed that the departed souls would get moksha by doing so.
After dipping our feet in the holy Kund, we went to the nearby Damodar Hari temple and Muchukund cave. The Muchukund cave has a temple of Lord Krishna and a Shiv Linga believed to be established either by Lord Krishna himself or by King Muchkundh, the ancestor of Lord Rama. This is also the place where demon Kalayavan, who was chasing Lord Krishna, was killed by Muchukunda’s gaze.
bhavnath-mahadev temple
Later on, we went to Bhavnath Mahadev temple. The Shiva Ling here is said to have emerged by its divine intention. Reportedly, when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were travelling over the Girnar Hills, their divine garment fell over the present Mrigi Kund, making this place an auspicious site for Lord Shiva worshippers. After coming back to the ashram, Ananth called us to meet Mr. Joshi, a professor at a local college and an enthusiastic historian cum writer. He gave us some crucial information about Mount Girnar.
By this time, we were all eagerly waiting for Mohanji to arrive. Mohanji’s flight had got delayed and he arrived late in the afternoon. Everyone gathered in his room to see him. Despite the tedious journey from Bangalore to Junagadh, Mohanji looked so fresh and happy to see us all. We noticed that Mohanji’s left foot was swollen. Due to his busy schedule, he could hardly rest or take care of his left foot. Sonia di and Ruchika immediately started massaging his feet. Sonia di gave Mai-Tri to Mohanji’s swollen foot with Mohanji’s energy.
Mr. Joshi also joined us. Mohanji asked Mr. Joshi to sit on the chair next to him saying that we are all bhaktas of Lord Dattatreya and we are all equal in his eyes. Mohanji’s practice of insignificance was quite heart melting. Mr. Joshi gifted some books to Mohanji, written by him on Girnar. Mohanji honoured the books by touching his forehead to them and readily accepted them. Mohanji said, “The importance of Girnar and the Datta Tradition is not well known to the outside world; hence the books must be translated into English.”
We all had a great satsang. Mohanji mainly spoke about the importance of alignment and rituals, and said that no ritual is a waste; they all have a deeper significance. After two blissful hours, we returned to our respective rooms to prepare for the Gurushikhar pilgrimage. We had to climb 9999 steps to reach there.
Since Shilpa wanted to walk comfortably at her own pace, we took Mohanji’s permission and blessings to start early. Kamath da, DB, Ananth, Naresh, George, Christopher along with Mohanji were supposed to start the trek after Christopher’s arrival.
Five of us, Soniya di, Ruchika, Jaya di, Shilpa and myself started the ascent by 9 pm. We prostrated at the first step and began our pilgrimage to Gurushikhar to have darshan of Lord Dattatreya’s padukas.
Generally, the temple closes after aarati at 7 pm and reopens by 5:30 am after aarati. So ideally, to reach Gurushikhar before aarati was what we were aiming at. The temple remains open for 24 hours during full moon days.
We bought some orange candies to keep our mouth wet while climbing. It helps as drinking a lot of water is not practical. We had limited water stock to reduce the load while climbing and there was no chance to get drinking water till the next morning.
I was chanting the mantra given by Mohanji, “Aum Hreem Dram Shri Gurudev Datta.” The silence of the Gir forest was quite pleasant. I was also guided by Mohanji in the mind to be with the group at least till the Neminath temple (which is at about 3500 steps). I also told Shilpa about this message.
Shilpa and Jaya di were walking steadily while Sonia di and Ruchika were some steps behind us. So I told Shilpa and Jaya di to go ahead and keep moving at a steady pace and started walking with Sonia di and Ruchika.
“The destination is important but the journey is important as well!” Mohanji reminded me in the mind.
After about 1000 steps, we came across the first rest-house. There were cement benches to sit and relax. We sat there and meditated for some time. It was a wonderful experience. I told Shilpa that Mohanji telepathically conveyed that they have left the ashram. We resumed our ascent with renewed energy. I checked the time; it was 11:09 pm.
After climbing some steps, we met an elderly couple from Maharashtra. We introduced ourselves and started walking together. They were relieved to meet us, as they were advised to walk in a group in the Gir jungle which is a home to Asiatic lions, leopards and many wild animals. There has been no incidence of attacks till date. But as a precaution, local people guide us not to wait in the dark or go off the steps. If one has to rest, one must rest under a streetlight during the night journey. There were streetlights along our way but in between two lights there were dark patches as well. We used a torch whenever required. Two days back it was full moon, but for us the moonlight was obstructed by the Ambaji Peak.
After about an hour or so, we saw George nearing us singing Jay Gurudev Datta loudly. He hugged all of us and left singing Jay Gurudev Datta loudly. His speed was amazing. Aunty noticed that George was bare footed and exclaimed, “Look, he is climbing bare footed. His faith is stronger than ours!”
Somehow something changed inside me. It was truly inspiring to see George float on the mountain like this. Even I started climbing at a slightly faster pace, despite instructing others to walk at a steady pace! Unfortunately, everything happened so suddenly and unconsciously that I did not even notice that our group was left behind.
Climbing at a faster pace, I injured my left knee. A big lesson was learnt. I was guided by Mohanji well in advance to be with the group till the Neminath temple, but my mind was not aware enough to follow it. My left knee was hurting. I stopped and waited for the rest of the group. It read ‘2500 steps completed’ at that place. I waited for almost 20 minutes till Shilpa and Jaya di came. I informed them about my mistake and we all resumed our journey. Jaya di was getting ‘Keep walking’ messages telepathically, so she retained her pace and went ahead and joined the Maharashtrian couple.
Kamath da and DB joined us after some time.It seems transformation by being on this holy mountain had already started in them. They seemed to be deeply inspired by the Naga Sadhus around the area and were wandering topless.They informed us that they left the ashram by 11:10 pm. This time was a close match with the message that I had received telepathically during our meditation, a few hours back.
Kamath da and DB left us soon. Our speed had slowed down considerably. Sonia di and Ruchika joined us. Sonia di did Mai-Tri to my knees. Ruchika gave some ‘blessed oil’ which Shilpa used to massage my knees with. I felt better. She also offered pain killer tablets which I denied politely. We kept climbing slowly and steadily.
As we were nearing the Neminath temple which is at a height of about 3800 steps, the pain got worse. To reach Gurushikhar Datta temple, we have to cross two peaks; one is Ambaji and the other is Gorakhnath. Gurushikhar temple was on the third peak.
I told Shilpa to go ahead and join the rest of the group, while I wait at the Ambaji temple, but she encouraged me to keep walking. Seeing my condition, Sonia di insisted that I have pain killers which I did hesitantly. I wanted to avoid them but Shilpa also advised me to have them.
Later, we saw Mohanji nearing us. Ananth was walking along with him. Mohanji blessed us and went ahead. When we reached the Neminath temple, we were delighted to see the whole group relaxing around Mohanji.
In Shilpa’s words, “It felt as if Lord Krishna was playing his flute on the banks of the river Yamuna, and all the enchanted Gopis had flocked around him. While all the Gopis were spellbound by the melodious music, our Chittachor Mohana was working on their causal layers, stripping them of their unwanted karmas. While all the Gopis were deeply assured that they were the Lord’s closest and most beloved, our Dharmastapak Mohana was truly interested in uplifting the whole society by transforming and empowering them. It was all Mohanji’s leela.”
We had a wonderful satsang for about 15 to 20 minutes. Mohanji mainly talked about walking the path with clarity and conviction. We resumed our climb. After some time, “Come to Gurushikhar,” Mohanji conveyed telepathically. So I decided to climb till the Gurushikhar Datta temple and changed my plan of staying back at the Ambaji temple.
We reached the Ambaji temple located at about 5000 steps. We prostrated from the outside and resumed our journey. The Ambaji temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peetha.
The Shakti Peethas are significant shrines and pilgrimage destinations dedicated to Devi Sati. The story goes like this: After Devi Sati’s self-immolation, Lord Shiva picked up the remains of Sati’s body and performed the Tandava, the celestial dance of destruction, across all creation. The other Gods requested Lord Vishnu to intervene and stop this destruction, for which Lord Vishnu used the Sudarshana Chakra, which cut through Devi Sati’s corpse. Various parts of the body fell at several spots all through the Indian subcontinent and formed sites which are known as Shakti Peethas today. It is said that the stomach of Devi Sati had fallen here at Girnar. There is an idol of Devi Sati in the form of Devi Chandrabhaga here.
It was 3:30 am and we were still somewhere between the Ambaji and Gorakhnath Peaks. ‘It was mission impossible to reach the Gurushikhar temple by 5:30 am with knee pain and a slow speed,’ this thought was noticed.
We kept chanting and walking. Strong cold winds were blowing at Gorakhnath Peak. It is the tallest amongst the three Peaks at about 7000 steps and the tallest peak in Gujarat too. We prayed at Gorakhnath ji’s Samadhi and started descending the Peak.
When we had descended the whole Peak, there was a gate at a junction point where on the left side, the steps led up to the Gurushikhar Datta temple while on the right side, the steps descended further to Kamandalu Kund. I requested Shilpa to move ahead, so that at least she can have this rarest opportunity of attending the aarati at Gurushikhar with Mohanji.
Junction point to Gurushikhar & Kamandalu
Shilpa and Ruchika went ahead of us and Sonia di and I kept walking after them. By now, the steps were getting very steep. We were at about 200 to 250 steps from the summit when I took a long deep breath, closed my eyes and meditated while standing. I saw Mohanji with his head wrapped with a thin red angavastra (cloth).
Just after the above vision, when I resumed the climb, I heard some noise. When I turned around, I saw the priest of the Datta temple climbing with a milk pot in his hand which was making the sound. His head was wrapped in a similar red cloth, exactly as per the above vision.
I had no strength by now to climb faster. It was 5:27 am and about 150 steps yet to climb. 5:30 am is the aarati time. It seems that there was no chance to be part of the aarati now. But Mohanji had some other plans.
As I neared the temple, I could see many people sitting along the steps waiting for the temple to open. The Maharashtrian couple was also sitting there. I returned the pain balm they had given me and thanked them.
Finally, with Mohanji’s grace, we reached the temple. Everyone from our group (except George) were waiting just outside the temple door grill along the steps in a queue. We had arrived late, probably after 5:40 am but aarati had not even started!
Lord Datta’s temple is a very small structure on the narrow Gurushikhar peak. It has a sanctum with Lord Datta’s murti and paduka at the centre. Lord Dattatreya is an incarnation of the Divine Trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. He is revered as the Adi-Guru. He meditated at this lonely peak of Girnar for nearly 12,000 years. His footprints are preserved here in this temple. It can host about 15 to 20 people but no one is allowed to stay long inside; so everyone must keep moving after darshan.
The aarati started and Mohanji along with some of our group members were able to witness it from the outside. Cold wind was blowing and everyone was fully covered in warm clothes except for Mohanji who was standing there in a dhoti and a thin white shawl. But he was standing there totally detached, completely unaware of his bodily discomfort, be it left foot swelling or extreme weather conditions.
Although I was the last one in the queue, standing on the steps; I was able to see lord Dattatreya’s idol and the priest who was performing the aarati. It was a great blessing to be with Mohanji at the Gurushikhar temple during aarati.
Mohanji was the first one to enter the temple after the aarati and I was the last one in our group. When Mohanji was coming out of the temple, Shilpa and I were entering exactly at the same time! This gave us the rarest opportunity to prostrate at Mohanji’s feet at the Gurushikhar temple; a wish to be with Datta Swarupa Mohana Sai at Gurushikhar was fulfilled!
“Welcome”, he said. “How are you?” Mohanji enquired. “Despite the physical discomforts, Mohanji you chose to be with us. Thank you so much for everything you do,” I thanked Mohanji with gratitude.
After darshan, everyone left as there was no space to sit and meditate outside the temple complex. I wanted to walk slowly. I asked Shilpa to go ahead and be with the group, but she chose to walk with me.
We slowly descended to the Kamandalu Kund ashram. It is said that Lord Dattatreya travelled from place to place for meditation. When he came to Mount Girnar, there was no drinking water. He threw his calabash (water container) with full force. The rocks cracked from this force and out flowed Mother Ganga. She was pleased and told Lord Dattatreya that her flow will continue for the welfare of devotees. After that, Lord Dattatreya kindled the Holy Fire (Akhand Dhuni) which keeps on burning here since then.
Akand Dhuni at Kamandalu Kund Ashram
We had Mahaprasad at the Kamandalu Kund ashram. Then we sat near the Akhand Dhuni and meditated for some time. Every Monday, the Mahants (priests) of the ashram clean the dhuni. Then they arrange wood in the dhuni. Later, when they chant the Shri Guru Dattatreya mantras, the holy fire kindles without any external means like a match box, fuel etc. The sacred ash from the Akhand Dhuni is given as prasad to devotees. This ash is believed to be very sacred, curing many ailments.
We left Kamandalu Kund ashram. The second phase of our test began.
“Climb using both your legs,” was the message conveyed telepathically by Mohanji. As my left knee was hurt, naturally the load of my body was taken by the right knee, thereby overloading it. But I didn’t realize this, till I received this message. This had made my right knee suffer and now both knees were hurting. Because of the above message, I consciously started using both the legs and thus equally distributing my weight on both legs.
At around 10 am, we reached the Gorakhnath peak. The wind velocity was so high there that I had to sit and climb one step at a time or I felt that I would be blown away!
Guru Gorakhnath Temple
Guru Gorakhnath is considered a Maha-Yogi who did not emphasise on any specific metaphysical theory or a particular Truth. He emphasized that the search for the Truth and a spiritual life are valuable and normal goals of every man. Guru Gorakhnath championed yoga, spiritual discipline and an ethical life of self-determination as a means to reaching samadhi and one’s spiritual truths.
Dhuni at Guru gorakshnath ji
No samadhi of Guru Gorakhnath has ever been found. The caves where he meditated are Gorakh Gufa in Nepal, Goraksh Tilla in Pakistan and Gorakhnath temple at Girnar where Guru Gorakhnath’s dhuni still exists and are worshipped. Guru Gorakhnath is considered to be ever existent by Nath Yogis.
We prayed to Guru Gorakhnath. While standing on the highest peak of Gujarat, my knee-pain had also reached its peak! We started our descent. After every two steps, I had to sit and rest. At last, I started descending by crawling down the steps for some time, slowly. One hour had passed and we did not even cover 100 steps!
I sent a WhatsApp message to Sonia di to get Mai-Tri done to my knees, whenever possible; as network was not available there. Thoughts of hiring a doli (modified chair to carry a person) for myself had started whirling in my mind by now. We somehow reached the Ambaji temple and enquired about a doli with a shopkeeper. He said, “You will get it near the Neminath temple.”
Meanwhile at around noon, Shilpa advised me to wrap her dupatta (shawl) around my knee for support. This idea worked. We slowly started descending towards the Neminath temple. Between the Ambaji and Neminath temples, we rested near the Gomukhi Ganga temple. A family of 10 to 12 local people also sat nearby us. We had some chitchat with them. They told us that after the Lord Dattatreya paduka darshan descent, they had plans to visit the Jamal Shah Datar Darga on the nearby Datar mountain which is some 5000 steps! We were fascinated by their stamina and spirit.
Gomukhi kund
When they came to know about my knee pain, one of the people from the group offered to massage my knees with oil that he had. I thanked him and refused politely.
On our way down, just some 500 steps before the Neminath temple, there is a small Dattatreya temple. We could see the Lord’s idol from the outside. It was very lively. I instantly started connecting mentally. The Mahant of the temple saw us and came outside. When we asked about a doli, he gave us the detailed information and finally concluded, “If you can walk, then walk. Maximum that will happen is you will arrive late by a few hours.”
While talking to the Mahant, I was able to see Lord Dattatreya’s beautiful idol behind him. I instantly remembered Mohanji’s guidance to Jaya di given the previous night, “Use a doli only if you cannot walk.” The same message was delivered again via the Mahant. We thanked and told him that Lord Datta had guided me through him.
Finally, after contemplating on this incidence; I decided to climb down on my own, no matter what time I reach the ashram. I told Shilpa about it and asked her to go ahead but she denied again. When we reached the Neminath temple, it was already 1:30 pm. There are some 16 Jain temples here which form a sort of a fort on the ledge at the top of the cliff. The Neminath temple is the largest temple amongst these temples.
This was the only place in our journey where ablution facility was available. We took permission and freshened up. Later, we sat in front of a radiant black Neminath idol for some time and left after a mini meditation. I was feeling very energetic. I connected to Mohanji and updated him that we were at the Neminath temple. Mohanji acknowledged and replied in the mind, “Eat well!”
Mohanji, you have been taking care of even small aspects of our existence like a mother. How can we thank you enough for your presence in our lives …
Upon receipt of above telepathic message, I realized that we had not had lunch till then. So we bought a few packs of chiwda, wafers, biscuits, water bottle etc. There was a big banyan tree nearby with some arrangement made of flat rocks around. We sat under the tree and had our refreshments.
On our way down, a doliwala noticed the way I was walking and voluntarily offered his doli service at a very reasonable price. But we politely refused.
After some descent, I noticed that despite it being sunny there was some sort of shade on us. I looked up at the sky and found that there was a dark cloud which was surrounded by many white clouds; they were blocking the sun for us! What a blessing! What grace!
We fed biscuits to squirrels on our way down. Our speed was extremely slow but we were enjoying the bliss of being on the sacred mountain. Chanting was happening too.
When about 2000 steps of descent were remaining, all of a sudden, we were accompanied by a troop of about 40 to 50 monkeys along with their cute babies. It was late in the afternoon. Our way was deserted except for us and the monkeys. The overall situation was exciting as well as challenging as the monkeys were very friendly and coming near us. They started climbing down with us. A monkey made a hissing noise very close to me from the back and I naturally turned to my right suddenly. I was just about to slip but with Mohanji’s grace, I was protected from the fall.
Mohanji feeding the monkeys
Shilpa came to me and we both started walking together, hand in hand. After a few steps, our path was blocked by two monkeys sitting opposite to each other with their tails on the path. This reminded me of the incidence when Hanumanji had sat on Arjuna’s way and blocked his way with his tail. Some baby monkeys were playing on the path too.
We tried making some noise using our sticks without any success. I had no clue how to cross them but we kept moving. As we got near, one of the playful infants tried to hold my stick which I lifted high, a little rapidly. But the infant was determined to hold the stick and so it jumped again unsuccessfully. This made its mother also jump and our way was cleared unexpectedly!
After about 500 to 600 steps with the monkeys, I felt a sudden urge to deliver MPM (Mohanji Protection Method) to the monkeys. I did it. After that, all the monkeys disappeared. Later on, I noticed that the monkeys were moving with us on our left side by jumping along the trees nearby. None came near us after that!
The whole monkey episode had made our journey colourful as well as fast. We descended some 1000 steps without exhaustion. Now we could see our ashram from the top.
We had some lemonade at a nearby shop. The shopkeeper was an old man who knew Girnar’s history which he happily shared with us. He said, just 250 steps are remaining now.
As we came to the end of our yatra, near a Dattatreya temple, a Sadhu welcomed us saying, ‘Jai Girnari!’ We similarly greeted him.
We prostrated at the first step of Girnar and expressed our sincere gratitude to Lord Girnari for this sacred yatra. We finally returned to our ashram after almost 24 hours at around 9 pm!
On reaching the ashram, we wished to see Mohanji but he was resting. The rest of the group members welcomed us. Sonia di and Ruchika had already left. They left the blessed oil for me. Though everyone was exhausted, Ananth massaged my legs. I was reluctant initially but he was persistent, so I had no choice left; as such resistance is ego, I just allowed the mind to move on. As Ananth was massaging my leg, I felt as if he was massaging Mohanji’s leg. I was experiencing Ananth’s deep devotion towards Mohanji.
Next morning, everyone was ready for their return journey except us and Jaya di. Our bus was in the evening. We all went to see Mohanji. I told Mohanji that I got approval to proceed with Mai-Tri sadhana and took his blessings. We had satsang with Mohanji for about 30 minutes.
While seeing off Mohanji, whilst he was seated in the car, he looked at me and smiling mischievously said, “Hemkant, eat well.” This was the same message that he had conveyed to me telepathically at the Neminath temple, the day before! This incident must have impacted Shilpa with mechanism of telepathic messages being sent & received; as she was with me and had witnessed them.
Later that day, Jaya di, Shilpa and myself were sitting together and were sharing our experiences about how we met Mohanji, our transformations after we met him, etc.
Ananth, who had managed the whole Girnar Yatra, called and requested me to meet the Ashram Admin and resolve some issues that had happened. When I went into the Admin’s room, he exploded with his grievances. There was a caretaker with him too. I tried my best to pacify them. After sometime, when he cooled down, he explained that stuff like used bottles, tissue papers, etc. were scattered in few of our rooms which were supposed to be thrown in the dustbin. But most importantly, he was disturbed as a room key was missing.
So, I went upstairs to each room allotted to us with the caretaker, tidied the room as best as I could and searched the room for the missing key. Finally, we found it. The caretaker informed me that, this being an ashram and not a guesthouse, the rooms needed to be left neat and clean. I apologised again and assured him that we will surely take care of it in the future.
During all these happenings, I was calm and kept responding constantly without any internal distraction. Later, I noticed that this made the caretaker also calm. This is a big lesson I have experienced that when we are connected to Mohanji, no storms of life can shake our mind, as the connection brings peace within as well as around us.
We offer our deepest gratitude and humble pranaams at the holy feet of Mohanji, Guru Mandala and Lord Datta – for continuing to guide us in the path of the Ultimate, the path of Dissolution.
Words fall short to express my heartfelt gratitude to Mohanji!
|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI||
Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 20th March 2020
Disclaimer:
The views, opinions, and positions expressed by the authors and those providing comments on these blogs are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of Mohanji, Mohanji Foundation, it’s members, employees or any other individual or entity associated with Mohanji or Mohanji Foundation. We make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of any information presented by individual authors and/or commenters on our blogs and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries or damages arising from its display or use.
We reserve the right to delete, edit, or alter in any manner we see fit blog entries or comments that we, in our sole discretion, deem to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, threatening, in violation of trademark, copyright or other laws, of an express commercial nature, or otherwise unacceptable.
Mohanji says that before birth, we choose each moment of our life. In times of challenges, we think, “Oh my hat! What possessed me to choose these experiences.” With the awareness of acceptance and faith, life becomes easier to embrace.
In Jan 2017, my son was diagnosed with Lymphoma. It was something that came out of the blue; we were just starting to get into the rhythm of living as a single mom of two children. My first call was to Mohanji even before the diagnosis had been made. Right from the onset, Mohanji had advised me to go with the process, listen to the doctor regarding medical treatment. I had handled many challenges, but this challenge concerning my child was totally new. Being a single mother firstly is not the easiest. When moments like this come up, without support from the father, it really tests your metal. There is no one else to help take the strain off or rather share the weight of the experience.
Mohanji had been my only strength throughout this period. I found strength in the fact that I knew he was supporting me and my children. Each chemo, I went in with full faith that all will be well. Everything seemed seamless and the process flew by. I was very composed through it all. There was an inherent calmness that came over me; it was the thought of knowing that Mohanji was already overseeing everything. I remember him saying that we have to go through this as it is karmic. I felt as if even my responsibilities with my daughter seemed to flow smoothly, allowing me to fulfil my duties.
From the time of diagnosis, getting a specialist immediately, starting treatment within 2 weeks of diagnosis, having the courage to live life normally, this was all Mohanji’s grace. Mohanji helped me get through this life experience with total detachment and full acceptance. There was no time for self-pity, only purpose was felt.
In June 2017, my son was free of cancer; it was shocking how time had flown by. When I look back, I had cut myself off everything and everyone, my only focus was getting my children/family through this. My only strength undoubtedly was Mohanji.
In his teachings, he constantly reminds us of faith and acceptance. This was a true example of this teaching. I was willing to accept any outcome as I had faith that it was as it should be.
Mere Mahadev (My Lord Shiva), I surrender graciously and humbly at your feet as you are the beginning and end of all that is and all that is not.
I glide on the breath of your grace.
|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI||
Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 12th March 2020
Disclaimer:
The views, opinions, and positions expressed by the authors and those providing comments on these blogs are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of Mohanji, Mohanji Foundation, it’s members, employees or any other individual or entity associated with Mohanji or Mohanji Foundation. We make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of any information presented by individual authors and/or commenters on our blogs and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries or damages arising from its display or use.
We reserve the right to delete, edit, or alter in any manner we see fit blog entries or comments that we, in our sole discretion, deem to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, threatening, in violation of trademark, copyright or other laws, of an express commercial nature, or otherwise unacceptable.
Mohanji’s 55th birthday was celebrated on February 23, 2020, in Sri Lanka. A group of about 100 devotees from over 15 countries assembled in Kataragama to celebrate. The day began with a visit to the famous Lord Murugan (Karthikeya) temple in Kataragama with the Mohanji family. Mohanji and the group were blessed with a special and sacred ceremony inside the temple.
The highlight of the day was the special satsang with Mohanji in the evening which was streamed live on social media for the devotees across the globe.
The evening began with a medley of devotional songs and chants that enlivened the entire audience. Seven new songs were released on this occasion by devotees from different parts of the globe.
In his opening remarks, Mohanji spoke about the importance of making one’s life useful to the world and working towards it, come what may. In his typical style, he kept the audience engaged with his easy wit and deep sharing of eternal truths.
Sulakhe Maharaj, the chief priest of the Sai Baba Temple in Shirdi was a special guest on this occasion. Sulakhe Maharaj spoke a few precious words about the importance of the Guru-disciple relationship and the significance of this particular group coming together for this satsang. He emphasized that the coming together of the people meant the unity of hearts in Mohanji’s love, grace, and blessings.
Devi and Mila joined Mohanji to receive a blessed shawl of Shirdi Sai Baba brought by Sulake Maharaj. After the cake cutting, Mohanji met each person and blessed them as the evening wound to a close.
Across the world, the devotees celebrated Mohanji’s birthday in various ways. Click on the links below to know more.
February 23rd was an eventful day globally as Mohanji’s devotees gathered together to celebrate his birthday with meditations, pujas, activities, and food. Read on about the celebrations in different parts of the world.
..
GLOBAL VEGAN CLUB
People from around the globe celebrated Mohanji’s birthday with delicious vegan cakes! Check them out. We’re all looking forward to know the recipes!
EUROPE
SERBIA
NOVI SAD
On the occasion of Mohanji’s birthday, on Sunday, February 23rd, in Novi Sad, a group of people gathered to watch the recording of the satsang with Mohanji that was held in Sri Lanka the same day. Enjoying hot tea and vegan refreshments, people followed the satsang with immense pleasure. Satsang was simultaneously translated into Serbian by Mohanji Acharyas. After the satsang, the participants chanted the Mohanji Gayatri mantra 108 times, which was accompanied by Mohanji energy transfer that made everyone feel a sense of peace, contentment, and love.
BELGRADE
The morning Conscious Walking was followed by feeding birds and fish.
The evening program consisted of chanting the Mohanji Gayatri mantra and the Bliss of Silence meditation. The session ended with a delicious cake which was a gift from a dear guest.
VRSAC
At the meditation centre in Vrsac, Zoran Milisic had an exhibition of his photographs from Kailash where he had been with Mohanji in August 2019. There was a Power of Purity meditation attended by 15 new people and a short discourse about the Shiva Principle and what Mohanji represents.
The month-long celebrations included yet another Power of Purity meditation on the night of Shivratri, which was attended by another 15 new people. On the day of Mohanji’s birthday, Blossoms of Love meditation was attended by 10 new people.
SUBOTICA
Celebrations commenced on Sunday, 23 February, by watching a part of the birthday satsang that was streamed live from Sri Lanka. It was a happy moment for the newcomers who were hearing and seeing Mohanji for the very first time. The scheduled meditation was Bliss of Silence which was exactly the silence about which Mohanji spoke about in the satsang. Some people felt the blessings and presence of the great Master Mahavatar Babaji. Mohanji’s aarati was performed for the first time. All the participants showed respect and felt an even stronger connection with Mohanji. The participants lingered amidst laughter, talking and delicious vegan snacks prepared by the loving devotees. To carry the beautiful memory home, each person was gifted a card with Mohanji’s quote and photo. People sat in a circle and lovingly read out the messages in the cards.
MACEDONIA
The evening of 23rd February was spent cheerfully by the Mohanji Macedonian Family. The group enjoyed chanting Mohanji’s Gayatri and singing Mohanji’s bhajans. The program ended with a short meditation in which the participants felt gratitude for Mohanji, followed by aarati. The evening concluded with a delicious birthday cake and sumptuous vegan snacks.
CROATIA
On Mohanji’s birthday, a half-day Acharya program was conducted by Helena Bjelaković and Izabela Jovović. There were a vegan lunch and a healthy vegan birthday cake made by Mirjana Manjaka for everyone after the program.
The group watched the live stream of Mohanji’s birthday satsang from Sri Lanka.
UK
During the birthday week, volunteers visited an old age home for Freedom meditation, quiz, and songs. Weekly PoP meditation was started at a new location.
On the 22nd, Mohanji’s birthday was joyfully celebrated with chanting the Mohanji Gayatri, Guru Paduka Stotram, bhajans, a dance about Lord Shiva, Mohanji’s birthday message, cake cutting, aarati, and vegan dinner. Everyone enjoyed the beautiful vibrations and Mohanji’s presence without presence.
On the 23rd, a sadhana morning took place in Mohanji’s consciousness with Kriya, followed by Blossoms of Love meditation with MET, listening to the Shivakavacham, satsang and a vegan lunch.
FINLAND
Finland celebrated Mohanji’s birthday with Bliss of Silence meditation, watching Mohanji’s live satsang and a delicious birthday cake. Everyone felt blessed to be a part of this celebration.
DENMARK
In Denmark, a group of four people came together to celebrate Mohanji’s birthday, with one person being a first-timer. After a powerful Blossoms of Love meditation, the group watched the live stream of the satsang from Sri Lanka. The celebrations concluded with homemade vegan soup and birthday cake. The participants felt that it was a lovely afternoon in Mohanji’s Consciousness.
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
In Bjeljina, there was Blossoms of Love meditation and in Sarajevo there was Conscious Walking. The team in Bjeljina visited and gave donations to a poverty-stricken family too.
ASIA
INDIA
Different parts of India celebrated Mohanji’s birthday with a lot of love and enthusiasm.
BANGALORE
A blissful Power of Purity Meditation was conducted in Bangalore on February 23rd for Mohanji’s birthday. 10 people participated in the program of which 2 of them were doing the meditation for the first time. This was followed by aarti, prasad, and lunch. The participants witnessed an “M” on the flames of the aarati.
One newcomer said that he had tears in his eyes while doing the meditation and felt very happy and peaceful post-meditation. He expressed a desire to attend more of such sessions along with his wife. Another person who almost dropped out of attending the program due to a tough situation at home was glad to have joined as it completely transformed her into a very blissful state.
CHENNAI
It was party time for the Chennai team during Mohanji’s birthday. 5 volunteers spent a fun-filled morning at a girls’ home on 23rd February. The program commenced with singing the Happy Birthday song for Mohanji. The children were then taught to chant Aum after which they were gradually led into the Freedom Meditation in Tamil. A volunteer then taught them a Bhajan which the girls sang beautifully. There was a lot of dancing and singing followed by an activity in which the girls learnt to make a keychain with wool.
Mohanji’s birthday was also celebrated at the Chennai Sadhana Center starting with Adhanga Pooja followed by Bliss of Silence meditation, satsang, and aarati. Some of the participants felt Mohanji’s presence very strongly.
DELHI – NIZAMUDDIN
Delhi ushered in Mohanji’s birthday with the Power of Purity meditation, Nirvana Shatkam, and Mohanji aarati, during the auspicious Brahma Muhurta (early morning).
DELHI – VIKASPURI
At another centre, Vikaspuri, in Delhi, Mohanji’s birthday evening celebrations began with a calming session of Power of Purity Meditation, followed by Mohanji’s aarati and Baba’s aarati.
HYDERABAD
In Hyderabad, Mohanji’s birthday was celebrated on 23rd February with a blissful session of Power of Purity Meditation.
A small team from Hyderabad visited the Datta Temple at Ganganapur in Karnataka near the Datta Paduka, and Mohanji pooja was done inside the main shrine.
JAMMU
The Jammu team celebrated Mohanji’s birthday by conducting a havan ceremony and chanting the Mohanji Gayatri 108 times. It was followed by a satsang and bhajans and concluded with Mohanji’s aarati.
Mohanji’s birthday was celebrated in Kerala by doing Archanas (worship) at various temples and also chanting was done at the Shirdi Sai temple, Palakkad, Kerala.
KOLKATA
Kolkata Team celebrated on 23rd February, starting with the Guru Stotram, 108 times chant of Mohanji Gayatri, and a session of Power of Purity Meditation. This was followed by the Guru Paduka Stotram and aarati. Everyone relished the delicious birthday cake.
MAHARASHTRA
Birthday celebrations took place at Siddheshwar Mahadev temple, Palghar, Maharashtra. The program conducted by Mohanji Acharya Hemkant Pagdhare, commenced with Mohanji aarati and Dattatreya aarati followed by chanting the Mohanji Gayatri 108 times with Manas puja. There were a total of 5 participants. After prasad and refreshments, the noontime Mohanji aarati was performed followed by PoP meditation and some experience sharing. The program concluded with feeding fish.
MUMBAI
Mumbai team celebrated Mohanji’s birthday in 2 centres – Malad and Mahim. At Malad, the Power of Purity Meditation was followed by aarati and cake cutting ceremony. At Mahim, Maha Mrityunjaya jaap was conducted for Mohanji’s good health, followed by aarati, and a birthday cake.
In the evening at Matunga, Maha Mritunjaya jaap was chanted for Mohanji’s good health, followed by Mohanji’s aarati. Mohanji’s live stream of the satsang on his birthday was enjoyed by all. After the satsang, everyone relished the birthday cake and vada pav along with some sweets as prasad.
ODISHA
In Odisha, Mohanji’s birthday was celebrated at Taponga. Freedom Meditation was done with 30 multiple handicapped children. And also the Power of Purity meditation was conducted with 24 leprosy patients.
PUNE
The Pune team celebrated Mohanji’s birthday with Freedom Meditation, followed by chanting and aarati.
SHIRDI
The Shirdi team celebrated Mohanji’s birthday in a Zilla Parishad School at Sakori. Freedom meditation and chanting were done by the kids of the school. The kids had beautiful experiences during energy transfer, and the teachers felt Mohanji’s presence very strongly.
QATAR
Mohanji’s birthday was celebrated in Qatar with meditation and Mohanji Energy Transfer.
SINGAPORE
Singapore team celebrated Mohanji’s birthday at the picturesque location of the Botanical Gardens. The day started with Consciousness Kriya followed by Conscious Walking and Blossom of Love Meditation. The morning energy was so powerful and fulfilling.
A group of twenty people suddenly joined the participants for the birthday cake cutting. A few pigeons were fed with a delicious cake. The group then went on to feed the turtles, swans, fishes and more birds. It was a big party for many people, making everyone so joyful.
AFRICA
SOUTH AFRICA
Various centers in South Africa celebrated Mohanji’s birthday on a grand scale.
JOHANNESBURG
Mohanji Centre: Randburg
On the very special day of Mohanji’s Birthday, the ‘Heal from Within’ program was conducted by Sameera Khan, Mohanji Acharya. The program began with a presentation on Frequency and Healing. It was then followed through with a short session of light traditional yoga while sitting before going into the Power of Purity meditation.
The events concluded with a live Youtube stream with Mohanji from Sri Lanka, aarati and a vegan cake.
CENTURION
The whole place was permeated with love as the devotees gathered at this beautiful home called Mohanji Centre-Centurion in South Africa. The atmosphere was of holiness, gratitude, respect and of heart-centredness, as the group joined together in celebration of Mohanji. It was an extraordinary day with the guests enveloped in scintillating higher energies enhanced by live music and the sweetest of songs honouring Mohanji. A satsang by Mohanji Acharya Ami Hughes was welcomed and deeply appreciated by the guests. After lunch, a Paada Puja was done. There was a delicious vegan cake that was enjoyed by all.
LADYSMITH
Celebrations of Mohanji’ birthday commenced with the 6 am aarati. A refreshing session of Conscious Walking followed at a park. In the morning, though the park was closed, a guard came and opened the gates unexpectedly for the participants. It was felt as if Mohanji gave the group an opportunity to experience Conscious Walking at the park.
Vegan cakes were prepared for Mohanji. The program began with Mohanji aarati, and then cutting the cake by a little boy called Ariv, who shares his birthday with Mohanji. Ariv offered a piece of cake to Mohanji’s photo, and after a few seconds said, “He ate it”.
All gathered to enjoy the offerings to Mohanji and soak into the beautiful teachings by watching Mohanji’s live satsang.
DURBAN
Dattatapovan Ashram, Durban
Mohanjis birthday celebrations extended over a few days at Mohanji Dattatapovan Ashram in Durban, South Africa. It was a spectacular event that brought devotees together with the joy of oneness with Mohanji’s consciousness.
The birthday celebration commenced with Shivarathri on Friday, with 12 hours of continuous chanting of the Maha Mritunjaya mantra while performing a special homa. The honorable minister of South African Parliament Shamim Rajbansi, who has been deeply connected to Lord Datta and following Mohanji, was present on this occasion. She has been very impressed with Mohanji’s teachings and hence been very supportive in various projects such as Shirdi Sai temple and Mohanji lifestyle village.
On Saturday evening, ‘Rhythm of Mohanji’ concert consisting of soul-soothing bhajans was rendered by a local artist. The artist had many experiences in the ashram. Even though he visits so many temples, at this ashram he felt immense peace and did not want to leave the place. The artist’s Guru also unexpectedly joined him. His Guru also felt immense energy when he was offered a tulsi mala that was placed at Mohanji’s feet. He later described how this surge of energy moved through his body and how he had goosebumps and his hair stood on end.
Individuals then started chanting Mohanji Gayatri mantra from 6pm Saturday night till 6pm Sunday night continuously for 24hrs.
On Sunday, on Mohanji’s birthday, the group performed Shri Dattatreya sahasranam, Mohanji Guru Puja, Mohanji padam puja, and Guru Gita – Shri Maha Mritunjaya – Shri Narashima – Shri Pratangira protection homa and ended the puja with Mohanji aarati.
A beautiful vegan cake baked by a resident ashram devotee was cut in Mohanji’s honour and everyone sang for him. The programs concluded with Shirdi Babaji aarati.
Many new people connected with Mohanji and many people increased their connection over Mohanji’s birthday celebrations. Everyone got together and truly worked hard as a single-family. Devotees from Johannesburg and Newcastle also attended the celebrations, creating an increase in harmony and oneness.
NEWCASTLE
Mohanji’s birthday was celebrated by distributing food to the homeless. There was also meditation, chanting and satsang held at the Centre. A beautiful cake was cut and concluded with the aarati.
AMERICAS
USA
Mohanji’s birthday celebrations started on Friday, February 21st, with a beautiful program for children at an elementary school in Washington DC. The kids sang the birthday song and did artwork as they fully had fun and laughter complete with cupcakes and goodies. Mohanji’s dear and beloved followers and Music and Art teachers, Benjamin Sands and Kimberly King organized the program.
Later that day, Maha Shivaratri was celebrated with all-night vigil, in lively prayer, chanting, bhajans and offerings of the ritual abhisekam 4 times during the night, in Virginia.
Completely energized with prayers all night long, the group continued with an HSTY session in the morning, followed by cooking some mixed vegetable rice and a hearty soup and bringing it to a nearby shelter with some bread, fruits, and juice.
A very intense and highly energized Power of Purity meditation was conducted on the evening of Feb 22nd. Basking in the beautiful and powerful presence of Mohanji, the team celebrated his birthday with cake cutting and dinner. As the group was enjoying the magnificent and abundantly blissful and auspicious aura of Mohanji, he acknowledged and thanked the team for the wishes through a text message.
As the meditation was completed in Virginia, a message was received from North Carolina that they simultaneously conducted the PoP meditation there, and the room was filled with a divine fragrance.
Celebrations all around the US included the Freedom Meditation in New York, PoP meditation in Michigan and New Jersey, Freedom Meditation in Florida, PoP and Freedom meditation in San Francisco.
Mohanji’s Birthday Celebration in Connecticut
A meditation activity was conducted at the local Hindu temple on Feb 23rd, 2020. The volunteer conducted the Freedom meditation using the transcript and the 60 people of which 30 were children, sat quietly and enjoyed the short meditation session.
CANADA
The joyful occasion of Mohanji’s birthday was celebrated with hearts expanded with love ️ and lots of gratitude and birthday wishes to Mohanji. The team celebrated with Paduka Pujan (Holy Feet Worship) and vegan cake cutting.
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
On the occasion of Mohanji’s birthday, there was Conscious Walking in Melbourne, Australia.
INDIVIDUAL WISHES
There was a stream of new songs offered by devotees that filled the air with devotion and bliss.
Mohanji’s Aarati in Tamil by Madhu’s mother from Mumbai
Mohanji’s Aarati in Marathi by Mahesh from Canada
Datta Aarati by Sanjay from Canada
A song by Sudha & Kirti from UK
A song by Sonia from Australia
Two songs by Ulla from Denmark.
…
From Neelu and Jyoti
Wishing MOHANJI a very happy and blessed Birthday. A humble offering from Neelu and Jyoti on this happy occasion.
“I want to share a beautiful experience with you all. I was preparing a song for Mohanji to dedicate on Mohanji’s birthday and it was almost done but at the last moment my recordist’s mother expired and the song could not come up. I was praying to Baba for direction yesterday as I was a little disappointed and within 15 minutes with his grace he made me write down the lyrics of the song “Mere Mohan Mehar Kar” and thanks to Neelu who volunteered to make the video on such short notice. It is amazing, we often take doership but actually, it is he who is doing everything.”
Jyoti Bahl
…
From Kirti, Rakesh and Sudha Thakur UK
This bhajan is a heartfelt tribute to Mohanji on his birthday 23rd Feb 2020 with love at his lotus feet.
…
From Ulla Bernholdt
…
From Sonia Gandhi
Here is yet another devotional song by our Sonia Gandhi that was offered to Mohanji on his Birthday and enjoyed by the audience present at the function.
…
Birthday offering at the lotus feet of Mohanji – a poem from Sudha Thakur, UK:
Mere Mann Ka Mann Mohan
Sthit Mann Mein Mann Mohan
Chitta Mohan Tan Mohan
Karta Mohan Karak Mohan
Bhav Sagar Se Tarak Mohan
Sthit Mann Mein Mann Mohan
Mere Mann Ka Mann Mohan
English translation :
My Heart’s joy is Mohan
Resides in my heart, the joy Mohan
Consciousness is Mohan, Body is Mohan
Doer is Mohan, Done is Mohan
From the Ocean of life, the Liberator is Mohan
Resides in my heart, the joy Mohan
My heart’s joy is Mohan
Mohanji’s birthday was celebrated joyfully in various parts of the world by the volunteers of the ACT Foundation, touching lives in many different ways – by donating food, school supplies, clothes, etc. It was indeed a fitting tribute to Mohanji as he believes strongly in giving and taking care of Mother Earth.
EUROPE
SERBIA
In Serbia, volunteers have been particularly creative about serving. The activities took place in various places in different ways.
In Belgrade, service to the homeless and birds
ACT volunteers from Belgrade donated 11 packages of food to the homeless in the city. Touched by the modesty of these people, the team experienced fullness of hearts and thought about the values in life.
Another group of volunteers fed birds on the streets of the city and thanks to the nice weather everyone enjoyed this gathering.
Reforestation near river Tamiš, clearing garbage, and helping two families.
Near Zrenjanin, ACT volunteers gathered and planted 34 mulberry seedlings, cleared rubbish from the riverbank, and visited two families living in difficult conditions to donate food. On February 22, in cooperation with Association ‘Zelene šape’, the afforestation of Banat and the clearing of the Tamiš river coast was done with the goal to restore the beavers and birds to their natural habitat as a contribution to the biodiversity of the area. 20 bags of waste were collected. This small contribution to Mother Earth was due to the inspiration of the founder of this platform, Mohanji.
Visit and donation to the Association for Assistance to the Mentally Disabled People in Kula.
Thanks to donations from the citizens, ACT Foundation in Serbia has been able to provide elemental components for the establishment of a sensory garden for the rehabilitation of people and children with mental disorders within this association. They were donated a trampoline, two lazy bags, a swing egg for vestibular stimulation, six interactive Montessori boards and a fountain for audio and visual stimulation. ACT volunteers had a beautiful time chatting and singing amidst laughter and hugs with staff and users.
MACEDONIA
On the occasion of Mohanji’s birthday, the devotees from Macedonia visited three needy families and donated food and hygiene supplies. Also, more than 100 kg of food was donated to a shelter of cats and dogs, and they spent some time playing with these animals.
CROATIA
Split and Pula visited a Youth Correctional Facilities home with vegan cake and donated two packages of cosmetics for boys and girls. Tuition fees were paid for two children.
In Split and Rijeka, food and a bike were donated to five families. The volunteers also visited a cat shelter and donated food and pellets.
In Krk and Zagreb, feeding of fishes, birds, and horses took place.
UK
During February, multiple seva activities took place to celebrate Mohanji’s birthday. Tiggywinkles, a Wildlife Specialist Hospital Trust in Bucks was given items from their wish list. Items included small animal cages, bird food, printing paper, and an ink cartridge.
More than 80 people at the Mother Teresa Soup Kitchen and more than 65 people at the DENS shelter were provided with food on 2 different occasions. Toiletries and underwear were also donated to the homeless.
In Dickwella and Panadura in Sri Lanka, 100 underprivileged school children were identified and were given school shoes, socks, and water bottles. Their parents were given dry food parcels and sarees. The families were also given a meal on this special day.
All the volunteers are grateful and feel very privileged to have been given these opportunities to help here in the UK, and also in Sri Lanka.
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
The team in Bjeljina visited and gave donations to a poverty-stricken family.
In Pilar, a town that is an hour and a half away from the main city, John dedicated the day’s seva to Mohanji for his birthday. The celebrations also extended and brought joy and love to the children of St. Joseph Orphanage.
MAURITIUS
Mauritius Mohanji Association celebrated Mohanji’s Birthday in an Ashram for senior citizens. Lunch and dinner Seva was sponsored by Mai-Tri donations and the Seva team. Some of them needed special attention as they weren’t able to eat by themselves.
The Seva team shared how they could feel these residents needed attention and care. They felt happy to be able to spend some time and bring some spark into the life of the seniors.
AFRICA
SOUTH AFRICA
JOHANNESBURG
ACT team cooked and served vegan lunch for many children who came to Shumbashaba from a very impoverished background. Special cakes were served too. The team felt a lot of love and gratitude for Mohanji through this selfless service.
SHUMBASHABA
Mohanji’s Birthday month seva continued over the last Saturday in February 2020. It also formed part of the weekly Saturday seva for the children at Shumbashaba, who come from homes of severe poverty and hardships. Children were provided with golden sun-soaked bananas, crunchy red apples, and nik-naks. There were muffins for the after-lunch treat. A piping hot lunch of samp and bean soup was served at the garden table. There were about 75 children. Those beautiful faces were heart-melting for the volunteers.
LADYSMITH
Mohanji’s birthday celebrations were done at a children’s shelter where the children were served peanut butter and jam sandwiches, hot dogs and party packs.
DURBAN
Saturday was spent in Seva activities. 100 beans bunnies (hollowed out bread with beans curry filling), 100 freshly baked vegan cupcakes prepared by the ashram baker and juice were offered mostly to kids from a very destitute informal settlement. Three huge bags of clothes were offered to the South African Prevention of Cruelty to Animals charity shop. The following weekend 150 medical packs consisting of everything required for a first-aid kit and hygiene were also donated to the destitute.
ETHIOPIA
In Addis Ababa, volunteers handed out food packets consisting of injara, shiro, pita bread, pita roti and water to 124 street dwellers in celebration of Mohanji’s Birthday. The volunteers felt immense gratitude for this opportunity to serve.
AMERICAS
PERU
Even though there were floods and roads were closed, some kids came to make birthday cards and to wish Mohanji a happy birthday. The rainy season has hit the area of Cuzco quite severely. The Peru team started food seva in that region in order to be of help to the many orphans left behind. The area is plagued by deadly mudslides.
USA
In celebration of Mohanji’s birthday, volunteers organized many events across the USA and in Varanasi and Bengaluru in India too. Food was served in multiple locations.
CORAL SPRINGS, FLORIDA
Florida started Mohanji’s birthday celebrations with a brown bag lunch drive. A team of moms and kids prepared peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. PBJ sandwiches, clementines, oat bars, and chips packets were included in the lunch bags. The team prepared 76 lunch bags and donated them to the Broward Outreach Homeless Shelter.
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA
Pizza, pasta, fruits, cookies and salad were served at a Women’s homeless shelter on February 22nd. On 23rd February, bread, jam, peanut butter, oat bars, clementines, oranges and bananas were donated to a local homeless shelter.
HOUSTON, TEXAS
The team in Houston donated food to The Ballard House in Katy and served food for about 50 sick people under medical care. They donated idly (steamed rice cakes), sambar, coconut rice, pasta, spaghetti, lemon rice, pulav, peanut butter sandwich, gulab jamun, curd rice, juice, fruits, and cereal bars. The team of volunteers were not only willing to donate food but were also willing to travel to the place to serve food.
The Ballard House is a shelter for sick and recovering patients and their families. The patients and their families enjoyed the scrumptious meal and thanked Mohanji. Captivated by Mohanji, an inmate sought assistance in downloading the meditation on her phone. The next day after doing the meditation, she texted the volunteer saying that she felt very relaxed and nice. The team of volunteers felt blessed for this opportunity.
MIDDLETOWN, CONNECTICUT
A food drive was organised on February 22nd. As the regular soup kitchen was not available, within two weeks the team located a place, very aptly called the Friendship Center in a nearby town called New Britain. It was a soup kitchen and a homeless shelter in one building and they were open to receiving any food. Arrangements were made with the cook in charge for vegetable rice and pasta trays. To this, fruits, snacks such as cookies and health bars plus water bottles were added. 5 trays of pasta, 3 trays of vegetables and fruits, granola bars and water (71 bananas, 6 lbs of apples, 6 lbs of clementines, 148 health bars including fruit and grain bars and chewy chocolate chip granola bars, and 155 water bottles) were served.
VARANASI, INDIA
ACT USA and ACT South Africa participated in seva activities during an Acharya program in Varanasi. Our volunteers went to an Ashram complex that has a school for boys, an old age home hospice and an ashram for sadhus (saints). The poor and homeless people are fed here daily.
On February 19th, our volunteers spent some time chatting to the elderly ladies there and also gave a donation for medicines. ACT and Ammucare (India) sponsored lunch. 120 people were served dahl (spiced lentils), chapati (flatbread), jalebi (an Indian dessert) and fruits. There was abundant food available for everyone to enjoy and lots of leftovers too which was not expected even by the organizers.
On February 20th, our volunteers made arrangements with the shrine of Kitcheri Baba to serve early morning breakfast. These incredible volunteers serve 1000 meals every day to the poor and homeless in Varanasi. The shrine is across the road from the Kashi Vishwanath complex and Kitcheri Baba has a massive cooking pot on site where he cooks fresh healthy dahl, rice, and vegetables to serve those in need.
BENGALURU, INDIA
ACT USA sponsored lunch on 22nd February at Manav charities which hosts foster and special needs kids. Lunch was cooked for approximately 60 kids. The kids also sent adorable videos wishing Mohanji a very happy birthday.
CANADA
Food Drive was conducted for the homeless in downtown Toronto. Mai-Tri -Method, where several participants received Mai-Tri and Blood Donation Camp was held at Mississauga.
Recently, I took part in the Mohanji Foundation (MF) Global Summit in Sri Lanka as the India Head. I really feel blessed to have gotten this opportunity to represent MF India at the Global Summit, and it was all due to Mohanji’s grace. I would like to share my experience, an incident at work, which made it very easy for me to go to Sri Lanka.
I work in the corporate sector and getting holidays for anything is a big deal. You need to have a valid reason if you want to take a long holiday. Last year, I had already taken many holidays and applying for more seemed next to impossible. In November, our CEO Madhusudhan called me and said that I will be heading Mohanji Foundation India and I will have to go to Sri Lanka for the Global Summit.
I accepted the responsibility immediately but the thing that struck my mind was getting holidays for it as I had already taken a long holiday for the Kriya Intensive program in December 2019. I did not know how to get more holidays as it could make a negative impact on my reputation in the company. So I was a little worried about it, but I had a strong desire to go to Sri Lanka with Mohanji. The time to go to Sri Lanka was approaching fast and I had not even applied for my holidays. I had no ‘valid’ reason to apply. So I just surrendered it to Mohanji and here is how it was taken care of.
I am currently working at my Client’s location. My Parent Company has deployed me there. Three days before going to Sri Lanka, my Parent Company manager called me. I was concerned that it could be about my holidays as I had taken too many. I entered my manager’s room a little worried, but here is what he said, “I wanted to talk to you for the last few days. I would like to tell you that our Client is highly impressed by your performance and they want to take you as their permanent employee. Are you ok with that?”
I could not believe what he said, this was an absolute miracle. I was worried about taking holidays and now I would not only be able to take holidays, but I would move to a bigger company with a higher salary. There was a deal between my Parent Company and the Client that at the end of the project, the Client Company would take the best amongst all the employees deployed there. With Mohanji’s grace, I turned out to be the best amongst everyone. I knew that it was all a divine play of our Master. He arranged this for me.
Our Master will arrange everything for us at the right time, when we are ready. All we need is a strong connection with him. He will send us to the right places at the right time. He knows what is best for us. All we need to do is surrender everything at his lotus feet because he really will take care of everything. When he says, “I am walking with you and protecting you”, he really means it. Blessed are we to be in his Consciousness. Let’s forget our personal egos and work together to spread his mission as much as we can.
Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 5th March 2020
Disclaimer:
The views, opinions, and positions expressed by the authors and those providing comments on these blogs are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of Mohanji, Mohanji Foundation, it’s members, employees or any other individual or entity associated with Mohanji or Mohanji Foundation. We make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of any information presented by individual authors and/or commenters on our blogs and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries or damages arising from its display or use.
We reserve the right to delete, edit, or alter in any manner we see fit blog entries or comments that we, in our sole discretion, deem to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, threatening, in violation of trademark, copyright or other laws, of an express commercial nature, or otherwise unacceptable.