Thiruvanamalai

FAREWELL, DEAREST T. R. GOPALAKRISHNAN (APPA)

Posted on June 25, 2021June 25, 2021 by Testimonials Team

Madhusudan Rajagopalan, India

Mohanji often says, “Life is a journey that starts with two people bringing us into the world, and ends with four people carrying us out. And in between those two points, we meet various people and undergo various experiences that make this life complete.” This frail life journey between the two and four is peppered with encounters of relationships with various flavours – family, relatives, friends, colleagues, enemies, acquaintances, and many strangers. In my time with Mohanji, I have seen relationships with almost complete strangers metamorphose into an unusually close bond. Other than them being past life soul connections, it would be hard to explain this phenomena easily.

One such personality was Mr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan, a doyen of the shipping industry, who recently succumbed to his recent ailments and passed away on 23^rd June 2021 in Chennai, India. Gopalakrishnan Appa was an amazing personality whom I had the privilege of knowing closely over the last few years, thanks to Mohanji. Through this blog, we would like to honour his memory and share insights on the deep connection between Appa and Mohanji that extended over several lifetimes.

Gopalakrishnan Appa and Mohanji – a deep bond

Gopalakrishnan Appa was a highly regarded figure in the world of shipping. He was the head of Southern Shipping Corporation, one of the leading Indian shipping companies in those times, and a much-sought advisor and consultant post retirement. A qualified lawyer and an expert in international maritime law, he served as an arbitrator for legal cases and was also venerated as a model of integrity. He travelled to teach on shipping related topics and was known to breathe life into an otherwise dull subject with intelligent use of humor, anecdotes, stories and experiences.

In 2000, Mohanji was working in the shipping industry in Dubai. One day, an ex-colleague requested Mohanji to arrange a vehicle for his boss (TRG) who was arriving from India. He was out of town and wanted to ensure that things were done right. Knowing him to be a very senior official, Mohanji offered to pick TRG up from the airport. From the airport, Mohanji took TRG to the hotel room and ensured he was comfortable. The next day, TRG had to attend some meetings. Instead of arranging a taxi, Mohanji decided to personally drive him to his meetings. Over those trips, Mohanji shared the story of his daughter Ammu’s death in a tragic accident a few months ago. TRG responded with the story of the unfortunate death of his son. In no time, a strong connection was built up between them.

After completing his business meetings, TRG told Mohanji that he wanted to buy gold jewellery. Mohanji took TRG to the people he knew at the gold souk (market) where TRG bought a big gold ring. When Mohanji dropped TRG back to the hotel room, TRG unexpectedly gifted the expensive ring he had just bought to Mohanji. When Mohanji asked why, he hugged Mohanji with great affection and told him “Even my son wouldn’t have done all that you have done for me. You ensured that I felt loved and not lonely. Please keep the ring as my memory.” Mohanji refused saying, “If I need a material object to remember you, I’m not worth it.” TRG persisted. Mohanji countered, “I will take the ring only if you allow me to gift the same ring to you as my memento to you.” When he heard this, TRG decided against it since he knew that this ring was too expensive for Mohanji to buy. This episode deeply impacted TRG.

On his return to India, he sought Mohanji’s parents’ address and travelled to the neighbouring state to visit them. He told them, “Do you know what kind of a son you have? He is not greedy, not trying to conquer the world, quite unlike the typical professional in Dubai. He needs nothing. He is the epitome of purity. He is not ordinary.”

Their strong bond continued thereon. TRG treated Mohanji like his own son and regularly kept tabs on Mohanji’s well-being and career. Being from the shipping industry, he would engage with Mohanji on this subject matter. Mohanji would visit TRG and his wife in Chennai regularly and stay with them. Mohanji remembers the memorable days they spent together. He took Mohanji to Tirupati, a revered temple town in South India, that is thronged by millions of devotees. Together, they did normal “family stuff” – joked around, watched Tamil movies (7G Rainbow Colony is one of the movies that I’ve heard they watched. They also watched a Malayalam movie called Rajamanikkam, which was directed by Mohanji’s friend Anwar Rashid), ate at restaurants, had late night ice-cream outings. One day, he commented that he had recognised Mohanji as his son from a previous lifetime. Mohanji acknowledged it and over the years, with love and reverence, fulfilled the role of a dutiful son.

My first meeting with Gopalakrishnan Appa… and thereafter

I first met Gopalakrishnan Appa on 24^th November 2015 when I visited his home with Mohanji, Devi and Mila. We had just returned from Tiruvannamalai to Chennai and had a short window of time before a satsang later that evening. Mohanji insisted that we should visit Appa at any cost. Oblivious of their connection, I had accompanied Mohanji to Appa’s home. We were greeted with great warmth and love. Aunty (Appa’s wife) related stories and showed pictures from Mohanji’s visits from the earlier years. Also, pictures of Mila from when she was a small baby. I gathered that Mohanji hadn’t visited them often in recent years. However, he had obviously been in regular touch with them. Similarly, they were keenly tracking developments in his life as well as his work around the world. It was amazing to see Mila warming up to Appa and Aunty, totally at ease in their home. She demanded her favourite food and enjoyed their pampering. It seemed like a visit to one’s family.

Despite his deep affection for Mohanji, I noticed that Appa remained poker faced with a strict demeanour all the time, other than the occasional wise crack, often at Aunty’s expense. At that point, I didn’t know how Mohanji and Appa were connected, but when I learnt about it later, the dynamics during that whole visit made total sense! While leaving, Mohanji casually invited TRG to the evening satsang. Normally, TRG would never budge out of his home or his routine, but on that day, he agreed immediately! At the satsang, Mohanji requested TRG to speak a few words – his way of honouring Appa by giving him due respect. Appa spoke spontaneously and humorously about Vedic texts, their interpretation and relevance to us in human life.

I was responsible for coordinating Appa’s to and fro travel which allowed me to spend more time with him. When we returned to his house, he invited me to his library, stacked with ancient Indian scriptures. I learnt that Appa was an ardent student of the Hindu scripturesand a Sanskrit aficionado. Daily, he would spend time in his library, poring over a scriptural text, reading each word and phrase a few times and contemplating on the depth and true meaning of the verses. Averse to the ritualistic or mechanical scriptural reading, he liked to parse each word, split the syllables, think through various interpretations and truly understand the life lessons from the text. He was learning advanced Sanskrit from a teacher to help understand the scriptures better. Despite being in his 80s, his zest for learning was inspiring. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna, especially in the form of Lord Guruvayurappan (a famous temple of Lord Krishna in Kerala) and would quote shlokas (scriptural verses) at will to buttress his points.

Our first day after satsang meeting cemented my bond with him. I connected with him almost instantly and I believe vice-versa possibly because I accompanied Mohanji. We stayed in regular touch, whenever possible, either on the phone or in person meetings during my visits to my parents in Chennai. This pattern continued for many years after.

The Mohanji Home for Seniors

In late 2019, we acquired a piece of land in Tiruvannamalai (a sacred temple town in Tamil Nadu) to build the “Mohanji Home for Seniors” – a safe home for abandoned elderly people in the town especially sadhus (wandering monks), where they could live with respect and love for the rest of their lives. Mohanji decided to inaugurate the project on 29^th January 2020, on the auspicious day of Vasant Panchami and wished that a few elders close to him preside over the function, namely, his parents, Gopalakrishnan Appa and Snehajyothi Amma (an elderly lady in Tiruvannamalai who was deeply connected to Ramana Maharishi and very fond of Mohanji).

I was tasked with ensuring Appa’s presence at the function and arranging his travel there. When I informed Appa, he was thrilled to hear about the project and keen to support it. He also mentioned a deep yearning for many years to visit Tiruvannamalai. However, he was unwilling to step out of his home or undertake the journey to Tiruvannamalai. He cited various reasons – old age, his health, aunty’s health, the need for him to be there, and so on. I persisted as best as I could, but despite several phone calls, he literally stonewalled me! When I wasn’t making progress, I explained the situation to Mohanji.

Mohanji then shed light on his relationship with Appa. As Appa had revealed their connection an earlier lifetime, Mohanji shared more details that he had been a prince in waiting while Appa was the king. Despite being very fond of his son, Appa as the king could never express his deep affection or love, due to his royal position. It continued in this life as well where he would never display it visibly and keep his expression within bounds. Further, Mohanji revealed that the Mohanji Home for Seniors would be a place of nitya annadaan (daily feeding of people). By presiding over the inauguration, Appa would get the benefits of feeding people three times a day for the times to come, that would cleanse his lineage karma and substantially lighten his baggage. Mohanji was subtly fulfilling his duties as a son, thus completing his past bond with Appa.

Mohanji decided to call Appa directly. He gave Appa an ultimatum, “Either you agree to go to Tiruvannamalai or I will fly down to Chennai tomorrow to take you there with me.” It worked. Appa called me later and mentioned Mohanji’s conversation. While he was still not confident, he could not deny Mohanji’s intense wish! He said that he would travel with us and let Lord Srikrishna ensure his safety. We made the necessary arrangements for Appa’s travel and stay in Tiruvannamalai. Besides Appa and aunty, their close family friends also joined to spend 2 blissful days in Tiruvannamalai.

Over that trip, Appa understood the significance of the project and was deeply grateful for having been involved in it. Appa’s heart melted when he saw the homeless people who would be served by the project. He spoke beautifully at the inauguration and later told us that he now understood Mohanji’s insistence on his participation. He also visited the famous Arunachala temple and Ramana Maharishi’s samadhi as well as soaked in the energy of the powerhouse that is Tiruvannamalai, home to thousands of siddhas (perfected beings).

Appa, Acchan, Amma at the hotel room at Thiruvannamalai

Since then, he regularly stayed in touch with us to enquire about the project progress. By March 2020, our project plans were ready but the Covid-19 lockdown put them on hold. Appa however asked us to use the time to finish our planning. His corporate leadership skills came to the fore. He advised us to take advantage of firms hurting from the lockdown by negotiating with the vendors and buying materials early to save money. He also suggested to fix the project plan and timelines and assign a clear date for completion. He gave a few contacts for help with construction work in Tiruvannamalai and would enquire regularly about the progress. When work started in late 2020, we shared the project interim pictures and videos with Appa. He was thrilled and drew deep satisfaction that this project would soon house many helpless elders in Tiruvannamalai.

The last few months and the protective net of Mohanji Family

In early 2021, Appa’s health took a turn for the worse. When Mohanji found out, he gave one clear instruction, “Appa is family. Do everything that a son would do to take care of his father. No compromises. Do whatever it takes. Go to him like a son.” He also said to us “Do whatever you can, as if you are Mohanji”. I knew through conversations with Mohanji that Appa avoided favours and preferred to be independent. So I spoke to Kishore, our Mohanji family member from Chennai, who was the project lead for the Mohanji Home for Seniors, to discuss how we could help, and ensure that Appa saw it as support from family and not as a favour. Since Kishore had based himself in Tiruvannamalai to drive project progress, he couldn’t visit Appa personally at short notice. However, as it turned out, I happened to be in Chennai for a substantial part of Feb and March 2021 to attend to my father’s health.

When I heard about his failing health, I immediately visited Appa and Aunty without any prior warning. They were excited to see me and invited me for lunch. Aunty even commented “Madhu, we are so happy that you came. You have come here like a son.” I could feel that they were yearning for company and support. Appa was visibly weak, having just returned from the hospital a week before. After lunch, I conversed with Appa – the only topic being the Mohanji Home for Seniors project and its completion date. He expressed a desire to visit the project site to see how the building looked. I told him that we would arrange for it when his health improves.

Over the conversation, I could see that he was brightening up and somehow drawing energy from our discussions. When I entered, he was barely able to walk, even with the support of a walking stick. A couple of hours later, he walked confidently to see me out to the door and said “I am much better, don’t worry.” I also gifted him a copy of Mohanji’s latest book “Mast” and he promised to read it soon.

When I updated Mohanji about my visit, he ominously said that Appa may not have much time left, so we should take good care of him. As per Mohanji’s instructions, we connected Appa to Dr Harpreet Wasir, a renowned cardiac surgeon in Delhi and our close Mohanji family member, to discuss and advise Appa on his health. They spoke regularly and his health began to stabilise slightly.

A few weeks later, I went to visit Appa when I went to Chennai again. This time around, he was much better, evident from his presence in the library. I enquired about his health and he pointed to a picture of Lord Guruvayurappan and said it was all ordained as per His will. He said that he was almost feeling normal again, except when he didn’t drink enough water. I told him that he should drink water every 30-45 minutes. He then went on to explain his process of study. He said that he did not “read” the verses but analysed them in detail by consulting a Sanskrit grammar reference book, made notes to confirm his understanding before continuing. He said that he often went so deep into the book that he completely forget himself. So how could he remember to drink water? While happy to hear about his return to his normal mode, I still insisted that he should prioritise his health.

We started talking again about the Mohanji Home for Seniors. He went on to add, “I have known Mohan for 21 years. But never once have we ever discussed Tiruvannamalai. And then, I got connected to this project. You see, nothing happens without Lord Krishna’s will.” He again expressed a wish to see the completed building, and we agreed to arrange his travel when his health improves.

In late May, Kishore updated that Appa had been hospitalised again and his health had deteriorated. I spoke to Appa on the phone but was barely able to hear him due to his weak state. A few days later, Mohanji also spoke to Appa on the phone. Appa told Mohanji that he would like to spend some peaceful time in Tiruvannamalai and was also keen to meet Mohanji. He enquired about Mohanji’s return to India (from Europe) as he felt that his time was near. Mohanji again told us to do whatever possible from our side and said, “I want him to be happy. I want him to feel that we are all with him. That we care. That extreme love should be felt. Companionship”.

Since arranging travel looked bleak due to his health as well as the fresh lockdown in Tamil Nadu, Mohanji told us to arrange a big sized picture of Appa and get it blessed from him, so that the picture could be placed at the reception of the Mohanji Home for Seniors, as a mark of respect and belonging. Further, given that Mohanji was unlikely to return to India soon, Mohanji also asked to arrange a video call with Appa to fulfil Appa’s desire to meet Mohanji. This was arranged the very next day through Srinivas G, our Mohanji family member who visited Appa’s home to check on him. Later that evening, I spoke to Appa and Aunty and spent nearly 45 minutes on the phone with them. They were overjoyed that they could speak to Mohanji. Appa again spoke less about his health and more about the project. It was evident that the Mohanji Home for Seniors project was really the anchor that was giving him purpose. He told me, “When I get better, I really want to prostrate before you, Kishore and the others who are doing such noble work.” I responded that we would prostrate at his feet and would take him to see the project. But even as I said it, I knew that it may not really be possible. It felt like he had no real interest in living and was holding on just to see the site. I discussed with Kishore to share videos with Appa regularly so that he could feel the place and visually see things developing day by day.

The same day, Mohanji also gave us instructions to take Sai Babu udi (sacred ash), holy water from Ganga and Mansarovar to Appa and give to him regularly. From previous experiences, I knew that Mohanji’s instructions to act quickly, especially in cases of elderly people like Appa must be taken seriously. A wasted day could be a lost opportunity for life. Hence, we acted with urgency and the request was immediately executed through Usha LN, our Mohanji family member in Chennai. Though she had very little Gangajal and Mansarovar jal, she happily parted with it saying, “I can get this later. Let Appa have it now. He needs it more.” While executing Mohanji’s instructions, we once again experienced the true power of a united Mohanji family – people coordinating over the phone in various cities, local people going out of their way to share time or materials without question – working on the basis of the common understanding of the noble intent and compassion behind the purpose.

The only pending thing was to get the photo blessed from Appa. We had two challenges with this – Appa and Aunty had no good usable pictures, and no shops were open during the strict lockdown to get the framing done. We used photos from our archives which we digitally edited to make them suitable. Kishore mustered all his resources to print and frame the picture in an elegant manner within a week. By now, Appa was in the hospital and unable to speak much. But he saw the picture frame taken in by the nurse and blessed it with his eyes. He liked the photo a lot and asked for two copies for his family members too.

When we updated Mohanji, he again reiterated that Appa did not have much time left and asked us to do whatever we could to support him. We stayed in touch with his caregiver at the hospital offering support at every point. We also ensured that Appa was given the gangajal and mansarovar jal with full awareness, so he could appreciate it. Being an extremely spiritual and evolved person, he would have truly understood the significance of those steps.

A couple of days later, Kishore informed that Appa was in pain as a surgical procedure did not work out as planned. He informed that Mohanji had asked our Mai Tri practitioners to offer sessions for Appa to help his situation. As our Maitri practitioners did their sessions, it revealed more dimensions of how Mohanji was fulfilling his responsibilities. Subhasree Thottungal (from the UK) wrote about what she saw during the Mai tri session (Click here to read Subhasree’s blog) – the key message being the cleansing of lineage karma and lightening Appa’s burden as he approached the end of this life.

Mohanji also gave guided us to organise poojas and ceremonies at various temples. With Mohanji’s grace, we had arranged for poojas at various powerful temples – Lord Narasimha at Ahobilam, Sai Baba at Shirdi, Lord Murugan and Sage Bhoganathar at Palani, Mata Vaishno Devi in Jammu, Datta peethams at Gangapur, Pithapuram, Vallabhapuram, Banke Bihaari at Vrindavan amongst others.

On the morning of 23^rd June, 2021, we finally got word that Appa was no more. Our job was not yet done. Mohanji gave further instructions to conduct annadaan in Appa’s name over the next thirteen days of the customary rituals. Annadaan for various beings has been organized – fish, birds, animals as well as people at Haridwar and Tiruvannamalai.

Conclusion

A palpable sense of sadness remains after Appa’s passing. I genuinely enjoyed his company and felt it to be mutual. I remembered feeling similarly on the passing away of Vasudevan Swami (of Ganeshpuri) and Baba Ganeshananda Giri Maharaj. One less stalwart to rely on. I will miss his company, wise cracks and erudition. However, I have absolutely no regrets or guilt, for we left no stone unturned to help and support Appa and aid his onward journey, with the clear and compassionate guidance from Mohanji. In that sense, the sentiment of fulfilment and satisfaction overrides.

As I reflect back on this whole journey and the Mohanji factor in it, the key thing that has really struck me was that there are no half-measures when Mohanji takes responsibility. Everything is done to the fullest extent possible. He truly means it when he says that he treats people like his own family. Irrespective of his own schedule, there are no compromises or short cuts in delivering on his commitments. He repeatedly told us, “Do what a son would do for his father. Do as if Mohanji is doing.” In that process, he also highlighted the value of the putra dharma (duty of a son/ child) that Mohanji values above all other duties to society and even sadhana (spiritual practices)

The second thing is about the value of acting immediately. At several points, Mohanji asked us to complete certain tasks. Following through on those instructions immediately has ensured that we fulfilled all the responsibilities a son could do for his father. A lax approach could have meant an opportunity lost forever. We often hear people crying over their lost ones feeling guilt over what they would have done. In Mohanji’s world, the only time that matters is now. When we do the best we can at each moment, we set ourselves up for completion which leads to contentment. I truly realized this with Gopalakrishnan Appa’s experience.

The third take away for me is the purity of connections that come through when Mohanji entrusts tasks. I can’t quite fathom how I connected with Appa, but in that process, as I have helped and served him, I have never felt anything to be a chore, always a sense of duty with the understanding that there may be other dimensions to this relationship beyond the plainly visible. Neither does Mohanji usually offer this information nor did I seek it. But I am sure there may have been debts that I perhaps owed Gopalakrishnan Appa from a past connection. With Mohanji, here are no accidents or coincidences!

In the last 18 months of his life, Gopalakrishnan Appa’s main interest was the Mohanji Home for Seniors in Tiruvannamalai. His regal photo will grace the reception hall of the Home as reminder for times to come of his significant contribution in getting this project to life, driven by his abiding desire to see many people served and fed at the Home. Nothing could be more apt to honour his memory.

Fond farewell, Appa. Please shower your blessings on us to follow in your glorious footsteps of achievement, integrity, purpose, commitment and selfless service. May Mohanji and the other Mohanji (your favourite Lord Guruvayurappan – Mohan, the enchanter is one of Lord Krishna’s names) take good care of you in the beyond.

|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI||

Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 25^thJune 2021

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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.

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— Mohanji Testimonials Team

A shelter in Arunachala

Posted on May 14, 2020May 14, 2020 by Mohanji Editorial Team

By Pravin Thakkar, UK

I would like to share this story of gratitude to Mohanji. This is very special for me too, as this event was possible only with Mohanji’s grace, and his help is for the karmic benefit of me and my family.

Let me tell you the story.

In 2018 August, Mohanji visited us in London. At that time, my wife and I had a deep desire to visit the Arunachala temple with Mohanji. We expressed this desire to Mohanji. He guided me to talk to the team who plan Mohanji’s programmes. After some discussion, I found out that there was no visit possible in the near future.

In October 2018, we were attending the pilgrimage to Badrinath with Mohanji. There were heavy rains and flooding in different parts of India. Some of Mohanji’s programmes were cancelled due to this and the team was able to plan a pilgrimage to Arunachala with Mohanji at short notice.

We were still in India at that time. When we heard this visit being planned, I realised that it was Mohanji’s divine plan, he was fulfilling our wish to visit Arunachala with him! This was a clear indication that when a wish comes from heart, Guru always fulfils it. We were so grateful to Mohanjifor fulfilling our wish and we were soon in Arunachala with Mohanji.

What happened in Arunachala was something that is beyond just fulfilling a simple desire!

While we were in Arunachala, I noticed a few old sadhus, very sick and looking really like beggars. I wanted to help them but due to certain restrictions, I wasn’t allowed to do so. I was so sad in my heart. I couldn’t sleep the whole night thinking about those sadhus. The next morning, I conveyed my wish to Mohanji about how we could help such old, sick, and helpless sadhus.

Mohanji is so compassionate. He immediately arranged a visit to a small place where we saw someone had created a temporary shelter for about 70 sadhus who were very old, sick, and helpless. Mohanji immediately advised the Ammucare team to start regular health check-up, and food and medicine donations to this shelter. While we were at that place, Mohanji told me that this was a temporary place and due to some issues, this shelter was to be closed soon and the sadhus would be on the road!

Hearing that, my heart cried. I felt an inner calling to do something permanent for these sadhus. I expressed my intention to Mohanji immediately. Once again, Mohanji responded quickly. He advised the Mohanji Foundation CEO to look into this matter to see if some land could be acquired and a shelter built.

I was in a dream, I thought. Within months, everything was falling into place. The land was found, donations were collected. Of course, nothing happens without hurdles. Those hurdles were just tests for us to check our conviction and the depth of our intention.

So in the end, in October 2019, exactly a year later, the land in Arunachala was purchased and inaugurated by Mohanji. It was clearly a divine blessing as without any prior planning, we had two eminent Masters also attending this function!

In all these events, I was only a small instrument. My wish to serve the sadhus must be a desire from past lives, and Mohanji made sure all that was fulfilled! With this, I know that a huge karma of mine and maybe even that of my lineage has been completed!

I am so thankful to my Guru Mohanji to have fulfilled my desires and for helping me to accomplish my karmic agenda in such a compassionate way – from that first visit to Arunachala to the land acquisition for the home for seniors! May this place give peace, love, and shelter to the sadhus of Arunachala.

Thank you Mohanji from the depth of my heart, thank you.

|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI||

Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 14^thMay 2020

Disclaimer:

— Mohanji Testimonials Team

Blissful days with Mohanji – Part 1

Posted on February 27, 2020February 27, 2020 by Mohanji Editorial Team

by Ananthanarayanan Sankaran

Mohanji is veritably the Kalpavriksha or Kalpataru (the wish-fulfilling tree). His spiritual vibrations, selfless love, compassion, knowledge of the universal laws, wisdom and humility attract disciples the way bees are pulled to a garden of sweet-scented flowers. Whatever is lacking in the average man is found in fulsome measure in him. He stands apart as an extraordinary being whose very presence grants peace beyond measure. People flock around him seeking to fulfill their varied and endless desires. Through his blessings and grace, Mohanji grants his disciples everything they need as per their capacity to handle, eventually leading them towards total liberation.

In the path of Datta, the only sadhana (practice) the seeker has to inculcate is to keep the connection going and the rest is the job of the Guru. There are plenty who wish to physically be with and serve a living Master. Plenty has also been written and said about how difficult it is to live with a Master who’s not bound by anything except Dharma.

It is only by his grace that I had an amazing opportunity to be with Mohanji and observe him from close quarters during the Arunachala (27 – 29 Jan) and Kerala (30 Jan – 9 Feb) trips. This blog is an account of the events that unfolded in front of me in the presence of Para Brahma Swaroopa Mohanji, and the impact they had on my awareness.

Home for seniors — Inauguration of ‘Mohanji Home for Seniors’ – a place where old people can live in peace, health, and dignity.

Before Arunachala, Mohanji had picked up an injury of sorts which made his movements a little difficult. However, he did not cancel any of the programs or cut them short because of this. “None of my appointments should be cancelled”, he told me when I went with the suggestion of either not meeting someone or making changes to the program for Arunachala. I was soon made to realise that Mohanji’s dictionary doesn’t have a word called ‘cancel’.

Two Masters — Arunachala was the time-space junction point where two Masters (Mohanji and Mooji Baba) met, perceived as coincidental or by-chance by the outside world.

What was originally conceived to be a private function for ‘Mohanji Home for Seniors’ inauguration, ended up being a huge gathering with plenty of guests and dignitaries including Mooji Baba whom Mohanji met ‘by chance’ at the hotel lobby and invited for the function. Those 2 days kept everyone on their toes as Mohanji moved like a lion despite the discomfort, providing clear instructions on what had to be done and how to go about executing it. In the end, the program was a huge success, all of it was possible only by Lord Arunachala’s and Mohanji’s grace.

After inaugurating the ‘Mohanji Home for Seniors’ in Arunachala on 29th January, we immediately left for Palakkad (a 9-hour journey by road) which could easily be called one of the most tiring road trips. The last toll between Kerala – Tamil Nadu border saw some delays. Mohanji called me personally and asked me to speak to the officer directly. I had my own doubts initially with the thought – “These check-post officers are rude most of the time and if they get upset, they ensure they give you sufficient hard time”. Then again, it was Mohanji who was asking me to go which means, he would have done all the ‘setup’ and all I need to do was to be physically present in the office.

As I entered the line for inquiring about the reason for the delay, the drivers who were already standing in the queue asked me to remain quiet and not raise my voice. Since it was Mohanji who asked me to go and speak directly, I didn’t heed their advice and went straight into the office. I explained the practical reason for my urgency and to my surprise, the officer collected all the papers from our driver, verified them and issued the receipt. When I walked out, I could see the doubt and curiosity in the faces of the people standing for a long time in the queue. This incident helped me to clearly understand that when we approach things in a practical and non-emotional way, we are bound to achieve the desired outcome as it is also coupled with Guru’s grace and support.

We reached the Palakkad home around 1:00 am and to my surprise, we were welcomed by almost 15-20 people. As soon as Mohanji sat on his chair, the others who were there to welcome him also settled down with no visible sign of leaving anytime soon. My initial reaction was, ‘Why are so many people waiting to see him so late in the night and why aren’t they leaving soon? Do they not know that he’s had a long program in Arunachala and has busy days ahead of him in Kerala?’ The question was short-lived as the very next minute, I could visualise Mohanji as Lord Krishna and the people around him were his friends from Vrindavan and Dwaraka (places where Krishna lived and ruled). The overwhelming love from the people gathered ensured Mohanji spent time with them that night although he was tired. He says “Be available, make every minute of your life purposeful. You never get a second chance.”

Destiny brings the time, space and experiences for us – Mohanji

The next morning, I casually asked Devadas about the plans in Kerala for the next few days and he smiled. I insisted and then he laid it all out for me in 15 minutes. Hearing the plan, my first reaction was “OMG! this is insane”. However, the main concern lingering in my head was how on earth could all this work? Though I had firm faith in Mohanji and was quite ready to go with the flow, I was concerned about his health, especially the time required for his rest.

Little did I know that the people who turned up at home past midnight on 29th Jan was a prequel of what was to come during the next few days in Kerala where waves of people wanted his darshan and the 3 people near him were not sufficient to control the crowd, but more about it shortly.

After a brief 2-day stay in Palakkad, we left for Kannur, where a series of programs had been planned. As Mohanji’s discomfort due to the injury still persisted, the idea of cancelling a few appointments was floated which was immediately turned down by Mohanji. “These people have been waiting to see me, and some have taken time to come and meet me. How can I decide not to go? What kind of message am I sending to this world when I really want everyone to live for the world?”

We started our journey to Kannur the next morning. As we disembarked in Kannur from the train, we were lovingly welcomed by Mr. Anil Krishnan and advocate Madhu. On the road to Anil’s house, I was amazed by the size of the roads in Kannur. They were sufficiently broad that even 2 people walking side by side would create a traffic jam. I asked about this and Mohanji laughingly said: “People here want more garden space than road space”. This was so true as each house I came across had a huge open front-yard and it’s for no ordinary reason that Kerala is called ‘God’s own country’.

The first program in Kannur was the public satsang at Shirdi Sai Sansthan. During this satsang, I had an opportunity to meet Damodaran master – who used to teach mathematics to Mohanji during his school days back in the 80s. The mere reference to the subject made me take a few steps back from him as it’s only recently my dreams of failing in mathematics or getting tight slaps from my principal for the same reason has stopped.

The love they both (Mohanji and Damodaran master) had for each other was amazing. I felt as if it was for this meeting that the whole scene (satsang) was orchestrated. As he came near Mohanji and sought blessings from him, Mohanji immediately caught hold of his hands and sought blessings from Damodaran master. This scene taught me 2 things: 1) The best gift a disciple can give his/her guru is by living their teachings. Here, the guru (Damodaran master) was so happy and elated to see his student (Mohanji) achieve higher levels in life and 2) The student should always remind himself about the source of knowledge and remain humble. Here, the humility showed by the student (Mohanji) in seeking Damodaran master’s (guru) blessings was truly a lesson that would stay with me for a long time.

Damodaran master was visually moved to have received Shaktipat from Mohanji. He had told a few around him that, “I taught Mohan the concept of infinity and here I have my student (Mohanji) now teaching us what is real infinity (infinite consciousness)”. Mohanji said, “It is such an honour and a privilege to have given Shaktipat to Damodaran master and his blessings mean so much”.

kannur temple — Mohanji delivered a satsang and Shaktipat to everyone present at Shirdi Sai Temple – Kannur

Teacher — The happiest moment in the life of a teacher is when the student eventually masters the knowledge that the guru embodies.

teacher comment — “I taught him (Mohanji) on the concept of infinity and here I have my student (Mohanji) now teaching us what is real infinity (infinite consciousness)” – Damodaran master

“It was such an honour and a privilege to deliver Shaktipat to Damodaran master. I am very happy today” ~ Mohanji

That evening, Mohanji delivered Shaktipat to over 80+ people who had gathered there to meet and interact with him. It was getting late and the interactions with people continued. Does he even care about himself? Should he exert himself so much, instead can’t he go home and get some rest? He’s given Shaktipat – which is the supreme. There should technically be no questions beyond this. This thought was arising in my mind strongly. Later when I asked him this question, his response was:

“I don’t have ownership. Things happen through me. You see, the pain is certainly there, but I’ve got no suffering (from the discomfort). You guys are all struggling because you happily postpone things or your own things. Ownership causes pain while surrendering it or not owning it, frees you. Will you postpone anything if you know the next minute you may not exist?”

Very true. I thought about myself and soon saw a pattern of delaying things so much that they lose value and the delay also takes away the charm of the work and output.

Up next – re-living Mohanji’s school days with his friends during Re-Union 2020.

|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI||

Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 27^thFebruary 2020

Disclaimer:

— Mohanji Testimonials Team

Everything is Tradition

Posted on August 29, 2019August 28, 2019 by Mohanji Editorial Team

By Nameshri Chetty

When we start writing our experiences, lots of thoughts go back and forth internally; thoughts of what should be shared, how it should be shared, if it’s appropriate, how will others receive it and so on. It’s almost like a tennis match, where the thoughts are like the ball, shuttling between the courts of reasoning. Upon witnessing my thoughts carefully, I came to the understanding that EVERYTHING IS TRADITION.

In my previous testimonials, I have mentioned that Mohanji had given me a list of places of worship, considered divinely powerful energy centres in India, and I have written about my experiences in some of these places as listed below.

1.Tirupati
2.Kurnool
3.Prashanti
4.Mookambika
5.Mahadeshwar
6.Vishnodevi
7.Shiv Khori
8.Rishikesh
9.Badrinath
10.Kedarnath
11.Arunachala (Thiruvannamalai)
12.Thrissur

I can almost hear people say – “so many places!” It’s a matter of awe indeed, but I covered them all at a very relaxed pace. Each place is a story in itself and if I get down to write about all my experiences, it would mean a never-ending read. So I will share a few, just to illustrate why I say – Everything is Tradition.

ARUNACHALA, Tamil Nadu, India

This is considered to be the “Kailash of the South”, and is true to the phrase. There is certain calmness amidst the strength that is felt, as in Kailash. I would like to mention that throughout my travels, I was literally and figuratively going with the flow. Honestly, I had neither expectations nor any hesitation during my journey. All I knew and felt was that I have left everything at Mohanji’s feet.

I had placed an eye card in every place possible, even in Kedarnath. Mamu had asked me for an eye card in the hustle and bustle. It was the last one I had and he placed it by the Kedarnath Linga. He later said that he was told to ask me for one. It was the Tradition’s blessing.

Back to the story – Arunachala with Mohanji was planned out of the blue. Although it was on my list, it was grace that showered us with Mohanji’s presence.

Upon visiting the main temple, I felt very ill, hence was unable to go in with the others. I honestly had no feelings of being upset, or being left out, as Mohanji’s teachings of insignificance had settled in (what is meant to be, will be, no ownership or doer-ship).

As we gathered for dinner that evening and everyone was greeting Mohanji, He said to me “Nameshri, you could not have asked for a better darshan, to which I replied, “But Mohanji, I was not there!” As I said this, something caught my eye. Embedded in his hair was a Bilva leaf (leaf of the wood apple tree, used in India to worship Shiva), which I happened to remove from His hair, quite spontaneously without his permission. Upon showing it to him, he said, “You must keep this forever. This is from the main Murti’s Abishekham (cleansing and purifying the idol before worship), the leaf is from there”. I was in utter disbelief! Many had come and gone before me, but none had seen that Bilva leaf that lay in his hair! The Tradition made itself known once again!

THRISSUR in Kerala, India

Through the grapevine and Mohanji’s extended family, I had heard that clinics in Thrissur are hard-core and really tested every individual. But I was assured from within, that I was in good hands and everything was for our own good and the higher purpose.

It was a true blessing to be there from the time I walked in, to the day I left. Through the treatments, I was able to experience past lives, have communions with divine beings and for the first time, I felt what Mohanji speaks about – “things with the body must be with the body, the intellect with the mind and spirit with the spirit”. Prior to this, I was always in the mind, with no time to experience “silence”.

I had decided to go to see the two main temples, one being a Temple of a Goddess and the other a Shiva Temple, both directly opposite to each other. I was received with such hospitality by strangers at the Temple of the Goddess, who even guided me throughout my time there. When it was time to cross the roads to visit the Shiva Temple, the heavens opened up in full glory. In spite of the torrential downpour, a crowd had gathered around the gate, as it was time for worship (in India there are specific times that one is allowed to worship at temples). Here too a gentleman came graciously up to me and spoke in broken English/sign language, guiding me through this ancient temple in the rain (Shree Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi is there).

One cannot see the Linga here, as it is covered in ghee (clarified butter). It is said that this ghee has healing properties, as Thrissur is the birthplace of Ayurveda (the traditional Hindu system of medicine). The sun had set and I was getting a bit nervous fathoming that I had to walk about a km to get a ‘tuk-tuk’ (automated tricycle) in the terrible weather and the place didn’t look safe for a woman to walk alone at night. As I was walking to fetch my shoes, an old lady came up to me and spoke in Malayalam (local language of Kerala). I told her, “Ma! I know only English”. She then mentioned in English that she too needed the company to go down. She enquired about the head doctor at the clinic (all this in perfect English), she even called for a ‘tuk-tuk’ for me and once I was safely seated, she disappeared. On entering the clinic, I mentioned about this encounter to the doctor.

Isn’t it strange that of the thousands of people near the temple, this woman with no shoes, wearing only anklets (a sign that she is probably poor and uneducated) could speak perfect English, knew the head doctor and accompanied me only till the safety point? Once again the Tradition had delivered me to my safe space for healing and safety.

In the last few months, I have come to understand that everything is Tradition. There are no good or bad, just opportunities for us to experience and grow in life. With Mohanji’s teachings and his grace, I have come to live some of what he has been trying to teach us. We are here to experience the world and for the world to experience us. With his grace, we are gently guided through life, always allowing us freedom of choice and experience.

I have written about a Bilva leaf, eye cards, past lives, healing and human interactions, which are honestly an odd combination, but it highlights the presence of the Tradition. Even to the oddest of experiences and those that we tell ourselves are insignificant, we must allow ourselves to acknowledge and offer gratitude to flow with life.

Our Tradition is very clear about “Liberation”, which is free from any ego or fear. It is just love and acceptance and Mohanji delivers just that. Hence TRADITION is equal to MOHANJI or vice versa.

Mere Mahadev, I surrender graciously and humbly at your feet as you are the beginning and end of all that is and is not.

“I glide on the breath of your grace”

|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI||

Compiled, Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 29^thAugust 2019

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.

— Mohanji Testimonials Team

The Saga of ‘The Blanket’ Seva

Posted on January 10, 2019May 25, 2019 by Mohanji Editorial Team

By Rekha Murali

Ammucare Charitable Trust has volunteers across the globe carrying out selfless service activities of various types to reach out to as many people as possible. Through each seva, volunteers have wonderful, transforming experiences. Two such experiences are given below.

Blanket distribution in Chennai

You are expressing your highest. Let that highest be compassion, selflessness, sharing and caring. Let those be your highest expressions on earth so that you have no regrets.” –Mohanji

These words by Mohanji are very precious as this is what I truly experienced as a volunteer of Ammucare. I have tried to put into words the actual incident which taught me so much.

With the onset of winter in early November, Ammucare India decided on a ‘blanket drive’ campaign to distribute blankets to the homeless. I dismissed the idea immediately in my mind, as I lived in Chennai: a place where it is hot, hotter and hottest! I spoke with my friend Kishore too and we decided that we would focus on annadhan (food seva) and not on distribution of blankets. While in a conversation with Soma Seal (President of Ammucare, India) for some other matter, I casually mentioned this to her and said that it was not feasible for the Chennai team to participate in this blanket distribution. She too agreed and asked us to continue with our other seva! I could not have been more wrong and so far from the truth of our Master’s plan!

During the first week of December, with gusto, Kishore, Murali (my husband) and I planned to execute our monthly annadhan. One pleasant and windy Sunday morning, we set off for our food seva for the homeless. We came across a group of nomadic people who had pitched a tent in an open area. They eagerly accepted the food served and in their strange dialect communicated to us that they wanted blankets for their entire group as it was very cold! Coincidentally, it was a cold, windy day and Chennai recorded the lowest temperature for the year 2018! Our hearts melted in spite of the cold weather outside and we decided immediately to procure some blankets.

This is how our blanket drive seva started. Promptly, we began making enquiries to procure cotton blankets which people could use throughout the year and not just for the few days in December. This had to be done immediately as it was the need of the hour! During the week, Kishore and I went around to different shops to buy blankets at a reasonable cost. Finally Kishore zoomed in on one shop and we were able to purchase 25 good quality blankets! Feeling very happy, we decided to distribute them the next day itself to complete the seva. The urgency was because this was the first time that the temperatures had dipped a little and people required them now!

Late in the evening, three of us (Kishore, Sreenivas and I) set out to distribute the blankets. We drove around for two hours and managed to distribute only 7-8 blankets! Some people even refused to accept the blankets. We also carefully looked for people who had no belongings including old women and men sleeping on the streets. As we did not make much progress, it was decided that I would distribute the remaining blankets during the week as the other two volunteers were travelling.

Contemplating on the turn of events, I realised there was a message and a huge learning through this seva activity. One thing I understood was to be completely devoid of doership and operate with detachment and compassion. The entire seva was ordained through the divine command of our Guru and Master Mohanji! I was however curious about the outcome of this whole exercise. In the meantime, during my Kriya practice, I saw a beautiful, green, single mountain peak and guessed that it was Thiruvannamalai (Arunachala). I understood that it was a call to visit this holy place soon!

During the third week, Murali and I drove around every alternate night in search of homeless people. Once we went around the entire length and breadth of Chennai and managed to find only one man who was settling into sleep in front of a shop with a towel and a water bottle. During this week again, we were able to distribute only five blankets.

I was not perturbed and felt that our destination was Arunachala! This was when the call of the Arunachala Mountain came true. During the last weekend of December 2018, Murali and I set out to the temple town of Thiruvannamalai. After a parikrama of the holy mountain (girivalam), we went around the town distributing the blankets late in the night. It was extremely cold and there were lots of sadhus sleeping on the platforms along the parikrama path. Initially, we could spot only a few without blankets but later on late at night, we located many more sadhus sleeping bare on the platform with just their dhoti as a cover. The sadhus graciously accepted our offer of blankets and blessed us. As we ventured further, we saw a few people covered head to toe in blue plastic sheets and in deep sleep. I was not aware of who these people were but I just covered them with a new blanket and moved from one person to another. My eyes filled with tears as I experienced non-doership and the person receiving it was also unaware! What we plan and what is executed are two different things! Thus the 10 days of activity ended as a blissful and heart-warming seva in Arunachala, the Kailash of the South!

The next day, while returning home, I did identify a couple of sadhus sitting on the pavement with the new blankets. One sadhu with matted hair had the blanket next to him and was noting down something in a diary. On the way, we stopped to give some fruits and biscuits to an old woman. Suddenly, out of the blue, she asked for a blanket. As I did not have a new one, I gave her the one I had for my personal use. It was such a beautiful and blissful experience that my heart overflowed with gratitude for having been able to complete this seva with Mohanji’s guidance. Thus ended the blanket saga!

This entire seva was an eye-opener and helped me understand the true meaning of giving back to the earth! Sitting in my comfort zone, I did not realise the actual need of the people on the streets. During the course of the seva, there were talks about giving only to people who ‘deserved.’ The question that came up in my mind immediately was: who are we to judge? Our duty is to give and those who need it will automatically receive. This was probably the reason why we were guided to the right people at the right time! It removed the remnants of doership completely and my heart was filled with only unconditional love.

Seva is an inner call with immense benefits to the volunteer. These were the few key points which each of us can contemplate on:

Selflessness – Through this entire act, Mohanji showed me how the hand that gives and the hand that receives is the only connection. Doership falls away and the true joy of giving can be experienced.
Promptness – Any seva has to be done immediately and effectively. Although we scouted around the same day for reasonably priced blankets, we could not give them to the people who asked for them as they left town the next morning. However, the seva was completed in a short time and delivered to people who were meant to receive them.
Conviction – This was clearly brought out through my inner vision of the mountain and the annadhan experience changed my thought process within seconds, giving me that conviction that the blanket drive was a necessity at this point in time.
Compassion – When the heart is open, compassion finds a place in it. All of us as volunteers are compassionate and that is what makes us swing into action immediately when required.
Awareness – With unconditional love as the driving force, the entire seva was carried out with awareness and commitment.
Gratitude – The gratitude that I felt at the culmination of the activity can only be experienced. This was a wonderful opportunity for self- growth and learning.
Healing – It was a process of self-healing as with giving unconditionally, we shed a lot of our baggage and are on the path of spiritual progress

Needless to say, in all of the above, Mohanji’s loving hand gently steered us in the right direction, pointing us correctly to the people who were meant to benefit from this blanket drive. Not only that, Murali and I were blessed to visit a beautiful Vittal temple through Mohanji’s grace. It was an overwhelming and blissful experience where I felt one with the divine. This is how Mohanji showered His blessings on us.

Thank you Mohanji for the wonderful platform that you provide for these acts of giving!

Jai Mohanji!

Another Ammucare volunteer, Savitri also shared her experience of Blanket distribution at Shirdi.

Blankets for the special needs orphan children in Shirdi:

9^th of November is celebrated as Ammucare day in India and as ACT day in other parts of the world. Ammucare volunteers across India were doing selfless activities according to the needs and capabilities in their areas.

For this special event, Savitri and her husband Jayasurya planned to distribute blankets at an orphanage of special needs children in Shirdi. When they went to procure suitable blankets, they realised that the cost was way beyond the budget! Immediately, Savitri prayed to Mohanji to help them and without any delay, Mohanji’s grace worked as a miracle! The shopkeeper gave them a discount of 50%! He reduced another 20% from the final bill, saying that it was his contribution towards the seva! The ultimate cost of the required number of blankets came well within the budget.

After procuring the blankets, Savitri, Jayasurya and their daughter (a young Ammucare volunteer) reached Shirdi a couple of days before the 9th. Selfless service with unconditional love is one of the main pillars of the Datta Tradition and the grace of Shirdi Sai Baba is always seen for people involved in any seva activity. It was evident this time too.

When Savitri and Jayasurya entered the Samadhi temple, they met Sulakhe Maharaj (the head priest of the temple). Upon their introduction as Mohanji’s devotees, Sulakhe Maharaj immediately gave Savitri a coconut and a flower. He also gave her a shawl and a flower and asked her to give them to Mohanji whenever she meets Him. Savitri felt Sai Baba’s blessings upon receiving these gifts for Mohanji and herself.

Coming out of the temple, she immediately noticed on the TV that Sulakhe Maharaj was not sitting at the Samadhi anymore. It was as if he had suddenly appeared to give this special gift to Mohanji on the auspicious day of Lakshmi puja. Savitri realised that this was a special blessing from Sai Baba!

On the following day, as planned, Savitri and her family along with other Ammucare volunteers distributed blankets to the boys at the orphanage. Not only did Savitri feel immense satisfaction for having met the needs of these underprivileged children, she also felt immense gratitude towards Mohanji and Sai Baba, and for the grace of the Guru Mandala!

Mohanji cleared the hurdle of high expenditure, enabling them to purchase the correct number of blankets at a reasonable price and facilitated smooth execution. In addition, Sai Baba’s blessings came through Sulakhe Maharaj, who gave them the gift of a coconut, which is now a rare prasad inside the temple.

The message is clear. Mohanji and Sai Baba have shown us how much they love people who do selfless service. Mohanji carries out every selfless ACT with compassion through devotees like Savitri.

Mohanji’s New Year message (2019) sums up the entire act of seva.

‘If we ADD VALUE to the society, we have value in this life. In this whole life, it’s all about how much we can give; it’s not how much we can take.” – Mohanji

||JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI||

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.

— Mohanji Editorial Team

Abundance Is The Answer

Posted on December 4, 2018May 25, 2019 by Testimonials Team

By a few devotees who travelled with Mohanji to Arunachala

Mohanji with His Mother and Father at Arunachala

Many devotees have received the blessed opportunity to travel with Mohanji on various pilgrimages. During such pilgrimages they get to witness and experience the divine dimensions of Mohanji. Such experiences are transformational for the devotees who are travelling with Mohanji. When these experiences are told with sincerity and honesty, anyone who reads those testimonials with utmost reverence also gets the benefit of the same experience. Mohanji has also clarified this for the benefit and awareness of all.

“Honest testimonials serve the tradition because all true Masters and their lives are nothing but representations of the tradition of liberation. When you write honestly what you experienced, if it is true experiences expressed truthfully, it becomes service to the tradition. Hiding it thinking about how people will take you for telling it – is ego complex or ignorance; and it amounts to lost opportunities to serve the tradition as well as lost opportunity to express one’s gratitude for the tradition. Lying or telling partial truth or telling imaginary things means illusion, confusion and hypocrisy. So, true testimonials should be delivered truthfully without adulteration. It should always be truth, not opinions”. – Mohanji

We are glad to present you this testimonial which has been told with such honesty and simplicity, by a devotee who was blessed to be with Mohanji on a pilgrimage to the ‘Thiruvanmalai’ Temple, famously known as ‘Arunachala’.

Narration by the devotee as below:

This is to express our experiences of a few days with Mohanji at Arunachala. Even though I am typing, I am not writing this alone – a few of us are writing together. So no names are used. We have Mohanji’s permission to do that.

October 2018. Arunachala. Most of us had arrived before Mohanji came with His parents. We eagerly waited to see Him. While waiting, I remembered the words of one of those who were with us quoting an old saint who showed a picture of Mohanji to his disciples and said “Do you want to know how a modern Avadhoota looks like? Here it is!” Mohanji is indeed an Avadhoota, an accomplished Master. Even though He has nothing to do on earth, He is ‘playing’ His existence. Avadhootas are perfect mirrors and embodiment of detachment. They need nothing from earth and give everything they can to the earth. Their very presence itself is their message – message in detachment, perfect dharmic existence and existence in a dissolved state, the state of Shiva. They have no pattern and they have no do’s and don’ts. They lead a life of perfect innocence – the state of being Shiva (Bholenath). This was in my mind when I waited for Him. I was curious to see how He operates in life.

The car arrived. Mohanji came out smiling and enthusiastic as ever. No tiredness of the journey and no fatigue. I have never seen Him tired, ever. His presence is soothing and powerful. Instead of coming straight away into our waiting arms, He opened the backdoor of His car and helped His mother to alight from the car with utmost care. His father came out from the other side of the car. Mohanji personally helped His mother to walk, as she obviously had difficulty in walking. Caring for His parents was more important for Mohanji at that time than greeting His devotees. He smiled at all of us and acknowledged our presence while walking with His mother. After He seated His mother comfortably, He turned to us and hugged or shook hands with each one of us. I learned an important lesson. Parents first, before everything else. Subtle teaching. Well understood. Tradition says, “Mother – Father – Guru – God.” This is the line of priority in the tradition of liberation!

The presence of the parents of Mohanji was the highlight of this trip. First of all, Mohanji’s humility and commitment along with respect towards His parents. Secondly, their seamless mingling without any trace of ego, with a group of strangers who assembled there only because of their son. They became part of us and we felt like their children. Their love and graceful demeanour cannot be explained in words. We expressed our gratitude to them for bringing such an illustrious son to the earth, who is transforming lives of thousands in the most modest and quiet way. They humbly smiled and expressed extreme humility. Just humility. Mohanji is living and teaching humility. Zero ego. Grateful. This makes Him our friend rather than a Guru.

I feel very sad and almost inappropriate when people force Him to be a Guru on a high pedestal when He loves to be a close friend, a loving son to His parents and a child like father to His daughter Mila. Above all the forms that His devotees see Him as, He is a dependable friend who has no hypocrisy and pretensions. His love is sincere and unconditional. He would do anything for everyone alike without discrimination. He gives anything and everything truthfully and honestly as per what our needs are.

The rest is the story of how we experienced Arunachala with the parents of Mohanji rather than Mohanji. Everyone would be eager to talk about their precious time with Mohanji. I see this as a rare opportunity that we got, to spend time with the parents of Mohanji.

We went to the Samadhi temple of a saint from many centuries ago where Bhagawan Ramana Maharshi spent many years of his youth in blissful union with himself. Mohanji loves this space. It is one of His personal favourites.

Mohanji_smalltemple — Mohanji at the Samadhi Temple

Here also Mohanji was taking care of His mother. We were all ready to help her, but, Mohanji said it is His duty and responsibility to take care of His ageing mother, who brought Him into this world.

Mohanji was invited into the temple and He did aarati to the Shivalinga and the Samadhi of the saint. The temple trustees honoured Mohanji with a garland, shawl and a book. Mohanji also ensured we all gave dakshina (money) to the temple with reverence. While coming out, I heard Mohanji speaking to Preeti Duggal quietly, “The priest is wearing torn clothes. Please get him good clothes.” (I gathered that Preeti was handling Mohanji’s money). Something, which none of us noticed, He saw and acted on upon. He also ensured that oil for the lamp and some other materials used in the temple were promptly delivered. I learned an important lesson – keen observation with utmost benevolence with the all-important question – what else can I do here? He even gave food with His own hands to a stray dog wandering in the temple premises. Another lesson – No beings are less important.

I do not want to elaborate. I shall speed up. We visited the resting place of Bhagawan Ramana Maharshi. Mohanji was helping His mother (Amma). We were walking behind them. As soon as they came into the Samadhi hall, someone brought a chair and helped Amma to sit down! We do not know who it was. Amma could witness the aarati and pooja without any hindrance. After the aarati, one man (stranger) came and helped Amma to do circumambulation of the Samadhi of Maharishi. Mohanji and His father went around the Samadhi thrice while Amma did one circumambulation and sat in a chair. Mohanji sat leaning against a wall, eyes fixed on the wall on the opposite side. I was curious to see what He was doing. I went near Him. Without looking at me, He said,

“Sit down. Sit with your back leaning against the wall. Fix your eyes looking ahead on the wall opposite to you. Above the heads of the people walking, look at the wall on the other side above 8 feet. Keep your eyes steady. All the people will be walking below your gaze. People are just moving. You are not identifying anyone. Keep your eyes steady. The movement is our everyday life. If you do not get attached to those movements, forms and their corresponding characteristics such as male or female, black or white, fat or slim, you will start tasting stillness. That stillness is your true nature. That stillness is Ramana. When movements do not attract your attention anymore, you are progressing in the path of liberation.”

I sat like He said for some time and I realised my thoughts were becoming insignificant and I was feeling more and more freedom.

“When noises of the mind (thoughts) drop, the associated attachments also get dropped. Noises maintain the mind. Noises are the oxygen to habitual attachments and corresponding ownership. Lack of it is detachment.”

Mohanji explained sometime later.

Later, Mohanji asked us to go for prasadam (consecrated food) and we all received some. We brought some for Amma also. Mohanji did not move from His place. We gave Him a bit of prasadam, which He received with gratitude. Then, we walked towards the bookstore and Mohanji literally bought almost everything that was available in English and His mother tongue. I don’t know why He bought all that. He does not read anything, as far as I know.

We did circumambulation of the great mountain Arunachala. Mohanji told us an experience He had, which goes something like this. It happened during one of His previous visits to Arunachala.

“I was in my hotel room here in Arunachala. Suddenly, I saw myself travelling without the body towards the great Arunachala Hills. It was involuntary. Something was taking me there. Something like a magnet was pulling me there. I walked and reached the foot of the mountain. There, I saw a very dark-skinned saintly figure who wore only an orange dhoti and nothing on his upper body. He beckoned me with his hand and said, “Come here.” I walked towards him. He started climbing up and I followed him. We must have climbed about two hundred steps, when we reached a small opening (something like the mouth of a cave) and he stopped. He said, “Go in.” I walked in. He was behind me now. I walked a few steps and stopped as it was getting darker inside. He said, “Keep walking.” I walked. The entrance became narrow and I started fearing that this could be a path of no returns. He kept telling me, “keep walking,” and this assured me that my guide was right behind me. I walked on through that narrow dark way into the mountain. It had barely space for my size to move. Whenever I stopped, I heard his voice asking me to keep moving. After walking about hundred steps more, I started experiencing a kind of brightness slowly happening in the path. This means I started seeing where I was going. It was a relief for me. There is light at the end of the tunnel! I thought that I had crossed the mountain through a secret internal tunnel and reached the other side. The brightness slowly increased, dazed by it, I kept walking and I could feel that my guide was right behind me. The brightness increased steadily, and it eventually became a blinding, golden brightness. Everything was golden. I entered that space completely filled with golden light. Another world. For a moment I thought – Have I transcended into the Sathya Yuga, the Golden Age? I cannot explain in words what I saw. I stood there in awe and watched a vast expanse of space like the inside of a huge cave. There were many platforms/seats (smooth rock platforms that served as seats) scattered over the space, each apart from the other with a reasonable distance. On each such platform a saint with flowing beard and hair, lean and in golden colour sat in deep meditation. Nobody moved. Everything was still. The whole space was still. Peaceful. Tranquil. Still. I looked up for the source of light. The light did not have a source like the sun. It was a natural light from within, not above. The space was self-lit. Golden light. Then I realised that the colour of the meditating saints was not perhaps golden, but the golden light that filled that space made everything looked golden. Is this the Golden Age? Suddenly I got a feeling – this is Siddha loka, the world of Siddhas. This is a world that few get to see. This is a world that is possible to visit only by special invitation. And this is timeless space. Time does not exist here. If I had come with my physical body, I would not have returned back in the same time as some centuries would have lapsed between the entry and exit. While having this realisation, my guide told me, “come with me” and asked me to follow him. He took me through the same way he had brought me and guided me to the world outside. The sun was shining bright. The midday sun felt just like a candle light to me compared to the golden light that I had experienced inside the mountain! I understood – This is the real Arunachala. This is the womb of Arunachala. We are only seeing the shell outside which hides the Siddha Loka, not knowing what is inside. I also felt that Ramana Maharishi had come out from there for the sake of taking people into the stillness of the core of the mountain. I felt that he came out of this world and returned back into this world. I also felt that the Arunachala Shiva (Shivalinga of the temple) – the fire of awareness – is an extension of this world or has its roots in this golden world. When we worship the Shivalinga, we are connecting to this world.”

Mohanji also mentioned that He did not go the next day with the group for the darshan (prayer) of Shiva because He could not collect Himself for a long time after this experience. And when He later reached Bangalore, a saint called Him out of nowhere and said “You did not meet Arunachala Shiva. He is waiting for you.” Mohanji immediately made another trip to Arunachala to fulfill that call. When He reached there, a priest, as if Lord Himself had arranged, received Mohanji and His team. The priest ushered Him in and He had a great darshan of the Lord, right from the door of the sanctum.

The whole narration took me to a different level of awareness. I felt grateful. I felt at home or being in the right place.

We were at the temple of Arunachala Shiva. Mohanji’s parents were sitting. Suddenly I saw a saint with matted hair coming and prostrating at Mohanji’s feet. Mohanji exclaimed at this as He did not see him coming and when he stood up, Mohanji hugged him. Later I came to know that he is called Madurai Siddhar who lives in Arunachala. What I understood is that Madurai Siddhar considers Mohanji as a great Siddha and has great respect for Him. This is why he prostrated at His feet. We know Mohanji is totally unassuming. So, nothing is displayed as usual. But to our surprise, as if sent by the Siddha world inside the mountain, he took hold of Amma’s hands and escorted her and all of us for darshan. We had super quick darshan despite long queues. And along with the priest who joined us, he accompanied us until the whole worship of both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati was completed. He continued to be with us and escorted us around.

Something was going on between Mohanji and him, some silent communication, which I could not understand. I could only see mutual respect. Mohanji invited him to come for lunch and dinner, and almost everyday until Mohanji was there, he came as well. He was treating Mohanji’s parents with utmost respect and he told us that they are a “blessed couple to have brought a ‘reluctant’ great Siddha to earth.”

Mohanji does not eat much. He was more interested in feeding everyone. Seeing this he said “He is the eternal producer and enjoyer. Mohanji is in fact eating everything in everybody’s plate. We are only eating the leftover from Mohanji.” Madurai Siddhar was with us on most of our tour and he also helped Amma walk the entire parikrama path at Yogi Ram Surat Kumar ashram, which is equal to five parikramas of the Arunachala mountain. So, in effect, supported by Siddhar, Mohanji’s mother performed five parikramas! Mohanji was indeed fulfilling a son’s duty in the most effective way.

One day, while Mohanji’s parents were having breakfast and Mohanji was attending to them at the restaurant, a young monk in a turban walked in and wanted Mohanji’s audience. We were walking out after the breakfast when this happened. Mohanji was also supposed to leave the restaurant. He stayed back and offered food to the visiting monk and sat with him at another table. He does not leave anyone empty-handed. This monk who came without an appointment was later brought to His accommodation and Mohanji answered all his questions. He was apparently sent to Mohanji by his own Guru who lives somewhere in the state of Andhra Pradesh. When this monk expressed his wish to visit Aruncahala, his Guru told him about a few things which needed to be done there and finally said “Mohanji is visiting Arunachala at this time. Do not miss this rare chance of getting His blessings. Such Masters rarely come to earth.” Mohanji blessed him and also patiently answered all his questions after offering him food. The most interesting part was that Mohanji has never seen or heard about his Guru in this life!

Mohanji also took His parents by car around the mountain and completed the parikrama that way also as both parents cannot walk. We were not with Him then. While doing that, we came to know that He also visited the Sai temple in the girivalam path and offered His prayers at Baba’s feet. The temple priests did not recognise Him as He was in jeans and T-shirt, to deliberately avoid attention. When someone told them that “He is Mohanji,” they honoured Him.

While doing girivalam, circumambulation in the car with His parents, I was told that Mohanji was distributing fruits to wandering monks and some animals. I also came to know about an incident during this trip. Mohanji saw an old couple walking while they were travelling in the car. The old man was blind. The old woman was leading the old man. Both of them were lean and almost bones and skin. Mohanji asked to stop the car, took some money out and asked the driver to give it to them. He went to the other side of the road and gave the money that Mohanji had offered to the old man. The old man asked, “Who gave this?” The car driver said “Mohanji.” The old man said, “Tell Him that He, His family and all those He loves and who love Him will always have the blessings of myself – Vedanta Maharishi.”

I had goosebumps listening to this story. In Arunachala, we cannot underestimate anybody. There could be great Masters walking that soil as unassuming ordinary people. Anybody could be somebody. Another big lesson – Do not take anybody for granted. Of course, I do not have the eyes of Mohanji to recognise Masters and seekers. But, I decided that I will not deny anyone anything within my capacity in Arunachala.

We could not have asked for a better trip to Arunachala. Let me sum up my memories.

Being with the parents of Mohanji, spending quality time and enjoying the hospitality at Yogi Ramsurat Kumar ashram in the company of the great saint Devaki Amma, who Mohanji respects a lot was also unforgettable. Mohanji told us that coming to this ashram is like homecoming for Him.

2. Meeting the lady Avadhoota who keeps wandering around the Arunachala mountain, and who comes to Yogi Ramsurat Kumar ashram each time Mohanji comes there. She never accepts anything from Mohanji. Their invisible mutual respect was palpable.

3. Spending time at Ramana ashram and learning a great technique from Mohanji. Having great darshans at the Shiva and Devi temple.

4. Mohanji’s time with various animals. He attends to them with equal or even more enthusiasm as He attends to people. A monkey coming to meet Mohanji at the temple premises and holding His dhoti and did not want to let Him go was a great memory. It taught me the great lesson that despite the form or species, divine beings can appear in any form to meet a Master.

5. Mohanji has no differentiation between any species, or even people, their hierarchies, positions in society or any other social criterion. He loved a Siddhar and also a common person alike and always ensured all people have eaten well.

6. Mohanji also took His parents to an old age home run by a young man called Ramana. I understood that apart from food and medical assistance, a lot of materials were delivered by Mohanji’s organisation (Ammucare) there. Mohanji kept His promise to serve the old and abandoned people at Arunachala. The follow-up after Mohanji’s visit was remarkable. This also means totally walking the talk and going the extra mile. We must mean every action and expression and take it to its completion.

7. Great lesson learned indeed. There is not an inch of hypocrisy anywhere. There is only a desire to add more value in every being’s life that comes across Mohanji. Mohanji’s parents serving the old people with good food, with love, was also a message to all of us – another dimension in helping the helpless. Young or old, live to serve selflessly.

8. Meeting the great Master Mookkuppodi Siddhar at close quarters was icing on the cake. Totally unexpected and utmost grace. One thing was absolutely clear, getting special treatment, warm reception and getting blessings at all the places we visited were just because we are Mohanji’s people. This was a great message for all of us that the platform that Mohanji has created in this world is for all of us and it is our individual responsibility to keep it, maintain it, and enhance it many fold for the benefit of all of us and those beyond us.

This was the first trip to Arunachala for the parents of Mohanji. They had never visited Arunachala in their life before. What a trip they had! And their son who the whole world craves for, took time off from everything and brought them there Himself!

By the time our journey was coming to an end, I received the answer to the question that my mind was wondering when we began the journey, “How does Mohanji operate in life?” The answer from what we witnessed was – Whatever Mohanji does, He does it hundred percent, with complete attention. His total presence in every sense.

Every moment with Mohanji is a blessing in disguise and a true miracle. We need thousand eyes and not even a blink to witness the divine play in its fullness. His unassuming life is a huge mask that He deliberately keeps to avoid ‘flies and insects’ of life. He deliberately plays the fool or plays dumb to get away from unworthy or egoistic people. If we really want to get the best out of Him for our own highest benefit, we must make Him our top most priority, extremely essential ingredient. We must never let Him slip off from our lives nor should we slip off from His life, come what may.

This is all for now.

Affectionately.

Foot Note:

Mookupodi Siddhar, one of the Siddhas who walked the streets of Tiruvannamalai.
Yesterday on 8th December, 2018 he attained Maha Samadhi.

Exactly two months back, Mohanji and all the pilgrims who were on the Arunachala trip in October 2018, had the blessed opportunity to have darshan of this great siddha. This is completely the blessing of Siddha Loka and our prampara gurus. This grace of having His darsan in this lifetime is a great thing.

Usually everyone could have his darshan from a distance but nobody was allowed to go near him. However, it was indeed Gurumandala’s grace that Barbara was allowed to go closer and took some amazing pictures of the Siddha. The advent of such a powerful Siddha on the earth will remain preserved with these memorable photographs.

We leave you with some of these memories!