My Loving Guru

Written by Shyama

As someone who has always shied away from sharing experiences with others, the recent article by Mohanji about writing testimonials was a gentle nudge to start! Writing this has been a beautiful sadhana for me, a way to express my love and devotion to my beloved Guru.

Towards the end of  2017, Mohanji was visiting Europe and I had the privilege of staying with a truly wonderful family who were hosting Mohanji, Deviji and Mila. It was an unexpected gift that gave me many unforgettable moments with Mohanji, treasured forever.

Before the trip, I spoke to the host family a few times, mostly to discuss what we would be cooking for Mohanji and the others who would be staying together for a few days. Dosa was number one on the menu, of course :). During one of our conversations, the host mentioned that he’d spoken to Mohanji the previous day and Mohanji had said, “Don’t worry about food, I can also help to cook.” When I heard this, my first reaction was to say, “Wouldn’t that be really amazing!” Having said that out loud, I somehow couldn’t imagine Mohanji in the kitchen. Anyway, we both agreed that Mohanji shouldn’t be cooking, it was not the done thing!

A couple of days after being together with Mohanji, Deviji and little Mila, we had gotten into the routine of making dosas in the morning for them. While talking with us about various topics during breakfast time, Mohanji would always make sure that everyone had eaten before leaving the table to carry on with His work.

One morning, I was sitting and watching Mohanji eat, thinking how lucky I was to do this beautiful seva, to make food for my loving Guru, to be there with Him and a group of really great people. Mohanji suddenly asked if I was going to eat. I replied that I would, a little later. He then said, “Shall I make dosas for you?” I can only imagine the expression on my face, a definite selfie moment I think! I could literally feel my eyes shining and my heart filling with love. My joyful response was, “Yes please Mohanji.”

Mohanji proceeded to make dosas for all of us, with patience and skill. One minute He was like a child, saying, “Look, the dosas are coming out nicely,” and the next minute being the loving Mother and making sure we had all eaten well, serving dosa and sambar until we were happily full. Receiving food made by Mohanji was, I know, the yearning and prayers of lifetimes and the blessings of my parents. Words are not adequate to express the joy and love I felt, and still feel, whenever I think of this morning. Later Mohanji said that when one receives food from a sadhu, he or she will not want for food for a whole lifetime. Such a wonderful blessing.

An innocent wish that only lasted a few moments during a phone conversation turned into an unexpected and precious blessing from Mohanji. His love for us is unconditional and ever present. Filling us with joy, He’s guiding and guarding us. He’s with us always.

I finish with a prayer that I have learnt recently, one we sang during Mohanji’s birthday programme this year. It reminds me of the innocence, compassion and endless love that I see in Him.

Karpur Gauram Karunavataram |
Sansara Saram Bhujagendra Haram ||
Sada Vasantam Hridayaravinde |
Bhavam Bhavani Sahitam Namami ||

Meaning: The one who is as pure as camphor, the avatar full of compassion, the one who is the essence of the world, the one with the serpent king as His garland, always residing in the lotus of the heart, O Lord and Goddess, I bow to you both.

With love and gratitude,

Shyama

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