By Moushumi Patankar, UK
The story started before I was born into this materialistic world again.
My grandma and mum used to follow Mahayogi Swami Umananda Saraswati. I was in my mother’s womb when she said, “We need a girl to help the community, the world.” I came to know about this a few years back when my mum mentioned this. And then slowly, I saw the full movie of my life so far, myself as a unique character in it.
Now, when I see the events that happened in my life in the past (since childhood till now), I realise that I have always been protected. Protected by whom? By Datta, my Guru Mohanji, and my Kali, the one divine energy in various manifested forms.
As a child, I started going to Shree Datta Mandir in Vile Parle, Mumbai, India with my grandma. Such a beautiful temple it is. In the centre of the grounds, the Datta Temple is located, to the right is a huge Audumbar tree, and just outside of the temple grounds, there are statues of two cows. It’s a perfect set up. I used to go there with my grandma every evening. We used to sing so many Datta bhajans together. When I think back, I realise that my grandma was the main instrument who introduced Datta in my life. She came into my life to gift Shree Datta, to show me the righteous path, to guide me to my Guru.
Life went on with so many ups and downs, as usual. Only one thing was and is always present, the protection of divinity.
I got married and came to the UK. A new place, new people and as an introvert, it was truly difficult for me to approach and interact with people. This period of relative isolation gave me the chance to seek what I needed inwards. The only support was from God, the divine energy which was making me stronger day by day. I used to search for my life’s purpose, the intention of me living here in this world. One thing was clear to me. I did not want to end my life by waking up, eating, watching TV, again eating, and then sleeping. Often we do not know the agenda of our life, as the conscious mind is individualistic, and the soul is happy to watch the show without any interference.
I was always very passionate about helping people. I would often search for various reasons to help others but would end up being taken advantage of, or sometimes becoming a doormat. Whenever this happened, I used to think that there was a reason behind this. I offered my gratitude to all these people and situations which happened in my life.
Actually, all these experiences made me so strong because of the presence of Datta in my life. He made sure that I did not lose hope.
In 2012 I found Skanda Vale and since 2016 I started visiting often, as I felt the divine connection more and more. Such a beautiful path was being created for me to reach Mohanji. Obviously, I was totally unaware of that. I always enjoy being in Skanda Vale, taking part in the various poojas in the temples and service activities.
While spending time there, I used to feel that having a Datta Temple at Skanda Vale would be so wonderful. My grandma’s assurance flashed in my mind, “No need to think, Shree Datta will come there.” At that time, I never believed that it would happen. I used to feel this was my imagination talking, but no, my grandma’s message became the truth. Her message to me was that I shall get all my favorite deities here. Since 2016, when I started visiting Skanda Vale frequently, Mohanjiappeared in my life.
That was the best birthday gift I ever got. It was like I took birth again in this life, the ‘New Me’ was born.
In one line I could say, Skanda Vale came into my life for me to meet Mohanji. And because of Mohanji, I got Datta Digambara in Skanda Vale. I remember this beautiful experience which happened on the day of the consecration ceremony of the Lord Dattatreya idol. I was indeed so happy that Shree Datta was finally going to be a part of the Skanda Vale ashram. On that day, we were all standing in the Vishnu Temple in Skanda Vale, waiting for Mohanji to start the rituals. I saw him coming and felt that he was definitely going to say something to me. He came, he said, and he went. I felt total happiness in abundance. Do you know what he said? He asked me, “Are you happy now?” After all, he is a Master, my Guru. If not he, then who knows about my happiness? Indeed I was happy! Finally, Datta (the divine incarnation of the trinity Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara) was going to be here in Skanda Vale forever. And that meant Mohanji too!!
Dreams do come true. Miracles happen. Having Datta’s presence in Skanda Vale is a real miracle for me. And it is no coincidence that my connection to Skanda Vale happened years before Datta came to this beautiful ashram in Wales.
Whenever I visit Skanda Vale, I spend time sitting in front of the Shree Datta statue. I get the feeling that my grandma is there with me. It’s been more than 18 years since she passed away. She started my journey with Datta and then made sure that Shree Datta was still with me and would never leave me.
The various pieces of the puzzle fitted perfectly together when Mohanji appeared in my life. Life took a beautiful turn and the journey started with Mohanji. There was a vast ocean in front of me, an ocean of opportunities to serve society. Dreams do come true. So many experiences and so much learning (or unlearning?)
I have already written about the experiences that happened at the London retreat in 2018, and how my life transformed from having an inferiority complex to becoming a confident person.
Acceptance, no expectations, and unconditional love; these 3 things are so important to live this life. He always says, “Be Mohanji! See Mohanji in everyone!” Each and every situation teaches us something. All are instruments to take us ahead in this spiritual path. Who makes this happen? Mohanji indeed. Holding our hand continuously…
Mohanji always gives abundantly. He is everything to me. His physical presence is enough to transform us if we want it to happen. Have faith, surrender to your Guru, he is always holding your hand, continuously. Such is his unconditional love.
I always remember this quote,
“You didn’t come to me, I came to you. That is how much love I have for my people.”
Years ago, before my grandma passed away, we promised each other that we would always stay together, but she passed away and I felt that she couldn’t keep her promise. She had left me. But later I understood that she had gifted me my Datta Digambara, my Mohanji. My gratitude to my aaji (grandma) for taking care of me, for holding my hand and showing me this path. Now Mohanji is here holding my hand till the end of my breath, and forever.
Sashtanga Namaskara to you Mohanji.
A true companion is someone who is around you when you need him, but will never limit your freedom or free will. A true friend is one who is stable, will never leave your hand in any situation, and loves you without any expectations. A true guru is one who always keeps his followers free and unbound. In all relationships, the bottom line is FREEDOM. – Mohanji, on Born Free, Live Freedom
|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI||
Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 11th June 2020
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