By Joram van Velzen, Netherlands
Touched by Kailash – A reflection
In April 2024, I was called to Kailash—not by a logical decision, but through grace. Inspired by stories from my uncle and aunt, who had undertaken the Yatra a year earlier, I found myself unexpectedly committing to the journey. Though I was a broke student with huge academic responsibilities, everything fell into place as if guided by unseen hands. Kailash called, and I listened.
Preparing in devotion
The preparation wasn’t easy. I had to find or borrow money, train physically, and finish the equivalent of a half-year’s worth of academic work in two months. Yet, with every step, I felt guided. My focus became singular—chanting Rudram daily, listening only to Shiva mantras, and deepening my inner resolve.
Though my physical training was sparse, I wasn’t worried. Friends joked that my only preparation was quitting alcohol for a month, but Shiva was working on me in subtler ways. My aunt reminded me of the importance of being a representative of the Mohanji community—both spiritually and in conduct. I took that to heart. I had to be “spiffy,” inside and out.
Grace begins: Leela Airlines
From the start, the divine play—leela—was evident. A crying baby on my first flight earned me a free upgrade. A lost suitcase at Delhi airport was miraculously found just before boarding. Everything, from small comforts to big logistics, was mysteriously aligned.
Meeting my roommate
In Kathmandu, I met Vaibhav, my roommate and kindred spirit. Our late-night conversations, full of spiritual reflections, became a cherished part of the Yatra. Despite us being strangers, we instantly connected and stuck together throughout the journey.
Being with Mohanji
Meeting Mohanji was emotional and surreal. When he saw me, he said, “Joram—you’re here,” words that hit me deeply. I wept. Just months ago, I had no money and too much on my plate, yet there I was, by grace.
We spent days in Mohanji’s presence—at meals, satsangs, and temples. These moments, as intimate as they were powerful, reminded me how lucky I was to be near the fire of a living Master. His presence uplifted the entire hotel’s frequency. Before we departed, Mohanji gave each of us a sweet with the message: “Take this when it gets really tough.” His farewell hug and the whispered words “I love you” broke me open again. I cried, grateful beyond words.
The journey into Tibet
Crossing into Tibet, our group faced altitude challenges and physical fatigue. In Kyirong, my worst insecurity—body odor—was unintentionally brought up in front of others. Though deeply embarrassed, I confronted the situation openly. It led to a healing and honest conversation with Bhavani, followed by shared vulnerability and connection. What started as a painful trigger ended in friendship and healing.
Mansarovar and the descent into silence
Saga brought on serious altitude sickness—headaches, nausea, and no appetite. Yet the silence deepened. Shiva’s presence grew stronger as we neared Mansarovar. When I first laid eyes on Mount Kailash and the sacred lake, tears streamed down my face. It felt like coming home.
Despite physical suffering, the journey inward was intense and transformative. I was helped by beautiful souls in our group, including healing support from Bhavani, acupuncture from Liz, and energy healing from Zoran, which instantly improved my oxygen levels and restored strength.
The Parikrama: Three days of grace
Day One
Yam Dwar marked the beginning. I left notes for family and passed through the gate without looking back. Though I had a pony, I walked the whole first day, determined to connect fully with the mountain. As sunset lit up Kailash in gold, I cried again—overwhelmed by gratitude. We slept that night under its gaze.
Day Two
The hardest day began early. I used the horse briefly to ease into the dark morning, then continued on foot. A mysterious Tibetan man handed me a sweet, which gave me renewed strength, and then disappeared. I couldn’t explain it. The climb to Dolma La was brutal, but Selma and I pushed on, committed to descending to Gauri Kund. Against all advice, we made it down. Exhausted and breathless, I sat in silence at the sacred lake, feeling the presence of the Divine Mother. I sang softly and wept.
On the way back, something shifted. We were carried by energy beyond us, walking faster and stronger than ever. That evening, I felt deeply fulfilled.
Day Three
The final stretch was short and beautiful. I galloped through it like a Duracell bunny, reaching the end with renewed vigor. I wanted to hug everyone, especially Arsenije, whose presence meant a lot during the Yatra.
The chaotic return
The journey back wasn’t simple. Flooding near the border caused major delays. We were the last bus allowed through. A border closure, long queues, and a creative Sherpa lottery system added to the adventure. By grace, we passed just in time. We crammed into a crowded bus and returned to Kathmandu by early morning. Through it all, I stayed calm, letting Shiva handle the unexpected.
Life after Kailash
Three days after Kailash, I presented my final academic project—about my spiritual development—and scored a 9/10. I graduated with honours just in time, thanks to two professors who made space for me at the last moment. Soon after, I started my dream job as a union organiser. I got my first car, met my girlfriend, and moved into a cheaper, better apartment. But more than anything, I felt grounded, strong, connected, and full of joy.
Final Words
Kailash is a living force that transforms you. The journey challenged my body, stirred my mind, and opened my heart. Every obstacle was perfectly placed to teach me something deeper about myself.
None of this was mine. Every step was grace.
|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI ||
Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 24th July 2025
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