My Journey to Mohanji and his impact on my life

Posted on by Mohanji Editorial Team
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by Vijay Ramanaidoo, UK

First meeting

My journey to Mohanji began in September 2010 when my wife Ranjana and I met up in London with a couple who were old friends of ours from our time in Muscat, Oman. They told us about a Spiritual Master called Mohanji, the managing director of three companies, married to a Serbian lady, and living in a villa in Muscat. They had written some blogs of their spiritual experiences with Mohanji, and they encouraged us to read them as well as Mohanji’s blogs. They also gave us a picture of Mohanji’s eyes and asked us to connect to Mohanji through the eye card.

Although a little sceptical, I read some of the blogs and wrote back to our friends saying how much I had enjoyed reading the blogs and thanked them for introducing us to Mohanji’s writings. I then forgot about Mohanji for some time until I had a very significant dream. In this dream, I was in a hall that had a wall with long glass windows. On the other side of the window was a corridor. Through the window, I saw an Indian man with a beard and a white kurta walk purposefully down the corridor together with a few followers and enter into the hall. I followed him into an adjoining kitchen where he held me by the shoulders, pressed down hard on one shoulder to bend me backwards on one side, pressed on the other shoulder to bend me backwards on the other side. Then with both hands around my chest area, he grabbed what seemed to be a subtle body (mine or someone else’s, I do not know) and threw this out of my physical body. He then struck me hard on the third eye area with the flat bottom of his hand. I lost consciousness in the dream, and it seems physically too. When I woke up, I remembered the dream very clearly. The person in the dream resembled Mohanji!

My curiosity was aroused. I tried the Power of Purity meditation early one morning while sitting at my computer and continued to read his blogs. I bought the Power of Purity book from Amazon, which made a huge impression on me. The clarity in writing with clear explanations on various spiritual topics enlightened and resonated very strongly with me. It all seemed to make a great deal of sense.

In October 2011, our friend from Oman contacted me again to say that Mohanji was coming to London for a shipping conference! She said that we could perhaps organise a meditation session while he was there if we wanted to. I replied that I would be delighted to organise the meditation sessions, and if Mohanji wanted to, he could stay at our house instead of staying in a hotel. Mohanji very kindly agreed to this suggestion. I contacted Mohanji directly by email, and we made arrangements for his visit.

Mohanji arrived in London on the 4th of November 2011. It was a very significant moment for me as this first meeting was the start of a life-changing journey! We held a Power of Purity meditation session in my house during this trip, followed by a public meditation and Satsang programme with about 65 attendees. Many of the attendees had amazing spiritual experiences, which was the start of an amazing journey for some of them. We also made time to visit Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare and did some sightseeing around London.

Mohanji’s first trip to the UK was a wonderful and unique opportunity for me. I was able to be with Mohanji while he was still working in the worldly sense, and I was able to see him in multiple modes of existence; as the MD of a company, as a tourist and as a Spiritual Master. Our discussions were very easy-going; it felt like I was speaking to an old friend. 

After five hectic days, it was time for Mohanji to leave for Shanghai. As I drove Mohanji to the airport, he said that if anyone wanted to conduct meditation sessions, I could give them the Power of Purity Meditation CD. Furthermore, he said that helping people to reduce their karma (through conducting these meditation sessions) was one of the best service activities that we could do. 

Following Mohanji’s visit, we started conducting the Power of Purity meditation sessions weekly, rotating the sessions between different people’s homes. These meditation sessions were to kick-start Mohanji’s activities in the UK. A seed of activity was planted, which subsequently grew into a young tree with many blossoms.

Shaktipat initiation

Soon after meeting Mohanji, I went to visit him in Serbia, where I met him at a satsang in Belgrade. After the satsang, he asked me if I would like to join him and Devi to stay at Devi’s parent’s house in Novi Sad for the night. I hesitated and told him I had already checked into my hotel in Belgrade, and all my belongings were there. He said, “No problem, we’ll go to the hotel and wait for you while you pack.” So after packing, I travelled to Novi Sad with Mohanji, Devi, and Biljana. The next day, Mohanji gave me a long Shaktipat and said that he may initiate me into giving Shaktipat (now called Mohanji energy transfer) at a satsang that evening. I was astonished and very hesitant as I did not feel worthy of such a responsibility, and neither did I know how to give Shaktipat.

That evening, during the meditation session, Mohanji called me over, pressed on various chakra points and gave me Shaktipat again. After the meditation session ended, he informed me that I have now been initiated to deliver Energy Transfer! Although I felt very blessed, I was extremely hesitant to deliver Energy Transfer to others even though Mohanji had given clear instructions and guidance. I still did not think I was worthy of being given this responsibility.

I returned to the UK and eventually started delivering Mohanji Energy Transfer (MET) to the participants at our meditation sessions. Many people had the most amazing experiences whilst receiving MET. Once, when I stopped giving MET temporarily (because of feelings of unworthiness), we had a meditation session after which one of the participants remarked that someone had given them a very powerful MET, much more potent than normal, even though no one had done so! This was obviously Mohanji in subtle form. During that period, some of the other participants complained about not receiving MET as they had found it very beneficial. Those complaints convinced me that I should never allow my thoughts of unworthiness to interfere with my new duty. To this day, I am astounded at the impact of energy transfer and the amazing experiences people have had, which can manifest as heat, light, vibration, messages, and visions. I am in awe of Mohanji’s power and humbled that he continues to use me as his instrument. 

Registration of Mohanji ACT Foundation and Mohanji Foundation UK

During his first trip to the UK, Mohanji mentioned that he and Biba (Devi) had set up Ammucare for service activities in India and ACT Foundation for service activities in the rest of the world as a platform to serve the needy. He mentioned that they had set up ACT Foundation in Dubai, but the registration costs were so expensive that they could not continue, and he was looking to see if it was possible to set it up in another country. I said nothing at the time as I had no idea how to set up a charity and did not feel like taking on such a big responsibility. However, the seed for Mohanji ACT Foundation was sown there and then. I started my enquiries and with his grace, about a year and a half later, in 2012, a UK registered charity constituted by a Trust deed was set up with Mohanji, Devi, myself, Rajshree Gohil and Ranjan Premachandra as the first Trustees.

Setting up Mohanji ACT Foundation gave me opportunities to do seva on a much larger scale. Being a small charity, we managed to leverage our work by reaching out and working with other charities and organisations. We first started by working with Mother Teresa homes in London to buy, cook and serve food to the homeless. We also initiated a Food Aid service activity with the Skanda Vale Ashram in South Wales, who have an excess of food donated to them by pilgrims (over 60 tonnes per year!). They agreed for Mohanji ACT Foundation to be one of their food aid partners. Every couple of months or so, we hire a van and make the 5 hour trip (10 hour round trip) to the ashram to collect 1500 kilos of food at a time, mainly rice, pulses, lentils, oil, flour, tea, coffee, and vegetables. About half of this food is donated to Mother Teresa homes to feed the homeless/poor families. The other half was given to other charities that support refugees and the world’s poorest people. Over the past few years, we have collected and donated in excess of 9,000 kilos of food each year. The food we have collected has gone to refugee camps and poor communities in Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Moldova, Serbia, Ghana amongst others.

We also collected and distributed some of the hundreds of sarees and dhotis donated to Skanda Vale by the pilgrims every year. Skanda Vale does not currently have the facility to send and distribute this clothing abroad. So, we stepped in and have shipped them to refugee camps and poor communities in Sri Lanka and India, where we work with the local organisations such as the Sathya Sai organisation of Sri Lanka to distribute clothes to the neediest villagers and refugees. We have supported many overseas projects financially and given aid to areas struck by natural disasters, e.g. Serbia during the huge floods in Eastern Europe, the Philippines after a devastating tycoon, Jammu in North India, the coastal areas of South India during floods, Haiti, South Africa and many countries in Eastern Europe. We have also helped to support animal shelters and build wells for clean water in Sri Lanka.

The highlight of my work with ACT Foundation was in October 2015 when Jay Jeyaseelan (the current Mohanji ACT Foundation President) and I, along with Branco and Milos from ACT Foundation in Serbia, supported an aid trip organised by Hope and Aid direct (the UK registered charity that has been helping refugees in various parts of the world) to Kosovo with a cargo of 40 tonnes of food and clothing transported by 4 lorries. Mohanji ACT Foundation contributed many tonnes of food and toiletries for this aid project. This was primarily a trip to see where the aid we were giving was being distributed. Many of the people we visited were living in dilapidated, crowded accommodation and had to suffer the extremely cold temperatures in winter, which could reach as low as -20 degrees centigrade. We experienced the immense joy of giving the boxes of food, clothing, educational materials, and toiletries to poor families. Watching the smiles on their faces was such a humbling experience. 

After setting up Mohanji ACT Foundation, Mohanji asked me whether we could set up Mohanji Foundation in the UK. This charity was to take forward the spiritual aspects of Mohanji’s work such as the meditations, retreats, Kriya, Mai-Tri Method, pilgrimages, etc. and annadaan in ashrams, while Mohanji ACT Foundation would focus on social service. After spending a lot of time to get the objectives right, the charity was finally registered as a UK charity in February 2018 with Mohanji, myself, Subhasree Thottungal, Hemant Panda and Ranjan Premachandra as the first trustees. Since then, with the hard work of the trustees and the help of a number of dedicated core team members, the work of the charity has increased substantially. 

Kailash Pilgrimages

Mohanji has blessed me twice by allowing me to go on Kailash pilgrimages with him in 2014 and 2016. The first pilgrimage was the Outer Kora trip in July 2014. This was a momentous trip full of divine grace, which helped us to overcome the many immense obstacles we faced. On the morning of the day we were going to cross into Tibet from Nepal, there was a massive landslide ahead of us on the route we were about to take with huge loss of life. Grace protected us and amazingly, we were able to continue our journey using helicopters. I had the unique opportunity to travel in the first helicopter with Mohanji and Devi, landing on the border in Kodari before crossing into Tibet. While up in the air on the helicopter with Mohanji, I was in bliss and thought to myself that if I were to die right now, I would die happy! 

I suffered very badly from altitude sickness on this trip and wasn’t sure I could make it. However, before starting the parikrama, I bowed down to Mohanji and took his blessings. He said to me, “You will do well.“ Surprised, I decided to start by walking together with him. Incredibly, with his blessing, I managed to walk the whole parikrama over the three days without using a pony! This was surely only possible with his grace. After completing the parikrama and leaving Kailash by coach, I looked up at the sky through the coach window and to my astonishment, there was an incredibly clear figure of Shiva in cloud formation! Mohanji had given me the perfect end to the pilgrimage by giving me the darshan of Lord Shiva.

The second Kailash trip in 2016 was the Inner Kora trip, which was one of the most challenging things I had ever done in my life. There were 18 of us. The Inner Kora group had to walk, as ponies cannot be used for the more difficult Inner Kora trek. Again, same as the last trip, I suffered severely from altitude sickness and even fell unconscious on the morning of the parikrama! 

The second day of the parikrama was one of the most memorable days of my life. In the morning, we trekked to Charan Sparsh, a very auspicious spot where we would touch what is considered to be the feet of mount Kailash (although Kailash is many kilometres away from that point). Mohanji then turned to me and said that those who were feeling tired could rest here, but whoever wanted to could climb up onto the glacier and trek further along to get a better view of the North face of Kailash. The sherpas made a makeshift rope up which Mohanji climbed. Of course, the rest of us followed suit and climbed up too. He led the way, and we trekked, further along, to see magnificent views of Kailash in the distance, the ice and snow melting in places to form rivulets which trickled down to form larger streams. After trekking for a while, Mohanji asked us to say a prayer for merging with the consciousness of Shiva and turn around 360 degrees on the spot. After doing this, we all sat down, and Mohanji chanted the holy Shiva Kavach – the prayer for protection to ensure our safety for the dangerous trip ahead.

Mohanji sat on a rock and sent some of us forward to trek all the way to touch Kailash. He sat and watched us like a divine guard, ensuring we were protected while we endeavoured to go on the extremely dangerous trek. We trekked on for many more hours, frequently stopping to catch our breath. Eventually, the terrain changed from rock covered glacier to ice and then snow. As we got closer to Kailash, we realised that it was not easy to touch it as there was a deep gorge with long icicles next to Kailash preventing us from reaching it. But at one place, there was a natural bridge of ice and snow that allowed us to cross the gap and reach a small ledge on Kailash where we could stand. I slowly made my way up to this snowy bridge. I removed my hat and very carefully walked across the bridge, and stepped onto the ledge of Mount Kailash. I removed my gloves and put my hands and forehead onto the face of Kailash. As I touched Kailash, it felt like touching an energy field that was cool and vibrant. It was welcoming and loving energy. My head, hands, and body drank in that wonderful vibration and energy for a few minutes. I thought of Mohanji, whose grace and blessings had enabled me to reach this point. I also thought of Sathya Sai Baba and Lord Shiva, whose bountiful grace had allowed me to reach this point. I thought of my family, my ancestors and my whole lineage on behalf of which I was doing this pilgrimage. Friends, relations and the rest of the group came to my memory and everyone else that I could think of so that as many people as possible could get the benefit of me touching Kailash. I was elated. I had touched Kailash! At this point, I felt that I needed nothing more. I had reached the ultimate. If the trip finished now, I would be happy. 

As we turned back and walked back down, the weather started changing. The blue skies disappeared like a fog of cloud quickly descended on us. Small hailstones were showered upon us, and the atmosphere became dark, cold and clammy. We could hardly see the ground ahead. With Mohanji’s grace, Lord Shiva had bestowed the most amazing grace on us. Right up to the point where we were able to touch Kailash, the weather was absolutely beautiful with clear skies so we could reach safely and see Kailash in full glory. If the bad weather had come upon us earlier, we might well have had to turn back without touching Kailash. The hail turned to rain, and we got soaked through. The ground became more slippery, and we had to watch our steps more carefully. We carried on down as night descended, slowly making our way back to camp and headed straight to Mohanji’s room, where we offered our love and gratitude. We had walked for 13 hours through a dangerous landscape, and his grace had protected us.

The third day of the Inner Kora trip was just as tough, made more difficult due to fatigue and even higher altitude. It was on this day that I received great teaching from Mohanji. It was at a point where we had to climb up a steep glacier using ropes. However, only one person could go up at a time. It was extremely dangerous and scary. Rocks were falling on us from above as the others climbed up, and we did not have hard hats on. We had to sit on the frozen glacier, waiting our turn to climb up, getting colder and wetter. The glacier was at an angle of almost 45 degrees. One slip, and we would go rolling down the mountain to our deaths. I was very scared, as were all the others. I kept on shifting my position to sit on the stable ground, so I didn’t slip down the mountain. Phaneendar and Mohanji were just behind me. Phaneender was extremely scared of slipping to his death (as we all were!). As he shouted out in fear, I heard Mohanji shout loudly to him, 

‘If you have fear, you have no faith’. 

Mohanji

Those words were meant for me, too; I reflected on those words and relaxed a little. What did it matter if I slipped and fell to my death? If this is what the divine had in store for me, so be it. Mohanji’s teaching or Mahavakya (divine utterance) that day on the icy, cold, treacherous mountain slope filled me with courage and faith. His divine utterance on that day helped me and the rest of the group complete the Inner Kora trip successfully and stood me in good stead for further challenges in my life ahead. 

Ahimsa The Vegan café

The next major event was almost as challenging as the Inner Kora trip and touching Kailash. This was setting up Ahimsa The Vegan Cafe in London. Mohanji first raised this idea with me while I was on the first pilgrimage to Kailash in July 2014. We had travelled by helicopter after a landslide and had stopped at Kodari in Nepal, which was on the border of Tibet. While we were waiting to have dinner that evening, Mohanji spoke to the UK group about promoting vegan food and veganism as an expression of Ahimsa (Non-Violence). He was promoting veganism out of compassion for all the voiceless animals that are helpless and are suffering unspeakable cruelty, abuse, torture and slaughter at the hands of humans. 

However, vegan food options were limited. He described an incident in the USA when he and Sumit had to travel for a long time to find a place that served vegan food. When they did find one, it was extremely expensive. He thought to himself that there was no point in preaching to people about veganism when there were very few options of vegan food available. At this time, he came up with the idea of inspiring the creation of affordable, healthy, fast food vegan outlets across the world. The impact of this would be tremendous, saving the lives of millions of animals, improving our health and making positive changes in the environment. Mohanji went on to say that Sumit (who was the main organiser of the Kailash trip and a restauranteur) had done a lot of research into this and was taking this forward. A name for the restaurant had already been decided, Ahimsa Vegan.

I was fascinated to hear this. I had first turned to a vegan diet in 2002 when I came to realise that although I followed a vegetarian diet, there was immense cruelty and pain inflicted on cows and their offspring in the dairy industry. I bought into the idea of Ahimsa Vegan immediately, and a desire grew within me to play a small part in taking this forward. When I got back to the UK, I started thinking about the task at hand. I have a scientific background and have never set up a company before, never run a business, nor did I have an interest or experience in cooking or catering.

I started my research on this project by visiting various vegetarian and vegan restaurants in the UK. At Mohanji’s suggestion, I approached a friend of mine called Neeshal, who was a chef at the Hilton and had cooked at one of our retreats for menu ideas. We got a team together, including Rajshree (my sister-in-law), Mita and Hemant, who were all happy to invest their time, energy and funds to take this project forward. This team worked extremely hard and sacrificed a lot of time and energy to bring this to fruition. Each one of us had different strengths, and together, we made a strong team. Grace flowed like a waterfall. A wonderful example of this was when we were getting frustrated, trying to find a suitable location. One day, we all got together in a car and visited lots of different areas to see which one would be most suitable and decided on Pinner (North West London) but could not see any ‘For sale’ signs for suitable premises. 

When I went to work a couple of days later on Monday, I searched the internet on my phone for suitable premises and found a place in Eastcote that was about a mile away from Pinner. When I phoned the agent to enquire about the Eastcote property, he said that he does not have one in Eastcote, but he has one for lease that has just come on the market in Pinner! The road sign immediately outside this property was ‘Love Lane’! 

We put together a business plan and started negotiations with the vendor. Eventually, after nearly eight months, we signed the lease and started the building work in October 2016. On Mohanji’s advice, we removed the whole shopfront to change the position of the door and improve energy flow, stripped out the shop and completely revamped the place with modern décor, furnishings, and new equipment.

On the 16th of December 2016, Mohanji came to inaugurate Ahimsa, The Vegan Café in Pinner! He came for three days all the way from India, despite a hectic schedule! We were blessed, and we had a highly emotional opening with supporters and friends. After so much hard work, Mohanji’s dream was coming true. We were indebted to Sumit and sister Anuradha, who came from India to give advice and support the launch. Their input was invaluable as they had set up the first restaurant in Shirdi. We noticed that whenever we had any difficulties and challenges, grace would descend, and a solution found. Mohanji has constantly been guiding us and giving our wonderful team energy, grace and blessings. His speech on the opening day was truly inspiring. The Café is a statement to the world that vegan food can be healthy, tasty, ethical and cruelty-free.

Since opening the Café, there have been many challenges, but we have overcome them one by one with his grace. We have now celebrated the second anniversary of our opening on the 20th of December 2018. I cannot deny that this has been a tough challenge. The teaching given by Mohanji that day on the Inner Kora trip in August 2016 while I was sitting on the icy glacier waiting to climb up the mountain has sustained us. “If you have fear, you have no faith.” Thank you, Mohanji!

As I sit down in Ahimsa The Vegan Café today on the 22nd of December 2018 (Datta Jayanti) finishing off this article on my laptop, with Mohanji’s picture up on the wall of the Café in front of me, I can’t help but reflect on that day over seven years ago, the 4th of November 2011. On that fateful day, I was waiting anxiously at Heathrow airport terminal 3 with my 10-year-old son Vivek and a bunch of bright orange roses in my hand to meet Mohanji for the first time. Little did I know how he was to change my life and what experiences lay ahead of me! This was the start of an amazing new journey in my life. What a journey it has been so far! 

I offer my love and gratitude to Mohanji, Sathya Sai Baba and all the Masters of the Tradition for helping me and my family sanctify our lives by serving in so many different ways. I bow down to you all with immense love and gratitude in my heart. Thank you!

|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI||

Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 18th March 2021

Disclaimer:

The views, opinions, and positions expressed by the authors and those providing comments on these blogs are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of Mohanji, Mohanji Foundation, it’s members, employees or any other individual or entity associated with Mohanji or Mohanji Foundation. We make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of any information presented by individual authors and/or commenters on our blogs and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries or damages arising from its display or use.

We reserve the right to delete, edit, or alter in any manner we see fit blog entries or comments that we, in our sole discretion, deem to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, threatening, in violation of trademark, copyright or other laws, of an express commercial nature, or otherwise unacceptable.

— Mohanji Testimonials Team

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Kalpataru Series – A prayer from the heart!

Posted on by Mohanji Editorial Team
Mohanji and Sai

By Dr. Nikita Naredi

“You call me and I will be there!” That’s what Mohanji always affirms to his global family. We, with our limited minds, may not fathom the intensity of these words but our experiences help us understand the power of these words. He listens to our every wish with love and fulfills it for us immediately.

I would like to share one such beautiful experience which exhibits only one thing: He is always with us. Life was a bit topsy-turvy at my end and in spite of better acceptance as compared to before, I would get jittery. I really wanted to meet Mohanji physically and take his blessings. I sought permission to meet him on 31st December in Bangalore and hoped by then he would be back after the Mookambika retreat. However, I was told he had some urgent commitments and would not be available during that period. I tried twice but got the same answer. I was sad but I kept praying to him, “I have to meet you. Come what may.”

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I was undergoing a painful dental procedure with multiple sessions but that day I kept praying to Mohanji and the session just went off very smoothly. Sitting on the dentist’s chair, I kept remembering him and thinking about how I could meet him.

As soon as I was out of the procedure room, I got a message from Kirti Khandelwal. She asked me to accompany her to Shirdi that weekend as Mohanji was visiting Shirdi and he had asked her to bring me along. What? I could not believe my ears. Don’t know why but I started scrolling down my Whatsapp page and lo and behold, I saw Mohanji’s message asking me to visit him in Shirdi that weekend. Living in Pune, it was very feasible for us. Was it a miracle? Was it a super blessing? It was both. My prayers were answered and when I wrote this to Mohanji, he said you were praying very earnestly, so I had to come. All this has only one connotation: He is with us always; we need to have faith and surrender our wishes to our Master.

Mohanji and Sai 2

The whole visit had been planned for us by the Pune Mohanji family. We had a mesmerising time with our Master, our Guru, our God. There was an impromptu satsang and in spite of his hectic schedule and travelling, He gave us time individually, listening to us, giving us so much love and guiding us with advice among with his blessings, and the most comforting words “I am with you always“. He is always with us indeed.

It doesn’t end here. Being in Shirdi and that too with your Master can only happen with Sai Baba‘s blessings. We wanted to have darshan of Baba at the Samadhi Mandir and thank him for calling us to that blessed soil again. It was already late evening and we knew getting into the Sanctum Sanctorum means a long queue and we had to head back to Pune the same evening. So we decided to have darshan through the Muk Mandir (main entrance), visit Dwarka Mai and return. After the Muk Mandir Darshan, we were not satisfied and longed to be there in front of Baba and again our wish was fulfilled. As we were going inside, we coincidentally met Savitri Aunty, an ardent devotee of Mohanji and an active Ammucare volunteer who had an entrance pass to go inside the temple through the Nandi Dwar which means a cakewalk to the Sanctum. We jumped with joy and elation. Who was orchestrating this? Mohanji? Baba? They are one! We went inside in a jiffy and as we were standing in front of Baba, another bonus awaited us. The steel railing around the Samadhi which is always closed was pulled apart. We stood there, mesmerised. Miracle again….touching Baba’s Samadhi was a big prasad …

With so much joy, happiness and bliss, we returned to the hotel to pick up our bags and have a quick bite at the Ahimsa Vegan café before we started on our way back. The icing on the cake was still left. Mohanji happened to come to the cafe again. He offered us blessings and waved us goodbye with overflowing love like a mother till we could no more see him from our moving vehicle.

My every breath, every cell, is at your lotus feet Mohanji, in deep gratitude.

nikita1

|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI||

Compiled, Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 9th February 2020

Disclaimer:

The views, opinions, and positions expressed by the authors and those providing comments on these blogs are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of Mohanji, Mohanji Foundation, it’s members, employees or any other individual or entity associated with Mohanji or Mohanji Foundation. We make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of any information presented by individual authors and/or commenters on our blogs and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries or damages arising from its display or use.

We reserve the right to delete, edit, or alter in any manner we see fit blog entries or comments that we, in our sole discretion, deem to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, threatening, in violation of trademark, copyright or other laws, of an express commercial nature, or otherwise unacceptable.

— Mohanji Testimonials Team

The M-powering Masters

Posted on by Mohanji Editorial Team
M and Sai

By Aditya Nagpal

One evening, after doing Mohanji Aarati, I got a very strong thought to go to Shirdi. It was late in the evening and I thought it might not be a good idea to start at that time. But the thought was so strong that I was forced to book a bus and leave. Within one hour I was on a bus to Shirdi.

deaf and dumb school
Aditya doing seva

It is a 12-hour journey from Hyderabad to Shirdi. I reached Shirdi the next morning and checked into a hotel which I had booked while travelling. I had learned that one of our Mohanji Family member-Jyoti Bahl was also visiting Shirdi the same day. I went into my room and freshened up, As I came out, Jyotiji was in front of me, and she recognized me as I was wearing a Mohanji Foundation Kurta! This was the first time we met but I could feel the connection with her, being from the ‘M’ Family. We had a small conversation and decided to meet later. After eating something, I went for Samadhi Darshan.

oneself quote

 When I returned to the hotel, I sat in the Ahimsa Vegan café (a vegan café inaugurated by Mohanji). Jyotiji also arrived there, and we started sharing experiences of Mohanji and Sai Baba. While Jyotiji was narrating her experiences, I could feel her devotion and deep connection to Baba. Her bhakti bhaav (devotion) is so strong, that it took me into a different mode altogether and I started feeling a deep state of bliss, as if Baba was filling me up. After that I wanted to spend more time with her and listen to her experiences. Luckily, I went to Dwarkamai with her. Throughout the way, she spoke only about Baba, as if the rest of the world does not exist and only Baba exists. As she was narrating with unbelievably intense bhaav (emotion), I was going deeper and deeper into a bliss state. I was already having the feeling that this visit to Shirdi was the most powerful to date, and would take my faith and devotion to another level. But wait! There was more to come.

I learnt from Jyotiji that they were visiting Meher Baba’s Samadhi the next morning. I did not know anything about Meher Baba, but wanted to accompany them. So the following day, I went to the Meher Baba Samadhi with them. As I entered the place, I felt a deep connection, and silence started settling within me. At the Samadhi, we had to form a queue, and go in one by one into the Samadhi room. When my turn arrived, I went in and prostrated at Baba’s feet. As I got up, I felt a change within myself immediately. I just wanted to sit there and meditate but there was no space as people were already sitting around the Samadhi.  Luckily, a place got vacated soon, and I sat inside in meditation. I went into a deep state of bliss and silence like never before. It was the most intense meditation I have ever had. During the meditation, I felt the strong presence of Mohanji guiding me and instructing me. I wanted to meditate for a very long time there, but we had limited time and had to leave for Shirdi. As I came out, I learned from Jyotiji that Mohanji has visited Meher Baba’s place and she showed me a picture of Him standing near the Samadhi. I understood then why I had felt such a strong presence of Mohanji, and why I was brought there by Mohanji. Given the time constraint, we had to leave for Shirdi, but throughout the way, I felt deeply connected to the Divine: there were hardly any thoughts and nothing else mattered. This was the most wonderful experience I had ever had in Shirdi , and remember, it was totally unplanned from my side.  But wait! There was still more to come!

reality quote

 

Throughout the trip, Jyotiji was with me and I was totally mesmerized by her love and devotion. I wanted to spend more time with her and requested her to take me with her for Samadhi darshan, which she lovingly accepted. We went for Darshan and as always, Jyotiji kept talking about Baba and Mohanji and inside the temple, told me stories of Baba which I did not know. I was again taken into a state where there was only Baba and me, and nothing else existed. While we were talking, Jyotiji told me to read Shri Sai Satcharitra. I had started reading this previously, but discontinued it because of time constraints, and had not managed to complete it. Maybe this was a signal from Baba to start reading it again. Jyotiji took me to the Parayan hall (place inside the temple where people read books on Sai Baba) and told me to start reading again there. We went in, took the book and occupied places randomly. I hadn’t opened the book yet, and was just looking at it. Jyotiji told me to keep the book to my heart, think about Baba and open any page randomly. Keeping the book to my heart, I prayed to Baba to bless each and every soul and, placing my hand inside the book randomly, I opened it.  It seemed a miracle to me that it opened at the very next page to the one where I had discontinued reading previously!  It was the beginning of a new Chapter in Shri Sai Satcharitra that I was supposed to continue from. With deep love and gratitude, I completed that chapter and decided to read it daily from then on.

If this was not enough, I also unexpectedly got involved in Annadhan (food donation service) arranged by our beloved Mohanji Family members near the Samadhi Mandir of Baba. This was like the icing on the cake! I felt like I had jumped into a river of Grace and it was taking me effortlessly into bliss!

Aditya at an old age home
Aditya doing seva

I was having the most amazing trip to Shirdi. Each moment was transformative. I was wondering how an unplanned trip like this could be so transformative. But was it actually unplanned? Here is my answer: Mohanji had arranged it for me. When we were back in the Ahimsa Vegan Cafe and started sharing experiences again, I learnt from Jyotiji that she was with Mohanji the day before arriving in Shirdi- the same day that I got a strong urge to visit Shirdi. I believe Mohanji sent Jyotiji to create this experience for me. I do not know how to express my gratitude to my beloved Mohanji for all that he does for us. This experience has taken my faith and connection for Mohanji to a different level altogether, and made me understand how Mohanji and Sai Baba are one and same.

When I started following Mohanji, I did not know much about Sai Baba. But gradually, I developed a deep interest and love for Baba and became an ardent devotee of Baba. With my limited understanding, I could not comprehend how this connection with Baba was initiated and intensified by the grace of Mohanji. It cannot be a coincidence that the first time ever I visited a Sai Baba temple, was with Mohanji.  It is hard to describe in words how blessed we are that Sai Baba is living with us through our Master- Mohanji. We still have Baba physically present with us as Mohanji. We must have gained a lot of merits in our past lives to be in his divine presence. Can we get any luckier? Can we ask for anything more?

Sai and M

We cannot comprehend how our Master works on us, how he takes us to the right place at the right time and to meet the right people. We are always fine at his lotus feet. We never miss anything, but we get the right thing at the right time, as per our capacity. This amazing transformative experience was made possible by the grace of our beloved Mohanji. I bow down at his lotus feet, and I am always secure at his lotus feet.

I also owe deep gratitude to Jyoti Bahl for being an amazing instrument of the Tradition and for helping me have these experiences.

M meditating

 

 

|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI||

Compiled, Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 12th December 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.

We reserve the right to delete, edit, or alter in any manner we see fit blog entries or comments that we, in our sole discretion, deem to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, threatening, in violation of trademark, copyright or other laws, of an express commercial nature, or otherwise unacceptable.

— Mohanji Testimonials Team

Mohanji Satcharita – Chapter 8 – “Presence without Presence”

Posted on by Mohanji Editorial Team
Mohanji giving Shaktipat

In this second story of Mohanji Satcharita – Chapter 8, Pramod Nair shares with us how much he enjoyed the ‘Being in Mohanji’s consciousness’ programme conducted by one of the Mohanji Acharyas, and how he felt Mohanji’s presence not only at the programme but during his journey to the venue. His beautiful experience during Mohanji Energy Transfer shows us yet again, when one has faith and devotion, grace is ensured.

“Gratitude. Grace. Growth. They are all related and interconnected. Gratitude ensures Grace. Grace ensures Growth. These three aspects deliver LOVE, LIFE, and GODLINESS in us” – Mohanji

Read our other stories on Mohanji Satcharita.

Presence without Presence

By Pramod Nair, UK

The HSTY yoga, Power of Purity (POP) meditation and Conscious Dancing conducted with Mohanji’s grace, by Mohanji Acharya Subhasree, at the Methodist Church on the 30th of March 2019 was a wonderful experience for me and I wish to share it with others.

 

Divine grace in reaching my destination

I was working late at night on the 29th of March and was tired. I was not sure if I could travel and reach the venue before the programme started. Nevertheless, having decided to attend, I left this desire to participate at the lotus feet of the Guru. On the 30th, I managed to board the train to Bristol Parkway from Cardiff and then had to get a bus to reach the church where the event was being conducted. I was told by a friend of mine from Bristol to get bus number 73 which would drop me right at the door step of the church.

practice postivity

I had to wait for 40 minutes to get the bus and this meant I was going to be late. I got into another bus (No.75) and checked with the driver if he could guide me. He was a very friendly person. He said he used to live somewhere close to the church many years ago. Though this bus does not take that route, he said he could tell me where to get off and then I could use my Google map and walk towards the church. I boarded the bus and waited for the driver’s instructions. As the bus reached the bus stop, the driver told me to wait. He told me that he would drop me off at the traffic lights which would save me a further 10 minutes of walking. This gesture by the driver was a big surprise for me. The driver stopped the bus at the traffic lights and further guided me with directions to the church. Normally drivers only stop at the bus stops and this was unusual. He smiled and wished me a great day. I thanked the driver and followed his directions to reach the venue on time. In fact, I arrived earlier than the others.

Now I clearly knew that it was Mohanji who was working through the driver to ensure that I reached there on time.

 Mohanji’s presence during the event

During the whole event, I could feel the energy and presence of Mohanji. The interesting thing for me was that during the POP meditation and Mohanji Energy Transfer, I felt the finger of the person kept on my third eye area vibrating. I could feel the throbbing sensation between my eyebrows.

Mohanji Energy Transfer
Mohanji Energy Transfer during POP Meditation

After the Energy Transfer was done, I saw a flame of light appear for a few seconds and disappear. I then saw Mohanji appear in the third eye. This lasted for a minute or two I guess. I felt as if I was the flame of light. It was a beautiful experience. I could connect to my soul. I later checked with Shyama who did the Energy Transfer if she felt anything in particular. She told me about the vibration she felt in my third eye area while she was doing the process.

I sincerely thank Mohanji for this wonderful spiritual experience He gave me that day.

Joy of Conscious Dancing

I also thoroughly enjoyed the Conscious Dancing. I felt that it helps us forget about ourselves and connects us to the core. It was a wonderful experience to be in the energy field of Mohanji without His physical presence.

I should also thank everyone who was involved in organizing the event and also the other lovely participants for making it so lively. Also, the vegan food served was scrumptious.

We are all blessed indeed to be connected with Mohanji.

May many more souls be blessed to receive the connection with the Master and be liberated.

Mohanji

|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI||

Compiled, Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 7th May 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.

We reserve the right to delete, edit, or alter in any manner we see fit blog entries or comments that we, in our sole discretion, deem to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, threatening, in violation of trademark, copyright or other laws, of an express commercial nature, or otherwise unacceptable.

— Testimonials Team

 

 

 

 

Mohanji Satcharita – Chapter 8 – “Presence without Presence”

Posted on by IT Admin
Mohanji giving Shaktipat

In this second story of Mohanji Satcharita – Chapter 8, Pramod Nair shares with us how much he enjoyed the ‘Being in Mohanji’s consciousness’ programme conducted by one of the Mohanji Acharyas, and how he felt Mohanji’s presence not only at the programme but during his journey to the venue. His beautiful experience during Mohanji Energy Transfer shows us yet again, when one has faith and devotion, grace is ensured.

“Gratitude. Grace. Growth. They are all related and interconnected. Gratitude ensures Grace. Grace ensures Growth. These three aspects deliver LOVE, LIFE, and GODLINESS in us” – Mohanji

Read our other stories on Mohanji Satcharita.

Presence without Presence

By Pramod Nair, UK

The HSTY yoga, Power of Purity (POP) meditation and Conscious Dancing conducted with Mohanji’s grace, by Mohanji Acharya Subhasree, at the Methodist Church on the 30th of March 2019 was a wonderful experience for me and I wish to share it with others.

 

Divine grace in reaching my destination

I was working late at night on the 29th of March and was tired. I was not sure if I could travel and reach the venue before the programme started. Nevertheless, having decided to attend, I left this desire to participate at the lotus feet of the Guru. On the 30th, I managed to board the train to Bristol Parkway from Cardiff and then had to get a bus to reach the church where the event was being conducted. I was told by a friend of mine from Bristol to get bus number 73 which would drop me right at the door step of the church.

practice postivity

I had to wait for 40 minutes to get the bus and this meant I was going to be late. I got into another bus (No.75) and checked with the driver if he could guide me. He was a very friendly person. He said he used to live somewhere close to the church many years ago. Though this bus does not take that route, he said he could tell me where to get off and then I could use my Google map and walk towards the church. I boarded the bus and waited for the driver’s instructions. As the bus reached the bus stop, the driver told me to wait. He told me that he would drop me off at the traffic lights which would save me a further 10 minutes of walking. This gesture by the driver was a big surprise for me. The driver stopped the bus at the traffic lights and further guided me with directions to the church. Normally drivers only stop at the bus stops and this was unusual. He smiled and wished me a great day. I thanked the driver and followed his directions to reach the venue on time. In fact, I arrived earlier than the others.

Now I clearly knew that it was Mohanji who was working through the driver to ensure that I reached there on time.

 Mohanji’s presence during the event

During the whole event, I could feel the energy and presence of Mohanji. The interesting thing for me was that during the POP meditation and Mohanji Energy Transfer, I felt the finger of the person kept on my third eye area vibrating. I could feel the throbbing sensation between my eyebrows.

Mohanji Energy Transfer
Mohanji Energy Transfer during POP Meditation

After the Energy Transfer was done, I saw a flame of light appear for a few seconds and disappear. I then saw Mohanji appear in the third eye. This lasted for a minute or two I guess. I felt as if I was the flame of light. It was a beautiful experience. I could connect to my soul. I later checked with Shyama who did the Energy Transfer if she felt anything in particular. She told me about the vibration she felt in my third eye area while she was doing the process.

I sincerely thank Mohanji for this wonderful spiritual experience He gave me that day.

Joy of Conscious Dancing

I also thoroughly enjoyed the Conscious Dancing. I felt that it helps us forget about ourselves and connects us to the core. It was a wonderful experience to be in the energy field of Mohanji without His physical presence.

I should also thank everyone who was involved in organizing the event and also the other lovely participants for making it so lively. Also, the vegan food served was scrumptious.

We are all blessed indeed to be connected with Mohanji.

May many more souls be blessed to receive the connection with the Master and be liberated.

Mohanji

|| JAI BRAHMARISHI MOHANJI||

Compiled, Edited & Published by – Testimonials Team, 7th May 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.

We reserve the right to delete, edit, or alter in any manner we see fit blog entries or comments that we, in our sole discretion, deem to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, threatening, in violation of trademark, copyright or other laws, of an express commercial nature, or otherwise unacceptable.

— Testimonials Team

 

 

 

 

Being With Mohanji – The Transformation

Posted on by Testimonials Team

By Ruby Nair, USA

Mohanji_the Teacher.JPG
Guru Comes to You At The Right Time

“Teachers happen when the student is ready. And the teacher is always in relation with the student. When a student happens, a teacher happens. Teacher is a state just like student is a state. The teacher or the student are never permanent in their roles. A teacher can be a father, a husband, a lover, a pedestrian, a shopper, a barber, a cook or any other role a human being may play in his or her lifetime. The right knowledge will come to you at the right time, through a person, a book or a life experience. This is the truth of existence.”

Below, I share, from the heart, how my life changed from a mundane existence to one of joy, peace, gratitude and selfless actions through the appearance of a Guru at a time of need in answer to a prayer.
What have I gained by being with Mohanji is a vast subject that can’t be put down into mere words. I contemplated on this matter for a couple of days and as I sat with my husband talking about certain things, I ended up discussing with him all that I have gained by being with Mohanji. It was so simple yet complicated.

Mohanji_simple
Simple Yet Complicated!

My life before Mohanji was very uncertain on many levels. From my childhood, I had been one of the weird kids who always felt different and shy inside. On some levels, I can say that I had lived a turbulent childhood which continued into most of my early adult life. First, it was distant family problems. Then as I grew older, I realized that I never fit in with a lot of groups because I was never really interested in what they talked about. I was a party goer for most of my late teens and thought life was just about partying and spending money.
After getting married and visiting Kerala for the first time in 2004, I had such a profound experience at the Guruvayurappan Krishna temple, which brought tears and intense love to my heart, that shook me. That’s when I realized that there was something tangible in these temples. So I became obsessed with visiting temples and praying – just thanking God for everything.
However, marriage also brought a sense of responsibility towards fixing my family matters. My husband and I took it upon ourselves to visit different temples, perform countless pujas, prayers in my name or their names to uplift them and myself from all the troubles and ignorance. There was this compulsion in me that kept me going for years and I can recall most of our married life was spent on fixing other people – my family, etc. I felt burdened at times and cried out numerous times to God to please end this suffering of mine as there was no end to my turbulent life. Things did improve in my life but I never felt contented and always felt like there was something more to do.
Since I had filled my life with trying to help others while ignoring my own pain, I never knew how to deal with things when they got difficult as there was no anchor in my life to tell me it will be okay in the end. My husband was always there no matter what, but I was looking for something higher to connect to. I felt abused, disrespected and unloved on many occasions by many people in my life. I was a machine living for others and trying to make them happy while I was unhappy on many levels.
The above describes my life after my marriage basically from 2003 to 2012 – in pain, in depression at times, feeling lonely, betrayed, etc. After 2012, my life changed drastically again after visiting a Shiva Temple in Kauai, Hawaii, where I truly believed there were Gods, angels and higher beings alive among us, helping and guiding us. It brought a lot of change in my life which cultivated patience and faith. I gave up certain dietary things as well as alcohol, which I took on special occasions and learned could be a hindrance to one’s spiritual path. I became aware that one’s purification and penance was very important in finding God. To better myself, I started fasting, serving family by cooking food for them, ignoring their cold remarks, and learning how to restrain myself.
During this time, I also read the book “Autobiography of Yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananda. This book helped me realize the importance of a Guru and how having love for Him transcends any physical or conditional love that I was used to. This drove me to seek and question if there was a Guru for me as well in this life. I installed Mahavatar Babaji’s picture in my temple even though it felt kind of strange because I had grown up with the idea that we only install and pray to idols of deities and not to a human beings. Even though I knew Babaji was beyond human definitions, it was just something that was hard for me to do.
From 2012 to 2015, I did meditations on my own where I would just force myself to sit and contemplate on Babaji or just nothing. I prayed to God to send me a Guru. After hearing from somewhere that when one pours water on a Shiva lingam and asks with a pure heart, God surely brings that into our life. Without being aware, Mohanji came into my life slowly, but my ignorance was too deep to even recognize Him. In 2015 I found Mohanji’s blog through the grace of Babaji and I was able to meet Him physically in 2016. Meeting Him was also very turbulent for me due to my own negative self. I had to shed a lot to see His divinity. This was the first gift He gave me – the ability to connect to Him despite the darkness surrounding me, while dissolving my ignorance so that I could see Him in a different light and purity.

MOhanji_ruby nair1.png
Light & Purity with Mohanji

During one of my trips with Mohanji, He casually mentioned that having my second daughter accelerated my path to meeting Him, but I was destined to meet Him anyway, probably later in time. Many are His subtle ways that I can’t even begin to describe them.
The big question is what has been so different after meeting Him. Well, all my compulsions to fix things, others, or situations have gone. I no longer feel that I am in any control to fix anyone let alone help them, unless they themselves are seeking guidance. If I do happen to help someone, I have realized that it is not me but the energy of God working through me to help that person, so the ownership or doership has gone. I have also been initiated to Mai-Tri healing, so I can serve others selflessly and bring Mohanji’s healing to others.
I feel protected for the first time in my life. Not that I didn’t feel protected before, but this is where I know if I am in trouble or something is bothering me, He will be there no matter the time or space. It’s very comforting to know someone is always with me, guiding me no matter what.
I have also become stronger in myself and have more faith in myself and my abilities. I no longer wish to get gratification from others or listen to others. I know I am self-sufficient and I am perfect the way I am, despite being laughed at numerous times throughout my life. It is knowing that all of us are different, unique and loved by the Divine just as we are. Even though lack of acceptance is still there on minute levels, it is now a work in progress.
Another great thing I have gained from being with Mohanji is His global family. I just love meeting different people from all over the world and connecting with them instantly. It is like they are my real family at times and it brings me so much joy just to share love and stories with them. It’s a connection on a different level that I never experienced outside of His family.

MOhanji_ruby nair Kailash.png
Connection at a different Level – Kailash Trip

Mohanji has also brought forth more awareness to the suffering of animals. Due to this I have been vegan for a year and have never been so happy to realize that I had the strength to give up on desires that are so hard to give up in one’s life. Now, it’s a lifestyle of Ahimsa which was just a thought before meeting Him. This decision has helped me to avoid feeling the guilt of consuming something that was snatched from another being. Because if the roles were reversed, I would not want the same thing inflicted on my loved ones.
So far, the most important thing I feel I have gained is that Mohanji anchors me in the present. I no longer look elsewhere; He has given me something strong and tangible to hold on to. This feeling was what I was looking for all my life until I met Him. I realized that if this anchor had been available to me earlier, I would have been less turbulent within myself and more stable. He has given me stability that I thought I would never achieve in this life. I have cried to God when I couldn’t handle things and have asked Him to end my life, but now I don’t have such thoughts. I feel happy, loved, accepted and grateful to have this human birth where I have been given this much awareness. Simply put, Mohanji helped me become a better me, someone I love.

MOhanji_ruby nair MP
Love and Acceptance From My Guru – Machu Picchu

This was my humble attempt to pen down my most intimate thoughts. I feel privileged to even be on this path and to be able to express my gratitude to Mohanji. Without Him, I probably wouldn’t even have the strength to face, accept and write all these things. Thank you Father for everything and coming into my life.
With deep gratitude and love,
Ruby Nair, USA

Disclaimer:

The views, opinions and positions expressed by the authors and those providing comments on these blogs are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of Mohanji, Mohanji Foundation, it’s members, employees or any other individual or entity associated with Mohanji or Mohanji Foundation. We make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of any information presented by individual authors and/or commenters on our blogs and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries or damages arising from its display or use.
We reserve the right to delete, edit, or alter in any manner we see fit blog entries or comments that we, in our sole discretion, deem to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, threatening, in violation of trademark, copyright or other laws, of an express commercial nature, or otherwise unacceptable.

Ahimsa, the Vegan Way – a True Inspiration from Guru Mohanji

Posted on by Mohanji Editorial Team

Author: Shyama Jeyaseelan, UK
As Mohanji says, “If you are sure the world must change its ways, the only way to make it happen is to start with changing your ways. Transformation is essentially individualistic before it becomes collective. And the world is what we have made of it through generations of insensitive existence.”

Ahimsa the Vegan Way - an inspiration from Mohanji

I would like to share a transformation that took place within me with Mohanji’s love and grace. Year 2016 was very special for me. It was the year when the sacred pilgrimage to Kailash became a reality, Mohanji was in the UK for Guru Poornima and the UK retreat, I received Kriya initiation from Mohanji and the year when I had the privilege of being at the Skanda Vale temple in Switzerland for the inauguration ceremony of the Somaskanda Moorthi while Mohanji was present. It was also the year Ahimsa the Vegan Café, a dream inspired by Mohanji, opened in London!

Ahimsa the Vegan Way 2 - an inspiration from Mohanji

On Guru Poornima day, an evening programme with Mohanji was organised in central London. I had the blessed opportunity to cook and serve food to Mohanji that evening. It was a simple meal but Mohanji’s kind “Thank you” made me very joyful inside. During the meal, I shared a feeling that had been bothering me for a while.

I mentioned that when our cats are unwell, I feel very sad and do my best to take care of them to make them better. However, even knowing how much cows and calves are suffering in dairy farms to provide us with milk, I was still unable to give up eating dairy! It made me sad how insensitive I was being towards the suffering of other beings. Mohanji simply said, “Don’t worry, it will happen.”

My family had been vegetarian for many years, but ate eggs and dairy products. Until meeting Mohanji I had been unaware of the horrors of dairy farming. As I read articles or watched videos of the dairy industry, I prayed that things would change in the industry. I also realised that by becoming vegan, along with many others, I would be able to contribute towards positive changes in society. Although the intellect knew what was the right thing to do, the mind always won with many excuses. I didn’t want to give up my cakes and coffees! That summer, after the retreat and being treated to beautiful vegan food for 4 days, I came home determined to stop eating dairy. Disappointingly, for various reasons it did not happen. Then the 2017 retreat took place and I was thinking again on the way home if I was going to be strong enough to do it this time.

The next day I was cooking paneer and two things happened simultaneously. I remembered Mohanji saying at some point during the retreat that the Guru we are seeking is within us. At that moment, I had the amazing feeling of Mohanji’s presence filling up my body. As Guru and God merged into one, the decision of becoming vegan was one of the easiest choices to make. How can I give the most compassionate Guru something obtained by means of cruelty and suffering? That moment was the turning point for me to change.

The 1st week after I stopped eating dairy products, I felt very light physically. Emotionally and mentally, it was joyful to know that I was contributing in some small way to make positive changes to society. Approximately 542,000 people in UK are vegan now! When I say Brahmarpanam, the food prayer before my meals, I have the happiness and satisfaction that I am offering sattvic food to my Guru and God.

Ahimsa the Vegan Way 3 - an inspiration from Mohanji

Looking back, I realise whatever sadhana I do on a daily and weekly basis had started the change in me, but the process was accelerated by Mohanji’s love, grace and blessings. My heart is full of love and gratitude to Mohanji for giving me the strength to change. The bhajan below is sung by one of the children at the Sai centre. The words are so beautiful that it melts my heart every time I hear it. I also had the privilege of offering it to Mohanji during the retreat last year.

“You are my heart, my soul, my own

You are my own eternal guide

You are the one I adore

You are the sun, the moon in the sky

You are the stars that shine at night”

You are my all, my beloved Mohanji.

With eternal love and gratitude,

Shyama Jeyaseelan

Disclaimer:

The views, opinions and positions expressed by the authors and those providing comments on these blogs are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of Mohanji, Mohanji Foundation, it’s members, employees or any other individual or entity associated with Mohanji or Mohanji Foundation. We make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of any information presented by individual authors and/or commenters on our blogs and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries or damages arising from its display or use.

We reserve the right to delete, edit, or alter in any manner we see fit blog entries or comments that we, in our sole discretion, deem to be obscene, offensive, defamatory, threatening, in violation of trademark, copyright or other laws, of an express commercial nature, or otherwise unacceptable.