Swami Ashokananda.

[Guest guest]

Dear Jay,

 

Thank you so much for keeping me on the Swami Ashokananda pipeline of your

news group! I was thrilled to read Prakash's email regarding the various

accounts of Swami's initiation by Swamiji...whatever the circumstances and

nature of this initiation, it is clear to me that this was a real

occurrence,

because to hear Swami Ashokananda speak and to be in his presence was to

have

Swami Vivekananda vividly manifested. He used to pace up and down while

lecturing...the image was of a magnificent lion...full of truth and power.

And yet so loving and loveable, gracious and utterly natural.

 

I forwarded Prakash's email to Sister Gargi... Yes, I believe she is

writing a biography or memoirs of Swami Ashokananda. And yet, his

relationship with each of his students was utterly unique....he seemed able

to look deep into the core of each one and teach & touch each one according

to his or her deepest nature. Some he kept on a " short leash " , others he

gave permission to roam freely. Who can fathom such a soul?

The portrait of him in Six Lighted Windows is most excellent, capturing

some of his unique method of training his students. I am glad you have this

book in London. For a number of years, his students were regarded somewhat

as fanatics, as overly involved in " guru worship " . It is soothing to the

heart to know that others, who did not have the opportunity to encounter

him,

are responding to his teachings and his vision.

 

All blessings to you,

 

Mkewbird