Swami Chidananda

[Guest guest]

Today (Sept. 24) is the holy occasion of worshipful

Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj's 91st birthday

anniversary.

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The Voice of Reality

by Swami Gurudevananda

 

In June of 1970, with permission given by Swami Chidanandaji, I

joined him in Los Angeles, California. It was a week filled with

heavenly satsangs, lectures and a weekend retreat. I was, also, to

meet with him to discuss his upcoming visit to our Branch in

Harriman, New York. As time ran out, we never had our meeting, so

Swamiji suggested that I join him on the flight to San Francisco. It

was very exciting for me to have the opportunity to spend time alone

with Swamiji, and to possibly be able to serve him.

 

As the time of our departure neared, my mind became very restless

and started jumping from thought to thought, losing all focus. I

stood there numb, just watching the scene as the devotees took leave

of him. It was the usual chaos of loving affection and emotional

goodbyes. While this was going on, I could not function, not even to

hold on to the things he had given me to carry for him. My mind was

preoccupied with thoughts like, " What will happen if he misses the

plane? Will I have to go on by myself, missing my precious time with

him? " Previously, Swamiji had told me that he would select a date

for my Mantra Initiation. All of this could now change or possibly

never manifest if Swamiji were to miss his plane.

 

As I was wrapped in these thoughts of negativity, Swamiji suddenly

turned towards me and spoke with a stern voice: " Stop feeling

anxious, thinking that I may miss the plane. Be peaceful and calm! "

His strong command shook me up and awakened me from my stupor. I

realised the enemy of my mental equilibrium was a collection of

tendencies developed during years of struggle, insecurities and

preoccupation with worldly thoughts that had produced a mind

agitated with self-centred concerns. Swamiji immediately pointed out

to me, through his interjection, that desire and dissatisfaction are

born of mental assumptions that are essentially false.

 

With this realisation, I experienced a sense of harmony around me

filled with a love for the others and a deep serenity for the

situation at hand. This liberation from selfish concerns brought

back my equipoise and stability, freeing me from habitual worries.

It was a worthwhile lesson, one that would protect me in my future

undertakings.

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