Mysore and Hosur 16th October 2024

The Heartfulness ashram in Mysore, with its serene gardens and peaceful atmosphere, provided a perfect backdrop for a spiritually rich exchange. The verdant landscape of the ashram embodies a sanctuary of tranquility, where the calmness of nature blends seamlessly with the meditative silence within. The gentle hum of nature, the soft breeze, and the quiet corners invite seekers to dive deeper into their inner stillness. It's a place where the heart, embraced by the spiritual fragrance of peace, feels at home.

The next day, after a meditation session at 7:30 am, Daaji revisited the important question from the previous day, focusing on the distinction between Heartfulness prayer and Heartfulness meditation. His insights shed light on deep spiritual concepts that provide correct guidance on our journey of self-realization.

The practice of Prayer as prescribed in the Heartfulness way involves humbly submitting our current state to the Divine presence, acknowledging our imperfections before the Perfect Being. It reflects duality, which is referred to as the Dvaita Bhav in Sanskrit, where the devotee recognizes his/her state of being separate from the Divine.

In the Heartfulness prayer, we express ourselves and seek divine assistance to achieve our ultimate goal: becoming perfect, like the Master. As we move forward in our spiritual journey, our experience evolves from duality into what is known in Sanskrit as the Advait Bhaav (Non-Duality), where the perceived separation between ourselves and the Divine begins to dissolve.

While practicing Heartfulness meditation, our focus shifts toward the presence of the Divine in our heart, and eventually, only the Divine remains.  The ultimate aspiration is to reach Samadhi, a state where neither the individual nor God remains, but everything merges into an Absolute Void. This state signifies the end of all differentiation, the essence of pure oneness.

Shortly after this enlightening talk, Daaji departed from Mysore and traveled to another campus of Heartfulness in Bengaluru called CREST (Center for Research, Education, Sadhana and Training) for a short visit. Upon his arrival, he had lunch and took a brief rest. He instructed Sister Teja Reddy to conduct the group meditation for all the practitioners present there. 

As Daaji's journey through Karnataka came to a close, there was a silent reflection on the secret spiritual garden within our hearts, lovingly tended with care and devotion. This inner garden holds the promise of a bountiful harvest—a spiritual life rich in purpose, fostering a deep connection to the Divine. May we all continue to nurture this garden, allowing its fragrance to spread throughout the world. In its quiet beauty, we find strength and solace, even amidst life's inevitable storms, staying connected through Heartfulness meditation practices.

It was with hearts brimming with anticipation and love that the practitioners of Tamil Nadu eagerly awaited the arrival of Revered Daaji. Having last graced them with his presence in 2019, Daaji’s visit was long awaited, and the air was charged with a palpable sense of excitement and devotion. The practitioners were ready to experience the profound peace and transformation that comes with his presence. However, the heavens seemed determined to test their patience. Chennai was experiencing heavy downpours, with roads flooding and trains being cancelled. Yet, just as the weather began to calm, so did the hearts of the practitioners. Their inner longing for Daaji was about to be fulfilled by his arrival.

Despite the many twists and turns that arose along the way, Daaji finally made his way to Tamil Nadu. A few devoted practitioners eagerly awaited him at the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border, near the Attibele checkpost, hoping for even a fleeting glimpse of their beloved Master. Even as his large Volvo car sped past, their determination and love allowed them to catch up and lead the way for the convoy of cars to the Hosur ashram.

The Hosur ashram, nestled in serene surroundings, is a beautiful reflection of the simplicity and spiritual depth found in all Heartfulness ashrams. The ashram, with its lush green surroundings and tranquil meditation hall, provided the perfect sanctuary for this blessed occasion. It felt as if Nature itself had joined the hearts of the practitioners in welcoming Daaji.

Despite his hectic travels across Karnataka, Daaji spent time meeting and engaging with the practitioners who had patiently waited to welcome him. His presence brought a deep sense of fulfillment to those who had yearned for his company, his wisdom, and the opportunity to meditate under his guidance.

Among the visitors was Mr. Vinayagam, one of the founders of Chennai Silks. Daaji, with his characteristic grace and humility, spent time with everyone, personally greeting them with warmth. After these loving exchanges, he took a brief rest before preparing for the evening meditation.