Vellore and Thiruvallur 18th October 2024

The following morning saw Daaji rise early to meet more practitioners who with eager hearts had gathered at the hotel to greet him before he left for the venue. The day began with a group meditation, where Daaji, with his signature calm, shared what he had felt during the meditation in his heart. He beautifully explained how once we begin our yogic practice, it is crucial to bring it to completion. Often, it is the unfinished tasks that leaves us with the trauma of regret and guilt, which can be practically impossible to erase.

His thoughts flowed like a calm river carrying a deep current of spiritual insight. Leading a holistic lifestyle has been a central theme in Daaji’s talks and work. He emphasized the importance of working on ourselves, making sure not to leave anything unfinished: for a sincere yogi, it is important to note that doing the right thing is a triumph, but neglecting to do the right thing at the right moment can be far more detrimental to one’s spiritual progress.

The essence of Heartfulness is to live without creating unnecessary samskaras or mental impressions that weigh us down on our spiritual journey. Akarma, which translates from Sanskrit as action performed with pure love and without attachment, is the ideal state for a spiritual aspirant. The riddles of life – what to do, what not to do, and how to live in the best way – were unraveled by Daaji with ease, making the profound seem simple and achievable.

Daaji spoke about the need for self-restraint and how living a life absorbed in divine remembrance can reduce the need for the evening Heartfulness Cleaning practice. When we are truly absorbed in the presence of the Divine, we think and perform actions without creating new imprints on our consciousness. This intensity of practice can help us lead a life of inner peace and harmony.

Before leaving, Daaji said that he would have stayed a few days longer if he could have. However, he promised to return soon. He shared how a spiritual guide finds joy in being with sincere and absorbing hearts, ready to deepen their practice and apply the teachings of Heartfulness in their daily lives.

On his way, Daaji made a surprise visit to a Heartfulness trainer’s sari shop. By the time he reached Thiruvallur, Chennai had recovered enough from the heavy rains, and preparations were in full swing to receive him. Interestingly, the rain seemed to follow him, pouring down in Hosur and Vellore after his departure, as though nature itself was in tune with the spiritual energy he emanates. Several thousand practitioners from nearby centers had gathered there, their hearts open and ready to receive their beloved guide.

After entering the cottage, Daaji went to his room for a quiet moment to offer prasad. [Sweets offered with an attitude of reverence and in remembrance of the Divine. The sweets are divinized by this infusion of love and reverence, creating an osmosis between what is offered and the one to whom it is being offered.]   

After the prasad was distributed, the practitioners made their way to the hall for a meditation session while Daaji took some much-needed rest. Over high tea, Daaji met with a few practitioners, before making his way to inaugurate the Heartfulness International School in Thiruvalllur. 

This special moment was marked by the first official admission to the school, which was performed by Daaji personally. He then conducted another group meditation in the main hall, followed by a lively and engaging interaction with the practitioners gathered there. Later during dinner, Daaji met with more practitioners before retiring for the night.