my breath went out of control and my mind started to take control over me
it made me restless.in lethargy
somehow i tried to connect to my deeper self..and i asked my beating heart
what is it... that it misses...
then i lengthen my breath- breathing in deeply, while at the same time mentally connect to my heart
in my mind, came a mental projection of India - i can see & feel the flowing Ganges (Ganga Maa) river and witness the other beauty that lies deeply in India
and how i long to be back to India again...
I really wish I could-intensely
One day..it shall be...
now it is just about a struggle: me and this little anxiety of mine..on this earth plane
have you ever watched this wonderful movie AWAKE: The Life of Yogananda?
It is a great biopic (released in US year 2014) on the much respected yogi,Paramahansa Yogananda-author of the Autobiography of a Yogi.
The movie eventually depicts his quest for enlightenment and sharing his struggles along the path.
It is an eye-opener, even the heart!
actually..i have always been wanting to watch this movie for quite some time
but
due to some copyright or country restriction issue,it is not viable to be watched online in this country
initially,i got it once-but not for long though...
after many efforts for the movie,i went quiet on it
instead, i got back to my continuation of Autobiography of a Yogi reading,in few attempts too
and to humbly share a few meaningful events which took place during my reading - i was blessed with the greatest opportunity to visit Paramahansa Yogananda's house in Kolkata
it was not an easy one - but i guess if it is meant to happen,it will (even through hardship)
We(me & my friend) are blessed to make our way to Yukteswar Giri ashram in Serampore,Paramhansa Yogananda uncle's house and many other divine holy places.
Hence,our Ganga Yatra (Sept 2016) is blessed by Paramahansa Yogananda & the other Divine Masters..
And lately,after many trials...i came to complete my reading on "Autobiography of a Yogi"
personally- it was like a wonderful achievement,more alike Sadhana which at first, i almost gave up
and i got back to the book (few times) after long gaps - especially the part where Yogananda meets his Guru,Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri
and with the yatra which i went lately,it somehow boosts up my reading (yes,challenges still came by through delays)
also with my last clinic visit - i happened to be at the final chapter of the book and my doctor's sharing gave another dosage of boost
added with the amazing opportunity to go to KL SRF was truly an amazing blessing too :)
thus life unfolds,mystically..significant events came by,one after another
and finally - i have come to the completion of the book.
it was not that easy-but it was of great worth
and yes - next, i get to watch the movie
how greatly rewarding it is
it was indeed a rare opportunity
the movie left me in tears.deeply affecting me..
and i pondered ,rightafter...
why after a long time - i get to watch the movie?
and i think i got the answer too
maybe i am meant to watch the movie after i complete my reading
to upkeep the flow which also requires the discipline
that pretty much sums up to an ultimate understanding of : things will come/happen at the right timing
i guess the divine wants me to complete my reading and then flow with the rest
how nice... :)
and i also believe - when one goes through challenges or hardship to attain/achieve something..it becomes a sadhana...and upon achieving it through hardship,the feel would be of different.
it will be more appreciated and yet precious,that you value it more.
with that, i am counting & cherishing my blessings-day by day
may the Divine be with me...
and here they are the links of the movie,incase if you are keen to watch it..when the time comes...
1) http://vidzi.tv/9ln8wp7j4aet.html#close (please ensure that you crossout the "x" on the video link, then you will be able to see the full thumbnail view of the movie, and then click on the Play button)
Finally, i managed to finish reading the book :Autobiography of a Yogi (14/11/2016) ,after many trials.
brought the book along, during Kolkata trip (2016)
Upon the completion of my reading - I would also like to associate this blog posting with my personal experience that connects to Paramahansa Yogananda
i had a clinic visit yesterday (Nov 14,2016) and it has brought me more insights on Yogananda ji as well the other divine beings : Kriya Babaji,Lahiri Mahasaya, Yukteswar Giri.
My doctor shared quite a lot of info, on these: Shambhavi Mudra, Bhramari Mudra, Kriya, Sahasrara, Anahata etc.
Dr.Soma has the keen interest in sharing about spiritual matters; based on his experience & reading.
hence my medication prescription - usually comes with spiritual sharing,most of the time.
And to add in,lately i was given the opportunity to go to SRF KL (for the first time) which is located in Kuchai Lama.
It was a great opportunity (as I have wondered earlier where the center is,in KL) & for that ,I would need to personally thank Anand Paranjothy for the kind consideration to invite me for the Monastic Tour led by Self-Realization Fellowship monks from 3rd of November to 6th of November 2016.
I joined one of the session on the 3rd Nov,2016-which is consist of meditation & satsang conducted by monks from US & Australia.
It was indeed a hearty moment - whereby I learnt new things & very much happy that I came across it,happened to experience it.
too precious for me.a personal & humbling experience.
In the satsang,the monk mentioned some stories on spiritual perseverance using examples such as
glass cleaning (window),butter churning & the house builder.
The stories were so good - left a mental imprint on devotion,in me.
i felt so wonderful.
another interesting part is that i learnt are the prayers/chants (also affirmations).and also how to send out the healing energy.
one of the prayer of the Divine Mother ,which have been mentally captured is , as below (more or less):
"Divine Mother... Thou art my life Thou art my goal Thou are the sweetness Which I will seek"
Pardon me - if at all ,it is incomplete or manipulated by any way.
As this is just my rough capturing out of the vocal chanting during the session.
To conclude - below are the many interesting findings/encounter during the visit to KLSRF and how fortunate am i for all of these:
As I was doing a research on an upcoming Yathra I came across a very remarkable quote spoken by Yukteswarji It caught my attention and here I am sharing it out - hoping that others can be enlightened too
"Forget the past. The vanished lives of all men are dark with many shames. Human conduct is ever unreliable until man is anchored in the Divine. Everything in future will improve if you are making a spiritual effort now."
Sri Yukteswar Giri : Yoga Master of Paramahansa Yogananda.
Aug 25, 2016 - the joyous day of celebrating Little Krsna's appearance...
On this very good day itself a lot of good things came by to me
Flourishing...
During the day,the good news of an accomodation confirmation came by from an ashram (upcoming journey),
also got an unexpected generous gift by a good friend..to replace a damage.how kind & thoughtful of her.
and due to that,it is also the start of a new discovery for me.need to get into learning mode.
The evening of this day,was a little hectic but very productive - with 1 Odissi replacement class & another Odissi dance practice (upcoming show) back-to-back
After refreshing myself - I head on to Shanta Mandir, to catch up with the Krsna Janmashtami prayer that starts from 10pm up till midnight. Upon reaching the mandir,it was just nice to catch up with the milk abhisegham of Krsna.
And there I came across many cute little Krsnas & even Radha / Gopis ,where the little ones adorned with costumes & adornments ..
they caught many attention - roaming about in their innocence and excitement/wonder
Well how nice,is that...
Also during the prayer, there is a beautiful aradhana - dance offering by the TFA dance students
It is a warm dance of Lord Krsna & with the Gopis (a small snippet below)
It was lovely that the song is so soothing & so loving.
And right at midnight , the prayer came to it's end enveloped with bhajan sung by Swamiji (Aadugindran Ennul Paadugindran Ananda Radhaiyudhan) as well the Manggala Arathi.
In whole,it was truly a blissful experience & wonderful to be hearing Swamiji's loving voice- throughout the mantras,hymn,chants, bhajans.
Krsna becomes the highlight ~ as He looked enigmatic & charming on his birthday - shown in the images,below..
Lets all be drenched in the love of divine devotion.
The thirst shall never be quenched, towards eternity.
Ever flourishing as Karuna Sindhu..the Ocean of Mercy/Compassion..
as I was walking home after work, I came across two men whom themselves are strangers to each other.
One of them is a homeless man & another is a foreigner who seemed to look like a man of profession.
I noted them, I stopped & watched.
The foreigner was kneeling down towards the homeless man (Malaysian) who is seeking shelter under a posh residence, and giving him some stuffs while politely speaking to him.
From his accent - I knew he is an African by his Origin..
and after he is done - he was walking towards my path.
I did not think twice - spontaneously started a conversation
I asked if he helped the homeless man
He said "Yes" and humbly shared on what he have got for the homeless uncle : Mat, thick blanket, toiletries, new shirt, food etc
I was very impressed & greatly inspired
Such generosity - too precious.
heartwarmed.. i requested him to keep up the good job
for being such a selfless soul
and we kept on walking together while we had a little chat
he introduced himself as Matthias & shared that he is from Tanzania
and so did I, in return
and soonafter, we parted our ways.
It was such a good wrapup for the day
to witness such loving kindness.
have you ever wondered or come across this? the person that you love , whom you had a wonderful bond with - one day..changes,turns away from you - leaving you...
Heartbreaking.it is. even worse , when they leave you with no closure.no goodbye. in this life one thing for sure, as we all know : nothing is of certain or permanent the person that you used to know - (may) become a stranger one day just like nature - ever changing,so is human. Change is inevitable. but love never changes. Only ego,ignorance clouds it.misguiding it So if you were to ever face any loss. nothing more can be done, they may or never come back - you can mourn for their loss (for a while) yes - it is okay to cry.. and then, you are just good to go - move on, carry on - gently Letting go is never easy but you can make it so by just putting in your thoughts & effort it will come to you.flow with it. I am still finding my way,though...
after being drowned - an absence of 3 years (of blogging) - here I am
to bloom & keep blooming
the few rustic years of being away , has been a phase of trials in letting go
after a fall ..it is time to get up, rise & walk
to keep walking...
walk on & move on..
with this - here is a soulful song of my current favourite with meaningful,lovable lyrics
dedicating to those who are silently going thru the trials & tribulations of moving on ; depression, losing someone dear, in need of a different perspective in life,etc
time to face the reality : loss & change, are inevitable
it is Okay to feel gloomy,in the blues - eventually this too shall pass, as nothing is permanent
so embrace the lovable you (yourself) & have a great life ahead