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By Gilles V. - Grenoble, France
[See also his personal journal entry here]
Satnam Swamiji,
Thank you deeply for so many mystical and mythical discoveries unearthed during this pilgrimage. My mind is ever floating between Varanasi and Grenoble now...
A big hug,
Dadaji
By Rafael Q. - Lima, Peru
Beloved Swamiji,
As many of the pilgrimage participants may have already told you, the Mahabharata Pilgrimage was for me a totally TRANSFORMING EXPERIENCE. I felt that all the efforts of the last years had crystallized during this 3 weeks and at the same time had received a deep purification.
I was reading one of Swami Sivananda’s book and I found this thought that I think applies to our eternal pilgrimage:
“Life is a journey from impurity to purity, from hatred to cosmic love, from death to immortality, from imperfection to perfection, from slavery to freedom, from diversity to unity, from ignorance to eternal wisdom, from pain to eternal bliss, from weakness to infinite strength. Let every thought take you nearer to the Lord, every thought further your evolution”.
God bless you always for allowing us to participate in this heart-touching and life-transforming experience. As I told you before, every piece of it was great and divine.
Love, love, love...
Namaskar Swamiji
Rafaelito
By Julie A. - Maryland, USA
Dearest Swamiji,
Thanks for the Mahabharata information, for all your work and dedication to this pilgrimage, for your incredible patience with us and for your enlightening instructions, and most of all, for your infinite love to your many children. I feel that we are so blessed just to have you around us and drink knowledge at your feet. There is not a single day that goes by that I don't think about the many teachings during our short weeks in the pilgrimage. It will be a long time before this soul can process the subtleties of the experience.
We traded our physical comforts for the unequalled opportunity to watch our egos in action. I have learned so much just by observing myself and others in this close contact. Finding pure kindness in some of our companions was an incredible treasure for me, better than finding a diamond mine. Rare as it is, you have a better chance to find it in a pilgrim's heart. For this reason alone, I will probably continue signing in for future pilgrimages.
From all the places we have visited, none has made a stronger impression in me than the city of Varanasi. I don't really understand why but my mind keeps thinking about it, to a point that I may have to go back and stay a little longer next time. Maybe something will be revealed in time. It is really nothing in particular, just the feeling that when we were there, everything felt lighter, unlike other places, almost as if Varanasi was suspended between heaven and earth. Does that make any sense to you? Did Swamiji felt it too?
Will be in touch. I will read the Mahabharata again, this time, with different eyes.
Humbly,
Julie
By Monica and Ruben D. - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hi my beloved Swamiji,
Ruben and I would like to thank you for all your kindness and for spoiling us in your beautifull and unforgettable pilgramage. As a couple and as individuals it was a unique experience, we grew spiritualy, shared, learned and really enjoyed your company and the group. This was one of the things in life that we could have NEVER done before if you had not organized it -- because it is only in Baba and you that we have entrusted our spiritual development.
When you come again to Buenos Aires we will talk more about it. But really thanks!!!
Monica and Ruben
By Elisabeth H. - Maryland, USA
Dear Swamiji,
Thank you so much for this wonderful pilgrimage. I feel very blessed for having been a part of it.
The highlights of this trip, for me were Haridwar, Gangotri, Badrinath and Varanasi. I particularly liked Gangotri, and I would have liked to spend a few more days there, just meditating in the many holy
spots. We wouldn't have had to do anything, just being there in the holy vibration. I liked the beauty of the mountains and the peaceful
surroundings as opposed to Delhi or the crowded streets of Vindravan. These mountains brought the bhakti in me. But having said that, I am glad I was able to experience everything because that is what India is all about.
I enjoyed very much the time spent at the Sivananda Ashram in Uttarkashi and Rishikesh, and visiting the Hariharananda ashram as well. I am having difficulties recalling in my mind all the temples we have seen, even the hotels/Ashrams, because they were so many, even though I took notes. I would have liked to have more time dedicated to meditation and discussions, but that was not possible because of the travel time spent in the bus.
You have opened my eyes and I definitely will go back to India. I plan on going back to reading the Mahabharata and study it further. Suresh' group wants Julie and I to give them a little presentation on the trip. I am putting together the best of all the pictures for the presentation and it is not easy to be selective because we have 700 pictures between the two of us.
Your next pilgrimage sounds very interesting and I probably will go and I am sure other Kriya group members will want to go after they hear all about our trip.
Thank you very much, Swamiji, and God bless you.
Elisabeth
By Angel P. - San Juan, Puerto Rico
Beloved Swamito,
Om namo narayanaya. Greetings from the Enchanted Island. It is with deepest joy that I am writing this little message. First of all, thanks for organizing such an incredible journey. My heart is filled with such an inmense joy, that it's hard to described it. I can't think of anything to improve the pilgrimage program except to make it longer!
I think of all the great souls like yourself who embarked in such an extraordinary task around the whole country, without the comforts that we had, that it's almost like cheating. It's such an experience that one wishes it could never end. I have no words to describe the changes inside me. There are so many things changing around me! Every aspect of my life is affected by it. For me its always difficult to write to you, but since the pilgrimage its even more difficult. It's like there are so many things to say... but at the same time nothing at all. Your divine presence and Baba's and the gurus' is more evident in every breath, in every action, in every thought. It's the same
experience as when I took initiation in Kriya several years ago but multiplied thousands of times.
I can't wait to share with you again in December. May the
blessings of God and Gurus be with you always.
Humble,
Angel
By Gertrudis R. - San Juan, Puerto Rico
My holy incarnation of joy,
In general for me the pilgrimage was wonderful. I cannot point out little things like the lack of hot water in cold climates, or the difficulty in finding hygienic restrooms etc. as strong or weak points. All depend of our birthplace to see with the real eye and appreciate this unique opportunity to transform any stone in the way in a step of ascension and take advantage of it for my spiritual growth. We need to learn to sacrifice our comfort to achieve our goals. As Lord Jesus said "The gate is very narrow and only a few will enter.” So as seekers of Truth we need to be aware of those little things that push us out of the way.
One thing to review for the next pilgrimage (in India) is the estimate of travel time, so that we can make better use of our time on spiritual activities instead of spending so much time on the road... This is not a critique Swamito... just my personal observation.
The most important point to remark was your unconditional love, always doing the most you can to please all with the same joy all the time. Even in the middle of many difficulties. This is real Love that really touched my heart very deeply. This was the love I perceived when I meet you the first time that inspire me to take initiation in Kriya Yoga, undoubtedly this love only come from God.
Thank you very much Swamito to be the most pure channel of Love, and teach me how to surrender myself to God and let he make me a prolongation of his Love.
My gratefulness from the deepest of my heart for your loving and joyful dedication to rebuild the kingdom of God.
God bless you eternally,
I humbly bow to your pure and innocent soul,
With ceaseless love,
Mamita
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