Dreams of Om Swami in My Story

“Believe in your dreams. They were given to you for a reason” – Katrina Mayer

Before we embark into the hall of dreams, a humble heartfelt request, to read this blog without any judgements, interpretations or criticism, as they may sound quite witty, weird or whimsical at times. They are dreams after all?!

Knowing (in my heart) that we all stand united under His umbrella, I am sure many of you may rejoice and/or relate to this description of dreams.

Enjoy the read!

Background

“Willbur, you should meet ‘Om Swami’ or atleast read his book ‘If Truth Be Told’. He is from Australia too”, said Neeta Singhal ji (owner of Rudra Centre aka Rudraksha-Ratna Science, Mumbai) during our lunchtime break and chat on 11th May 2015.

At the time, I was in Mumbai doing an international tour presenting my 2nd seminar on Rudraksha / Universal Laws at Neetaji’s Rudra centre. Same venue where Swamiji had launched His memoir earlier that year or before.

Being sceptical and curious at the same time, I decided to read Om Swamiji’s book ‘If Truth Be Told’ that weekend and I was not only hooked, absorbed, and obsessed with each page, but I ended up reading the whole book from start to finish as if I had completed a journey from birth to death in a lifetime. It felt surreal. It felt dreamlike. It was a complete shock to my belief system (More details in “Shiva to Om Swami” Part 2 blog here).

Since then, I have been silently following ‘Om Swami’ via you-tube videos and blogs etc (absolutely loved and miss the sound of the sonic bell at the beginning of all His old you-tube videos, do you?), but never got the opportunity to see or meet Him in person.

In hindsight, I so wish I had. I so wish I could turn back the wheels of time and meet Swamiji when He first arrived to Australia and to have followed Him on His journey to meet Mother Divine (Very lucky & blessed Swami Vidyananda Om ji).

But as they say in Hindi ‘waqt se pehle, aur naseeb se jyada, kisi ko kuch nahi milta’. (Translation – You never receive anything before its right time nor more than what is destined for you)

Fortunately, both, my waqt (time) and naseeb (destiny), changed with the the advent of my beloved daughter ‘Mairaa’ in 2019, who I believe may have facilitated the in-person meeting with ‘Om Swami’, as everything was so beautifully and divinely arranged for our trip to Towrang, on 24th August 2019. By the way, Mairaa was still in her mummy’s tummy back then (More details in “Shiva to Om Swami” Part 3 blog here).

I give this background because, it was only after Mairaa was born, that I started seeing Swamiji in my dreams, or should I say, Swamiji started visiting me in my dreams?! Well, what say, we embark into the hall of dreams and find out?

Let the Dreams Begin.

1st Dream – 25th December 2019 (Christmas eve)

I vividly remember this first dream of Swamiji where I was sitting on a kitchen floor (can’t remember the exact location) busy chopping onions and casually asking Swamiji a question on the mantra ‘Shreem’. He was standing a few steps away, clad in his orange cotton robe, with his hands folded and smiling as usual, just like the picture below.

Upon listening to my question, Swamiji jokingly (with his cute smile) said, “Hope the onions are not making you cry too much?”

I promptly replied in mixed Hindi / English, “Swamiji mei yaha puri zindagi pyaaz kaat lu, as long as you are here talking to us” (Translation – Swamiji I would sit here chopping onions all my life as long as you are here talking to us).

And we were all started laughing whole heartedly in my dreams. 🙂

Before, Swamiji could answer my question on the mantra ‘Shreem’, my little princess Mairaa woke me up for her night 3-4 a.m. feed (Mairaa was hardly 2.5 months then).

I was not sure what was the meaning of this dream but I was in utter bliss just seeing Him in my dreams and ecstatically shared this in our Black Lotus Sri Hari (Towrang, Australia) WhatsApp group the next day. (Actually, big thanks to WhatsApp that I could collate all of these dreams series and share it with you all)

See technology is not that bad after all. Just depends on how we use it, isn’t it?

2nd Dream – 5th January 2020 (Holidays End)

It was Sunday night, the last day of our Christmas break before we went back to work on manic Monday, when I distinctly remember having a conversation with Mahima, that 2019 was such an amazing year where we not only got married, but also found out that we were now going to be a team of three at Pavagadh, one of the Great holy Shakti Peethas.

And how everything was so divinely arranged for a weekend trip away in Canberra / Towrang, to meet Om Swamiji and how He consecrated our Rudrakshas and blessed her (Mahima) saying “Your baby girl is a beautiful soul. She is glowing” or something to those lines, which I don’t remember clearly but 100% Swamiji knew the gender of the to-be baby (More details in “Shiva to Om Swami” Part 3 blog here).

Anyways, with a grateful heart and a beaming smile, I laid in bed, bottle feeding and looking at my little angel ‘Mairaa’ putting her to bed.

I can’t remember when I fell asleep myself (ask any sleep deprived parents of a new-born). And in that sleep, I saw a message from Arvindji informing us about the short open window of registration for all those who are interested and/or seeking to be ‘Initiated by Swamiji’.

I registered at once filling in all details, in one go, in my mobile phone. Especially the last few questions where Swamiji asks ‘Your Expectations’ and ‘Level of Understanding’, to which I replied and mean it to the depths of my heart, even to this day.

I wrote / said “I have no expectations what so ever. I simply want to be like Arjuna surrendering to the grace of Krishna; who performs his karma to the end, never worrying about the results or consequences. I simply seek your grace, smile, and presence in our lives”.

Well, that’s what I felt I was writing / doing in my dreams. And when I woke up (again for Mairaa’s early morning feed), I really was not sure whether this was a dream or reality?

Upon checking my email later in the day, I received, a receipt of confirmation from Om Vedanandaji (PA to Om Swamiji).

You can imagine, how bewildered, confused, and disoriented I felt?! This incident was really spooky because I felt it was a dream, but it was not!

I possibly may have been in such a tired, dreamy, and drowsy state of mind, that I may have typed everything and couldn’t remember anything after? (Things, lack of sleep can do to your mind and body, especially when you are a parent to a new born).

Regardless of it being a dream or reality, I was really happy and desperately looking to be initiated by Swamiji. I told Mahima, that if I get selected by Swamiji, I would love to go to the ashram in India and she fully supported that. I was looking into airline tickets availability, staying, travel etc.

But who knew COVID was hiding in the corner of March 2020, only to smack us all in the face! Who else had their dreams crushed and heart broken knowing that the Ashram doors were closed due to COVID??

3rd Dream – 5th September 2020 (Australian Father’s Day)

It was a very emotional celebration of my very first ‘Father’s Day’ in Australia, and that night / early morning when I woke up to the blaring alarm of Mahima’s mobile, I was not sure if I was in two places at the same time or teleported from one time zone to another?

In my mind / dreams, I was at Church in my hometown of Baroda, where there were many dignitaries standing at the Church altar and amongst them was clad in spectacular white cotton clothing and robe, our beloved ‘Om Swamiji’.

I was initially very surprised and then overtaken by immense gratitude to see Swamiji at my ‘Rosary Church’, the same Church where I was baptised as a new born infant, growing up from a kid to a youth, attending and serving church ceremonies as an ‘Altar Boy’ and ‘Reader’ every Sunday, to finally immigrating and returning back after almost 15 years to get married in the same beautiful ‘Rosary Church’. Personally, a very special bond, connection, and place indeed for me.

In my dreams, I was seated in the front row looking at Swamiji, addressing the crowd and speaking on a subject which I can’t seem to recollect but what I vividly recollect is that after Swamiji finished the sermon, He rapidly exited the Church building, galloping away in His unique ‘Brisk Walking Style’ (For some that would be the pace of running).

Seeing nobody recognise Him nor gone to greet Him, I at once rushed outside the Church building and prostrated myself, falling onto His feet, crying (in tears of gratitude) saying “Prabhu!! Thank you for coming to my Church and speaking to all, but please forgive all these people as they do not know who You are”.

Swamiji lifted me by my shoulders, smiled, and said, “Don’t call me Prabhu (God). I am just a simple Guru who can only guide others”.

After saying this, Swamiji left towards the area of lunch and I bolted there to organise everything for Swamiji. But I did not see Him there; instead, I saw Him at a distance.

Swamiji was collecting his black ‘Hero Bi-Cycle’, ready to gallop onto it.

I again ran towards Him, saying “Prabhu where are you going?! Please don’t leave like this. Let me serve you some food at least. Please, please, please?!!” (I can still sense the pleading urgency and emotions while I type this).

But Swamiji said, “I need to be at my Ashram. There are many people waiting to eat with me. I need to get all the groceries too“.

Hearing this, I at once ordered and organised various groceries to be collected for Swamiji and fervently begged Him to take all the grocery for everyone in the ashram. And without haste, I got into my ‘Black GLA Benz’ to give Swamiji a ride to the ashram.

During the ride, I was constantly apologising on behalf of everybody in Church and as usual Swamiji politely nodded His head, calmly blinked His eyes with his cutest smile ever 🙂 (I am sure those that have seen him in person, know what I am talking about!).

And while we were driving, I heard the blaring alarm of my wife’s mobile go off (as she had an early start at the hospital) and my daughter Mairaa crying at the same time.

For a moment, I was not sure which, where or what was reality?! Was it with my eyes open or eyes closed?!

Dream or Reality, who knows?! All I know is that Swamiji, is always standing beside each of his devotee, holding His big beautiful Umbrella, nodding his head, calmly blinking his eyes, and adorning his cutest smile, ever, isn’t it? 🙂

P.S – On a side note, sharing a quick story of this ‘Black GLA Benz’:

As you can clearly see, the difference between Couple (Fit) Life vs Parent (Phat) Life. 🙂

And the Parent (Phat) Life meant, we had to quickly upgrade our C300 Coupe (sports car) to a family car very soon. Hence, the decision to buy this new AMG ‘Black GLA Benz’ on 5th October 2019 (my birthday) almost a week before Mairaa was to be born.

Driving, straight out Brompton (Benz Showroom), there were only 2 songs that have been playing non-stop whenever this car was/is in motion. First being the ‘Sri Vidya Mantra’ @ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_krJ4PcwVw and second being the ‘Sri Hari’s Aarti – Jaya Jaya’ sung by Om Swamiji Himself @ Towrang, on 24th Aug 2019.

I vividly remember, playing the Sri Vidya mantra and Sri Hari’s aarti, when we were bringing Mairaa back home from the hospital on 18th October 2019. It was heart-warming to see Mairaa sleep peacefully listening to Om Swamiji’s voice / Sri Hari aarti in the background.

Additionally, these 2 songs start my morning commute to work as well as Mairaa’s drive to childcare. She actually knows and recognises Om Swamiji’s voice so very well as she babbles in her 10-month-old baby language in the background.

No wonder, His energy is always present wherever His or Sri Mata / Sri Hari’s glories are sung and Him being present inside this car, in my dreams, makes total sense now while I write this. What do you think?

4th Dream – 12th October 2020 (Rudraksha Mala)

This was a very short, succinct, and brief dream where I saw Om Swamiji energising my Rudraksha mala in my dreams.

And the very next day in the evening (13th October 2020) while I was playing with Mairaa, she pulled my Rudraksha mala so hard that it snapped the Rudraksha mala from its ‘Panch Mukhi’ (5 faced) silver connections.

Unable to fathom or make sense as to why this incident may have occurred? On one hand, Swamiji blessing the Rudraksha mala and on the other hand, Mairaa breaking it?!

Seems like an oxymoron. Feel free to comment with your thoughts?

5th Dream – 5th October 2021 (My Birthday & Book)

Today was the day, that my book ‘Drops of Wisdom’s, writing journey almost came to an end (meeting the delivery deadline for my publisher) after the final lap of writing for over 16-20 hours each day for 3 weeks in a row.

An Honest Secret –

These last 3 weeks whilst intensely writing, I had the Ganesha Mantra – वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय: गणेश मंत्र (Vakratunda Mahakaya Ganesh Mantra) in Swamiji’s voice play continuously in the background. Instead of having Beethoven music to enhance my brain waves, what better music than Swamiji’s voice and chants?! Isn’t it?

I have even fell asleep numerous times writing on my study desk, with this mantra playing in the background, giving my subconscious mind, a divine chanting treat!

(Note: It sometimes strongly felt as if this book’s words were written and completed under the umbrella of Swamiji’s guidance. I may have been the instrument (flute), but the air was certainly blown by His Divine Grace.)

Coming back to the night of 4th October after all the midnight wishes from family, friends and Mahima, I went to sleep with a relieved peace of mind, thanking God & Swamiji for a) this amazing intense book writing ‘Sadhana’ completion and for b) 39 successful laps around the Sun.

And behold that night, I dreamt of Om Swamiji giving a beautiful discourse near the ghats of possibly Varanasi/Banaras and I was part of the organisation crew discussing with other religious leaders to hurry up before Swamiji comes on stage.

And there I stood in the background witnessing Swamiji deliver a beautiful sermon while I was watching Him speak. Again, it was only me and Him in the dream, even though it appeared that we were in a huge congregation. It’s weird to explain but I hope you get what I mean?!

The next day, when I woke up, I felt at absolute sense of peace, contentment and serenity. It felt that there is nothing more to ask, to do or to be. It felt like I was floating in an ocean of utter bliss, calmness and peace which surrounded me, on my birthday aka book delivery day.

The book ‘Drops of Wisdom’ is to be launched on 15th October 2022 – Mairaa’s 3rd Birthday. More about it in the next blog. In the meantime, let’s enjoy a glimpse of the book once again.

6th Dream – 10th February 2022 (Professional & Personal)

The last few months leading up to this date, was very hectic for me, both, professionally and personally.

Professionally, because being inspired by Swamiji’s ‘Walk The Dragon’ leadership / entrepreneurial course, I decided to transit from my cushy and comfortable Australian local government job as an ‘Environmental Health Officer’ into running my own Realty business (Anyone who has initiated a start-up or business would know what kind of stress I am talking about?). I am so very glad that I did take the leap of faith as well as get the opportunity to share with Swamiji in person later in July 2022 (Read blog ‘Blessed Beyond Belief’ here).

Personally, because due to COVID travel restrictions, my parents could not make it to Australia for my younger brother’s Catholic and Punjabi wedding in Adelaide, Australia. And hence all the arrangements fell upon my back which was getting tiresome mentally and physically. Plus, trying to juggle fulltime work, baby duties and domestic chores (there is no domestic help in foreign countries unlike India, where manual labour is taken for granted) etc.

In the midst of all this hectic chaos, the dream of Swamiji on 10th February 2022 seemed like the first drizzling shower of rain on my scorched and parched spirit, mind, and body.

I witnessed in that dream, Swamiji preaching at somebody’s house and there were very few people. My brother and me, were sitting on the floor while Swamiji was seated majestically like a ‘Lotus of Light’ on the couch, talking to us.

I don’t remember much from this dream but it was a very private meeting and close encounter.

May be, Swamiji came to bless my brother and me, before the big day? I don’t know, but what do you think?

7th Dream – 1st March 2022 (Night of Shiva)

This was the beautiful night of MahaShivratri.

Being an ardent, hardcore fan of Lord Shiva, I went away (after putting Mairaa to bed ofcouse), for the overnight Shivaratri puja & celebrations organised in Adelaide, South Australia. I was there from 11p.m. to 3:30 a.m. chanting, dancing, listening and performing Rudra abhishekam etc. It was a great fun night meeting like minded crazy devotees of Shiva.

Headed back home and sneaked into bed, with my little princess, who snuggled into me saying “Pappu where are you?” And asking for her milk feed.

After feeding Mairaa, I fell asleep in the wee hours of the morning, and suddenly slipped into dreaming that Om Swamiji has come to my ‘Rosary High School’ as a chief guest for our sports day function. I was leading the school parade and ran the 100m race coming first (Again, throughout schooling, I always excelled in sports playing for the State at National level).

After the function, Swamiji arrived in the principal’s office and was sipping ‘green tea’ from a white cup. I was standing there as well, as the Head Boy at the time (Actually, I was the Head Boy and Sports Captain during my schooling and here is a photo from that time).

Swamiji, then left the school venue to go to a camping ground where He wanted to be by himself. I gathered some students, to build a tent for Swamiji and we waited for further instructions. I couldn’t remember much after that.

Not sure what was the meaning of this dream, but having His Darshan on MahaShivratri was indeed a maha double dhamaka and I was floating on cloud 9 (if that ever exists) the whole day.

8th Dream – 18th April 2022 (Most Personal & Private)

I must admit that this dream was the most intimate, personal and private of all dreams, that I have ever dreamt of Om Swamiji and I only shared it with one another devotee named ‘Seemaji’ at the time, whom I knew would not judge me or my dreams. Thank you Seemaji for your unconditional and non-judgemental listening ears always.

This felt like a very prolonged dream, where I was at a double storey ashram and there were many people there. There was plenty of work to be done in preparation of a feast in the ashram and nobody was helping. They were all busy talking amongst themselves. I was busy cleaning and a bit angry at these visitors.

And while I was cleaning, I suddenly see Om Swamiji taking a mop stick in his hands and about to mop the floor.

I at once ran towards Swamiji, snatching the mop stick and insisting (almost arguing) with Him, requesting Him not to do that and give the mop stick to me.

After snatching the mop stick from Swamiji’s hand, I started crying profusely like a little child and fell at Swamiji’s feet.

Swamiji bend over and caressed my head, kissing my forehead, cheeks, and face while I was crying at his feet. He was very kindly and gently soothing me, just like a mother/father soothes her/his child when she/he cries.

That is all I remember when I woke up.

I somehow inherently feel and know that, He (Om Swamiji) hears our prayers and is watching over us. As spooky it may sound, but He knows our inner most feelings, thoughts, and devotion. There is nothing hidden from Him.

I have experienced this first-hand even before reading Dolly’s aka Ismita Tandon aka Sadhvi Vrinda Om’s book ‘Om Swami – As We Know Him’ (More about this book in part 2).

9th Dream – 30th April 2022 (Book’s Dedication Dream)

As I was saying in the last paragraph of the 8th Dream, “I somehow inherently feel and know that, He (Om Swamiji) hears our prayers and is watching over us. As spooky it may sound, but He knows our inner most feelings, thoughts, and devotion. There is nothing hidden from Him”.

This dream on the 30th of April 2022, was a living proof of that.

After, I received all the edits of my book and was asked to finally complete the ‘Dedication’, ‘Acknowledgement’ & ‘About the Author’ part of the book. I must say, I was really struggling with the ‘Dedication’ part.

For starters, who and how many people should I dedicate this book too? If I leave out someone or a few others, they (wife or parents or mentors etc) may dislike it. I didn’t want to bruise any ego’s if you know what I mean?

That night, I fervently prayed to Swamiji, letting Him know that I am an ignorant kid who knows nothing. Absolutely nothing!!

I do not know how to pray to God or how to pray to Him (Swamiji), as well as, do not know what is right or wrong for this book and its dedication page.

Just as, when a child cries and his/her mother knows’ what the child wants. I too am silently crying for your help and leave everything in your hands.

It was a one-sided conversation in silence. I only allowed my ‘bhav’ (emotions) to speak with no words uttered.

And behold! That night, Swamiji not only appeared in my dreams, but literally planted the exact succinct words I was looking to write in the dedication page of my book. Here is a snippet of that page.

10th Dream – 19th August 2022 (Janmashtami & Krishna Sadhana)

This was the 1st dream, post initiation. Prior to that, I believe I would give all credit to Mairaa as it was only after her advent both my waqt (time) and kismet (destiny) changed, isn’t it?

Who knows, it may be Mairaa’s innocence, love, or past lives connection, that may have made these dream visits possible? (No wonder Swamiji addressed Mairaa as an Angel during our second in-person meeting on 9th July 2022 – Read ‘Blessed Beyond Belief’ blog here).

Coming back to 19th August 2022. In this dream on the eve of Janmashtami (in Australia), I saw Swamiji arrive at my old childhood house in Nizampura, Baroda.

This is the same place where I did my childhood innocent ‘Shiva Tapasya’ sitting on top of the highest point of our tall building terrace, overlooking the whole city in the dark star-studded sky with the silvery moonlight shining on my body and surrounds (More details in “Shiva to Om Swami” Part 1 blog here).

In the dream, Swamiji was wearing his usual orange robe and since it was a small flat / house, there wasn’t much space to grandly welcome Him. But still I cleared the front room for Swamiji to sit.

I offered him chai and we talked about so many topics including tantra (I vaguely remember what else) and I asked Swamiji if he wanted to play chess? He said yes and I was arranging all pieces on the chess board (Chess was our favourite afternoon summertime activity back then apart from watching recorded BR Chopra’s Mahabharata episodes).

Below is a sample of a chapter called ‘Decision to Action’ in my book which adorns the game and move of ‘Chess’.

I can’t remember a lot now, but I strongly remember crying (can’t remember why either) and saying to Him, “Swamiji I don’t need to say anything, you know it all. You know my thoughts”.

P.S – On a side note: Shiva, Krishna & Tantra Sadhana

Knowing Swamiji was/is an authority on the science of Mantra and Meditation, when I first met Him in person, I asked Him about the correct pronunciation of the Mantra ‘Shreem’ & ‘Kleem’, as I was always curious about ‘Beej Mantra’s’ and its usage since childhood.

Being prompted by the Sadhana App (The best thing that’s ever happened to ‘Hinduism’ in the modern era, since the advent of technology) on 8th August 2022, to start the ‘Krishna Tantra Sadhana’, I at once, jumped on the opportunity to put into practice, both, the mantra ‘Kleem’ as well as follow instructions given by Swamiji when He initiated me. Two in one. 🙂

Seeing Swamiji (in my dreams) on the eve of Janmashtami, at the same place where I first started my childhood innocent ‘Shiva Tapasya’, MAY be a beautiful amalgamation of Krishna & Shiva, with Swamiji giving me an indication/nod that I am on the right path of my Sadhana. I don’t know, I am only guessing. What are your thoughts and comments?

Conclusion

Apologies for the longest blog ever! And sincerely a massive ‘Thank you’ for your time and patient reading.

As I mentioned in the beginning I know (in my heart) that we all stand united under His umbrella, and I am sure many of you may rejoice and/or relate to this description of dreams. Feel free to share your own experiences / dreams too in the comments section below.

The answers as to why Swamiji visits us in our dreams lies in Part 2 (coming soon).

Until next time.