Take a Guess in My Story

OH. MY. GOD!

From the vantage point I was standing, the view was breathtaking! The Giri river, the mountain and the forest. No way! I am taking permanent residence here.

However, that was a short-lived wish. On top of that, what a chatty driver! He just won’t be quiet.

Me

A musician it is. I have been performing little shows here and there. Nothing extraordinary, except that one time when I performed at the national level. During one such live events, I remember the joy of a child who was swinging enthusiastically from the Scroll of my sister’s violin. That was both hilarious and concerning as he was ‘dancing’ on my peppy melody. His doting parents were powerless to prevent him from either breaking my sister’s arm or her violin.

The turning point of my life came recently when I visited the Badrika Ashram last month. I could never have dreamt of making this trip or any other trip ever. This was the first time that I travelled internationally.

I always imagined meeting Swami Ji so many times, but this was to exceed all of my wildest expectations.

Meeting Him

The ashram was unusually quiet. Swami Ji was clad in an orange robe. His cryptic smile, shining eyes, thunderous voice and me sitting by his feet while he was playing the piano. The little creases on his robe from him sitting on his asana and the extraordinary perfume from Hari’s temple were overpowering. I was conflicted as to which perfume was coming from Swami Ji; it was floral, sweet, musky, yet distinct. Sadhvi Vrinda Ji was there as well, poised with a notebook on her arm, swaying to the tunes of Swami Ji, with her heart-melting smile and eyes closed, as if she had been transported to Vaikuntha.

With the crescendo of Ambe tune approaching its end , Swami Ji turned to me, “Would you like to perform for the musical event at the ashram?”

Me: 🤯🤯🤯 (shocked)

Swami Ji is smiling; his benevolent gaze upon me. He was revealing the secrets of the universe and my soul was taking in all of it. Sadhvi Vrinda Ji quietly jotted something in her notebook.

Swami Ji: “You must perform at the event, Sandeep. There will be renowned artists from all over India. It will be a learning experience for you.”

Tears were streaming down my face, I knew my stage fright will catch up with me. Yet He is with me, in thoughts, word and deed. When you have worked your whole life to see it culminate it as an offering to your Guru, you have achieved what 90% have yet to work for.