Once I started going deeper into the physical practice of yoga several years ago , I began to look for a real guru , a teacher who would embody all the traditional knowledge & wisdom , who would have all the answers.
It came to a point that I thought I would have to embark on a pilgrimage to India , like many a seeker before me , to find Guru.
And as an old Indian adage phrases it ," When the student is ready , the teacher appears. " In this instance, I am doubly blessed , as I first found my traditional teacher 3 years ago , here in Santa Monica , & my spiritual master during Gaura Purnima , at the LA Dham.
All this without having to travel to India ( My teachers do want me to make the trip soon ).
From my Spiritual Master , Maharaja , I am learning Bhakti Yoga & Seva , devotional & unconditional service. As he mentioned to us during our Holiday darshan with him yesterday , " Whenever you need to make or come to a decision , think about how its outcome will benefit the majority ,contribute to the the greater good ." Wise words indeed to keep to heart as we endeavor to live in this Material World.
Today I had the annual Holiday lunch with my teacher , Jorgen C. , who I fondly call Babaji. Through him, I have imbibed the love for the tradition & culture of Mother India. The rasa of his Sadhana , the respect for the teachings of his Guru & its parampara , have been invaluable.
Prior to his departure for India tomorrow , he gave me a special gift. An enamelled box containing the bark of a tree from a forest in Vrindavan & clay from the fields of Kurukshetra , relics / mementos he has cherished since one of his 1st trips to India 20 years ago.
And as I mentioned to Lila Padma in the car after lunch today , these are the teachers who are keeping me on track , who keep the inspiration going towards continued transformation. Jai !
