Into another lifetime....

On November 23rd, we were in Delhi to attend the wedding of the daughter of two close friends. We arrived at the venue on time and were delighted to reconnect with familiar faces. As we exchanged greetings, the bride’s father suggested to my husband that he should have a ‘safa’ tied. The safa, a traditional Indian wedding turban—is a long piece of cloth elegantly wrapped around the head.  

I watched as my husband sat on a chair, and a young man began the intricate process of tying the safa. In the meantime, I saw the bride’s mother, walked over to congratulate her, and we shared a few pleasantries. A few minutes later, I decided to return to my husband. But when I looked at the chair, another man was sitting there, and confusion struck me.  

The tying process couldn’t have been completed so quickly, and yet, my husband was nowhere to be seen. Scanning the hall, I couldn’t locate him. Then, my gaze returned to the man on the chair, and to my surprise, it was indeed my husband. Yet, he looked so different. As I locked eyes with him, I felt an inexplicable pull—a wave of recognition—and in an instant, I was transported into another lifetime. 

A Spontaneous Recall

Since beginning my journey with past-life regression therapy in 2008, I have been blessed with the ability of spontaneous recall. In certain places or with certain people, glimpses of my past lives arise unbidden, like faint memories returning to consciousness. That evening, standing in the wedding hall, I was overcome by one such vision. 

I saw a life we had shared in North India, possibly Rajasthan. He was my husband then too—a prominent man, perhaps a merchant or someone in the king’s court. As the vision unfolded, vivid scenes began to take shape in my inner mind.  

I saw him arriving home late at night, handing me his turban. I, dressed in a sari with my head modestly covered, welcomed him, offering water and then serving dinner. I sat beside him, fanning him as he ate. Later, as he lay down to rest, I massaged his feet, easing the day’s strain so he could sleep soundly.  

The Emotional Aspect

While the scenes themselves were familiar—stories we’ve read or watched in movies—the emotional experience they carried was overwhelming. I felt, with raw intensity, the emotions of that lifetime. There was fear and reverence for my husband but no sense of individuality, no identity of my own. I was simply “the wife of so-and-so.”  

What struck me most was the absence of love as I understand it in this lifetime. Instead, I felt a deep anxiety: “What if something happens to him? If he dies, what will become of me?” My very existence revolved around his survival.  

Women as Inferior Beings  

In that life, girls were raised with the singular purpose of becoming good wives. Women were considered inferior beings, subservient and dependent. This conditioning was ingrained so deeply that it shaped every thought, every action. As I relived those moments, the weight of those emotions became almost unbearable. 

For the remainder of the wedding, I avoided eye contact with my husband. It wasn’t until the safa was removed that the intense memories subsided, and I felt grounded in the present once more. 

Illusion – The Projection of Mind (माया - मन से आया )

The world we perceive with our senses is often referred to as an illusion, or Maya. The deeper truths that lie beyond this veil of illusion cannot be comprehended through the faculties of the mind and intellect alone. Understanding the existence of a realm beyond this perceived reality is purely experiential and requires years—often lifetimes—of disciplined training, self-study, and intense sadhana. Ultimately, it is the inner Guru that illuminates this path of realization.

Ashtanga Yoga

When we identify solely with the physical body and accept the material world as the ultimate truth, it becomes nearly impossible to catch even a fleeting glimpse of the esoteric dimensions beyond. Few individuals feel drawn to embark on this transformative journey. For those who are, the eightfold path of Ashtanga Yoga serves as a structured and essential roadmap, demanding commitment and unwavering discipline.

Clearing the cluttered mind

As our perpetually cluttered minds begin to clear through dedicated sadhana, a faint glimmer of inner light emerges. This light, subtle yet profound, becomes our guide as we delve deeper into self-study and daily meditation. Over time, it leads us toward the ultimate knowledge—an understanding that transcends intellectual reasoning and can only be directly experienced.

                                                             Our cluttered mind

                                                              Starting uncluttering

                                                                   Glimmer of light

Such awareness is deeply personal and cannot be transferred to another; it must be discovered individually. Consequently, attempts to persuade others about the existence of a reality beyond their conditioned minds are often futile. Engaging in arguments serves no purpose. Instead, we should approach others with compassion, recognizing that we too have traversed the same stage of unawareness.

All we can do is silently offer our prayers to the Higher Forces, seeking their blessings to guide others toward their own awakening, when the time is right.

 

References:

1.       https://www.yogajournal.com/yoga-101/philosophy/8-limbs-of-yoga/eight-limbs-of-yoga/

 

 

 

Ganesh Chaturthi and Lord Ganesha’s Eyes

This year, Ganesh Chaturthi was on September 7th, 2024. As part of my daily routine, I usually wake up before Brahma Muhurta to begin my spiritual practices. That morning, I woke up at 2:14 a.m., checked the time, and realized I could sleep a little longer. I drifted into such a deep sleep that I didn’t even hear my alarm. My husband later told me that I had turned off the alarm and gone back to sleep. He noticed how deeply I was resting and decided not to wake me. At 5:45 a.m., he finally woke me, and I was amazed at how deeply I had slept.

An Eye on the Leaf?

Later, while walking through the garden to gather flowers for puja, I noticed our baby bay leaf plant, which had just sprouted new leaves. To my astonishment, one of the leaf veins resembled the third eye of Lord Shiva. 

Having studied botany, I know how leaf veins typically look, especially on a bay leaf, so this sight was truly surprising. As I pulled aside another leaf that was blocking my view, I noticed there were two eyes, not just one. 

I turned to my husband and said, "Look! Lord Ganesha is blessing us with his gaze."

Ganesh Puja in Spirit

Later that morning, while speaking to my daughter, she reminded me that there had been a Ganesh puja at their home starting at 5:15 a.m. She had mentioned it earlier, but I had completely forgotten. Hearing this gave me goosebumps—this explained my deep sleep! In spirit, I had been present for the puja, enveloped in Lord Ganesha's blessings.

The eyes in the garden were more than a coincidence—they were Lord Ganesha's way of reminding me that his presence, both in spirit and in the world around us, is always watching over.

 

  

A Transformative Realization On The Spiritual Connection Between Body and Food

 

On the final day of our meditation retreat, we were invited to share our feedback. I expressed my gratitude to Swamini Vimalananda for providing such a profound experience. I mentioned that, after every spiritual course, I usually find myself ascending to a higher plane, eagerly anticipating what the next level of consciousness will bring.

A Day Before Janmashtami

That next level arrived yesterday, on August 25, 2024. I had prepared a special Sunday lunch of pav bhaji, and after we finished, I told my husband that my body was craving some curd, so I had a little. As I ate, I suddenly realized that it wasn’t my body that was craving the curd; it was the good bacteria in my gut, needing the curd to balance out the spices in the bhaji. In that moment, I entered a different realm of awareness.

I could no longer perceive my physical body in the way I had always understood it. We all know, at least theoretically, that the human body contains trillions of microorganisms, outnumbering human cells by 10 to 1. In terms of cell count, human cells make up only 43% of the body, while the rest are microscopic colonists. Although these microorganisms constitute only 1 to 3 percent of the body’s mass due to their small size, they play an essential role in our health. 

This realization, which came from deep within, has forever changed my life and my understanding of my own body. It will never be the same again.

The Transformative Realization

My relationship with food has always been unique. From childhood, I’ve viewed eating as a divine act and cooking as a form of spiritual practice. This meditation retreat has given me an invaluable gift, and my heart overflows with gratitude for the experience.

 

 

 

The Departed Soul's Journey: A Tale of Intuition and Understanding

 

Recently, someone whom I held very close to my heart, with great love and respect, passed away. To my surprise, none of her family members informed us of her passing. Sometimes, people harbor feelings that affect their future interactions, and this may have been the case here. However, we learned of her passing from someone else. I began praying for the smooth onward journey of her soul and did whatever rituals I was guided to do. 

The Soul Has Left

On the third day after her death, I mentioned to my husband that her soul had already departed and was in the next stage of its journey, accompanied by the Elders. My husband was surprised, saying, "How is that possible? The soul is supposed to remain near the place of death for 13 days before it moves on. That’s what we believe." 

I responded, "I understand that, but in her case, she has already left." 

Reaching Out 

About ten days later, her son called me. I had assisted their family many times in the past with my intuitive abilities. He wanted to know if the soul was at peace, if it was in distress, or if there were any plans for rebirth. I reassured him that the soul was happy and had left the place on the third day after her passing. He was shocked because, contrary to the usual 13-day mourning period, all the rituals had been completed in just three days. This explained why I felt her departure so strongly, even though I had no prior knowledge of their decision.

Unlock Insights To Discover Answers from Your Inner Self

 In this vast universe, answers and solutions exist in an ethereal realm, appearing even before the questions and problems arise. As microcosms of the macrocosm, we have the potential to access these answers. However, not everyone can easily tap into this cosmic knowledge. After decades of spiritual practice and assisting others in their healing journeys, I came across this method to help people uncover the answers they seek.

The Process

At the appointed time, the client sits facing me with their eyes closed, mentally repeating a well-formulated question three times. Then, they open their eyes and gaze steadily into mine, without averting their gaze. Blinking is allowed. We maintain eye contact for up to seven minutes, with a timer set for this duration. Often, clients receive their answers within three to four minutes, sometimes even within a minute. When they have the answer, they raise their hand to signal that we can stop. I never ask about the question or the answer but request feedback when their answer is validated later.

How the Answer Appears

Clients experience their answers in various ways. One client saw a number and then continuously heard it like an alarm. Others might have the answer suddenly drop into their mind, it can come like a thought, see it written on a book page or a large board, or hear it as a whisper or bold statement.

Can I ask more questions?

A client inquired during a 10-minute appointment. Our session included seven minutes of gazing. I told her that if she received an answer to her first question within two or three minutes, she could ask a second question without averting her gaze. Remarkably, she received answers for two questions!

Can Everyone Receive the Answer?

Not everyone can access the answers. A certain level of ‘letting go’ is essential. If the conscious mind is too dominant, it obstructs the flow of the answer. Some might refuse to believe the answer they receive, dismissing it as mere imagination. The technique also requires maintaining steady eye contact. If the gaze is averted or the eyes are not fully open, the process fails. This recently occurred with a client whose partially closed eyes prevented her from receiving the answer.

An Amazing Experience

One of my earliest clients sought to find a misplaced item. During our session, she received a direction to check a specific place. After the session, she followed the direction and found the item, experiencing immense happiness and validation.

Through this process, I guide individuals to access profound insights, tapping into the deeper realms of their consciousness to find the answers they seek.

The Interconnectedness of the Universe and the Importance of Our Actions

 

The idea that "the whole Universe is one" reflects a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. This concept has been recognized for millennia by Indian sages through phrases like "Aham Brahmasmi" (I am Brahman) and "Tat Tvam Asi" (You are That). These expressions underscore the unity of the individual with the ultimate reality. Let's explore these ideas further and understand why they emphasize the importance of our actions.

The Unity of the Microcosm and Macrocosm

The notion that the microcosm (the small, individual parts of existence) is a reflection of the macrocosm (the large, universal whole) suggests that everything in the universe is interconnected. Just as each leaf is a part of a tree, and each tree a part of a forest, every individual is part of the larger universe. This interconnectedness means that every action, no matter how small, has an impact on the whole. For instance, when you tear a leaf, it affects not just the leaf but the entire tree and potentially the ecosystem it belongs to.

The Nature of Existence and Death

According to this philosophy, death does not mark the end of our existence. Our physical bodies, composed of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether), return to these elements upon death. However, our essence or spirit continues. This idea aligns with the concept of reincarnation, where the soul experiences multiple lifetimes.

Karma and Its Implications

Karma, a fundamental principle in many Eastern philosophies, states that our actions have consequences that follow us through our lives and beyond. Good actions lead to positive outcomes, while harmful actions bring about negative results. This cycle of cause and effect is not limited to a single lifetime but spans across multiple incarnations. Therefore, it is crucial to consider our actions carefully. Every thought, word, and deed sets off a chain of events that influences our future.

The Importance of Mindful Actions

Understanding that our actions have far-reaching consequences, it becomes essential to act mindfully. The awareness that we are part of a larger whole and that our actions affect the entire universe encourages us to cultivate positive behavior. This mindfulness fosters compassion, empathy, and a sense of responsibility towards others and the environment.

Finally……

The ancient wisdom encapsulated in phrases like "Aham Brahmasmi" and "Tat Tvam Asi" teaches us about the profound unity of all existence. Recognizing that we are all interconnected, that our actions reverberate through the universe, and that our essence transcends physical death, we are urged to live mindfully and ethically. By understanding and embracing these principles, we contribute to a harmonious and balanced existence, both for ourselves and for the universe as a whole.