Whispers in the Tunnel

 

A trumpet in my oleander flower

Gifts from past karmas

I feel a deep sense of pride and gratitude that I was born with a spiritual inclination and have been able to lead a disciplined life, continually guided by messages from beyond that have illuminated my path and shaped my actions. Having seen some of my past lives, I know how much of dedication and hard work had gone to reach this stage. Even though these practices keep me grounded and in a state of inner peace and bliss, there are times when my mind is in total turmoil and I doubt whether my advice for others to follow spiritual path is right.

Sacred Passages

On the spiritual path, there are sacred seasons known as the dark nights of the soul, periods when the light seems distant, and the inner world feels shadowed and uncertain, and my soul writhes in agony. During these times, I feel disconnected, lost, or even abandoned by the very forces I once trusted. I start doubting whether I‘ll ever see light at the end of the tunnel that I am passing thorough.

Celestial Signs

That is when I ask for signals from the Universe so that I can imbibe courage to hang on. And I did exactly that during my recent experience. And look at what all sacred signals I got.

A leaf coming from the sponge gourd in our garden

A sapling peeping out from the marigold

Anchored Again in Grace

I realized these experiences are not signs of failure, but sacred thresholds of transformation. In these moments, it may seem as though Grace has withdrawn—but in truth, God is closer than ever, working quietly in the depths. It is in this profound emptiness that the soul is silently shedding old patterns and illusions. The darkness invites introspection, surrender, and deep trust in the unseen. Like the moon hidden behind clouds, the light has not disappeared—it is merely preparing to shine anew with greater clarity. These nights are necessary, for they carve space within for divine grace to enter. When dawn finally breaks, it brings with it a deeper wisdom, a softer heart, and a stronger spirit. The heart knows it has been held all along. The silence breaks, the light returns, and the soul sings again—not with the voice of self, but with the quiet power of divine union.

Healing and Energy Alignment: Can Physical Ailments Block Spiritual Progress?

Recently, one of my Reiki students reached out with a heartfelt question that many energy healers and seekers may wonder about at some point in their journey:

 “I was recently diagnosed with Cervical Radiculopathy—my C4 to C6 discs are affected, causing a bulge and nerve compression on the right side. Since I love energy work and healing, I wanted to understand: If my spine is misaligned, will it affect my ability to absorb universal energy and activate my chakras? And if I engage in mantra sadhana, will it still be absorbed by my body and chakras?”

This thoughtful query touches on an important intersection between the physical and energetic bodies. Here’s my response, shared with love and experience, for others who may be navigating similar concerns.

The Physical Body as the Final Manifestation

It's important to understand that physical ailments are often the final expression of imbalances that begin in the subtle bodies—the mental and emotional fields. Long before discomfort appears in the body, disturbances in energy and vibration are already at play. That’s why regular Reiki practice can be so powerful—it works at the root level, helping to recalibrate the subtle bodies, which in turn can support the healing of the physical form.

Faith is the Ultimate Catalyst

Any healing modality—whether Reiki, mantra sadhana, or yoga—derives its power from the intention and belief behind it. When practices are approached with complete, unwavering faith—not 99%, but 100%—they can unlock profound transformation. A lack of full faith may point to unresolved karmic patterns, which can create blocks to healing. But remember, even acknowledging these patterns is part of the healing journey.

Mantras and Astrological Insight

Mantras are potent tools for healing and realignment. Each mantra carries its own vibrational signature, which can resonate with specific chakras or ailments. For deeper guidance, an astrological consultation can help determine which mantras may be most aligned with your personal energetic blueprint, enhancing their effectiveness.

The Body’s Remarkable Capacity to Heal

Over the years, I have witnessed remarkable cases of healing—some even beyond what medical science had anticipated. Individuals given months to live have gone on to thrive for years without incapacitating allopathy interventions, with the support of spiritual practices, energy healing, and unwavering faith. Miracles do happen, especially when the body, mind, and spirit are in alignment.

The Role of Yogasanas

Certain yogasanas, when practiced under the supervision of a qualified teacher, can help address structural issues like spinal misalignment. Yoga, like Reiki, works not just on the body but on the entire energy system, promoting flow, strength, and alignment across all layers of being.

The Individual Path of Healing

Finally, it’s essential to remember: *not every method will work for every person at every time.* Each soul is on a unique path, shaped by karma, choices, and the lessons they are here to learn. What works wonders for one person may not resonate with another—and that's perfectly okay. The journey of healing is deeply personal and often non-linear.

Finally, your ability to connect with universal energy is not determined solely by the condition of your physical body. It is guided by your intention, your inner alignment, and the depth of your faith. Even with physical limitations, the spirit remains limitless. Continue your healing journey with openness, curiosity, and trust—and know that the universe always meets us exactly where we are.

 

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Food as Energy, Eating as Worship: A Deeper Understanding

It is widely known that food provides nutrition to the body and supplies energy. However, what often goes unnoticed is the profound impact food has on our thought patterns. This becomes evident when people mindlessly consume anything and everything at any time of the day. The quality of our thoughts can either uplift us to a state of calm and bliss or pull us down into negativity and depression.

The Influence of Thoughts While Cooking

The thoughts and emotions of the person preparing food are transferred to those who consume it. This is why there is a noticeable difference in how we feel after eating a meal lovingly prepared by a mother or spouse compared to one made by a hired cook or maid. The energy infused in food during its preparation plays a crucial role in our mental and emotional well-being.

How You Eat Matters

Another often-overlooked aspect of eating is whether we use our hands or cutlery. Our body is composed of the five elements (Panch Bhutas – earth, water, fire, air, and ether), and maintaining their balance is essential for overall health. Each of our fingers represents one of these elements. When we mix food with our fingers and bring it to our mouth with our hands, it helps harmonize these elements within our body, promoting balance and well-being.

Why Not Use a Spoon?

A spoon or fork does not facilitate this elemental balance. Additionally, most cutlery is made of steel (though silver may have a different effect). In spiritual practices, steel is associated with Saturn and is never used in rituals or pujas. If steel is avoided in sacred worship, should we be using it for what can be considered the "sacred worship of the stomach" (पेट पूजा)?

A Deeper Understanding

I have always believed there is a deeper reason behind eating with our hands, and I have been searching for a meaningful way to convey this to others. Yesterday, an idea struck me—to test the energy of food in both scenarios. Watch this video to see the difference for yourself.

  

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.