Me, My Guru

...contd...

When I asked her she simply said “If you want to plan some activity do it on paper that way the mental work comes down. You don’t do all those work mentally. And hence are more relaxed. Physically doing the work is much easier then”. I didn’t understand it then. 

But as the days progressed I realized, I was less stressed as I put on paper all the work that I need to do rather than mentally planning it out. Personally I had become very tired even thinking of giving to a movie with my family because I had to plan so many things about it mentally. And yet here I was planning, executing such a huge trip a ten day trip for 20 people and yet was doing it effortlessly. She gave such simple solutions to such complex issues. Maybe, the issues were never so complex in the first place at all. She saw through this and made it simple. Whatever,  I was able to effortlessly execute the entire plan and still be fresh physically and mentally and was cheerful and looking forward to this trip a long awaited one!   

“Come on everybody all aboard!” Shouted my Guru cheerfully and with a laugh that was both lively and infectious. Everyone got into the bus and took their seats. I climbed last.

I was happy for the journey that lay ahead and knew it would meet my expectations as I noticed my Guru talking cheerfully to others in the bus..............

...contd...

Me, My Guru – On A Road Trip:

Day One:

Everyone was excited as the bus started exactly at 6 am. They let out a cry of joy. Each one started to talk about the travails they had crossed to be a part of this journey. “My maid stopped since yesterday suddenly. She’s gone to her village for 10 days. One of her relatives is dead. I thought my trip is cancelled for sure. But thanks to Reiki, I could arrange for temporary maid. You don’t know what a relief it was when my neighbour’s maid agreed to do the work for 10 days. What a miracle it is that I am on this trip!” explained sita. One of the masters.

“Suddenly my client called for an urgent meeting today. And my company was planning for a 3day top level meeting” started venkat another master. But thanks to Reiki “all issues got resolved by 10pm and I could continue with my leave”.

“Actually..............”

“My son you know......................”

“My mother-in-law................”

Everybody started talking and all voices got mixed with one another.

It was so noisy. Everyone was so loud trying to be heard. But they were happy and joyous. And that was enough for me. I looked for my Guru she was sitting in the first seat just behind the driver looking out of the window. She had silently gone to her place and sat there all by herself when everyone started the conversation. She knew she was not required there. They were comfortable with one another. And their talk didn’t involve her.

So she silently slid into her seat. I admired her nature of being silent in the midst of noise and so much sound. She seemed enjoying the drive. She didn’t require company to entertain her. She moved away from the place where her presence was not required. She did not force herself on others all the time. Sometimes, I felt she was like a whiff of air now here---now nowhere!

I slid into my seat. I had got up early and so was sleepy. I close my eyes to catch up with my sleep.

Noises at the back became distant as sleep lulled my senses...........................

.....contd...

  

Me, My Guru

Me, My Guru –On A Road Trip

I was going through the checklist for one last time. Everything in place and on dot. I was glad things were going on as planned. Of course, it was just the beginning of our long trip-nay our trip has not yet started too! Our Guru had said we should leave her place at 6am sharp. As it was just 5.30am and all was ready,  So, I knew our start would be as scheduled and I was glad about it.

Yes, we were going on a road trip with our Guru. Few masters who had been trained by her were part of their group and others were students - her students who loved her company and had insisted on making a road trip with her. Our requests were never turned down. She always remembered our questions. Our wishes and made sure she answered them at the appropriate time with right examples and at right moment. How she remembered everyone’s query was beyond my understanding. Same was the case with our wishes. She fulfilled them in such miraculous yet simple but unpredictable ways.

Few of us had talked about our desire to go on a trip with her. At this opportunity she fulfilled all of such people’s wishes in one go by making us a group who’s to travel with her. I was given a list of things that needs to be taken on trip and my duty was to see that it was done. Her list had small things listed on it like band-aids, safety pins, news-papers, few plain papers etc like too! I found it odd. Yet I arranged for them

...contd...

Me, My Guru

....contd...

“But since we are still getting water why not fill the remaining buckets” I asked I noticed a tinge of irritation in my voice. I don’t know if she noticed too! But reply she did. “As I told you there is little shortage of water. We’ll again get it in the evening. All other works of mine is either over or can wait till then. But others require water to fulfill their basic needs. They require it more than me now. My needs can wait. But, they need to go to offices and schools. So by not using available water, I am avoiding unnecessary storage of water. So, am not filling all the available buckets. We have enough water to fulfill all our needs but enough to satisfy one person’s greed or fear”.

Having said this she went in. I sat down on rock there. “How can she think from that angle?” I thought. I had come with a question today. She didn’t preach. She didn’t teach. She didn’t even lecture. In fact I didn’t even put across my question and yet..................... and yet she had answered it by “living it”. I don’t know if Lord Rama, Lord Buddha were for real when I read about them. I found it impossible to believe that such people could ever exist. But here she was simply living these simple truths effortlessly making no pretence or show of it. Looking at her I felt if she can do it, then Lord Rama and Buddha surely must have existed. No doubt about it. If a simple women leading a normal life can live these situations so differently and effortlessly Lord Buddha and others were great masters. No doubt they could live the life they lead.

I was too shocked to move. Tear fell from my cheek. I was happy. I was grateful. “Did she even know how special she was?” I wondered. But looking at her trimming her plants it seemed a bit doubtful. I smiled. Now I knew what it meant “Actions speak louder than words...........” . I just sat there looking at her work do her routine work. How long I knew not.................... 

Me, My Guru

Me, My Guru

I loved reading stories. We all do I believe. That is one habit that spills over from childhood till old age. And yesterday, I read a story on Lord Buddha. It showed how he practiced frugality. I wondered why such a great guru with such huge ashram and such huge resources. Why should he be so much interested in saving, re-cycling and avoid even small wastage? I was looking forward to my meeting with my guru today. I had a valid question to ask. I wonder how she would react will she give her usual smile? Will she explain? Or will she tell one more story. I wondered. I was excited.

My heart was pounding with excitement as I stepped into her premises. Today promised something. Something I didn’t know but was looking forward to it. And there she was near the tap filling water in a bucket. My excitement gave way to surprise that was dipped in confusion. She seemed relaxed should I add as ever!

I went and stood beside her and asked “Any problem?” without even turning her head she replied. “Less water in our bore should wait till afternoon for sump to be filled again. So filling some water”. I stood there with her not knowing what else to do. She filled 2 of her buckets and closed the tap I was confused’ I saw her other buckets empty. “Why are you not filling those buckets?” I asked. “This is just enough” she said.

...contd....

Me, My guru

...contd....

“Because it is difficult to do so, that’s all! Boomed Lakshmi’s voice.

“True difficult yes I agree but certainly not impossible. And prey, where’s the fun in doing easy jobs?” she asked innocently.  “I am not saying “You SHOULD behave this way only”. My guru continued “but I am showing you a possibility. A possibility is a choice not a rule. And choice depends solely on the person.

In rainy season we get wet if we go out in rain. That’s the situation and it is the same for everyone be it a saint or a sinner. But one gets to do rain harvesting and saves water for the dry summer which is due few months down the line and is relaxed of “dry summer” tension. He has used rain to benefit him. He never complains of rain. In fact, this is the person who looks forward for rains.

The second type is the one who dances in the rain who parties in rain and names it rain dance. For him it is status symbol to conduct such theme parties. Even this person uses rain to his benefit in his own way.

The third type buys raincoats, protects himself from rain and goes about his daily routine the usual way.

The fourth type is the one who curses rain. Has to go out, gets drenched in the process, falls sick and curses rain and holds it responsible for his woes. He is the one who complains, suffers and breaks down because of rain. He loses to rain.

All the four types have to face rain. But, each responds to rain depending on his nature. The difference in their nature makes all the difference in the lives of these four types of people. Cause is the same, i.e. rain here in everyone’s life. But their response is changing the effect of rain in their lives. Wouldn’t you call me stupid if I say “Oh God, It’s raining. I’ve to get wet and fall sick now” why? Because, you know I’ve a choice of protecting myself from rain too! And I can make a better choice by knowing about my other options.

Likewise, in life we are faced with situations and people who are indifferent, difficult or different from us. But choice of type of response lies with us. Losing our peace of mind, suffering, experiencing pain is just one of the choices. It is not a compulsion. If we get to know other choices be it through a person, book, film etc. We should be ready to apply that in our life to see if it serves our purpose of maintaining peace and balance in life. It is a choice. I repeat a choice which I can make to get peace of mind. It is not a rule that should be compulsorily followed by all.

So, Lakshmi relax. I am quoting lord Rama as an example. To follow or not is your right. Even God wouldn’t question you there. But remember lord Rama is not a deity to be chanted about. He is a “Possibility” whether you want to experience that possibility or not is totally your choice. So, sit back, relax and just give it a thought! Okay?” Concluded my Guru.

She got up to receive a call. Lakshmi sat there lost in thoughts for some time, then left after intimating me that she would come next week. “Why come again when you are not open to suggestions or solutions?” I wanted to ask. But instead smiled and said “sure will tell Guruji. Take care”. She left with a smile......