sunshine: 2011

Chapter 12 - Montreal

The day finally arrived – my first visit to the Canadian Art of Living ashram. After a long, delayed flight from Vancouver, we finally landed in Montreal. It was dark and rainy. While we waited at the airport for the ashram shuttle to arrive, we heard that in the next 2-3 hours, Guruji was also expected to arrive! As we waited at the airport, we were all exhausted and famished. But as we met and bonded with all the other devotees, from different parts of the world, (the whole of North America, Europe, and Asia) there was such sweetness and joy that came out of each heart, filled with love and appreciation, I quickly regained my energy. At the international arrivals, we looked eagerly through the arriving passengers, for any sign of Guruji. As we waited at the international arrivals, we saw a group of people running towards the opposite side. We heard people screaming “Guruji has arrived! He is coming in from the back!” We jolted back and ran towards the commotion. And there we finally see him, walking like lightning. As the Guru walked away from the mob of people, he headed toward a revolving door with ‘EXIT’ written in glowing, red text. A lucky group of devotees followed him into the door and our prayers for a moment with the master were answered when the door refused to rotate any further with us stuck in the middle of it. A helpless sign on the door boldly stated: “DO NOT PUSH THE DOOR”, to which the devotees were happy to oblige, as it gave us precious seconds with the guru. We were eventually forced to find a way out and pushed the revolving door, alas in vain. We quickly realized that our barging was only making the door rotate the other way. We had no choice but to retreat from the revolving door and leave the building through a nearby glass door. After this incident, I looked around but the Master was, with his swift pace, gone out of sight!

With our luggage, we went into the patiently waiting shuttle, realizing how famished we really were! The ashram volunteer at the shuttle heard our silent cries and announced that hot yummy food was waiting for us at the ashram kitchen. Navneet shared some kettle fried chips and banana cake with every one in the bus. We savored the last crumb! Needing a silent space, I closed my eyes, while most people talked non-stop. Two long hours passed. Knowing that there would be no network coverage at the ashram, I texted people at home that I have reached safe and sound and that I would be going into the cocoon with no communication desired! I looked at my watch, 2.5 hours had passed. I cleaned the frosted window with my palm and looked outside at the passing darkness, with a glow of snow covered roads. We were almost there, passed through an ancient village-like setting and then into a thick jungle. There it was, the ashram nestled within the endless forest. A sign board ahead read, “Bienvenue, Le Centre International l’Art de Vivre” We all clapped with relief! “Welcome home.”

Although it was dark and drizzling with specs of snow and cold, the ashram sparkled with a warm welcome-home feeling! It was almost midnight. The volunteers made our stay organized and comfortable. Evidently the occasional chaos was there too, which all added to the fun-factor. We tagged our luggage after checking our room numbers, and went towards the kitchen. Big smiles and hugs satisfied our hearts, AND stomachs! Lovingly prepared ayurvedic hot meal was served. “Has Guruji really arrived?” Some of the ashram volunteers were not aware that he had arrived earlier than us. I noticed how eco-friendly everything was at the dining area and kitchen. All the food scrap became compost, and nothing was wasted. The catch-phrase of reduce, reuse and recycle was clearly evident. After mingling with happy hearts, we headed towards our designated rooms. Tiny colorful lights mystically lit up the paths to the cabins. Our cabin, called Bodhisatva was warm and inviting. Almond bliss balls and packets of strawberry juice were placed near the pillow, with a welcome-home message. I sunk into a dreamless deep sleep.

The first morning of the Art of Silence course arrived. Standing besides the huge window, I noticed it had snowed overnight, which made everything look pristine and hoary. It was a cool morning with birds chirping, and the brisk 8 minute walk to the meditation hall warmed up the body, in preparation for morning yoga. The meditation hall was beautifully lit with skylights. A humorous yoga session with Antoine activated all the happy hormones as we lined up for breakfast. There were over 200 participants of every size, colour, religion and culture! Most of the sessions were done together with the Yes++ group, while the Artexcel and Angels course ran concurrently in separate areas. Art of Meditation course was also offered for who ever needed it.

After the kitchen seva, at around 10.00am, I went outside on the snow paths for a quick walk before the 10.30 session. As I am moving uphill on the paths, and looking toward Guruji's kutir, I hear some people walking and laughing. I on moved further, I see Guruji walking and talking to the devotees, many trying their best to match his pace. He sees me from a distance and gives the worlds biggest smile. I ran towards him and suddenly stopped, looking deep into his eyes. His communication at the level of the heart was so thick that I responded in words, and he smiled back. Then he spoke and asked me some things. I walked beside him, feeling lucky to be so physically close to my master. That didn't last for more than a few minutes, until I found myself competing for the space next to him, he quickly changed direction and walked on the narrow path on the right side, towards the meditation hall. I was right behind and he continued asking me questions, multitasking as he waved at others across the forest path. We reached the meditation hall and surprised the rest of the participants who were in the advance course session upstairs. The pleasant surprise was so welcomed, everyone beamed with excitement. As he walked ahead, everyone stood up. He asked them to remain seated and quickly took his seat on the stage. Lovingly he asked if everyone was happy. Some one asked that he take the meditation sessions, and his quick witty reply was that "I only take the sessions, no?" All of us who had experienced this phenomenon at courses, shook heads and agreed with a big smile. Some of his witty one-liners:

Love combined with commitment is devotion.....

‘When you help others or care for someone with wisdom, then you are playing the role of a Guru to them’.....

Actions are purified through seva (service)

After more question and answer session he left the room and the advanced course continued. There were more sessions and more meditations, more meetings and more miracles continued.

I could feel the unlimited presence of the Master, and that is eternal...The presence of the Master in my life brings so much fulfillment, life is incomplete without spiritual knowledge and spiritual knowledge is incomplete without a living person, one who walks the talk. Lets all inspire people to walk the talk.

"Victory to the Greatness in you."

<<<This blog is not complete, I will surely complete it once the creative juices flow again.... Enjoy the pics below, jgd>>>

This was the most mystical, magical experience!

Oh Canada :)

At Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport

At the airport, meeting other divine souls. Guruji arrives from the "other" side!

Confusion with smiles

Do you see HIM ?

First morning at the ashram, admiring the birch trees

Life is a celebration! let's celebrate :)

Ever caring, ever smiling

Everyone's heart sparkles in his presence

After inauguration of the new meditation hall, Guruji walking towards his kutir

Very first satsang at the new meditation hall

Guruji cutting the ribbon to inaugurate the new meditation

Guruji's kutir from a distance

One of the cabins at the ashram

Now it will be called the "old" meditation hall!

One of the cabins where you can stay at the ashram

His ever-radiant look

Snow fun outside Guruji's kutir

The mystic passage to Guruji's kutir

Serving methayis and sweets lovingly packed for him by devotees

The gigantic meditation hall which seems too small for July GP!

Crowning Navneet!

We are all so lucky to have a guru like this! so accessible, and always there!

child-like :)

Caring-mother-look

what a Hero!

me and my full-of-life swamiji :)

Guruji surprised us with his mischief! He came running down the stairs wearing a kimono (a traditional Japanese garment), and then acted like he knows martial arts! He did very well!