MAAJI'S CHRISTMAS VISIT
Arya S Poduval
Dubai
(U.A.E)
Hari Aum!
This Christmas Eve was very special! On the 24th of December 2018, we were graced once again, by the presence of Maa Purnanandaji. It was Santa Clause in Saffron, with bags full of goodies in the form of Knowledge that she had brought to distribute to us thirsty aspirants in darkness and to light up our lives this Christmas. From the time her holy feet touched our house, and we welcomed her with Purnakumbham, it was a blissful time for us in her presence. We gained so much from the few days that she spent here in Dubai. Each opportunity we had to spend quality time with her, we used to the best of our ability. We got to clear a lot of our confusions. With hardly any time to rest, Maaji was ready to start her discourses the very next morning, on Christmas. Her Christmas message was like the ringing of jingle bells to our ears. It made me realise how great our Advaita philosophy is, that one can also see Christ, as the same Consciousness.
From the 25th to the 30th, sessions took place in the mornings and evenings. It was the best way to start and end each day. During the mornings, a one-hour session on Kaivalya Upanishad took place. It was a continuation of the study of this Upanishadic text from Maaji's last visit. The morning sessions had everyone charged up to start the day on a positive note. Even on weekdays, there were many people regularly present, despite the classes of such intense text being held early in the morning after which of course, most of whom had to rush to work. Still, no one felt compelled to drive all the way and attend the lecture. Everyone was in fact, always looking forward to the next.
In the evenings, a one and a half hour daily session on the Sree Ramcharit Manas was conducted, for the larger gathering, including children. Though this must have been lighter compared to the Upanishadic text, Maaji in her unique and simple way, provided us with not only the interesting stories but also the hidden philosophy. This kind of extraction of the nectar is only possible from a Guru. Each day, there were a lot of people attending the session, which increased the vibe of positivity by many folds.
I was assigned as the photographer for the events, capturing moments of everything that was going on. It was exciting and a lot of fun to take such pictures that showed just how engrossed and devoted everyone was, holding on to each word that was flowing through Maaji. I was also blessed to be at her feet, at the time, helping distribute the prasad.
Aside from these sessions, I was fortunate to spend some time with Maaji, where I spoke to her and asked her some doubts I had in mind. This time that I get to spend with her alone or with my family is always the most enlightening and is for me, the best part of the day. I feel so comfortable and at ease with her that I can talk about anything under the sun. She always makes me look at things from a different perspective, which is one of the many reasons I admire her.
I am always looking forward to seeing Maaji next and am forever grateful to have met someone like her. Her subtle motherly presence is always there with me.
