Spiritual Stories: My Adventures in Gujarat (September 1993)

My Adventures in Gujarat

Virginia Shilson, Albuquerque, NM

This accounting is warmly dedicated to my dear friend Dorothy Anne Seeger whose invitation took me to India and whose patience, love and consideration helped me fill my pilgrimage with blessings. My trip to India was a personal quest for spiritual fulfillment at the feet of my Gurus. Was I successful? I permit you to decide.

First meeting with Guruji

Shortly before I arrived in Ahmedabad, Guruji fell and injured his shoulder which was of great concern to everyone.

My major purpose in making the trip to India was to sit at the feet of Guruji and meditate. I was deeply moved by the opportunity to sit in his presence. I cannot say why. Sometimes tears rolled down my cheeks, but behind all emotions was one of joy and thanksgiving. I was filled with love for being invited in.

How many disciples have the chance to be this close to their beloved guru? I felt so blessed. When I was able to control my emotions, I sat up starry-eyed and joyfully happy. I asked myself, “Who am I? Why am I here?”

Every afternoon we were in town, we took the motorized rickshaw and rode 1/2 hour for the honor of sitting at the Guru’s feet. Sometimes Guruji was awake and alert and talked and answered questions from the disciples. Sometimes he slept, perhaps his back to us, and we sat in silent prayer offering him what strength and energy we had available for him.

I recall the first time we faced each other. His brown eyes were quiet and deep. I felt I was penetrating that depth and quietness. Every time I visited him, I silently expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be able to be in India with all these people. “Who am I? Why am I here?”

Every moment, I was learning a lesson. I always knew I was blessed with these wonderful experiences, and prayed I would reflect these lessons wisely.

Everywhere I went I experienced love and generosity on the part of the people. I hope I can open up my heart and my home the way these people do. They do it naturally, but respectfully.

This weekend of temple hopping was just a small taste of all the temples visited during the Sept.-Oct. tour. I was really guided into visiting India at the best time for me and I am, and always shall be, so grateful.

Everywhere I go, all the people I meet are so filled with love, so generous, so eager to help. Oh, may I learn to be more like them.

A Birthday Party

A son of one of Ashama’s disciples was having a birthday party. After darshan, we all went to the home where the festivities were being held. In Ahmedabad, because it is usually dry and dusty, the first thing upon entering someone’s home, you are offered a glass of water. Indians not sip the water the way I do, they drink it to quench their thirst. We were offered this courtesy. The birthday boy, aged 10 or 11, gave gifts to all his young friends.

When the boys left the living room all the adult guests were served a full dinner. When a meal is served, the food is offered again, and again and again. The hostess is not satisfied until she feels certain everyone has had their fill. On this evening there were several sweets served with the meal since it was such a special occasion. After dinner, all the adults received the same type gift as the boys did. I understand that in India when you go to someone’s home for dinner, you do not take them a gift as we do here in the states. They give you a gift because you honored their home with your presence.

Homeward Bound

I loved being with those people, observing their loving attitude toward each other. Caring, compassionate love. Again I would ask, “Who am I that I should be here receiving all this joy? How blessed I am.” The brothers welcome all visiting disciples in this manner. And the men help the women. They take a turn at cooking, serving, sweeping, making up guest beds, etc. Always with that air of, “Thank you for honoring us with your presence.” Yes, so many lessons being taught me.

I left the next morning for the airport and home. I was bubbling over thanking Sandeepbhai for his extra-ordinary hospitality. I mentioned their lovely children, and he opened the door to the bedroom where both children were still asleep on the floor at the foot of the bed. I entered the room and stood and looked at them. Then I knelt on the floor at their feet. At this point Sandeep opened the curtains that concealed the altar when it was not in use, and he quietly left the room. Kneeling at the feet of the children I gave thanks for the privilege and honor of having been the recipient of all their joy and love and sharing. I blessed the children, touching Sivani’s forehead then my own, touching Bhagavan’s forehead then my own. I rose and knelt again in front of the altar, again giving thanks and expressing wonder at all that had happened in my life and all that was continuing to happen in my life.

Before leaving the apartment, the father gave me his blessing to bring back home with me.

Dorothy escorted me to the airport. I had difficulty thanking my dear friend for her patient, compassionate care and attention and guidance the past month in India. It was because of her love, that I received so much. We hugged and kissed each other good-by.

Will I return to India in this lifetime? Perhaps. If I do, it will be because I wish to, not because I need to, for I was given all I needed for my spiritual growth, and much more, much, much more.