Initiated into probationary sanyas (Yellow Kavi)

Around 7:30pm on Oct. 17th, 2010 (the last day of Navaratri celebration) received sanyas initiation from Paramahamsa Nithyananda.

The whole event became extra fun and special with Swamiji's spontaneity.  Before the initiation, at Vaidhya Sarovar, Prana Maharaj and Bhakta Swami reminded me "after this, you will receive initiation". (I wasn't exactly sure what initiation Swami's going to give me). I guessed could be sanyas because that's one thing I expressed to Him in the year of 2007, when He gave first sanyas initiation in Duarte ashram for other LA ashramites.

You know....with Swami, we can't really predict.  When we are very sure, He will flip it to something else.  Anyway, so from Vaidhya Sarovar, I left early got ready and went to chit sabha on time.  Just before the ceremony, Bhakta Swami came and called Gnanamaya (aka Barathi in LA) and myself to go to the stage from the back end. In the front the stage curtain was still closed..

Probationary Vanaprasti Initiation

In the above video link at minute 11:35 - You can see me on the stage, waiting to get the initiation.

On the stage, there were only 3 of us to be initiated. I was actually very surprise.  It was Gnanamaya, myself, and another Indian male ashramite.  So the curtain was opened, with the 3 of us on the stage.  It was announced "Probation sanyas will be given to 3 ashramites".  My name was called first.  Any I was sitting very close to Swami's feet. First Swami gave the Gayatri Initiation and put the sacred thread for me, then He gave me energy darshan with blessings.  Finally I bow down and took the Yellow kavi from His feet.  After initiated the other 2 ashramites, He went into this 'givers' mood.  He asked Prana Maharaj bring out more kavis.  Then He was simply calling people's name and gave them upgraded sanyas.  From yellow to orange. Also from orange to full kavi.  Then He opened to the devotees.  Who wants sanyas?  Not all from the devotees list who wanted got sanyas, but many did. I could just go on and on, talk about the event.
It was Too Much FUN!

In the Living Enlightenment book, there's a topic Swami talks about Sanyas, for those who are curious about the significance of Sanyas initiation.

Celebrations part 2 :)

Oct. 20, 2010 (Bidadi)

God....I forgot that I need to update this blog.  Anyway, by now you must have heard what happened on the 17th.

Continuing from where I left.  So the morning session ended with a beautiful energy darshan.When it was my turn for darshan, I received the darshan first then I bow down to touch swami's feet.  By then someone else already getting darshan on His right side.  After namaskar, I got-up and started walking away, just like two steps away, Swami called "Hey!" I turned and looked at Him, He said "I will give you initiation today".  I just smiled and walked away.  Swami had a big smile too.

Then around 3:00pm, there was Holli celebration in the temple (at the entrance of the temple). Swami took orange powder and put some color on Bhakta Swami's face. Then gave the whole tray to him.  There goes colorful party.  Interesting to witness, nobody got upset.  Even though some giving instruction not to put color on them, of course everyone was in a playful mood.  So no instruction was obeyed.  The interesting part is nobody got upset.  Nice to see....the whole crowd participated, laughing and running.

The interesting thing is many of them are living on 'aprigraha' or simplicity.  With only two sets of sarees and maybe one or two set of salwar Kameez, seeing all this color on their saree.....made my to be a little concern. With that in mind, and especially for me, I was wearing a brand new ashram saree.....no way I got close to the 'holli crowd'.  I stayed in the temple and watched the fun from there. Once in a while when someone run into the temple, I manage to hide myself in the store room :)  Uuuhh! manage safe to my saree from the holli colorful powder.

Then from the temple, took all the Navratri deities in a procession to Vaidhya Sarovar (Energized large pond),  Immersed the deities in a smaller pond, next to Vaidhya Saravor.  Then went to Vaidhya Sarovor and Swami sat on a very beautifully decorated float.  The rest when in the pond.  Again since I just had my bath and wearing a new saree, I stayed dry and watched the crowd so blissfully singing and dancing in the pond. Nice, fun and loud music was playing.  Everybody was having so much fun.  It was amazing to witness this.  Really, I remember thinking, god.....how blessed are these people, very happy!

Ha! now Swami saw me standing.......from the pond sitting on the float, He waved at me, to come in and take a dip in the pond.  OK, now I have to join.  Here you go.....went and joined the blissful crowd.
So much fun!

Celebration after celebration ......

Oct. 18, 2010 (Bidadi)

-Yesterday was the end Dasara celebration.  Yesterday the celebration went on the whole day here in Bidadi.
- I started my day preparing for Guru Puja, then of course attended the Pratyaksha Pada Puja and Swami's morning message.  Oh, prior to that, there was Devi abishekam.  Beautiful.....really nice.  Yes, Swami did it.
(I think it was called Patta Abishekam)
-Swami's morning message, He showered 'blessings' to everything and everyone including to Him.  That was very unique.
-Then in the same space we had cultural program.  Cultural program started with performance by the Gurukal kids.  It was very cute and fun.  Then a few brahmacharinis sang songs. Finally....a grand finale; a surprise to everyone, the brahmacharis, brought a very beautifully decorated Devi, like a dancing procession.  It was beautifully done. Look for the pictures on our website www.dhyanapeetam.org and these boys they also sang Shiva Purana.
Swami sang along with them in the beginning. 
-Swami said He was so pleased with these brahmacharis.  The software engineers, doctors and all kind of successful people in their career world, know nothing about  Vedic Tradition, and now able to come up with this and also sang praises of Lord Shiva. 
-For me, when I saw, it was like Swami gave 'birth' to these brahmacharis, the beginning of new life. Spiritual life. (have to go.....will continue)

TRUST

Thinking back on my experiences, I find Swamiji keeps giving me more than I give, and I feel Swamiji never took anything from me. Whatever I've given was donated willingly. I paid for some programs and donated for services the mission is doing. So Swami owes me nothing.

Swami only gave, more than I can give, especially when it comes to trust. In society I would not be qualified and people wouldn't trust me for the big tasks that Swami gave me the opportunity to do. Basically I do not have the knowledge for it. Even I would not give that much trust to myself.

I would not trust myself to manage the temple. Not only I was managing the temple, I was coordinating it at the national level. I would not trust myself to represent Vedic culture to the public. He put me out in front - I had such a personal connection with many devotees - trusting me with his good reputation. I handled so much cash and made many decisions that involved so much spending. I couldn't believe I was hand picked to do such seva. Many many times, I made blundering mistakes - even I would have been so upset with myself - but Swami never 'poked' me on these points. If needed He questioned me but He kept on trusting me and giving me opportunities to do even bigger things. He keep on giving me chances, to do it again and again and again till I feel comfortable or till I grow.

I trust Swamiji because He trusted me more than I trust myself.

Navaratri - Chandi Homa

Oct.16, 2010 (Bidadi)

We just finish 2nd day Chandi Homa.  The highlight is the gurukal kids (boys and girls) were worshiped.
 Then followed by brahmacharinis and rishis (married woman).  To witness Swamiji (an incarnation) to pay respect and do puja was the best.

Being a woman, I can tell, actually in Swami's ashram women are treated so divinely.  Women are empowered.  Of course, even this statement can be manipulated.Only thing I can tell you is, don't worry about what others say, what media projects, ........instead remember your time with Swamiji.  Was He very patient and healing or the other way around?

Always something special ...

Oct. 12, 2010 (Bidadi)

Today's special was Maheswara Puja.  mmm....Maheswara Puja itself is not that special for me but getting food from Swami's hand is the highlight.  Yes!

I've heard when Enlightened Beings eat food in someone's house, it seems they also 'swallow' their (the host) sins and karma.  And imagine this is even better sharing food with the Enlightened Being (like a big family).

Of course generally only the Sanyasis gets it but Master is too compassionate so He gave to the Rishis (married couples) too.  I am neither Sanyasi nor Rishi, again here comes Master's compassion, and gave me handful of rice from His plate.  

The idea behind Maheswara Puja is to do Shanti prayers and feel the soul that has left the body.  Since sanyasis have renounced everything and they are considered as do not have any identity or attachment, so feeding them is like feeding the cosmos and believe will reach the soul. (that's my understanding)

It was fun! I served the sanyasis food.  today is the first Maheswara Puja, my ego was not in the was at all.
It was a nice feeling.

LEP comes to an end.....

Oct. 11, 2010 (Bidadi)

Yes, LEP session comes to an end today, well...maybe yesterday evening around 7:30pm, after the energy darshan.  But I personally think the work is just going to begin. More than 40 participants received Swami's energized paduka. They have committed to have satsang centers.

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A small tip:

It seems whatever thoughts we have while eating and bathing we tend to execute it unconsciously.  So at least while bathing and eating we should have awareness.  Of course I heard this from the Master.  So just sharing.....