Was looking back at people who influenced me most in my life. There are many. Different people influenced different aspects of my life. But few names stand out. Thought of capturing those moments that made difference to my life at some point. First and foremost name that comes to my mind is Swami Chinmayananda.
During 1974-76, I got an opportunity to get associated with Chinmaya Mission at Thiruvananthapuram. It was not that active an involvement. At that time Chinmayananda Swamiji came to Trivandrum for a Geeta Jnana Yagna. The yagna was for about 5 or 7 days. At that time, I got opportunity to interact with Swamiji in the mornings, where Swamiji spent time with we youngsters, taught us reciting Geeta and clarified many questions we had. BTW, I still remember the full 15th Chapter, which I learnt then. Being a shy person, I generally don't ask questions. But at some point, I asked Swamiji a question on "What is prayer?". The answer I got has completely changed my perception of what prayer is, and form that day, I started practicing prayer the way Swamiji told us.
Swamiji told us that prayer is simply surrendering oneself. And if any thoughts of 'seeking of favours' gets in, then it is just business and no more a prayer. It was an eye opener to me and most youngsters there. We are used to going to temples and seeking different favours. Especially on the day of exams, we make it a point to go to temple and make some offerings and request god for simpler question papers, more marks etc. Like that we tend to ask god for different favours in different occasions. From that day on, I decided to follow the advise of Swami Chinmayanandaji in 'letter and spirit', which has given me immense peace of mind. Whenever I faced innumerable difficulties in life, 'praying' helped me to get out of them. I asked no favours from any god from that time, and also not offered anything to any god for any return favour. And that still continues. I believe, whatever happens to me is for good. Yes, at times, it takes some time to get over the turbulence. Then 'prayer' helps.
In this year of birth centenary celebrations of Swami Chinmayananda, I look back to those few moments of my association with Swamiji and how Swamiji's advise has changed a major aspect of my life leading to peace of mind, and strength to face difficult situations.
Now it is almost an year, since I renewed my association with "Chinmaya", through 'Chinmaya Naada Bindu', a gurukul for Indian performing arts. The happiness and joy that I derive being there is immense. Tomorrow, I am back at the gurukul for 3 days, to be part of 5th Chinmaya Naada Bindu Festival.
Surrendering self at the feet of Swami Chinmayananda, who touched my life significantly and helped me on how to find peace and gain strength to handle difficult situations in life.
