A must read for all seekers of truth 25 years of guru sannidhi.
Preface
This book is a story of my spiritual journey which practically began in 1980 and eventually brought me to the holy my spiritual guide, Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha, in the year 1991. Since then, 25 years have passed and my life has been an ongoing journey on the spiritual path. During this period not much has changed in me externally, that is, my dress, my daily routine and even my beliefs, but internally, I have been increasingly at peace with myself and my environment. I can very modestly claim that equanimity now prevails in my life to a great extent and I feel that the credit goes to my spiritual master. Though the physical distance between our homes is enormous, we have met with each other on various occasions on his visits to various places, mainly Delhi (Vasundhara), Kanpur, Lucknow, etc. I have been to his Ashrama, called Narayanashrama Tapovanam, in Thrissur, Kerala, several times. Each association has given me more and more clarity about life and in a way reinforced it continuously. This has resulted in equanimity within me. In February/March 2016, I visited Narayanashrama Tapovanam with my wife, Aruna, and spent few days in the sannidhi of our Gurudev. Suddenly it occurred to me that our association will be completing 25 years in November this year, as we were initiated on November 3, 1991, in Delhi. When I look back, it has been a very exciting journey; hence, I put the idea of writing a book on my spiritual journey on the auspicious occasion of our 25 years of association before Gurudev. Not only did he permit me to do so, but also blessed this effort. Encouraged by this, I am venturing into writing of this book. The idea is to establish that each life has its own path, which ultimately takes it to the final destination of self realization. But out of our ego, we keep interpreting it in our own way and also interfere with it. This only results in delay in reaching the destination. What I realized was that Sadguru guides us to reach the goal early, provided we surrender in the true sense. Also, my Sadguru never demanded a blind surrender, he always gave a scientific and logical explanation to every doubt. In my spiritual journey, many other saints and wise persons have played an important role and they will find mention in this book. But looking back, I am always amazed to observe how the events of life are interconnected and are an outcome of complex permutations and combinations. Yet, there is no such thing like chance or accident. I believe that each event of life is a logical process and is just. In our ignorance we start judging the events with our limited ego. When this judgment ceases, we start living a true life and feel blessed in all situations. This is what I learnt from all my guides in general and Swami Bhoomananda Ji in particular. The association with Ma Gurupriya and Swami Nirviseshananda Tirtha has also played a great role in my spiritual journey. I came in their contact right during my first meeting with Gurudev in October 1991. At that time they had not taken sanyasa deeksha but were in the process of doing so. Their qualifications, manners and affection, all indicated symptoms of true spiritual conduct. The way both of them led the Narayanashrama Tapovanam to its glory under the divine guidance of Gurudev merits chronicling their journey. All these observations shaped my life in a silent manner and I am equally indebted to them in my spiritual journey. Today the subject of spirituality has become very confusing. Most of the people are not able to distinguish between being religious and spiritual and consider it something alien from day to day worldly life. A truly spiritual person will never feel so. On the other hand, he sees them as being complementary to each other. The role of a true master is to make the devotee realize this, so that one is able to take care of inner as well as external resources. As a matter of fact, between the two, the inner resources are more important and ultimately take us to the goal of life. The purpose of this book is to pass on my conviction about the spiritual path to the reader. While each one of us has our own destined path, coming across the right book or the right person at the right time is also a part of a person's destiny. If this book is able to play this part even partially, the effort will be well rewarded. Since this book is the outcome of Gurudev's blessings, it must definitely have a purpose. I bow my head at the holy feet of Swamiji, Ma and Swami Nirviseshananda Ji for all their blessings in my life. Jai Guru!.
About The Author
Rakesh K. Mittal is a retired IAS officer of U.P. Cadre who served the State and the Central Government in various capacities. He has been known for his integrity and competence at all places. Mr. Mittal had his spiritual sprouting in the beginning of his service and became a deep thinker. He is the founder of Kabir Peace Mission, which seeks to create a happier society to live in. He has written many books on positive living. This book narrates the story of his spiritual journey and presents how difficult situations of life can be met with equanimity. Mr. Mittal is a widely read and travelled person and has been in close association with many enlightened souls engaged in the propagation of practical wisdom. A disciple of Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha of Kerala, in August 2000, he represented him in "The Millennium World Peace Summit" held at UN headquarters, New York as a member of Indian delegation. Mr. Mittal has completed 25 years of Guru Sannidhi and feels immensely enriched on account of this association.
Vedas (1182)
Upanishads (493)
Puranas (624)
Ramayana (741)
Mahabharata (354)
Dharmasastras (165)
Goddess (496)
Bhakti (242)
Saints (1503)
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Shiva (370)
Journal (187)
Fiction (60)
Vedanta (362)
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