Reflections Inspired by Guru Purnima
Deer Fellow Seekers,
Guru Purnima is approaching on Thursday's full moon. Of late my mind has been reflecting on my path of discipleship and devotion to Acharya Shunya and her teachings. It has been almost two decades for me... I thought I would share some reflections on how I arrived at her door and what keeps me there.
I began my quest for "spirituality" in my 20's after father's death. My world felt upside down and I really had no idea what it was I was seeking - other than some understanding and solace for my suffering. Many years later I landed at Acharya Shunya's feet. Despite my naiveté of Vedanta, I knew I had found my spiritual home. At that time I felt so full of excitement and joy to find my teacher - a trusted guide for how to fill the empty gaps that the years of yearning had created, to quell my feelings of suffering and frequent heartache.
Looking past that innocent initial period of excitement, I can see that the "empty" years that preceded were actually of great value - as they helped me hone what I was seeking. So when I finally saw, heard and felt Acharya Shunya and her wisdom, I was somewhat ready. I felt such relief for the deep spiritual resonance. I am so grateful for the internal knowing in that moment.
Today, I continue to learn and absorb and evolve on this path. And I remind myself frequently of simple truths Acharya Shunya teaches that help me continue to refine my navigation. For instance, that the this world of maya and samsara does not change much, and there is no positioning myself in it to avoid suffering. Only through my internal process of gaining knowledge and understanding can I adapt and evolve to create a peaceful heart. At this moment, my outward life is again - rather upside down. This time however, I experience the outer turbulence as rich, and see opportunities to practice the knowledge learned, to evoke and embody divine wisdom. I have quiet confidence that all is well underneath the noisy exterior. There are some bumps, but my internal world is mostly safe and stable.
I have tremendous reverence for and value Acharya Shunya's guidance in continually showing me how to open the door in my heart to seek what it truly desires. She reminds me it is my own inner light that compels me to keep walking through the door again and again. And that steadfastness, courage and fierce dedication are required to keep following this internal flame.
This quiet passion I share with few - for words fail to capture the depth I feel. I am appreciative of fellow seekers on this platform - a place where these thoughts can land. And perhaps they offer a window into the journey of discipleship, which some are embarking on during this auspicious month.
Thank you so much Vimala for these words. Yes they offer me support along my new path as disciple. Especially this : “She reminds me it is my own inner light that compels me to keep walking through the door again and again. “.
I am so grateful to have been led to our guru Shunyaji! She is so authentic and down to earth. She doesn’t offer a sugarcoated path, but rather one that gives us the tools to face and move beyond samsara. For this, I am eternally grateful.
And I appreciate your words that are comforting as we do our best to navigate back to the fullness of Ishvara.
This community is for me a unique treasure on my path. Thank you and others for truly practicing Sadhana! It helps me to keep to my practice !
Much love and blessings.