I have come to the conclusion that some moments in life are so big, so profound, and so life-changing, that their significance can only be appreciated in retrospect. One such moment was the first time I had the great fortune to come into contact with Swamiji.

It was a “chance” meeting in July 2009. I stopped at an Ashram of a well known Saint in Taos New Mexico on my way to a hermitage retreat. During the tour of the facility, I noticed a small crowd gathered around a simple sadhu clothed in white. I felt a definite attraction to offer a simple “pranam” at his feet. I was told by the tour guide that there was no use in approaching the figure as the crowd would be vying for all his attention. I had the thought: “Be that as it may, I still feel a definite pull in my heart to go and say hello”. As I approached I stood at the back of the small crowd my hands in pranam and simply surrendering in my heart. In no time, Swamiji had exited the crowd and came and stood right in front of me! I looked into his twinkling eyes and smiled and said “Pranam, Babaji” I bent down to touch his feet and he allowed this. We shared a moment more, and he took his place with patience back at the front of the crowd.

This simple scene that I have described was no small event in my life. For you see, at that time I was a sincere Spiritual “seeker”. Seeking the notion of “God” or “spirituality” outside of myself. I thought God must be enshrined in some sacred book, temple or monastery. And that God or realization must be accessible only using some secret mantra or attained by some extreme esoteric practice. Though Swamiji’s continued example of present moment awareness, and faith in what he calls the “Divine plan”, he has helped me to shatter these previously held beliefs.

Since that time, I have had many subsequent profound moments with Swamiji. He has continued to show me the utmost kindness, patience and compassion by continue to assist me on my journey to be the best version of myself.

Swamiji, through his simple but profound teachings, his example of total authenticity, and his mastery of almost every subject imaginable, shows us the pathway to reach the heights of Spirituality as well as success in all aspects in life.

Rudrananda