Los Angeles
Good Day!
I was thinking about going "stand by" to the Lake Shrine Pilgrimage last evening. I gave it to God, did NOT set my alarm, and thought I'd see what time I would wake up naturally...as an indice of my Highest Choice. At 4:30AM I was wide awake. I was choosing Guidance, although from a "reason" point of view attending sure seemed the best thing for me spiritually. As I lay there doing my morning routine of Good Mornings, Affirmations, Samadhi, Peace and Harmony Prayer, and outpicturing my finest day, it felt more and more certain that I would be going to Lake Shrine. I finally asked, and of course, that was the Highest Choice indicated. I KNEW I would be spending more time God-focused if I put myself in that pilgrimage environment where all attendees were seeking that same upliftment from spending time on Holy Grounds.
Ironically, it was looking pretty dicey as I was, as a local, at the end of a long line of Stand-bys. I kept surrendering the outcome although I knew I truly desired to go. I got on the bus and into one of the last seats available and felt deep gratitude. I had intended to meditate on the ride and was so lucky that my seatmate, a writer, was engrossed in composing a story.
I went directly into the temple for additional meditation upon arrival. Directly after, I decided to have the Indian repast offered so I could be done with it and venture down to the lower Lake level. Since I had fasted yesterday an early lunch was fine with me. I just happened (haha) to run into a Source Grad who I had been unsuccessfully trying to meet with all week. As we were going to lunch together she directed me outside as she had been told the new Self-Realization Vice-President often came and sat with the lunchees. I walked to the tables and noticed a name-tag with the first 3 letters of his name. I motioned her into the seat next to the tag and sat in the seat next to hers. Within moments, the esteemed Minister sat down right next to us. This was particularly amazing as I had held the desire to see him this week as the line to connect with him at the Open House was too long to get up to him before the event ended on Sunday.
He sat there for over two hours in informal satsang, answering any questions we proffered. Since I was so close, I was able to field mine easily and quickly. WOW! I got answers to queries about the spiritual path and specific aspects of it that I have had for YEARS! The huge extra bonus was his Frequency, which, as pouring from someone who has at least reached the state of sabikalpa (some say nirbikalpa) samadhi, was penetrating and immensely uplifting. Just looking deeply into his eyes the times I was blessed with his gaze drew me into a Consciousness of my Guru and deep gratitude! I know this was an incredible gift and I am still pinching myself.
We got up to leave after he stood up, turned and left. I glanced back to see a huge crowd around him, with him shaking their hands or pronaming. I felt a bit wistful...i had also hoped I might have such an interchange. As we both adjourned to the "Necessary Room" before the long ride back, my wonderful companion said something like, "If its meant to work out it will...and it probably will".
When we returned to get on the bus, there he was, with a short line left. We did get our parting exchange! As the bus pulled away she noticed that he had disappeared. "See," she said gleefully, "that was supposed to happen too!"
I feel incredibly grateful for this day...and it's only mid-afternoon! Methinks, Tuesday's six-hour, yesterday's fasting which also fueled extra meditation time in the special meditation room, and this morning's early Affirmation Ritual all prepared me for this. Good Choices lead to GREAT experiences. That's something I intend to remember!
Loving you always, k
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