My Dear Friends,

It has been a marvellous retreat for me. Allowing these talks to emerge in my consciousness has been such a joyful and creative process that I can only be in awe of the infinite nature of being. Certainly, all knowledge is within. It is important that we open our minds and hearts to receive and to share.

These forty days of talks and conversations have come to an end but the journey continues. Let’s stand on the strength of the discipline we have achieved during these days and also the realizations and shifts we have experienced in the consciousness. Certainly, these are worthy gifts to take with us on the journey ahead.

Staying with the idea that life is an Energy Play in the consciousness and that whether we choose darkness or light we are still held in grace by an ever-loving Universe, is itself empowering. The Source of our being, our Supreme Self, holds no judgment and supports unconditionally. This allows for fearlessness in the Play. Always remember it.

We have been so conditioned to think of failure and are so afraid of the darkness that we are held in fear rather than strength when there is intention to act. Knowing that we will be taken care of and guided, even if we choose the darkness out of curiosity or ignorance, we can be fearless in acting. This does not imply by any means not taking responsibility but it allows us to learn in our own way, knowing that we are loved unconditionally by the Universe. This removes the burden of guilt and fear when the tendency is there to judge ourselves.

More importantly though, we need to always act with noble intention, willing to learn and grow from each situation. The Universe supports this, as life is a journey in consciousness evolution.

When we act we need to observe what is happening within us and around us. Always we should act in a way to uplift self and others. This is acting with noble intention. At no time should we act intentionally to hurt another, as in doing so we are hurting another part of our Self. We are connected energetically to each other in the consciousness field. By virtue of this, we can experience the pain or suffering of another as we hold them in our consciousness.

Let’s continue to explore the depth of our own being as we make the journey within. I have given many practice points in these talks. They all come from my own experiences and way of life. Contemplate them and use them if you find them useful. They are not mine only. They appeared in my consciousness and I made them my own through practice. They belong to the Universal Source of Knowledge and so they are within your own being too. Make them your own through practice.

Know that I continue to support your process of unfolding. Act joyfully and fearlessly but responsibly in Life’s Play. Be of noble intention and stay connected to the Source of all Grace. Victory will be certainly yours!
***
Sri Vasudeva – blog post May 4, 2013 – www.sri-vasudeva.com

Every day is a walk in ancient wisdom, a walk offered with lots of love and wisdom. The 40 Days brought me a zest for life that was a bit lost between daily responsibilities. Every morning I wake up full of excitement for what is to come, a beautiful Guru Gita, a new message and an amazing meditation. I wait with anticipation for the Sacred Conversations that bring light and help my intellect absorb more from the teachings shared by Sri Vasudeva.

Most of the time, my intellect is pleased, but somehow I still longed for more clarity. On Day 32, I finally had a moment of understanding. It is like when you feel something inside, small and unclear that bothers you, but you can’t figure it out and suddenly you realize what it is. I finally found the hope that was buried deep inside of me, the hope that I can change, I have the power. I can become all, and I can be liberated. The liberation is from all the desires, pains and things that form this play. But who am I going to be without the pain, the desires, the wishes that I thought for so long are necessary? I don’t worry about it anymore, because I want to live in [the] NOW.

It is not that all my habits disappeared and now I am a new “me,” but I am a new me in unfolding. I am a new me who is willing to try even harder, to observe and try to remain detached and take responsibility. As Guruji said, “Take responsibility for the condition of the body, of the mind, of the emotions, of my spiritual freedom. You can drive this play, not with fear, but with fearlessness.” He also said that we are the one creating the play and we have the Universe to support our play. “When you decide to change your life, you’re changing the play!” So now, I am changing the play every moment, NOW.

One of the more unforgettable moments of this year’s 40 Days was the idea that super consciousness is dormant within my being. Consciousness emerged from the Source and is the very substratum of all of life. So all possibilities lie within the consciousness, of course super consciousness is one of many possibilities. This 40 Days gave many pointers as to how I could seek that possibility. While it is true that I don’t experience this aspect of my identity as yet, the promise of waking up to it is so exciting that it takes me through the effort I need to make to clean up my act.

What can I consciously do to accelerate this process of waking up? I’m trying to pay attention to my inner space, especially when I feel discomfort. I’m looking to see the habitual patterns of thinking embedded in my subconscious that hold me in limitation. Once I become aware of them, then they have arisen from the subconscious to the conscious. I loved the way Guru described it. What I remember him saying is that anything that is within me in my subconscious that has been lying dormant there, and then comes up in a way that opens up my understanding to see more and to act differently, then it has been liberated from dormancy in my being. In that way I am seeking to liberate the Higher Consciousness in me, that Krishna consciousness and to allow “that” to lead me.

Another idea that captivated me was bringing love into every field of activity, whether it is cleaning and beautifying the physical space that I’m in, or revitalizing my body or speaking with love, or infusing the mind activity with love or being open to guidance from the Ascended Masters and expressing gratitude to them and to all as instruments of the Divine; in other words, allowing love to permeate my being. It was exciting to learn that as the energy of love grows it will naturally open up the higher centres.

While I considered that I had a close relationship with the Guru, somehow this year that relationship took on new dimensions. The outer Guru really challenged me to become aware of my inner posturing, to take responsibility for it and to find the inner resources to bring Light into areas of unawareness. While I worked on those blind spots, those areas of limitation, I was also aware of the finesse with which Guru worked. I observed whenever he gave feedback; he also gave energetic support so I felt carried in the process. Somehow, he also left room for me to connect with my inner Guru so the transformation always involved both inner and outer Guru. In particular, the outer Guru helped me to become aware of the traps along the spiritual path and to learn how to negotiate my way with the aid of the inner Guru.

This year, I had a greater appreciation of the importance of each word from the Guru. I learned how he chooses each word with purpose and intention. So I gave more attention to his words and found worlds of meaning in every word that I missed before. Any time I had a question about something in my world or I wanted to go deeper in my being I found that studying his words would work a kind of magic. They would transport me to a more expansive, ecstatic space inside. I feel so grateful to have such a Guru in my life.

Thank you Gurudev for a marvellous 40 days 2013!

In my daily life I have been pulled in many directions and rarely did I stop for long enough to reflect and review my spiritual whereabouts. I’ve reviewed business goals, financial and social status, physical and health condition, and then I asked myself “How much time did I really spend reviewing my spiritual state?” So I made a decision to invest time into something that would contribute to my spiritual growth, and spent the entire 40 Days at the Ashram.

In achieving worldly goals, I thought about broken promises, hardened heart acts, little white lies, the heavy traffic when late, the narrow-minded arguments, and not to mention selfish acts, and then the worst yet ... the “Guilt” to be followed by its best friend, “Fear.” I took a gamble and came. “Surely I will learn something,” I concluded. This returned an instant immeasurable payback.  

The observance of the 40 Days started. I eased into the much feared early mornings without any difficulties. The energetic sound of Guruji’s voice at early morning Guru Gita called me inside to focus and be filled with joy! The sound of sweeping brooms became music to my ears. Guruji eased us into the discipline of the observance by vivaciously sharing his personal experiences, and then inviting us to take a deep honest look at ourselves. And this is where the serious work began. With “humongous” amounts of Grace, verbally indescribable unity flow, Guruji’s very loving and very gentle guidance, my personal transformation took over the old “me.”

First, I noticed that I enjoyed everything and everybody, no task was too hard, and selfless service became the way of life. Wow, is all I can say! It must be experienced, it cannot be described. With Guruji’s vigilant guidance and daily morning instructions, I am delighted with my personal spiritual growth, so much that I have decided to stay longer and continue my self-transformation. I’m happy to report that despite our excellent kitchen team’s cooking I managed to lose 25 lbs!

My life is joyous, but most of all, I have realized through this 40 Days experience that I am not my body. With that realization, many things have changed. Now listening is different, and from a different space. I can see why my children were upset with me when I thought my attachment to them was my idea of being loving … and much more, to be shared in a different forum.

For now, I wish to encourage you to invest into something that is everlasting, your spiritual discovery. Come take a gamble on yourself, for your Self.

Guruji, Anandiji and the rest of the supporting team will be pleased to have you here sharing this miraculously orchestrated play created just for you.

I went to the Ashram to kick off this year’s 40 Days and build the momentum for the rest of 40 Days discipline. I set my intentions and prepared myself by using the guidelines given by Guruji and the 2012, 40 Days Talks and Meditations as my daily discipline.

I arrived at the Ashram on Monday night for the Eve of 40 Days Satsang and followed the daily discipline including seva duties from day one. It was a joy to be in this energy field, and although there were physical challenges my Spirit rejoiced.

One of the greatest challenges was the climb from the dorm at the bottom of the hill to the top for the programs. I now realize that I’m not alone in facing the challenge of the stairs. At first, I would stop at each of the three platforms to catch my breath before continuing on the journey. On the way I met many others travelling the same path.

I got advice to not step full-footed but lightly on the toes, and swivel my hips, which I tried and it helped a bit. I walked with those who were doing it easily and felt supported, but one day, the thought came, “What if I work with the breath?” I started taking an in breath for step one and an out breath for step two, and repeating this I was able to make it to the top without stopping.

I left the Ashram on Day 5 just as I discovered the secret of conquering the stairs. Now I understand that it was the Kundalini Energy guiding me and supporting me on the journey. I feel grateful and humbled with tremendous respect for this energy.

To contemplate the form of one’s own Guru is to contemplate the Infinite Shiva. To sing the glory of the Guru’s name is to sing the Glory of Infinite Shiva. [Verse 54, Guru Gita]

Our Thursday Evening Discussion Meditation Group found the 40 Days Talks and Meditations very encouraging, as it allowed us to have a closer look at the different aspects of ourselves and work on different chakras that support our growth. We have shared our perceived weaknesses, and each one of us discussed how we could move forward in order to free ourselves from the limitations of our thinking and self-beliefs. 

The discussion touched upon deeper insights on how we can expand our consciousness:

• Being aware of the freedom space and that we can tap into it daily in meditation.
• By opening up the heart chakra we can free ourselves from limiting negative beliefs and we are able to choose uplifting beliefs instead, in order to nourish and bring light to all our chakras.
• Accepting “what is” and watching how the Universe unfolds in its perfection.
• The importance of asking for guidance from the Divine and our guides.
• Being aware of how the Universe is guiding us through our feelings, thoughts, messages from others, books, etc.
• Using mantras or daily affirmations in support of our intentions.

Each member reflected on their own needs and intentions:

Karen is focusing on manipura, the third chakra for increased health and well-being.

Leticia realized that something inside of her is preventing her from receiving or accepting Divine guidance and will work on her throat chakra.

Violetta is focusing on her body: health, image, self-love and acceptance, gratitude for the body, listening for the body’s messages.

Chantal is working on her throat chakra to receive more guidance from the Universe, as well as surrendering.

Tom will work on surrendering and “letting go,” as well as loving himself ... heart chakra.

Weronika will be working on surrendering, being comfortable with the uncomfortable, dealing with insecurity.

Dale is working on the heart chakra to send love to her body for healing.

We look forward to practising, observing, sharing and discussing our experiences in the areas we have chosen. Sri Vasudeva’s messages and meditations have been a blessing to help us deepen our consciousness.

What a special experience this first half of the 40 Days has been for me, and what amazing gifts the Universe is bringing to all of us through these talks, meditations and sacred conversations. At the beginning of the 40 Days, Guru told us that if we study the words every day we will be blessed, so I look forward each day with excitement to read and contemplate these inspiring messages. 

He told us on Day 1 that we need to look on the interior to see what lies within; that those who venture in the inner space begin to see a transformation of Self. So that inspires me to venture within. What I find comforting and reassuring is that I am being taken care of in every moment whatever may come, and how the Law of Karma protects me as well.

Guru also told us that the moment we improve our awareness and put more positive energies within us, the energy naturally improves. So I have been trying to be mindful to not let the mind shift me away.

I learned the significance and importance of even-mindedness, of not being attached to anything nor averse to anything, but just enjoying “what is” in a detached way, even in  challenging situations. And I was reminded of the importance of witness consciousness – to be able to observe myself at every level of my being and to see where my “I” is centered by observing what preoccupies my mind.

Another practice that Guru encouraged, and that I find worthwhile to practice, is to try to move away from all my beliefs and be totally open to everything as new; as if I am experiencing it for the first time with no bias and no judgment. That means not allowing myself to be influenced by my past and not holding on to any opinions as truth, but to remain completely open to every possibility. Quite an effort but fun to try!

I have been seeking more solitude and silence during this period, inviting love and compassion into my heart, opening myself to guidance and grace, and devoting more time to daily spiritual discipline.   

I am fascinated by Guru’s attempts to have us communicate in a soul to soul mode, just as he does with us. I want to be able to shift my view so that I can pick it up or “catch” it from him; to feel those energies that are coming from him and appreciate where he is centered.

I feel so much gratitude for all those participating in the sacred conversations because we have so many gems in them for contemplation and practice. I can’t wait to buy the recordings for sale so that I can re-visit them again!

I hope you are all having a blessed 40 Days.

I am really enjoying these days, all energized and looking forward to each day. I would say that my whole life has changed from the time I started my discussion sessions with the group in October. I thought that I was on the right track when I started, and until today I still have not changed my mind about it.

I am looking forward to learning more and grasping more knowledge, especially when I am listening to Guru speaking about his own experiences and his answers to some of the questions during the Sacred Conversations. I think I am getting stronger, understanding my life a bit better, and changing my way of living, eating, and thinking. I know I have lots more to learn about myself and to make more changes in my inner self. I am on the right track. I am grateful for this opportunity and to Guru for leading me to the light of my inner soul. Namaskar.

During the 40 Days of 2013, the Universe sent me to school again. These blessed weeks brought with them the rediscovered joy of learning, the emotion (and sometimes apprehension) of exploring new territories, the excitement of challenge, as well as the enthusiasm of each step forward. I had the privilege to spend one week in the Blue Star Ashram in Claxton Bay, Trinidad, in the luminous presence of Sri Vasudeva.

Each day of this week came with countless lessons. Remembering Sri Vasudeva’s words that the 40 Days were a wish-fulfilling tree, I did my best not to waste any of the precious fruit of wisdom that the tree generously offered me. In my days at the Ashram, I received support and encouragement for my journey inwards, which I am more determined than ever before to pursue. Once again, I understood how important it is to take this journey humbly, in observance of the guiding power, while approaching it with the curious but non-judgmental mind of a child.

As (probably) many of us, I have my share of everyday challenges. My mind is sometimes restless, my spiritual and physical discipline have much room for improvement, and I often observe how socially conditioned my thoughts are. A wise man whom I met during my stay in the Ashram compared these challenges with the leaves and mud that come at the surface of the water when we jump into a lake. In a short while though, the lake regains its stillness. In the same way, I teach myself to see the quiet water – my journey – behind the tiny whirlpool of leaves, the day-to-day difficulties, which are lessons in disguise, in fact.

The week I spent in Trinidad seemed to flow by a different time. My experience was so intense, that seven days appeared to have turned into a month. I felt joyously overwhelmed by an energy that cannot be captured in words. I learned with the mind, but most importantly, I reasoned with the soul, and I experienced almost physically the sensation of being guided. For all these, I wish to thank Sri Vasudeva once again. I am looking forward to returning to the Ashram soon. 

The thrill of victory lingers on as I bask in its glory. My emotions are at their pinnacle. Oh, how I will like this experience to last forever. Is it possible? Why did I and the others continue to run when we knew there were so many runners ahead of us? Did we want to experience that winning emotion?  

After seeing and hearing what a great experience it will be to run this race, I decided to participate. I did not have any experience so I decided to seek help. I found a trainer (Guru) who had many years of experience and an excellent record of his teachings: talks, books, guided meditations, inspiration and incessant motivation. I learned from these teachings that to be successful I have to make the right choice, using the intellect. It was imperative that I focus solely on my goal and on the Source within – also to always be positive and exercise discipline in my training.

I was aware that it will be challenging having to overcome bad karmas, and changes will have to be made. My primary objective, however, was the benefits I will derive. Pursuing my goal required exercising, training and having adequate rest. Also, it is necessary to eat the right foods to maintain a healthy body and sustain my energy. The onus was always on me. Having a schedule and following it was beneficial, but discipline and taking responsibility to adhere to the requirements on a daily basis was the key.

I started by walking, gradually stepping up to a running pace and learning to breathe in harmony with each stride, following Guru’s teaching of breathing rhythmically when repeating a mantra or affirmation. When my energy was being depleted, I focused my breathing on the navel area to replenish my energy and reminded myself that I can also focus on the different energy centres of my body, chakras to help rejuvenate myself. 

As my training continues, I am waiting patiently for that day when my trainer will give me that wonderful news: “You are ready to run that race without relying on anyone.” It will be exhilarating to know that I had the willpower to accomplish any goal. It feels great to continue running and using all the resources available to improve. I strive to go deeper inside and discover the magnificent “truth of thyself.” How grateful I am to all who helped with each stride.

Thanks.  Desire fulfilled.

Although I have been a member of the Blue Star for several years, I decided to go to the Ashram only this year.

I requested a week of vacation from my manager, bought a ticket to Trinidad, shopped for the right clothes (not an easy task!) and mentally prepared myself for a new, unknown experience living in the Ashram. I needed a vacation, but a different type, not “all inclusive” temporary relief of stress with overindulgence in food and drinks, but a vacation to learn about my true self, a vacation for the soul, a retreat away from the play of life to recollect myself for what I would call the beginning of my transformational years.

Upon my arrival, I received a warm welcome from Guruji, and residents and visitors of the Ashram. The energy in the Ashram was warm like a warm, cuddling blow of the tropical wind and the ocean wave. The first couple of days were somewhat difficult for my body. I felt exhausted doing nothing! I cried uncontrollably during the Satsang and Shiva Mahimnah. The bodily reaction was very similar when I met Guruji for the first time. I later realized that it was cleansing.

Now, a few words about my spiritual journey: although I have heard many times from Guru that we are not the body, but spiritual beings, I was unable to fully internalize the concept until recently. I realized that hearing and understanding of the message is not synonymous to proper information processing, retention in and retrieval from the memory. The concept of a ring and gold worked magically for my brain, in addition to participation in the discussions with the Blue Star members and Sacred Conversations.

On the way back to Toronto, Ramdas asked me about my cultural background. I was forced again to think about who I am. Am I Russian because I was born in Moscow and speak the language? Am I Canadian because I currently live in Canada? Who am I? I assumed many identities throughout my life (i.e., identity of a mother, a wife, a French immersion teacher, a speech pathologist, an IT specialist, a daughter, a piano player, a mosaic lover, to name a few), but none of them is my core. These forms are illusory. I am one with God, I am also divine! 

Over the forty days there were so many expressions of gratitude from us all for the precious, beneficial knowledge imparted to us by our Guru, Sri Vasudeva. But did you know that just by expressing that gratitude you were also benefitting? The excerpts below are from an article, which gives the scientific angle on the benefits of gratitude. Hope you like it!  

Research studies on gratitude have shown that people who practised/expressed gratitude had:

• Greater increases in determination, attention, enthusiasm and energy.
• Greater improvements in optimism, greater improvements in exercise patterns. It also caused a reduction in physical ailments, so these subjects had fewer aches and pains.     
• Higher levels of gratitude were associated with better sleep, and with lower anxiety and depression.

Studies on the brains of people practising gratitude showed the following:

• Subjects who showed more gratitude overall had higher levels of activity in the hypothalamus. This is important, because the hypothalamus controls a huge array of essential bodily functions, including eating, drinking and sleeping. It also has a huge influence on your metabolism and stress levels. From this evidence on brain activity it starts to become clear how improvements in gratitude could have such wide-ranging effects from increased exercise, and improved sleep to decreased depression, and fewer aches and pains.

• Furthermore, feelings of gratitude directly activated brain regions associated with the neurotransmitter, dopamine. Dopamine feels good to get, which is why it’s generally considered the “reward” neurotransmitter. But dopamine is also important in initiating action. That means increases in dopamine make you more likely to do the thing you just did. It’s the brain saying, “Oh, do that again.”
• Gratitude can have such a powerful impact on your life, because it engages your brain in a virtuous cycle. Your brain only has so much power to focus its attention. It cannot easily focus on both positive and negative stimuli. On top of that your brain loves to fall for the confirmation bias, that it looks for things that prove what it already believes to be true. And the dopamine reinforces that as well. So once you start seeing things to be grateful for, your brain starts looking for more things to be grateful for. That’s how the virtuous cycle gets created.

Click here for the link to the full article (which gives more detail on how the research studies were done) from where I pulled the above excerpts.

Let’s centre in the consciousness space in the awareness that the possibility of unity with my world exists, as I hold my world in my consciousness.

I seek the consciousness of unity even as my mind experiences thoughts, even as my consciousness experiences emotions. In the many energy forms within my being, I seek to stay in that essential space of unity – no conflict on my inside – complete acceptance of the diversity within my being. Accepting whatever there is in the mind, but holding on to the non-judgmental Observer within me that is centered in peace and love …

*** 
Excerpt from Meditation of Day 40, 2013 40 Days Series Uncover Your Infinite Self

Thank you to all who have submitted their 40 Days experience for this newsletter. It is in sharing that we feel connected to the One and the All. What we are going through exists in the field and can be picked up and expressed by another. 

For me, the beauty of this year’s 40 Days was that Guruji gently and consistently prompted us to celebrate our every little glimpse of light, and to let it glow brighter and brighter until even the darkness is distanced by that ever shining light of the Source.

Thank you Guruji for these beautiful days filled with Grace and for the precious gems.

Stay in the Light,
Nandy