The pandemic adversely affected most of us, especially those in small businesses, and caused me sleepless nights as I wondered how to keep my events and wedding-planning business afloat—and how to take care of those who worked for me. Guruji asked for complete surrender, and in doing so and letting Him be my guiding light, I was relieved of a lot of mental pressure.
Guruji gave me His
darshan every day for over a month (except for one single day that I can recall) in the form of a single beautiful Monarch butterfly, which brought joy and brightened my day. This was an amazing phenomenon: What are the chances that a butterfly will fly through my backyard for a few seconds and I would sight it while still inside my home? It is His grace that he made me aware of His presence and ensured that I lift my eyes to gaze at Him. This sighting happened once a day, although I was eager for repeats.
One particular Thursday when I did not sight the butterfly, it was evening and I was preparing for our regular
satsang at home. For every satsang I would prepare
kadha prasad, but this particular Thursday He kept me so busy that my preparations were delayed. I, therefore, decided to use some strawberries I had in the fridge to use as prasad. Inside the fridge, I saw a huge single strawberry, like four strawberries fused together in the shape of a butterfly! Guruji had obviously planned this strategically so that I did not miss His darshan that day, too.
Follow His guiding light
I have Guruji's
swaroop at home, with a spotlight that shines on it. Lately, I have noticed that the spotlight is focused on certain aspects of His image, which offers me guidance and answers my prayers. For example, once I was at work finalizing a contract with a new client, and in the morning the spotlight touched His lips. I understood this to mean "Speak supportively" to get the contract.
Another time, the spotlight was on His eye, signifying that my vision must be clear. Yet another time, it was on His heart, asking me to be compassionate in my dealings.
In following His commands, I truly feel His guiding light during this shelter-at home phase. He has given us all the opportunity to spend more focused time in
simran and satsang, which strengthen our belief that He is there every step of the way. Even for those of us who have suffered, physically, emotionally or financially, we know that He has taken away 95% of the problem and left us with the residual 5% to pay off our karmic balance. This belief in itself is very powerful.
Guruji has always said, "Speak to me and I will answer." He is our father and confidant. As such, I feel His swaroop speaks to me. His lips curl into a smile, His eyes have a mischievous twinkle and sometimes they blink, and I can almost hear Him speak!
Smita Mohindra, a devotee
December 2020