GETTING ASSURANCE

Just as the Nadi or oracle opened a whole new world of mystery, mysticism and possibilities out there that I did not know existed till then, Yogananda Paramahansa's "Autobiography of a Yogi" showed me the mysterious world and ways of the Yogis, masters and saints. How that book came to me and disappeared only to reappear again is a story I need to tell.

When I reported back at the HQ in 1994 after serving in a unit, I worked with Segaran for 3 months before he left for Ranchi, India to become a monk. Before he left he gave me a copy of this book. I read through it and was mesmerized by the journey of a young lad in search of spiritualism. Over the years I thought I had loaned the book to someone I knew but she denied having taken it. I lost the book. When Gopal in my office was promoted and transferred out I helped him pack his personal things and having made sure he did not leave anything behind, I sent him off. A few days later as I passed his work station I noticed something on his table. It was a copy of this book! As there was no other person I knew who would own this book, I took it taking that it was meant for me. 

Just yesterday I was checking out the book again confirming certain facts that was written in the blog I mentioned in my last post, https://www.ananda.org/clarity/2013/03/yogananda-astrology-god-joy/, I happened to open to a particular page and began reading. Although I had read this book many years ago, I was surprised to see similar miracles mentioned in the book, take place amidst us.

In Chapter 3, The Saint with Two Bodies, the young Yogananda writes about his meeting with a saint Swami Pranabananda. Wishing to see Banaras, his father provides for the train tickets and some money to spent and gives the 12 year old Yogananda a chore too, to pass a letter to his friend and another introductory letter to the Swami. On reaching the Swami's residence, Yogananda finds the letter of introduction from his father was not necessary as the Swami seemed to know him and was anticipating his arrival. After half an hour his father's friend Kedar Nath Babu arrives. Yogananda soon learns from Kedar Nath Babu how he was summoned by Swami to his residence, without Swami leaving the premises.

Kedar Nath Babu mentions that Swami had approached him just as he ended his bath in the Ganges half an hour ago and informs him that Yogananda was waiting for him to pass a letter from his father. Taking him by his hand, he leads Kedar Nath Babu for a distance till he leaves him to continue to his residence, saying he had something else to do meantime.

The Swami goes on to narrate an episode with Lahiri Mahasaya. He found it difficult sitting in meditation for 8 hours at night and working in the day, and desired to devote all his time to God. Although he had wonderful results but he felt a veil always remained between them. He wanted a Divine intervention from his Guru Lahiri Mahasaya. Lahiri Mahasaya asked him to go and meditate more profoundly telling him that he had interceded on Swami's behalf to Brahma. 

Swami's goal was achieved that night during meditation. He returned to his master to thank him and asked to be released as he was intoxicated in bliss continuously. He could not continue working at the office. Lahiri Mahasaya asked him to apply for permission to leave his job and get a pension. When the Dr asked for a reason to leave early, Swami told him an overpowering sensation was rising in his spine, permeating his whole body. He told the Dr he was not fit to perform his duties. He got discharged and received his pension.

When Agathiyar in the Jeeva Nadi revelation to Dyalen in July of last year, instructed AVM to bring over framed photos and paintings of Jeganatha Swamigal, Chitramuthu Adigal, the 18 Siddhas and the Sapta Rishis and place them at the Tanneermalai Murugan temple in Taiping and perform a Yagam, specifically on a Thursday, we told Tavayogi and Mataji immediately after the reading that we would like to do it while they were still in town. Agathiyar told us that Chitramuthu Adigal wanted us to conduct the puja and had relayed it to him. But we could not make it on a Thursday. Tavayogi then told us to go ahead and arrange it for the weekend and that he would speak to "them". He interceded with his Guru Chitramuthu Adigal!

Photo Courtesy of Mohana Gowri Vinesh

When I wanted to take an early retirement, I did not know if it was the right choice and it was the right time. I had put in 36 years and could go another 4 years. But I still wanted assurance from Agathiyar as I wished to work in attunement with him in all matters. I went ahead applying for early retirement as Agathiyar did not call me in for a reading then, praying that my choice was also his choice. 

What prompted me for early retirement was partly my ailment or pain that I had in my lower back that spread to my right leg, back and buttocks. It all started when one day while I was brushing my teeth, I cleared my throat with a bit of a force. I felt a sharp pull on my right buttocks slightly below the hips that ran right down my right leg till it reached my toes that made me immediately squat down, frozen and unable to move for several moments. From then I had to drag my leg as I walked. The pain came off and on, as I took a walk, and had me look for a place to sit each time I was out. It soon came on often and increased in intensity that it was felt even as I stood. One would be refreshed after a good night's sleep but I wasn't. I used to wake up with body aches and pain. I found it difficult to get out of bed and go to work. Soon the extreme and intense pain woke me out of my sleep. 

I was enduring this pain close to a year thinking it would go away. I referred to Dr Krishnan who looked at both my feet for any signs of swelling and water retention. There was non. He ruled out the possibility of a failing kidney. I had no pain during urination so he ruled out the existence of stones, whether in the kidney, bladder or urinary track. He asked my to go for an X-ray fearing it could be a slip disk. That is when I turned up at the local Government Health Clinic with my complaint. They found no problem after putting me through all the tests. They then referred me to the Orthopedic Specialist for his opinion. He too did not find any problem.

I referred to a Chinese masseur to see if his massage could help bring relief but he instead gave me a herbal preparation that did relax the nerves when taken. 

As the pain increased day by day I reported back at the Clinic and they sent me for Physiotherapy beginning 12 May of 2011 and I opted off on 4 July 2011 when I told them I saw an improvement. It was fine for a while. 

Meanwhile I called up Nadi Nool Aasan Ramesh to look into the Nadi or oracle for the reason and a solution. He called me in on 26 November 2011. Agathiyar called my ailment "paarisa peedhai" and  to my surprise brushed the whole thing aside. He asked me to stop all forms of tavam that I was doing immediately. He told me that heat had spiraled up in the Muladara Chakra, resulting in unease in the body. He told me the three doshas that is vata, kapha and pitta too had gone haywire losing their balance. He asked me to take any Amalaki based herbal preparation and Tripalaki for a mandala and in another reading on 16 January 2012 asked me to continue another half mandala. He asked me to pray to Lord Muruga and Lord Surya.

I decided to continue the Single Infrared Heat Lamp Therapy and had minute electrical charges sent to the back that brought much relief and felt good beginning on 29 November 2011. During my visit to the Physiotherapist on 15 February 2012, she asked me if I was doing the five stretching poses that she had taught me. She wanted to see me do it. As I moved into the pose I felt something give way in my back suddenly. I let out a cry of relief. I was relieved of the pain and discomfort. The pain that I had endured for years just went away that day.

On 28 March 2015 some 9 months ahead of my retirement date, Agathiyar gave me his blessings to leave the public service and ask that I serve him. My wish and his wish were one.