“I really didn’t want to come on this trip, because I like to be alone and not around a lot of people, but a friend convinced me to go, so here I am,” said the slightly embarrassed young man.
It was a strange comment to make, and one that stood out in contrast to what others were saying at the opening circle of our pilgrimage to Babaji’s Cave. Most people said things like, “It’s so wonderful to be together with this group,” or, “I’ve been looking forward to this trip for many years.”
During the pilgrimage itself we didn’t get a chance to talk privately with this young man (let’s call him “Prem”) to see how he was doing, so we never learned what his experience was like until we saw him a few weeks later.
Here is the story he shared: “I had planned to do four things during the pilgrimage. First, although I am a fast walker, I wanted to stay at the back of the line, so that I could think about Babaji and not have to talk to anyone as we climbed up. Next, when I got to the cave I wanted to sit apart from everyone and meditate deeply. After that, I wanted to roam by myself in the hills around the cave, and finally I planned to walk down quickly alone in silence.”
With a sweet smile, Prem continued: “None of these things happened. As soon as we began climbing, one of the leaders said, ‘Prem, you’re a fast walker. Can you go up quickly and carry the harmonium to the place below the cave where we chant and meditate?’ I agreed, though inwardly reluctant, thinking at least this would be a help to the others.
“Next, when I sat to meditate, someone sat very close to me who began having leg cramps and shifted around all the time. Instead of a deep meditation, I spent most of the time praying to Babaji to help this guy.
“Then, when I planned to roam in the hills, someone asked me if I could lead the chanting for the pilgrims at the waiting point below the cave. I was reluctant again, but chanted with Babaji in my heart.
“Finally, when I was starting to descend, one of the leaders said, ‘Priti is having a lot of trouble with her knees. Could you walk down with her to make sure that she makes it okay?’ I could see that she was really struggling, so I agreed.”
With joy in his eyes, Prem concluded, “Everything I planned didn’t happen, but I’m really glad that I went.”
God’s plans are always rooted in love.
The plans we make for ourselves are often limited by preconceptions of how we think things should be. But God’s intentions for us are perfectly designed in the moment for our spiritual growth.
God’s plans are always rooted in love: love of the Guru for the disciple, love for those dear to us, love for a stranger in need, or love for those who see themselves as our enemies. If we want to feel His presence, we must cast aside our plans and enter into this flow of love, though we may not know exactly where its current will carry us.
In this season of Thanksgiving, may we be grateful for every opportunity, no matter how inconvenient it may at first seem, to knowingly accept God’s plan and offer divine love and kindness to all.
Your friend in God,
Nayaswami Devi
24 Comments
A soul elevating post. Thanks. Jai Gurudev!
Most appropriate post for a Thanksgiving week.
Thank you, Devi/ Jyotish ji for carrying forward Swami Ji’ s torch.
Kamini
Very soul stirring. But Gurudev, when do we know we are following God’s plan and not the dictates of the lower mind which is bent on distracting us? Guru Ji
Very soul stirring. But Gurudev, when do we know we are following God’s plan and not the dictates of the lower mind which is bent on distracting us? Guru Ji, when is it proper to exert?
Dear Prakash,
We can develop discrimination about God’s will for us by keeping heart and mind always open to the whispers from God and Guru, and by always asking inwardly, “Lord, is this what you want?” Over time, you know intuitively what God would have you do in a situation. Then we must be willingly to do what is asked, even if it goes against the dictates of the ego. It isn’t easy, but yet not complicated.
I can so relate to this… Plan changing could irritate me before, but now it makes me laugh with so much joy! When I see it occurring, I step back and say to the Lord, what do You want for me at this time, how can I serve you best. Thy will be done, not mine. Jai Babaji!
I was confused $ disturbed but after reading today’s post I got the guide line. Thanks Deviji $Jyotishji for
your timely guidance.
Lajju
very healing story and well scribed. My husband passed a few weeks ago. I am dealing with HIS FAMILY and the loss to them! He lived a good long life—-lots of partying but he cared about people; was truly spiritual; and knew about reincarnation. I am glad we spend 8 years of marriage together. He taught me a lot.
Dear Dorothy,
Good luck with your on-going healing from the loss of your husband. You are wise to be grateful for the time you had together.
Dear Nayaswami Devi Ji,
Thank you for the lovely article :) . Looking at the pseudonym “Prem” , I was visualising my self there :)
My mind is trying to make plans and back up plans for almost any tasks.
Its better that I don’t plan too much and give it to the hands of Guru and the Divine Mother who is guiding us and keeping me moving.
Thank you for the note ” God’s plans are always rooted in love ” . Such a profound saying.
Aum,
Prem
I really liked this post very much, since I’ve had many plans that “went awry”. Sometime I find myself resistant and
sometimes “in the flow”. This is a great post to read when you want to stay in the flow.
Thank you for this story, it was very timely for me and I enjoyed it greatly. Blessings to you and your in this holiday season, Namaste, Kundi
Thanks, Devi. Good story, and timely. It reminds me of the saying — “how to make God laugh? Make careful plans.”
thinking of you both with love,
Thank you, Devi. Also very timely for me. Your answer to Prakash was perfect for me. I will practice asking God if the arriving alternative situation is the right thing and not a distraction.. Thank you for the wise advice to the good question.
ऊँ ।। Sri Guru Kriya Baba Ji Namah!! ऊँ
Dear Sri Naya swami Jyoti sh and Devi Maa.
Your article is always wonderfully joyous to read . I am a regular sadhak attending Level 2 Class at Anand Sangh , Delhi.
For the last 25 days since I began to go there for the classes I am making good spiritual progress thanks to the divine blessing from the Great Ananda Gurus. I also had a divine touch at my Christmas centre by you both. I also experienced the marvellous sight of the Third Eye as described in the literature of our Sangh a.
However during the same time in my entire body I am feeling shaking and trembling sensation at all times. My medical parameters are all good. Don’t know what is happening. Please help me with your divine blessing and healing.
In Divine Joy
Rajesh Kumar from Faridabad
Dear Rajesh,
We are happy for you that you are having such spiritual experiences of seeing the Third Eye. With regard to the shaking, this may be caused by release of inner energy while there is still some tension in the body. Try to relax completely when you feel this starting to happen. It will pass in time as you become more accustomed to the increased flow of prana.
Thank you for the beautiful reminder of Guru’s grace in all circumstances…even what might appear as mundane. The example of “Prem” was useful in how to surrender in love despite other plans.
Kind of hilarious! And inspiring. Thanks to you and Jyotish for your service to this work. Joy, rb
Thank you Gurudev!
This is such a beautiful lesson in trust. Even when for so many years I have trusted in Divine Mother, God, And Guru and it seems like there is one challenge after another. This is another holiday season that I wish I could give more and do more for others. My constant health restrictions feel like a prison. When I see so many suffering like the Syrian refugees and think how just a few years ago I could of gone to Greece and given my love, support, and whole being to do what ever was needed. I wish I could do more for the environment and the animal kingdom. I feel so helpless watching my mom need more financial help just to heat her home and improve her health and I can only give about half of what she needs. And yet… I just can’t make my body have the energy and strength I used to be able to have. I am doing everything possible to heal with God & Guru’s grace. I dream of a time I can once again be the high energy Kim that can be much more active in service, up at Ananda, and being in nature where I am most happy with my dog Raja. So there it is! I am to trust that what ever happens… Happens! Allow, accept, embrace, and know that God and Guru are in this at a level I can not see, Or understand. When I used to have a wonderful spiritual community that I spoke to most Sunday mornings, I would often say “trust the process and know you are loved!” Ok God! I’m listening… Thanks again for the encouragement! Masters love to all! Kim??
Dear Kim,
We’re so sorry to hear of all the challenges that you are facing now. You have always been a role model for many people, so feel that as you face your tests with faith and courage you are also showing others how it can be done.
May God grant you the grace that soon you will find your strength again.
With love,
Dear Kim,
Your story is inspiring. Thanks for sharing.
Maria
AMEN!
Thank you.
Eloisa
Jai Guru and Thank you