So much has been written about this remarkable presence called Swami Rama, that it seems difficult to say anything different than has already been beautifully expressed by others. But herein lies the whole story: Truth has been Truth since the beginning of time and gurudev Swami Rama is timeless. His persona and physical presence were gifts beyond any treasure in my life and in the lives of all those he touched. Each person’s experience with Gurudev was unique, fitting perfectly to that individual’s spiritual, psychological and physical needs for growth. Each of the stories in this volume, and in the preceding ones, all testify to the brilliance of Gurudev’s insight into human nature and the selflessness of his service to each individual.
The two shorter stories by Mrs. Arima Tandon and Shri Vishnu Sharan reflect the impact that Gurudev had on those who did not have the opportunity to spend a great deal of time with him. The quality of their relationship, however, was just as intense, impactful, and fruitful, reflecting Gurudev’s enormous capacity to love and direct all of those who came in contact with him by whatever means.
Shri Pattabhiram’s wonderful story is filled with lessons about surrender as well as the need to focus on one’s spiritual path and not be swayed by material distractions. What is fascinating is that almost all the guidance that Shri Pattabhiram received from Gurudev came only when Shri Pattabhiram let go of his ego and opened himself to the inner wisdom. Gurudev’s teachings would often come through his students when they would forget their own egos and simply be open to express whatever came through at that moment. As Pattabhiram so aptly narrates in his stories, we learn through the grace of Gurudev only when we get ourselves out of the idea of teaching, and simply be open to the ever-present wisdom of the master. His choice of quotes from Gurudev at the end of each chapter is wonderful.
Dr. Chernin had the grace to personally study with Gurudev over a long period of time and shares not only his personal experiences with Gurudev, but also the knowledge that he gained in healing practices, knowledge that Gurudev so willingly shared with so many physicians and psychologists. We see that Dr. Chernin not only imbibed the lessons learned directly from Gurudev, but was also encouraged to explore and learn from other traditions. This freedom was something that Gurudev wanted in his close students —to be open to learning from all spiritual traditions, and to integrate these lessons into a powerful and productive path that fit their individual needs.
Susan Craig is someone I have known since she first met Gurudev in Honesdale. I had the privilege to watch her transformation and personal growth over the years, as Gurudev guided her through her journey. I know that it wasn’t easy for her, as it wasn’t easy for any close student of Gurudev’s; but like all dedicated students, she persisted even when her ego was being ground and polished into the diamond that it has become. Susan’s reflections on her experiences are both beautifully narrated and accurate in describing the struggles in sincerely undertaking spiritual practices under the guidance of a genuine Master. It was great fun for me to reminisce about the times that Susan and I shared in Nepal and in Honesdale as we took turns encouraging and supporting each other along the path.
Each of these authors reveals the mastery of Gurudev in uniquely guiding each individual along the path that meets both the needs and capacities of the individual. But it also reveals the dedication, love and respect that each individual feels for Gurudev, not adulation for a super-hero, not some kind of Hollywood or Bollywood fantasy, but a deep and abiding love and gratitude for Gurudev’s selflessness, love and commitment to serve those he came in contact with.
I met Gurudev in 1970 and began a journey that, like others close to him, transformed my life. What first attracted me was the enormous power that I recognized in him. It was like seeing the sun contained in human form, a brilliance that was undeniable. What I came to understand was that this power, this brilliance, was nothing less than an unswerving and unlimited love, radiating constantly to those around him.
Of course, there are so many examples in this volume of his spiritual power, seeming miracles of healing, of knowledge and insight, physical events as well as mental. But as dramatic and fascinating as they all are, they pale in comparison to the brilliance of his love.
That is not to say that he couldn’t be tough. His love was like that—diamond-like, brilliant, but equally hard and demanding. Not for himself, but for our personal psychological and spiritual growth. We called it by several names—grinding, polishing, refining, or going through the fire. It was his way of helping us to let go of the habits and patterns that were unhealthy and destructive for us. His way of polishing the spiritual diamond within each one of us, and showing us the way to fulfill our dharma, was not always easy to be around. In fact, most of us who were close to him and felt the fire of his teachings would agree that it was the most difficult thing we ever did. It was tough being close to this spiritual master, but in his own words, “Do you have something better to do?”
This was his teaching and it was beautifully practical. When we moved the Institute from Chicago to Honesdale, Gurudev said, “This is the path of fire and light. Those who can’t stand the heat will have to leave the kitchen.” And many did; for whatever reason, they had reached all that they could handle. There was no blame, no criticism, and no anger. Even when others would blame and excoriate him, Gurudev’s love never faltered. What an object lesson for us who were blessed to witness this on a daily basis. In all the 26 years I spent physically with him, I never witnessed Gurudev do anything for himself, act in any way to harm someone, or do anything to satisfy his own ego. All I saw, even at the times when he was screaming at me (because there was no other way to penetrate my denseness), was the incredible love that was the motivation behind the discipline.
We are fascinated by the miracles, and they have their purpose. They inspire and open up possibilities in our minds. But if all we see are these, if all we want are these siddhis, then we have lost the greatest opportunity that he offers us—the great gift of selfless love and humility. This was the real lesson that Gurudev modeled for his students in every moment of his all too brief physical existence with us.
Do we miss his physical presence? Of course, but Gurudev is in our hearts in every moment, in every hour of every day. He is the light that continues to show the way. His presence has never left any of us, though at times our awareness may be clouded over with worry, desires and other disturbances. But the Truth is still the Truth, and Gurudev was the embodiment of Truth. What is that Truth? In Gurudev’s own words, “The most ancient traveler in the world is love, which travels from eternity to eternity.” He showed us that we are truly that Love. Could there be any greater lesson than that?
Phil Nuernberger, Ph.D.
Senior Editor, The Awakening
July, 2015
Portland, Oregon U.S.A.
