I’ve often heard people speak of how a journey to the Himalayas transformed their lives. But precisely where in the vast expanse of the Himalayas do they find this transformation? Let me share my own Himalayan experience, a journey that not only revealed my life’s purpose but also gifted me with a fresh perspective.
Once, I toiled in a multinational corporation renowned for its employee-friendly ethos. Yet, I found myself at odds with the rigid demeanor of my superior. His habit of overlooking my efforts and appropriating my achievements in front of the directors became a constant source of discontent.
A moment arrived in my life when I questioned the essence of laboring in an environment that failed to resonate with my soul. I asked myself, “Why am I here?”
Thus began my quest to unveil the “true essence of my being.”
During one lunch break, I ventured to a colleague’s desk and noticed a photograph of “Shri Ramana Maharshi.” Though unfamiliar with him, the image stirred a distant memory within me. Inquiring about him, my colleague reverently proclaimed, “To me, he embodies divinity itself.”
I was taken aback, for I seldom embraced beliefs without scrutiny. Gazing into the captivating eyes captured in the photograph, I felt an inexplicable pull. Encouraged by my colleague, I delved into his book titled “Who am I?”
Returning to my desk, the enigmatic gaze of his image lingered, leaving an indelible mark. I, who found books tedious and spiritual texts soporific, harbored no inclination to read. Yet, the title “Who am I?” resonated deeply within.
Seated before my dormant computer screen, I beheld my reflection amidst the darkness. A profound thought enveloped me: “Who am I, truly?”
I was stunned by this introspection. Almost instinctively, my hand moved to awaken the computer. Immediately, a notification disrupted my reverie, leading me to unlock my mobile device.
Quora Digest for you.
The initial query posed: “How do I uncover my authentic self?” by a seeker named Aham Jogi.
I was captivated and delved into the response, feeling as though Ramana Maharshi himself spoke through those words. That day, I immersed myself in as many Quora responses from the same author as possible.
A connection unfurled, prompting me to explore their free guided meditations. Subsequently, an inner voice urged me to seek out this enigmatic guide, leading me to apply for their Himalayan retreat.
Unaware of my acceptance, reserved for sincere seekers, I resumed the daily balancing act between home and office.
A sense of discontent clouded my evening; I felt my wife’s lack of regard and continual comparisons to others. That night, I sought solace in guided meditation, using earplugs to drown out distractions.
Moments later, a resounding declaration pierced through:
“I am whole.
I lack nothing.
I need nothing.”
These declarations shook me to my core, jolting me awake. Sitting up in bed, I completed the meditation, removed my earplugs, and beheld my peacefully sleeping wife.
A profound realization washed over me—I required no external validation or recognition. My purpose lay in giving, devoid of expectations.
Noticing her discomfort, I gently covered her with a blanket, silently apologizing for my misplaced expectations.
This internal shift resolved a significant inner conflict, ushering in an inner peace. I pledged to focus on giving without anticipating acknowledgment or reciprocation.
Returning to my side of the bed, a notification chimed on my phone:
“Email from the Himalayan retreat: You’re selected for the upcoming camp.”
Voila!
Was this divine timing, awaiting my resolution of personal conflicts? A mere coincidence, or a nudge from the universe? The truth remained shrouded.
The following day, I approached my boss for leave, anticipating rejection. As expected, he declined, citing another colleague’s absence. Prepared for unpaid leave, I recalculated potential financial losses at my desk.
Moments later, my boss surprised me, having negotiated with the other colleague to adjust their dates, granting me the desired leave.
Unexpectedly, everything fell into place. Departure day arrived, and despite missing the last bus to Pithoragarh with no alternatives in sight, a stranger offered the final seat in their car. I smiled knowingly, affirming, “It was meant to be.”
Numerous such instances affirmed my belief in a higher power clearing obstacles from my path.
I’d compiled a list of twelve questions for the meditation teacher, yet surprisingly, he addressed them all without my utterance. Smiling, he inquired, “I trust your queries found answers?”
I was taken aback. How did he know I had questions? I hadn’t mentioned them, and others were present.
When asked, he responded, “I know nothing. Yet an intuition guided me to inquire specifically with you.”
He elucidated:
“There’s no miracle or coincidence here. A supreme consciousness guides us all, though the mind misconstrues itself as the orchestrator. In truth, everything is but a dream within consciousness.
Your journey here faced myriad hurdles, yet the same consciousness led you to this remote Himalayan village. Likewise, it prompted me to ask these questions.”
His aura exuded a profound void, free from ego, drawing others into a synchrony with pure consciousness. He often preempted thoughts or manifested words, cautioning against misconstruing these as miracles.
Many would claim such abilities, but not him.
At one juncture, an intense energy enveloped us, evoking tears in some and a surge within me, though I remained composed.
He remarked, “Each soul resonates uniquely with various paths. One will inevitably align with you.”
The next day, amid the anticipated tears, I found myself laughing uproariously instead. It all seemed like an elaborate jest.
As he professed:
“This is all a grand jest!
There exists only you here,
And the true you is not individual but a universal cosmic soul,
For you are nondual… Advait!”
Their Himalayan meditation camps boast a stringent selection process. For those interested, details can be found here:
How to apply for the Himalayan silent meditation retreat camp or other programs in 2023?
A meditation camp in the Himalayas for sincere seekers of spirituality
I urge you to venture to the Himalayas at least once, regardless of your spiritual inclinations. May the pure vibrations there guide you, as they have countless influential figures worldwide, including Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Ram Dass, and many others.
Warm regards,
RK
