Satya Brata Paul
2008 Prasanthi Nilayam
“Sometimes, reaching out and taking someone’s hand is the beginning of a journey. At other times, it is allowing another to take yours.”
I can’t help but reflect on the pertinent truth in this quote by an author, particularly in the latter half, every time I recollect some of the countless memories that I have been fortunate to amass under the watchful gaze of our beloved Lord. Strange as it seems, some of the best memories that filter through my mind are the ones when, in spite of everything my beliefs and reasoning nudged me against, I let a hand more resilient than mine guide me and take me along a path decked with some of the noblest and enriching experiences of my life thus far. I would go so far as to say that, on occasion, when I haven’t been actively seeking that guiding force, I find myself sheathed by a reassurance that there is someone special looking out for me, from just beyond my circle of influence. That is the relationship that Swami has established with each one of us, albeit in a slightly personalized manner based on our need and point of view, but which nevertheless is what has enriched us and will continue to do so for the rest of our lives.
Having been bestowed with the privilege and blessing of Bhagawan’s physical presence for a substantial portion of my entire life, there was a time when I vehemently refused to consider a world devoid of His physical presence. Though the desire to find myself face to face with that radiant persona would never fade away, I have come to realize that the Swami in my thoughts is perhaps just as strong an image as the physical form draped in an ochre robe gliding past a swath of doting devotees. Every time I find myself in a vulnerable position, all I need to do is shut my eyes for an instant and I find myself instant ly communicating with the Lord, a plausibly more intimate moment that I would have deemed possible with the physical form. Irrespective of whether it’s an exhilarating moment or an infinitely trying circumstance, I find myself involuntarily reaching out within my heart and everything appears to be momentarily suspended in time, a moment that I would hold akin to a conversation with God. The channel of continuing the friendship would constantly evolve, as would be expected of any association, but at its heart the essence and nature of the relationship would remain the same.
In essence, He has always been and will continue to be the force that helped shape some of the core mainstays of my life and persona, unfailingly orchestrating the multifarious dimensions at all times. More importantly, I will forever be grateful for having been blessed with an association from which I could draw strength and support, irrespective of the place or situation that I find myself in, on any day of the week and at any moment of my choosing. A relationship started when I allowed my hands to be guided by divinity, I have now developed a bond wherein no matter what, I will never be able to let go. The beautiful lines of a song flash before my eyes…
“Every moment of my life please be with me,
In every single act of mine be Thou my guide…”
Brother SatyaBrata Paul is based out of Mumbai and works as a Management Consultant in the Supply Chain Management domain. Satya was a Mandir Bhajan singer during his student days.