Aswin Rajagopal
Acceptance is the key to happiness. When we are able to accept everything that life gives, as a gift from the Master, we will start seeing His plan unfolding before us.
It is my experience that blessings come mostly in disguise. They come sometimes as unexpected events, and at times in the form of a mighty blow. As I reflect on this phenomenon, the above statement Jahan le chaloge, vahi mein chalunga comes to me as a revelation.
It was in April 2017, after coming out with an MBA degree from Swami’s Institute, we were all set to seek career openings. Weeks turned into months and I found myself without a job. I was attending job interviews, successfully clearing all preliminary rounds but for no apparent reason, I was getting rejected in the final rounds. I wasn’t sure how to proceed further. At that time, little did I realize that a blessing in disguise was in store for me.
The festive occasion of Guru Poornima dawned and I had the privilege of being at the Divine abode. As I touched the Sannidhi, I didn’t place any supplication before my Master, but for this prayer, “May I be kept close to Thy Lotus Feet”.
A few days I received a call from the University Administration Office, asking me why I hadn’t acknowledged the mail they had sent. Apparently, they had reached out to me to schedule an interview. I was overwhelmed because such a call was totally unexpected. I had applied for the vacant post of Assistant Manager (Finance & Accounts) at the Institute as per a notification in the Sanathana Sarathi. However, the due date for the application had already passed by that time. So, I didn’t attach much hope to it, rather I applied as per my father’s advice. He had asked me to prayerfully forward the resumé and to leave everything to the Divine will.
I immediately scheduled the interview and appeared for it on 24th July 2017. In the interview the panelists wanted to know why I wanted to join an administration position when I was qualified for a high-paying job in the corporate world. The only answer I remember giving them was, “To serve Bhagawan from close quarters. To be at His Divine abode”.
Despite being a newcomer, I was given the opportunity to serve Swami in His Institution. The following two years were a saga of Bhagawan’s torrential outpour of love and grace upon me. I strongly believe that it was Swami who had brought me to stay at His divine abode and serve Him. Not qualifying for the job interviews had been a blessing in disguise!
Bhagawan’s shield of protection
It was April 2018. The festival of Vishu was approaching and I came home to be with my family for celebration. As it was time for a routine eye check-up for possible power changes, I had been to the nearby hospital. Upon examination they found that I was having a retinal detachment in my left eye and an immediate surgery recommended to fix the detachment. It was a testing time for my family and the celebrative air became tense and prayerful. We rushed to Prasanthi Nilayam.
The very next day, I underwent a thorough check-up at the Super Speciality Hospital. The need for surgery was confirmed. Furthermore, the doctor shared an alarming observation that I had developed tiny holes in the right eye retina. This needed laser treatment but the machine was out of order at that time. We were at our wit’s end as we sincerely hoped that everything would be taken care of at Swami’s hospital. And here came another blessing in disguise…
We were given a reference to The Retina Institute of Karnataka, Bengaluru and were advised to report there at the earliest. That afternoon, we travelled to Bengaluru and by Bhagawan’s Blessings, the laser procedure could be done the same day.
We were elated to find that our doctor, who was an expert in retinal care, was a long-standing devotee of Swami. The surgery was performed the following day itself and the doctor was delighted to share the news that I had only a partial retinal detachment which had a greater chance of recovery. We were also privileged to stay at the Brindavan Ashram, during convalescence. Thus, Swami ensured that I get the best available treatment and the best care thereafter.
As I travel down the memory lane, I realize that it was His Grace that enabled us to pass through those difficult times unfazed. I think the best prayer that we can offer at the Lotus Feet is, “Swami, give us the courage and steadfastness, so that we are able to accept whatever life gives as your Prasadam”.“Jahan Le Chaloge, Vahi Mein Chalunga…Jahan Nath Rakh Loge, Vahi Mein Rahunga…” – Wherever you lead me, I will follow. Wherever you place me, I will remain there.
Aswin Rajagopal High school Grade 11 & 12, B.Com (Hons) in Brindavan, MBA in Prasanhti Nilayam, 2010 – 2017. He was an active member of Prasanthi Mandir Bhajan group and Panchavadyam group. Served the Institute administration as Assistant Manager (Finance & Accounts) from September 2017 till May 2019. Currently, Analyst with EY- GDS, Bengaluru.
