‘Devotee Diaries’ Series— 29th September 2021

‘Devotee Diaries’ Series—Devotees from India and around the world reminisce about Yatras, Kathas and magical milestone moments in their life journey with Pujya Bhaishri. 

Would you like to share how an experience has impacted you? Email contactus@sandipani.org

Ishita Panchal from Ahmedabad, India shares—

I had the opportunity to listen to the Śrīmad Bhāgavata Kathā in 2005 for the first time, which transformed my perception on topics like Life, Death, Humanity, God, and Devotion, drastically. Pujya Bhaishri being the practical example of leading such a life, I had always been in awe—even before listening or meeting him. 

By ShriHari’s grace, I got an opportunity to listen to his Śrīmad Bhāgavata Kathā, and had his darshan for the first time after two years, in 2007. He gave his blessings on the Śrīmad Bhāgavata that I used to read. As they say, a true saint’s blessings never go in vain. I had experienced a true shift in my life; be it in terms of education or relationships or the way of seeing Life—all become ever-fulfilling! 

After having attended one of the ShriHari Mandir Pātotsava celebrations at Sandipani Vidyaniketan, I always wanted to go back. 

The Sādhanā Retreat was one such opportunity. Going back to Sandipani Vidyaniketan felt like coming back home. I met new people and everyone felt like family. All the Acāryās shared such wonderful knowledge with utter dedication and joy. The echos of divine mantras and Ārtī’s alike, where beautiful. The mūrtīs inside the temple never failed to mesmerise me, with tears of gratitude!

Attending the Sādhanā course in 2019 helped me in more ways than one, allowing me to understand the vastness of Sanātana Dharma. As we all are searching for the Lord wherever we can, I learnt something called ‘Tat Tvam Asi’ – ‘You are that’ from a story of the Upaniṣads. Although I can’t say I understood this fully, it stayed etched deep within my heart. 

For the first time I realised that it is more of shedding what we are not, and finding that Almighty within us. 

Meeting Pujya Bhaishri on the last day and having his blessings were the highlight of those seven days for all of us. We can never thank Pujya Bhaishri enough, alongside all the Ācāryas for what they have blessed us with; be it reciting various stotras with proper pronunciation, or enlightening our paths to live a life of purpose, in accordance with Dharma. 

I pray to ShriHari to keep blessing us with the ever-flowing grace of satsaṃga! 

Jai ShriHari

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