“I need to tell someone here my story.”
The woman had come to Ananda’s guest retreat late one night and had spoken to the only person she could find, a cook in the kitchen prepping food for the next day. She shared this amazing experience:
“I visited here a few months ago just out of curiosity. I don’t follow any path or even know what you folks do. But as I was shopping in your bookstore, I saw a little photo of an Indian man with long hair that looked interesting, so I bought it.
“My life has been hard. I was engaged to a wonderful man, but he died of cancer a few years ago. It took me a long time to recover, but finally I met another man and we were planning to be married. He recently died in a car accident and the grief was more than I could bear. Finally I decided to get into my car and drive off a bridge.
“As I was leaving my house, that man in the little pocket-sized photo became life-sized and stood blocking the door. I had forgotten I’d even put that picture on the shelf, but seeing him there I knew he wanted me to keep living. I’m not sure, but I think he is the man you all follow here. Anyway, I wanted to let someone know what had happened.”
Then she left, and as far as I know, we’ve never seen her again.
If Paramhansa Yogananda can use a mere photo as his instrument, how much more can he do through willing human channels? God made each of us in His own likeness, and, if we choose, we can be a living murti (divine image) of Him.
Swami Kriyananda once told me, “I used to offer every thought to Master. But then I realized that that wasn’t enough. Now I offer everything—every thought, feeling, and activity—to him.” Toward the end of his life he would say, “I no longer know where Kriyananda ends and Master begins. It is all one to me.”
This is the result of a life given to God, of thoughts and feelings turned ever toward Him. This fruit is available to each of us. Give mind and heart to Him and He will shape you into a perfect image of His love, light, compassion, and protection. Then one day He will use you to help someone in their hour of need.
In His light,
Nayaswami Jyotish
10 Comments
Thank you for sharing this story.
Isn’t this beautiful?! Master is there for us, around every bend in the road. Why have doubt? Why have fear? God is the love we see everywhere.
I so appreciate the reminder, as I begin another day putting my life in His hands.
Wow, this is an amazing story. Thank you for posting it! There is so much about karma that we don’t understand, and as you said, if Master can use a mere photo (this was a miracle) how much more then, can he use us as his instruments if we will be open to the grace every day and in every way. Every moment is a miracle and this story reminds me to tune into that.
WOW! … WOW! … WOW! What a story!
Isn’t Master just simply amazing…so kind and compassionate; so powerful, so great.
“If Paramhansa Yogananda can use a mere photo as his instrument, how much more can he do through willing human channels? God made each of us in His own likeness, and, if we choose, we can be a living murti (divine image) of Him.”
I had not ever thought of it quite this way. I guess I felt like, not until “I” became “enlightened” could I see myself in that way. First I had to work hard, sacrifice, yadda yadda…but through your comment, I can see/feel the truth of these words…We are all made in the image of GOD, so that very EASILY we can be images of God.
Thank You Jyotish.
~~~Peace, Josette
What a touching story!. Thanks for sharing it.
Kamini
This is one of the many events involving the Gurudev. I fully believe in it.
It is His way to reconnect to His old desciple and give us a chance to come back.
It took me 50 long years to connect to him. But i have never seen Him in person . One thing I know is that after practicing Kriya for a long time and saw no progress, i was going to give up. That night i had a flash dream of Jesus,who asked me ” Why do you want to change your Guru” that was it.
The idea of leaving disappeared into the thin air, never came back since.
God and Guru bless all pf you.
Mohabeer
Blessings dear souls. Your sharings have all been dear to Julie and me and to so many. Throughout history the sharing of stories of Faith, Light and Joy have kept Divine Mother alive in all hearts. I asked Master years ago to help me to never become complacent on this path, in my life. Whenever I have felt less than AWAKE AND READY, I have always been unlifted by his immortal words given in his letter to a disciple: “You must NEVER lose Courage…” Namaste
What a beautiful story. It’s touching how much Master loves and cares, and watches out for us.
What a beautiful story. It’s touching how much Master loves and cares, and watches out for us. Mary