I had an interesting dream last week. In the beginning a group of us, friends and gurubhais, were strolling in a crowded street with many people milling around. Then, in front of us, there was a commotion, and we saw a military-type vehicle backing up toward us. With all the people around me, I was unable to get out of the way and was struck by the jeep and dragged underneath it.
The scene then shifted to some months or years later. I was among a group of people looking at an odd fellow, obviously a homeless street person. He had a little encampment in a woody area near a street, with a collection of odds and ends and a small tarp to keep out the sun and rain. The fellow himself was unkempt, with long, matted hair, a beard, and raggedy clothes.
But he seemed happy, and he was surrounded by birds and animals. He was sharing the little food he had and was petting and helping them. The viewers were amazed, and a little frightened, to see an injured mountain lion beside him being petted and soothed. Dozens of birds were chirping happily and landing not only near him, but on him, obviously completely comfortable in his presence. Finally, a shy little snake slithered out of a hole and onto his lap wanting to be petted. Passersby were either bemused by the odd scene or angry and mocking him, but he seemed oblivious to them and their criticism. He was clearly quite content to be sitting under a tree with his animal friends.
Suddenly this strange fellow remembered who he was and started laughing and laughing. It was one of those laughs that went on and on until tears stream down your face. The laughter was joyful and infectious and all the onlookers started laughing too. I suddenly realized that this stranger was me, and that I had just awakened from amnesia caused by the accident.
As I recounted this dream to Devi the next morning I was surprised to find myself choking up with emotion. Only then did I realize its spiritual significance. From the perspective of our soul, we all have spiritual amnesia. We are all lost and homeless, surrounded by a few raggedy possessions, and doing the best we can to get by.
Paramhansa Yogananda, a great saint, radiating his love for others.
I was also touched remembering the animals in the dream. Let this be my wish: If sometime in the future I get amnesia—if my name, possessions, occupation, and very identity are all stripped away—then, like the character in my dream, let only love remain.
And when I wake from my amnesia, let there be blissful laughter that touches and awakens joy in everyone.
In gratitude,
Nayaswami Jyotish
Subscribe to the Touch of Light podcast. Download the audio recording of this week’s blog by right-clicking here. Or listen to it here (3:53):
21 Comments
Dead Jyotish thank you very much
So moving! Me, too! I want that.
Thank you Jyotishji, this is a very powerful spiritual wish and affirmation for me.
I was reading from Swamiji’s book also about that one should always have an open heart and that at the heart of everything is Love Itself.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful dream, may we all awaken to our true natures. Grateful for these reminders of who we are and guidance on this Path!
Thank you for sharing.
Om Shanti!!
What a very comforting dream! I was holding on to some hostility, and while I read this story, it totally dissolved. Thank you for sharing this beautiful dream. I will print a copy and read it often as a means to keeping my heart open and my love alive. Thank you, Marie Peters
Let it be so. Namaste
I yearn to have God visit me in such a dream. Truly a gift. Thank you for sharing the Divine visit!
When Divine remembrance comes, it will because we’ve run the race, fallen many times, managed to get up and continue until we cross over the finish line, and fall into Divine Mothers arms.
Thank you, Jyotish and Devi, your touches of light inspire the day!
Loved the dream! I’m so happy that you take the time to share these parcels of your life!
Love,
Vinnie Cruz
Thank you for that inspiring, powerful, reminder! And for sharing the love, I felt it so deeply and profoundly.
This is so very beautiful dear Jyotish.
I read it first thing this morning and was very moved.
Thank you for sharing.
Wishing many blessings for you and dear Devi,
with love always,
bhajana
I can so relate to your dream. I have always had a;ways had a strong love for animals and relate to them more than with the human
race.
Dear Nayaswami Jyotish Ji,
Thank you for this wonderful blog. Very touching!
We too would like to practice the quality of love always.
In Master’s love
Prem
Aum Aum Aum, dearest Jyotish, what a Divine experience, how moving, inspiring ?
Jai Beloved Guru
Wonderful, thank you.
Dear Jyotish,
I saw you as Saint Francis in the dream!
Thank you for your love of all people and creatures, and for your sharing.
Love & Blessings, jiavanna
What a beautiful dream!! Thank you so much for sharing your intimate, personal experience. It inspires and teaches others.
very beautiful
Blessed Jyotish,
May your wish come true and may it come true for us all…
that, “Only LOVE remain” as we AWAKEN to our TRUTH.
Thank you for sharing this very touching expereince.
~~~Peace, Josette
Thank you for sharing this beautiful history Jyotish.