Kerala House
Reported by Debbie Timblin
December 3, 2010 - Kerala India
I was offered the most honored opportunity as a representative of the Ashram, to accompany Swami Nirmalananda, Vidyadevi, Mr. Shashi and his daughter Rani to the new home we built for Girija. As often, since finding Svaroopa® yoga and coming to India, I felt a deep overwhelming sense of purna (fullness). I felt honored to represent Svaroopa® Vidya Ashram and the generous yogis who made this gift possible. I will do my best to share with you my wonderful experience.
As we pulled up in our car, Girija was there to meet us. Her entire face was aglow and vivacious as she smiled that electrifying smile. You who have been to Kerala with Gurudevi will remember her from your visit: that quick, beautiful woman darting around to make sure our rooms were clean and comfortable. This is important in this story because it reflects the home I visited. This is a home beaming of love, beauty and pride.
As I followed Swami Nirmalananda down the path, Girija darted head of us to bring out her grown daughter, Divya, a beautiful, shy girl in a bright yellow Punjabi. Again, I saw the same lovely smile shyly shining as brightly as her garments. Girija showed us the Master Yoga Foundation sign she has permanently mounted on her front door. She was so very proud of that sign.
She quickly ran into the house to return with a framed certificate in her hands, stating, “THIS HOUSE DONATED BY MASTER YOGA FOUNDATION." (see note below) I mention this because it was the first thing she wanted to do - to give thanks and recognition to the people that gave her this home.
After posing for photos, Swami Nirmalananda offered the sweets we brought as a traditional gift, and we entered a spacious, very neatly kept living room. The walls were lined with 6 chairs, the kind we buy in the USA for use on our patio. They were neatly spaced 3 along each side of the room. There was a small television in the corner and a new ceiling fan buzzing over head. The walls in the room were washed in a white paint with yellow trim.
Girija quickly darted into her bedroom as we followed a bit more slowly behind. Once again, Girija was beaming with joy as she showed Swami her very own bedroom, with a bed and a cupboard, all so neatly placed in this extremely spacious (by Indian standards) room. Across the hall awaited her daughter, anxious to show off her own room. It is the first time either of them had their own bedroom. Once again, there was a bed, a cupboard and a warm friendly room, all for herself. She was so proud. It reminded me of a teenagers room, only more humble then our American children would expect.
The kitchen was next, where we took more photos of Gurudevi, Mr. Shashi, Rani, Girija and Divya. But taking pictures did not seem what Girija had in mind. With even more pride showing in her face, she led us to yet another small outdoor kitchen. I felt her urgency to show her new home to Gurudevi and to be sure of her approval.
We returned to the living room and Gurudevi sat down on one of the chairs. The rest of us took her lead. A man arrived and he was introduced as Girija's father. Mr. Shashi started to explain some of the practicalities to Gurudevi, and we were each offered a fresh coconut to drink.
As we sat there my heart began to fill. The room was cool from the brand new ceiling fan working above and the clean, freshly white-washed walls. I felt the love in the air and I was immediately comfortable. We were making a visit to someone’s home and they were being wonderful hosts, but there was more. It was a powerful feeling emitting from the walls, the smiles and the conversation. I experienced a fullness coming from inside my own chest. A glow as warm and loving as Girija's smile. It was a new word for me but a familiar feeling, it was purna. I was full. This house and the people inside were full. Purna filled the room.
Now, an experience I will never forget. Girija came over and touched Gurudevi's feet then she bowed to her with warm affection. Then Girija bowed to Vidyadevi and lastly to me. I was there to accept that for you, for all of you that made this happen for her and her daughter. Karma yoga was abundant in that home. I then realized that this home will always be filled with yogis' love. This neat humble little home is Shiva, we are Shiva, you are Shiva and you have left a piece of your hearts and your love here in Kerala.
I am very new to Svaroopa® yoga, and have not had the training or teaching experience that many of you have. I have much to learn on my journey. I am awed by the yogis I meet and their stories of their practice, experiences, and dedication. You inspire and encourage me. You are my new family and I love you all. I seek the presence, the purna I see the Indians as having born into. I will practice to find the presence.
I met with the astrologer here yesterday and he told me yoga is opportunity. You have taken the opportunity to give Girija and Divya a home. Through doing this you receive a wonderful gift. This is yoga. This is Shiva.
Om namah Shivaya