It has been a week since I have been here at the Costa Rica Devi Mandir.
What a blissful experience this has been and still is. Here, time is
compelled to rest in this environment of stillness. Peace arises from
the chirping of the birds and the numerous varying sounds of all the
other living beings that inhabit this space which is filled with life.
Everywhere I look, my seeing is captured by a lush canopy of colorful
vegetation. The gentle cool breeze, gracefully gifted by the vast
Pacific ocean, can cool off any unintended surfacing of conditioning.
You only have to sit on a balcony and let your sense of sight be
extinguished by the infinitude, as you look over the endlessly
extending waters and beyond the curvature of the earth.
It is easy for me to get lost in this writing and keep going on
describing the environment. However, there is so much more at the
mandir, that blends into its soul and facilitates that feeling of
bliss that I have.
When I first met Shreemaa and Swamiji, I was immediately immersed in
their impersonal Nature. The love that shines forth from Swamiji is
all embracing. That love from Shreemaa is silent and permeating.
Swamiji’s love invites you in and Shreemaa’s love fills up your space.
Her warm bowl of kichari, does not only activate sensations in your
stomach, it also makes one’s soul dance. I could say a lot more here,
but when the essence is established, additions from the periphery run
the risk of inducing diminishing returns.
When I met Ambe and Shivam, my first impression was that they are
unpretentiously welcoming. Then, I very quickly found myself in the
embrace of their overwhelming generosity. From my soul I say that they
are kind, caring, considerate and warmly engaging. What stands out the
most from my association with them thus far, is their overwhelming
love for and devotion to Shreemaa and Swamiji. Within the ambience of
their love and devotion, this paradise of bliss will continue to
flourish, as the family grows.
The temple is mesmerizing. It is filled with God. The one without a
second. There is no confinement to one religious sect. Shiva and Jesus
can sit together, because they are not separate. The daily morning
Satsang and the evening Arti, reinforces this principle of oneness
with every chant, reading, drumbeat, asana, breath and kirtan. In
humility I give gratitude to Shiva, for this amazing and engaging
temple, and for the experience of worshiping with Shreemaa and
Swamiji, and all the other members of the Devi Mandir family.
I find all the staff members to be friendly, accommodating, helpful
and more. With patience they try their very best to understand my
English. So far, their interpretation of what my needs are, has been
perfect. Without exception, all the staff are serving with love and
they are also participants in the daily meditations.
I unreservedly offer my personal gratitude and appreciation for Dr.
Dhanvantari. I came to the Ashram suffering from severe knee pain. His
diagnosis, acupuncture treatment ,and instructions, given with
compassion and selflessness, has made my condition improve measurably.
Healing takes time, and I am optimistic that the issue will completely
resolve.
The food and accommodation are offered with generosity and served
with love. Any visitor who has the good fortune to experience this,
will be deprived of any presumptive feelings of inadequacy. They
certainly enhance the bliss that flows here with Shiva’s grace.
This last paragraph is special. I have the privilege of associating
with three inspiring young devotees. Rama, Krishna, and Kali have
filled a part of each of my days with a resurgent childlike nature
that tends to be subdued increasingly with age. They are kind,
considerate, curious, talented and hungry for knowledge. Hanging out
with them has convinced me that every child is born Satvic.
It is partly our adult conditioning of them that introduces doses of the
other two gunas. As they are, they harbor no sense of separation.
In conclusion, I express my love and gratitude to the Devi Mandir
family and to the Divine Mother, for opening this door to Nirvana for
me.
Jai Shreemaa! Jai Swamiji. Namaste!