On Father’s Day, devotees gathered in excitement for Swamiji to arrive at the Devi Mandir, but we knew he would not arrive until the end of our Chandi Path recitation, which would be close to 12 noon.
Even Shree Maa was in joyous anticipation, as She occasionally glanced over at Swamiji’s asana during the last few chapters of the Chandi to see if he had come yet.
When we finished the 13th chapter of the Chandi, and there was no Swamiji, Shree Maa disappointedly said, “Where is Swamiji?”
A devotee who was sitting with a view to the outside exclaimed, “Here he comes Maa!! Here he comes!!”
Upon hearing this news, Shree Maa flashed a huge smile and quickly started the Chandi Arati so that we would be singing with devotion upon his arrival.
He walked into the temple, and true to form, the first thing Swamiji did was humbly bow to Shree Maa, and then he bowed to the congregation.
Enjoy this expression of gratitude for Swamiji, which includes loving quotations from devotees through the years and a few teachings from Swamiji himself, interwoven with pictures from our Father’s Day event at the Devi Mandir:
“Every day I remember you and you are always in my prayers. To me, you are a master of life. To you, I bow in utmost reverence and am proud to have you among my spiritual teachers. To me, your word equals the word of God. Happy Father’s Day. My love to you.”
~ Nelson Armando
“I have had the grace to experience the Divine Presence of many Sadhus in this life, but Swamiji’s generosity and enthusiasm of Spirit is something very rare and precious.”
~ Muktimaa
“What is important is praying together as a family — being together and praying. It is about remembering that God is the center of our family. That is the most important thing to remember. God is the center of our lives and our family.”
~ Swamiji
“Beloved Swamiji, You are my true Father and I love You With all my heart. Thank You, yet again, for Your wise counsel, Your loving kindness, and for the wonderful being of light, love and wisdom that You are. You have my love and my immense gratitude. You have my Heart!”
~ Sanatani
“Beloved Swamiji – I love you Swamiji. You are like a father to me. Even my father never took so much interest in my development as you do. I bow down to you Swamiji. You are just so special!”
~ Jagadeesh
“You have given us so much and filled our lives with true meaning. Throughout the years, though I don’t see you physically, your words resound with love in my heart.
~ Nelson Armando
“With a bursting soul, open your heart and offer everything to the True Guru.”
~ Swamiji
“You are the Father of this Family. Thank you!”
~ Shree Maa
