The day I met Srila Gurudeva - 25th January, 25 years ago!

Today on this date 25th January, 25 years ago, I met my Srila Gurudeva and it was on my birthday.

Although, I may think I met Srila Gurudeva, actually it was Srila Gurudeva who took me under his wings. I really didn't realise it then, and I hope to realise something eventually...

I still remember that day. We didn't have a car, so my husband asked a friend of his to come along to Sungai Long, a new house in a relatively new housing estate. The place was quite a distance from our house. A would be godbrother's brother welcomed Srila Gurudeva to this new house of his.

We waited and waited and finally a phone call came. My heart just broke. My husband's friend said his car broke down and it will take a while before he could reach us. My husband suggested we go the next day, but I was adamant. I wanted to meet this saint, whom I heard once or twice when I was still in Iskcon. His name resonated with my biological father's name and somehow I wanted to meet him.

After what seemed to be ages, we hopped into the car on the way to Sungai Long. When we finally reached there, the program was over. Everyone was standing up, for Srila Gurudeva to go upstairs to his room to rest. I watched this beautiful saintly figure, didn't know what to say or even think.

We decided to come again the next day to check things out. On the third day, which was our wedding anniversary, my husband asked for initiation. Srila Gurudeva blessed us by showering flowers and ordered us to come to Singapore, (his next stop) for initiation. We did so and on Jaya Ekadasi we were initiated with harinama and Srila Gurudeva said in one year he will give us diksha.

If Srila Gurudeva did not mercifully come into my life, I think I would be a goner. The best thing that ever happened to me is Srila Gurudeva. I will always remember this day, no so much because it is my birthday but only because of Srila Gurudeva.

Jaya Srila Gurudeva ki jaya!!

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