On Sunday September 14, 2003 the devotees in New Delhi gathered for weekly satsang at the Greenfield School, as they do every Sunday. However, this Sunday was different because Gurudev had unexpectedly decided to stop over, breaking his journey to the ashram in Haridwar where, on September 17, Shanti Mandir hosts the 9th, now bi-annual charitable Eye Camp, including restoring sight to the cataract-blind through a simple surgical procedure.

A vibrant, festive atmosphere pervaded the satsang hall as everyone waited for the opportunity to honor Gurudev and receive his darshan and blessings, showing their devotion by immersing themselves in the time-honored chanting of the Guru Gita. At its conclusion, Gurudev, accompanied by Devayani, Ashok, Naveen and Mrs Khanna, arrived to an ecstatic welcome.

Devayani set the tone for our time together, singing a Marathi bhajan, after which everyone joined Gurudev in chanting Shri Krishna Govinda. The fragrance of divine love spread throughout the hall which overflowed with joy and devotion triggered by Gurudev’s presence, the power of the chanting and people’s simple devotion.

After a few minutes of peaceful meditation Gurudev shared his wisdom, reminding everyone of the importance of the Guru Principle in our lives. He said, “If the Guru is truly alive in our heart, we have everything we need. That Principle - that grace - always guides, supports and protects. Even if we cut ourselves off by getting caught in wrong actions and desires, that Guru never abandons us.”

Fondly remembering the selfless service being rendered by Dr. Rakhee Thakkar who is running Shanti Mandir’s charitable mobile health clinic in the rural area surrounding the ashram in Magod, Gujarat, Gurudev emphasized the importance on the spiritual path of selfless service - Guruseva. He urged all devotees, especially those who are younger, to dedicate themselves to Guruseva.

Quoting from the famous bhajan by Hari Om Sharanji, he said, “One should not feel small in bowing to the Guru or anyone else. Such actions allow us to look deeply within, feeling the truth of our heart where we find our sweetest friends - humility, compassion and faith.”

Emphasizing the selfless nature of spiritual life he said, “No-one wants spiritual practice, sadhana, to become just another tool of the ego. We must always be alert. The self-destructive nature of spiritual egoism means that we must constantly strive to cleanse our mind of desire, fear, possessiveness, the sense of personal doer-ship and separateness.”

After relating a humorous joke from the internet Gurudev concluded by stressing the importance of having clear, well-defined targets, or goals, in our life. “When we are clear about what we want to achieve,” he said, “we are led to a new awareness of the joy inherent in the journey itself.”

Afterwards, everyone was invited to have Gurudev’s darshan, and delicious prasad was served