Skip to main content

You just reached a turning point in your life. So what?


In every individual’s life, there comes a stormy turning point. It leaves a mark on you forever. For me, that turning point came on 27th December 2007. I call it the ‘Year of Shivam.’ Shivam means “That which is indestructible.” Funny, it left an indestructible impact. That's what turning points are all about.

2007 is the year I experienced my first near-death experience at an astral level, followed by a series of out-of-body experiences.

You can laugh. But that was my first spiritual turning point. I was alone and I didn’t understand what had hit me then.

                                                      [Image: Unsplash]

Last year, I read books by writers  such as Khurshed Bhavnagari, Nan Umrigar, Ruzbeh N Bharucha. Then I understood that I wasn’t going crazy, turning stoned or hallucinating. I was actually having an astral experience and being guided to the Spirit World.

Another book I read is called A Journey of the Souls. A doctor documents the inner journeys and experiences of many individuals who had out-of-body experiences and were able to recall the exact details of their past lives as a result of their astral experience. It is the doctor's case diary with key observations about the out-of-body experiences of his patients and how it is directly linked to their  behavior, relationships and the choices that they make in real life.

What shocked me is this: the experiences are so similar to what I had gone through. There’s just one tiny difference. These folks had the courage and conviction to write about it. I didn’t.  So, here are some key takeaways:

1. When you face a turning point, face it with courage. 

2. Follow your heart. Do what you believe is right

3. Be aware that this is an important test from God. Don't run away.

4. Pray for higher awareness and guidance.

5. Take a clear stand on what you strongly believe in. Stick to it and accept whatever is happening as an experience that will make you stronger.

My spiritual turning point taught me a powerful lesson: You have free will but  ultimately, only divine will manifests. 
 
To Experience, All Identification must cease

We all go through seemingly illogical experiences at some point of time in life. The problem begins when we identify and get emotionally caught up with it instead of contemplating on it like a witness.

A turning point, particularly a spiritual one, has implications  in the real world. That’s why the test is so tough to pass. You have to put away your rosy glasses and face the reality with a big smile.

As J Krishnamurti says, “To experience, all identification must cease. To experiment, there must be no fear. The more we struggle for or against identification, the greater is the resistance to understanding. ”  

Thank you, Shivam. Losing you became the spiritual turning point in my life. You live forever in my heart. Rest in peace.       
Labels:

Comments

Aravind Balasubramanya said…
Wonderful. Just like learning to walk or swim, learning to live happens in an instant via the Shivam experience as you have put it. Thank you for sharing. It inspires me to also look forward for such an epiphany. :)

I remember Swami saying that without the experience of "Shivam", the indestructibe, one becomes a Shavam (Corpse). I remembered that statement as I read your blog. Thank you
December 27, 2014 at 4:06 PM
Swapna Raghu Sanand said…
Brother Aravind, thank you so much for Swami's words that you shared here...it means a lot to me personally and as always, Swami's message reaches me through you as His divine instrument on the right day.

I remain grateful to you and to Swami for that.
December 27, 2014 at 10:38 PM
Post a Comment

Most LOVED Posts

The Ugly Truth about Caste in Kerala

Many years ago, when I wrote this post on Kerala's caste system, I had not considered that people would start sending in abusive comments about one caste over the other. It baffles me that this is how Indians, all of us, continue to judge each other on account of caste differences.  [ READ: Guru Kripa: Powerful Lessons at the Lotus Feet ] My question is - why do you ABUSE any caste or community? I suggest that you read about the lives of great Masters and their stories - none of them judged anyone on the basis of caste.  You can read the life stories of Sri Adi Shankara Bhagawadpada, Tulsidas, Jnaneshwar, Namadev, Sri Aurobindo, Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Paramahansa Yogananda, Shirdi Sai Baba, and many more Gurus in Sanathana Dharma. NONE of them endorse these caste hierarchies in Bhakti Marga. Assuming that Guru Sampradaya does not appeal to your sensibilities, do read this  new book 'Ants among Elephants' written by Sujatha Gidla, who writes about herself as being bor...
181 comments
Read more

Best time to light diya

Want to know when is the best time to light diya or deepam at home? In most Hindu homes, 'deepam' or 'diya' is lit at least twice - once in the morning and then in the evening. For both times, brass is considered to be auspicious for lighting deepam or lamp at home. Clay diyas are auspicious for lighting at home. On Fridays, it is considered auspicious to use ghee in a silver lamp. When Should I Start Lighting Diyas? The symbolic shift begins from darkess to light. Therefore, in the evenings, light diya before sunset to usher in divine blessings into your home. What is the purpose of lighting a diya? Light dispels darkness. When we light a diya, we bring light into our hopes and positive energy in our personal spaces. Nothing is more beautiful than Light. At what time should we light diya today? Every morning at sunrise and every evening before or at sunset. An ideal time would be to light the diya at least half an hour before sunset. Can we light diya after 12 PM? In ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Scientific reason behind lighting diyas

Lighting diyas at home is a part of my childhood. What is the science behind lighting diya? For decades, Hindu households light the diya or deepam every morning and evening. However, increasingly, there are many questions regarding why this practice is integral to the well-being of a Hindu home.                                                         [Source: Pexels.com]                                       Significance of Lighting Deepam Let's do a practice session. At sunset, switch off all the lights in your home - feel the energy inside your home. After all, everything is the same - your home is the same, the furniture is the same, your personality is the same. Sit in the darkness and decode the energy in your home - is it the same as during sunl...
Post a Comment
Read more

A Book Review: One and a Half Wife by Meghna Pant

When I picked up Meghna Pant's One and a Half Wife , it is the title that evoked a curiosity in me more than the blurb that explains the story of a young Indian Immigrant girl whose Big American dream turns to ashes. To be honest, I’d say that there didn't seem to be a 'new-ness' to the way the blurb explained the story. In fact, if given a second chance, I’d suggest to the author to completely rewrite the blurb because it is plain dull and doesn't do justice to the subtle, exquisite nuances that underlines this deeply touching, well written story.   .  Also read: The Power of OM  and   Dark Night of the Soul Talking about nuances, I like the introduction of the story beginning with a parrot who picks up cards to predict the little girl Amara’s destiny as a ‘one and a half wife.’ The description is deeply touching and will evoke interesting memories with a distinct Indianess that all of us can relate to. The author adds a dash of subtle humor too, poking fun at t...
2 comments
Read more

Khatta Meetha: Life's Games of Wins and Losses

Priyadarshan’s Khatta Meetha is a movie that I didn’t want to miss. I was determined to see the movie that was a remake of one of my favorite Mohanlal-Srini movies. Tired of candy floss romance and terrorist-turns-good romance in Bollywood movies, I wanted to watch something that is about ordinary people like me. The song sequences in foreign locations, the mindless hero-heroine plots and unbelievable romantic encounters were chipping away at my interest in watching movies altogether because every movie seemed to be a rehash of a commercial formula that has doses of love, violence and glamour. Khatta Meetha: Romance is out, Social Satire and Mass Appeal is in Critics have come up with detailed interpretations of this film. However, an ordinary viewer like me didn’t go to nit-pick on the gaps in the movie. I went there to just watch and enjoy. I assume many viewers do the same when they go to watch a movie. When most people watch a Bollywood movie, if the hero-heroine chemistry isn’t...
5 comments
Read more