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 Popular 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...
180 comments
Read more

How do you light Deepam at home?

How do you light deepam at home? As a child, I loved watching the ritual of my grandmother lighting the deepam or the traditional lamp at home in the evenings. A sense of serenity accompanied her frail figure as she would carefully straighten every wick, dip it into the tiny puddle of oil and light the lamp. As my grandmother would read out the scriptures and chant the prayers, the fragrance of incense sticks and flowers added depth to the experience. In many Hindu homes nowadays, the lighting of the lamp (or the nilavilakku, as Malayalis refer to the traditional lamp in their homes) is not a regular practice. A lot of people have many questions around how to light deepam at home and which oil to use and so on. An important point to keep in mind - Maintain physical cleanliness and hygiene while lighting the lamp. Wear clean clothes while lighting the lamp. Frequently Asked Questions About Lighting Deepam at Home Collating most queries related to how to light the deepam at home, I'v...
1 comment
Read more

Gayatri Mantra as Panchamukhi: Get it right or let it go

Most people do not understand the importance of chanting the Gayatri mantra because they are not aware of its power. It is only when I began to read Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba's teachings that I learned how sacred and powerful the chanting of the Gayatri mantra is.    The Vedas represent the breath of God. The Gayatri mantra is the very basis of the Vedas. Try not to undertake chanting the Gayatri mantra as a light endeavor or as a hobby. It has to be chanted with faith, discipline and purity of mind and body. Be steady with your sadhana if you want to reap the spiritual dividend associated with the Gayatri mantra  and never once hesitate once you decide to do it.  Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba said that the Gayatri Mantra is referred to as Pancha Mukhi, the Goddess with five faces that represent the five pranas or life forces. Here's more on it. .  Also read: The Power of OM   Chant the Gayatri Mantra correctly: Pause Five Times Here a...
39 comments
Read more

Amazing Signs You are an Earth Angel

Doreen Virtue’s book, “Assertiveness for Earth Angels” brings to life the reality of Earth Angels in very easy way. It’s an exciting must-read!   Enjoyed reading this? Then,  do subscribe to my Substack newsletter! Who are Earth Angels? Earth Angels have amazing superpowers in: Music Arts Writing Healing Manifesting miracles for others such as controlling weather conditions and  becoming invisible at will. How to Identify Earth Angels by their Traits To know whether you are an Earth Angel, take a look at their known traits that are explained in this book: You have a graceful and compassionate aura that inspires people . Your presence “lifts” everyone to happier spirits – it is proof of who you really are. You don’t judge others but you overdo the “acceptance” bit. So, you tolerate even those who show no respect for boundaries. You cannot stand anyone suffering or being in pain. You are constantly “rescuing people” because it...
23 comments
Read more

Saree Woes 2

Our earlier discussion on Saree Woes really perked up my spirits. A big thanks to all of you for pepping me up. Okay, here's the good news. There was an unexpected late night party that I had to attend in Gurgaon. To be honest, I haven't had the time or energy to attend any such parties after Adi was born. I was sure I wouldn't have the confidence to make conversation with the glitterati, let alone feel confident to carry off wearing a saree. This is one of those parties where you have to be dressed very formally. Well, at the end of a working woman's day, you hardly feel ready to attend one of these parties looking like a moron, right? So, with very little preparation and very few hours left, I called on all the gods in Heaven to help me look a little younger and prettier since I don't have the magic to look young all on my own. Although I was tempted to wear one of my awesome Kancheevaram treasures, I knew it would be very difficult to drape it without any h...
33 comments
Read more