I first met my teacher during a contemplative spiritual exercise, although I didn’t know that was what it was called at the time, for I was just a beginning seeker. I was looking inward and softly chanting a mantra when he appeared in my vision. From that day forward Soul experiences went to a level that was nothing short of incredible.
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Now I’ll fast forward about 2 years. I was in Chicago attending a spiritual seminar. I had learned a lot during that time but I still felt pretty much like a rank beginner.
During a break I walked into a room adjacent to the auditorium, intent on fixing a cup of herbal tea that was supplied there. As I waited for the tea to steep I sensed a change of energy in the room. I looked up and discovered that a man, the same one I had seen in my contemplation two years previous, had entered the room and taken a seat so an artist could sketch his portrait. There was a great feeling of powerful love radiating from this teacher. Since I was the only other one in the area I picked up my cup of tea and quietly basked in this wonderful loving energy.
The teacher was sitting in such a way that he could not see me standing in the shadows on the other side of the room. Yet, suddenly, he turned his head and looked directly into my eyes. The effect was electrifying. I could scarcely breathe. An enormous surge of energy hit me and I spilled my tea. His gaze remained locked on me for perhaps 10 seconds, but it felt like an eternity. Then he smiled slightly and turned back to face the artist.
I had just received the Darshan, a deep and profound Soul gaze. I quickly found a chair and sat down, for my legs were very wobbly.