Gopika’s Swamini Story
This writing is offered humbly to Sri Krishna. First and foremost, thank you Lord for leading me to my Guru, Swamini Turiyasangitananda; and for Swamini leading me back to You! Swamini had a way of looking into you and seeing the best part. It is from that place of soul recognition that she interacted with everyone. Just by entering her presence, I was reminded of my true nature: loving, compassionate, patient, grateful, and peaceful. At times the troubles of life seemed overwhelming, my heart and mind weighed heavily. It was then that I would seek Swamini’s counsel. On Sundays, during discourse, words of wisdom would be shared directly addressing my concerns. What seemed huge would melt in the glory and power of the Lord, the guidance of the guru, and the love of both. I have often thought that the gift of a guru is her ability to see and shed light where there is darkness. Swamini helped me to see my truest self, my purpose in life, the gifts of nature, the Will of the Lord, and the teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba and Lord Krishna. I will never be the same. Now, I strive to live what I have learned and to continue to seek out the truth that is God. One of my favorite memories was the opportunity to prepare a plate of prasad to present at the seat of Lord Krishna in the Mandir (temple). Help was needed getting the food ready for the ashram students and guests while a program was taking place outside. My heart was filled with this blessed seva, so in silence I arranged small portions of all the prepared dishes on a plate, while the mind chanted Krishna’s name and thought about His form. When everything was ready, I took it into the Mandir to be offered. Upon coming out, Swamini had entered the kitchen, looking directly at me, she shared with everyone present my thoughts and behaviors while preparing Krishna’s plate. She emphasized the love that gopis had for Lord Krishna. I never forgot that moment because it became very clear of Swamini’s inner sight, deep insight, and how in tune she was with her students. She also taught me a very important lesson. By bringing light to the devotional behaviors she witnessed, I came to experience what a devotional life in God is like. For me it was a moment, for Swamini a lifetime. She showed me that she constantly has the Names of the Lord on her tongue, in her thoughts, and all of her behaviors are for His glory.
Lovingly,
Gopika Womack-Freeman, Initiated Student of Swamini Turiyasangitananda
A Divine Piano Lesson
Swamini.
There are no words to truly quantify the Divine Force that She continuously exuded. When She would give an instruction, it would be so concise. There were never arbitrary movements, words, or actions.
It was usually Wednesday evenings when our group would have the Bhagavad Gita class with Swamini. We started with the latter verses of Chapter 2, and later moved to Chapter 9.
When the class started I did not anticipate that the keyboard would be a part of it. We were all so concentrated on getting the essence of the lessons that Swamini was teaching us. We wanted to make sure we had the pronunciations accurate, and the accuracy in our memory (as we were to each be given the "exam" of reciting the verses studied). Padma, to this day still amazes me at how much she truly had the verses in her heart and mind, locked in.
However, one day it was said that a keyboard should be set up for our class. I thought we were going to be fortunate enough to hear Swamini play every week in our class! From the first day, her organ pierced my heart and spoke to my soul. Her’s was the only music that suspended time. How fortunate we were to be able to hear Her play the Bhagavad Gita with us?
I had purposely bought the same keyboard She had. It was the standard at the time, of one of the best keyboards around. What I did not know was the very reason God allowed me to even have it.
This day, during class we were learning the melodies for the Bhagavad Gita. Swamini had given the notes of how we should all sing it. She told me what to play, and I was trying to take in the information as best as possible.
Here's what I have learned when Sri Sathya Sai Baba or Swamini speaks directly to you: pay close attention, but RELAX.
Here's what I also learned: the information is going to arrive to you QUICKLY.
This moment was no different. As soon as Swamini rose from Her chair to float towards the keyboard, it was time for me to get up and get out of the way or so I thought... Within a Divine blink of an eye, Her left hand was already playing the notes that were the melody/chord of the Gita, and that getting up from the piano bench would not be possible. It was immediately clear that seated was where I was going to remain. I can still see the scars on Her hand from the tapasya (as described in Monument Eternal), in my memory vision. Remember, the information arrives QUICKLY. It was in that very moment, that full concentration was to be used. Nothing was to be transcribed, jotted down, recorded, or anything like that. It was time to hear, watch, and remember. I always felt beyond happy in that kind of moment, because it is absolutely obvious that God is blessing the karmic journey with Divine Mercy.
I loved it. My soul loved it. It was the piano lesson I had been dreaming of taking for my whole life, and I didn't even know it until it happened.
She told me what to play, and the moment could not have lasted longer than a minute. Padma, bless her heart, had the awareness to take the picture. That itself is such a blessing, for we never took pictures inside of the Mandir. I will never forget the chords She showed me to play that day.
The Divine lesson is to be present in the Mercy of the Lord. The Guru being allowed to give instruction to a kid on the keyboard is something I will reflect on forever. It happened one more time, in my lifetime when She showed me on the piano what to play. For that, I thank God and Her for the chance to see the Highest Song of God being played. The next time would be for the song Aboon Diveshmaya.
It was the last song She taught me on the physical plane. Since then, She has taken over my heart and hands at various times when playing the bhajans. I thank God for this every time.
Om Namah Turiyasangitananda Ki Jai!
Surya Botofasina
A student of Swamini Turiyasangitanand.
The Last Path...
I have been blessed to have spent many special moments with Swamini, but there is one which is dear to my heart. On one beautiful holy observance day on the ashram land, we had a lovely outdoor program in the circle under the oak trees.
When the program ended, Swamini and I were walking together on our way back to the Mandir (temple). I was thinking about all of the different spiritual paths I had been on before coming to the Ashram. None of these places had satisfied me. Swamini then shared with me that “this would be the last path I would have to take.” She assured me that “this would be the path that would take me home.”
I am so thankful to have received that reassurance from my Guru.
Uma Pierson, Initiated Student of
Swamini Turiyasangitananda
