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Canadian Couples Encounter With A Mysterious Yogi

Canadian Couples Encounter With A Mysterious Yogi

Roop_910 / 10 yrs ago /

38

Canadian Couples Encounter With A Mysterious Yogi

Life in the modern societies can at times be a fine balancing act. Once or twice every year,
many people feel that they just cannot cope with the hectic pace of daily life, and therefore
consider it natural to take a vacationoften away to destinations far away from home.
Some vacationers may visit family members; others just go backpacking across wilderness,
while many others go on packaged tours to foreign places where for a few weeks at a time
they live in a world of make-believe and fantasy.
For others who seek out vacations with a differencewith a spiritual cum historical
slantthis often involves traveling to the mysterious East. By choosing to go to India,
visitors get a unique experience and a better bang for their bucks. For they get the
opportunity to spend time in a rapidly changing country, one where modern life flourishes
alongside the most continuous ancient civilization on planet Earth.
With its multitudes of age-old buildings, monuments and countless relics, non-Indian
Westerners have always been fascinated with Indias eternal culture.
In recent times the increased popularity of Yoga and vegetarianism, coupled with the quest
for longevity, have led Westerners to visit India to seek out Yogis and other holy people,
famed for their great wisdom and serenity. Those who cant visit mysterious India have to
settle for the next bestgurus and saints. Great souls who choose to bring enlightenment
to the West, One such as Hindu spiritual leader is Mata Amritanandamayi of Kerala, lovingly
called 'Amma', and known globally as India's "hugging saint mother."
Generally though, the vast majority of Yogis keep out the limelight, preferring instead to
dwell in humble huts or in concealed caves and caverns far away from civilization.
Choosing to shying away in their attempts to be oblivious to, or be far away from the

materialism and the eternal rat race of the modern world, they lead a humble existence.
Somehow, they seemed to have perfected the art of living through disciplined practice of an
ancient holistic wisdom that considers the trinity of body, mind and soul.
To most people, regular exercise programs and simple vegetarian meals, coupled with
regular meditation and contemplation may provide what the world really needs in these
turbulent times? For havent these principles been amply demonstrated in India by Yogis
and sanyasins over the millennia? As paragons who may hold the key to contentment and
carefree happiness, the present world material obsessed with materialism and instant
gratification may have much to learn from the mysticism of India.
Perhaps, Yogis may also provide a link from the present material world to the great spiritual
beyond?
According to modern medicine, health and longevity can be attained when both human
body and mind work in synchrony as it seeks to establish a kind of harmony with the
environment, both external and internal. This leads to a dynamic internal balancea
phenomenon referred to as homeostasis by nutrition physiologists. A vital third factor not
recognized by Western scientists but recognized for eons by the mystics of India is
spirituality. And even though until recently, non-Hindus seemed unable or unwilling to
connect with this triad interrelationship of body, mind and soul, nowadays there seems to
be a new openness, a new desire to find out about these and other erstwhile taboo topics.
Those that can provide clues that would relate the human body to the inner workings of the
mind and the soulin both the material and the spiritual sense. Parts of this approach to life
is engrained in the cultural soul of ancient India. Its practice is very much in evidence in the
metropolis of Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai. Yet somehow, these ancient secrets and
formulas are notably absent among peoples in many parts of today's world.
Now thanks to new-age Gurus like Indian American Dr. Deepak Chopra, the word may be
getting out. Indeed, it is proving very popular. Finally we see attempts to forge a more
holistic approach to life and healing through an integration of aspects of ancient Indian
science of Ayurveda with traditional Western medicine and recent discoveries in the field of
quantum physics. Finally, the potential exists in the West for the establishment of a new lifegiving paradigm, one which encompasses the fundamental principle that perfect health is
more than merely the absence of disease, or in the wider sense the lack of parasitic
organisms of various kinds.

Is this really news to the people of India; and in particular the Yogis who have been
practising these life principles since the dawn of civilization?
Up until now, people in the West have been enjoying unprecedented material prosperity. In
a materialistic and results-oriented world characterized by bouts of fleeting euphoria and
momentary pleasures, followed by deep despair, hopelessness and depression, a lifestyle
that doesnt confer immediate or instant satisfaction is not too appealing. Naturally, looking
for quick fixes to problems of modern living in the West may at times prove elusive. Thus
popping pills to cure almost any affliction may be the norm, but may not necessarily provide
lasting solutions to the problems at hand. But many people apparently ignore or overlook
may be spirituality, or in lay language the mind. Why? Is it because to achieve peace of
mind involves prayers and meditationthings that do not yield instant results.
True, people feel that rituals and/or religious practices should best be relegated to places of
worship. But as it turns out, places of weekly worship are geared more for social interactions
than as places of peace and quiet contemplation.
As the new age of globalization picks up frantic speed, the only constancy is change.
Outside of India, there are always people who fear these inevitable winds of change. With
questions and concerns such as: Should the right of followers to know to truth be
considered vis a vis religious continuity and harmony? Should the introduction of ancient
Indian thought compromise entrenched religious belief systems and lifestyles in the West
and closed societies?
Some fear that entrenched doctrines may become redundant, or even irrelevant because of
their seeming failure to offer followers anything except to passively accept and faithfully
believe. Arent these fears played out in the drama of the current California (USA) textbook
fiasco, and a misrepresentation perhaps of the conspiracy of good intentions?
Now back to visitors to mystical India.
Recently, Jane and Harry Jones, a newly married Toronto couple of European extraction
went to India for a six-week spiritual adventure. Having traversed the length and breadth of
this vast subcontinent, they learnt from their taxi-driver of a very fascinating placelittleknown and tucked away in a remote cave at the foothills of the Himalayas. As seasoned
travelers, the mere thought of seeking out another exciting place immediately aroused their
interest. Prior to embarking on this once-in-a lifetime trip, they decided to make inquiries at
their hotel and from people whom they befriended. And almost without exception, they were

warned that going on such a trip would be very challenging, to say the least. For not only
were the roads to the Ashram rough and almost impassible in parts, but that it was next to
impossible to have an audience with the resident Yogi. They were forewarned of the
physical endurance demanded of the trip, since much of the journey was accessible only by
walking on rough and rocky terrain with sloping and slippery footpaths. Some folks even told
them that the story was a myth, the figment of the imagination of taxi drivers and tour guide
operatorsmuch like the mythical Big Foot (Canada), the elusive Loch Ness monster
(Scotland) or the legendary Massacuraman sea creature (Guyana). But discouragement
only served to increase their resolve.
Why shouldnt they make the trip?
After all, havent they come to India to see exciting places and meet fascinating people?
Although it would take several days to reach the Ashram, they had no qualms changing
their itinerary. This they did on that same day. The next day they set out with their guide to
find this mysterious Yogi.
As it turned out, this was to be a real test of faith. After three days of grueling travel, they
seemed to be in the middle of nowhere. And with their food and other supplies running low,
they were debating whether to turn back or continue. Although they were getting very tired,
their spirits were undaunted. As they persisted for what seemed to be an interminable
period, they finally arrived at a little thatched hut next to a thicket that marked the entrance
to a nearby cave. Then, traveling on foot, and crawling on their knees and bellies for several
hours in semi-darkness, they suddenly reached their destination.
What a wonderful sight to behold!
Before their very eyes, sitting in deep mediation on a small mat was a frail-looking bearded
Yogi in crossed-legged posture. It was difficult to guess his age, though he looked like
Father Time. The well-illuminated clearing in the forest felt so welcoming that for a moment,
the Joneses forgot who they were or where they were? At the sight of this ancient-looking
Yogi, their tiredness and hunger soon melted away.
Then they waited and they waited.
As they were about to prostrate and introduce themselves, the humble Yogi got up, and
looking straight in the eye, greeted them with a broad smile. And with great humility he
addressed them:
Namaskar, Mr. and Mrs. Jones. You are from Toronto, Canada, arent you?

His surprisingly youthful face did not reveal his actual age. But his impeccable but highlyaccented English certainly did astonish them.
Clearly surprised, Mr. Jones replied, Yes, Your Holiness!
Then the kind Yogi asked, What can I do for you, my children?
Then after a short pause, he inquired: What do you want to hear from me?
The couple was lost for words.
How did the Yogi know of their coming from Canada, they wondered?
By then, their tour guide had left the room. Now, they were having a private session with the
mysterious Yogi!
Before they could utter a word, the holy man continued:
Do you wish to know about experiencing a higher spiritual plane, one beyond his material
existence? Or are you looking for more immediate personal development? Perhaps, you
may wish to practice meditation in order to improve your mental concentration, sharpen
your spiritual awareness to enable you to experience true consciousness?
The couple was greatly amazed at the yogis prognostications. Certainly, his wisdom
seemed timeless and eternal, and its depth unfathomable.
What followed thereafter was a three-hour face-to-face meeting, during which they traded
thoughts freely on Yoga, spirituality and coping with life in a modern world. But an
extraordinary incident was yet to unfold.
As is customary in Indian tradition, His Holiness offered to provide his guests (the Jones)
with some food after the meeting ended. But there was no kitchen nor any cooking utensils
around.
Where was the food going to come from? the Canadian couple wondered? The nearest
restaurants or food stands were more than a days travel away!
But the holy man assured them: Dont worry, my children. Youll get all your favorite
delicacies.
And so while the Joneses were pondering the depth of the Yogis last statement, an
extraordinary event started to unfold before their very eyes. Instantly, from his outstretched
hands he materialized a plain piece of cotton cloth resembling a tea towel. He folded this

once, then placed it on a small wooden table in the middle of the room. After uttering sacred
Sanskrit verses, the folded cloth suddenly puffed up and started to rise like a loaf of bread
baking in an oven, only much faster. Within one minute, the tiny room took on the aura of a
restaurant setting. And it looked so strangely familiar toolike the favorite Greek restaurant
in Toronto! When the Yogi unfolded the cloth, to the utmost delight and amazement, he
revealed two platters filled with their favorite Greek food! What a spectacle to behold! Was
all this thing really happening in real life?
The mystified couple happily and heartily partook of the meal. Then as they were preparing
to leave, the Joneses offered the Yogi monetary gifts, but he politely refused, saying that
Almighty Brahman provides for all.
After expressing their satisfaction and gratitude, the happy couple insisted that at least they
should pay for their meals. Thereupon, the Yogi reluctantly agreed. And to facilitate this
process, he materialized a little black rectangular tray with a billthe type the Joneses
would get at Dmitrios Fine Greek Restaurant in Toronto, the couples usual dining place.
Also in the tray was one of their own personalized blank cheques. And in Mr. Jones own
handwriting was the amount of $23.38 (being the actual cost of the meals, plus taxes and
gratuities).
How could these mysterious events be explained? Mr. & Mrs. Jones could not understand
what was happening!
After graciously signing the cheque and receiving the Yogis blessings, the couple bade
farewell, and left for their hotel in New Delhi whence they boarded a plane for Toronto the
next day.
Back in Toronto, the Joneses decided to drop in at their usual eating place three days later
at 9:30 AM. Dmitrios was clearly surprised to see them so early, for his restaurant was not
yet open for the days business. But what truly astonished them was Dmitrios question:
How did you enjoy your meal last Friday evening? asked Dmitrios.
The Joneses could not figure out what Dmitrios was referring to!
But we were not in town. Weve just arrived from India, replied Mrs. Jones.
At this point, Dmitrios invited them to their usual table and showed them the bill for $23.38!
Yes, the same bill, plus the very cheque written and signed in Mr. Jones own hand only
three days earlier!

How could all this be true? asked Mrs. Jones.

Surely were not dreaming, are we? retorted Mr. Jones.
Soon, it became apparent that while at the Ashram in India, the mystic Yogi had somehow
transported them from the remote cave at the foothills of the Himalayas back to Toronto to
Dmitrios Greek Restaurant for fine dining. Or could this have been the other way around?
Scientists now prefer to this ancient Indian phenomenon as Teleportation. In the past,
scientists have tele-transported light. But recently, they have performed successful
teleportation on atoms for the first time ever.
But larger materials like cheques and food? And of people and places?
What a memorable vacation! Was this a miracle? Or was it only one sample of the ancient
science long known to mysterious holy Yogis and other people for thousands of years in
ancient Bharat?
Now the rest of the world is becoming aware of the science and other knowledge known to
our ancient ancestors. Thankfully, the dust and the dirt occluding such gems are slowly
being removed. Sadly though, the light of knowledge is still to illuminate the lives of many
people in parts of the world?

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All Comments
Ramana /

38

/ 2 days ago

Miraculous and amazing! Thia is possible. Such super human yogis do exist.
Comment
Sandeep Singh /

/ 1 month ago

Shame....Such fantasies are shared.

While there is no denying or acceptance on the phenomenon mentioned , the story teller
seemed influenced by "Autography of a yogi" by Paramhans yoganand and decided to
create a story.
Our country is a country of 120 Crores people and unable to find such experiences.
You don't reach foothills of Himalaya without surpassing towns/villages.
They do not mentioned which foothill town did they begin to climb.
They do not mentioned what introduction did they receive from Yogi.
They do not mention what yog teachings or initiation they receive.

As if the yogi was sitting there only to demonstrate the miracle to them,just as they read in
"An auotography of a Yogi".
First and foremost - A yogi is least interested to demonstarate any miracle.
At best , he would prefer to be loaded with enough energy to reach back to your destination
and not feel hungry at all!
Please don't fall prey to such stories, not that believing or not believing of such powers but
please stop spreading such stories!
Comment
Matt /

/ 2 months ago

Just wondering but what type of meditation did this yogi practice? was it some form
ofkundalini/kriya meditation or what?
Comment
PRADEEP MEHROTRA /

/ 3 months ago

Siddha Indian Yogis can do this and much more. I bow my head in their feet.
Comment
Sandeep Singh /

/ 1 month ago

Mehrotra Ji... Kyo C banate ho.

Bow to tab karoge na ..in their feet..jab unke feet aapko milenge.
Dont be stupid.
Would again say, don't reject the possibility but first find one such, share the validation, then
bow down before vouching for Miracle-doers.
Do we deserve to speak on such issues with no clues about spiritual objectives and
personal experiences??
PRADEEP MEHROTRA /

/ 3 months ago

BEYOND IMAGINATION. BUT INDIAN SIDDHA YOGIS CAN DO IT.

Comment
VV Janardhana Rao /

/ 4 months ago

Indian citizens missing due to their foolishness attitudes. At least once in a life time one
should visit Himalayas and show the path of spirituality to their next generation. Janardhana
Varanasi Hyderabad india
Comment
Roop_910 /

/ 9 months ago

Dear Suresh:
This is version of an otherwise true story. It was told to me by a close friend--who had
previously visited holy sites in the Himalayas. On one such trip to an Ashram, his taxi driver
narrated the spiritual experience told to him by another foreign visitor. The narrator (his
passenger) was leaving the yogi's Ashram to catch his plane for the return trip home.
Please note that I embellished it by added names,etc.
Thanks
Roop
Comment
Suresh Rao /

/ 9 months ago

Enchanting piece of writing. Narrative is mature. Story is fiction for sure!

Comment
Suresh Rao /

/ 9 months ago

OK, creative non-fiction then; the writers have great imagination!

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