IN THE LAP OF MASTER

Sometime in early March, Sadhguru announced his wish to conduct three-day residential Sathsangs at Isha Yoga Center, one in Tamil and one in English. The initial goal was to attract around 2000 meditators – and that was what the organizers went ahead and planned for. Only a week later, when Sadhguru inquired about the developments, the coordinators updated him proudly that the registrations had reached 2000 participants for each of the Sathsangs, that all arrangements have been made and registrations have now been closed. Much to their surprise, Sadhguru exclaimed that such an opportunity is available once in lifetimes and it would be a crime to deny anyone from being present during those days. And so the registrations reopened and for both Sathsangs altogether no less than 10,000 people were expected – and these expectations were met.

For days on end, the whole Isha Yoga Center was getting equipped to be able to accommodate such numbers. From temporary sheds to outdoor dining arrangements to a large temporary kitchen and a huge ground to host the event, residents and volunteers worked day in and day out to make things happen. On 24 April, the opening day of the English Sathsang, as the participants rolled in, soon a vibe of excitement prevailed.

Everything from accommodation allotment to seating arrangements went on like clockwork, and by 6 pm, all were seated and an expectant silence prevailed throughout Spanda Hall garden. As Sadhguru appeared, the roaring drums of Sounds of Isha filled the air, accompanied by a vibrant fire dance performed by Brahmacharis.

Sadhguru began the Sathsang by reminding the sacredness of the Velliangiri Mountains and their significance to Isha, since Sadhguru’s Guru had graced these mountains. "For me, this mountain is very sacred because my Guru walked upon it.

Sadhguru even chose to shed his physical self upon it.And when he wanted to say something to me he did not sit down like this and talk to me. [Laughs] He could have told me… But everything he wanted to tell me, he put it upon the peak of this mountain, so it is very sacred to me."

Sadhguru also fulfilled the promise that he had made on the last Mahashivarathri when he had announced that soon he would be telling the story of why these sacred mountains have come to be known as "Kailash of the South" [see textbox].

Sadhguru then conducted a guided mediation, leading the participants through a series of moods andemotions, culminating with devotion. "Every emotion, every experience that you go through in your life is after all your making. If only you could be conscious that anyway it is your making, you would definitely choose the sweetest way to be. Devotion is not only the sweetest way to be, it is also the highest form of intelligence" Sadhguru concluded.

A special video was put together for the occasion, in which the story of the Isha Yoga Center and the Dhyanalinga consecration was narrated through the sharing of various meditators, emphasizing the fact that the whole foundation was built and still goes on to evolve on the strength of people’s devotion, commitment, dedication and willingness to give whatever is needed to make the ultimate happen for themselves and everyone else.

This set a strong mood for the remaining days when people were able to experience the preciousness of what was being offered and the great possibility that Sadhguru, the Dhyanalinga, the Isha Yoga Center and

Isha Foundation hold.

Over the next two days, an amazing atmosphere of spiritual intensity was created. The participants met every morning at dawn to witness Guru Pooja and do their practices together. An early morning Sathsang with Sadhguru was nothing short of a dream finally lived for many – and each day’s sunrise symbolized the new beginning which was being established.

Through the processes and meditations, it was clear that Sadhguru was putting his full being into each individual, and thus unraveled the significance of such an event and what a rare privilege it was to be in the presence of such an immense source of divinity whose endeavor is to make each and every single human being experience the ultimate within themselves. And as if that were not enough,

Sadhguru stepped down from the dais for one of the processes and walked through the crowd, who were left intoxicated with the wave of compassion that he spread.

So much can be said and described about these few days, but the most significant thing and the memory that will always remain is the overwhelming response that the Sathsangs generated, with people clearly surrendering to the Grace of Sadhguru and giving themselves totally to every process, every word and every moment that was lived throughout these three days.

The awareness about the value of what is being offered by Sadhguru in a sense of total giving, opened the hearts and minds of the participants and many contributed to whatever extent possible for them towards the enormous costs of this event which was free for all, and towards making the Dhyanalinga Yogic Temple expansion happen in the lines of Sadhguru’s vision. It was overwhelming to see meditators offering whatever they could.

The Sathsang participants were introduced to various aspects of Isha Foundation and its projects, namely the Ishaanga concept, an opportunity for Isha meditators to become limbs of Sadhguru by spreading the message of Isha Yoga (anga in Sanskrit means "limb"). Those who wish to dedicate themselves towards this can submit their application form and will undergo a two- to three-day-long training to become an Ishaanga.

Whether this type of Sathsangs can again be offered in the near future depends on many factors, particularly the availability of sufficient material and financial resources – however, after witnessing the amazing impact that these few days have had, many of those present felt the urge to make such a possibility available for many others. If thousands of us Isha meditators commit ourselves towards this goal, we can definitely make it happen. The Master is with us.

IN THE LAP OF THE MASTER VIDEO :