from Leonor Mendes Fernandes
To Ācārya:
I was just 17 years old when I first heard Ācārya’s golden words. I remember entering Jonathan and Stacey’s beautiful property on a warm winter day, and making my way through the rich-green gardens before reaching the entrance of the yoga shala. A sweet, silky jasmine scent filled the air, and as I took my shoes off and entered the room, I felt a wave of calmness reverberate through my system.
Ācārya’s picture was projected onto the wall, underneath a beautiful array of flowers and low-lit oil lamps. Krishna’s image hung high above the altar. I made my way to my seat and was left entranced by the sound of Ācārya’s voice, enchanted by the knowledge he had to share. From that moment onward, a thirst for knowledge poured from my eyes; emanating from my being, out of my heart, out of my Soul. Ācārya’s words are the only thing that seem to quench this thirst.
Looking back, I was unaware of how important he would become for me and my family. But as I left the yoga shala that sunny winter morning in 2019, I felt an overwhelming sense of calmness and quietness. A moment that would stay with me for years to come.
Ācārya’s words have this ability to pierce the Soul. They are the biggest treasure I have come across in my life. His child-like laughter echoes through the chambers of your Soul. The whole room brightens when Ācārya smiles, as his mouth makes this beak-like shape his students know so well. His love coats your heart like warm honey; healing all the wounds in the deepest trenches of your being by overflowing them with sweetness. His eyes communicate a love so deep and a presence so pure that your Soul can do nothing but surrender itself; to being drenched with love.
Ever since meeting Ācārya, my life has changed in many beautiful ways. My heart-to-heart connection with him has given me a sense of purpose. I am learning how to live my life in a way that honors my body and mind. I am learning how to appreciate Mother Nature more earnestly, with more love and care than ever before. I am learning how to find joy in all of life’s moments, no matter how easy or hard they can be. I have embarked on a life-long commitment to honor my parents and lineage, for they have given me the biggest gift of all: a human birth with which I can realise my Soul.
I look at Ācārya’s picture every day when I wake up and before I go to sleep, and feel a deep sense of gratitude knowing I have Ācārya and his teachings in my life. I extend a thought of appreciation each day to him, his wife and his students; who have greeted us bright-eyed, curious Western students, with nothing but patience and “wet hearts”.
Whenever I am happy, whenever I am sad; if ever I am confused or anxious… I recall the words Ācārya uttered to me during one of our first interactions: “Just be happy. It is very simple. All you have to do is be happy.” And so that is exactly what I have committed myself to doing: to just being happy.
I hope you can feel our earnest love for you, my dear Ācārya 🤍
Leonor
