from Margaret Regan
To Ācārya & Vijaya Jois G
In Gratitude
There is no one story to fully encompass how my heart is forever changed by the faith, discrimination, and grace of Ācārya and Vijaya Jois G, benefits of which undoubtedly have blessed my family and community, and will continue to do so. Over 30 years ago, youthful aspirations for a connection to the divine somehow led me to their feet. Still today, their benevolent, friendly, and thoughtful reception offered in those early years, has served as an ever present reminder to see the blessings of nature and the potential for realization in each and everyone of us.
If I were to highlight an aspect appropriate to share, it would be conversations with Ācārya where he was willing to frankly address his conscious decision to share with people foreign to Hindu culture the wealth of the ancient Rishis. The risks involved riddle history and current affairs. How does a lifestyle based on Moksha and an attunement to natural rhythms translate into modern life, inherently in contrast in its externalization? And yet, in their compassion, both he and Vijaya Jois G opened their doors with the kind of discrimination and ethics that has inspired the best in all who have been fortunate enough to be in their company.
I have a wonderful memory of my 25th birthday. It had been over a year of spending as much time as possible with Ācārya and Vijaya Jois G. In town, they offered group lessons for foreigners on yogic theory and literature which I would attend. I was also welcome to visit them in their home where Vijaya Jois G would receive me, give counsel, share the most amazing foods and drink, followed by conversations with Ācārya in which I could ask questions regarding my practice and life in India. I had come to India after a very troubled youth devoid of an established spiritual life. They generously provided a healing environment without attachment. It forever wed my spirit to the heart of India.
It was monsoon season. I had bicycled out to their house to wait and see if they would come home. This was before cell phones. On the way, it poured and my clothes were drenched. By the time they arrived, it was too late to send a young woman off into the night. It was my mistake for obliging them, but without hesitation, they gave me dinner, shelter, and I prepared to sleep. That night, I dreamt of Ācārya. I did not understand how to integrate Hindu culture into my own conditioning, and how Ācārya could find balance in providing a bridge. In the morning, I began my practice, not knowing what to expect. Ācārya came to check on me and was pleased. Later, sensing my unspoken doubts, Ācārya invited a conversation regarding the dream. I will forever be grateful for the seeds of purpose and perseverance both Ācārya and Vijaya Jois G have shared and continue to do so. Its meaning and direction have enriched my own life and that of many other students, all of whom know well how this positive influence expands exponentially. I thank them from deep within my heart.
BYD
Thanks to the efforts of all who have been involved in Bharati Yoga Dhama and Sadvidya Foundation’s Jivana Yoga, access to provocative teachings and invaluable satsang and darshana no longer requires travel by plane, car, scooter, rickshaw, or bike. For the people of Mysore and the region, what a tremendous blessing, all that has manifested through BYD. For those outside of the region and India, virtual offerings and yearly retreats have served to keep the light alive for so many. As my time in Mysore occurred predominantly before the formation of these institutes, I have benefited most from virtual offerings.
I don’t know if Ācārya would remember this moment, but there is one life-changing conversation, which occurred on the land on the foothills of Chamundi Hill. Though many foreigners have advanced to be conduits of Ācārya’s mission, that was not my fate. But, it was there, where Ācārya sat with me and sent me to fly from the nest, on the wings that had grown, somehow, under his and Vijaya Jois G’s care. Their teachings provided principles of Dharma and Yoga for me to find my way. This feeling of being seen and appreciated, in their universal appreciation of life, Ācārya and Vijaya Jois G model for all who are involved at BYD. I believe these institutions based on Guru Dakshina will continue to thrive and stand as a lighthouse in these rough waters of evolution. I truly would be lost at sea without the blessings of all these efforts to preserve ancient wisdom and bring in its full truth and relevance, to all people, today.
In faith
Maja
