from Kristin
Letter to Ācārya:
Pranam ~
The most illuminating and impactful influence in my life has been that of our dear teacher, Ācārya. It was my great fortune to meet him 29 years ago while studying yoga asana in Mysore. Shankaranarayana, as we called him back then, was teaching Western students in the Lakshmipuram house where I happened to be living. My first impression held a bit of fearfulness, he seemed serious and unapproachable. Later though, I received an astrology reading and my heart melted. I knocked on the door of his house, Vijayā answered and mentioned I was about to leave India after a long stay, I had not uttered a word and she was totally accurate. She graciously served me a sweet tea I had never experienced before, kaṣāya. Many aspects of my life were touched on in the reading that resonated with such truth that I was brought to tears of recognition more than once. The information I received in that reading is still playing out with amazing accuracy and continues to inform and impact me on many levels. At the same time I was caught by a personality that touched my heart in a way that I had never experienced before.
There are many tales from over the years I’ve been associated with Ācārya, and so many memories of importance to me. I’ll never forget, very early on, when I requested an asana practice. I was thinking Ācārya would simply suggest some postures, but he asked to see my practice first. I had ridden my bike to his house, arriving for the daily Bhagavad Gītā classes a few Western students were attending at the time. After his talk, we would practice prāṇāyāma and silence in separate areas of the house. On that day when everyone else had gone, I demonstrated my practice in the main hall. Oh! I was dressed all wrong, I felt insecure and very shy, but not wanting to miss an opportunity, I went ahead. I had come to know in my heart he was an extraordinary personality, a beacon of light, so I was very moved that he took the time for such a person as myself.
Some of my fondest memories are from sweet moments while traveling abroad with Ācārya and Vijayā. Their kindness, generosity, curiosity and consistently steady composure during all sorts of situations served as a living example of Yogic ideals. Their vision for Bharati Yogadhama and devotion to that vision has been unfailing and central to the upliftment of so many. From the early days when the land was originally found through to its steady growth into the majestic and beautiful institution shining a light on Bharat culture that it is today, Ācārya has been unwavering.
My many trips to ‘mother’ India, as well as Ācārya’s teachings in America, Israel and Portugal, have deeply impacted my yogic journey and life. At the core has been the beautiful and true message imparted by him that Realization and Liberation are our birthright. That, the way is paved through a yogic lifestyle and sincere practice for unlimited Bliss. I am unspeakably grateful, not only for this message and these teachings, but the pure, true messenger who is what he teaches and has shared through his grace and that of his teacher, this Truth.
By good luck, most of my adult life has revolved around these teachings and my involvement with Bharati Yogadhama, Sadvidya Foundation and Ācārya, whom I am indebted to beyond words. My daughter is the offshoot that clearly reflects the impact of this path as she navigates the challenges of a modern life lived with integrity and purpose. It is obvious to me this is so because of her exposure to both Ācārya and Yoga from her beginnings. I have watched this same pattern play out with other families who have also had the good fortune to find this path and teacher, ultimately uplifting the world along the way. Ācārya’s generosity and care towards those with a sincere interest in Yoga has inspired a deep reverence and awe in me. I have witnessed how his Kingly, and naturally humble nature helps to shape and nurture one noble soul after another. It is this mission to uplift humanity that exemplifies his greatness, as there are few today who seem capable or even drawn to such a noble intention.
Every aspect of my life has been touched and enriched by my connection with Ācārya and these True Yogic teachings. I am eternally grateful to have had the privilege to not only know, but be a student of this True Yogi.
With the love of Rādhā for Kṛṣṇa, I humbly bow to the feet of my dearest Ācārya ~
BYD:
When the BYD land was just beginning to be established, Ācārya’s western students supported his vision in whatever way they could. Along with creating pamphlets to get the word out, I remember organizing a talent show, having a fundraising event on our lawn in Boulder CO, importing metal spice boxes filled with Vijayā’s sambar and rasam powders, all being sincere efforts to help.
My first visits to the land featured walks to see an original, but decaying temple, the pond, a few established trees and not much more beyond raw, futile land. BYD’s natural and steady development into the thriving organization that it is today, has been amazing and exciting to witness over the years. All along the way whatever was most needed seemed to show up at just the right time, blossoming into a vital institution while preserving India’s original Yogic arts and sciences through the ideals of a Yogic lifestyle. Ācārya’s original intention has steadily come to fruition, yielding positive and impactful results to those who find themselves under the cool shade of his vision.
It is heartening to know that Yoga’s original intention will be preserved and sustained through coming generations by BYD’s mission. That its roots will continue to be nurtured by all the noble personalities it is comprised of and that all will be benefited, knowingly or not.
Yogakṣema ~
Kristin
