from Julie VanMiddlesworth
Letter to Ācārya
Before meeting Acarya, Nature was my primary source of spiritual guidance. My husband Paul and I found joy in the outdoors backpacking to secluded, forested areas and I share a family history of gardening to grow nutritious foods and watch the cycle of life unfold. Our lives were progressing with the normal ups and downs; I was relatively happy and not consciously seeking a human spiritual guide. Then, a fateful meeting with Acarya in Boulder, Colorado, enriched my life more than I could have possibly known at the time. His luminous quality and penetrating stories caught me by surprise when I first heard him speak at a small cabin nestled in the foothills. I had never heard anyone speak so directly about Nature and the Eternal Truth. He invited attendees to visit India. I was considering traveling to India to study asana with another teacher and asked if I could visit Acarya. He agreed but stated that I must choose only one teacher and not split time between the two. My heart was very drawn to Acarya, and it was easy to comply. Nature led me to a true and worthy teacher.
Near the end of the ten glorious weeks spent in his presence, I found that I was pregnant with our oldest child, Lily. Family centered culture in India and my husband’s arrival there sweetened the happy news. Acarya, Vijaya and Dawn all helped to nourish my daughter spiritually, mentally and physically. The BYD land was nearly empty at this time, and it was clear that immense human effort and activity was required to fulfill Acarya’s vision for a school. Busy years passed, and we were informed about progress at the school. Lily grew and our son Reed made his wonderful appearance. Both beautiful children were foretold by our Vedic birth charts and fill our lives with such laughter and joy. Thanks to Kristin, for many years, I was able to see Acarya when he traveled to give lectures in the USA. It seemed like just when I was getting desperate for more knowledge, an opportunity to see Acarya would arise. Such synchronicity reaffirmed the unseen connection and helped me stay true.
When Acarya’s international travels reduced, I was certainly longing to be near him. However, employment teaching Environmental Science in the US for the last 14 years did not often allow attendance at formal Indian retreats due to schedule conflicts and duties. Thankfully, online lectures were organized, and two years ago, Lily and I were able to travel back to India to attend a summer retreat to see Acarya in person and visit the BYD property again. My heart soars in his presence.
While I have not always been able to be in close physical proximity to Acarya, my heart has stayed near to him and my longing has deepened. His teachings over several decades remain with me, sometimes requiring a long time to do their work once fertile ground is exposed. I find myself remembering his resplendent quality, teachings and stories long after they have been told. Contentment and joy are present in my life as a direct result of Acarya’s gifts; he has shown me the true goal of this life. Layer by layer, he tirelessly helps one lay bare the path and journey closer to the Truth. The ever-present, transcendent support of Acarya and those who came before is with me, and my heart is forever linked.
I am eternally grateful.
BYD
Acarya’s clear vision regarding the proliferation and critical preservation of traditional yogic teachings and philosophy were expressed clearly from the beginning. That vision has come to fruition at BYD – raw land transformed into a thriving, sustainable school. The lands’ firm footings in the primaeval granitic craton of the Indian subcontinent seem to support the study of ancient and foundational Indian arts and sciences.
After seeing the bare land of BYD in the beginning stages with the small lotus pond and clear views of the stars, as well as the original Cow and calf meant to start a herd, I was able to revisit the developed land again many years later. It was amazing to see the fruits of the vision, planning and hard labor! Well-cared-for cows from an ancient lineage, perfectly formed temples, a library bursting with knowledge new and old, an expanded pond filled with lotus, and fertile, biodiverse grounds all met me when, after a timespan of almost 20 years, I was able to set foot on the land at the base of the Chamundi Hills once more. Busy students looked aglow and joyous; I am so happy they have the opportunity to learn traditional yogic teachings in that ideal setting.
While I surely do not understand the full depth and meaning of the thoughtfully chosen components and traditional teachings, it was crystal clear that all beings benefit from the presence of BYD. I see more clearly now than ever before the immense value in pure, untwisted teachings that might lead humanity to right knowledge. BYD is a gift, spreading light in dark times.
Wishing continued success and blessings to BYD and Sadvidya.
Namaste
Julie VanMiddlesworth
