from Maura Gallagher
Letter to Ācārya
Namaste
Little did I know I was seeking a place for my heart to rest, and find its way back home. I met Kristin Laak, a Western student of Acharya’s in one of her yoga classes. Looking back, I see how her compliments and encouragement with me was designed to pull me in, and along. She used Acharya’s wisdom by shining light on my noble qualities, and slowly feeding the hunger she could clearly see in me.
Kristin strongly encouraged me to meet her teacher visiting from India, and to attend his 5 days of lectures. My trust in her developed quickly, and I attended the lectures. I enjoyed the talks, and felt a small flame of curiosity. It was shortly after the talks I recognized his words coming more alive in me. What I had experienced meeting Kristin grew through being with Acharya. My interest in going back for more of this education and mysterious thread grew stronger and stronger.
For years now I have been listening to Acharya’s lectures. This education and wisdom are my guide. To have access to someone with the ability to express the wisdom of the ancient texts in a way our Western minds can receive them is astounding. His teaching style, how he reaches us from the places we all sit is indescribable, and quite a mystery. Many of us have expressed in our own unique ways that his words land like a dart of medicine to the heart, feeling very personal and transformative.
Watching Acharya with the BYD teachers is quite beautiful. Their love and devotion to each other is like nothing I have ever seen. That exchange of love is a remedy for me, an example of true humility and humanness. The tenderness and love Acharya offers us is an example of a pure heart. I am forever grateful to be a part of this community.
My life has become a more steady stream since being introduced to Acharya via Kristin 16 years ago. I feel my sail is set on course towards home.
BYD
I came across one of Acharya’s Western students who pulled me on to this path by indirectly and directly opening my mind and heart. She, by his example, led me to open to these teachings and delivered me to BYD.
The dedication Acharya and his student teachers have for us is beyond words. They have learned and sharpened their English language skills to convey to us these teachings we are so hungry for. The humility of these teachers and the tenderness they show for Acharya is an absolute education in humility and how to live. My heart melts as I watch them together.
I have been hearing and witnessing first hand the intentions and dreams of BYD. I returned to India in 2023 and attended the 25th anniversary celebration of the school. I was moved to see after my six years absence the progress of the school. The cow shed has been completed, the guna forests well on its way, and many new buildings and on and on. The most touching part was seeing how much the student body has grown, a true success.
All the intentions Acharya shared with us as we walked the land six years earlier were manifested or well on their way. I was astonished by what I saw. I felt a satisfaction in my heart for dreams coming true, for the society benefitting and for the small contribution I have made towards this noble endeavor. I am forever grateful to be a part of this community of noble beings and aspirants.
All my love,
Maura Gallagher
