from Lisa Norvell
Letter to Acharya
It is with heartfelt appreciation for Acarya and his teachings for well over the past decade that I would like to offer my gratitude.
Since as long as I can remember, I have had a thirst for understanding universal spiritual truths and a desire to connect with the mystery of the unseen world. This quest of a lifetime was met with an opportunity to meet Acarya.
Acarya’s teachings have been a guiding light since I first met him in Portland, I believe, in 2012. I had been taking classes from Kristin, and she was going to Portland as Acarya was speaking at a yoga studio there. Kristin was instrumental in orchestrating for me to meet with him after the talks and have my chart read at one of his students’ homes. I had been navigating the many facets of loss surrounding my mother at this time and was hopeful for some clarity. Although I was quite nervous, having no idea what to expect, I met with Acarya for about an hour as he read my chart. We conversed over many topics, expected and unexpected. He shared many things that were spot on, some of which have come to fruition, and he provided an understanding of deeper aspects of myself and my duties in this lifetime. A few things he said I thought were quite funny so I found myself laughing and joking with him, truly enjoying his presence. He seemed tickled and laughed along with me. He said we had a heart connection that was now established, even if it was our one-chance meeting.
Looking back, having never met him in a formal setting nor having been to India, I realize what an incredible opportunity I was offered. I cherish that time spent with his full attention, generosity, and lightness. I believe my naivety in the circumstances was well understood by the grace he offered.
His teachings have since been instrumental in guiding many facets of my life. In particular, the loss of my mom at the young age of 67. Feeling a sense of groundlessness and despair to have witnessed such a tremendous amount of suffering for one who was such a light in the world. I turned to the Jivana teachings and hung onto every word Acharya shared when he spoke of the Spheres, Daya, Shraddha, Kshama, Ahimsa and most importantly, The Eternal.
The talks about the spheres have provided me comfort as a way to understand and process the soul’s journey. Ahimsa (causing the least amount of harm to oneself and others) and Mercy has provided a concrete map of how to be with one who is facing the end of their physical existence as they transition into the next.
As mentioned, I sat beside my mother and then consecutively, after her death, My Father-in-law, My Father and my Mother-in-law. Each time, under excruciating conditions, building a capacity to stay present, deepen my understanding of mercy, find resilience and honor my duty to my family by staying present and care for them until each of their last breaths. All the while noticing that my portal to the Eternal was slowly finding its way back to my heart after years of losing faith due to the suffering endured. The tenets of Yoga Philosophy continued strengthening my faith and secured my commitment to how I chose to move forward in both grief and life.
Back in 2012, Acarya told me to keep teaching yoga and gain more knowledge in both philosophy and grief, “little by little…..10 years,” he said. At that time, I did not have full understanding, but his words were always in the background of what was happening in the foreground. 12 years later, as I now support others in their journeys of healing after traumatic loss, I find our time together during my chart reading to bring a smile as his wisdom and sight are beyond measure, and perhaps it was best it was unknown to me at the time.
There are two sayings of Acarya’s that I wrote in a journal and I keep near my heart.
1. “Mercy is a way to reduce suffering in ourselves and others. It honors the system and keeps it in balance.”
2. “The more mercy shown, the desire and purpose of life will be fullfilled.”
I have come to understand that although it would be incredible to gain right knowledge in all ways and the truths of the universe, I do not have this capacity nor will I ever be able to eliminate suffering, but I can trust with the guidance of Acarya, that Mercy shown without discrimination, will be a shielding mechanism for both myself and others and this offers me focus, faith and determination…..”little
by little.”
In deep appreciation for Acarya’s support directing my soul back towards The Eternal on the yogic path.💚
In Kindness,
Lisa Norvell
