Indra, the great god of rain, was very present at the commencement of our havan, the sacred fire that represents the divine tongue of Vishnu. We were ready for a downpour and secured whichever tent was available. Everyone knows what it means when rain is determined. It finds its way. I’ve done plenty of camping when in the middle of the night wetness would be felt and make your time quite unpleasant.
Here we were, all huddled tightly together, very sheltered, for an initiation ceremony on the island when fire and water met. As is traditional, Vedic mantras were recited, samagri (natural herbs) were cast in the fire, and custom also has it that the diksa guru (in this case, myself) speaks some words of wisdom. I chose to speak from the Gita, 7.13 about all souls in this world being overcome by those three energies, sattva, rajas, and tamas. How does one conquer the lower modes of life – the passions and the ignorances?
Accepting guru is working in the right direction. That was the reason for the formal acceptance of a teacher in one’s life, at least, according to tradition. Do so whether rain or shine, or hail or snow, is the message.
The persons who came forward to receive their initiation were five in number. Jason, from Barrie accepted the name Jivan (spirit soul). Murali, from Pickering accepted the name Madhukar (honey maker). Neena from Scarborough accepted the name Nava Yovana (forever youthful). Neetu received the name Nitya Lila (eternal pastime of God). And Stacey from Waterdown is now Shakti (energy, divine feminine). The rain stopped. Amala received second initiation.
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