“The time to be happy is now; the place is here”
Venkat Raman –
venkat@indiannewslink.co.nz
People of every religion pin their faith in the basic tenet that God is One, Supreme and the Epitome of Kindness and that preachers are men of great thought and deed, bringing peace and goodwill.
On that score, the visit of Vishvasant Brahmrishi Gurvanand, respectfully referred as ‘Gurvanand Swami Ji’ to New Zealand last fortnight will be marked as historic, spurring piety and a volley of emotions.
For an exclusive group of 100 men and women who were at the home of Sudesh and Laxmi Jhunjhnuwala in Auckland on Saturday, April 30 and for more than 1000 people the following day (May 1) at Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Eden Terrace, Guruvanand personified Divinity, Mercy and Grace, charging the environment with positive vibes.
Two days earlier (April 28), he was at Sudima Christchurch Airport Hotel to not only bless the new phase of development of the Hotel (which had been officially opened by Prime Minister John Key on April 14) but also share his thoughts and teachings with people in Christchurch and from other parts of South Island.
Powerful Presence
Millions of devotees across the Continents are spellbound by the magnetism of his voice and the power of his presence at every gathering- be it a large meeting of 25,000 people or a home-sitting of five persons. At each of these, his message comes through loud and clear: “Self-Realisation helps a person to achieve a better perception of the world and its affairs; that human relationship need not be as complex as it looks.”
Guruvanand is a Saint who respects his people; that is demonstrated at every meeting that he addresses. Standing for more than two hours at the residence of Mr and Mrs Jhunjhnuwala, he spoke of the Universe, this World, its people, other living beings, human vicissitudes and sufferings.
Throughout the 130-minutes of his speech, this reporter was becoming increasingly aware of the fact that he is a highly evolved Spiritual Master imbued with tremendous power, and a unique Divine Gift to humanity in the modern age of spiritual turmoil and tussle.
Universal fraternity
Spiritual leaders promote universality of humankind, not specific religious beliefs and thoughts. True to this 
precept, Guruvanand spoke about the significance of achieving harmony and peace within the self, at home, in the neighbourhood, in the community, the society, the country and the world.
“Happiness is not elusive to those who try and reach it,” he said and repeated his Mantra several times:
The time to be happy is now and the place to be happy is here
And the way to be happy is to make someone happy
And to have a little heaven right here
And to have a little heaven right here
“Live a beautiful life, so beautiful that its fragrance eternally permeates and pervades the memory of your fellow sojourners in the journey of life.”
Guruvanand said that people have the responsibility to imbibe the serenity and the depth of the meaning for the Divine Teachings in their inner and external lives.
“In the tapestry of life, weave a story that is so inspiring and so meaningful that posterity can say with pride that you were indeed the heir of the ‘Santana Dharma,’ the eternal Dharma of the great Masters of the past. Your thoughts and actions today are indelible links that connect the great shining past and the glorious future unfolding of the Divine Life, of which you are an integral part,” he said.
Compassionate Guru
Residents of New Zealand and visitors, who had an opportunity to converse, even briefly, with Guruvanand would agree that the ‘Brahmarishi’ is full of compassion and love combined with humility and simplicity. They would have also realised that he is one of the most revered accomplished saints of the contemporary world.
Laxmi Jhunjhnuwala described the public meeting held on May 1 at Mahatma Gandhi Centre as ‘full of energy and goodwill.’
“More than 1000 people listened to Gurudev’s discourse for more than two hours in rapt attention. They responded to his questions with enthusiasm and Gurudev imparted his personal blessing to everyone present for long-lasting peace and happiness in their lives. He also gifted them each with a single-faced ‘Rudraksha.’ They were truly fortunate to participate in this unique opportunity for such spiritual bliss,” she said.
Refreshing Teacher
Defying his age (75) Guruvanand is a globetrotter, travelling to various countries in different time zones and yet retaining freshness, charm and alacrity. The IIT (Indian Institute of Technology`) topper, Master of the Four Vedas, a linguist and a symbol of resplendence, he brings together people of all faiths, propagating the philosophy of ‘Religion should unite and not divide humankind.’
His teachings are well founded on tenets of innate goodness of every person, transcending barriers of race, religion, language and other man-made barriers. He believes that everyone has something to contribute to the progress and prosperity of the human race as a whole.
