Initiation & Family Meeting with Om Swami
Overwhelmed with tears of gratitude, I bow at the divine feet of my revered Guru “Om Swami”, thanking Him for His unprecedented kindness, compassion, and love, in accepting me under the ‘Umbrella of His Grace’ by initiating me as “Willbur Om”, just a few days prior to the most auspicious day of ‘Guru Purnima’.
What does this ‘Initiation’ mean?
Why would someone want to be ‘Initiated’?
Above all, what is the benefit in being ‘Initiated’, one may ask?
To the logical, reasoning mind, perhaps even a sceptical or ‘primitive’ intellect, these questions are natural. But initiation is not merely a ritual or a title…it is a profound inner journey. Well, in my irrelevantly humble opinion, it is technically an opportunity (by Divine grace) to ‘Jump Start’ your dormant spiritual, emotional, and materialistic life, under the grace, guidance, and direction of an enlightened Master.
It is the Guru’s silent whisper to your soul, “You are ready.” It is the transference of shakti, the subtle force, from Guru to disciple…invisible to the eye, yet unmistakable to the heart. To be initiated is to be reborn…not in body, but in spirit. It is the beginning of walking the path not alone, but with the unwavering presence of the Master guiding every step.
Think of ‘Initiation’ as a temporary visa you acquire to travel outside your country (read karmic realm) and do something worthwhile with your life.
As an immigrant myself, I know the value of this opportunity, technically speaking, both in terms of materialistic well-being as well as now spiritually.
Long story cut short; this initiation and family meeting at the spectacularly organised “Weekend Evenings with Om Swami” at Towrang, Sri Hari Temple, was a 5 in 1 “Quintuple Guru Purnima Dhamaka (explosion)” for me and here is why!
Dhamaka Number 1 – Thee Initiation Itself:
9th July (Saturday) 2022 @ 4:45p.m. was the day and time destined for my new birth .It was then that I was graced with the rare and sacred gift of initiation by my divine Guru, Om Swami. Since that blessed hour, His compassionate, soul-stirring voice continues to echo within the chambers of my heart and mind… like a mantra guiding every breath.
During the initiation process, whilst touching my forehead and chanting the divine esoteric mantras in His majestic tonality and compassionate voice, Swamiji not only took upon all my karmic debts and deeds, but above all, said the following words in the utmost kindness, compassion and love.
During the initiation, Swamiji gently touched my forehead and chanted powerful esoteric mantras…in a tone that was both majestic and soaked in immeasurable compassion and love. In that deeply sacred moment, I felt as though He was not merely speaking to me, but speaking into me. He proclaimed to take upon the weight of all my karmic past debts and deeds from all lifetimes and then, with a compassion beyond comprehension, spoke these life-altering words:
“Willbur, from this moment onwards, you are part of my lineage, and I accept you, as my son, as my disciple.”
Words that have not only been etched upon my heart, mind, and soul but into the very core of my being. They are not just remembered, they are now lived, every single day.
{Note: This is the 1st stage of initiation. Once we follow the provided ‘simple’ (not easy) instructions reverently for 365 days, we ‘May Be’ eligible for stage 2. And till date, out of 100%, only 10-15% people have reached stage 2. There are 7 stages of initiation.}
None of this would have been possible without the tireless efforts and devotion of the Sydney Black Lotus Team. Kudos to their dedication in bringing Swamiji to Australia and orchestrating such a magnificent and seamless event was nothing short of divine orchestration. To them, I offer a million heartfelt bows. Their service is a testament to what true devotion looks like in action.
Dhamaka Number 2 – Family Meeting Miracle:
Being a patron donor since July 2019 @ the BLPFA Sri Hari Temple project in Towrang, we were finally blessed in July 2022, with the opportunity for a 4-minute donor meeting with Swamiji, (which unintentionally got extended to 6-7 minutes), this time with my beloved daughter ‘Mairaa’.
Previous to that, back in July 2019, when we first met Swamiji, Mairaa was still nestled in her mother’s womb. (You can read about the miracles of that initial meeting {here}. And now, three years later, she had returned…in form, in presence for a moment that would remain etched in our hearts forever.
Earlier that evening, our little “naughty” Mairaa had been running around the temple, playing joyfully with Silvy, the adorable dog of Lajjya ji and Rajeev ji (caretakers of the Sri Hari Temple in Towrang). But in a strange twist of divine timing, just moments before we were called in to meet Swamiji, Mairaa suddenly dozed off…slipping into a deep, unshakable slumber. Despite my best (and slightly vigorous!) efforts to wake her, she remained fast asleep, cradled in divine stillness.
As we stepped into the serene cottage where Swamiji sat radiating divine brilliance like a Lotus of Light. He greeted us with a gracious, knowing smile. And then, before we could even utter a word, He said with tender concern:
“It’s been constantly at the back of my mind… I was worrying for little Mairaa, waiting in the queue, as it is very cold outside (winter evening in the forest). Hope she is okay and alright?”
In that one moment, time seemed to pause.
A) How did Swamiji know we were standing outside the cottage in a long queue of so many people?
B) How did He know Mairaa’s name …a child who wasn’t even born when we first met Him in July 2019, in a fleeting 3-minute interaction amidst hundreds of devotees?
C) How did He know exactly what we were going to speak of even before we spoke?
These are not coincidences. This is divinity incarnate. This is the superhuman grace of a realized Master whose compassion, awareness, and omniscience know no bounds.
Once again, we were left speechless and humbled by His miracle, His boundless love, and His ever-watchful care for even the smallest details of our lives. To be in the presence of such a Being is nothing short of grace manifest.
Dhamaka Number 3 – Blessings, Laughter & A Divine Comment:
As we sat before our beloved Guru, Om Swami, we humbly asked for His blessings. He graciously nodded and gently placed His hand on little Mairaa’s head, blessing her with a touch that felt like pure light. Swamiji then lovingly blessed our Rudrakshas and my Pukhraj (Yellow Sapphire) gold ring.
Curious, I asked Swamiji which finger I should wear the ring on.
With a playful twinkle in His eye and the gentlest smile, Swamiji jokingly replied
“Whichever finger it fits”. 😛
We all started laughing. Swamiji advised correctly later on of-course.
We all burst into laughter. That moment…light-hearted yet filled with warmth reminded us of Swamiji’s unique ability to blend wisdom with wit. Of course, He later shared the correct astrological advice with clarity and precision.
As Mahima and I expressed our heartfelt gratitude for Swamiji’s countless blessings, I shared a personal truth that I’ve always felt deeply that Mairaa is a divine gift from Sri Hari and how miracously Dr. Jayshree Om is helping us align the Vaastu of our new home, Vaikunda, currently under construction in Manningham, Adelaide, at which.
Swamiji not only smiled and nodded knowingly, but lovingly commented
“She (Mairaa) is an angel”.
That one sentence felt like a divine affirmation. Both Mahima and I couldn’t help but smile wide, our hearts swelling with joy. Meanwhile, our mischievous little angel slept peacefully in my arms, her head resting on my shoulder, as if soaking in Swamiji’s divine presence through her dreams.
Oh and if I may add, in that tender moment, Mahima tried to take Mairaa into her arms, but Mairaa semi woke up, started crying and came back to me saying ‘Pappu, Pappu’ (Dad). Mahima said to Swamiji, “She is indeed Pappa’s Pari (angel) only”.
Swamiji laughed heartily and smiled down at sleeping Mairaa, gently touching her head once more…as if sealing her with divine protection, affection, and a lifetime of grace.
That moment, full of laughter, blessings, and an indescribable sweetness is now etched in our hearts forever.
Dhamaka Number 4 – Aspirations, Blessings & Shower of Grace:
Having completed ‘Walk the Dragon Leadership Program’ conducted by Swamiji in December 2021 – January 2022, I shared with Swamiji that this program was the impetus that propelled me to leave my comfy Council job and move into the Realty business (change of career at almost 40) as well as complete my pending book etc. It was a year of massive ground breaking change.
Swamiji smiled, knowingly nodded and said “Very nice”.
Feeling proud as a little kid when praised by his/her parents, I also showed Swamiji, my personal A4 Sized black diary/folder…adorned with a collage of Sri Hari, Warrior Mahadev, and Swamiji Himself — with my top 5 life goals written at the top. One of them read:
“To become an Enlightened Multi-Millionaire.”
Swamiji held the diary in His divine hands, flipped through its pages, smiled, and nodded knowingly.
{NOTE – Now imagine me as Aladdin and Swamiji as the Divine Genie. If that nod was a silent “Tathastu” — so be it — then nothing in the 3 worlds can stop that from manifesting. Isn’t it?}
In utmost humility I told Swamiji, that Maa Laxmi has blessed me with Mahima and Mairaa and I aspire to earn so very much in my ‘Realty Business’ that I can pay for all of Swamiji’s trips, Sadhana App and every expense of the Ashram forever.
Swamiji graciously laughed and said, “No No it is okay. Thank you for that”, nodding his head as if a father/mother soothes his/her child when they say that they want to do something for them with utmost enthusiasm, innocence and joy.
In the midst of our fun, laughter and loving conversations, I realised that I totally forgot to bring the collage painting gift that I made for Swamiji as well as my book ‘Drops of Wisdom’ which is dedicated to Mairaa and Swamiji (more about it later). I was almost in tears when I couldn’t find them in my bag. Seeing me disheartened, Swamiji said to me,
“Willbur, I have read your posts and I see your comments. It is okay. Do not worry. Hand over your book to Vedananda Swamiji tomorrow”
That moment, was indeed as if my ‘tapasya’ (penance) was noticed by Godhead Himself, as shown in the mythological Mahabharata serials. (Read “Shiva to Om Swami” Part 1 here).
In that moment, it felt as if God Himself had acknowledged my tapasya — like a scene from the Mahabharata where the penance of a devotee is finally noticed by the Divine. I was overwhelmed with joy, awe, and reverence. My Guru — the very One for whom I write — had seen my words in the vast crowd of a million voices. As a writer, it was Eternal Grace made manifest.
You can imagine my happiness, gratitude and tears in knowing that my beloved Guru (for whom I write) noticed my writings in the crowd of a million posts.
As an Author, it was Eternal Grace made manifest.
I folded my hands and asked Swamiji to forgive my writing mistakes and the overly excited fan-boy comments I sometimes make on His posts.. 😛
I also shared with Swamiji that how I knew of Him via Neeta Singhal ji when I was doing a seminar on Rudraksha, shortly after Swamiji launched His first book “If the Truth Be Told” at the same venue in Mumbai. (Read Shiva to Om Swami Part 2 here)
It seemed Swamiji just knew everything that I was sharing, it was more like I was simply reminding myself… Again those who know, will know what I mean.
Toward the end of our meeting, Vedu Swamiji took a few precious photos of us and I acknowledged him as an angelic messenger who has silently carried my prayers and messages to Swamiji ever since Mairaa was born. Vedu Swamiji smiled shyly, and Swamiji acknowledged him with a loving smile.
Having almost finished our family meeting and about to walk out of the cottage, I couldn’t help myself…I turned around and loudly exclaimed:
“We love you Swamiji”.
Laughter erupted around us with other devotees smiling, laughing and agreeing with me, whilst Swamiji lovingly nodding his head and giving His blessings with His compassionate look and beautiful smile of utmost love, grace and care (those who know, will know).
And the miracles didn’t stop there.
By day two, in a stroke of divine orchestration, the collage painting I had made for Swamiji found its rightful home in Sri Hari’s Towrang Temple, lovingly carried by Priyanka ji. My book Drops of Wisdom was personally handed over to Vedu Swamiji through Deepak ji.
To Priyanka ji, Deepak ji, Abhishek ji, Alpna ji, Lajjya ji and every silent instrument of Grace —
A million heartfelt “Thank You”s.
{NOTE – This collage painting gift could not have found a better place in the entire Universe. Isn’t it? Both these paintings adorn my book ‘Drops of Wisdom’ and is dedicated to Swamiji as a small humble token of appreciation.}
Dhamaka Number 5 – “Drops of Wisdom” – A Sacred Offering:
On the second day of our divine gathering, with a heart overflowing with devotion, I offered my book Drops of Wisdom at the sacred feet of Sri Hari, hoping this book reaches Swamiji.
‘A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words’
Through unseen orchestration of divine arrangement, grace and a chain of commands, my book made its way to Swamiji …the very one whose presence inspired each word within its pages.
This book is lovingly dedicated to two divine beings in my life:
To my precious daughter Mairaa (my little Lakshmi) who one day may hold this book close to her heart, tracing her fingers over its words and feeling the echoes of her father’s journey, love, and legacy. May it serve as a timeless whisper from her Papa’s soul to hers.
And to my Guru, Om Swami …(who literally is Narayan Avatar in my eyes) whose compassionate grace, affectionate smile, and wise words of wisdom have accompanied me during this book-writing journey and life.
End of the day, keeping my hands on my heart, I can truly say whilst writing this book, I had surrendered to Swamiji’s grace the same way as Arjuna to Krishna. Call it miracle or co-incidence, I strongly feel that this book and its words of wisdom, were written under the umbrella of Swamiji’s grace and guidance. I may have been the instrument (flute), but the air was certainly blown by His Divine Grace.
Yet, above all blessings this Universe could ever offer,, Swamiji’s Foreword Testimonial for my book, is nothing less than a “Writer’s Badge & Guru’s Grace” that I aspire to diligently wear with humble honour and reverence until my final breath.
There is so much more to share — and I will, in the next blog. But for now, let us pause and savour a glimpse of Drops of Wisdom …a book born of prayer, penned with devotion, and offered in love.
As you may see the 1st DRAFT copy in Swamiji’s divine hands is quite different as compared to the updated final version available in the market place. Maybe it was meant to be! A special copy for Swamiji, signed by me on behalf of Mairaa, seeking Swamiji’s blessings.
Conclusion – A Divine Tapestry of Grace
This 9th & 10th July weekend 2022 trip to see Swamiji post-covid (after almost 2.5 years) was like the first drizzling shower of rain that finally quenched the thirst of our scorching parched minds, hearts, and souls, especially of our Australian pariwar (family). The fragrance of unconditional love, deep devotion and pure happiness was exuberant in the air.
What began as a simple donor meeting blossomed into a divine series of unforgettable moments…each one a Dhamaka of blessings, grace, laughter, and silent transformation.
From being lovingly initiated as Willbur Om under the Umbrella of Swamiji’s Grace…
To witnessing His all-knowing compassion for our little Mairaa…
To laughing in divine playfulness, receiving affirmations, blessings, and even a nod of Tathastu…
To offering dreams, diaries, and a book at His feet…
This journey was nothing short of a sacred homecoming …a soul returning to its Source.
Paying homage to my most beloved and revered Guru, “Om Swami” on this auspicious day of Guru Purnima, I would like to reiterate the famous couplets of Kabir Das (mystic poet and saint in 15th century India) as follows:
{Hindi}
गुरू गोविन्द दोऊ खड़े, काके लागूं पांय।
बलिहारी गुरू अपने गोविन्द दियो बताय।।
{English}
Guru Govind dou khade, kaake laagoon paye
Balihari guru aapne, Govind diyo bataye.”
{Translation}
Both God and my Guru stand before me. Whom should I bow to first?
I first bow to my guru, because he is the one,
who showed me the path to God.”
Happy Guru-Purnima all.
Until next time!
Willbur Om