I had heard stories about Gurus who keep themselves cloistered or surround themselves with an entourage. So I asked Swamiji how it is that she is so easily available to us. Swamiji explained she is committed to making herself and the teachings accessible. Swamiji is following the “well laid-out path: The Tradition” that was shown to her by her Guru, Muktananda.
Swamiji was inspired “first and foremost” by Muktananda, who made himself accessible to everyone until the day he died. Whether in small or large groups, Baba was willing and available to talk to everybody. “There was always opportunity to have personal interaction with him every day.”
When Swamiji received sannyasa initiation in 2009, she also received authorization within the lineage to serve as our Guru. This role places her in a position of responsiveness and authorizes her to be in a one-to-one relationship. “Therefore, I have the responsibility to be available to people, to support them in a deep, personal way. I am profoundly and forever committed to being available in a very personal way.”
Swamiji is available by phone, email, and in-person at the Ashram and at DYMC. “There is a whole new level of accessibility coming from my desire to be in communication with, and have a relationship with, people who want to practice deeply. I experience tremendous delight and feel great appreciation when somebody allows me to participate in the intricacies of their internal transformation.”
To keep the ancient teachings personal and accessible to our large international community, Swamiji utilizes modern technology. Swamiji explains, “The Tradition has always used the technology of the current age to sustain the traditional flow of teachings.” Swamiji was inspired by others who are doing webcasts, conference calls and using their websites as communication vehicles for ancient teachings, including: Swami Shankarananda, who oversaw Swamiji’s initiation; Mark Dyczkowski, translator of Kashmiri Shaivism texts; and Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, spiritual head of the Himalayan Institute.
Currently our Ashram web site has posted and available for free:
over 40 audio recordings of satsang talks
the Guru Gita pronunciation lessons
18 years of Swamiji’s monthly articles
the first 25% of the Shiva Sutra teachings
and sign-up for Satsangs by phone.
Swamiji says, “As far as I know we have more on-line free services than any other Ashram in the world. We keep expanding the website to accommodate the growing number of free postings.”
Swamiji concluded by expressing gratitude. “ Of course, this would not be possible without the support of those who give donations, who have a love of the path and commitment to the practice. Their support makes it able for me to support them. It’s a wonderfully interdependent relationship.”
Swamiji also spoke about accessibility, technology, and more, at the 9/25 Swami Sunday Satsang which celebrated the Ashram’s one year birthday. Click here to listen - find the recording "HAPPY BIRTHDAY SVA!".