5. Ask Believe Receive – Amazing how this works (Bangkok, Banaras, Bihar) 2015

5. Ask Believe Receive – Amazing how this works






One of the most amazing insights that was reaffirmed during this trip was how when one really wants something and believe that we deserve to have it, the universe does indeed make it happen. What I further learnt in this trip was that if the environment around you is positive and conducive, then this is even more likely to happen. Maybe this has to do with our minds being more focused in such places.

On numerous occasions during this trip in the tumultuous yet holy city of Banaras and the tranquility and grace of the ashrams of the Bihar School of Yoga, I found myself receiving what I asked for. Here are two examples:

1.     The ‘Hindu’ slant of the ashram has always left me a little uncomfortable. After all, by highlighting certain Hindu practices and rituals were we not excluding those from other faiths? I wanted to ask Sw. Niranjan, but the chance did not arise. One afternoon as I was sitting quietly, three folks started a conversation beside me. One of them seemed like a Muslim Cleric. As I listened in, I learnt that the discussion was about translating the ‘Yoga-Nidra’ text into Urdu. Clearly, the cleric was very supportive and was actively involved. The next day we were shown a video about the ‘Yoga of Love.’ What caught my attention was the active participation of Muslim, Christian, Buddhist and Sikh priests in one of the key events.

2.     On another occasion, I asked Shantanu, my teacher, a clarification related to the ‘Yamas/Niyamas’ of Patanjali as compared to the ‘ities’ recommended by Sw. Sivananda. He said he could answer it, but suggested I ask others. Again, the opportunity did not arise. Two days later, as I was reading a book outlining the history of BSY, I found to my amazement, the answer to this question.


We might not get the answers in the manner and time we expect to, but it seems that if the search is genuine and focused, the answers will find us.

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