Art of Living came into my life at a time when I was in a totally miserable condition, when I needed a helping hand from the Divine, as I had given up all hope. My father died in 2007, in my own arms. It was very hard for me to face this loss as I was extremely attached to him. After spending almost a year in utter grief, another major problem surfaced, Marriage. I would feel horribly lonely and sad most of the times, as marriage was not working out in my life. I had no companion with whom I could share my pain, with the hope of reducing it a bit. I felt extremely victimised by life. I kept asking the question “Why me?”, for which I got no answer in return. I was in a pathetically depressed condition. One fine day, my sister, who was staying in America then, called me and told me about AOL, and asked me to join the Course too, that was happening in my area. She took a promise from me that I would join the upcoming course in Gwalior. I had no reason to say no, and I started to gather more information about the same. I then called the course teacher, Meenakshi di, and she asked me to join from the following Monday. I was fully prepared for the course, and was also looking forward to it now, seeing my sisters’ determination to make me do it by hook or by crook, but due to sudden guests at home, I was not able to make it for the first day. On learning this, my sister forced me to join from the next day. She explained my situation to the Course teacher, and told her that she felt that it was only and only the AOL course that could help me get out of my sinking situation. The teacher very well understood the situation, and graciously agreed to let me join the next day. The Course proved to be a life-changing experience for me. It taught me a lot of things about life, which I had never understood before. It changed my perspective towards many things, people and situations. It gave me a sense of courage and vigour, to live my life with a renewed smile. Miraculously, I started feeling alive. It was truly magical. I don’t know how, but everything started falling in place somehow. I felt enthusiastic and full of life. My negative emotions started to fade away. I felt my life floating over an ocean of positivity. I took up a new job, with full enthusiasm. I started doing well at my work, which really boosted my morale. I felt protected and secured at all times. Whenever I would have any kind of problems, people around me would always stand by me and help me solve them. Just by being with Guruji, I was protected by a shield, always. I can never forget this particular incident – One night, I had pain on my chest, and I got really worried as a similar thing had happened in the past as well, and it had been really painful for me. I really did not want the same thing to repeat. I then just prayed to Guruji and said with faith, “Jai Gurudev”. And believe you me, the very next morning, the pain had disappeared. This was one of the sweetest miracles that I have experienced on the path, and I know there will be many such more in the future as well. I have the faith. And till today, Gurudev is taking care of me at every step, I know it and I feel it each moment. Thank you Gurudev, for your abundant Grace and Blessings. Aise Guru ke charno main shat shat naman ho. (I bow down with Gratitude to the humble feet of my Master. JGD.

- A Devotee