Ganga Maa and Me

Today is Ganga Dussehra — the day Maa Ganga came onto Earth! Early this morning, as I sat on Her beautiful banks and reflected on the importance She has played in my life since coming to India.. It’s amazing to realize that 23 years ago today I was initiated into sanyas (monastic vows in the Hindu tradition) by HH Pujya Swamiji Maharaj with HH MM Pujya Swami Gurusharananandji Maharaj…. If anyone had ever told me when I was young that I’d be living a life of ascetic abstinence I never would have believed them!

But then Maa Ganga grabbed my heart, my life and my dharma. It was beholding Her the first time that catalyzed my journey of awakening, discovery and my decision to make India my home.

Maa Ganga is the ultimate purifier and we have the opportunity to give Her everything that holds us back from living in the true Divinity of our Selves. She brings liberation not only to our soul when we die but also when we are living! We can surrender to Her our anger, grudges, resentment, guilt, unfulfilled expectations, false identifications — anything that is blocking us from living in the Truth of our Selves.

Even if you’re not here physically, don’t worry. Maa Ganga flows through us the moment we invoke Her presence. So today on Ganga Dusshera go to Ganga either in your heart or come to Her banks, and allow yourself to let go and be free.