I would like to share my experience of traveling to Lagos, Nigeria.
I had joined a new organization and had to travel to Nigeria for the new assignment. I was scared to go there as the internet is full of incidents that would scare anyone. Boko Haram kidnapping girls and so on. To ease my fear, I had got few Sahajis contacts from Lagos. By almighty grace, had a wonderful stay at Lagos, well exactly opposite to what I had imagined; Luxury hotel luxury car and finest hospitality. In fact, I didn’t feel any issue of security or lack of warmness. Shree Mataji told, Sahajis should not be afraid, she takes care of everything.
I thought to visit SahajaYoga meditation center on week-off. Lagos is divided into two parts, Island and Mainland, both parts are separated by 18km over Sea Bridge. I had contacted Sahaj families there and expressed my fear to travel alone. Govinda brother sent his Son so far to pick me up. Later I realized I shouldn’t have stereotype thoughts about their country.
Our Sahaja center was in the house of the priest of the Indian temple. Priest ‘Govinda’ is an African man, somehow got influenced by Hindu culture and became the priest for earning a livelihood. They were celebrating Navaratre and had Havan on that day. I was fortunate enough to be part of first Sahaja Havan of Lagos, praying Maha Kali on the land of Maha Kali. Havan was followed by Pooja. For the first time, I felt Pooja could be so joyous if we ignore ritualism. All African’s were so affectionate while doing Pooja, singing Bhajan and enjoying bliss. After Pooja, we enjoyed a common lunch. Everybody brought food from home – loving potluck lunch J
Govinda brother shared his story of the journey to Sahaja. Govinda’s son Krishna was playing when he walked in Sahaja realization program. He liked it and brought Shree Mataji photo back home. On seeing photo in little kid’s hand, Govinda reacted “Another Deity! Fine keep this picture in corner of temple”. Same night Govinda’s wife got the dream of Shree Mataji and she knew Shree Mataji is mother Mary. Govinda kept questioning mother’s picture but always found peace while talking to her. Later the whole family got realization and they are following Sahaja since then.
When talking about Sahaja, I should mention another brother Sameul. His story is super inspiring. A perfect example of how shallow celebrity’s life is. He was a national football player and was headed to Europe for the match when he got the knee injury. He was in Dubai hospital for months, depressed on shattering of dream and career. One sahaji gave him realization. Brother Sam got hopeful about his life. He is owning his shipping company now. He always thanks that moment when he got into Sahaj. He said all his football friends are drug addict and ruining their life. He thanks Mataji for saving his life.
After my visit to Lagos, I felt so thankful to almighty for giving me this opportunity. That one month is a nice memory in my kitty of life. Thanks, Shree for this experience!
Regards,
Simran
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