Great dreamers' dreams are never fulfilled, they
are always transcended.
Alfred Lord Whitehead
It was now 8:00 p.m. and I still had to prepare for my court
appearance the next day. Yet I was fascinated by the experience of
this former legal warrior who had dramatically transformed his life
after meeting and studying under these marvellous sages from
India. How amazing, I thought, and what an extraordinary
transformation ! I secretly wondered whether the secrets Julian
had learned in that far off mountain hideaway could also elevate
the quality of my life and replenish my own sense of wonder for the
world we live in. The longer I listened to Julian, the more I came to
realize that my own spirit had become rusty. What had happened
to the uncommon passion I brought to everything I did when I was
younger? Back then, even the simplest of things filled me with a
sense of joy. Maybe it was time for me to reinvent my destiny.
Sensing my fascination with his odyssey and my eagerness to
learn the system of enlightened living that the sages had passed on
to him, Julian quickened the pace as he continued with his tale . He
told me how his desire for knowledge, coupled with his sharp
intellect—refined through many years of battles in the courtroom
had made him a well-loved member of the Sivana community. As a
mark of their affection for Julian, the monks eventually made him
an honorary member of their band and treated him like an integral
part of their extended family.
Eager to expand his knowledge of the workings of the mind,
body and soul, and to attain self-mastery, Julian spent literally
every waking moment under the tutelage of Yogi Raman. The sage
became more like a father to Julian than a teacher, though they
were separated in age by only a few years . It was clear that this
man had the accumulated wisdom of many lifetimes and, most
happily, he was willing to share it with Julian.
Beginning before dawn, Yogi Raman would sit with his
enthusiastic student and fill his mind with insights on the meaning
of life and little-known techniques that he had mastered for living
with greater vitality, creativity and fulfillment. He taught Julian
ancient principles which he said anyone could use to live longer,
stay younger and grow far happier. Julian also learned how the
twin disciplines of personal mastery and self-responsibility would
keep him from returning to the chaos of crisis that had
characterized his life in the West. As the weeks slipped into
months, he came to understand the treasure-trove of potential
sleeping within his own mind, waiting to be awakened and used for
higher purposes. Sometimes the teacher and his student would
simply sit and watch the blazing Indian sun rising from the deep
green meadows far below. Sometimes they would rest in quiet
meditation, savoring the gifts that silence brings. Sometimes they
would walk through the pine forest, discussing points of
philosophy and enjoying the pleasures of each other's company.
Julian said that the first indications of his personal expansion
came after only three weeks in Sivana. He started noticing the
beauty in the most ordinary of things. Whether it was the marvel
of a starry night or the enchantment of a spider's web after it had
rained, Julian absorbed it all. He also said that his new lifestyle
and the new habits associated with it started to have a profound
effect on his inner world. Within a month of applying the principles
and techniques of the sages, he told me that he had begun to
cultivate the deep sense of peace and inner serenity that had
eluded him in all the years he had lived in the West. He became
more joyful and spontaneous, growing more energetic and
creative with each passing day.
Physical vitality and spiritual strength followed the changes in
Julian's attitude . His once overweight frame grew strong and lean
while the sickly pallor which had characterized his face was
replaced by a splendid shimmer of health. He actually felt as if he
could do anything, be anything and unlock the infinite potential
that he learned was inside every one of us . He started to cherish
life and to see the divinity in every aspect of it. The ancient system
of this mystical band of monks had started to work its miracles.
After pausing as if to express disbelief at his own tale, Julian
grew philosophical. "I've realized something very important, John.
The world, and that includes my inner world, is a very special
place. I've also come to see that success on the outside means
nothing unless you also have success within. There is a huge
difference between well-being and being well-off When I was a
hotshot lawyer, I used to snicker at all those people who worked at
improving their inner and outer lives. 'Get a life!' I thought. But I
have learned that self-mastery and the consistent care of one's
mind, body and soul are essential to finding one's highest self and
living the life of one's dreams. How can you care for others if you
cannot even care for yourself? How can you do good if you don't
even feel good? I can't love you if I cannot love myself," he offered.
Suddenly Julian grew flustered and slightly uneasy. "I've
never opened my heart to anyone like this before. I apologize for
this, John. It is just that I experienced such a catharsis up in those
mountains, such a spiritual awakening to the powers of the
universe, that I feel others need to know what I know."
Noticing that it was getting late, Julian quickly told me he
would take his leave and bid me adieu.
"You can't leave now, Julian. I'm really pumped to hear the
wisdom you learned in the Himalayas and the message you
promised your teachers you would bring back to the West. You
can't leave me in suspense — you know I can't stand it."
"I'll be back, rest assured, my friend. You know me, once I
start telling a good story I just can't stop. But you have your work
to do, and I have some private matters that need to be taken care
of."
"Just tell me one thing then . Will the methods you learned in
Sivana work for me?"
"When the student is ready, the teacher appears," came the
swift reply. "You, along with so many others in our society, are
ready for the wisdom I now have the privilege of holding. Every
one of us should know the philosophy of the sages. Every one of us
can benefit by it. Every one of us must know of the perfection that
is their natural state . I promise I will share their ancient
knowledge with you. Have patience. I will meet you again
tomorrow night, this time at your house. Then I'll tell you all that
you need to know to put far more living into your life. Is that fair?"
"Yeah, I guess if I've done without it all these years, waiting
another twenty-four hours won't kill me," I responded with
disappointment.
And with that, the master litigator turned enlightened yogi of
the East was gone, leaving me with a mind full of unanswered
questions and unfinished thoughts .
As I sat in my office quietly, I realized how small our world
really was . I thought about the vast pool of knowledge that I had
not even begun to dip my fingers into. I thought about how it
might feel to regain my own zest for living, and about the curiosity
I had had when I was younger. I would love to feel more alive and
to bring unbridled energy to my days. Maybe I too would leave the
legal profession. Maybe there was a higher calling for me as well?
With these weighty considerations on my mind, I turned out the
lights, locked the door to my office and walked out into the thick
heat of another summer's night.
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