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My Guru- H.H. Amrender Muniji Mary Van Abs, Chandan Bala Arhum Yoga Teacher Groveland, Massachusetts USA
I first met Amrender Muniji in 1992 when my yoga teacher, Pat Bruno, brought our class to Siddhachalam to meet her guru Acharya Sushil Kumar. At that time I thought that it must be wonderful being a monk, having all the time in the world to do yoga and meditate. I still think being a monk is wonderful but now I have a much greater appreciation of what this special vocation requires.
Over the year Amrender Muniji and I have worked closely together, Muniji has described our relationship as that of mother and son. I have been privileged to have a glimpse into this private world. It is definitely more complex than my first impression. I started as His English tutor, then became His assistant and driver (most mothers know just what I mean). There have been many new experiences for me since meeting Muniji: life's joys, sorrows, disappointments, illnesses and disasters, Muniji has been a constant inspiration, not only by praying and teaching but by example.
I observed His calm during difficult situations, His heartbreaking disappointment when I informed Him of the September 11th disasters, His recovery from His stroke, and the joy He receives from teaching children at yoga camp.
While Muniji is fluent in English, He took special care to make sure the translation was accurate as he prepared for presentations at the United Nations and other interfaithand international assemblies. And of course, the obvious, He is always there to listen and support those who come to him for comfort.
shantidoot | messenger of peace
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