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Shantimayi
(1950-present, United States)
Biography Excerpt:
Shantimayi sits beneath a massive banyan tree on a plateau above the sacred Ganges, with shaved head (formerly long, flowing blonde hair), imparting her teachings to one hundred or so, mostly European, devotees. Her teaching is a blend of Hinduism and Zen Buddhism. An English-speaking woman, (wife), mother of three and grandmother of four, she is a spiritual teacher to whom many find it easy to relate. A woman of humble beginnings, Shantimayi’s manner is sincere, direct, and available. One-pointed yet light-hearted, fully present yet remarkably flexible, a householder yet a yogi, Shantimayi holds steadfast to her goal of guiding her devotees to ultimate peace and surrender. Welcoming of questions, she is quick to admit when has no answer. Embracing of all aspect of human and Divine, her style allows students to be themselves as they seek to better themselves.
Enlightenment Story Excerpt:
When I arrived at my Guru’s door I was ripe
for him and receptive to what he had to give. Hungry and willing, I had
no idea what was going to happen but I did know from the first moment that
I would never leave him. I did know however that whatever spiritual maturity
would occur in my life would now be intensified and deeply nurtured by
him. Within a very short time of knowing Maharajji, he told me “one day
you will wear my shoes.” I tucked that away into my heart and did nothing
with it at all. Every moment I spent with Maharajji was profound and surrendered
to whatever we were together for.
One day I found
myself standing outside of his door in such an empty clarity. Spontaneously
I went and spoke to him, telling him how I saw and understood what he had
shown me. I guess that I must have been asking him if I were finished.
He said “wait”. Not yes, not no, but wait.