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Mukti Devata

  2. March 16, 1962 - November 29, 2001

    Written by Mukti about Kaliji

    When I first saw Kali Ray, it was from across a room of crowded people in 1995. People had gathered in Baton Rouge to see Sri Swamiji. I remember turning to the person beside me and asking the question "Are there other true Yogis here?" The way she moved through the room was breathtaking. It would be another three years before I would see her again and have the chance to discover the guru within.

    Those three years were the most painful yet most enlightening years of my life, and included an incredible search for the meaning of my presence. By this time the realization had come that while I had everything the physical world could offer it would never be enough to fill that empty void within. With this came the need to serve a true teacher. Now the question was where to find this teacher?

    Skip forward to July 1998; Sri Swamiji was once again coming to Baton Rouge and had planned to come to our home for an evening program. While preparing for this, I was curious as to whether Kali Ray would be traveling to Baton Rouge again. So I emailed Kali and asked if she also would share in the program with Sri Swamiji. Much to my surprise, she agreed to join us. During preparation for this event, Kali had written asking me if I could provide information and transportation for those of her students who would be coming for the programs. I agreed to help in any way. Through emails with Kali and her students I began to see Kali in a different light. I began to think of Kali as Kaliji - a teacher that might be worth contemplation. Little did I know that this revelation would change my whole world, as I knew it.

    Due to family circumstances, Kaliji was not able to join Sri Swamiji at our home for that evening. However, her students did join us and we began to form some lasting relationships. I later saw Kaliji while attending the Saturday evening program at Sri Swamiji's temple. It was mentioned that there would be satsang in Kaliji's room at the hotel and I asked if there would be any way to get an invitation. After being told that yes I could attend I was so excited and could hardly contain the anticipation. Once Sri Swamiji's program ended and we were preparing to leave I had the overwhelming feeling that something incredible was about to happen and glanced at Adi wondering how could I leave him out. He was well read on Yoga and was always open to new teachers. He had expressed more than a passing interest in Kaliji and I wanted him to have the chance to go, but had not asked. I looked up in time to see Kaliji walking through the door knowing I would have to ask, but was not sure of how to approach Her. At the last minute I went running up to Kaliji as She crossed the lawn and asked if would be okay to bring a young man with me, someone who I knew would love to meet Her. It was the first time I experienced that incredible smile and total acceptance as She said, "Of course, bring him."

    It was in the room of that hotel that my life would change so profoundly. Kaliji's presence and grace were so overwhelming. Never had I experienced the kind of joy and peace that seemed to radiate from Her very being. That night after leaving Her, Adi and I were up until four in the morning discussing the miracle of what had just happened. The next day there was no way to get the previous night out my head and with it came the fear that Kaliji would soon leave Baton Rouge--and then where would I be? So immediately I called Medha and told her that if it were any way possible I needed to see Kaliji before She left town. Kaliji obliged by allowing me to speak with Her privately. Today I cannot remember the words, only the exalted feelings. The memory of those emotions experienced in the privacy of that room brings tears that flow freely. It is a memory that will last many lifetimes. There are no words to express the total acceptance and love that She has given so easily and freely. The touch of Kaliji's hand vanished a lifetime of walls built through pain, struggle and fear.

    As they say, the rest is history. I just recently celebrated one year of working for the Teacher - the Guru. Kaliji never ceases to amaze me with Her unconditional love, Her quick wit and Her unceasing laughter. The greatest gift She has given me is the opportunity to serve by Her side. It is a true blessing to watch as each person comes into Her light to be lifted to heights they did not know were possible. Kaliji tends each and every one as if they were a gardener's prize orchids, allowing each to bloom in their own time. It has been a most incredible journey.

    - Mukti, Malibu, California

    A POEM FOR MUKTI

    You arrived Wendy in November
    offering your intellect and many talents
    With devotion and perseverance
    You served TriYoga 3 years

    You departed Guru Day
    with the November full moon
    Your dharma complete
    Your past released
    Your heart open
    Your love free

    And so you will be remembered
    for all you did and for who you are
    in the heart of Devi
    you live forever
    ~ Mukti ~

    - From Anasuya

    A SLOKA FOR MUKTI

    I had the greatest opportunity to work with Mukti.
    Here is a little Sloka written on her:

    priye mukte punītāsi
    dhanyam ca tava jivitam |
    tvayā saha prāṇavidyām
    kṛtvā mamāpi jiivitam ||

    Translation:
    Dear Mukti, you are holy and your life is fulfilled.
    Working with you on Prana Vidya, my life also is fulfilled

    - by Dr. Sarawati Mohan, Ph.D.

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