With humor and candor, Prema Baba Swamiji, Dr. Donald Schnell, has shared with us his journey toward enlightenment. It will move many to rededicate themselves to their own spiritual discipline.
Donald Schnell had always been a student of most things spiritual, “thirsting for an understanding of my connection to God.” He had been a devotee of Eastern gurus, directed a Siddha Yoga ashram, and had coauthored a book on alternative health. Then he answered a call to India that began an extraordinary spiritual adventure. Led by a mysterious Indian taxi driver, he visited temples and shrines, met holy men and a rabbi healer from Brooklyn – all of which drew out a recounting of Schnell’s own spiritual history.
Finally, at a remote temple, the meaning of his “call” became clear. Here he encountered Mahavatar Sri Babaji, the immortal yogi of ancient lore.
In a series of mesmerizing, dream-like interludes, Donald Schnell received Sri Babaji’s blessing of prema, divine love, and he was empowered to bring the Master’s new spirituality to the West as Prema Baba Swamiji.
Rarely has a story created such an aura of profound sacredness and revealed the divine spark which resides in each of us, ready to be summoned – as in the author’s case – to illuminate the personality.
Passage of The Initation
“Tch Tch! Stop your thinking! Always thinking. I’ll do something about it! It’s just a small operation.” Babaji laughed. He looked even deeper into my eyes. Rainbows of light came out of His pupils, dazzling me with their splendor.
I cannot say what happened next. I was sure something was happening, but how to describe it in words? It was the unmentionable Now, an unspeakable moment, a heartbeat of mere ananda. Or rather, it is bliss. Pure Premananda. It is timeless. In gratitude, I nodded my head, my hands folded together in a prayer to my heart. I saw myself doing these things, but I could not form thoughts.
I remained blissfully silent.
“My grace will go through your body to the Western seekers, the affable souls. Your body will be a vehicle, to transport my energy. I will be in America through you at once, or wherever you go. I will travel a lot, especially to those who need my holy presence, who want to receive my darshan.”
