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From a text by Sandy published in a Newsletter of the International Interfaith Centre:

Peace - through love

We were on our way to an ashram in the Himalayan foothills. Four friends. On the plane, one began telling of how the swami there would sometimes not let people in. He was known as the Colonel of the Himalayas! Surprising my friends, I immediately burst into tears, fearing I would be one of those denied access. It was a time of my life when I was deeply trapped in something I knew not to be right yet which held me firmly in its grip.

From Delhi airport it was a 12 hour drive to the ashram. Exhausted yet joyful, the others bounced through the gates to meet Swamiji. I slunk in behind, hoping to be ignored and so able to stay, especially as the journey had been so frightening. Unable to go back down the way we had come up, I thought I would have to stay there forever!

It was not long before Swamiji, silently reading my consciousness, told me that only love can change a person.

For 3 weeks he was our Mother, there in those high hills, nurturing us spiritually, emotionally, physically. No military punishments! Only love.

I do not yet live his teaching, yet it lives in me and I know that realising it will bring peace, for myself and others. Only love can change a person.

(Ashram details: Yogoda Satsanga Society)