283. Vasant Swaha

Vasant Swaha was always a naturally free spirit, aware from an early age that life was not about accepting boundaries, but rather going beyond them. As a child, he sailed from his native Norway, exploring the world with his father and family. His visits to many foreign countries at an early age gave him a broad perspective on life. He always liked to challenge himself, ever since he was very young. As a teenager, he left his home and continued traveling on his own. After journeying through Europe and North Africa, he eventually arrived in India. Here, he at once felt at home. An alive spiritual fragrance was in the air, that was missing in the West. He lived in the Himalayas and then in Goa, where he came into contact with disciples of the Master Osho. Out of this encounter, he knew what his next step was: to follow the call of his heart to go meet the Master. His connection with Osho was instant and deep – like coming home. Swaha got immersed in the life of the commune around his Master, which became the biggest growth center in the world. Here, he could explore himself further in many levels. Becoming one of Osho’s bodyguards, Swaha had an intimate connection with his Master. Shortly after Osho left his body, Swaha experienced awakening to his true Self. In the years that followed, this new way of being became more integrated. During his travels through India, he met Papaji in a blissful encounter. My beloved Papa, Poonjaji, was a tremendous gift. He was really a lion of Truth. No words can express my gratitude to him.” After meeting Papaji he went traveling around India, and lived for long periods of time in the Himalayas. During this time he had beautiful meetings with his enlightened friend, Giridhar, and together they had adventures in the far regions of the Himalayas. In tune with Swaha’s love of nature, he has created beautiful retreat places in the mountains of Norway and by the ocean in Brazil. Here, seekers and lovers from around the world come to meditate and experience the beauty, love and silence of his presence. In this precious meeting, hearts and minds can awaken, transform and flower. Website: vasantswaha.net Transcript of this interview Interview recorded 3/21/2015 YouTube Video Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Purpose 00:03:36 - Increasing polarities and the need for change 00:07:30 - Past Lives and Spiritual Connections 00:11:39 - Meeting Other Enlightened Beings 00:15:04 - Appreciating Food and Paths to Enlightenment 00:18:32 - A Shattered Identity 00:22:16 - Imperfections of Spiritual Masters 00:25:44 - The Role of the Guru and Personal Experience 00:29:08 - The Transformative Energy of an Ashram 00:32:56 - The Shift after Sickness and Integration 00:36:44 - Fragility and Sensitivity During Awakening - 00:40:31 - From the Himalayas to Papaji 00:44:19 - A Guru's Influence 00:48:03 - Integration and Meltdown in the Garden of Paradise 00:51:16 - The Beauty of the Unspoken 00:54:09 - Natural Living and Being 00:56:49 - Emptying the Mind and Being Open 00:59:40 - Helping Others Empty Themselves 01:02:38 - Finding Happiness and Truth 01:05:39 - The Power of a Supportive Atmosphere 01:08:25 - David's Journey and Meeting Ramesh Balsakar 01:11:20 - Community in Brazil and Norway 01:14:08 - Embraced by the Peace 01:16:53 - Being a Servant of the Divine 01:19:40 - Blissful Ecstasy and Oneness 01:22:49 - The Joy of Full Realization 01:25:51 - The Appreciation of God's Creation 01:28:42 - Meeting the Master 01:31:35 - Following Divine Guidance 01:34:23 - Beautiful Places to Visit