From India to Indianapolis

Amidst a robust autumn wind, a sleek turbine chopper appeared over Indianapolis, hovering playfully against a bright blue sky. After Sadhguru’s firmly commandeered landing, and as the chuk, chuk, chuk of the propeller slowed, a fast-paced car ride ensued towards the event hall. I felt so excited for all the people who were waiting there in anticipation of what was to come. On Wednesday, October 10, in the middle of the work week and despite family responsibilities, over 550 people gathered to hear Sadhguru in person at All Souls Unitarian Church in Indianapolis and to sit in meditation under his guidance.Once we arrived, I was struck by the sweetness of the moment as Sadhguru connected with the welcoming group of volunteers outside the hall with flowers, smiles, and hearts extended, all unfolding so appropriately in the orange glow of sunset.

A calmness and eagerness was present all at once. After welcoming words and a brief sharing of Isha Foundation’s world-wide efforts, Sadhguru flowed into the space, bringing the warmth of the sunset in with him. I could see so much light and energy in people’s faces before he even spoke.

Sadhguru offered so much of himself that evening, seemingly with every breath of his being. In his familiar candid and unpretentious way, Sadhguru shared much wisdom, many insights, and laughter that evening. Sadhguru discussed the significance and detailed aspects of yoga and meditation, and further discussed the Inner Engineering program to the seekers present.

With great care Sadhguru answered not only questions from the audience, but he seemed to answer the whole person who asked the question. Finally, Sadhguru led the very responsive crowd through the Isha Kriya meditation. I shivered at the thought of the many people for which this was a new experience and for those getting a first-time glimpse of how we can move through this life. What a unique opportunity for friends and strangers to come together as one in meditative awareness under the direct guidance of Sadhguru.

At program’s end, Sadhguru’s love and patience seemed ever present in the space we all sharedfor that moment in time in Indianapolis. So many seekers stayed late to meet with Sadhguru, enjoy the delightful music and delicious food, and share their experiences with the Isha Kriya. Many meditators shared their experiences with the Inner Engineering process. Many asked about visiting the Isha Institute of Inner Sciences in Tennessee soon. The room was buzzing with questions and talk such as:

“Marvelous! Are there really spaces in Inner Engineering here [in Indianapolis] in November?”

“I drove here from Chicago to see Sadhguru tonight, and I’ll definitely be driving back for Inner Engineering! This is wonderful! ”

“For the first time I feel like I really know how to become meditative. I felt something in there when Sadhguru was teaching us.”

“I am so glad I came and I brought my whole family!"

“I can’t wait to share this with others! Thank you to Sadhguru and to all the volunteers!”

“I am blown away. I never knew this was possible!”

When we Indianapolis meditators learned several months ago that Sadhguru had agreed to give a public talk in our small city, we were thrilled.   At the same time, we couldn’t help but wonder . . . was Indianapolis ready for a mass-scale talk on yoga and meditation?

Our concerns evaporated about a week before the event date, when registrations suddenly reached a critical mass; we were eventually required to close registration! Clearly, Indianapolis and its surrounding cities in the Midwest were full of seekers, searching for guidance, answers and direction, and Sadhguru must have known that.The audience’s attention was rapt and its energy, resonant.

As a volunteer in Indianapolis, I found it beautiful to witness our group come together for the tremendous privilege of welcoming Sadhguru.   I felt the joy of working toward something so meaningful to me:  bringing seekers to hear Sadhguru in person.  And I finally understood being utterly engaged in the present moment, and found joy and pleasure in helping to plan each detail.  As additional volunteers descended upon us from all parts of the Midwest on the morning of October 10th, full of dedication and excitement, our entire group felt immense gratitude and a sense of wonder at being a small part of Sadhguru’s beautiful cause to raise human consciousness.

Over a two month period, our small group of very devoted Indy meditators came together with eager hearts to share, discuss, visualize, troubleshoot, plan, compile, delegate, adjust, accommodate, collaborate, and ultimately implement a well thought out event to make Indianapolis’ first encounter with Sadhguru all that it could be . Despite day-to-day obligations, many volunteers gave generously of their time, unique abilities, and strengths to support one another in making this happen for Indianapolis residents. Even before his arrival, Sadhguru’s grace began to be apparent through every volunteer, every preparation, and every twist and turn leading up to the evening’s final moments.

Due to the overwhelming response from the evening, Isha Foundation will be offering a teacher-led Inner Engineering program on November 9th – 11th in Indianapolis!

– Julia Bauer and Dheepa Maturi,
Indianapolis volunteers