Anxeity ,its causes and Treatment

A Journey Within: How Meditation Changed My Life

Meditation brings clarity. It grounds us in the present moment, offering focus, peace, and a sense of deep connection with ourselves. While most of us are aware—at least a little—of its benefits, today, I want to take you deeper. I want to share my personal story—how meditation found me, shaped me, and led me on a journey of self-discovery.

Let’s travel back in time, together.

The Seeds of Stillness

As a child, I was introduced to the world of temples, silence, and devotion through my grandmother. She was deeply spiritual and often visited temples—sometimes even traveling beyond our city to visit more renowned shrines. I would tag along with excitement, not just for the travel but for the feeling those sacred places stirred within me. Slowly, I began developing a natural inclination toward saints, meditation centers, and spiritual places.

In 2008, I left my city for further studies. I moved to a small town called Dwarahat in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, India. Little did I know, this sleepy Himalayan town would become the turning point in my life.

A Camp That Changed Everything

Our college organized a service camp in collaboration with the Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS)—founded by Paramahansa Yogananda, the author of Autobiography of a Yogi. The society was conducting a three-day free medical camp for the local villagers.

It wasn’t just a health initiative—it was a glimpse into a deeper world.

Philanthropists, professionals, and educated individuals from across the country had gathered to selflessly serve. Their dedication and kindness moved me deeply. As a medical student, our college sent a group of us to volunteer. I was assigned tasks along with six of my friends, each of us taking on different responsibilities during those three days.

Day 1: In Service of the People

On the first day, I was placed at the registration desk. I was to manage a long line of patients—most of them elderly—waiting for eye checkups, fever treatment, and joint pain relief.

The task was far from easy. The crowd was large and unfamiliar with queue systems. I tried my best to bring order, but they didn’t respond as expected. That’s when my friend Meena stepped in. She spoke fluent Kumaoni, their local dialect. Her warmth and familiarity calmed the crowd instantly. I was amazed.

We wore our white lab aprons, and the villagers began addressing us as “Doctor.” That title gave me a new sense of purpose and identity. That day, we served over 200 patients. By the end of it, I was exhausted—but deeply fulfilled. For the first time, I felt I was part of something noble.

Day 2: Inside the Operating Room

On the second day, I was asked to assist in the glaucoma operations. It was my first time inside an OT. I helped take patients’ blood pressure, and watched as doctors administered anesthesia.

I was stunned by the precision and care they offered. I saw firsthand how a patient’s clouded vision was being addressed with love and skill. Between tasks, I spoke with the doctors. I asked them what inspired them to volunteer here. Their answers touched my heart.

Many of them were devotees of Paramahansa Yogananda, and they shared how YSS meditation techniques helped them develop compassion, focus, and a deep desire to serve humanity.

Day 3: A Meeting with the Master

The third and final day began early. We were served a delicious breakfast, and for the first time in my life, I loved the taste of halwa! Perhaps it was the purity of the place that made everything feel divine.

Later, we were called to the ashram hall—Babaji was coming. I curiously asked someone, “Who is Babaji?” They answered with reverence, “He is not an ordinary man. Originally from China, he has lived here in deep meditation for many years. People say he has reached such a high meditative state that he can even rise above the ground while meditating.”

My heart raced with excitement.

When Babaji entered, silence fell. His mere presence was captivating. I sat in the front row, just to get a closer look. His calm, glowing face left me awestruck. After an hour of his silent presence, he quietly left. But I was deeply moved—something inside me had shifted.

The Beginning of My Spiritual Journey

That evening, I sat with one of Babaji’s disciples to learn more. My friend soon joined the conversation. We talked about meditation, devotion, and the Yogoda Satsanga Society.

He spoke about Mahavatar Babaji, Swami Sri Yukteswar, and Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings. He encouraged me to read Autobiography of a Yogi, which he said would answer many of my questions.

That night, a new door opened in my heart.

After returning home, I started receiving letters and spiritual literature from YSS. My grandmother, who couldn’t read English, would excitedly inform me on the phone, “More books from YSS have arrived for you!”

In 2010, after completing my diploma in pharmacy, I went back home and finally opened all those letters and began reading them. That was the real beginning of my spiritual journey.

Meditation: A Lifelong Companion

Since then, meditation has become a part of my everyday life. It has given me the strength to stay centered during challenges, the clarity to make better decisions, and the courage to live a life of purpose.

That one camp in a quiet Himalayan village changed the course of my life. It taught me that true service begins within, and that meditation is not about escaping the world—but embracing it with awareness, love, and stillness.

If you're reading this, maybe it's your sign too.

Take a deep breath. Close your eyes. And begin your journey within.