Transcript
Speaker: Welcome to Season 2 of the Women of Kriya Yoga Living in Joy podcast, a gathering place for women walking the spiritual path. These conversations are an offering from the Women's Sangha and Ministry of Kriya Yoga International in the lineage of Paramahamsa Pragyananandaji and Paramahamsa Hariharanandaji.
Speaker: Our host is Mary Dale Ma, a devoted disciple, seasoned yoga teacher, mentor for more than 40 years, and founder of the Param Yoga Healing Arts Center in California. Thanks to you.
Speaker: And welcome to Living in Joy and another heartfelt conversation with a remarkable woman whose spiritual journey reminds us that awakening often unfolds quietly in the midst of our families, our work, our challenges, and our everyday lives.
Speaker: Today's guest, Pana Machitya, is someone who life beautifully demonstrates that spirituality isn't separate from daily living It's woven directly into it.
Speaker: And before I introduce you to Pana, let's just take a moment to arrive completely in this space. First, make sure that your phone and any other devices are turned off so that you can bring your full attention right here now.
Speaker: And then sit comfortably. If you'd like, you may choose to gently close your eyes. And now begin to focus on the beauty and the divinity of your own breath as it moves with ease in and out through your nose.
Speaker: Long, slow, deep breathing as you breathe in love
Speaker: exhaling peace.
Speaker: Breathing in love,
Speaker: exhaling peace.
Speaker: Beloved Father, Divine Mother, Gurudev Hariharananda, our Guruji Paramahansa Prajnanananda, and our Paramguru Paramahansa Yogananda, we bow to you with gratitude for the privilege of coming together on this day.
Speaker: May this conversation be more than words. May it become a doorway into greater awareness, compassion, courage, and love.
Speaker: May every listener receive exactly what they need on this day. May all our hearts remain open, our minds quiet, and may our souls be receptive to your presence.
Speaker: In endless love we pray. Shantihi, Om Shantihi, Shantihi. Amen.
Speaker: Oh, it's just wonderful to be together once again. And I'm very excited today to have this wonderful guest with us, Pana, who joins us from beautiful British Columbia, Canada.
Speaker: It's just so wonderful to have you. Pana, thank you, thank you, thank you, and welcome. Thank you, Ma, for having me. Yes.
Speaker: And I always like to kind of begin at the beginning before we dive into the numerous accomplishments in your life. I'd like the listeners to get a little peek of who you were.
Speaker: What was your young girl's life like? So if you will, please tell us where you were born, what your childhood was like, and what really shaped you.
Speaker: Absolutely, Ma. Thank you so much for having me. And I'm so grateful for this opportunity. um I had a beautiful childhood. I'm from Malawi in Africa.
Speaker: So um very small country, beautiful childhood, no exposure to external worlds. So we were so simple. It was a simple life, um humble and a beautiful little place that we lived in beautiful backyard, front yard. And it is always um kind of like a tradition for children. I think Indian households, you have a little um temple or little shrines in in their homes. So we've always had that right from my you know childhood. My mom used to do the the puja and the ceremony and we did Aarti together. and so So I've always seen that, you know, um even even now at home, I have a little shrine and that, so we do puja and Aarti and that. So I had a beautiful childhood and right up until the age of 16, completed high school there in Malawi. And then there was no post-secondary institutions there being ah such a small country. So I went to England, you know, and I, my parents, my family were still in in in Malawi and then I went to England and it was a culture shock, you everything, you know, it was so huge, right? For me, I had never seen anything like that before. So it was a lot of learning for me and, you know, adapting um
Speaker: you know, and and getting to know people and and the way. So it was a huge ah change for me, though I did miss Malawi, of course. It took a long time to adjust. um And then slowly i did, you know, my postsecdary institute my post-secondary education, all of that was in was in England. And then...
Speaker: and and then whilst I was there, I somehow was getting pulled. I'll backtrack a little bit. Even when I was in Malawi, when I was little, my my childhood was such that, you know, ah I would i would be be pulled by God's pictures and deities. And I wanted to know stories about about God's and that. So I would ask my grandma, you know, please, you know, tell me the story of this Shiva. Tell me the story. Tell me that story. And and the pictures, we were my family were had subscribed to some magazine called um Back to Godhead. and And the pictures and the little, little articles fascinated me so much. And I would, you know, it it was just a pull kind of. And and so when I went to England, i i realized I was noticing and monitoring and I was seeing that um my I was getting pulled again, i think. you know i was At this time, I was just 16 going on to 17. And I was getting pulled so much. like I was reading scriptures like Ramayana and Gita, Pagod Gita. you know, all these little, little stories of gods. And then, and I was getting fascinating dreams, like so vivid about Hanumanji and Ram, Lord Ram, and, you know, and then even Sheshanag and Lord Vishnu. And so I was, I was just those dreams. I still even remember now, you know, so I don't know what it was, but my, you know, it changed my, my mind was was completely towards God. you know i just wanted I just wanted God and and and I found myself that everything was... um i was getting detached with everything. you know where i lived It didn't matter where I lived, what I did. you know i was in i was in college at that time. and um
Speaker: And then once my my father phoned me from Malawi and he said that, you know we are planning a pilgrimage trip to India. And and and I was already, by that time, wanting to go to India so bad because I had read about it and all these beautiful Ganges and all that. and And I just could not, I was too excited. was so excited. i yeah you know and i was yeah I was all in for it. And then so I flew from England to India and met my parents, my family there, my sister there. um
Speaker: They all came and I met them there. We did beautiful pilgrimage you know to Haridwaran and Rishikesh and Krishna's lord birthplace and all all of so many different places. And I was just... you I was just, you know, emotional. And when we got to Rishikesh, River Ganga, you know, I saw River Ganga. i was just at the banks of River Ganga. And i at that point, my I was at peak, you know, and I said to mom and dad when it was time to go.
Speaker: okay, you know, you go and I'm not coming back. I'm not going back to England. You you you go. And my so what they freaked out naturally, right? What is going on? And I, yeah, and it took a long time.
Speaker: You know, they were trying to convinced me to go back. I mean, they did succeed, of course, because i had life had other plans for me, um you know, and and it was with extreme difficulty. I was crying and, you know, you know all of that. I didn't want to leave Rishikesh. I didn't want to leave Rishikesh. I knew that I wanted to be a monk, but I didn't know which way to go because I had no guide at that time, no guru at that time, no avenue at that time. So I, and and then ah being ah a little, like a girl of 18, 17, 18 years old at that time in India, you know, not knowing anybody, or that would be extreme difficult. I did finally go back disheartened at that time. Went back to England, you know, still still very much in into divinity
Speaker: divinity and And then, um, and Ma, Ma, what year was that? So this would be 87, 1987. I think be about, yeah, 19, 1987, 1988, something like that.
Speaker: Yeah. Yeah. And, um, I did go back to England and mom and dad also finally moved to England. My brother, or sister, everybody moved to England. Um,
Speaker: Yeah. And then life happened and life had other plans for me. So I had to pay off my karma, of course, and the debts and all that. So I i did have a householder, married and have two beautiful girls, you know, two beautiful girls. And so i was very involved with family life, of course. And then after i got married, we moved to Canada in 1995. I've been here for quite some time. but and then And then I think what happened it we've been in in the first few years of my of our time here in Canada, um my
Speaker: I had a call from England from my brother that my youngest sister passed, you know, and she was the youngest in the family. And we had we it was... eight years difference, you know, so she was eight years younger than me.
Speaker: And this was all of a sudden because there was no illness, no sickness, nothing. And it was just sudden. And um that time, it it I went to England, of course, and I was just trying to figure out what, you know, how does that happen? And you know I had a lot of questions. like She was so young and she just only was married for one year. and What happens to to the soul and why did this happen? and I had so many questions. Where did she go? um
Speaker: and then and Then a book, just with God's grace, I'm telling you, was such master's grace that I got a ah book called The Divine Romance by Paramahansa Yoganandam.
Speaker: And that had a chapter in it about the soul and where it is and what what happens to it after it passes. and and And we were reading that aloud, you know, in in our living room and in still in in England when I was still in England. And the lights started flickering, you know, um like as if my sister is giving me a message, I'm here, I'm here, you know.
Speaker: And so i I think that was my, my so I would say, second turning point, maybe into... a spirituality and and I got started to read a lot more you know about all these you know I got so many more books like that and yeah so yeah so that got me into spirituality yes that's so interesting Yogananda has a way of doing that I've talked to so many people over the decades that You know, the autobiography of a yogi falls off of a shelf or they find it in the street or just bizarre things. Bizarre ways, yes. Yogananda has a special knack of.
Speaker: of finding us and opening our hearts, which is great. Now, as we move forward into 2005, you talk about um meeting and having a deep connection with Sai Baba of Sridi, and that this became a very important turning point in your spiritual journey.
Speaker: Would you like to share with us what happened in your life during that time and how you recognize something sacred was beginning to unfold? Yes, absolutely. i get very excited when I talk about Sai Baba of Shirdi because he had a very a remarkable remarkable way to enter my life.
Speaker: ah I had gone again, and this was in probably around that time also, I had gone to England just for my mom's 60th birthday. And then my cousin gave me a book um of Sai Baba's teachings. It is called Sai Satcharitra. So it's ah it's ah it's a small red book. And and so she gave me that. And I said, okay, i'll I'll read it when I go back to Canada. And um when i got when i when I got here, when I got back home, I started to read it. And every time I sat down a ma every time i sat down with that book and opening and start to read it, my front doorbell would ring.
Speaker: Every time it happened, i because I was so engrossed in this book, the stories were so fascinating that um the doorbell would start to ring. I opened the door, nobody's there. Again, I sit down and and start to ring, the doorbell rings and um and then I opened the door. It happened a few times. and so um And then another time that I opened the door, I got a wireless message. um It is me, like Sai Baba. I have entered your life now.
Speaker: um Like I got that message and I had goosebumps in, in in you know, ah on me. And so this was something that was very powerful for me. It was and something so beautiful that happened to me. but But alongside with that, you know, he was giving me dreams.
Speaker: He appeared in my, here he was appearing in my dreams, saying the Guru Brahma, the mantra Guru Brahma, you know, that, and then and any other time that I prayed to him, he has given me his his evidence that I am here. So, you know, and I will give you an example.
Speaker: My husband used to do like late night shifts as well. you know Late night shifts, he would come home late and the girls were little. my My children were little. And so once they would go to sleep, I would say, I would go to Saibap. I had a beautiful picture. I have a beautiful picture of him and I would talk to him and I say, you know I'm feeling a little lonely. you know I'm feeling a little little lonely. um you know um Yeah, I was just talking to him. And then all of a sudden,
Speaker: The doorbell rings, the doorbell rings. and This was in the evening, like, you know, after the golden girls had gone to sleep and the doorbell rang. And um and I see there's ah ah a nice lady, a beautiful lady. um And she she has come by before. So she said, oh, and I was surprised to see her. And she said, i've i've I was just out for a walk and thought I'd come um and see you. And then she came. But this time she was different, Ma. She she was different. Her... her um ah Her little behavior was, attitude was a little, hour I should say her yeah little behavior was a little different in the sense, you know, I would offer her, like she just kept smiling and smiling and smiling. Like, and and I would, I would,
Speaker: I felt the the love radiating from her eyes. and um And then um I asked her for a cup of tea and she said, no, i I'm just here to give you company. And um I was all that time, I knew who that was. I know i knew that was Sai Baba. Sai Baba was giving me, I'm getting goosebumps now. Sai Baba came to me just to give me company because I was so, and then she left. After she left, I i knew it was her and I was i just watched her walk away, you know, watched her walk away. And that was just another, but even more Soma, this is another thing.
Speaker: You know, again, the same thing one other evening, girls were playing on and the deck with the little, on their bikes. And then and again, i was just sitting on the on the little um swing that we have there and um on the backyard. and And again, looking at the sky, i was thinking,
Speaker: Baba, are you thinking of me? I'm thinking of you right now. And you won't believe it. You know, right in front of my eyes, the clouds began to move and they were moving so fast. And and in the end, they formed SAI, Sai, you know, formed SAI, literally. and but and And I had tears. He's here. He's here taking care of me, taking care of my family. Yeah. And and so that was so beautiful. I continue to read Saito Satcharita, you know, every chapter, one day, every one daily a chapter, you know. So my Kriya practice is my first. And then I read Saito Satcharita chapter again and again, over and over again.
Speaker: And then Mastery and Namaskar. Those are the three things that I do every day. yeah How, what wonderful stories. And I think it's just a ah demonstration of God's grace alive and well in your life, don't you?
Speaker: Absolutely, Ma, absolutely. Even when I got initiated into Kriya Yoga, I felt it was Sai Baba's hand in this because when I got initiated, as it was with Swami Atmavidyananji in 2012. And then I said to Baba, I said to Swamiji, you know, um it's i he He asked me if I recognize any of the pictures in the lineage. And I said, of course, Paramahansa Yogananda, because I thought to my group of a yogi. And he yeah and he goes, um do you know Sai Baba of Shirdi? Because I talked to him about Sai Baba. And he goes, you know, Sai Baba of Shirdi was also initiated by Lahiri Mahasaya. And oh, my God. and And that's just completely, you know, i said, this is me my path. This is my path, you know. That is so interesting. I never heard that before, Pana. Wow.
Speaker: It was in his diaries. yet that Yeah, it was in Lahir Masai's diaries. Yeah. That is remarkable. Yeah, god masters know. they They are so skillful, you know?
Speaker: They play their skillful ways. Boy, you're not kidding. And they're always watching us. They are, Ma. That is pretty wonderful. It truly is. Well, not too long after you had the epiphany of Sai Baba, you became quite interested in the healing arts.
Speaker: opening an entirely new understanding of energy and truly how to heal emotionally, physically, in every way.
Speaker: What was it at that time that spoke so deeply to your heart? Yeah. um I had, of course, I had always believed that we have our innate ability, that the body has in its innate um ability to heal itself. So when Healing Arts came in my life, I got initiated. Again, this master was from India, and and I trust her as I know her quite well. So she got me into, initiated me into into the energy work. and like healing arts. And it it resonated with me so much because when I when i applied it on myself, I saw, you know i noticed how
Speaker: My emotional state, my physical ailments, my pain, you know, it was all, um ah what is the word? What should I, use yeah, it was all working out, you know, like my my mental my mental state, my emotional state had eased, you know, my head had balanced out, my My physical ailments was healing. So so I noticed that this is definitely working. And then slowly I started to apply it on my pet, on plants. And I was noticing the plants were growing, it's growing so beautifully. It was helping the dogs, you know, my my my dog, when I was doing Reiki, he was, when it was extremely restless, I would do do this, he performed this on him and he would be so go to sleep, you know, he would go to sleep.
Speaker: So it was working so remarkable. And slowly, slowly, I started working on my family members and they really were appreciating it so well. And and it was going well for and to end with anyone that I and that i ah worked on. So they greatly appreciated it. So it really helps with the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual side of the things.
Speaker: Definitely. That's so wonderful. And just listening to you, Ma, it feels as though each doorway prepared you for the next, because not only did you get involved with the healing arts, but you also became familiar with Vastu, with Ayurveda, Vedic astrology, and ultimately into Kriya Yoga.
Speaker: And as you look back at all of these different studies, which are, let's face it, interrelated. they they There's no separation because we know that we are pure energy. But as you look back, do you feel that these were separate paths for you or were they all gently leading you toward one deeper truth that was finally found in Korea?
Speaker: Yes, very good question, Ma. You know, at that time, i was thinking that these are all separate things, separate separate arts or or separate works. But ultimately, yes, leading to just one, ah right? Leading to just one, which was ah ah inner inner peace for me, you know, inner peace, inner contentment, everything is all one. In any which way that what whatever work that I did, it was leading to peace and harmony for for for me, for that particular person that I was working on. and So it was leading to um ah to healing. It was leading to harmony, peace and harmony. and So if if you if you look at look back, yes, Ma, everything is one. And um and and because Kriya Yoga came in my life, everything else opened up. As you know, you know everything else opened up. And and whichever way that Master...
Speaker: wants me to work, I will work whatever assignment that I get, you know, I'm working towards that. So yes, definitely, Ma. Well, that's just beautiful.
Speaker: You are demonstrating that God was quietly weaving all these experiences together in one beautiful tapestry called Pana. So we appreciate that so much. I often think that our lives make much more sense looking backward than they ever did while we were living them, don't you?
Speaker: no Totally, Ma. At the time, we just don't even think why this might be happening to us. But when we look back, everything has a reason. Everything has a reason, Ma. Yes, yes, it totally does. And speaking of that, your initiation with Atma Vijnanda in 2012,
Speaker: entered into your life and has become your spiritual practice. But for many of us, there is something significant that we experienced during initiation or at that time or just after. When you reflect on that, can you think of something maybe that it was almost like a homecoming to you?
Speaker: Yes. When Kriya Yoga, when ah when I was initiated into Kriya Yoga, um, Swamiji, of course, explained what it was because my initiation was not, it didn't happen at ah with with everybody because it was a unique case. Swamiji accommodated me on a Sunday morning rather than on a Saturday because I couldn't attend Saturday. So he was very kind and accommodated me. And so he explained to create what it was and everything. And yes,
Speaker: and yes um He, I, I, when, when he initiated me, when he was giving me initiation, I had tears in my eyes. I knew that this is something that was, I was longing for because I, yes, yes, i I was reading scriptures. I was doing this. Yes, I was doing so many things, but I never had that one, one fixed practice, you know? So this was my, my, um,
Speaker: This is my resting place. Kriya Yoga is my resting place. that I was very, very grateful for this initiation and I continue to work at it and I never miss an opportunity to even go to a retreat or anything like that over here. That's wonderful.
Speaker: And one of the things I really admire about your journey that you've shared with us is that from the time you were a child, you already were very much in touch with divinity, with God, and there was a desire in you for more, for more, for more, for more. And yet you already were living in spirituality as a child, as a a young adult, as a mature adult. in family life and it has served you significantly in a way that is profound and that is your whole life reflects service seva individuals to groups in education in business in
Speaker: technology, you are so active in serving everyone. And you speak about bringing awareness into our homes, into our relationships, into our daily routines, even the spaces we live in.
Speaker: And I really admire that about you. It's so generous and at the same time humbling. Now, when you look at that, um if someone were to spend a day with you, what might they notice about your life?
Speaker: Not because you're trying to be spiritual, but because you you practice what you preach and you quietly live as a yogi.
Speaker: Yes, if somebody would be with me and they they would spend the entire day with me, they would notice for sure that I do whatever task that I'm doing, whether it be cooking, or whether I'm doing my administration work, I'm doing it with whole heart, like wholeheartedly. you know I'm giving my full to everything that I do. you know and ah But also being aware that i is not like whatever I do, it is not me as Pana doing it. It is you know the soul doing it. So I try to to come back and remember that it's not,
Speaker: me, Panna doing it, but it's the is's a self, it's the it's the soul doing everything. So I give my wholehearted um attention to anything and everything that I do. And and yes, it it is extremely, my life is very, like I have so many things going on, but each thing and each task that I do, I give my undivided attention to that particular task at that time. So they will definitely notice my concentration, my attention to that And and and also my um my coming back to the awareness of the you know the soul doing it.
Speaker: That's so beautiful. Sometimes it just takes living in the present to incorporate a sense of peacefulness and becoming more available to God in every moment. And you really sound like you are. living that, which I so appreciate. And it dovetails with what I'm thinking now, you know, as I read everything about you, and I've met you before, and we've done work together.
Speaker: um And you've always given me the impression of being a very loving, kind, generous, humble um mother on the planet.
Speaker: But beside that, there's this thread of harmony in everything you do. You've you've incorporated the healing arts, Ayurveda, Kriya, each seems to invite us back into that harmony.
Speaker: Would you say harmony has become one of the guiding principles of your life? And and what does harmony harmony actually look like inside a busy modern life like yours?
Speaker: Yes, my harmony. I have always... ah even in my past like career and everything, harmony, I've always wanted that there peace and contentment in in my surroundings, you know, um with everybody that im I am with, present with. So I try to...
Speaker: make peace and and and and um balance and and and create balance, basically. so So there is no conflicts, there is you know no disagreements. that you know Harmony for me means peace, contentment, No, no, you know, ah no disagreements or no judgments. Right. I mean, that there has to be that. So anybody that I'm and or or anywhere that I go, i am very mindful of. of um of the words that I speak, of the things that I do, keeping in mind also about other people's, um ah like respecting other people, people's views and thoughts. So so there's a big, yeah, balance, peace, contentment is what i what I'm actually very looking out for all the time. It just comes naturally more to me um because i'm I'm thinking about
Speaker: about the words that I speak, but also i'm i'm also being mindful of other people's other people's views and their and their opinions and their thoughts, right? So, so yeah. yeah Well, you certainly sound like a yogi to me, and I bow to you for that. Thank you.
Speaker: And yeah what are some simple ways that women out there who are listening can begin to create greater harmony in their lives today without feeling overwhelmed. You know, women are just stretched in so many directions and often they put their spirituality last instead of first. So what would you offer them, Ma?
Speaker: Yes, that is true. Women has a natural tendency to, you know, um to look to look up for family's needs more first rather than us, right? Rather than ourselves. So it is very important. So here we are talking about balancing and we're talking about also respecting the self, right? Because we, the,
Speaker: You know, we we all are self within. We have the self within. So respect yourself for sure. And also have have patience that you and and and come back, you know, do everything, whatever needs to be done for sure. But take time for you. It is so important. I have learned that over so many years. i've been just...
Speaker: doing things and doing things. And then now I'm realizing that, yeah, it is so important to give time to you, to us, to me, you know, because that is what will keep me healthy and it will encourage me to do even more so. So I would really encourage other mothers to, you know, have patience, but come back to you, give yourself time as well. You know, it it is extremely important to even even time meaning doesn't have to be just meditation, but go out into nature, you know, enjoy the birds chirping and You know, go for a walk in the nature, whatever works for you. Spend time with your inner self. It is two it is very important because that will really bring the um um being bring the the big out in you. Definitely.
Speaker: Yes, ma. I love that. You know, so often we think transformation requires huge changes. And often it just begins with one little conscious breath, maybe a little peaceful corner of our home that we can make just for ourselves or just remembering who we are. i know for me, a good example has always been sitting on the airplane and there's turbulence or something happening and the oxygen,
Speaker: masks drop down. And if you're with someone who needs your care, you better put it on yourself first. Because if you don't, you're going to be of no help to anyone. And that's helped me throughout my entire life, to remember that it's not selfish to do your practice and to take care of yourself and to do all the things we know from eating well to getting rest to getting the sunshine and sometimes we just need as women to remind each other that that is perfectly okay and it's actually brilliant so thank you for encouraging our our listeners today
Speaker: and Every Kriyavan, including myself and Pepper Ma, we have our own relationships with the Guru. And you've talked so beautifully about Sai Baba.
Speaker: But I would love for you to talk to us a little bit about Guruji Paramahansa Pragyananda and perhaps some experience that you've had with him as your teacher or guide or just his quiet presence accompanying you through your life.
Speaker: How would you describe your relationship to Guruji Baba? Oh, thank you for this, Ma. I was going to bring it up anyway, you know, at some point, even if you hadn't asked, because Paramahasapra Ganandji is a beautiful presence in my life. My first visit my was in with him. I first met him in in Seattle and and at that time, we didn't there was no ashram at that time and it was just a center, Seattle center. And Amitpapha had Guruji over for a visit.
Speaker: super excited I was because I was always pulled with with the you know sages and saints. They have always attracted me, so i was super excited and had to go no matter what. and um I got there in in extreme you know excitement excitement. I got there I saw him, you know, saw him. I actually ran to him when I entered the door. I i actually ran to him and fell at his feet. Do you know what he did,
Speaker: ma He turned hit you on the head. yeah no he didn't, Ma. He turned away. i He did that. Yeah. And I said, okay, why? Because we are still learning how the masters work, right? That was my first ever encounter with self-reliance master.
Speaker: So I was still learning how they work. So, okay. I said, why did he do that? And why didn't he just at least bless me and say, you know, there were so many other people around. And I quietly sat down, quietly sat down. and And then he was just talking away with everybody.
Speaker: And then we sat down for dinner and coincidentally, you know, i just happened to sit right next to him at the table. This is at the dinner table, not even on the floor. He was on the head and then I was on this side, like like this side, you know, and I You know, I was very naive at that time. was so naive and just was asking him all these questions. And he was so playful with me, so joyful. And he was just answering anything that I was asking him. And I said to him, you know, um um you know, Guruji, your name starts with P. My name starts with P. Your day, or your birthday is the same as my birthday. We share our birthday. So you will never forget me, please. Is that a promise? mine You will never forget me. You will remember me like, you know, you promise me you'll never forget me. And he goes, I'll never forget your name and never forget you. So he was just staying along with me. So he was so joyful.
Speaker: And of course, and after that, I ive met him many times, you know, at the ashram, you know, now that I go to every retreat in April or May at the Monroe Ashram. And I see him and and but sometimes he's very jolly and sometimes he's stern. And at times when I have asked him, like whenever I got a chance and I wanted to ask him something, he would reply, but in the discourse that he would give. So I would get my message then, you know. So he's done that so many times with me, you know, whatever I've asked him, he has given me the answer. And but in the discourse, you know, in the discourse along with everybody. so um I've had beautiful experiences given me, he's tapped me so hard also on my head. He's looked to me and I've said to him, Guruji, please look at me directly in my eye. Like that, things like I have spoken like him in this manner. Guruji looked straight into my eyes and then give me blessings. And he said,
Speaker: and then yeah he he has a lot of love in him so much love for for all of us and i am so grateful every time i make sure when he came to canada in vancouver last year you know he was so so joyful so jolly wanting to see everybody and yeah he his presence itself is ah A huge, huge blessing for all of us. So i'm I'm truly blessed to have him in my life. So blessed to have him in my life. And I always ensure that I go to the retreat, even if I can't do the entire retreat, but I have to be at least two, three, two, three days for sure. yeah
Speaker: Jai Guru, Jai Guru. So well said. i I feel like I was right there watching.
Speaker: And so beautiful. It's really, really beautiful. Thank you for sharing that. And now you've spent so much of your life helping others and through education, as we talked about earlier, mentoring, healing, community work, and now through your service within Kriya Yoga.
Speaker: And I know that just recently, Kriya has established a very vibrant center in Canada. Can you tell us a little bit about that?
Speaker: Yes. So now, just like Kriya Yoga Institute in homestead Homestead, we have a Kriya Yoga Kriya Sadhana Institute of Canada in in Calgary here, ah based in Calgary. So I am a a board member, board director. And and so we have a treasurer, an accountant, like a financial accountant and and vice president. And then so i'm ah I'm a board member, board director. And we all all participate, we have meetings.
Speaker: Like right now in the summer, it has slowed down, but we all meet every Thursday evenings, you know, to discuss about our, ah you know, anything, you know, all the policies and and the documents and the bank, and all all of that. And and it it started in September 2025. And it was actually, i would say, Guruji's grace and it was Swami Ji Swami, Samporanandamma Ji's definitely their grace. You know, it's only because of their guidance that this happened and this opened up.
Speaker: and And being a center leader here in Vancouver for so many years, I think um I did approach Swami Samporanandamma. And she agreed that, you know, that I could be the board director. She, of course, checked with Guruji.
Speaker: And and so so we are five members at the moment in in total. And it is a beautiful, i think, and we have so many ah things that we want to bring, you know, to to raise funds and and to do some a lot of charity work. Currently, it's undergoing charity application. We've applied for it as a charity. So we're waiting to hear from Canada Revenue Agency about that.
Speaker: That is just wonderful. It's wonderful. And Canada needs that because I know Hariharananda spent a lot of time in Canada and loved it, loved the people there so very much. So this is a very natural unfolding for Korea. And i'm I'm just thrilled that you are such an important part of this unfolding.
Speaker: And now, Ma, as we move forward, recently you've added another beautiful expression of service through your new book, The Plant-Based Ayurvedic Solution, A Modern Guide to Healing Your Gut, Balancing Hormones, and Finding Food Peace. Wow, wow, wow. That is just a powerful title. especially today. We need this in the world.
Speaker: Congratulations to you, Ma, for that. And can you tell us what inspired you to write this book? This was a big undertaking while you're doing all these other things. Oh, Ma. Yes. Thank you, Ma. This... um You know, ah writing has always been my passion, but I never had the opportunity or never had the time or never got the chance to to write. And so and and people usually, and I thought about this, people usually say, you know, I will write after I retire and all of this. But who knows, right? Who knows? So I started to i started to write because i was i was looking at every like I was looking at people generally, people at work, where I used to work, you know always in stress, eating something really fast, so that i heating it up, like taking it out of the freezer and heating it up. and Life is very stressful. for these Modern times are very stressful. no no It is true. I understand that. Observing everything, observing even my at my um life and my attitude towards food and my pattern...
Speaker: you know I would go at 10 p.m. at night in the pantry and look for something. So so was it was that hunger or what? like you know I was just trying to figure everything out. So putting and observing everything together, you know i said and then knowing that Ayurveda is ancient and and it it has so much of these healing benefits, I wanted to bring that to the modern world to bridge the gap you know ah and and and make... people understand or aware that, you know, there is a very powerful solution. if If you are aware, like if one is aware of their own individual constitution, because we have already a kind individual constitution per our body type, right? So if we follow according to that and eat eat according to ah eat the diet according to that, we will ah we will experience bliss and and ah harmony within you know our our mind, our body will be in alignment.
Speaker: and And so I wanted to bring that awareness to the world. And I did present the book also to Guruji this last time when he came. And he said, it is a great book. You know, he even said, this is a very good book. So I was very, you know, with his blessings, you know, I was, it was, it wasn't, it was his blessings. i must say it was his blessings, Ma. And just, this this just came out because of my passion, you know, so I was writing slowly, slowly, slowly and trying to manage weekends or evenings, whatever I could get.
Speaker: And yeah, it's just ah people people just need modern times. People have to be aware you know of the foods that they eat. Be mindful of of when you're eating. you know it it yeah every but There are so many people that needs their and but with with ailments. you know The gut is not healthy. The mind is restless. Yeah. It all is coming from the foods that we eat. from you know are not it's not It's not recognizing our own our own ah body constitution, our dosha. So if we know that, everything will be in alignment. Absolutely.
Speaker: Absolutely. You are so incredibly right. And what a blessing it is for all of us that you found time in your very busy life to create this book for us. I think so many women today are searching for practical ways to care for themselves, Pana, and you're offering them that in in these pages. Your book feels like a very loving companion for the journey forward.
Speaker: So congratulations. i'm I'm so very happy for you. i truly am. And now as we begin to kind of wind down a little bit, i would like you to just take a moment, if you will, and think about if you met that girl when you lived in Africa who was just enjoying all of the exposure she was receiving about God and the masters and divinity and spirituality and all the many stories.
Speaker: What would you tell her from your heart to hers right this minute?
Speaker: Yeah. You know, ah she had such an innocent childhood, such a beautiful childhood. And if I were to tell her, what would I tell her? You know, i would, would,
Speaker: At that time, she didn't know that god was that God was within her. She only knew, all she knew was God is external. So she was always searching outside. So I would tell her, you know, you know you are God.
Speaker: you know You are God. and And you are divine.
Speaker: o tele That is beautiful. Just beautiful. And I think someone up there was telling her that, by the way. whispering it right to her heart.
Speaker: And Pana, I'd love to ask you just a couple more questions that come straight from the heart to your heart. They're an opportunity for listeners to know you just a little more personally before we part.
Speaker: There are no right answers, by the way, just whatever arises. If you could describe your spiritual journey in just one word, what would that be?
Speaker: Good question. and
Speaker: Wow, I think that would be word, ma. my one word I know you're so eloquent, but you've got to just kind of cipher it down.
Speaker: ah Yeah, I think it will have to be.
Speaker: is i to Yeah, good question. One word would be the journey, my spiritual journey, right? was was all it was always present, so perseverance. percy I was there. I was always persevering it. I was always working towards it, so perseverance, definitely.
Speaker: Yeah. I was working towards it the entire life. Now that I'm looking back and now that you've asked me that this, ma looking back, yes, it I can see it was always coming back to it, right? In every which way. Yes, always. Yeah.
Speaker: you know that That was an unexpected choice and one that's extremely empowering, I think, because many of us, many of our listeners, me included, you go through periods of time in your life when you know you go up and down. It's not a straight line. We have all different kinds of adjustments that have to be made, shall we say, along the path. And it sure requires perseverance. I think that is absolutely an underlying strength that we need to exercise. So thank you for bringing that to light. That was marvelous. And is there one simple practice that has become absolutely indispensable in your daily life? Something you you would lovingly encourage every woman to begin today or continue?
Speaker: Yeah, you know, I would really, am really, I'd like to mention that, you know, of course, if there is no Kriya Yoga practice or anything, just ah sit, you know, sit and take time for you, take time for you and, and um you know, just go deep down and get, have an awareness of yourself, you know, and and and just know that, you know,
Speaker: you know, that you are God and that, I mean, who yeah, just just know that take time for you. I think take time for you.
Speaker: And then, you know, practice will come if if we are a patient and if we have faith and patience, we know that whatever practices to be unfold for us, it will come to us. We don't need to be in search for anything, Ma.
Speaker: It will come to us. Absolutely. Absolutely. We have to be open, prepared, and then surrender, which is so important to reaching our goal.
Speaker: So, and and the last thing I'm going to ask you is, if the women from around the world were gathered before you right now, each carrying their own hopes, you as a healer, their own struggles, you as an educator, their own questions, you as a consistent presence on the path of spirituality, what would you most want to leave in their hearts?
Speaker: I would like to tell them that they are they are powerful in whatever they are doing. They are powerful, you know, and and to always have that trust in yourself. You know, that trust in the self is that and having that self-confidence is the most powerful thing for a woman, you know. um So so have have faith in yourself and have that know that you are powerful. And then whatever you wish to then attain, your your self-confidence will guide you. Ma, I am telling this because I am saying this because because I have worked with women who have suffered, like, you know, these are the survivors of intimate violence partner intimate intimate partner partner violence, and they have, I've worked with them.
Speaker: and and And I know that they are they live in such a such fear, fearful life struggles, elevate struggles. So I can say, please just you know know that you are already powerful you know and you can attain whatever you need and just have faith, patience and know that you are you are powerful.
Speaker: Yeah. That is a beautiful... beautiful sentiment to leave with all of us. And you certainly are empowered and are an example of living in that space. And as you told Guruji, you will never forget me.
Speaker: And he said he would never forget you. i can say that we're never going to forget you either. i just been a joy and have truly touched me.
Speaker: And I'm sure our listeners would agree that it's not only the breadth of your knowledge, but the quiet sincerity with which you live your life day in and day out. You truly are an inspiration, Ma, showing us that we too have the ability to remember God in the midst of our day to day. Oh, that is such a precious gift. And we we truly thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Ma.
Speaker: Thank you so much, Ma, for having me. Thank you for your guidance. Yes. Much, much, much love to you. Much love to you. Jai Guru, Ma. Jai Guru.
Speaker: And now... I'd like to close today's conversation with these beautiful words from our Guruji. He wrote, Relax in every step of life.
Speaker: Life is to be lived with joy, love, and attitude of service. Your mind must be focused and goal-oriented. Practice slow, long, deep breathing. Be free from fear, just as the person in deep sleep is free of fear.
Speaker: How perfectly these words reflect everything we've explored together with Pana today. What a blessing. And now may each of us leave this conversation inspired to slow down, to breathe more deeply, to trust a little more completely.
Speaker: Thank you so much for joining us for Living in Joy. And if this conversation has touched your heart, I invite you to connect with our growing community by subscribing to our Women of Kriya Yoga YouTube channel, or by following us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Speaker: you can Your kind words are always truly inspiring to us and give us the courage and empowerment to continue on this wonderful journey deeper into living in joy. Until next time.
Speaker: Remember that every home can be a sanctuary, every breath, a prayer, and every act of kindness an offering.
Speaker: Much, much love to you. Guru. Om Shantihi. Om Shantihi. Om Shantihi. Amen.
Speaker: This podcast is brought to you by the Women's Ministry of Kriya Yoga International. You can learn more about the ministry at our website, womensministryofkriya.org. Kriya Yoga is a powerful meditation practice that awakens constant communion with the divine through the science of the breath.
Speaker: Handed down from teacher to student in an unbroken lineage of enlightened masters, it transforms body, mind, and heart, helping us be calmly active and actively calm. Today, this living tradition welcomes seekers everywhere through the guidance of Paramahamsa Pragyananda, the principal disciple of the great master Paramahamsa Hariharananda. To learn more about Kriya Yoga, please visit kriya.org.
