And Mother Claps Her Hands
During Babaji’s last Visit in May, we celebrated the holy day of Phalaharini Kali Puja, which is particularly auspicious to the devotees of Master and Mother, and also welcomed our newest sangha sister who took initiation that night.
Crusita Corral received the precious name of Sita, the ever pure, patient, forbearing, and devoted consort of Sri Ramachandra. Sita has been Babaji’s student for many years. By way of introducing her to the SRV sangha, please read the following interview.
Q: How did you come to SRV Associations?
Sita: I came to SRV through the blessing of prison. Taking on my Guru (If that’s all I went to prison to find) was all well worth it. I learned many things in prison both Good and not so good, but of utmost importance, I found my Teacher.
Q: What attracted you to the teachings, Babaji, Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother, or Swamiji?
Sita: I was introduced to Vedanta by a friend. At first sight I thought it to be weird. However; the longer I sat through my first class, the more it drew me deep into what Babaji was teaching, although very confusing at first. I cannot recall what attracted me at first. I do know that the desire to return was within. I was not attracted to anyone in particular, but the teaching resonated with me. Then I became closer to Babaji in a short time.
Q: What have been the most important teachings for you so far?
Sita: I think it is not so much a matter of which one is of most importance, rather which one sticks out to me the most: Nothing is permanent except my Highest Self. Everything “dies” away from its physical form at some point. Ultimately, there is only one goal. Regardless of where I am in my spiritual growth, I know I have a long ways to go, but likewise I have also come a long ways. Learning what I have, however, time is illusive. I am on the path, regardless of where I am in it. I am finally on The Ultimate Path. I find myself discriminating often.
Q: What made you want to take initiation?
Sita: I had already taken my pre-initiation in prison. When I received it, I began to practice immediately. And likewise, in turn, I immediately saw and felt the effects thereof – both beautiful and horrifying beyond comprehension. In the “fires” was where I saw cleansing. For the most part I understood the results of my past actions. The only way to move forward, regardless of the unknown, was to proceed with the full initiation. Babaji is my rock. I depend on him to be my eyes. I took his advice to do so, but was reluctant due to great fears of what could come. I had to wait until I was out of prison to take on the full mantra, as that is what he instructed. However, truth be told, I didn’t want to at first. I was extremely afraid. When I finally decided and felt the strong and intense desire to move forward, Babaji made me wait.
Sita lives with her husband Joe and their children in the Portland, Oregon metro area. All blessings on her spiritual journey. Jai Sri Sarada!