OM Sri Ganeshaya Namah OM!

November 6, 2024

Bout with Destiny

I am Sudhir Parikh, founder of SATSANG Center (Woburn, MA) and Nataraja Yoga Center of USA & Bharat. Reflecting on life, I recall the story of Sri Hanumanji. While flying with a mountain in his hand over Bharatji’s kutir in Ayodhya, Bharatji shot an arrow, bringing Hanumanji down. This was attributed to a touch of ego in Hanumanji. I now feel a similar lesson unfolding in my life.

Health Challenges in 2024

1. Heart Attack – May 30, 2024
   On May 30, I suffered a severe heart attack—60 times worse than average! Unsure if I’d wake up the next day, I followed Dr. Bhasker Jhaveri’s advice and went to the hospital. By June 5, two stents were placed in my triple bypass vein (from 2006). The bypass lasted 18 years, far beyond the usual 5-10 years.

2. Congestive Heart Failure – September 19, 2024
   Swollen feet led to a diagnosis of congestive heart failure and another hospital visit.

3. Mini Strokes – October 5, 2024
   While teaching a six-hour yoga class, I briefly lost control of my speech but recovered quickly. A CAT scan revealed three mini-strokes. Despite the potential for speech, balance, and swallowing issues, I emerged without symptoms.

4. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

   • A heart monitor was installed after the strokes.
   • On October 11 (Dasera Day), I experienced AFib with a heart rate of 135 bpm. After a brief hospital stay, I attended Navratri celebrations at SATSANG Mandir.

5. Relocation for Better Care
   Based on Dr. Jhaveri’s recommendation, we moved to Maryland, where MEDSTAR provides more immediate care options.

Reflections on Destiny and Health

Many realized yogis have faced immense physical suffering in their later years. Examples include:

• Pujya Ramakrishna Paramhansa (cancer),
• Swami Vivekananda (ill health),
• Dr. Rao, yoga pioneer in Boston (hospice care),
• Pujya Guruji Sri Brahmananda Sarasvati (stroke and paralysis).

The body is extraordinary, but its destiny is not always in our control. Sri Krishna teaches us that effort (karma) is essential, but the results are governed by divine will. As per astrology:

• “Stars never compel, but they impel.”
• “Maya (illusion) makes us feel we are in charge.”

However, spiritual life is not bound by destiny. God promises, “Take one step toward me, and I will take 1,000 steps toward you.”

Yoga and Spirituality

We’ve worked hard to share basic yoga practices with you via YouTube:

• youtube.com/nirusudhir
• youtube.com/@NatarajaYoga

Practice them (at your own risk) and experience miraculous transformations.

Best Wishes

As we celebrate Diwali, Christmas (Vikram Samvat 2080), and New Year (VS 2081 & 2025), I wish you health, happiness, and prosperity.

Make Yoga a Way of Life – “Health is Wealth, Peace of Mind is Happiness, and Yoga Shows the Way.”

OM Namah Shivaya!
Sudhir Parikh
Contact: 603-661-7101
Email: natarajayogacenter@gmail.com

Blog: sudhirparikh.blogspot.com

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