Rebirth Day

Years ago, when the the Sri Chinmoy Centre was smaller, we bought a small church in which to hold our meditations. We were painting and fixing up the church, when I suddenly fell very sick. I had to go home, and I was sick for weeks and weeks. Doctors were called in, but nobody could figure out what was wrong with me. On Guru's birthday there was a special function at the Church. All the disciples were there and I was carried in on a lawn chair and placed in the front. All I can remember is trying to fold my hands and looking at Guru and feeling quite strange. They immediately took me to the hospital, where I spent several weeks unconscious. It turned out that I had spinal meningitis. This is a very serious disease, and most people who get it either have permanent brain damage or die. During the course of my hospital stay, they did many tests. The X-rays showed that I had swelling in the brain and it looked like there was something seriously wrong. The doctors were very worried because they thought I had brain damage. My doctor was having problems of his own. It turned out that his daughter had died suddenly in a car accident. During the time the doctor was treating me, the X-rays suddenly cleared up and there were no brain problems. This rarely, if ever, happens when you have this disease. The doctor felt that it was in a way some compensation, that he had lost his daughter but was able to save me. I know it was Guru's loving compassion that saved my life. I am eternally grateful to him for allowing me to stay with him on earth. Now I feel Guru's birthday is my rebirth day.

Chetana (New York)