In search of metaphysics

I hardly know anything about yoga and meditation, so I will not explain what it is. I try to understand these things from time to time, I’m interested in this subject, but I’m also very careful, I keep my distance. Małgorzata and Katarzyna Nowakowskie (I call them simply Gosia and Kasia) are very aware of what meditation really is. They seem to come from the other world, so much different than pragmatic, familiar Warsaw. They bring for me fragrant incenses from India; they tell me stories about sunset on a beach and dancing; about wandering gypsies-artists, who travel along Asia in multicultural camps, totally free, without commitments. Girls have time to look into their souls, to contemplate themselves, they don’t take part in the career rat race, they believe in intuition. They are happy and cheerful, but disciplined as well – no alcohol, cigarettes or junk food. They are twins – good spirits. Alternative from the bottom of heart.

From the left: Kasia & Gosia. 

Girls statements are gathered in one, they complement each other. But you should know, that they think about meditation and guru in very individual, personal way. 

It was 7 years ago. Our mum [Grażyna Dobroń – she’s a journalist in the radio Trójka; she works on programs about health and art of living] came back from India in extremely good condition, she was very cheerful and full of energy. She showed us the photo of guru, who became her master in ashram. She has met him thanks to some random, happy people. When were looking on this picture of Om Gurudev Janglidas Maharaj, we decided to meet him as well, to go to India. It was a feeling based on intuition, thing hard to explain. Mum was against this idea, she tried to convince us that we are far too young to go to ashram, which is a very ascetic place. But we were stubborn. When we got out of a plane in Bombay, we felt this humid, hot air full of aroma (it was sun, earth, incense, warm cut grass, dust that covers everything). We thought the same thing: we are home.  

Ashram is based in Maharasthra (rather flat landscape, not very interesting part of India). Our first visit was difficult. Conditions in the ashram were tragic, there were ants and other insects in our apartment; too small beds were covered with dust; there was no hot water in a narrow bathroom. Today everything looks different, but it used to be really hard. We were frightened.

Later we’ve met Babaji (it means „father”, that’s how you call guru). He was sitting between two other yogis. One of them, dressed in pink clothes, had truly wild eyes. He meditates alone in the Himalayas. He was looking at us with doubt, he was probably thinking, that we don’t think seriously about spiritual development. But Babaji was acting completely different, he made a huge impression on us. He was so warm, caring and full of love, that we started to cry every time when he even only looked at us. We thought that maybe we aren’t worth it. We have been totally shy for the first three years. Today we are much more relaxed in his presence, we even joke with each other.

In ashram day starts at 5 am. We meditate 7-8 times a day. We have breaks for the “holy tea” (tea mixed with a huge amount of sugar and milk) and meals. The rhythm of day changes, in details. We are the youngest Babaji’ students. Other people who visit ashram come from different countries, they believe in different Gods; Christians also meditate. Janglidas Maharaj doesn’t connect yoga with Hinduism, he teaches universal faith, or rather universal spiritual development. He’s against cult of his own image, that’s why he doesn’t like when somebody takes photo of him. He claims that meditation means finding and worshiping your soul. You can find similar pray in Christianity – it is called oratio pura, the pure pray. To really understand what mediation means, you have to try it on your own, nobody will teach you how to do it properly. It’s a lonely path.

Of course – we had doubts. We were wondering is meditation really good for us, doesn’t it cost too much. Today we are sure that everything goes right way. We still have fun, we meet friends, we dance. But meditation is our way of living. 

Every Tuesday (18.30 pm) and every Saturday (12 pm) twin sisters organize in Warsaw meditations open for everybody and free.  They are also looking forward to welcome Babaji, who will come to Poland in September.

People who come to meditate with Gosia and Kasia are mostly friends;  culture of East fans; and guys met on the street coincidently. For example Krzysztof Lottig, who plays an beautiful instrument called hang. It sounds like rain.

I also meditate with girls from time to time. I still don't know why. I look for metaphysics  I gues...