True Tales

It was 1999. I was working as an Interior Designer in Los Angeles. This was a new field for me and this exciting and prestigious job came as the result of a prayer. I had completed a Sahaj Path for my work and was asked to join the staff of a well-known local interior designer. After a stretch of time the job, however, came to a close. I called the Siri Singh Sahib to let him know. He had always been involved in my life and my work and I thought it respectful to inform him of this change. I got a call back saying that I am to come to New Mexico, work for Kiit Marketing Office, doing design and marketing for our Dharmic products.  I was to receive a designated salary. Well, the salary he offered was less than half of what I had been earning at my entry-level position as an interior designer.  Hmmmm. I returned his call and said, “If he doubles the salary, I would consider it.” His response back to me was, “The money is your problem, not mine.” I sat with this prospect for a few days wondering what to do.  I was clear about how I felt.  I knew I was talented and dedicated.  I was sure I had earned respect in my field and I believed in downright fairness. I remembered the times in my life when I wasn’t appreciated and this thought bonded itself with the many times I had said Yes, when I really wanted to say No. I was forming a solid case on my behalf.

I decided to get in my car, drive to New Mexico and negotiate my position. I loaded up my belongings and headed east on the 10 freeway. Once on the road, I began expressing to the Siri Singh Sahib, at the top of my lungs, a list of all he would be receiving upon my employment. “Art and design is my field,” I said emphatically. I told him of my training, my history and successes, my worth and value as a designer and my years of experience. “And, he couldn’t fool me; I was on to his Eastern method of negotiating.” Suddenly, a large heavy piece of metal about ten inches-square came flying through the sky toward my car. Time seemed to slow down as I watched this piece head straight for me. The freeway was crowded with drivers on all sides. My tape deck was playing Nirinjan’s, Ajai Alai and the melody seemed to punctuate the moment. I could see my hands grip the wheel and felt my seat belt tight across my chest. It landed smack in front of my face, shattering my windshield and leaving a broken pattern as big as a giant hubcap. Without my protective Toyota safety glass, I would surely have been killed. I was instantly silenced and pulled my car over to breathe, come back to reality and soothe my frazzled nerves. Since I was just a half an hour outside of L.A., I spent the next 13 hours driving like Jim Carrey in Pet Detective, stretching way over to look out of a clean windshield. I was contemplative and quiet for the rest of the trip. 

When I arrived in Espanola without an appointment, I was immediately welcomed into the Estate to see the Siri Singh Sahib. As I walked in, he raised his eyebrow, gave me that precious look and said, “Almost got ya, Seva”

The Sahaj Path I had completed, which I thought brought me my perfect dream job, was actually giving me a taste of what I did not want. My Dharmic job, which I did accept, was the true gift of this prayer. Not only did the Siri Singh Sahib know who I was and know my destiny, match my energy and intensity, uplift and inspire me even against my will, he could fluidly move through time and space to accomplish this.