Mr. Claude is a Yoga teacher and director of the Yoga school run by the French Federation of Hathayoga in Nice, a big tourist city on the Mediterranean coast. For 25 years he has been interested in Yoga and Indian Philosophy, and he has taught Yoga for 15 years. Shri Kumarswamiji lived for five days with Mr. Claude's family. Mr. Claude visited Tapovana in 1982 and stayed for 10 days. He practises Shiva-yoga and has had profound experiences.
It is with high emotion I write this. I thank God for giving me the golden opportunity to meet H.H. Shri Kumarswamiji, a person full of love. He guides us towards realization and liberation.
It was at Tapovana that I received the initiation of Shiva-yoga. It was like receiving the grace of God. I stayed one week in Tapovan in 1982, a memorable event in my life. I experienced the divine power. During those days, I practised Shiva-yoga, and every day brought new experiences.
On the very first day, while practising Shiva-yoga, I saw only a bright aura and could not see my palm or Ishtalinga. On the second day, I saw Revered Swamiji talking with me within that aura. The most astonishing experience was that I asked questions in French and Revered Swamiji replied to me in French, although Swamiji did not know French.
During that meditation, I had no awareness of my physical existence and felt that I was living in perfect peace and bliss. This experience is very difficult to express in words.
After returning to my country, I have been practising Shiva-yoga daily between 7 and 8 P.M. I experience conversations with Revered Swamiji, and twice or thrice a week Swamiji appears to me in an astral body, guides me, and helps resolve my problems and doubts.
Whenever I feel gloomy, I take refuge in Shiva-yoga. Within a short time, my body, mind and spirit become enlightened, and I find new aspirations.
During Shiva-yoga, I clearly hear the universal voice of music, which is difficult to express in musical notes.
In ecstasy, I see the reflection of my soul in Ishtalinga and experience that God is present in every heart and everything in this universe. Through Shiva-yoga, I find perfect peace and silence in my heart, mind and spirit. I feel thoughtless and motionless, as though living in space. Anyone can strive towards realization and liberation through Swamiji's blessings.
Mahatapasvi shows us a true path, giving light to remove darkness and protecting devotees who surrender themselves completely with devotion and sincerity.
Through Revered Swamiji's blessings, I hope to detach myself from material bonds, which will lead me towards spiritual evolution and liberation.
I pray to God to bless H.H. Shri Swamiji with a long and healthy life for the noble cause of human welfare.