Swami Shyam's answer, conveyed with all the magnificent wisdom of his teachings, was one: "Freedom is your true nature. You must get it." Each of the chapters ends with an interview conducted by Vistar's student and friend, Audrey Fillon, on the chapter's central theme. These interviews provide the reader with an enhanced window into the esoteric aspects of the spiritual journey. The chapters of this book authentically convey a longing pursued and teachings received. They afford the reader an opportunity for contemplation, and, possibly, reflection that resonates with the author's inner exploration.
At the age of twenty-four, I had the privilege of meeting a teacher, a master, Swami Shyam, who, I intuitively sensed, knew, and lived the quintessential nature of freedom. Within days of our meeting, Swamiji gave me a spiritual name, Vistar. The meaning of Vistar, a Sanskrit term is "infinite, vast expanse." From the moment I embraced the name, I was and I continued to be reminded of and inspired by my true nature, Vistar. For the next thirty-five years Swamiji answered my questions with grace and infinite patience. Although my questions seemed to evolve, in truth they were all variations on a theme, that of my highest aspiration: Who am I? What is freedom? How do I live it?
His answer, conveyed with all the magnificent nuance of his teachings, was one: "Freedom is your own true nature. You must get it!"
My spiritual path has been the realization of this knowledge, this knowingness.
To Yosseph Dayan, my partner, thank you for your impeccable awareness, and for being an eternal, loving mirror.
My thanks and appreciation to Audrey Fillon for her gracious and inspiring contribution to the interview sections of the book.
I thank Jill Ronsley for her discerning and skillful editing, friendship, and unfailing support.
I thank Dr. Diana Brecher for her constant encouragement and constructive and astute feedback.
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