by Niloofar Shaterian
It all started in Paris when I stayed for a month to get in touch with my French ancestors. In that time I organised a SAT painting workshop in Germany and invited Christine Langmayr. She liked the workshop so much that she decided to organise my next workshops in Europe.
Eventually I met Franz Langmayr. I was deeply touched by his brilliant mind and his extreme passion for the science of spiritual evolution. I recall as I stepped into his flat in Vienna my eyes froze on a large picture of young Brother Bhaktananda, welcoming me to this new chapter of my life.
Our SAT Retreat adventures were full of fun and miracles. During these years I learned that Franz had a great understanding of the Vedas. First I started to help him write his thoughts in a book format but when our unplanned film, The Peace Experience manifested, I knew that through the film we could share Franz’s knowledge with more people.
During our spiritual “Life script” filmmaking project, The Legacy of Langmayr, I often saw Brother Bhaktananda smiling and reminding me of the first day I met him in Hollywood Temple.
I did not meet Brother B on the first day I went to Hollywood Temple, because he was not leading the service on that Sunday. I heard about the India Night event scheduled for the next weekend. I was very disappointed to find out that the tickets were sold out. At work I called every day to see if anyone returned a ticket. Since I was very new on the path I was devastated. I felt that my bad karma was not allowing me to go. I feared that Master did not want to accept me as a disciple.
My anxiety must have reached Brother Bhaktananda because I received a call from Hollywood temple that there was a ticket available. I thanked the administrator who told me that Brother B had a ticket reserved for me at his guest table. I was overjoyed and asked him to pass my gratitude on to Brother, especially when I did not know who Brother was.
When I arrived at India night, I was led to the last table in the back right corner of the room. No one was sitting at the table so I sat alone and ate the Indian meal they offered me. I was fully aware of people looking at me with curiosity, wondering who I was.
Before the show, Brother was going through the audience, talking with everyone. He seemed to be a very important man. From the way everyone bowed in front of him, I knew he was a saint. Eventually, I could understand why so many people stared at me. I was sitting at the table a very important Holy man. I felt like a special guest.
When the play started, Brother came back to the table. He smiled at me and sat across. I introduced myself and thanked him for the ticket again. They served his meal which he silently ate during the showing.
That whole night I was in a deep trance state that I did not understand. This was the holiest night of my life. By the end of the play, sweet Brother Bhaktananda had fully won my heart. I felt a deep love and respect for him.
When the time came for the director to come up and thank the producers and actors, Brother Bhaktananda suddenly turned to me and said in a quiet yet powerful voice:
“Don’t believe that. Just remember: I am the producer, the director, and the writer.“
In that trance state, I could not question anything he said. All I could utter was, “YES, SIR!“
In that moment a loving, powerful energy went through my whole being. Somewhere beyond logic and mind, I understood that my Guru was talking to me through this holy man. My Guru, Paramahansa Yogananda, told me in full clarity, “Just follow me blindly.”
Under the loving guidance of Brother Bhaktananda, so many years of miraculous service to the Guru passed so blissfully. I still remember vividly that blessed night.
Yes, now I fully know who the director, the producer and the writer is,
God and Guru.
