Mystical Experiencer: Female in early seventies
Current location: Canada
Age at time of experience: 29
I had purchased a book about Swami Muktananda's visit to Australia. There was a black and white photo of him on the flyleaf. I was about to start reading the book and had it opened to the first page. I was chatting with my husband and happened to glance down at the photo. The eyes in the photo had come to life and were looking straight into mine. I heard the words, "I love you" 3 times. I was filled with feelings of love and bliss and told my husband what was happening. Later I went to bed and woke up during the night aware that Muktananda's presence was in the room. He talked with me all night and told me how my life would unfold. He then said I would forget it all and remember it as needed.
For the next 3 days I felt at one with everyone and everything around me. I felt absolute equality with every other human and great love for all. I had visions, especially when I was in the shower. It all felt most delightful, and I shared the details with my husband. On the morning of the 4th day I awoke to find that my normal state of consciousness had returned but I have felt driven to recapture those 3 days of oneness.
Later I visited the ashram of Swami Muktananda and learned that there was a name for my experience called Shaktipat. I attended an Intensive and had an even more profound experience of kundalini awakening. I am now 71 and teach courses on mysticism and meditation. I have small mystical experiences almost daily. I have become a Roman Catholic and feel very supported by the church.