November, 2021
Dear Ramakrishna,
It was amazing to be with you. To sit in reverence with you, Jesus to my right holding a lamb, and Buddha to my left. That holy sanctuary way up in the mountains. The temple of my heart. You are my soul.
You talked to me. I could see your lips move. I knew you were talking directly to me. I only wish I could have heard what you were saying. But my soul, I hoped, was listening closely. My ear to your lips. My heart was filled, so filled. I knew it was for me. And only for me. I was alone at the temple. I bowed down to you.
I know nothing of you. I had to ask the woman in the bookstore, “Who is the man in the picture?” She let me know of whom I had bowed down to. I knew that I knew you. Somehow, somewhere, we have met, as we met today. Then, I could hear you. Today I could not.
But that didn’t stop me.
I come as many times as I can to be with you. I steal away from family and friends and leave the world behind. I sit quietly with the three of you, but my eyes are only on you.
When you first talked to me, I was surprised, and of course, wary that I was dreaming. This time, I knew it to be true. You were talking to me. I could feel it. I wasn’t surprised, just overjoyed and humbled.
I left the Temple and brought you with me until I could feel you receding from me. I then went up again to the mountain, to the temple. I would stay and stay and stay and stay if I could. No one knows how much your nectar means to me.
I don’t understand the accoutrements around you. I only know that painting of you – your hands, the cloth over your shoulder, your beard. That is all I need to know.
Thank you for taking me into your fold. Trusting me with your silent voice. Filling me with your splendor. You are my secret friend. A special kind of friend. One where I know my place, and that is at your feet. I am honored to be in your presence.
Letters to the Universe 