Sri Chinmoy's Heart-Garden - The Inspiration

Inspired beginning -

This is one of the most fulfilling and humbling experiences of my life, sharing with you the circumstances that have seen the publication of Sri Chinmoy's Heart-Garden. Who would have dreamt such an event could have been possible, certainly not I. But then again, how can any of us fully comprehend just how far-reaching and focused the blessings of a spiritual teacher can be. In this case of course it is our teacher, the spiritual Master - Sri Chinmoy.

It all began many years ago when I started to explore the vast outpourings of Sri Chinmoy's poetry. It was here within this collection that I discovered an endless playground that brings contentment and happiness to the heart of this seeker. A tireless adventure of self-discovery in the tens of thousands of poems published in over 1,600 books within the Sri Chinmoy library. And is there any end to this fulfilling and enthusiastic search - no! I could never tire of the satisfaction they bring. I love them all for they open my heart, fill me with such joy, lifting me to greater levels of spiritual awareness. Each is so meaningful, inspiring and powerful. I embrace their wisdom, reflect on their truths and beauty, celebrate their newness and meditate on their up-lifting messages.

Now after collating over 800 'universal aphorisms' I humbly asked if Sri Chinmoy would be happy for me to  have them published - the answer was a powerful yes! What now, I had absolutely no publishing experience, but have plenty of enthusiasm and determination and most importantly a collection of the most inspiring and beautiful poems with the blessings of my teacher!

May my heart-garden
Be very rich
In beauty and fragrance.

-Sri Chinmoy-

Shortly afterwards I was asked by my Centre leader at very short notice, to run a meditation worshop some distance from where I lived. The class was small, in fact only one seeker attended, a woman. During the class I read out a selection of the poems that I had collated. She liked the poems and went on to explain that she was a published author. I then asked if she would contact her writer's agent on my behalf, to see if she could  assist in having the proposal reviewed, she kindly agreed. Within weeks the response from the writer's agent was positive, she liked the proposed book and would approach a publisher.

Sri Chinmoy's blessings are all-embracing, continuously woven through all aspects of our daily lives. Now if I had not said 'yes' to running the meditation class I would never have met the author. I also believe the request to run this class was an opportunity given to me by Sri Chinmoy. Would I be surrendered and willing enough to accept this offer, to re-arrange my Saturday morning plans? I believe Heart-Garden would not have been published if it weren't for this same author who then helped me contact her writer's agent Selwa Anthony. Selwa a well-known author in her own right is one of the most highly respected writer's agents in Australia. Interestingly Selwa's and Sri Chinmoy's motto's are both the same, never-give-up ! I know that without Selwa's vision, professionalism and determination Heart-Garden would never have been published. She told me that the book was so beautiful - "we just have to get it published". She conveyed her confidence for the books success directly to the publisher.

After many months of editing I took the publishers contract to New York for Sri Chinmoy to sign. It was very excitedly returned to me with a hand-written note from Sri Chinmoy, who before signing the contract had meditated for some time, naming the book: 'Sri Chinmoy's Heart- Garden'. I was overwhelmed to think that Sri Chinmoy would bless this project with his love and suppport.

The poems were grouped into nine categories and down from the 800 poems submitted to 300 selected for the book. I was inspired once again to ask if Sri Chinmoy would further bless this project by hand-writing the category titles. The reply was yes -  Heart-Garden was receiving so much support from Sri Chinmoy, at this point I felt that this new book had a special significance for my teacher! I then received the beautifully penned titles, each was accompanied by it's own pair of Soul-Birds.

I do not know of anyone who has received Sri Chinmoy's Heart-Garden who has not enthusiastically expressed just how beautiful the book is - testimony to the Highest blessing bestowed upon this project and by the many self-giving soul's who have contributed to its success. Especially Fiona Schultz, Managing Publisher, New Holland Publishers Pty Ltd (Australia) and the design and editing staff from New Holland, my friend Agraha for his continued support and enthusiasm and Kapila from the Brisbane Sri Chinmoy Centre, who told me to keep trying when I was receiving an endless number of 'NO' responses when I was initially trying to woo publishers, plus of course for asking me to run that meditation class! Each has been touched in their own unique way by the simplicity, beauty and inspiration of Sri Chinmoy's poetry. Sri Chinmoy's Heart-Garden shall always remain a legacy to their collective support, encouragement and inspirations.

Now most importantly, how can I begin to express my deepest gratitude and love for my spiritual teacher, Sri Chinmoy. You are the inspiration, enthusiasm and determination behind this book. Your blessings have lifted this book from a dream to a reality. May your profound wisdom spread it's light to all seekers through the happiness and inspiration that Sri Chinmoy's Heart-Garden brings.

So what can I share with you all about this whole adventure - if you are inspired then never give up! Don't loose faith in yourself or those around you. Maintain your joy, enthusiasm and determination no matter how many obstacles you encounter. Follow each opportunity as it is placed before you, it may never come again. Listen to your heart and follow your dreams, your attempt is everyone's inspiration - you never know what can achieve, unless you sincerely try!!

            Do not be afraid
        Of doing great things.
       Just regard these things
   As quite normal and natural,
   And do them spontaneously.
        This is the only way
     You can bring to the fore
             God within you
For His own supreme manifestation.