Saturday 17 January 2009

Gentle cleaning

Denise Desjardins

Today I saw a film about Denise Desjardins, and she was there after the screening to answer questions.

I first heard about her many years ago through my yoga teacher.

A much loved figure in France, she was first a successful painter and decorator. After her marriage, she spent much time in India and followed the teachings of Mâ Ananda Mayi, and later on of Swami Prajnânpad. Together with her husband Arnaud, she founded the first ashram in France in 1974.

She went through a kundalini experience, and experienced memories of past lives simply lying next to Swami Prajnânpad. She says past lives are not to be understood as something that belong to you, but rather as energies that are deeply imprinted in your psyche for some reason or other, and that should be cleaned, so that you can find the real you.

She never chose between her spiritual life and her family life. She used to take her two children with her in India. She managed to maintain a balance.

She explained this idea, which I heard in India, that a woman taking care of her family and children does not need special rituals or mantra, because her whole life is devotion. However she follows the paths of fullfulling all the heart's desires so long as nobody is hurt, not even yourself.

She is funny and warm and so simple. What an inspiration !

6 comments:

Camilla La Mer-Soul Art Dolls said...

Thanks for sharing the beauty of Denise Desjardins...I would like to find a film about her as well. It sounds like her life is full of lessons and wisdom and humility to be shared. That is so wonderful that you had a chance to meet her in person! Like touching a bright light I imagine...Camilla

beadbabe49 said...

What a beautifully serene face...

Padparadscha said...

Yes, she is indeed a beautiful person.

Camilla, I don't know if she is known in the US. The film I saw was amateurish and I am not sure it is translated into English. Do you know, watching the film made me think about Michele Cassou, which I discovered thanks to you.

GraceBeading said...

She has such a kind face and is obviously a wise woman. Thanks for sharing.

jenclair said...

A beautiful face; a beautiful life. Thanks for sharing.

I'm studying yoga now -- taking classes and reading. I'm particularly enjoying Yoga as Medicine by Timothy McCall, M.D.

Padparadscha said...

I should start yoga again really, it's excellent for body and soul. I don't know Timothy McCall, but I will do some research. Thank you for the reference.