On June 24-25 in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, Sadhguru offered Inner Engineering Completion in-person for the very last time. This transformative program brought together over five thousand individuals and volunteers from 44 different countries to embark on a profound journey of self-discovery, inner spiritual growth and inner transformation.
Motivation to Inner Engineer
Inner Engineering is a journey that one willingly takes on to know what is beyond this body and mind that we call as life. As more than 4,100 individuals from various backgrounds gathered to immerse themselves in the presence of a living master, countless stories emerged about their personal journeys towards self-transformation. One such participant, Venetia, shared her compelling narrative of taking the first step towards self-discovery after a close friend recommended Inner Engineer as an alternative approach for overcoming her compulsive habits. Venetia delved into her motivations for joining the program, recalling, “There were habits that I was not able to let go of such as smoking weed and drinking. Then, I went through Inner Engineering Online and, within one week of practicing Isha Kriya (a 12-18 minutes free guided meditation available on Sadhguru app) and imbibing Inner Engineering aspects in my life, I quit all of those habits.”
Many had eagerly awaited this opportunity to be in Sadhguru’s presence, especially after enduring the challenges of the pandemic and the excitement of the unknown radiated from their eyes. Nigel, a resident of Los Angeles, had spent several years in India learning from various spiritual masters. Comparing his experiences, he expressed his admiration for Sadhguru, stating, “My opinion of Sadhguru is that he is the real deal. He lives a very authentic life and is disarming with his logic”.
From Misery to Miracles
The program served as a unique opportunity to physically experience the profoundness of a transformative practice under the guidance of a guru. As participants streamed through the doors of the 350,000 square-foot hall, excitement brimmed. Some had followed Sadhguru on YouTube for years and were thrilled to finally be present in person. Others had enrolled at the behest of a friend or family member, curious about what would transpire at such an event. Some wondered, “What can one truly expect from such an event? Is Inner Engineering worth it? Does Shambhavi Mahamudra work? Is Sadhguru the real thing?” They would soon find out.
As Sadhguru graced the stage, the room was filled with a palpable anticipation, hinting at the hidden depths that lay beyond what met the eye. The thunderous applause that accompanied his entrance marked the first of numerous resounding standing ovations. “This is not a mere teaching,” he began. “If it was only about teaching something, we could do it online. This is about us taking responsibility for ourselves and crafting a wonderful human being.” To make the most of the program, Sadhguru encouraged participants to leave their conclusions aside. “The moment you make conclusions,” he explained, “your ability to experience life is gone.”
Participants found their places and curiosity swelled among many regarding what would transpire during these two days. During the program, Sadhguru challenged participants to contemplate whether they possessed the heart to embrace the inherent suspense of life. Describing life itself, Sadhguru imparted, “You don’t know. That’s why it’s a game. Are you game for life?” The audience replied with a resounding, “Yes!”
Highlights of the Program
In setting the stage for a transformative journey towards truth, Sadhguru created an ambiance that resonated with profound significance. As he guided participants on the inward path, he stated, “You cannot seek truth because you don’t know what it is. You can only destroy the untruth.” This ignited a unique process within each individual present, propelling them on their journey within.
During the program, participants were immersed in classical yogic practices and discourses delivered by Sadhguru. As they delved deeper, many began to transcend their survival-oriented nature, which forms the foundation of the physical dimension. In the presence of Sadhguru’s boundless compassion, even the basic needs of the body became secondary, momentarily forgotten. Overwhelmed by love and gratitude, the hall reverberated with exclamations such as “We love you, Sadhguru,” “Sadhguru, please come to our city,” and heartfelt pleas to join him on his journey.
Throughout the program, the atmosphere was infused with the transformative power of sound, resonating through explosive chants and stirring songs. Jamie, a participant from Los Angeles, shared her experience, “The moment I heard the chant, something within me shattered, and I found myself crying. It was a cathartic release of things I didn’t know I was holding onto.” The reverberations of these sounds reached deep into the hearts of the participants, evoking tears of emotion in some and igniting an irresistible urge to dance with unbridled abandon in others. As Sadhguru explained, “Sound can change the fundamentals of who you are because it has the reverberations of life.”
For Amit from the Bay Area, being part of Sounds of Isha and playing at the Inner Engineering program was a dream come true. Inspired by the transformation he witnessed in countless lives touched by the program, he planted a seed to contribute through music. In 2019, he volunteered for the Inner Engineering program with Sadhguru at the LA Convention Center, where he first heard Sounds of Isha perform. Fueled by passion and self-taught skills, Amit nurtured his seed of determination to become a percussionist for Sounds of Isha. Despite uncertainties, he took a leap of faith and submitted his application. The seed he planted has sprouted beautifully and since then, Amit has participated in numerous Isha events, fully immersing himself in the experience. Reflecting on the privilege of playing music in Sadhguru’s presence, he shares, “Nothing can come close to the experience of playing music in Sadhguru’s presence. I was hitting the ghatam (the clay pot instrument) so hard that I didn’t care if my fingers would break or the pot would break. I wanted to give my all with 100% involvement, and there was no holding back!”
Sounds of Isha, an extraordinary group of untrained musicians, embodies their deep yearning to express the grace of Sadhguru through music. Their presence has been integral to many programs, fostering openness and receptivity among participants, and facilitating a profound connection with the teachings.
Culmination – From Untruth to Truth
The last Inner Engineering Completion program with Sadhguru marked a significant milestone in the lives of many, leaving a ripple that would continue to inspire positive change within themselves and the world.
As twilight painted the sky, the remaining participants embarked on their journey home, many with tears welling in their eyes. The last group of volunteers closed the hall, marking the end of the final Inner Engineering Completion program with Sadhguru. Longing to linger and bask in the energy of the weekend, they carried within them an indelible imprint of their Guru and the echo of a promise.
June 24, 2023 commemorated the anniversary of the consecration of the powerful energy form known as Dhyanalinga. On this day, the first day of the Inner Engineering Completion program, the very first question arose, “How do I take you home, Sadhguru?”
“There is a presence called life that’s not your making. That’s fortunately with us right now.” With a mischievous glint in his eye, Sadhguru elaborated, “If you want to take me home as a person, you better know that I am too much trouble. Oh! How I pity my parents! I, as a person, am no good.”
As he has been known to do, Sadhguru seamlessly shifted from a state of playfulness to one of solemnity, compassion, and devotion, offering a promise to all who sit with him. “As a presence, I will go with you,” he assured, “unasked.”
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