Sadhguru in Minneapolis

Sadhguru continued to spread joy, compassion and his grace as he visited another USA state. On October 8, 2016, Sadhguru greeted a large audience at the Orchestra Hall, located in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Hall is home to the Minnesota Orchestra. It is a major landmark of the southern portion of Nicollet Mall and hosts many musical and other events throughout the year.

Upon entering the Hall, the attendees were greeted by smiling volunteers and elaborate floral and stone decorations on the floors and tabletops. The attention to detail not only created a warm, inviting ambiance, but also showed the dedication of the volunteers who were determined to create a joyful experience for participants. Another noticeable feature was the way that the atrium remained quiet as people waited for the event to start; yet, within this quiet atmosphere, there was a tangible excitement that made the space seem full of activity and energy.

A diverse crowd browsed the booths to inquire about future Inner Engineering classes, while others were very interested in taking advantage of the retreat option at the beautiful iii (-the Isha Institute of Inner Engineering) in Tennessee. After checking out the booths, the crowd entered the auditorium as ‘Sounds of Isha’ played the cheerful song, “Alai, Alai”.

When Sadhguru entered and started the event with a chant, the atmosphere became charged. He then stated it was his first time in Minneapolis, which elicited enthusiastic clapping from the audience. Sadhguru talked about internal and external boundaries and how “the moment you can feel the boundary, you want to break it.” He effortlessly transitioned his profound words into a light-hearted joke, yet never ceased to captivate the audience with his truths delivered in either style. Exuberant and passionate, Sadhguru’s essence permeated the Hall. He pointed to ways that people fool themselves: “Are we not enjoying the highest level of comfort and convenience than ever before? The problem is you are trying to find this comfort from outside.” But he offered methods to change: “We don’t need good people, we need joyful and sensible people… There is a technology for well-being… This book of inner engineering is one more effort to make the world an ecstatic place. This is a book with 24 simple tools.” Directed towards Americans, Sadhguru added more food for thought, “When you have the privilege that people are looking up to you, how you conduct yourself becomes very important. The world is looking up to you (-America).”

Sadhguru also led the audience in a special meditation. Many in attendance had not meditated before, and might have expected a meditation to happen very differently. When all eyes were opened, there was an enhanced radiance in the room and Sadhguru proceeded to mingle with the audience to greet and embrace the crowd. When Sadhguru returned to the stage, audience members came forward to have their books signed. Sadhguru repeatedly urged those seeking his signature not to ignore the beautiful songs being played by ‘Sounds of Isha’. Then he sometimes re-initiated the dancing and clapping himself if the energy of those waiting seemed to flag. Although the book signing continued long after the closing of the event, and even after ‘Sounds of Isha’ had gone off stage, Sadhguru stayed until every book had been signed. He also interacted with many young children and elders, and made everyone laugh. The event ended with people leaving a little more hopeful and happy then when they arrived.

Experiences and Expressions:

Before-the-event:

“This will be my second time seeing Sadhguru, I’ve watched all his videos. I know that he’s an enlightened being. I’m excited about seeing him again, and about reading his book”.

“I’ve been following Sadhguru for a couple of months now. It started with his videos on YouTube. I just love his views and perspectives on everything. I saw online that he’d be traveling around the USA, so I arrange everything and came from Sioux City Iowa to come here to Minneapolis to see him.”

“We have a meditation group here, we have followed Sadhguru, watch all of his videos. I’m also here to buy his new book. The thing I like most about him is that he says that if we can change just one person, we can change the world. That’s what I believe. That would be great.”

After the event:

“I was here, and it was mind-blowing! –really opening yourself, learning yourself. –opening your own body and thoughts… very interesting. And I have an instrument now… the book!”

“It was absolutely incredible, and it’s all something I’ve believed in for a very long time. Joy and happiness is an attitude, but joy is about celebrating life. And I just fully, fully felt his total joy, his experiences, sharing with us… how important life really is… especially those who have passed… I believe it’s our purpose to celebrate their lives, and to help others heal… this is something that’s absolutely possible, here with us on this physical plane.”

“It was so awesome to be in his presence, to hear him talk about his book, how important it is to have joy… in our lives… how we waste our lives when we are not joyful. I can’t wait to read his book.”

“This program was a very great program. It was very interesting to see Sadhguru… He was very good at explaining situations, and how to deal with certain situations, and how to live life from the inside, how to live life to your expectations and not to someone else’s terms… that you can’t change someone else, but you can change yourself. I felt very happy in his presence, I did feel a lot of energy. It was a fun and very enjoyable time.”

“Sadhguru’s discourse was excellent. The main point that stands out now is that I’m a very miniscule part of this creation, nothing should bother me, I am just a very small speck in this world, so I should be joyful.”

“One thing I really liked about the Sadhguru talk was how he talked about how to be happy, and how to enjoy happiness while you can, how life goes so fast when you’re happy, and that’s what you should feel. Life goes so fast, and you’re caught up in it, and you can be immensely happy all the time.”