Joy recently descended upon Seattle on October 5, 2016, as Sadhguru addressed a large crowd at Benaroya Hall, Seattle, Washington. Benaroya Hall opened in 1998, built at a cost of $120 million. It is often noted for its technology-infused acoustics and its various touches of luxury. The building is located in the center of the city and occupies an entire city block, maintaining the continuity of commercial life along one avenue, and providing a delightful public space in the form of a terraced garden along another. The lobby of the hall is well known for its large display of glass art. The hall has hosted numerous performance events, and it is the home of the Seattle Symphony.
The doors of the Benaroya Hall opened at 6 PM and a diverse throng of people of all ages started to browse the information tables and bought Sadhguru’s new book, “Inner Engineering: A Yogi’s Guide to Joy”. Among the attendees was business executive, entrepreneur and the founder and former CEO of InfoSpace, Naveen Jain and his family, a Professor from the University of Washington, Dr. Warren Jacob and his family and the Chief Digital Officer from Samsung, Kal Raman and his family. TV Asia was also present to cover the event.
‘Sounds of Isha’ marked the start of the event by playing a short musical set, which was followed by a brief video that depicted the many vital Isha Foundation projects. Next, the moment everyone had been waiting for: Sadhguru entered the stage. As he did so, the crowd gave a standing ovation. Sadhguru then chanted the “Jananam” chant which electrified the room. All eyes were on Sadhguru as he spoke, “There is something within you that doesn’t like boundaries. Yoga means union… transcending physicality.” He talked about society today: “We are the most comfortable generation ever in this planet, but we are whining like crazy. We are the most comfortable, but definitely not the most joyful.” He went on to say, “To be peaceful and joyful is not an achievement. You want to be peaceful, but the only problem is… it is not sustainable.” Sadhguru continued to present the science and technology, or tools, of being joyful. The crowd was intensely attentive and light-hearted as Sadhguru interspersed humorous stories into his talk: “I was speaking to a group of people at Princeton University; all of them had long faces. I asked why all those who are over 30 years of age have long faces, one lady said, ‘They are all married!’” The event ended with Sadhguru standing and clapping in harmony to the music of ‘Sounds of Isha’ and then breaking out into a joyful dance as he encouraged the crowd to do the same. It was phenomenal!
Experiences and Expressions of Attendees:
“I drove all the way from Portland, to hear him speak in person about things relating to the human system…I wanted to see what it is like to be in his presence… and I really want the book, as soon as possible… I will use it to explore the deeper dimensions of life.”
“I’ve been looking forward to this event since I saw it advertised. I’ve read several of Sadhguru’s books, I have attended several sessions… I get a very comfortable feeling every time I attend… it re-energizes my intent… everyone is always so polite and also joyful… I like that very much. I’m really looking forward to reading the book.”
“For me, since it’s the first time I am attending a Sadhguru event, I felt it was a very special experience for me to meet such a great personality and his speech is really touching. I feel very relaxed after hearing Sadhguru’s speech. Each word is very true. Nice to be part of this kind of event.”
“The Keep the Worms Warm story was very relevant for the current world – Do the right things to get the right things in life. It was a big take away for me. Overall experience was touching and I was really excited to see him at the event.”
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Ryan October 14, 2016 at 7:14 amAs a former US Marine, I became familiar with the lie Americans are continuously living. War for freedom, among many others. I had problems with anxiety and anger, after learning how many lies I was taught growing up, I felt disillusioned, I started seeking that deeper part of me while developing a relationship with my wife. I began just sitting with myself, still for hours sometimes, Along the way a few years ago, before we had our son, I found Sadhguru. First just me, then my wife started listening to his talks. Doing basic meditations, and receiving his darshan via YouTube. I began becoming much more balanced, and soon I went from killing machine to yogi. We now live in our cabin near eastern/central oregon in the biodiverse Willamette national forest. I asked Sadhguru to come out near oregon on a YouTube comment. Then a few months later realized he had already answered my question and been planning for the tour in America. We bought the tickets and drove up, 30 miles from Seattle at about 630pm. Going 70 on i5, my vans right tire blew out completely, wondering what shiva was up to, I joyfully put on my spare. Made it to the event half hour late, instantly overwhelmed by the presence of my guru. I sat emersed in his presence. I began feeling an intense feeling in the heart to go be with him, but then simultaneously felt the pressure of the audience to sit down. I stood to the side of my wife and son for a minute waiting to see if Sadhguru would pause long enough to make the least interruption. I chose to follow my heart, and started to walk up on stage. As soon as I did, I felt free, I could no longer feel the judgmental pressure of the audience. Innitally Sadhguru was unsure about my intentions, then I gestures at his feet and said please. He welcomed me while helping to keep the audience aware that the real Sadhguru is Within all of us. When I bowed at his feet, I didn't have one thought. I just felt oneness, completeness, It was only a few seconds but in my experience It seemed timeless, blissful and like perfect emptiness. Revealing in a simple pat of my back my true nature. Sadhguru is a form of god, his being is truly one with all others. Sadhguru is in the heart of everyone, some just still think too much about themselves. I will be eternally grateful to the one who helped me attain mukti, in that moment of surrender of my ego sense, I attained the state of liberation. Joy continues to spill over me even a week after the event, he also put his hand on my sons head and made a moment of eye contact with my wife as he signed the book. I now understand why many enlightened beings never speak of that moment, it is indescribable. But as a messenger for shiva, I do my best to share my experience so that it may draw many more to their own direct experience. Thank you Sadhguru! Thank you my friend
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