A Sense of Bliss

Have you ever had the experience where you first meet a colleague, neighbor, or someone at an event and immediately think, “Oh, yes, we could be lifelong friends”? Those are blissful moments. 

I had that experience this week after hosting Dr. Vrajvihari Sharan, who was our keynote speaker for our Turner Warren and Shumate Lectures. An absolutely lovely human, Sharan is the first, and only, Hindu priest currently serving as a chaplain at a university in the US. He serves as the Director of Dharmic Life and adjunct professor at Georgetown University. 

It was great to hear him speak on what it was like to be a Hindu priest serving at one of the most well-known Catholic institutions, the challenges and benefits of religious diversity, and the centuries- old wisdom from southern and eastern India. 

I was struck by a few of Dr. Sharan’s comments referencing the Bhagavad Gita, one of the most sacred Hindu texts. He quoted a text that spoke about the Divine being within the heart of everyone, regardless of what living being they are, and that when creatures speak about and pursue the Divine with other creatures indwelled by the Divine, they will find bliss. 

I couldn’t help but think that our time on campus with Dr. Sharan allowed all of us to have a glimpse of bliss. 

This week, I hope you have moments with other people where you recognize that the Divine is within them, where you converse in such a way that brings life and hope, and that through it you develop a sense of bliss.