The Inner Churning: Finding Nectar in the Poison

“Whenever I write ‘Sadguru’ or ‘Shri Sadguru’, I am referring to my revered Shri Sadguru, P. Pu. Sadgurunath Shri Kaka Maharaj (Shri Shripad Anant Vaidya).”

In ancient scriptures, there’s a profound story — Samudra Manthan, the Churning of the Ocean — a tale where gods and demons came together to churn the cosmic ocean in search of nectar, the elixir of immortality. But before the nectar emerged, something else did: a potent, dark poison that threatened to destroy all of creation.

It was only when Lord Shiva selflessly drank the poison that harmony was restored, paving the way for the treasures of the ocean, and eventually, the nectar.

This ancient tale isn’t just mythology — it is a mirror to our inner world.

Every spiritual journey begins with a similar churning. When we take the first steps toward introspection, meditation, or Naam Sadhana (chanting the divine name), we don’t immediately find peace or joy. Instead, what often arises first are the very things we try to hide — our anger, jealousy, ego, regrets, fears, and attachments. The ‘poison’ within us surfaces.

And just like the gods stood helpless before the poison, we too find ourselves overwhelmed when our shadows appear. Who will accept these flaws? Who will help us carry this burden?

That’s where divine grace enters — in the form of the Shri Sadguru, the enlightened guide. The Sadguru doesn’t reject us because of our imperfections. He embraces them. Like Lord Shiva, he accepts the poison so we can move toward the nectar.

The Sadguru doesn’t demand perfection; he asks only for surrender.

“Leave your faults at my feet,” the Sadguru says. “I am here.”

In that simple yet powerful statement lies liberation. We are reminded that our path is not about denying our flaws but transforming them. That the churning within is necessary — not to punish us, but to purify us.

So the next time you feel disturbed, remember — the poison is not the end. It is only the beginning. Keep churning. Keep trusting. Because after the poison, the nectar always comes.