The knowledge we acquire will serve us even in the next life, for nothing we learn in this world ever goes to waste. It does not vanish; it stays with the soul across lifetimes. Vedanti decided that she would not limit herself to just one temple to gain this wisdom; she would go wherever she could to learn more. These thoughts fueled her determination. After taking permission from her family, she set out toward the temple once again.
Upon arriving, she asked her Guru, "Where can I go to study spirituality at a much deeper level?" Her Guru replied, "Yes, there is an ashram far from here. Many disciples go there to learn, and there is much to discover. In fact, you can go there not just as a student, but as a potential teacher. I will personally take you there."
Vedanti was overjoyed and decided to go. However, she did not inform her family of the specific location and set off with her Guru. The journey took seven days, but those seven days were a profound learning experience for her. She saw the world outside and realized that there was so much more beyond the borders of her kingdom. She thought to herself, "How much more must there be on this entire Earth that I haven't seen yet?"
After seven days of travel, they reached a massive ashram. There, she saw many disciples and various Gurus, each teaching their students something unique. The surroundings were lush, filled with large trees and vibrant flowers. Upon entering, Vedanti felt a strange sense of familiarity—as if she had been there before. She noticed many other girls who had come to study spirituality, which felt refreshing. She thought, "Surely, there must be someone here like me."
Since childhood, Vedanti had longed to be understood. She was so different and profound that very few could truly connect with her—except for her Guru. She craved a friend-like bond. Seeing so many girls gave her hope that she would finally find someone to talk to and share everything she had learned.
While Vedanti's Guru met with the head of the ashram, she observed her surroundings. The trees, flowers, and even the birds seemed unique and beautiful. This scenery filled her with joy. Eventually, the Ashram Guru called her and asked, "Do you wish to learn spirituality?" Vedanti replied, "Yes, I have studied before, but I want to dive into the depths of it."
The Guru asked, "Will you stay here?"
"Yes, I will," she replied. "For how long should I stay?"
He smiled and said, "You may stay for a lifetime if you wish; it is entirely up to you."
That day, she shared her experiences since birth and the knowledge she had acquired. The Guru was astonished. He remarked, "To possess such vast knowledge at such a young age is something even I hadn't achieved! You are a very special girl. The universe has chosen you; you are a 'Chosen Soul'."
Vedanti decided to stay for a month. Her first day was wonderful. She met the other girls and felt an instant connection because she was finally among like-minded people. The girls adored her as well, as she possessed a divine grace. Everyone told her, "You look like a Goddess!" While the other girls were kind, loving, and spiritual, Vedanti was clearly at a much more advanced level.
No formal lessons were held that first day; instead, the Guru encouraged Vedanti to talk with the others. One girl named Naira felt a strong pull toward Vedanti, sensing a deep friendship. Vedanti felt it too. From that very first day, they became inseparable—eating, sitting, and sleeping together. They found immense joy in each other's company.
One day, Vedanti said to Naira, "You must have been someone close to me in a past life, which is why we have met again in this one. It is our good fortune." Naira agreed, saying, "What you say is absolutely true."
In the ashram, they taught advanced levels of spirituality. Vedanti began learning new things every day—not just theoretically, but through direct experience. Days turned into weeks, but for Vedanti, this experience was a treasure for a lifetime.
One night, she sat reflecting: some experiences are short-lived, yet they stay with us forever. They don't just shape this life; they build our future lives as well. Vedanti considered herself incredibly lucky. It wasn't that her life was free of challenges—she had faced many—but she never viewed them as mere problems. She saw them as responsibilities and fulfilled them with grace.