Marc-Joseph Chalfoun (MJ Ganesh)
There have been several milestones on my journey through life. Listed below are the ones that have shaped its course.
Awakening To My Spirituality
In 1988, I began studying the Bible with the Jehovah's Witnesses. My life changed dramatically to one of meaning and purpose. I became fully engrossed in the movement for the next 6 years.
A Sharp Turn Towards Academics
In 1994, after a crisis of conscience, I officially left the organization of the Jehovah's Witnesses. I began an exploration on the literature of cult mind-control and new religious movements, and returned to school to pursue an academic education. In 1996, I completed a D.E.C. in Social Sciences at Vanier College and finished in the Honour Roll. Several years later I earned a B.A. degree "With Distinction" in Psychology and Religious Studies at Concordia University.
Developing A Regular Meditation Practice
After learning Vipassana Meditation and practicing sporadically for a few years, I finally made a commitment on May 12 2003, to practice meditation daily. This happened at a very difficult period in my life during which time my sister was going through a life transforming trial that was touching me deeply. Her ordeal brought home the point that "perception is projection" as everyone around me had conflicting ideas and interpretations that reflected more their values and beliefs than the factual situation. My meditation practice helped me to stay well grounded and focused, and to establish stability and clarity during unsettling, precarious moments. I've been practicing meditation everyday since.
Undergoing A Powerful Energy Transformation
In late June of 2004, I participated in a 3 day Mahatma Initiation. Similar to the work of shamans who invoke the aid of spirits and guides, this energy ritual helped facilitate the cleansing of my chakra system and prepare the way for new changes. In the following months, people and circumstances were serendipitously appearing in my life and responding to the new energy I was exuding. Perhaps the most special and somewhat magical event occurred on July 24, one month after the initiation. As I was lying on the grass in front of a lake in Vermont, a little baby bird appeared as if out of nowhere and stationed itself on my leg for about a dozen seconds or so. To describe it poetically, it feels like the bird was signalling new beginnings in my life, the most significant one of which developed next with yoga.
Integrating Yoga
In October of 2004, I decided to attend what I believed was a beginners information session on yoga with Dr. Bali from Yoga Bliss. Much to my surprise though, the session was for his teacher training course! After attending Dr. Bali's regular drop-in classes throughout the year, I answered destiny's call by enrolling in the teacher training course in October of 2005. Though I was a shy person lacking confidence and terrified of public speaking, the training helped me to find my voice and calling, and to eradicate the insecurities and addictions I had been struggling with. I completed the certification in March of 2006 and have been teaching ever since.
Becoming Vegetarian / Vegan
After watching educational videos about how animals are exploited and tortured by the food industry, I became disgusted and appalled at how this is happening. I slowly stopped eating meat and chicken (vegetarianism), and eventually also stopped consuming dairy and eggs and purchasing anything knowingly with animal products (veganism). I could not in good conscience eat any animal product knowing how cruelly he or she was treated. Even if done in a quick and humane way (which is not the standard in factory farming), I realized that all animals feel more or less as we do and want to live free of suffering just like us. I became vegan by 2009 and have enjoyed a healthier, vibrant life since. I love animals greatly as most of us do, and have been blessed with 2 beautiful cats living with me. I encourage you to watch this video which I found the most informative and well presented out of all the others I have seen on the subject.
Discovering Bhakti and Tantra Yoga
After a difficult ending to a long-term relationship, I went on a trip to California to discover Bhakti Yoga and then a few months later to Ireland for a Tantra retreat. These trips helped me to take that extra step forward and to integrate unconscious parts of myself. The journey had reached a climax, and the door opened for me to sing and dance playfully to the song of my heart. Kirtans, which are chant sessions in the Bhakti Yoga tradition, along with Bhakti Trance Dance events, are now a major part of my practice.
Conclusion
I have come to realize that practicing yoga and meditation in all its different forms is the culmination of my efforts at finding inner peace. Teaching it to others along with advocating a vegan lifestyle and creating kirtan music is the beginning of my life work at helping individuals find peace and wellness in their life. It is the perfect medium to share with you what I have learned and experienced throughout my life, and to assist you in discovering your own potential as a human being.
Namaste.
