Shubh Gurupurnima!
Just think: On Gurupurnima, all Siddha Yogis, all seekers new to the spiritual path—wherever they are in the world—are bathing in the light of the one radiant, full moon.
There is a French saying, l'éclat de la lune est un signe de la présence de Dieu: “The brightness of the moon is a sign of the presence of God.”
On Gurupurnima, we honor the light of Shri Guru, which is symbolized by the fullness of the moon. We honor the ways in which Shri Guru’s light—her grace and her teachings—leads us, step by step, to the recognition of our own divinity and the divinity in all creation.
It is by Shri Guru’s light that we learn to perceive the presence of God in the myriad manifestations of nature: in the song of a bird, the steady flow of a stream, even a cloud in the shape of a heart.
It is by Shri Guru’s light that, in the quiet of meditation, we access the wisdom and love at the heart of our being.
It is by Shri Guru’s light—which shines with the brilliance of the full moon—that we take the steps to recognize our oneness with God and all creation.
The light of the Guru is shobhana: brilliant, splendid, and beautiful. It is majestic and auspicious. When we take the Guru’s teachings to heart and put them into practice in our lives, the light of Shri Guru transforms us from within.
How many of you have had the experience that when you remember one of Gurumayi’s teachings and really contemplate it, you feel your awareness drawn to the core of your being? You find that Gurumayi’s words speak to the Truth in your own Heart.
And perhaps, as you get in touch with your Heart, you find that you can naturally access your inner reserves of strength, courage, kindness, enthusiasm. You can then bring these qualities forth into your world—your workplace, your family, your relationships. In this way, you live by Shri Guru’s light. And there is a ripple effect. You become a beacon of light. The Guru’s light shines through you—through your thoughts, your words, your actions.
That is what is so thrilling about the Siddha Yoga path. Most of us want to contribute to the betterment of our world, and the Guru teaches us how we can contribute, how we can be our best selves.
I’ve seen this in my own life and sadhana. This year, for example, the light of Gurumayi’s Message has provided me with specific and powerful guidance.
Gurumayi’s Message for 2016 is
Move with steadfastness
toward becoming
anchored
in Supreme Joy
A lot of the seva I offer involves being with people. I’m answering their questions, teaching them about the Siddha Yoga path, and coaching them—especially young people—in how to speak and share their experience of this path. And I love doing this!
My study of Gurumayi’s Message has motivated me to keep returning to the space of the Heart, to get in touch with the bliss and wisdom that reside there, and to bring this bliss and wisdom into my interactions with other people. And when I do that, I see myself becoming more present with others. I become attuned to my own intuition, and I’m better able to discern what is needed in a particular situation.
I’m better able to create an environment of light-heartedness and fun, where inspiration and creativity flourish.
The Guru’s light is always with us. It’s present in each moment. It’s present in each situation. We just need to make it our intention, and our priority, to remember that light and turn to it.
How can you do this?
There are so many ways! You can, as I’ve mentioned, focus on a teaching from Gurumayi. You can take a few minutes to meditate, or to close your eyes and follow the path of the breath to your Heart. You can go into nature and savor the beauty that reflects God’s beneficence. You can practice mantra japa—take a japa walk, or even a japa swim!
Today, on the auspicious occasion of Gurupurnima, I encourage you to make the sweet effort to recognize the light of Shri Guru in your life—as you offer seva, as you work, as you interact with others, as you spend time with your family.
And as you look up at the moon tonight—the full moon of the Guru—take another moment to reflect on all the ways Shri Guru’s light transforms your life. Think about how the Guru’s light has guided, protected, and uplifted you moment by moment. And acknowledge how this light supports you to contribute to the world you live in—to make it a better place for yourself and others.
Thank you.