Sharing about A Sweet Surprise 2017

Between each segment of Gurumayi's Message, there is a time of silence. It is during
these times that I naturally connect to the Self. There is no effort. I am simply there.
During A Sweet Surprise Satsang I listen, chant, meditate, and gaze at the Guru respectfully during darshan; and after each practice is the silence, sweet silence, when I am immersed in the Self.
 

Maryland, USA

As I meditated during A Sweet Surprise Satsang 2017, I felt the “form” of the breath. It was a perceptible pulsing that seemed to be merged with the column of light within. I sensed that this pulsing of my breath was Gurumayi, in the form of the inner Guru. 

I am so grateful to Gurumayi for the gift of her Message for 2017. As I follow Gurumayi’s request to make this gift my own, I feel I am going forward into the light of her love and grace.
 

New York, USA

I participated again in A Sweet Surprise Satsang. As I was meditating, a cool breeze blew through the room. I breathed in and out as I practiced Gurumayi's Message. The image of a tall, warm flame arose in the center of my being, filling the whole room. And I had the understanding that in practicing Gurumayi’s Message, I can bring love to the people around me.
 

Braddon, Australia

Each time I give Gurumayi’s Message my attention, I receive something incredibly precious. It might be a subtle insight into my nature, or an experience of something vast and loving within. The other day I was experiencing pain while walking, and I kept repeating the last sentence of Gurumayi’s Message. I found the strength to cover the whole distance.

Words cannot express the gratitude I feel. Thank you, Gurumayi, for your beautiful gift
of A Sweet Surprise Satsang.
 

London, United Kingdom

I love meditating with Gurumayi’s Message. I meditate with it for fifteen minutes every day and it makes all the difference.
 
I feel so blessed to be on this path.
 

Vangede, Denmark

While participating in A Sweet Surprise Satsang 2017, I was filled with abundant positive energy and happiness. Now, every day I practice Gurumayi’s Message, and it helps me to realize my inner power.
 

Buldana, India

It was very snowy this morning, but I went to Shree Guru Gita and A Sweet Surprise Satsang 2017 at the center in my town anyway. During A Sweet Surprise Satsang I felt a wonderful connection to the love in my heart, and I still feel it.
 
During the satsang I had an insight that I need to take more responsibility for my life, and for making a bigger difference in my world. When we sang the last Sadgurunath Maharaj ki Jay at the end, I felt a beautiful welling up of gratitude for this precious gift of understanding.
 
Thank you, Gurumayi!
 

New York, USA

Since I received Gurumayi's Message, I’ve started to practice this teaching, which I experience has the power to change my awareness. Indeed, now I am seeing the world as part of my own being. This makes me feel so happy!
 
Thank you, Gurumayi, for A Sweet Surprise Satsang.
 

Rome, Italy 

I have found Gurumayi's Message to be a life raft. This morning I was lying in bed, following my breath, and I realized I was truly breathing in the sweetness of the Heart. Its gentle, loving presence was tangible. I felt I was enveloped in God's gracious embrace, swimming in the sea of God's love.
 

California, USA

I had been grappling with the first line of Gurumayi’s Message. Then I remembered the scent of gardenias. Their aroma has always been so intoxicating to me that they inspire me to close my eyes and try to fill every cell of my body with their perfume.
 
Now as I repeat this line of the Message, I feel I am breathing in a deep sweetness of the soul that permeates my being. This is very beautiful and fills me with so much love for myself and others.
 

Washington, USA

When it came time to meditate during A Sweet Surprise Satsang, all of my "problems" suddenly appeared before me in my mind's eye. However, in the very next moment, I found myself floating in a silvery-blue sea of grace, whose waters washed away all my concerns. As I floated in this ocean of grace, my entire being felt cleansed—and only purity, peace, and happiness remained.
 
Jai Gurumayi! Thank you for the blessing of your grace.
 

Illinois, USA

When I am in my mind more than my heart, I often perceive myself as the doer, even the doer of sadhana. When I used to line up for darshan, I would pay attention to make sure that I would do everything "right."
 
At the culmination of A Sweet Surprise Satsang 2017, I had the very wonderful experience of what it means to receive darshan. There was nothing I could do, except to be open and receptive to the experience of Gurumayi's grace flowing naturally into my being. What I received is infinitely precious.

Berlin, Germany

When I received Gurumayi's Message for 2017 in English, I didn't understand every word. But now that I have received the translation into French, the middle part of Gurumayi's Message evokes in me an image of going inside and exploring marvels. In this way, it reminds me of Bade Baba's teaching: "The Heart is the hub of all sacred places. Go there and roam."
 
Thank you, Gurumayi, for the gift of your Message for 2017!

Toulouse, France

As 2016 was coming to a close, I became aware that the key to my becoming fully established in joy was in every breath. I made a New Year’s resolution to focus on each breath and recognize its sacredness.
 
When I heard Gurumayi’s Message for 2017, I was delighted by the synchronicity!
 
I am practicing Gurumayi’s Message regularly, at various times during the day and night, and in meditation. I am feeling much more able to connect with my inner source of wisdom and receive guidance from within. I have also become aware that, at each moment, I can choose to connect with my breath.

New York, USA

When I joined the initial broadcast of A Sweet Surprise Satsang on January 1, I was delighted to have a vivid experience of Gurumayi’s Message. As I continue to practice the Message, the space of the Heart has become available to me in a way I have never experienced before. I feel so very grateful. In this space inside me, life flows with ease.
 
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Gurumayi.

Melbourne, Australia

Sharing A Sweet Surprise Satsang with my five-year-old daughter was pure joy. Together we danced, laughed, and sang. We closed our eyes and opened our hearts.
 
A new sense of freedom arose, and I feel that it will grow every day of this great new year. I have opened myself to a new optimism—anything is possible!
 
Happy New Year, beloved Gurumayi!
 

Montreal, Canada

Recently I awoke in the early hours of the morning but wasn’t concerned about going back to sleep, for I understood the precious gift of listening to the breath.  As I did so, I felt full of energy and bliss.  The sound of AUM resonated strongly within as I experienced deep intoxication and entered a new inner realm.
 
I feel this was a glimpse of the power of Gurumayi's Message for 2017.  
 
Thank you, Gurumayi!

Washington, USA

When I received Gurumayi’s Message, it was like having a deep longing fulfilled. For me, practicing the Message is a sublime way of giving and receiving blessings. 

I have been relishing opening this gift again each day. What a beautiful way to live!
 
Thank you, Gurumayi ji!

Gurudev Siddha Peeth

I have begun practicing Gurumayi’s Message for 2017 by repeating it to myself inwardly during meditation in the same way I would repeat the mantra. I coordinate my breathing with the words of the Message. While doing this, I feel as if I am traveling in an infinite loop of continuous breath. After a while the activity of breathing fades from my conscious attention and what remains is a single pulsation of energy.  By practicing the Message in this way, I feel more energetic, focused, and balanced.
 
Thank you, Gurumayi, for the gift of A Sweet Surprise Satsang 2017.
 

Chennai, India

As Gurumayi was conveying her Message for 2017, I went deeper and deeper into my heart.  I felt that I was physically present in the Universal Hall with the Guru and all the Siddhas.
 
Just one day has passed since I received Gurumayi’s Message, but I am already experiencing a deepening in my meditation.  I feel a strong will to meditate during my free time, and the state of calmness and joy continues even after I come out of meditation.
 
Thank you, Gurumayi, for the wonderful gift of A Sweet Surprise Satsang 2017.
 

Lucknow, India

I am so grateful for Gurumayi’s Message for 2017. It feels so tangible—something I can experience with my whole being. I find myself naturally repeating it to myself when I wake up in the morning, and doing this sets the tone and focus for my day.
 
Last night at dinner, my husband and I sat in silence together for a few moments and then each took a turn saying the Message out loud to each other. This brought me into a deep, meditative state. When I finally opened my eyes, I felt at total peace as my heart overflowed with gratitude for the Siddha Yoga path and teachings—for Gurumayi’s incredible grace and love!

Port Moody, Canada

I feel on top of the world because each year I get a chance to celebrate the New Year with the guidance and teachings of my beloved Guru, Gurumayi. When I heard the first line of Gurumayi’s Message, it seemed as if an herbal aroma was permeating my body, purifying me deep within. I have started to regularly remind myself to practice the Message, not only when I am meditating, but also during my daily routine.
 
Thank you, Gurumayi ji, for your guidance, which makes my life so beautiful, peaceful, and joyful.

Pune, India

It was truly a sweet surprise to hear my Guru speak her Message. When Gurumayi spoke about knowing your own worth, I stopped and thought about my worth. I realized that in the past I did certain things because I did not know my worth and that if I had known my worth, I would have chosen differently. From reflecting on Gurumayi’s words, I realize that as I know myself better, I learn to see my true value and I make better choices from that place.
 
Thank you, Gurumayi!

Nebraska, USA

What a wonderful gift to receive from Gurumayi. During the night, after receiving Gurumayi’s Message, I awoke from sleep. I remembered to focus on the breath and Gurumayi’s words. I started to repeat the Message. I fell asleep again, and for many hours in my dreams had darshan of Kundalini Shakti in the form of the Devi – the divine goddess.
 
Thank you, Gurumayi, for giving me the gift of A Sweet Surprise 2017.
 

Noida, India

I was so excited and full of joy when I heard that A Sweet Surprise Satsang would be Gurumayi's gift to us. During the satsang, Gurumayi's voice took me to my heart. Through my practices and study, I will own this gift.

Thank you very much, Gurumayi ji, for blessing me with this year's Message.

Gurudev Siddha Peeth

Chanting Om Namah Shivaya before each sentence of Gurumayi’s Message opened my heart wide, allowing the Message to enter my heart. Now, the Message IS in my heart and I will practice it.
 
Thank you, Gurumayi, for your precious gift of the Message for 2017 "wrapped" in the mantra.
 

Lyon, France

Such a powerful and beautiful initiation—a guide for every step this year and beyond! Gurumayi’s words and the sound of her voice created a vast space of stillness within me, a space full of love, joy, and peace. How amazing is that!
 
Thank you so much, Gurumayi.
 

Ludlow, United Kingdom

This year, A Sweet Surprise Satsang meant a sweet surprise in my sadhana in a very particular way.  It was the first time that I received Gurumayi’s Message together with my one- and two-year-old daughters and  my husband. We were in the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Mexico City, and while listening to Gurumayi's words, I felt a waterfall of blessings and joy at sharing this experience with the people I love most.
 
 The elements of the satsang flowed through us as a family so naturally.  I felt so fortunate seeing the love and ecstasy in my heart reflected in my daughters' smiles and hugs. It was a dream come true! 
 
Thank you, Gurumayi, for this everlasting gift!
 

Mexico City, Mexico

What a gift! This is a Message I can carry to all the moments of my daily life. The grace is there, and it is my sweet effort that will let it blossom in my heart, mind, words, and actions.
 
When I practice the Message, I´ll remember that I am connected to the universal sangham, awakening together, letting the love that we are shine together.
 

Valladolid, Spain

Our four-year-old niece joined us today for A Sweet Surprise Satsang. When it came time for meditation, we saw that she was praying intensely, with both hands folded in anjali mudra. "A sweet surprise," indeed!
 
We are feeling love and gratitude for the Guru's grace and the global Siddha Yoga sangham.
 

Poznan, Poland

Throughout 2016, I consistently studied Gurumayi's Message as well as the Pratyabhijna-hrdayam course on the Siddha Yoga path website. Again and again, I practiced stepping back from my sense of individuality and into Consciousness.
 
This morning, I felt as if the fruit of my study allowed me to step into the Universal Hall in a new way. As I began to chant, I experienced a strong connection and feeling of oneness with other participants. I began to envision a sphere radiant with thousands of bright lights surrounding the globe—all aspects of one Light. I felt as if Gurumayi were at the center of this globe of light. I experienced deep joy and gratitude. 

I plan to participate in A Sweet Surprise Satsang often—and continue into the second year of sutra studies, with Gurumayi's Message for 2017 as my companion.
 

Winlaw, Canada

Welcoming the New Year with Gurumayi—and her laughter, joy, and wisdom—is the sweetest surprise! 
 
During A Sweet Surprise Satsang, my seven-year-old daughter came downstairs and joined in chanting the mantra for a while. I was surprised to hear her voice so strong, certain, and assured.
 
It felt great to be guided into meditation after receiving Gurumayi's powerful Message, filled with such beauty and depth. As the satsang came to a close, tears of joy sprang forth—I was so full of gratitude for this moment. I look forward to hearing Gurumayi's Message over and over again, to make this gift truly my own.
 
Dear Gurumayi, with all my heart, I thank you for this precious gift. I love you, and I wish you a Happy New Year 2017! 
 

Bordeaux, France

After this outpouring of grace in A Sweet Surprise Satsang, I feel washed clean as the earth after a rainstorm, ready to burst forth with new life.
 

Florida, USA

I was filled with joy when I heard Gurumayi’s voice in A Sweet Surprise Satsang. I am now inspired to meditate more often.
 
Thank you, Gurumayi ji, for your amazing Message for 2017. Happy New Year!
 

Indore, India

What an amazing New Year's Day this was! I feel so delighted and thankful to Gurumayi for giving us all this splendid gift of A Sweet Surprise Satsang.

Gurumayi’s Message for 2017 is so relevant to my life. Having received it, I feel so much love, strength, and hope in my heart. I feel fortunate that I can carry this Message in both my inner and outer worlds from now on.
 

Charlottenlund, Denmark

I deeply appreciated participating in A Sweet Surprise Satsang at the local Siddha Yoga meditation center. There were more people in attendance than usual and somehow I experienced a new sense of appreciation for the Center. I saw everything with a new clarity, from the photos of Gurumayi, Baba, and Bade Baba to my fellow seekers who also want to experience the inner Self.  
 
Thank you, Gurumayi, for your Message for 2017. I look forward to studying it this year.
 

Florida, USA

My heart is so full after receiving Gurumayi's mahaprasad  this weekend! I am starting the new year with feelings of hope, joy, excitement, wondrous possibility, and gratitude!
 
Through the gift of Gurumayi’s Message, I recognize that within me is the power to focus on my heart, to work with breathing and mantra repetition,  and to offer the highest to both my inner and outer world.
 
Thank you, Gurumayi, for the incredible gift of your guidance and teaching, and for all that you give to the global Siddha Yoga sangham.
 

West Vancouver, Canada

I found participating in A Sweet Surprise Satsang to be a powerful experience. I plan to listen to it many times in the next two months to deepen my understanding.
 
Thank you, Gurumayi, for this magnificent gift.
 

Texas, USA

During the meditation, I repeated the words of Gurumayi’s Message to myself. Then, after a while, I let go of the words and focused on the inbreath and the outbreath. I felt I was listening to the song of the breath. I experienced deep stillness and tranquility.
 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

I am so grateful to Gurumayi for giving us such a wonderful gift as A Sweet Surprise Satsang. I will put forth all my best efforts to assimilate this gift.
 

Noida, India

A delicate, ethereal snowfall began as Gurumayi gave her Message for 2017. My heart soared with such sweet devotion that tears filled my eyes in wonder and awe at the power, the immensity, the simplicity, and the elegance of her divine conveyance to my soul.
 
I will hold these words close to my heart to make 2017 the most stellar year of my life.
 

Oregon, USA

I am so grateful for Gurumayi’s gift of A Sweet Surprise Satsang. It was precious and so gentle and easeful to participate from home with my wife and children.
 

Verrières le Buisson, France

When my family was listening to A Sweet Surprise Satsang, Gurumayi's Message was so strong that it touched me. When we meditated, I saw a candle with a yellow holder and a bright blue candle with a bright yellow flame and a glow. I was ecstatic because of all the love that I received from Gurumayi.
 
After the satsang, I drew the candle I saw in meditation and wrote Gurumayi's Message below it.
 
Thank you, Gurumayi, for A Sweet Surprise Satsang. It is sweet and it is a surprise!

a nine-year-old Siddha Yogi from California, USA

Gurumayi's Message felt like the sweetest gift ever—a gift I will hold like a treasure chest in my heart.
 
During A Sweet Surprise Satsang, I leaned back and felt my heart, breath, and body being nourished all over. Gurumayi's voice was so powerful, loving, and caring that it made me burst into tears, then into laughter, and finally into deep silence. 
 
On this first day of 2017, a new beginning for me has arisen. Taking Gurumayi's Message with me, I will go forth in my sadhana with light, love, and joy.
 
Thank you, Gurumayi, for this precious gift of A Sweet Surprise Satsang 2017.

Dyssegaard, Denmark

I feel that I have experienced a profound and powerful, yet gentle, awakening. It is as if a seed has been planted for me to attentively water for the entire year. I look forward with renewed hope to the year ahead, as each step in my sadhana will be guided by Gurumayi's Message.
 
Thank you, Gurumayi, from the bottom of my heart for so generously and lovingly imparting to us your Message for 2017.
 

Alaska, USA

A few days ago in meditation, I asked Gurumayi how I can best overcome a certain issue in my life. I imagined myself sitting before her in the courtyard in Gurudev Siddha Peeth.
 
Within myself, the clear direction I received was to meditate on my heart, to focus on my heart, to breathe into my heart. Hearing Gurumayi's Message for 2017, I was so deeply touched to recognize how it reveals my connection with the Guru.
 

Cologne, Germany