What a wonderful reminder to stay tuned in to my awareness of the Self.
Recently, I have been listening to
namasankirtanas and the mantra while painting, reading, and going about my household chores. This has created so much bliss in my life—a feeling of experiencing the Self constantly. When delays, disappointments, or obstacles come up, the sweet sounds rise up in my mind and take my awareness back to a state of bliss.
Massachusetts, USA
When I first read these words from the
Yoga Vasishtha, I felt a deep sense of encouragement. Knowing that maintaining constant awareness of Consciousness is “the supreme meditation, . . . the supreme worship” inspires me to continue my efforts, even when distracting thoughts arise. When I remember this teaching, a calm knowing and a deep breath accompany my experience of the “indwelling presence,” and I return to peace and contentment.
Busselton, Australia
Contemplation of verse VI has brought me to a state that I have not experienced before—a sustained sense of inward-facing meditation. I am relishing staying in touch with this continuing presence within while going about my daily activities.
Gurumayi, your grace and teachings are for me the breath of life. Your presence in my heart is palpable.
Modiin, Israel
I recognize the “indwelling presence” in many forms in my life, sometimes in the form of an inner voice, sometimes in the form of wisdom that arises spontaneously, and most often in the form of a silent witness. This inner presence seems to benevolently guide my life.
Even when I am focused on the thoughts in my mind and am not paying attention to this inner presence, I still sense it is there, compassionately protecting me.
I also experience the “indwelling presence” in the form of my Shri Guru and the Siddha Yoga teachings.
Udaipur, India
I appreciate how this verse describes the Self in several ways— as “the indwelling presence, inner light or consciousness.” This language reminds me that the experience of the Self is rich and varied.
Sometimes I try to hold on to a particular inner experience, and when that experience passes, I feel like I've lost connection to the Truth.
This verse reassures me that the Truth is always present though my specific experience of it may change. I see that by letting go of thoughts about what that experience should be like, I can become aware of and honor the many ways that the Supreme Truth is revealing itself to me in each moment.
Bath, United Kingdom
This verse has rekindled the easeful inner peace that arises when I acknowledge God’s presence in my heart, no matter what the outer landscape may be.
This morning, I went to a nearby park during a coffee break and had a beautiful
japa walk. Whenever my mind started to engage with thoughts, I brought my attention back to my walking, my breathing, and the mantra— walking very slowly until I could stay in the present moment with each step, subtly aware of a sweet, loving presence connecting it all. I was filled with reverence and felt grateful for this pause I had allowed myself to take. I continued to experience this inner awareness all day long.
Moneglia, Italy
I’m grateful for this verse that reminds me of the goal of my
sadhana. I’ve been repeating it inwardly throughout the day. And I have discovered that, despite all the changing situations in my life, this verse helps me remember to bring my awareness back, again and again, to that which is unchanging, the “indwelling Presence.”
Remembering the wisdom of this verse brings me great peace.
Massachusetts, USA