Glimpses of Nature I

It was at Gurumayi’s request that Sandeep Knoesel, SYDA Foundation Website Department Head, sent a communication to Siddha Yogis throughout the world, inviting them to contribute their photographs of nature to celebrate Earth Day. The response to this invitation to submit photographs was immediate and enthusiastic. The submissions from the global Siddha Yoga sangham from more than thirty countries number well over a thousand and reflect the artistic eye and great hearts of our global community.

This year’s Earth Day marks the fiftieth anniversary of the day when people across the U.S. demonstrated en masse in response to an environmental crisis and helped to launch the modern environmental movement.

From studying and imbibing the Siddha Yoga teachings, we on the Siddha Yoga path have a deep respect and commitment to protecting our planet. Gurumayi Chidvilasananda teaches from the Vedas and Upanishads, which extol and worship the plants and creatures of this planet through various mantras, hymns, and shlokas. In fact, nearly all of the classic paintings of Gurus teaching disciples depict an outdoor scene—they are under a tree, by a river, in the woods and forest, on the mountaintop. These images reflect how humans and the natural world are deeply interconnected.

At this current pivotal moment in human history, let’s celebrate Earth Day by reflecting on the magnificence of the natural world that sustains and nourishes us. Let’s appreciate the many blessings we receive from nature, and at the same time, let’s consider the impact we have on the plants, animals, and natural resources of this planet.

The Earth is truly extraordinary in the many ways it’s able to refresh and renew itself. Right now, for example, we’re seeing clearer skies in some of the world’s most polluted cities, fish are said to be returning to clean waters, and the Himalayas can be seen from India for the first time in decades. Since the “Be in the Temple” satsang that was held via live video stream in the Siddha Yoga Universal Hall on Gudhi Padva (March 24), Gurumayi has been speaking about the importance of people holding the intention to see the blue skies shimmering.

How beautiful it is that the Guru calls, and the disciples answer. These contributions of photographs from Siddha Yogis around the world are a testament to the Guru-disciple relationship.