When the first images from the Temple were streamed, I felt the benevolent and comforting presence of Shri Guru welcoming me, and I felt the bond of love and protection vibrating within me and in our meditation room. I had the beautiful feeling that the doors of the Temple, the abode of the Siddhas, had just opened before me and that I was entering inside this sacred place imbued with purity.
When the recitation of
Shri Guru Gita began, the voices seemed to be angels’ voices surrounding all the earth. I felt I truly was seated and chanting inside the Temple and that the purity and sacredness of this place were coming to me in a very tangible form. The vibrations of my own devotion, added to the devotion of each participant, were like a bath of sweetness and peace. My time in the Temple was true nourishment for my heart. My heart is full of gratitude for these shared moments, full of the Guru’s great compassion.
Ramonville-Saint-Agne, France
Here in Australia when I joined
A Day in the Temple on our Friday morning, it was quiet in the Temple. Occasionally people came in to offer
pranam and do
pradakshina.
As I sat gazing at Bade Baba, I noticed how quiet it was in the Temple compared to the sounds outside my home of planes, cars, wind in trees, neighbors’ movements.
As I listened to the silence in the Temple, I realized it wasn’t soundless; it was a pulsating silence, a soft silence. I could hear the sound as if I was in the Temple—the quiet that is filled with energy, with grace, a silence that melts my heart. And I realized that I was in the Temple, here in my heart, having Bade Baba’s
darshan.
Sydney, Australia
I am so grateful for
A Day in the Temple. By the end of it, I felt this “historic
saptah,” as Jaiya called it, was healing the earth in a way that nothing else could. I realized that the effort I put forth to contribute was effortless. For me, what’s most potent is also the most effortless. I feel the most important, effective, and beneficial thing I can do is to align with the Guru's will and accept all that she gives us.
Washington, United States
I fed my newborn baby in the early hours before sunrise and entered the meditative atmosphere of the Temple with Bade Baba’s protective gaze. I went for a brisk walk in nature to the rhythm of
Om Namo Bhagavate Muktanandaya, remembering Bade Baba’s energetic gaze. I prepared dinner at home as
naivedya took place in the Temple and felt nourished with Bade Baba’s sweet gaze. Our family Thanksgiving dinner was accompanied by the evening
namasankirtana and Bade Baba’s generous gaze. I put my baby to bed at night in the shimmering silence of the Temple, with Bade Baba’s blessed gaze. A full day in the Temple. My heart full with love and gratitude.
California, United States
I am currently under hospice care. When it was time to recite
Shri Guru Gita, I was experiencing discomfort and nearly decided not to participate. However, with great determination, I did. I am so glad I had the grace to make the effort. Grace gave me strength. I felt so quiet and so focused.
Later in the day, when I tuned in to the live stream again, the silence that flooded my room was beyond description.
Arkansas, United States
What a wonderful way to celebrate Thanksgiving morning! After reciting
Shri Guru Gita in the Universal Hall, I meditated with Bade Baba’s form. As I turned within, I envisioned Bade Baba’s eyes—those deep, dark eyes that seem to penetrate so easily and so beneficially into my awareness. I could feel his presence ever so strongly, and my heart became calm and serene.
New Jersey, United States
I am grateful to Gurumayi and the SYDA Foundation for the best Thanksgiving I have ever had! Sometimes I couldn’t tell if it was Thanksgiving or Christmas because each offering was like an exquisite gift that I got to unwrap!
I kept thinking about how I felt so privileged to spend the day with Bade Baba. Back in Bade Baba’s time, I think it might have been rare to spend sixteen hours straight with him. And yet there we were, receiving gift after gift. My heart overflows with love and gratitude, and I know that I shall always cherish this golden
Day in the Temple!
Florida, United States
During the afternoon of
A Day in the Temple, I listened as a young musician introduced himself. His name caught my attention, and I realized that I knew him from back when he was a toddler and used to come with his parents to the Siddha Yoga meditation center I attended over twenty years ago. What a surprise! As he began to play piece after piece of soul-stirring melodies on his violin, my heart melted, and I was moved to tears by the devotion expressed through his music, and also by the knowledge that this accomplished young man had grown up bathed in the Guru’s grace. I am grateful for his beautiful musical offering.
And I am grateful to Gurumayi for all the support she gives to young people.
North Carolina, United States
What
mahaprasad it was to spend
A Day in the Temple!
My nine-year-old son, my wife, and I were super excited to spend as much time as possible with Bade Baba in the Siddha Yoga Universal Hall. We set up our
puja room in such a way that we could sit comfortably and just be there in the divine presence of Bade Baba and express our deepest gratitude for our meaningful, beautiful, and amazing lives!
In India, we were blessed to be in the Temple in the afternoon, evening, night, deep and serene midnight, and early morning. Each moment was filled with thankfulness, joy, and peacefulness.
I journaled, meditated, and simply sat beneath the radiant form of Bade Baba and rested my gaze on him. Every moment, every practice filled my heart with abundant gratitude and the sacred energy of the Siddha Yoga practices.
I am grateful to Gurumayi ji for bestowing her blessings and love through this historic
saptah!
Thane, India
These months of pandemic have been tough for me at different times. On the night before “A Day in the Temple,” I knew in my heart that Gurumayi was giving me the opportunity to move through much of my anxiety.
I was not disappointed. Not one bit.
Waking up early on Thanksgiving, my day got off to a phenomenal start when I was able to recite
Shri Guru Gita with Baba. From there, the day unfolded as I spent time listening to
bhajans and the intrumental musicians, and just sitting with Bade Baba. The chanting, meditation, and
darshan at the end of the
satsang took me down a path to my heart, which I can now follow when I want to step back from my anxiety and go deep within.
The generosity and abundant grace of the whole experience are still reverberating within me. All I can say with absolute certainty is this: my Guru is offering me the grace to free me forever.
California, United States
Somehow, I’d missed the announcement about “A Day in the Temple” and had no idea about it. On Thanksgiving morning, while driving my son to school, I started chanting
Om Namah Shivaya and my son joined me. I had this happy feeling inside that it is such a happy, beautiful, and blessed day. Driving home, I started chanting
Shri Gurudev Sharanam, and the feeling of divine blessedness grew stronger. After reaching home, I recited
Shri Guru Gita and then decided to participate in
Sweet Surprise Satsang once again. When I visited the website, the live video streaming was on. “Another sweet surprise for me,” I thought.
After realizing that the live video stream had been going for a long time, I
almost wished I had tuned in earlier. Just then Jaiya Seibert reminded us of what the directors had said: “However much time you are able to set aside to be in the Temple on this day—please know it will be just right.”And yes, it was the perfect moment and perfect timing.
Melbourne, Australia
My daughter, who met Gurumayi in 2003, has COVID-19, and has been quarantined at her home here in our village. I told her about “A Day in the Temple” yesterday, and she eagerly joined me in the Siddha Yoga Universal Hall first thing in the morning. We stayed in touch via text and phone calls throughout the day, sharing our joy and gratitude for this opportunity to safely share the special day together.
I felt so reassured that Bade Baba's grace and the tender devotion of other Siddha Yogis there in the Temple and around the world would somehow contribute to her having a safe and complete recovery from the virus—and she felt that too. I just texted with her this morning to see how she is doing, and she slept well and is feeling good.
I offer a deep bow of gratitude to Bade Baba and to Gurumayi for a peaceful, uplifting, and healing day.
Ohio, United States
What a blessed celebration of Thanksgiving this has been! Throughout the sixteen hours, I was experiencing how we were continuously offering gratitude through the many ways that we performed worship of Bhagavan Nityananda together. My longing to experience unity was completely fulfilled.
I rejoiced in being in the Temple, and felt as if I were physically there, sitting with the musicians, while at the same time I was at home, touching the presence of the Guru who accompanied me through every moment of the day .
My experience was that, in the presence of the Heart, we are one choir, one voice, one instrument—and gratitude is the melody of love that we are all singing.
Milan, Italy
Many years ago, when visiting the Bade Baba Temple in Shree Muktananda Ashram, I had the thought that one day there will be an enormous line of people waiting to enter and offer gratitude for Bhagavan Nityananda's protection and blessings.
What we have been experiencing today is a miracle I never could have imagined—we are
all here in the Temple together and there are no lines and no waiting! This is removing the barriers in my mind to seeing who Bade Baba truly is and what is truly possible. It gives me the freedom to imagine a world in which everyone is deliciously fed, lovingly sheltered, and dwelling in peace.
California, United States
"A Day in the Temple" was a divinely memorable day for me. While reciting
Shri Guru Gita, I felt I was in Gurudev Siddha Peeth and as if each verse and I were dancing together. I felt Bade Baba's presence everywhere.
During meditation I was repeating Gurumayi's Message "Peacefulness of the Self." When I heard three gongs, the sounds went deep inside my ears. I sensed a heart shape and the sound of the last gong shimmered in my whole being; I saw it as a golden color, and as something soft. Then I saw the sun’s rays slowly entering the Temple. When I went to my own terrace for a bit, I saw the moon was rising and clouds with orange linings emerged in the sky.
It was so blissful to experience how we were all in the same place—Bade Baba’s Temple. All day each sound was so captivating; each sound made my feet start dancing. I felt sacredness all around.
Allahabad, India
What a great day! At one point, while sitting in the Siddha Yoga Universal Hall, I meditated. The experience I had was that everything in my life, everything in my house, and my home itself—I saw all that as one collective energy of blessings from my Guru, my family, my wife and her family, from everyone living and departed, all merged into the felt sense of oneness and love. No longer did my life consist of "my stuff"—but instead my life was a wholeness of all the love I have received, and continue to receive, from the Siddha Yoga path, my Guru, and the global Siddha Yoga
sangham.
South Carolina, United States
Yesterday was such a blessed day, sitting in the Temple for many hours completely focused on Bhagavan Nityananda’s
murti. I entered into a profound silence, that allowed me to be nourished by his immense love.
Then an amazing experience took place. I had recently painted a canvas with an intense red color that I didn't like. But I realized that the beautiful candle burning before Bhagavan Nityandanda was exactly that red color. I was stunned. Understanding that there was a message for me, I went deep into my heart and discovered that I associated this color with some deep pain from the past. I hadn’t been aware that I was carrying such a burden in my soul.
I understood that the time had come to become free in order to be able to give and receive love. When I wondered how to release that pain, the answer soon came: forgiveness. What amazing grace! I was in awe at this potent experience that Bade Baba gave me in making space in my heart for love and light.
Milan, Italy
I am very grateful for the extraordinary and compassionate gift of “A Day in the Temple.”
Because my WiFi is sketchy, I was connecting through my phone. At first, I was disappointed because I wanted to see Bade Baba
big! But I quickly realized that, with the phone, I could carry Bade Baba wherever I needed to be. Suddenly every action in my day, every room I entered became suffused with the sacredness and stillness of the Temple, bestowing on me the visceral understanding, “Yes! I can take Bade Baba with me in everything I do—of course!"
Although I had known this mentally, and had had experiences of this truth, yesterday Bade Baba let me know, "Really, I am with you
all the time.”
New York, United States
Live Video Stream
Phone ringing,
Baby fussing,
Potatoes boiling,
Hands busy,
Heart waiting to hear about a dear friend,
Teary-eyed conversations with loved ones I long to hold in my arms.
And there, shimmering in the corner of the room,
reminding me again and again that I am strong,
is a continuous, living stream of love.
Bade Baba is here with me.
My Guru in her infinite compassion holds my heart steady.
I am connected to all my fellow seekers in that deep, sparkling,
living stream of love.
Thanksgiving will always be My-Guru-Loves-Me Day.
I will always remember.
New York, United States
I didn’t want to leave the Temple today. But I heard Bade Baba tell me to go and find some work to do here. So I went outside and came back with a bowl of rose petals. To the exquisite sounds of
bhajans,
tamboura,
veena and silence, I quietly cut away the bitter part of the petals, washed them and macerated them in sugar. I smiled as I understood that my heart was being washed clean and soaking in the sweetness of Bade Baba’s presence.
Sydney, Australia
What a glorious and bounteous immersion in the practices—and in gratitude! From the very start of the day, with the recitation of
Shri Guru Gita, the readings that followed, the
darshan and
manan, the extraordinary strains of celestial music, and the sweetest, softest, most serene meditation, to the
Aratis,
naivedya, and chanting, I felt bathed in grace and gratitude.
In one moment I remembered the exquisite milky ocean of peace and tranquility that Gurumayi once brought us to, through a
dharana. In another moment I'd be filled with fragrances from Gurudev Siddha Peeth. “A Day in the Temple” was filled with unfathomable and immeasurable grace. With its cornucopia of offerings, this was most certainly a gratitude
saptah.
New York, United States
What a joyful experience! What a lovely, lovely day! When I tuned in to the live video stream, I immediately felt I was in the Temple. My computer disappeared and I was really, really there, sitting on the floor at Bade Baba's feet. I could smell the incense and the flowers; I could feel the Peacefulness of the Self surrounding me and within me.
When the recitation of
Shri Guru Gita began, it felt like I had come home once again. It was such a delight to be able to chant it there in the Temple, under Bade Baba's loving gaze. Then, listening to Baba chant
Shri Guru Gita took me very deep inside. I was so very happy to hear him and to feel his love and peacefulness.
Throughout the entire day, I made time to stay with the live video stream as much as possible, amid the preparations for the Thanksgiving meal. And it was such a joy to see Gurumayi peering in the windows of the Temple as she walked by!
Florida, United States
Yesterday was a glorious day—I had the great good fortune to spend many hours in the company of the radiant form of Shri Bhagavan Nityananda. I stood in the Temple contemplating his beautiful
murti in a very profound silence.
Sometimes I slipped into meditation. When I opened my eyes, it was such a great joy for me to find Bade Baba again, looking at me with so much love. I felt he filled every cell of my being with light and today I feel nurtured by his love and compassion.
I thank Gurumayi with all my heart for this most precious gift of opening the Temple to all of us for such a long time.
Milan, Italy
My birthday fell on Thanksgiving this year, so when I saw the announcement about "A Day in the Temple," I was excited about such a gift! Although I wondered how I’d be able to participate fully given my holiday and family commitments, I remembered to trust that whatever I received would be perfect.
I awoke without an alarm just in time to recite
Shri Guru Gita. I was particularly focused on the text and felt grateful for the recent teachings on
svadhyaya. Afterwards, I was drawn to sit at our
puja for an extended peaceful meditation. I took my usual nature walk and came back to see Bade Baba being offered his meal; later we chanted the
namasankirtana.
While on the phone with family in Ohio, I saw Gurumayi outside of the Temple looking in. I felt like she was confirming my resolve that whatever I receive is perfect—and there was so much to receive!
Bade Baba's presence throughout made the day so special. I felt a flood of love and grace the entire time and was awed by the abundant gifts.
Wisconsin, United States
I will carry this blessed Thanksgiving Day in my memory and my heart. I will treasure what I experienced yesterday during the live video stream, and will return to the Temple remembering the peace, love, and gratitude that inspired me. I offer my deep gratitude for the Guru's grace.
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
What a feast of peace! It felt like we had unlimited time to spend with God and like we were actually living with Bade Baba in the Temple, which is our home.
At a certain moment, I had a vision of Bade Baba opening his arms. I saw myself going to him to embrace him on his right side, then I saw my husband coming to join us on Bade Baba’s left side. Then Bade Baba hugged us with so much love and protection. What a blessing to see this on our twentieth wedding anniversary!
New York, United States
When I woke up this morning, just a few hours after the conclusion of “A Day in the Temple”—because of the time difference—I thought, “Was that a dream?” I had the sensation of returning from a space mission, from another galaxy.
I had the privilege of participating in the entire live video stream, and as it unfolded, I felt like I was leaving this dimension to enter a timeless world. I felt like I was visiting the realm of the Siddhas, far from this reality and yet so familiar. I still have in my heart and my soul the resonance of the absolute silence of the Temple, the vibrant beauty and reassuring light emanating from Bade Baba, the generosity of each Siddha Yogi contributing to the experience, the sweetness and power of the practices, the love and goodness saturating the air, and the unrestricted grace sustaining this beautiful offering to the earth, nature, and humanity.
Castelnaudary, France
This morning, I woke up at 4:30 a.m. Texas time and stayed tuned in for the entire day into the evening. It was a
saptah like no other. I could feel the power of the sevites’ offering with such love and devotion. The cellist, the flautist, each drummer, and each vocalist felt like a divine gift of
prasad.
In the evening during the
Arati, I took a walk at a nearby lake, while listening and singing along. One butterfly kept following me and stayed near me during the whole
Arati. It felt as if nature was pleased with the
saptah. I had participated in a butterfly release event one summer at Shree Muktananda Ashram, and seeing that butterfly evoked Gurumayi’s presence in me. It was a knowing that Gurumayi is always with me everywhere I am.
Texas, United States
As I sat in silent contemplation of Bade Baba, I slowly became aware of a calm and beautiful order existing in the objects I was seeing. I also became aware of my disorderly thoughts, which seemed to sit alongside—like oil and water, very different from each other. A sense of meaning interposed itself: Bade Baba, seated among the various objects, became a metaphor for life. He and I were alike except that he was completely aligned with life and something subtle and beautiful had emerged from that unity in which he sits.
I felt moved beyond words that something as light and simple as contemplation was opening a bridge to him and to this wonderful order. I felt gently invited to understand that he is my inner Self.
London, United Kingdom
While receiving Bade Baba's
darshan, I looked out the window of my house and saw the sun rising. At that moment the thought came to my mind that right at that place and time there were two suns. One is the celestial body and the other is Bade Baba's radiant form. Both provide strength, warmth, and light for me to walk on the right path.
Rajsamand, India
Today was the best of all days! I spent sixteen hours in the Temple beginning with
Shri Guru Gita and ending with the closing
darshan. I carried my laptop from room to room, as I prepared food, washed dishes, reached out to family, while keeping my eyes focused and heart open to Bade Baba in the Temple.
I am in the middle of a big life change: leaving my job due to health concerns, packing up a full house, and moving to a different country. Twenty-four hours ago, I was overwhelmed, stressed, and scared. Now I know that I can move forward fearlessly with the Guru's grace. I am calm and ready to begin a new chapter because I know the Guru is with me, 24/7.
As the live video stream concluded, I leaned into my screen and looked deeply into Bade Baba's eyes. He looked into my very soul and I saw my Self in his sparkling eyes. This has been the Thanksgiving of a lifetime for me!
New York, United States
As the recitation of
Shri Guru Gita concluded, and meditation started, I instantly fell into a state of deep meditation that lasted for more than an hour. Throughout the live video stream, I felt waves of love.
In India, the video stream took place throughout the night, so even when I slept for a few hours, I felt I was sleeping in the Temple. While I awoke at 2:30 a.m., I could literally feel silence pulsating out from Bade Baba. At every moment, I felt a deep connection with my heart and with Bade Baba. I heard the sound of my breath as the whisper of Bade Baba's grace.
This historic event has renewed and refreshed my intentions for being on this path and for attaining the great Truth. It has brought me back to the experience of the Heart.
Gandhinagar, India
Spending time in "A Day in the Temple" softened my heart and made my vision gentle. Sitting in front of the screen was like bathing in a golden light. Bade Baba's presence filled the entire room and permeated my being. The beautiful flowers, the offerings, the music, and the practices were all revealing the purity of being.
I'm very grateful for this precious gift that Gurumayi offered to all of us. It was a golden day, the best Thanksgiving Day.
Maryland, United States
I loved reciting
Shri Guru Gita this morning in the Siddha Yoga Universal Hall during “A Day in the Temple.” It was a magical experience! The recitation began with such softness and sweetness, full of devotion and reverence. As it continued and my focus deepened, I felt the energy building until we were rollicking along, full of lightheartedness and good humor. When the recitation and chanting concluded and we sat for meditation, light from Bade Baba’s form flashed inside, propelling me into a deeper and clearer state of awareness.
Vancouver, Canada
The majestic form of Bade Baba, the sweet and heart-opening masterful performances of the musicians, the unspoken teachings of the Temple itself—what blessings! I spent as much time as I could being in the Temple and I feel completely refreshed, regenerated, and filled with love and gratitude for this gift from Gurumayi.
Cologne, Germany
Early this morning I dreamt that I was contemplating Bade Baba's
murti when all of a sudden, his form was surrounded by thousands of images of Siddha Yogis from around the world, all clothed in shades of blue. They were filled with joy, chanting, dancing, and playing music to Bade Baba. As their images started to spin, they gave birth to the phrases:
Be Responsible. Be Strong. Be Loving. Be in the Temple. Eventually, these images dissolved to reveal Gurumayi seated in her chair, winking at us.
This dream was so powerful—and timely too, since it woke me up right before the live video stream of “A Day in the Temple” started. It was an amazing reminder for me of how we are always connected in the space of the heart and unified by our Guru’s love. I am very grateful to Gurumayi for the gift of this beautiful, powerful, and generous live video stream. It became a sweet balm to my mind and heart.
New York, United States
All day long I have been bathing in the holy river of Shri Bhagavan Nityananda's grace. Moment by moment I've been purified by the bliss of his effulgent form. It feels as if ancient sediment around my heart has been washed away and my awareness ushered into the Temple to relish in the sheer delight of Bade Baba's
darshan. The radiant sounds of music—the resonance of instruments, voices, and cascading melodies—enraptured my mind and granted me access to the temple of my own inner being.
I wish that this feeling may envelop the earth and every living being, so that we may all dance together in a moment of joyful solace. I am so grateful to Shri Gurumayi for this wondrous day.
Toronto, Canada
“
Guru Om”—the final words of the
bhajan we heard during “A Day in the Temple”—reverberated like a depth charge inside my heart. These sacred syllables continued to sound within me. And as I entered more and more deeply into their sound, I could feel Bade Baba in all his radiant glory within me. I was aware that, in every sense, the Temple is inside me, just as I am in the Temple. Near the end of the live video stream, when Jaiya offered
Namaste—“The divine in me welcomes the divine in you”—I could receive this ancient welcome fully.
I am grateful beyond words for the unwavering light of Shri Guru’s grace. And for the company of the great and generous seekers who walk this path with me.
Hampton, Australia
Early yesterday morning, when my computer screen switched from the image bearing the words “Welcome—A Day in the Temple” to the brilliantly lit image of Bade Baba in the Temple, the words that came up within me were, “This is the embodiment of sanctity. This is the hub of all sacred places.” Accompanying these words was an immense feeling of gratitude that I would be able to roam the whole day in the experience of this wondrous gift.
This morning I rose early once again to recite
Shri Guru Gita at 5:30 a.m., and I recalled—I literally called back into my awareness—that precious image. I realized that this vision of sacredness was now within me and would accompany me every day of my life.
Michigan, United States
I had the opportunity to participate in the recitation of
Shri Guru Gita in Bade Baba's Temple in the Siddha Yoga Universal Hall yesterday. Bade Baba looked beautiful in his golden form, adorned with a great abundance of fruits, flowers, and ornaments. I relished the recitation.
What was most profound for me was the peace I experienced after the recitation, when I found myself thanking Bade Baba for every small and every big blessing in my life. The list seemed endless: family, health, each breath, my son, a job, my caregivers, my parents, the Siddha Yoga path, love, worldly comforts, money, the opportunity to contribute my skills to this world. Filled with peace, light, and gratitude, my heart felt so full.
I am so grateful to Gurumayi, who always give us new ways to experience our own abundance.
Mumbai, India
The first time I went to visit Baba Muktananda in Gurudev Siddha Peeth was in December 1977. I felt like I was swimming in the waters of an oasis after walking in a desert for ages.
I had the same experience today after the live video stream when my heart spontaneously overflowed with gratitude to Gurumayi.
Lismore Heights, Australia
My partner and I weren't sure how this Thanksgiving holiday would feel, with just the two of us instead of our usual large family gathering, so we felt blessed to have the opportunity to spend “A Day in the Temple.” We kept the live video stream on all day, dipping into the scintillating atmosphere of the Temple over and over again as we went about our activities.
At one point I wandered into the living room where the "computer
puja" sat, just to check in. There seemed to be “nothing happening,” with only the image of Bade Baba in all his radiance. But as I peered into the screen, the complete and total silence of that moment poured out of the computer toward me—a wave of silence and stillness that permeated my body and the room. Everything seemed to melt away, and there was only silence, stillness, peace. I feel so much gratitude for this “Day in the Temple.”
Rhode Island, United States
Yesterday, during “A Day in the Temple,” each time I was bowing in front of Bade Baba's image on the screen, I would hear inside myself, "I bow to my greatness. I celebrate my greatness.”
And today, as I finished reading the beautiful shares, to my surprise I found myself drawn into a deep meditation. There, I went beyond my usual limitations and was able to experience joy and a deep gratitude for Bade Baba's and Gurumayi's blessings. I believe their blessings are like the huge part of the iceberg that is under water and that one can’t see.
Lausanne, Switzerland
So much beauty, ecstasy, and love! It felt as if I were being immersed in Bade Baba’s timelessness.
It was an early morning rise for us in the sacred wee hours here on the West Coast of the United States. The night was so still and full. Practicing
svadhyaya, intermingled with all the silent time as we quietly breathed with Bhagavan Nityananda, then the musical excellence touching our hearts, and then having Gurumayi appear occasionally outside the Temple windows created such jubilation.
At lunchtime, my husband and I took a hike into the forest to experience Bade Baba in nature. A seamless flow of his gracious presence greeted us at every turn as the sunlight softly played in amongst the trees. Beneath the cathedral light of the forest, I felt lit from the inside out.
Oregon, United States
When I stepped away from the live video stream to take a walk, I was drawn to sit on a swinging bench overlooking a vast, tree-lined green space. My head softly moved toward the sky where I saw a heart-shaped cloud surrounding the sun. As it moved, I closed my eyes and the light from the Temple appeared in my forehead with a scintillating blue dot in it. I felt deep peace! I knew I was feeling Bade Baba’s love, and I smiled.
Georgia, United States
Chanting
Arati to Bade Baba in the Temple was a great, memorable moment for me. It brought me so close to his radiant presence! As I meditated, I felt as if my body and mind were just being dissolved into silence—freeing me from all my limited awareness. His glance filled me with his light and love. I started repeating “I am indeed light. I am truly Consciousness.” I felt that although I am sitting in the Temple, there is also a Temple within me that is shining and scintillating with Bade Baba's golden light and love.
Pune, India
My heart is full of gratitude for this divine gift. What a true blessing “A Day in the Temple” has been! My heart is overflowing with God’s love and the love of my beloved Guru.
I have loved spending this entire day in the Temple, being able to worship Bade Baba again and again and to offer my prayers to him for the upliftment of all mankind and for Mother Earth. I am so grateful to be walking this Siddha Yoga path.
New Mexico, United States
It has meant so much to me to hear the chants and feel the velvety silence of the Temple for a whole day. I re-experienced sweet memories of being present in person in years past. Ever since those days of offering
seva in the Ashram, whenever I can't seem to digest the day or at other challenging times, I go to the Temple in my contemplation before meditation. Then I give it all to Bade Baba, asking that I be able to understand what’s happening in a different form. It always works. I begin getting answers almost immediately.
I am so grateful for this day of memories, refreshment, and love.
New York, United States
As I go about my working day, I experience an oasis of calm that grows each time I enter the Temple. I realize that I can enter this oasis at any time, expand it, and make it my world.
Dunedin, New Zealand
This has been such an exquisite day, starting with seeing Bhagavan Nityananda’s glorious form bedecked in red-orange Thanksgiving colors, to singing
Jyota se Jyota Jagao—one of my favorite ways to invoke the Guru's grace—and then the classical music of the young violinist from Boston, whose playing was sublime. The whole day was incredible!
California, United States
Entering the sacred atmosphere of the Temple, I am enveloped by its beauty and drawn effortlessly into upliftment and nobility. As I have Bade Baba's
darshan, I re-align with my heart's deepest desire, which is to know God and live a life that reflects that knowledge.
Flashing in my mind for a moment are scenes of Baba Muktananda's radiant form from the day he inaugurated the Temple to his Guru. Awe and gratitude arise for Gurumayi's great care of the Temple, and for making it available to anyone, anywhere via live video stream. I feel that the silent presence of the Temple continuously blesses the world, in ways that are beyond my comprehension.
Castlemaine, Australia
I began watching the live video stream as soon as the recitation of
Shri Guru Gita began, at 2:30 a.m., carrying my laptop around the house so that I wouldn’t miss any of this treasure. As the light has moved from predawn darkness to noon brightness, and now to the lengthening shadows of late afternoon, stillness and peace are becoming more and more palpable under this incredible blanket of grace.
What a gift this day in Bade Baba’s Temple has been—a perfect way to spend this day focused on giving thanks! I am so grateful to Gurumayi for this extraordinary day, for her grace and blessings, and for showering the world with her love.
West Vancouver, Canada
As the day goes on, I feel my heart becoming softer and softer. As I sit with Bade Baba and sense his powerful presence pouring through the screen into my home, I feel lovingly embraced by his presence. As I listen to the magnificent musicians, I feel closer than ever to our Siddha Yoga
sangham on this day of gratitude and love.
Minnesota, United States
My day of Thanksgiving unfolds. I take care of a task, then visit “A Day In the Temple” for a while. Today’s rhythm of task-then-Temple, again and again, nurtures my inner peace and joy. Each time I enter the Temple, I relish and wholeheartedly welcome whatever is being offered in that moment—from
namasankirtanas to meditative time, from offering Bade Baba
naivdeya to live musical offerings. I bask in the purity of the moment.
It is such grace to share my favorite American holiday with Bhagavan Nityananda and the global Siddha Yoga
sangham. My heart sparkles and overflows with gratitude.
Oregon, United States
I participated in “A Day in the Temple” before going to bed last night and this morning before going to work. Last night, after the recitation of
Shri Guru Gita, I was drawn into a very blissful, peaceful, still meditation. And this morning, meditating again with Bade Babe's radiant form, I feel a scintillating space of joy in my heart. Looking at his form from the side, I feel I can watch his chest and attune myself to his breathing, with the feeling that the chance to be with him is Gurumayi's gift to me.
Thornbury, Australia
What an incredible opportunity for the global Siddha Yoga
sangham to be able to bathe in Bade Baba’s presence during this incredible live video stream! How powerful for us to be united in the Temple all day long, all around the globe—in love, bliss, devotion, and gratitude. I am especially grateful since I couldn’t imagine anything more comforting, loving, or uplifting than these waves of love and blessings enveloping Mother Earth and all beings and forms of life!
Starnberg, Germany
Since this morning at dawn I have been present to the blessings bestowed upon us all during “A Day in the Temple.” I awoke to the recitation of
Shri Guru Gita, then stayed connected to the live video stream during the time I had to also work online. My heart felt so full of gratitude as I took in Bade Baba's radiant form and was then able to join in the midday
namasankirtana: Om Namo Bhagavate Muktanandaya. Tears of joy rose from my heart as I felt the resonance of those words.
I recognize how connecting with the Guru's grace in this extraordinary daylong event is impacting me profoundly.
Toronto, Canada
From the minute
A Day in the Temple began this morning, I felt Bade Baba's
shakti working within me on a subtle level. Throughout the recitation of
Shri Guru Gita, I had the sensation that my entire being was being purified with his loving, radiant energy. It was as if cobwebs were being dusted away and what remained in the open, purified space was the pristine, expansive fullness of the Heart.
Through Gurumayi’s gift of this incredible opportunity for a full day of Bade Baba's
darshan, I feel that I’ve been given an experience of this perfection, this wholeness of love, of contentment. And each time throughout the day that I’ve returned to the live video stream, I've felt this purifying, abundant energy expand within.
I'm truly grateful for Shri Guru's love and compassion.
New York, United States
When we entered the Temple to recite
Shri Guru Gita here in the United Kingdom, it was already 10:30 a.m. and a bright morning. Though this was quite a contrast to the early morning in Shree Muktananda Ashram, I was soon drawn into the velvety darkness around the Ashram. As I sensed it wrapping itself around me too, I felt so safe and content.
I was so aware of the silences as if all my senses were truly present. The gentle, kindly warmth of the light reflected from Bade Baba softened my heart and I felt my whole body was smiling! As the day dawned and the light changed within the Temple, I watched the marble surfaces catching the waking day and the grass outside turning green.
I've enjoyed every moment.
London, United Kingdom
I brought my laptop into the kitchen. As I prepared the Thanksgiving meal, there was Bade Baba in the live video stream, and I offered the ingredients up to him as I worked.
What a blessing that Bade Baba, and the beauty of the Temple, can be right there alongside me as I cook. I absolutely know that this meal will taste like heaven, and that we are truly blessed.
California, United States
I am so grateful to Gurumayi for this opportunity. How good I feel, how lucky I am! I had the
darshan of Bhagavan Nityananda, and my day changed completely.
Havana, Cuba
I have had the good fortune to participate all day in “A Day in the Temple.” At one point, a thought rose up directly from my heart, "Oh, I wish..." The sentence was not yet even finished when immediately I could feel the light air and the easefulness within the Temple. It was enough to fill my heart.
I feel so grateful for this “Day in the Temple” and for all the blessings I receive from Gurumayi.
Obing, Germany
The moment I entered the Temple in the live video stream “A Day in the Temple,” I felt the very powerful presence of Bade Baba's calm energy enveloping and embracing me. As I sat in silence, basking in his presence, suddenly the camera panned to show Bade Baba's face close up. I felt as if I had just walked up to him to offer my gratitude and prayers. His gaze was benevolent and filled with compassion.
I am indeed grateful for this opportunity to be with Bade Baba in my own time and space.
Pune, India
Nature has been displaying her love and blessings across the sky with delightful cloud formations, some of them in the form of hearts and
Om. What a magnificent day! As I receive the
darshan of Bade Baba, I have been drawn inward. My eyes close and, with deep gratitude, I sit in silence with my hand over my heart.
All of a sudden, a little bird flew in from the open window, sat on the window sill, and has now joined me in taking in the magnetic atmosphere of the Temple.
I am so grateful to Gurumayi ji for such an abundant and happy experience on Thanksgiving.
Johannesburg, South Africa
On this Thanksgiving Day, I am so grateful for the Siddha Yoga Path and how, even when times get tough, we manage to celebrate! For me, these past months of global and personal concerns have become a springboard for grace, love, and transformation.
Texas, United States
This morning as I arose from sleep, I found myself rested and relaxed, yet alert
, excited, and ready to recite Shri
Guru Gita and meditate with everyone in the Siddha Yoga Universal Hall. During the recitation, whenever my mind wandered, I recalled the teachings I have recently received about
svadhyaya, which guided my focus back, and I felt gratitude arise in my heart. Each time this happened, it felt greater than before, and upon reflection, I realized that each time I align my focus in
sadhana, I am cultivating the field of my heart, growing in wisdom and love.
As I put forth self-effort on the path, grace blossoms in my heart. I experience the harvest of this grace in the form of
seva, where I am able to express my gratitude by offering back to my path and to the world.
Toronto, Canada
I feel drawn deep within. I am relishing an exquisite, pulsating stillness, Bade Baba's stillness, his divine
shakti. I feel that his
darshan has pulled me inward into the very center of my being, where all I can experience is his divine stillness. I know that I am where I am supposed to be, with my inner Self, with my beloved Bade Baba. I am quiet.
Bangalore, India
I am deeply grateful to Gurumayi for “A Day in the Temple” today. So far, I have immersed myself fully in each section: being with Bade Baba during the
Shri Guru Gita recitation, hearing the recording of Baba Muktananda’s recitation, hearing the
bhajans and then Ojas’s tabla
. I could feel knots within my body being pierced and tension releasing. As my physical body relaxed, I felt my subtle body become happy and content.
My heart is rejoicing and I have a smile on my face. And there is more and more and more to come!
Eastbourne, United Kingdom
As the streaming of “A Day in the Temple” began, I felt drawn inside, into a space of deep silence, peace, and serenity. As I looked at Bade Baba’s
murti, I experienced a potent feeling that everything in my life is just as it is meant to be right now.
Rome, Italy
While reciting
Shri Guru Gita, I saw a butterfly at my window. This inspired me to remember that the Self is present in all of nature’s creatures.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
I felt so moved in the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple this morning by the profusion of flowers exquisitely placed around Bade Baba. They reminded me of verse 51 of
Shri Guru Gita, which refers to “[offering] a handful of flowers humming with bees in the direction where Bhagavan, the sovereign Guru, is awake… .”
Today’s flowers are a perfect reminder and expression of gratitude for me—gratitude for the abundance and generosity I am receiving now, and every day, from Gurumayi. I kept thinking this is exactly the way I want to celebrate Thanksgiving—in the Universal Hall with my
sangham. What a gift!
Massachusetts, United States