Watching the video of the Maha Abhishek Puja again and again reaffirms my gratitude for having Gurumayi and Bade Baba in my life; I feel very blessed. It also reminds me of a poem I wrote in 1991 for a course called, "My Body the Temple," at Shree Muktananda Ashram. Our assignment for the course was to be conscious of our bodies in going for Bade Baba's darshan and then to journal about the experience. This is the poem that arose for me:
At the Door
She watches—
standing eagerly,
standing tall.
Honoring her body,
honoring Bade Baba—
the darshan of a great being!
He tells her
she's a great being too.
She lets it in.
She opens her heart
and lets in his love.
She sees that he
loves her and finds her worthy
while she's not doing a thing.
He tells her
she will find liberation
in that very body
if she wants to;
her sweet beloved Guru
will give her the grace.
She is very blessed.
New York, United States
This month of August truly was filled for me with the “august presence” of Bhagavan Nityananda! I feel immense gratitude that the Siddha Yoga path website carries his divine presence into my home and heart. What a wonder! I see pixels and hear sound made by an electronic device, but what I see, hear, and feel deeply is "this One," as Bade Baba referred to himself. I perceive and receive grace, love, protection, serenity, trust.
I often experience the truth of Gurumayi’s teaching that nature herself is a temple. I find I feel the same way about this website. Through my experiences of this virtual “temple,” I can sense the smile and tender touch of the Guru whispering, “Have faith; I am with you.”
Hindelang, Germany
The “August presence” of Bhagvan Nityananda at the time of his punyatithi was very powerful for me. While performing arati to Bade Baba ji, I felt divine vibrations of grace pulsating within. When I was singing his name, I felt his presence as a divine, awakening power. I felt so much love and joy while meditating on the golden form of his murti along with the dharana. I thought of the ways I’ve seen Shri Gurumayi ji worshiping the murti, and I experienced deep peace and silence while meditating.
I am feeling so grateful to Bade Baba, Baba, and Gurumayi for being present in my heart, each as a unique, divine, awakening power. My heart is filled with the prayer that I may continue to offer seva and perform the Siddha Yoga spiritual practices throughout my life.
Pune, India
Listening to Gangubai's story of Bhagavan Nityananda and his wish for her and all people to be fearless, I felt his wish enter into my heart. I decided I did not want to fear situations, people, or my mind anymore. I have surrendered to fear long enough. I am grateful to Bade Baba for this blessing. Now it is the time for me to put in the necessary effort.
New York, United States
I experienced that this
satsang was filled with the immense presence of Bhagavan Nityananda. Chanting with Gurumayi and seeing images of Bade Baba and Ganeshpuri was a great celebration for me. In meditation I experienced that every cell in my body was bathed in blue light. It was so special for me to see Gurumayi performing
abhishek to Bade Baba. In each of her gestures, I could feel her care, her love, and her compassion.
Bhandara, India
I came to this Celebration Satsang with some disquiet in my heart due to some recent challenges. But after chanting with Gurumayi and then the beautiful dharana leading me into the Temple, I was ready to be with Bade Baba in meditation.
After several minutes a pulsing began at the top of my head. Soon after that, a small murti of Bade Baba seemed to enter my heart. I was so grateful for a change in how I was feeling, when suddenly the murti became a giant white moth that filled my body and opened up a pathway to the top of my head. It felt so wonderful!
Then I was surprised to see a rope knot appear in my torso—and begin to unwind. I knew something was being released and continue to feel such gratitude for this. My painful feelings are lessening and I feel lighter as the evening progresses. I know that I am supported and well taken care of by Bade Baba, Baba, and Gurumayi.
Minnesota, United States
In honor of Bhagavan Nityananda's Punyatithi, I decided to do an all-day retreat to connect to my heart. At first, my mind was entangled in the webs of my life, and I felt frazzled and confused. But then, as I listened to the dharana, I was amazed to hear: “Bhagavan Nityananda dwells in my heart. I am in Bhagavan Nityananda's heart.” So when I meditated, I asked Bade Babe to take me to my heart.
During the chant, my mind repeated, “The Guru loves me, and I love the Guru.”As I kept chanting, I felt my heart connected to the Guru, and knew I didn't need to be anyone but myself. Suddenly, my body was scintillating with such enthusiasm and joy! All this time I’d been in a quest to connect to my heart, when I was already there! I just hadn’t recognized it. At the end of the namasankirtana, I heard an inner voice saying, "Where have you been all along?"
In that moment I knew that all I need to be myself is to recognize the blessings I’ve already received. When I do this, I am in the Heart, where the true Self lies.
New Jersey, United States
This year, I started feeling a special connection to Bade Baba when I purchased the photo of him raising his hands, with his fingers pointing straight up. I felt a lot of energy emanating from his hands, and I was happily surprised when August came and I saw this very photo in the posting of the
Nityananda Arati. Then I read Rama Davies' story about Gurumayi tenderly teaching him about his “Bade Baba hands.”
As I reflect on what I’m discovering from Bade Baba’s hands, I feel I am learning to give up petty tendencies and be more courageous, fearless, and connected to my heart.
I’m so grateful to Bade Baba, Baba, and Gurumayi for their immense grace and generosity.
Belo Horizonte, Brazil
My mind has been filled with thoughts of Bhagavan Nityananda since early August, when I came to know about this blessed
satsang! It was as if my mind did not want to think of anything but Bade Baba. My mind savored thoughts of Bade Baba as I fell asleep, and I woke up thinking of him. His remembrance lingered in my awareness and, at various moments throughout my day, a feeling of sweet happiness would pervade my being. As I meditated, I would experience that Bade Baba’s heart and my heart are one. I experienced that it is the same love that fills our heart, that we breathe the same breath. I also experienced his presence within my being in the form of peaceful silence.
When the
satsang became available and I meditated with the
dharana, I was filled with the same sweet love. I was also filled with joy to find that the concluding words of the
dharana describe what I had been experiencing in the days leading up to the
satsang.
Gurudev Siddha Peeth, India
The blessing of Bade Baba’s “august presence” could not be any more apparent than in the present moment. As soon as I joined the
punyatithi celebration, I felt Bade Baba’s all-embracing welcome, as if he were calling me home to my own heart. I realized that it is he who seeks me! Engulfed and immersed in the oceanic waves of his love, I revel in Rama’s letter, in the exquisite images of Gurumayi performing
abhishek, in the
arati and chanting. I am in gratitude, wonder, and blissful remembrance of Bade Baba’s power to sustain and support the
sadhana of countless people who take refuge in Shri Guru.
Washington, United States
This morning when I woke up, I knew that I needed to be in the presence of Bade Baba. I was experiencing painful feelings after having an unsettling dream. I went to the beautiful
dharana seeking relief. As the
dharana unfolded, and I found myself outside the Temple, these painful feelings gradually loosened their grip on me, and my breathing became deeper and deeper. By the time I entered the Temple and offered
pranam at Bhagavan Nityananda’s feet, I was experiencing the inner bliss of his heart. When the meditation ended, I knew that his heart was my heart, and he would always be there for me, guiding and protecting me.
Oakland, United States
I participated in all the elements of the
satsang beginning with the
Nityananda Arati and concluding with the
dharana. During the
dharana there was a very long period in which I entered the golden heart of Bade Baba. It was a glorious time of union with him. I could feel an enormous joy come from Bade Baba and enter my heart. It filled all the space of my heart and was immense; it was as though I was bursting with happiness. I began to laugh and laugh. Then I realized that it was not only Bade Baba’s heart entering mine; it was actually my own heart, full of joy, shimmering with ecstatic and golden light. It was beautiful.
I experienced that Bade Baba and I are one, united in the Heart. I couldn’t stop smiling.
Mexico City, Mexico
On August 8, I woke before the alarm to the instant awareness: It’s Bade Baba’s
punyathiti! I sank straight back into the dream state, and there were all my ancestors dancing together in a state of pure love and joy. My ancestors had worked long hours from an early age in coal mines and cotton mills. Life was tough and grim, and my family did not express their love and affection for each other. So seeing them dancing together in a state of pure love and joy was a miracle to me.
I woke again and there was the same awareness: Today is Bade Baba’s
punyatithi! Again I sank back into the same blissful dream of my ancestors dancing and laughing together in love and warmth.
To me, this means that Bade Baba’s enormous grace has healed my family.
Melbourne, Australia
The abundance of teachings and artistic expressions offered in
The August Presence of Bhagavan Nityananda is a gift beyond measure! At this time I am remembering my dreams and experiences of Bade Baba. One such dream occurred a couple of decades ago and culminated in Bade Baba telling me “I will always protect you” as I stood in front of his
murti looking up at him. His promise has been fulfilled many times over through the years.
Just last Saturday, the day before the
punyatithi and the launching of this
satsang, I was concerned about a consultation I was to give to a client that afternoon. In meditation before the meeting I asked Bade Baba for support. After meditation I felt calmer. During the consultation, I saw that my concerns had evaporated completely, and I found myself speaking confidently from a place of calm and inner knowing.
The assurance of Bade Baba’s protection is a cushion of grace inside my heart that I can always rest my head on!
California, United States
This
satsang is a wonder! Through all its elements, I have been bathing in Bade Baba's presence, experiencing his love, feeling him in my heart, so silent and joyful.
I am grateful for and nourished by Bade Baba's grace!
Garges les Gonesse, France
The totality of the elements in the
satsang led me to the Heart. It was strong and subtle, sweet and powerful. Afterwards, I went for a walk and marveled at the pink sky of the setting sun. I felt the pulsation of Bade Baba in all of nature.
Minnesota, United States
On Bhagavan Nityananda's Punyatithi day, I received an immense gift: a healing of a deep wound I had experienced as a child. When I participated in the
The August Presence of Bhagavan Nityananda,
as each element of the
satsang unfolded I was given a deeper, richer understanding of this breakthrough, which has the power to change my whole experience of life.
During the s
atsang I asked Bade Baba inwardly for a boon: “May you grant my wish to live in harmony with your will and to give beauty, joy, love, peace, and light to the world around me. May I practice being one with you every day!”
Afterwards, I felt encouraged and protected to face everything that would come my way with patience and faith.
Missouri, United States
Peace.
Sublime stillness.
Darshan of the divine presence of Bade Baba.
My heart is full of gratitude.
Maryland, United States
I love to sing the
Nityananda Arati. Today, however, as I was singing it, my tongue was acting as if I was singing it for the first time. Since making mistakes is not my favorite thing to do, I was wondering why this was happening now. Then one second later, when I saw a picture of Bade Baba, I heard the words, “It is OK to make mistakes when you are starting something new.” Immediately I felt a huge wave of love coming to me from Bade Baba—a feeling of his endless love for me. In the same moment Bade Baba’s love become my love for him and for myself.
Then when I chanted
Nityanandam Brahmanandam, I felt what a blessing it is to have the Guru in my life. I felt gratitude for this wonderful path and also for being able to participate in this Celebration Satsang.
Obing, Germany
I was watering the plants and flowers on my patio yesterday and a beautiful monarch butterfly appeared. I thought immediately, “Bade Baba!” It twirled around gracefully in front of me for a while.
I became still and aware. I remembered my innermost goal to become anchored in the great Self and to hold that awareness just as much in day-to-day tasks such as watering plants as in performing formal spiritual practices. I felt uplifted. Peace, contentment, and gratitude enveloped me.
I offer my thanks to Bade Baba for dropping by, and for his compassionate presence, teachings, and amazing grace.
Montreal, Canada
“The Heart is the hub of all sacred places. Go there and roam.” To me, this teaching of Bade Baba’s is a foundational one because not only does the Guru give us the teaching, the Heart is where we find the Guru. It is a wonderful, powerful “feedback loop” and I am profoundly grateful for this blessing.
Oregon, United States
On the eve of Bhagavan Nityananda's Punyatithi, the sunset here was a pure golden color and the fog coming in lent it a softness. I felt joy and gentleness. Later the planet Venus shone brightly on the horizon, seemingly so close to Earth that I experienced Venus's love. Then the fog fully enveloped me, thick in its mysterious beauty. Cool, refreshing fog droplets fell on my head, anointing me like a form of the Guru's grace. What a perfect way to start the celebration!
California, United States
The wonderful elements of the Celebration Satsang provided different experiences for me and inspired me to contemplate. I feel richly blessed on all levels of my being and have the feeling that another door to more freedom has opened for me. I am very grateful for this joyful celebration.
Unterlangenegg, Switzerland
I started the Celebration Satsang by practicing the dharana early in the morning. First, I visualized myself being with Gurumayi in the Temple at Gurudev Siddha Peeth. I visualized Gurumayi offering arati to Bade Baba, and then I meditated. Through the dharana, Bade Baba became alive so gloriously in my heart and the atmosphere around me that in the middle of meditation I couldn't stop myself from singing Nityanandam Brahmanandam aloud.
Watching the “Maha Abhishek Puja” brought me back to the live video stream of this event in 2013. Having been on the Siddha Yoga path for just one month at that time, I remember feeling so fortunate to have the darshan of my Guru so early on; I felt that contributed to creating the base of my sadhana. That enthusiasm from 2013 was renewed today in watching this video.
While listening to Nityanandam Brahmanandam, I felt ecstatic to have the darshan of nature from the sacred places where Bade Baba lived. I could feel him, his still inner state, and his shakti throughout the chant.
Gandhinagar, India
Participating in the Celebration Satsang on the Siddha Yoga path website has been such a divine way to celebrate Bhagavan Nityananda's Punyatithi! With each element of the satsang—starting with chanting the Nityananda Arati and culminating with the practice of offering dakshina—my understanding and conviction that I am indeed one with Bade Baba grew stronger and stronger.
Watching Gurumayi performing the maha abhishek puja to the golden form of Bhagavan Nityananda was witnessing God worship God—the truest form of discipleship. It filled my heart with the fragrance of humility and devotion.
I am forever grateful to Bade Baba, Baba, and Gurumayi for constantly imparting the knowledge of the Self.
Melbourne, Australia
What a beautiful, pristine, exquisite experience of Bade Baba's darshan— deep silence and a sublime experience of joy and love rippling. I offer my thanks to Bade Baba for inviting me into my heart, and his heart, to roam in the nectarean bliss that is there. May I know that this is my true home and may I reside there now and forever!
Washington, United States
In anticipation of this year’s Celebration Satsang for Bhagavan Nityananda’s Punyatithi, I kept coming back to the Siddha Yoga path website. My heart was thumping all day as I waited for the celebration to begin.
As soon as the
satsang went live on the website, I was ready to partake in the celebration. The meditation space in my home had been thoroughly cleaned, flowers and plants adorned the
puja, and my small
murti of Bade Baba was adorned in a gold and blue cape. I was ready!
The elements of this Celebration Satsang were exquisite and I felt I was in the presence of our Guru. It was full of love and
shakti and my heart pounded with joy to be part of this
satsang.
South Carolina, United States