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Yoga — Skill in Action V
Offering Seva in Shree Muktananda Ashram

Seva, selfless service, is one of the core spiritual practices on the Siddha Yoga path. At Shree Muktananda Ashram, staff and visiting Siddha Yogis from around the world offer their skills, talents, and energy in support of the SYDA Foundation’s work—serving the Siddha Yoga Mission.

In a great scripture of India, Shri Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna teaches, "Yoga is skill in action." By serving with love and attentiveness, we cultivate proficiency, self-confidence, joy, and evenness of mind, and we strengthen our connection to the inexhaustible source of joy and power at the core of our being. Practicing seva in this way, we move toward attaining the goal of yoga: the steady awareness of our union with the Self.

As you view these photos of Siddha Yogis engaged in many different types of seva, you are invited to reflect on how each expresses skill in action through qualities such as focus, respect, and enthusiasm.

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I so enjoyed looking at the recent photos of “Yoga—Skill in Action,” during this holiday season. It means so much to me to see everyone at Shree Muktananda Ashram participating in the celebration of the spirit of Christmas in a multitude of diverse ways, such as acting in plays, creating crafts outside, singing carols together, watching performers inside and outside, and enjoying each other’s company around a fire pit. I hold all of this dear. It warms my heart and soul. Gurumayi has given us all so much love!
 

Massachusetts, United States

Seeing the sevites picking apples from the tree is a crystal-clear reminder for me of Gurumayi’s teaching about self-effort and grace. Multiple sevites have put in great effort in taking care of the tree so it can bless everyone with its sweet fruit. This reminds me that we can apply the same effort to our sadhana practices, which—with Shri Guru’s grace—will lead us to the sweet fruit of liberation.
 

Ville St. Laurent, Canada

The picture of the Siddha Yogi seated in a chair studying and writing with focus and concentration evokes a feeling of stillness and tranquility in me. I perceive her state as meditation in action.
 

Ville St. Laurent, Canada

As soon as I began looking at the beautiful photographs in Yoga—Skill in Action, my heart flew open as I thought, “There are my people, there is my community, this is my home.” These Siddha Yogis have joined together to offer seva in service to the most exquisite path, guided by our beloved Gurumayi. There could not possibly be anything better than this. I am so humbled and grateful. 
 

Virginia, United States

My husband and I offered seva for many years at Shree Muktananda Ashram, both as visiting sevites and as staff. Besides sharing stories of Baba and Gurumayi, one of our favorite pastimes is recalling our seva experiences. Just yesterday, feeling deeply grateful for the opportunity to have offered seva, we recalled a few experiences, reflecting on the wondrous and transformative nature of seva.

So it was with utter delight that we found photos chosen for the month of Gurupurnima of many of the exact locations where we had offered seva and had had truly magical experiences. We marvel at this synchronicity, and at this confirmation of the Guru-disciple bond, the depth of love shared, and the breadth of the blessings we’ve received.
 

Florida, United States

I always love the photos taken at Shree Muktananda Ashram. I have never been there, and seeing these photos makes me feel as if I am there, breathing the life and love of the Ashram.
 

Napoli, Italy

This morning, as I was visiting the Siddha Yoga path website, my attention was drawn to this gallery, and I felt the impulse of my soul to visit Shree Muktananda Ashram through these photos.

As I was contemplating these images full of simplicity, love, devotion, care, and dedication, I was inspired to offer these divine qualities all day long, relishing the Lord and the Guru in my heart.
 

Rodez, France

I was delighted to see the Yoga—Skill in Action minisite return to the website! I love seeing the pictures of yogic skill in action. Seva has always been an awe-inspiring and transformative practice for me. Looking at these photos brings back my experience of offering seva in and out of Shree Muktananda Ashram.
 

North Carolina, United States

I’m so happy to be able to connect with Shree Muktananda Ashram through this gallery on the Siddha Yoga path website. I feel inspired by the alertness of the sevites that I perceive in these photos. I am very grateful to experience the beauty of the heart contained in these photos.
 

Rome, Italy

I am thrilled to see the Yoga—Skill in Action minisite again!
 
This feature has always taken me back to the happy and joyous times when I was able to offer seva at Shree Muktananda Ashram. To work alongside other devotees was a source of great learning and fulfillment for me.
 
These beautiful photos make me smile. They remind me of the love and grace in my life that flow from the practice of offering seva.
 

Florida, United States

I love the picture of the two sevites waiting with their video equipment to capture the best shot. I could feel their enthusiasm and devotion!
 
This minisite on the Siddha Yoga path website always stimulates my own love and dedication to guruseva!
 

Ville St. Laurent, Canada