My sadhana circle has chosen this virtue, shalinata, as our focus of study and practice this fortnight. I had some initial doubts about how useful this virtue, and the associated words in Hindi, would be to me—but I couldn’t have been more wrong.
As I focus on a different Hindi word each day, and its translations into English, I find I am soothed and cared for with “gentleness” and “tenderness,” strengthened with “good breeding” and “good values,” and guided to act with “tactfulness” and “respectfulness.” Even in a few short days I have discovered that shalinata in its fullness is indeed a most powerful virtue—whose embodiment is Gurumayi.
Hurlstone Park, Australia
I am happy with this precious gift: the virtue of shalinata to study and implement. When I discovered it, I thought, “Yes, I am able to embody it in all its qualities.” Soon after, however, I realized how quickly I can end up expressing its opposite, such as lack of respect, when I am feeling angry or rebellious. So shalinata and its nine synonyms offer me a great chance to cultivate this virtue, and the virtue of being good!
Gradignan, France
In my meditation this morning on Gurumayi’s Birthday, I was repeating the word shalinata for the first time. Through this repetition, I found myself repeating my mother’s name, Aline, contained in the word shalinata. How amazing!
From then on, my meditation changed. The first sound shhhh seemed to carry the sweet solace of the word hush. The first three syllables, shalina, became a lullaby for my mother’s heart and mine, eager to absorb the delicacy and kindness associated with this virtue. Then the final syllable, ta, resounded within me like a drumbeat with the power to plant this divine virtue within us—mother and daughter—for good.
My mother is no longer alive. But wherever she might be today on her journey, I pray that we both may taste the nectar and imbibe the immense power of
shalinata, of graciousness, a virtue conveyed with such nobility and infinite grace by Gurumayi ji.
Quebec, Canada
As I read through the synonyms of shalinata that Gurumayi selected for our study, I was particularly drawn to the ones whose English translations end in -ness. They resonated in my heart, and I especially enjoyed repeating them slowly to myself, one after the other, allowing their meanings to bubble up within me: goodness, gentleness, politeness, respectfulness, and so on. Repeating them in this way seemed to make my heart smile.
A little research taught me, too, that the -ness ending means “the state of being (something)” or “the quality of being (something).” In other words, goodness means “the state or quality of being good,” gentleness means “the state or quality of being gentle,” and so on. That fact brought the power of these words much deeper inside me. It’s begun to feel as though my heart has taken hold of these qualities and wants to embrace them and dance with them all.
California, United States
When I first read Gurumayi’s Birthday virtue
Shalinata, it rang a sweet bell, sounding so beautiful. I said to myself that it would be a wonderful name for a little girl.
Its first meaning, “graciousness,” further revealed its beauty, followed by the additional meanings as though sparks of each meaning were radiating from its source. My heart was illumined by each spark, telling me that I have them all within me. I simply have to acknowledge them and allow them to permeate my daily life.
Nairobi, Kenya
When I read the wide range of meanings and synonyms of Shalinata, I felt very grateful to receive this great gift from Gurumayi for the year to come.
I feel impressed and touched by the variety of ways we may use to treat others with kindness and consideration. Gentleness, tenderness, uprightness, amiability, tactfulness, and the fruits of good breeding and good values are the means for me to reconnect with the energy of the heart. Courtesy and gracefulness require humility and discipline.
Gurumayi embodies all these great virtues. And each one of them deserves my contemplation: How can I cultivate this or that quality? How do I contain the inner enemies, such as pride or anger, that could get in the way? How can I practice
shalinata in every interaction, every situation, in little things as well as in great endeavors?
Marlanval, France
On June 24, I contemplated Gurumayi’s noble virtue, Shalinata, which was such caring and surprising prasad. Among its many meanings, I noticed vinamrata, “respectfulness.” It reminded me first of how Baba Muktananda and Gurumayi have used it so often to start a talk by saying, “With great respect and love, I welcome you all with all my heart.” This courtesy of theirs impressed me profoundly and won my heart forever.
For me, Shalinata reflects so well Gurumayi ‘s grace: it’s an art of living!
Recently I experienced a challenging situation when my car’s engine broke down suddenly while I was driving in southwest France. I immediately invoked Gurumayi’s grace. And I was the fortunate recipient of other people’s shalinata as their decency, considerateness, and kindness helped me to get back home safely.
My wish is to study shalinata more and more. I send all my gratitude to Gurumayi for guiding me in the best way so that my sadhana will reflect shalinata with ever more steadfastness!
Pau, France
Every June, I wait with the greatest anticipation for the virtue Gurumayi gives us upon her birthday. I’m always so touched by this generosity and deeply grateful for these gemlike virtues. They are always subtle and profound, with intersecting layers that allow me to go deeper in my sadhana. My study in 2022 of the virtue samanubhuti was life-transforming—and now with this year’s virtue of shalinata my spirit is dancing!
The images that came to mind as I softly repeated the word shalinata were the Goddess Lakshmi and her consort Vishnu—benevolent nobility in action. The word feels like a gentle call from my own soul to step into all that I can be in this life. The word is softly refreshing to my spirit—like a peach silk shawl floating on a fragrant jasmine breeze.
And I keep seeing Gurumayi. To me, the virtue of shalinata embodies Gurumayi’s vibration in all things: a refined beauty, kindness and elegance in thought, word, and deed, and a nobility of spirit rooted in divine love.
California, United States
Gurumayi always chooses the perfect gift for us on her birthday! Since I live with my almost one-hundred-year-old mother, I am finally learning that I can’t change, fix, save, or rescue anyone. So bringing graciousness into my focus at this time is perfect for me.
As I read through the meanings of the Hindi words related to shalinata, the word gentleness jumped out at me because a sense of gentleness, together with nonjudgmental compassion, is essential for me when I go through challenging times.
Reading about
shalinata is such a great reminder that we have all these virtues inside of us, and so I can always manifest graciousness toward myself and others. I am so grateful to Gurumayi for always choosing the perfect gift for me.
Indiana, United States
After receiving the gift of the virtue of shalinata, I kept on repeating its name like a mantra many times in the day. While meditating, I imagined my whole being absorbing the virtue. In my understanding, every soul needs love and respect to sustain a peaceful and fulfilled life. I feel that practicing this virtue will help me to establish loving and respectful relationships even in challenging situations.
Dombivli, India
As I contemplate Gurumayi’s gift of the virtue of graciousness, I continue to see the word grace. My contemplation leads me to understand that being gracious requires being aware that I am filled with grace, both to give it and receive it. Whenever I remember the presence of grace, my heart does not experience a state of lack. I therefore can uninhibitedly act kindly, politely, generously.
May I always be grateful for grace so that I may always act, think, and feel from a place of graciousness.
New York, United States
Reflecting upon the virtue of shalinata, graciousness, I sense the presence of a very refined discipline forming the core pillar that upholds it. Like holding a hatha yoga asana with strength and serenity, to hold the posture of graciousness consistently in my life, I will be drawing on core strengths of centeredness and balance. In extending graciousness to others, my breath is steady, my eyes are soft and kind, I am present, aware, and calm.
As I reflect further on this virtue, I see in my mind’s eye Gurumayi’s benevolent smile, sparkling with good will, compassion, and joy, creating an atmosphere in which each person can experience their own innate goodness. What graciousness the Guru’s smile embodies!
Castlemaine, Australia
I was intrigued to see that at the core of graciousness—the English translation of shalinata—is the word grace. When I received this gift, I closed my eyes and envisioned a mala of golden beads, with the Guru bead corresponding to grace and the other beads corresponding to the qualities of goodness, politeness, gentleness—words to study and virtues to practice and imbibe. With the Guru's grace, I know that graciousness is alive and attainable for me. What an exciting gift!
Maine, United States
Shalinata, graciousness, is a virtue dear to me. I see the Guru as the pure embodiment of shalinata. When I observe the Guru’s behavior and listen to the Guru’s teachings, I become more sensitive and more able to implement this virtue in my life.
As I perform my duties, practicing shalinata connects me to my heart and the joy of living permeates my being; as I bring shalinata into my interactions with others, I see that it makes them bloom. With this careful attention, I’m able to create beauty in my life.
Rodez, France
On my first reading of how the various Hindi synonyms of shalinata are defined, I noticed that many of the definitions contain the word civility. I thought of how perfect this is for the world right now. And then I saw that, for starters, I myself can cultivate civility in my thoughts toward people who, in my view, are not demonstrating civility in their words and behavior.
I am looking forward to diving deeply into this virtue.
Massachusetts, United States
Shalinata—what a resplendent virtue! I find it carried out to perfection by Gurumayi. As I recall stories of Krishna, I can perceive it as one of his foremost vibrations.
When I read the meanings of the other Hindi words related to shalinata, I remembered an impressive encounter with two people embodying this fascinating virtue. During a group pilgrimage forty years ago, my attention went to an elderly couple who expressed their love for each other in an extraordinarily pure way. It was no show, no learned politeness. Instead, they constantly exchanged reverence with each glance, word, movement, smile. I was in awe, and have never forgotten them.
To me, the nobility associated with shalinata is divinely inspired love, allied with discipline and wisdom. This virtue cannot be displayed like superficial etiquette; instead, I see it as the true, free, luminous expression of the majestic Self.
Hindelang, Germany
The virtue Shalinata for Gurumayi’s Birthday is an unfolding gift in itself, giving birth to sweet, fruitful contemplation!
Here is the first part of my contemplation. For me, civility and courtesy mean to be here for one another, just as my Guru is always here for me and how I wish to be there similarly for everyone I meet. She has always welcomed me “with great respect and love,” and I see the virtue Shalinata as being central in welcoming others.
Waterville, Canada
Shalinata—yes! Graciousness! As I read this word, I reveled in inner joy. This is perhaps the virtue most needed in this time and in these circumstances. Like a thirsty person in a desert suddenly given cold water, in a similar way, receiving this virtue Shalinata is like nectar to me. I am very grateful to Gurumayi ji for this great gift.
Jaipur, India
Gurumayi’s gift to us of the virtue Shalinata is pure prasad, and I look forward to honoring this gift by contemplating its meaning and effects throughout the year.
For today, I receive it with love and gratitude. For today, it is a balm I feel I need to help me stay close to my heart and to the Guru’s wisdom within. This one sweet word
shalinata and the definitions Gurumayi provides us for our study have launched me directly into the graciousness of my own being. From this place, I feel grateful and offer my
pranam and birthday wishes to Gurumayi. That is a very good place for me to live from.
South Melbourne, Australia
I am so grateful to Gurumayi for bestowing on us this sublime virtue as a birthday gift on her very birthday. I have for some time been sensing an underdeveloped aspect of my character that needs attention, and now I see that shalinata is it! As I study and absorb the facets of this virtue, it is my wish that I attain this virtue and emanate its attributes. I pray that my own self-effort may attract the wing of grace and help me fly toward this attainment.
Virginia, United States
The enormity of this birthday gift from our beloved Guru is beyond my limited words. As I form the devanagari letters on the page in ink, together with the transliteration and the English translation, I am saturated with a sensation beyond form. I can only describe this as divine love—a love without parts but in congruence and communion with the whole. My intention now is to cultivate and embody shalinata!
Bellbrae, Australia
To receive the beautiful virtue shalinata on such an auspicious day is sheer prasad. Now when life tosses me a curveball and I slip into confusion or doubt, I have a new virtue to take me back to my own divine center where the essence of shalinata shimmers. This virtue reminds me to be authentic and to dive again and again into the practices.
Hawaii, United States