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Siddha Yoga Shaktipat Intensive 2023

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After attending the Siddha Yoga Intensive Reflection Satsang, I had the realization that my meditations during the Intensive took me on a beautiful journey that paralleled the title of the Intensive: The Heart Is the Haven: Behold the Light of Joy and Embrace Calm.

In the first meditation, I felt the boundaries of my body dissolve, and I understood that I am part of the whole—one with universal Consciousness.

My second meditation provided the experience of pure joy from within my heart. I felt myself diving deep into the cave of my heart, where I saw a tiny fleck of golden light. I began to breathe into the light, which became bigger and bigger until it was pouring out of my body. A voice told me, “I am always with you.” With this, I felt the bliss of God in my heart.

The third meditation was the deepest I have ever experienced. My heart became a resting place, and I embraced calm.

Gurumayi’s title took me on a journey that transformed me forever.

Burnaby, Canada

I am so grateful to have been able to attend my first Siddha Yoga Shaktipat Intensive this October. It was truly a profound experience that has changed my life. The Intensive allowed the teachings to become alive for me. I was given the gift of what felt like an alignment with the Siddha Yoga path that brought such joy to my very being.

Stockton, Australia

Since participating in the Intensive a week ago, I have been gliding into meditation just by remembering my three Gurus. I sense a process of assimilation taking place gently and deeply in the sacred space of my peaceful heart.

Each day since then, I have been reading Baba’s writings. They soothe me, nourish me, rock me, and keep me so close to God, to my Gurus, and to my own heart. They keep me in contact with my inner joy.

This Intensive is a wish come true. Its countless blessings keep unfolding like a lotus flower in the cave of my heart, and I know this flower will keep blooming for a long time.

I took refuge in my Siddha Gurus, and in their great compassion they came to reside in my own heart. My gratitude is infinite.

Quebec, Canada

Having recently survived the wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaii, I have struggled to allow myself to feel joy again—especially as I am still experiencing the many layers of grief that unfold each day. When I contemplated the title for the Intensive, “The Heart Is the Haven: Behold the Light of Joy and Embrace Calm,” I realized this is just what I needed—the means to allow myself to feel joy again from a place deep within me, the untouchable joy of our beloved path. I am so grateful to draw strength from this place, and to know that this joy is what will bring calm and peace to my community and the displaced students I am teaching. “The light of joy” will bring the healing and the calm that is so needed right now, more than anything we may try to teach. I am grateful to Gurumayi for reminding me that even amidst tragedy and grief, the inner joy will guide us through it all.

Hawaii, United States

I had a transforming experience while participating in the Shaktipat Intensive. Prior to the Intensive, I had been feeling upset by some harsh words a friend had spoken to me. The more I tried to restore my peace of mind, the worse I seemed to feel. It was even hard to sit for meditation. Then I became inspired by the title of the Intensive. I participated with the intention of solving my problem and resting completely in my heart. I focused on the title of the Intensive as I meditated. The moment I did this, I received a practical solution to my problem. Baba ji’s teachings also inspired me a lot. The practice of focusing on the title while meditating helped me feel completely free and able to rest in my heart.

Surat, India

I had an inner calling to explore a new venue where we could accommodate more Siddha Yogis than is normally possible in the local Siddha Yoga chanting and meditation group in which I participate. By listening to the guidance given by the inner Guru, I was led to a beautiful new venue for the Shaktipat Intensive in our area.

During the two months leading up to the Intensive, the whole Intensive team offered many hours of seva and we all also went through purification. Gurumayi’s grace and shakti were constantly present. Every time I had a challenge, I spoke with Gurumayi about it during my meditation and in the next moment it was resolved. I will never forget how the Guru’s shakti came through me and I was alert enough to hear this call.

The shakti was like a velvety, thick, blue light at the Intensive venue. Many people felt they were really taken care of and that the Intensive was magical. I am still rejoicing and feeling “embraced by calm.”

Eastbourne, United Kingdom

One day recently, a young man came to my door “by accident,” looking for my neighbor and confused about the address. Somehow he started talking about wanting to experience love by “listening to different frequencies.” I asked him if he had ever chanted as I was sure chanting would hit all the frequencies needed to experience love.

Chanting is one of my favorite practices on the Siddha Yoga path so maybe my enthusiasm inspired him to ask about the local Siddha Yoga chanting and meditation group. I invited him just inside my front door to see a picture of Baba with his hand in the abhaya mudra. His first Siddha Yoga experience was the Preparation Satsang, after which he took his first Shaktipat Intensive on October 8, 2023. He had profound experiences during the Intensive, and I could see how he glowed with the shakti.

I am amazed to see, once again, how God works in mysterious ways.

South Carolina, United States

Today I participated in the Shaktipat Intensive 2023 for a second time. Throughout the day I was able to meditate continuously and in a better way than even the first time I participated. My understanding of the teachings of Baba and Gurumayi ji also became clearer, as I went deeper into all the teachings. The Intensive’s title is a wonderful guide to exploring many things regarding the heart. Each time, the Intensive has had the same power to remove my negativities and to make me more silent and still within.

Udhana, India

Participating in this Shaktipat Intensive 2023, I could clearly perceive shaktipat as a profound act of grace. The transformative power of the Intensive imparted to me the essential teaching that the ultimate Reality doesn’t exist in some distant place but within my heart, within my entire being. I found myself on a journey along the path of the Heart, guided by the Siddha Yoga Gurus.

I feel assured that, through the conscious Siddha Yoga practices aimed at helping me to abide in the sacred space of my heart, I can experience the divine presence in my daily life, making every moment sacred. This Shaktipat Intensive has allowed me to wholeheartedly embrace the understanding “I am divine.” This Intensive has truly deepened my connection to the divinity within me.

Sydney, Australia

The evening before the Shaktipat Intensive 2023, I finished one of my final university assignments; it was all about “intangible assets” and the value that they hold even though they can’t be seen and are quite subjective.

Then the next day, what I heard in the Intensive made me feel as if I was meant to encounter and understand those teachings using a different perspective—the one I had just finished learning about. In the literature review for the assignment, one of the key articles spoke about how there still may be assets that are unknown and in time new assets will evolve. The Intensive reminded me of this observation, and of the journey I need to take to discover and understand both the assets within me that are still unknown to me and whatever new ones may yet manifest.

Highett, Australia

I participated in this Shaktipat Intensive with great joy. Ever since I first heard its title in August, this sacred event had seemed to draw closer with a unique and awesome presence and form of its own. Then, the day arrived and there I was, participating in the Shaktipat Intensive, immersed in that precious atmosphere of sacred grace.

During one of the meditation sessions, I was drawn deeply inside in a way that felt both familiar and new. My attention was anchored in my heart. I felt I had come to rest in a sacred abode nestled inside the sacred abode of my heart. It felt as if I had discovered a new, essential layer of my Self. There was a lovely sense of presence and lightness that accompanied this experience.

I am so grateful for the subtle experiences that I have had over the years when I have participated in Shaktipat Intensives. Each of them continues to guide my meditation practice. They are gifts to treasure.

Guildford, United Kingdom

I actively prepared for this Shaktipat Intensive, both outwardly and inwardly. On an outer level, I joined with my community to create a sacred environment for all Intensive participants to be able to receive the precious gift of this event. This communal effort brought our sangham together joyously.

Inwardly, I set an intention to be fully present and engaged in order to be open to receive the Guru’s infinite grace. My experience of the Shaktipat Intensive was profoundly deep and sublime. In the days that have followed, I have been drawn inside over and again. Fortunately, my circumstances allow me to follow these prompts to turn inward and meditate. As I have done so, I have experienced that Kundalini is actively doing her work, helping me to disengage from my limited thoughts and emotions. My gratitude is immense.

Michigan, United States

I offered seva for the Siddha Yoga Shaktipat Intensive. I experienced that doing so gave me a unique perspective on the power of seva. While it required me to remain alert and occasionally focus on my responsibilities, rather than on certain aspects of the Intensive, I unexpectedly found that offering seva enabled me to experience a deeper connection to the Intensive. It usually takes me some time to reach a meditative state, yet during the Intensive I felt as though I was able to effortlessly enter meditation.

I believe that offering seva allowed me to feel more in tune with the Intensive and brought me a profound sense of calm and a deeper connection to my heart. Offering seva held the key to accelerating my journey toward Self-discovery. This experience has enabled me to better appreciate the transformative potential of seva, especially its ability to aid me in my intention to connect with my heart.

Bangalore, India

I prepared for the Siddha Yoga Shaktipat Intensive by contemplating its title. I felt my preparation was completely supported by the Guru’s grace. When the day of the Intensive arrived, I entered the meditation hall with a sense of great anticipation. I was overjoyed to spend the day surrounded by the grace of the Guru and in the presence of a roomful of loving Siddha Yoga devotees. I experienced that every element of the Intensive moved me closer to my heart.

Since taking part in the Intensive, I have continued to notice how the shakti is still moving powerfully within me. One of the gifts of this Intensive for me is that I feel I am following Gurumayi’s guidance to “embrace calm.” Although certain challenging situations have occurred, they haven’t caused me any anxiety. Also, when I pause, I am aware of a sweet joy vibrating within—and I find that I am able to practice pausing more often. What a blessing it has been to prepare for and take part in this Shaktipat Intensive.

California, United States

I experienced an opening of the heart during the Shaktipat Intensive, and that feeling has remained with me. I also felt a strong desire to live up to the excellence of which I am capable. Two days after the Intensive an unexpected challenge arose, and I know that the sacred duty that lies before me is to return again and again to the sensations of lightness, love, and strength I felt so clearly during the Intensive. I am grateful to Gurumayi and Baba for giving me the capacity to meet this challenge with love and fortitude.

Virginia, United States

As I prepared to participate in the Shaktipat Intensive 2023, the first words of the title, “The Heart is the Haven,” became a touchstone for me. Again and again I felt drawn to this refuge within me, regardless of the ebbs and flows of my days. The Intensive took me so much deeper into this practice. I have come to know a place of repose and beauty that is new and ever more subtle. What a profound blessing this is!

Hampton, Australia

The beginning of my Intensive experience came in offering seva with the whole team in preparation for this first Shakipat Intensive after a four-year pause. I experienced a new and constant flow of love and excitement in my heart as though I were entering into “the Siddha Yoga university” as a mature student.

From the very first moment of the Intensive, my being was filled with so much love for the Siddha Yoga Gurus. I was fully focused on the screen and the words of each teaching streamed straight into my heart. Now, as I reflect on my experience, I can still connect with those shakti-filled special moments, which I will cherish forever.

Nairobi, Kenya

I woke this morning with joy and calm, and a little bodily stiffness! Having been immersed for the last few months in helping to coordinate the Shaktipat Intensive, I reached the day when all that just evaporated—poof!—like blowing on a dandelion head. The intensity and challenges of the previous weeks were mere wisps of nothing.

The Shaktipat Intensive itself gave me a chance to discover just who had been meeting those challenges, who was achieving the end result. Not just “me” but the One from whom all my skills and kindness spring.

Walking this path is so great!

Hampton Hill, United Kingdom

After I registered for the Shaktipat Intensive 2023, I wrote the song below; it seemed to arise effortlessly. Then, at the Intensive, a beautiful image of the moon in clouds appeared in the video background. I received it as a confirmation that the song was a gift of the inner Self!

Crescent Moon

It’s about a moon,
on a dark night,
the crescent moon,
magic sliver of light.
Awakening awareness
and our insight,
shining in our inner mind,
a subtle light.

It’s about knowing
who you truly are,
made not of dusty earth
but the stuff of stars.
A holographic secret
that our heart guards;
everything’s inside,
nothing is apart.

And when the moon
begins to rise,
there is deep peace
and calm inside.

It’s about seeing
everything as new,
a unified tapestry
that is freshly hewn.
A fountain of bliss
arises like a plume,
showing us our oneness,
letting joy bloom.

And when the moon
begins to rise,
there is deep peace
and calm inside.

It’s about the moon,
in a midnight sky,
the crescent moon,
magic sliver of light.
Awakening awareness
and our insight,
shining in our inner space,
loving light, loving light.

California, United States

As I entered our modest hall, lovingly prepared by so many sevites for the Siddha Yoga Shaktipat Intensive in Honor of Baba Muktananda’s Mahasamadhi, I felt the full grace of the Guru welcoming me. After weeks of hectic days, I felt that I was entering the place affirmed in the Intensive title: “The Heart is the Haven.” I found a haven where I can take refuge, a haven of peace and joy, a haven of love, a haven where the waves are calm. And all of this in my precious heart!

The meditations were divine.

Perth, Australia

The Siddha Yoga Shaktipat Intensive 2023 was a divine experience for me. Early on, when we chanted Om Namah Shivaya, I felt a bolt of energy flowing through my body. The meditation sessions also made me meditate more and more deeply. As the conclusion of the Intensive approached, I felt as if we were all full of energy.

Thane, India

The Shaktipat Intensive 2023 was fantastic and gave me much joy.

Some of the time it was hard for me to meditate, but then it improved. During the chanting I felt as if my heart had suddenly been purified. In that light, I thought about Baba ji and the golden days that I have spent at Gurudev Siddha Peeth. Inwardly, I thanked Baba ji for the chance to offer a lot of seva at an early age. As I chanted, I also offered prayers to all my ancestors since it was still the period of Pitru Paksha.

After the Intensive had concluded, I was so happy and experienced a lot of grace within myself. My mind was quiet and content. I cannot forget the inner purification, which made me rejoice both within and without.

Udhana, India

I have just participated in the Siddha Yoga Shaktipat Intensive 2023 in Honor of Baba Muktananda’s Mahasamadhi. I felt that I had an experience of the meaning of the teachings in its title. Internally, I asked Gurumayi, “What do I need to do to live in this space of the heart?” The answer I received was to surrender into the knowledge that everything happens for the best!

North Carolina, United States

Having just participated in the Siddha Yoga Shaktipat Intensive 2023 in Honor of Baba’s Mahasamadhi, I can see that the fruit of all the Intensives I’ve ever taken is a magnetic pull into a very deep state of meditation, where I am floating in the soothing and healing comfort of God’s love.

St. Laurent, Canada