I am amazed at how every aspect of this card explores the richness and complexity of the Guru’s grace: the photos of the lotus flower and the full moon, as well as the touching words from Swami Indirananda. It seems that this simple card is speaking to me in many different modes, giving me the opportunity to explore in depth the relationship between myself and the abundance that comes from the presence of Gurumayi in my life. A sense of apparent infinity has appeared inside me, leaving me with a deep desire to give and give and give.
Rome, Italy
This invitation viscerally touches my heart in so many places. I feel like this lotus is a vision of the cooling peace of an illumined heart that has offered itself wholly and has thus received two of the greatest blessings life can bring: truth and peace. Both the image and Swami ji’s letter guide me to more fully understand the virtue given to us by Gurumayi on her birthday—
ekanishtha, “wholeheartedness.”
This month I want to practice offering
dakshina with a fully open heart, with full faith in the transforming power that Gurumayi has awakened in my heart.
a staff member at Shree Muktananda Ashram
The image of the beautiful pearly-white lotus, with each petal joyfully looking up toward the sky, made me cup both my palms in front of the image on the screen. This sudden gesture expanded my chest, and I felt a deep connection in my heart as I said, “Thank you, Gurumayi,” which was followed by my recognizing a string of reasons for my heartfelt gratitude. With this image in my mind, I slowly glided into sweet meditation.
Nairobi, Kenya
My life was forever changed in 1989 on the day Gurumayi woke me to the scent of blossoms. This was on my birthday that February. I wondered how I could be smelling flowers in the depth of winter, so I arose from my slumber to take a walk. Just ten minutes later I arrived at the Siddha Yoga meditation center which was, unbeknownst to me previously, just blocks away from my door. I was welcomed inside as the daily recitation of Shri Guru Gita was about to begin!
My life has been blessed with sweetness ever since. I am so thankful to have this path of devotion. I am so thankful to my dearest Guru for the steady stream of love which flows to my heart. I am so thankful for all the Siddha Yoga teachings that Gurumayi gives me daily.
Arizona, United States
This morning, this invitation in honor of Gurupurnima entered my meditation and the image of a delicate blue dome above Shri Guru’s sandals, or padukas, came to mind, like a two-layered protection of love and light. My heart, filled with peace and gentleness, lit up with a number. I knew it was an inner prompting of the Shakti and I will remember it when I offer dakshina for Gurupurnima.
Plougonvelin, France
As I saw the cooling, moonlike image of the lotus on this stunning invitation, I became indrawn. When I read the invitation, Swami ji’s words came alive for me: “...we are all one under the great blue dome of Shri Guru’s grace and protection.” I saw the lotus, the blue dome, and the full moon at the end of the invitation as all reflections of the great blue Self. As I did, I experienced great gratitude.
Dunedin, New Zealand
I am thankful for such a beautiful image and such inspiring words! They led me to acknowledge and contemplate the importance of the spiritual practice of
dakshina and the impact that
sadhana has in my daily life.
Shubh Gurupurnima to all!
Hermosillo, Mexico
When I saw the beautiful lotus on the invitation to offer
dakshina, I thought that this image perfectly reflected Gurumayi’s Message for 2024. To me, “dignity,” “openness,” and “divinity” radiate from this beautiful lotus, and I am inspired to offer
dakshina.
Every month I offer a percentage of my income as
dakshina. On the special occasion of Gurupurnima I wanted to find new, creative ways of practicing
dakshina. So I decided to divide my monthly budget into a daily budget until the night of Gurupurnima, so that I am even more conscious of only spending what I really need on a daily basis. Every evening, I will put the money I have over my daily budget into a box on my
puja altar
, and offer it all at the culmination of Gurupurnima. This way I will think of Gurupurnima every day during this time, and my Gurupurnim
a dakshina will be drenched with my love.
Konolfingen, Switzerland