It was a joy having satsang with Gurumayi in celebration of the fifty-second anniversary of Shri Guru Gita recitations!
My husband and I live in Spain and have three young children. We watched the satsang on the big TV in our living room. I asked my husband to think of me when he was reciting Shri Guru Gita while I was attending to the needs of the young ones.
When Gurumayi started talking, I asked all the children to be quiet so that I could hear her speak. And so they did, even our one-and-a-half-year-old child! The children looked at the screen while they were playing. Then when we chanted Jyota se Jyota Jagao, there was an explosion of joy and everyone started dancing! The children were jumping and rejoicing.
It was such a beautiful experience to see them connected and sharing space and time with the Guru.
Santa Maria de Palautordera, Spain
For this delightful connection with the sangham, clouds swept over the tips of the nearby Outeniqua Mountains. Lord Shiva, white as jasmine flowers, spread his grace over us from the sky, allowing me to welcome everyone to receive the abundant blessings of the divine mantra, Shri Guru Gita, recited with our beloved Gurumayi.
Through the magic of being connected, I was able to recite Shri Guru Gita with a full voice and focus. The grace flowing into my being allowed me to project my voice and stay connected. The stillness that pervaded from the vibrations of Om allowed me to just be, throughout my meditation. I felt good and lighthearted.
George, South Africa
The Siddha Yoga Satsang in Honor of the Fifty-second Anniversary of Shri Guru Gita Recitation was a magnificent boon! In preparation for the satsang, I read Swami Shantananda’s beautiful exposition on “The Significance of Shri Guru Gita.” Afterwards, I kept repeating, “In the year 2024, it is time to merge into the light.”
Imagine my delight when I saw verse 162 posted on the Siddha Yoga path website—because the verse affirms that the soul merges into the light by proclaiming, “…so the individual soul merges in the universal soul.”
Throughout the satsang, I felt Gurumayi’s support in staying focused on the Absolute through her contemplative teachings and singing practices; I also felt support in listening to the Swamis’ wisdom when they reported their own responses to Gurumayi’s Message for 2024.
Virginia, United States
After the divine recitation of Shri Guru Gita, when Gurumayi ji was chanting Om, at that time my twenty-two-month-old daughter started chanting Om along with Gurumayi ji. We all were very happy to hear her chanting Om. Even today, when she is asked how Gurumayi ji sings, she answers by pronouncing Om.
Malpura, India
The recitation of
Shri Guru Gita is one of my favorite Siddha Yoga practices. Whenever I start chanting
Muktananda Mahan, all my thoughts start to dissolve, and by the time I begin reciting
Shri Guru Paduka Panchakam, I experience that I am already established in my heart at my Guru’s feet.
As the recitation of the text begins, the question posed by Devi Parvati makes me feel so humbled and grateful. Then, as I recite and contemplate the answers given by Lord Shiva, my entire being is filled with gratitude, and I experience the Lord’s love. I feel the Guru’s love and compassion for me. Throughout the recitation, there is so much love and joy generated within me, that although my physical body is seated on my
asana, my entire being seems to glide with the
rasa of every ascending and descending note of the melody, and with each syllable of the text.
a Gurukula student in Gurudev Siddha Peeth
During the recitation of
Shri Guru Gita, I visualized a sacred
yajna fire. In the beginning, the fire appeared to dance wildly, flickering in every direction. But, as the recitation progressed, it seemed to transform, expand, and emanate the gentle warmth of Mother Earth.
Soon, the fire took on the majestic shape of a column, and I felt more grounded in my recitation of the text. I experienced that I could distinctly hear the sound of the fire blending with Gurumayi’s voice and could sense the sound vibrations in different parts of my body. This drew me inward into the sacred space of my heart.
I experienced a profound connection with my inner Self. It felt as if I wasn’t just chanting with my voice but reciting the text from my heart. A sense of deep contentment, peace, and stillness enveloped me. This sacred experience elevated my recitation and infused me with a feeling of sanctity and divine resonance.
Sydney, Australia
In this
satsang I was particularly affected by Gurumayi’s instructions on how to establish a proper posture and by the chanting of
Om. Throughout the recitation of
Shri Guru Gita, I experienced that my spine was erect yet supple and that
pranayama was going on spontaneously. Then, when we chanted
Om, my mind seemed to merge with my heart. I felt tall and expansive during meditation, as if I was merging with the cosmos, and I experienced a sense of great silence and peace afterward.
Udaipur, India
It was so uplifting to participate in the
satsang in honor of the 52nd anniversary of the recitation of
Shri Guru Gita. I loved chanting with Gurumayi and the
sangham in the
Universal Hall. I also really appreciated hearing more about the Message from Gurumayi and the Swamis.
One of the highlights of the
satsang for me was Gurumayi’s giving postural instructions before we recited
Shri Guru Gita. They contributed to an incredible expansion in and lightening of my body. Gurumayi’s instructions enabled me to attain not only a sense of broadening of my shoulders, and with it the upper back and chest, but also a lifting and lengthening of the spine. I felt so buoyant. I will continue to apply and explore these exquisite postural instructions and make them a part of my implementation of Gurumayi’s Message for 2024.
Sydney, Australia
I recite Shri Guru Gita every day. The recitation of this sacred text during this satsang was extraordinarily moving for me. In fact, I feel as though I have fallen in love with Shri Guru Gita all over again. Yesterday, when I sat to recite Shri Guru Gita, I experienced that love was pouring out of every cell of my being. As I recited the sacred verses, I felt as though I was reveling in the power and beauty of the heart, and the grace that flows so abundantly from Guru to disciple. It was like a divine dance of love.
Oregon, United States
It was wonderful to recite
Shri Guru Gita with Gurumayi in the Siddha Yoga Universal Hall. I’ve always loved reading the translation in the space between reciting lines. I have found that this enables me to both absorb the vibrations of the Sanskrit syllables and study the meaning of the sacred text. I am encouraged to notice how the meaning of the text has evolved, and continues to evolve for me, over the years of my
sadhana.
This morning as I was preparing breakfast in my kitchen, I was remembering what Gurumayi said in the
satsang about physicalizing the Message for 2024. In between my steps around the kitchen, I began to stretch upward while grounding myself in my own inner poise. I then spread my arms wide and raised my chest to be receptive to grace. These movements were fluid and natural, and they helped to bring me into alignment with my breath and gave me a sense of confidence and joy that I carried with me throughout the day.
New York, United States
On the morning of the live stream of
Shri Guru Gita, I went to my meditation room with my heart filled with gratitude for all the grace I have received in my life. When Gurumayi suggested that we bring those who could not be present into the
satsang, I experienced that one face after another came into my mind. I then had the thought to make the intention to send the blessings of
Shri Guru Gita to the entire world.
Georgia, United States
As a musician, I can say that it is the discipline and practice of
Shri Guru Gita recitation that has taught me the importance of posture and focus. When I first started to recite
Shri Guru Gita, I would often feel very drowsy and distracted. But now, I have become so focused on each syllable and line that I am frequently able to experience complete stillness and truly absorb the power of the text. In fact, there have been many times that I have completed the recitation feeling as though I am Shiva. I am so happy that my recitation of
Shri Guru Gita has evolved into a practice that I so fully enjoy and embrace.
Mumbai, India
Several weeks before receiving Gurumayi’s Message for 2024, I started singing
Om, together with my husband. Although I am not a professional musician, I was drawn to sing it to different tunes and in different ways. I often sang in my kitchen when I was cooking dinner, when no one was around. And today, after reciting
Shri Guru Gita with Gurumayi, when I listened to her wonderful singing, the sound of
Om became one with the sound of
Om in my being.
For many years, Gurumayi’s loving guidance has been helping me to overcome all the difficulties in my life. And this year I feel that Gurumayi and Mahasarasvati together will help me to explore and implement the Message in my life in the most creative ways.
Russian Federation
I was not able to attend the
satsang today because I’m visiting my dad; he hasn’t been feeling well, so he needed me to be fully present with him. I prayed to share in the blessings that were being created all around the world during the recitation of
Shri Guru Gita. I also prayed to be present with my dad.
During the morning, I received a text from someone sharing about the
satsang. I felt the touch of grace I needed. Soon after, my dad sat right up and agreed to play a game with me for the first time in many years!
Prayers really do work! I am grateful to my friends who included me in this special anniversary
satsang.
California, United States
What stood out most for me was experiencing Gurumayi’s love for me, for my ancestors, and for all of planet Earth. I will cherish and remember Gurumayi giving me permission and encouragement to feel free to be me, whether I am singing, chanting, speaking with others, or going about my daily activities.
Pennsylvania, United States
My heart is still full to the brim with the wonders of yesterday’s
satsang. What a glorious event! Gurumayi’s vibrant energy touched me at a very deep level. I was transfixed when she led us into singing
Om. I could picture the deep vibrations of the sound reaching the four corners of the earth, supporting it, healing it.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
I was delighted to hear Gurumayi talk about Bhau Shastri. I had been thinking of him just a few days earlier. I always enjoyed seeing him in Gurudev Siddha Peeth. Once he gave me water that had been used in a
puja. I had a sip a little later and immediately went into powerful meditation.
Washington, United States
As we chanted
Shri Guru Gita with Gurumayi and drank in her words and presence, I felt my understanding of her Message for 2024 growing. I recognized that like the majestic trees, the dignity that Gurumayi speaks of includes the way branches sway blissfully and leaves dance in the breeze, while the trunk still stands tall and steady. I can see how this dignity includes the playfulness and laughter that Swami Umeshananda embodies, as Gurumayi explained. This dignity wears a smile that reflects the light of the Heart.
Recently I visited Australia, and stayed in an area with lots of trees. The early mornings would burst into life as so many birds warbled enchantingly among the trees! With Gurumayi’s invitation to go sing freely in the forest, I now remember that morning birdsong as inviting me to do more than lie in bed listening. Gurumayi has called me to set aside shyness and hesitation, and step into this experience wholeheartedly.
Glancing down, I saw I was wearing an outfit with a bird embroidered over my heart. Every word and nuance of this Message is definitely personal for me!
California, United States
This recitation of
Shri Guru Gita was an incredibly blessed event. Gurumayi’s Message for 2024 has so much to offer! During the
satsang I had an experience of its second line. When Gurumayi ji led us into meditation, I had the
darshan of Sai Baba of Shirdi. Initially my mind was struggling to believe that it was real and not just a visualization. Then I remembered the part of Gurumayi’s Message that says, “Be open to grace,” and I knew that this
darshan was a divine moment of grace.
The image of Sai Baba was there throughout my meditation. I feel so much gratitude toward Gurumayi ji for her Message and for this experience.
Oakville, Canada
Because of a health crisis I was unable to join everyone in the Siddha Yoga Universal Hall for the recitation of
Shri Guru Gita. But that morning, at the time of the
satsang, I chanted
Muktananda Mahan, Shri-Guru-Paduka-Panchakam, and what I could remember of
Shri Guru Gita.
A friend of mine related that Gurumayi had repeated these words from her Message: “Stand tall.” As I was lying in bed last night, afraid to move or even chant aloud because of pain in my spine, and beginning to feel a little hopeless, I remembered, “Stand tall.” I told myself, “Gurumayi does not want you to give up.” So I began very slowly, inch by inch, to move various parts of my body while doing
mantra japa inside. Eventually my muscles released much of their tension, allowing the acute condition to begin to reverse itself—and today I am sitting at my computer!
The fruits of
Shri Guru Gita are sweet.
California, United States
Whenever I chant
Shri Guru Gita, I feel Gurumayi’s presence communing with me through the verses, often giving me insight or advice, or reminding me of an experience I’ve had with her. It is an amazing alchemy—a true “
yajna of recitation,” as Gurumayi has described it, blazing with
shakti that I can immerse myself in, receiving a complete resurgence of nectarean devotion.
And once again this was the case as she chanted with us in the
satsang honoring the 52nd anniversary of
Shri Guru Gita recitations. There was such an intimate flow of love. I was almost giddy afterward! It felt like I was floating in divinity.
I am wholeheartedly thankful to Baba for giving us this scriptural text and to Gurumayi for keeping the tradition alive and thriving in all our hearts.
Washington, United States
From the moment Gurumayi invited us to elongate the spine and to let the energy “swirl” upward as we prepared to recite
Shri Guru Gita, I felt grace flowing throughout my body, soul, and mind, enlivening my “connection with divinity.”
I view this sacred text as the key to understanding our extremely beneficent Siddha Yoga path. Each stanza took on additional depth and meaning, shining light on new insights that helped me to resolve long-standing questions about my
sadhana and life, and renewing my enthusiasm for
sadhana and life.
My experience was profound on every level. I am eternally grateful. How fortunate we are!
New York, United States
This morning as I thought of yesterday’s
satsang, the first thing that came up was hearty laughter and an impulse to hum and to sing the vowels “
a” and
”u” as well as
Om up and down the scale. As I sang, I moved in rhythm on my chair; happiness and joy filled me and swirled through my body.
When we sang
Om on a deeper note with Gurumayi, I felt like I was walking barefoot on the velvety mossy ground in the forest of the Message Artwork. For me, this experience is so grounding and healing
and gives me wings.
Deggendorf, Germany
In the
satsang, as
Jyota se Jyota Jagao began, I felt something that I have never felt before. Although I have sung this hymn thousands of times, yesterday there was some magic that happened inside me. Each time we sang the refrain, my heart offered itself in prayer, “O Sadguru, my Gurumayi ji, please light my lamp with your light.” And each time this happened, I experienced Gurumayi ji as a mass of divine light, blazing with compassion. My heart meant it each time I sang the refrain, and with this, I felt something was kindled within me.
I feel I am new after yesterday’s
satsang; my bond with Shri Gurumayi has strengthened. I feel her love for me even more deeply.
a Gurukula student in Gurudev Siddha Peeth
At the beginning of meditation, Gurumayi was softly repeating the word
light when I opened my eyes. From my window, I saw large snowflakes just beginning to fall. It was snowing so abundantly, so generously! As Gurumayi was repeating the word
light, each snowflake seemed to shine like a jewel under the sun. It was as if nature was in total harmony with the Guru’s
sankalpa, bringing her words to life before my eyes!
Then, when Gurumayi invited us to feel the light dancing in all the particles of our body, I saw the wind gain momentum, which made the large white snowflakes swirl and dance in a wonderful, most fascinating waltz! It felt as if the heavens were showering upon us a stream of grace and blessings through billions of particles of light, peace, and love falling down so gently, so joyfully on our planet and on all of humanity.
Amazed, I reflected that I had just witnessed a grand scene, which left me with an unshakeable certitude: nature is at the service of Gurumayi, just as Gurumayi is at the service of nature.
Quebec, Canada
When Gurumayi encouraged us to invite people who for some reason could not be present, I invited my mother and my father. My mother left her physical body on January 7 over two decades ago. I could feel the presence of both my parents—smiling, luminous, grateful, and happy to be included in this glorious
satsang. When Gurumayi spoke about the ancestors, I received even more understanding, and I felt a lot of happiness and gratitude for having invited my parents.
Bali, Indonesia
The time for the
satsang to begin in Melbourne, Australia, was 2 a.m. I was planning to lie down and experience the sound vibrations of reciting
Shri Guru Gita. However, when Gurumayi invited us to think of people who couldn’t make it, but wanted to be there, I could no longer lie down. I began seeing their faces and saying their names, sensing their presence in the sacred space of the Siddha Yoga Universal Hall with our Guru. I felt like we were all trees in the forest, like those in the Message Artwork.
Chanting with Gurumayi felt as if I were literally nourishing the soil through which the trees in the forest would receive the nutrients needed to thrive. My heart expanded into the room, the sky, the earth, and the universe. And then I experienced infinite peace when I sang with Gurumayi as she sang with free abandon. As I sang, I laughed and cried and heard the most beautiful sounds arising from within—I knew I was completely, one-hundred percent “connected to my divinity.”
South Melbourne, Australia
Song of the Guru
Forty minutes of
pranayama
bathing in love
honoring fifty-two years
of “the one indispensable text”
treasured companion on the sacred path
And we chanted
Om
the primordial sound
in a frequency that resets
the roots of my being
re-aligning the light of my soul
Immersed in the resonance
shakti swirls—mind expands
encompassing light love peace
embracing this fresh new year
with a heart filled with gratitude.
Llwynygroes, United Kingdom
For me, reciting
Shri Guru Gita in the Siddha Yoga Universal Hall while surrounded by a snow-blanketed landscape outside took me deep into the inner cave of my heart. When Gurumayi invited us to visualize the people who were not able to join us for the live stream, I immediately brought to mind the faces of more than a dozen people I’ve been inviting to other live streams, people who said they couldn’t make it, and also my Mom who passed away last year. It really touched my heart to be able to offer this in service to other people, especially my Mom.
My husband’s parents had trouble logging on to the
satsang, but as I was thinking of them, they texted and said they were just able to join and were enchanted by being in Gurumayi’s presence. They were also happy because they knew their grandchildren had been offering
seva for the
satsang and that motivated them to keep trying to log in.
I experienced that this recitation of
Shri Guru Gita uplifted so many people!
California, United States
Yesterday, after participating in the
satsang via live video stream, I went to sleep and had a dream. In this dream, I found myself actively engaged in a
satsang with Gurumayi and many Siddha Yogis. After some time, to my astonishment, I found myself taking part in the
satsang with Gurumayi and my family within the walls of my own home. I witnessed Gurumayi walking to each corner of my house, chanting. Her resonant chanting was filled with boundless enthusiasm, spreading love to every nook and cranny of my home.
During the
satsang for the anniversary of
Shri Guru Gita recitations, Gurumayi mentioned that we come into her dreams. Hearing her say this, I came to recognize that experiencing the Guru’s
darshan in a dream is also one of the powerful means to deepen the connection with the Guru in my heart.
Sydney, Australia
Here in Australia the Siddha Yoga live streams usually begin at 2 a.m. I am elderly and need rest and sleep for my health and well-being, and I had not taken part in the live streams during the last year. Last week I decided that if I was awake at 2 a.m., I would tune into
Sweet Surprise and see how I managed. At exactly 2:01 a.m. I woke up, completely alert, and stayed that way for the whole
satsang. It was wonderful! The next day I was a little tired, but otherwise fine.
The second line of Gurumayi’s Message resounded in me, so last night I decided to repeat the experiment. At 2 a.m. I was once again wide awake, and able to enjoy the recitation of
Shri Guru Gita and Gurumayi’s words.
My mantra for 2024 is “Be open to grace!”
Canberra, Australia
Today my husband and I participated in the beautiful satsang honoring Shri Guru Gita recitations. It was a wonderful ecstasy to be able to recite along with Gurumayi. As soon as the satsang started, I felt the love and grace of Gurumayi and Bade Baba.
Just before we meditated, Gurumayi repeated, “I am light,” several times. Then I had a very beautiful meditation experience. I remembered the dream I’d had the night before,
where my husband told me that he saw the light from my aura, and that I was a bright light. I felt this wasn’t a coincidence. Just as Gurumayi told Swami Umeshananda that he is dignified even though he didn’t think so, I felt she was telling me about my light, and that I should trust in it and in her.
At the same time, I began to feel very hot and visualized a light coming up my body from the base of the muladhara chakra toward the sahasrara. I felt something so strong in my heart, and an expansion beyond the opening of my arms. And I felt that the satsang we were enjoying was merging with Gurumayi’s Message for 2024.
Olivos, Argentina
Shri Guru Gita is the pillar in my sadhana. I have the tradition of reciting it on my birthday, as a way to give thanks for one more year of life. It is with me during difficult times, when a loved one has passed away, when I need grounding, when I need to feel protection and guidance.
Shri Guru Gita is profoundly sacred and powerful. It doesn’t matter where I recite it or what inner state I’m in; every single time, I feel the vibrations purifying my whole being—my mind, my body—and the space around me. A secret alchemy happens. I find myself experiencing waves of devotion, and by the end of the recitation, during meditation I am completely soaked, with every cell of my being vibrating in my Guru´s love.
I am so thankful to Gurumayi for this sweet gift, for connecting all our hearts in unison, pulsating in our own divine nature.
Mexico City, Mexico
As I participated in the satsang today, at one point I felt I was seated in a “column of light.” I felt that each verse I listened to was entering into me as the Guru’s light and love. As I continued the recitation, its meaning became alive and felt like illumination in my awareness within. This awareness released joy and I chanted with even more focus and devotion.
I am grateful to have had this amazing opportunity to participate in this satsang with Gurumayi in the Siddha Yoga Universal Hall.
Pune, India
The purification that comes from reciting Shri Guru Gita in the presence of the Guru can be very powerful.
I was so sure that this time I would be able to sit there in the Siddha Yoga Universal Hall and simply chant with grace, in a dignified manner. Instead, great emotions rose up within me and just a few verses into the text, I was crying deeply, and primally, into my chanting book, for reasons I only vaguely comprehended. I believe the energy of the chant churned up and washed away deeply ingrained samskaras from many past lifetimes.
Even so, I had an awareness of the Seer watching, forgiving, and blessing this. I would look up and see Gurumayi’s unconditionally compassionate and patient gaze, bathing me in her light and love.
The meditation afterwards was a pool of brilliant white light that calmed and soothed the inner fire. I was left feeling purified and new and sweetly rooted in peaceful love.
California, United States
This satsang was like a Shaktipat Intensive for me, starting with the sparkling host, who announced the recitation of Shri Guru Gita and shared her own experiences of it.
Two of the highlights for me were singing Om together, which brought me into balance again, and the subsequent meditation, which led me deeper and deeper into my heart. At the same time I also perceived a clarity and an inherent light.
For me words cannot adequately describe the alchemy which takes place during such a satsang, and probably I am realizing only a fraction of what has happened inside of me today. Still, I can say that Gurumayi’s clarity, strength, and love encourage me to implement these virtues in my everyday life. It is as if she not only exemplifies these virtues, but also reawakens them inside of us to encourage us to “stand tall in our dignity.”
Gottmadingen, Germany
Just this morning, near where I live, the tops of some mountains were sprinkled with snow and one of them reminded me of the top of Mount Kailas. My thought was that it is “standing tall in its dignity,” as Gurumayi’s Message calls on us to do. Many things in nature are bringing me back to Gurumayi’s Message this year.
While reciting Shri Guru Gita during the satsang, I was drawn into meditation and felt a great peace arise from my being. Ahhh, the grace is powerful!
Varese, Italy
Today’s recitation of
Shri Guru Gita with Gurumayi was a most remarkable and splendid one for me. When Gurumayi had us chant
Om in a low register after the recitation of
Shri Guru Gita, I sank into a resonance that clicked with my inner being: I felt as though a switch had been turned on and I could feel my dignity. And when Gurumayi invited the director of the live video stream to discuss what had happened during it, it reinforced for me not only that it’s okay to be transparent and authentic in our everyday lives, but that it’s also the source of much of the
shakti and juice in life.
It reminded me of a time when a speaker at the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland was having trouble with a share. Gurumayi encouraged that person to turn to those present and ask for help. A statement that arose from that interaction was articulated as “Ask for help when you need it.”
Gurumayi’s humanity and divinity shine like a brilliant light, helping me to recognize the light within myself.
West Virginia, United States
The Siddha Yoga satsangs via live video stream we have enjoyed thus far in 2024 have brought so much light and auspiciousness to this widower seeker in his eighties. I live alone and have been very regular with my sadhana and spiritual practices since 1976.
I find that Gurumayi’s Message for 2024 is perfectly fitting for me in the later years of my life. Like Swami Umeshananda ji, I also have found a total shift in my perspective. I experience steadfastness, fearlessness, bliss, and expanded consciousness all around by the grace of my beloved Gurumayi ji.
Oakville, Canada
After today’s satsang, I went for a crisp winter evening walk by the River Thames, repeating Gurumayi’s words, “I am light,” with every footstep. I saw magical fairy lights garlanding trees, light shimmering on the undulating surface of the river, and lights shining from windows of apartment blocks. I thought about all the forms of light, from the bright burst of sunlight to the gentle peach hues of the waking dawn.
As I repeated “I am light,” my mind kept coming back to the image of the gentle, loving light of dawn—light that wakes us like a mother’s brush over her child’s hair. I felt that it is the dawn light that holds some meaning for me in my life at the moment. Just as I thought this, I came across a lit-up neon sign atop a building: And suddenly it was morning. I stopped, stared, and smiled.
London, United Kingdom
For over thirty years, I have listened to Shri Guru Gita daily. I did, however, resolve to recite Shri Guru Gita once a week after recently taking part in the Pilgrimage to the Heart Retreat at Gurudev Siddha Peeth. And Shri Gurumayi’s Message for 2024 enabled me to put forth further effort and to experience her grace.
Today I was able to “connect to my divinity” immediately through the profound chanting of Om. Throughout the chant, I sensed a powerful shakti rising upward within me. Singing without reservation is a very important teaching I have received from Gurumayi. It helps expand my heart chakra and keep me in touch with my own divine nature.
I am incredibly appreciative of Gurumayi’s keen observational skills since they have taught me how to maintain attentiveness in all my social interactions and encounters with the outside world, and specifically at my work. Gurumayi has taught me that humility is a crucial component for practicing vigilance. She has my eternal gratitude for her incomparable teachings and her boundless wisdom.
The Houghton, South Africa
My experience of reciting Shri Guru Gita was unlike any I’d ever had before. I felt like I was alive, and a fire was rising within me. I’ve never recited Shri Guru Gita with such awareness or so openly. I was connected to the words, to the Siddha Yoga Universal Hall, and to Gurumayi, Baba, and Bade Baba. The words were so palpable.
I’ve never wanted to recite Shri Guru Gita as much as I did today. I felt an awakening; a calling for my Guru arose within me. I am so grateful for this path, for these words, and for this experience of grace.
New York, United States
It is 4 a.m. here in Australia but I have to share my gratitude for this recitation
satsang and, in particular, for the physicalization of Gurumayi’s Message. First it extends me upwards, then it expands me outwards, and then it brings me to my feet’s connection to the earth, as well as to my heart—just as in the anecdote of how our host Vivek’s feet appeared reflected on his chest during the
satsang on January 1. I take my stance rooted in my own heart. I am so grateful to have this firm, strong foundation for my being.
Clifton Hill, Australia
After the recitation of
Shri Guru Gita, when we started to sing
Om with Gurumayi, I quickly felt the vibration of
Om permeating my cells. The sound coming out from my being became a loud, low-pitched
Om vibrating in the entire room. I even stopped humming to be sure the sound was coming from me. And it was! I was experiencing the vibration of
Om, the
shakti moving inside me, and Gurumayi’s presence as one and the same thing. Gurumayi’s Message was alive within me.
This experience reminds me that my dignity is always there, the Guru’s grace is always present, and divinity is my true nature. I now want to consciously choose to implement Gurumayi’s Message, supported by self-effort and discipline. I feel love and gratitude for Gurumayi.
Annecy, France
At the end of this morning’s satsang, I reflected and joyfully realized that I had had a palpable experience of Gurumayi’s Message for 2024. By just being present in the Siddha Yoga Universal Hall, I felt grace flowing through my being. As we recited the sacred text of Shri Guru Gita together with Gurumayi, I felt the sweet vibration of the shakti move throughout my being. I felt its love, its compassion, and my own divine nature. It was a powerful physical experience—it shifted everything inside of me and I felt like I had become Gurumayi’s Message.
Massachusetts, United States
I want to thank Gurumayi for her love and patience in reminding us to listen and focus—when we sing, when we meditate, when we are in silence, when Gurumayi talks to us or asks us a question. It has been a blessing to have the opportunity to observe Gurumayi’s interactions today with the satsang’s production team and with the Swamis.
This teaching helps me deepen my understanding of all parts of Gurumayi’s Message for 2024. My intention is to put this understanding into respectful and thoughtful practice.
Newfoundland, Canada
What an auspicious blessing to join in the sacred
satsang to honor the 52nd anniversary of
Shri Guru Gita recitation, to be in the sweet presence of grace with every heart brimming with so much love and devotion! I appreciated hearing the wonderful experiences of Gurumayi’s Message for 2024 that the three Siddha Yoga Swamis shared with us. I had many moments of pure love, joy, and happiness.
Nice, France
What an amazing experience I received from the Guru during the recitation of
Shri Guru Gita today! I tried to follow along in English so that I might understand the chant better. At times the thought of getting lost and not being able to keep up with the recitation entered my mind, but then something beyond my comprehension happened. Not only was I able to keep up but somehow I got drawn into reciting in Sanskrit with everyone else, and it was like I understood the words. It was really amazing!
New York, United States
Last night I awoke to a vision of blue light and a powerful ocean with the waves increasing in strength. This meant to me the ocean of peace, the sankalpa of the satsang, spreading throughout the world, and also, after I saw the quotation concluding the satsang, that my own soul is merging into God.
I too am experiencing Gurumayi’s Message for 2024 very physically, and this feels totally unique for me in regard to past Messages. I was also delighted and moved by Gurumayi sharing about her dream of Bhau Shastri. During the satsang I remembered a time in Gurudev Siddha Peeth when Bhau Shastri was going up the stairs as I was descending the stairs. No one else was there. I looked into his eyes, which were two luminous, moonlike pools of love. He put his hand on my shoulder and I heard a voice say, “You are my child.”
Today during the recitation of Shri Guru Gita, suddenly I felt his hand on my shoulder. I wept with love, wonder, and gratitude.
Connecticut, United States
During the whole satsang today, I was in awe, not knowing how to hold everything that Gurumayi was giving us! I felt, “So much bliss, so much grace, so much to learn and to follow as a disciple.”
Gurumayi’s guidance about singing freely in your own voice was for me! Gurumayi knows how much I have struggled to sing correctly and to be able to offer my voice, and how many times I have been hard on myself by judging my own singing. Today, with a smile on my face and with bright open eyes and ears, I listened to Gurumayi ji singing so freely like a river. I was ecstatic! I felt her love in helping me to come out of these limited thoughts and feelings about my own self. It helped me to drop all my notions about my own voice and embrace this gift from God to be able to sing his name.
a Gurukula student in Gurudev Siddha Peeth
Since transitioning from a full-time seva role, I’ve wondered how I can best serve now. This morning I realized that I am serving by attending the satsang at 2 a.m. Australian time and inwardly bringing along those who I know would like to attend, but who have to sleep. I am grateful to Gurumayi for that invitation and the space to visualize and connect with those people to bring them into the satsang, and for the assurance that they will benefit from the effort I made.
Bell Park, Australia
Gurumayi’s remarks during today’s satsang remind me of my favorite verse of Shri Guru Gita, verse 125. It says, “Whether you attain it or you do not attain it, whether it is great or small, it should always be enjoyed without desire and with a contented mind.” When I remember these words, I let go of straining to behave according to a false notion of “perfect,” and I rest in the clarity and truth of the Self as it really is in me and around me (which is perfect).
Gurumayi’s words and her invitation to sing as we naturally sing felt to me just like this. For me, implementing the third line of Gurumayi’s Message, “Remain connected to your divinity,” includes accepting my own humanity with its perfections and imperfections, both of which are manifestations of the perfect Self. This doesn’t mean I don’t correct my mistakes; taking responsibility is dharmic. But it means I hold my inner state in a more relaxed way. It means freedom to me.
California, United States
I couldn’t have asked for more! This satsang was a sweet treat that provided me with more insights for understanding Sweet Surprise from different perspectives. And it was a treat to recite Shri Guru Gita with my Guru for the first time in 2024, and of experiencing the most powerful meditation, during which I actually did remember my grandparents.
I am so full with the great energy and the grace that I have received from this
satsang. Now I will practice singing with different vowels even though I am not a great singer, because I wish to experience how that fills my being.
Pune, India
When Gurumayi invited us to include our friends and family in the recitation of
Shri Guru Gita by visualizing them, them, I thought of my daughters who live in other towns. In the next moment, my daughter texted me, “No need to visualize me—I’m listening (to
Shri Guru Gita).”
Our thoughts and prayers really do carry!
Illinois, United States
When Gurumayi encouraged us to sing, I had the idea to sing her Message for 2024!
When the satsang was over, I immediately went over to my puja altar where I have Gurumayi’s Message beautifully framed on the wall, and I began to sing its words. I had an immediate sensation that I was installing the Message in every cell of my being as I sang. I felt it from head to toe!
My practice every day will now be to sing Gurumayi’s Message.
Massachusetts, United States
During this morning’s
satsang, I diligently applied the posture instructions for meditation given by Gurumayi ji. As soon as I did it and become aware of the fact that I am meditating in my Guru’s presence, I found myself in the space of my
stambha, that “inner pillar of light” that Gurumayi spoke about in
Sweet Surprise. I could experience the movement of
shakti within me. After some time, I could feel an opening in my heart and felt absolutely calm and assured. I was able to experience Gurumayi’s Message during meditation.
Bhopal, India
I had such a strong experience of love when Gurumayi appeared on camera. This feeling remained with me throughout the whole satsang. It was as if I was in the Temple with her.
After the satsang ended, I remained seated reflecting on my experience and what I had just heard. I remembered Swami Umeshananda’s sharing of his experience of the Message, when he said, “When you turn to the Guru, you find the Guru. It’s not two things, it’s one thing.” As I thought about that, a huge explosion of bliss went through me.
Texas, United States
This satsang was a succession of gifts from God: for the first time, my eleven-year-old daughter followed the whole satsang, meditating, chanting, and listening to Gurumayi’s words. I felt the energy in our living room as a love energy that was solid yet gentle at the same time. I was sincerely happy for my daughter that her heart chose to be with the Guru.
Then when I heard the first sentence of the Message again, “Stand tall in your dignity,” my spinal column stretched itself out, my eyes connected to my heart, and all this was a perfect experience of grace. Dignity is at the heart of my life, an essential point in my sadhana. I do wonder how to recapture it to the point of never doubting it again. And now Gurumayi has given me permission to conquer my doubts without delay and with all my soul! I want to be proud of myself, and to serve the dignity of being human on this planet, at this time. I am light!
Gissey sur Ouche, France