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July 2024

July
Nature in Shree Muktananda Ashram
I

Nature in Shree Muktananda Ashram

by Pamela Roberts

The scriptures of India often describe the ashram of a spiritual Master as flourishing with vibrant gardens, abundant wildlife, and the entrancing beauty of nature. It seems that all of life celebrates the presence of a great being in its midst. Why is this so? The scriptures reveal that the grounds of an ashram are infused with the presence of the Guru’s shakti, the benevolent, divine power of grace and spiritual awakening that is beneficial to all living creatures.

The photographs of nature in this series all originate from Shree Muktananda Ashram, the abode of Gurumayi Chidvilasananda, the Siddha Yoga Guru. Month after month, year in and year out, we are given an opportunity to witness the movement of the shakti that continuously arises and flows through the seasons, manifesting as the majestic natural world of infinite variety, perfection, and mystery. By engaging with these images, we may discover the transformative power they can have on our inner state and awareness.

When I looked at these photographs for the first time, I felt a gentle, blissful energy stirring within me. After viewing the last image, I sat motionless, in silence and in a deeply peaceful state. Gradually, a thought arose, and I realized I had been in meditation. I had always loved nature, but being with nature had never drawn me inside in this way.

Contemplating this experience, I realized that I had connected with the shakti that pervades the grounds of Shree Muktananda Ashram. I understood that these photographs had provided me with a way to experience the play of supreme creative energy as it manifests in nature. Inspired by this understanding, I began a regular exploration of the natural world through the exquisite purity and perspective of these images.

Any one of these photographs can take us within, where we can experience our oneness with nature—and our own divinity. Each time we prepare to view the photographs, it is good to set an intention—for example, the intention of connecting with the shakti. As we center ourselves, our approach might be like entering a temple, the sacred temple of nature. Before looking at the photographs, we might begin our meditation by focusing on the breath and repeating the mantra. Then, as we press “play” or scroll one-by-one through the images, we can coordinate our breath and the mantra with the movement of nature before us. When we are drawn to a specific image, we can pause the image to contemplate it, asking ourselves, “What do I learn from this photograph that I can apply to my life?” In this way, we are engaging with the images as a spiritual practice.

By viewing the photographs regularly, we can observe the harmony and balance that sustain the natural world. And because we are an intrinsic part of nature, we can contemplate how our own lives can benefit from nature’s peerless example. Over time, by learning to immerse ourselves in the divinity of nature through these images from Shree Muktananda Ashram, we can transform our experience of nature wherever we live and wherever we go on this planet.

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These fresh, clear, and exquisite images of nature are so inviting. They stir within me the understanding that God’s beauty is ever present in nature, in myself, and in others. When I imagine sitting under one of the beautiful trees by Lake Nityananda, I feel filled and protected by my Guru’s grace.
 

California, United States

I feel awash with love, tenderness, and gratitude as I inhale these wonder-filled glimpses of Shree Muktananda Ashram! For me, these images are composed of many dimensions; I feel I am connecting with heaven on earth and with the play of shakti! I experience a meditative, loving state as I take in the sparkling presence of nature.
 

Starnberg, Germany

Each morning as I view these images, I experience the beauty of Shree Muktananda Ashram while sitting in my home. The stunning freshness of each image stirs within me a yearning to experience myself, nature, and each new moment with fresh eyes.
 

California, United States

The delight I experience in viewing the video of the grasses and daisies moving gently in the breeze resonates for me, because it reminds me of Gurumayi’s Message for 2024, and the Message Artwork for 2024. It gives me the same sense of spaciousness and flexibility. What great modeling for us as humanity! As I absorb these images, I feel very grateful for these daily gifts. 
 

California, United States

How lovely to wake up, turn to this Nature Gallery, and see the orange flag flying high above Shree Muktananda Ashram! Another wonderful reminder of Shri Guru’s physical presence in the Ashram and her eternal presence in our hearts.
 

St. Laurent, Canada