One of the many things that has always amazed me about Gurumayi is the way she is able to see the full potential in each one of us. When Gurumayi speaks to you, she does not speak to your fear, your insecurity, or your doubt. She speaks to your strength, your purity, and your divinity. She reaches past all of the mental and emotional barriers and touches the power and greatness within you. Gurumayi’s patience and understanding seem to have no limits.
This has always been my experience of Gurumayi, ever since I was a very young child. Whenever I forget my own ability or self-worth, she finds some beautifully innovative way to remind me of who I am.
A twenty-four-year-old Siddha Yogi from New York, USA
During my winter break from college last year, I offered seva in Shree Muktananda Ashram. Every morning, I woke up early to recite Shri Guru Gita. I treasured this practice of svadhyaya as a way of strengthening my connection to Gurumayi in my own heart.
One morning after reciting Shri Guru Gita, I felt drawn to meditate on the Guru’s love. I sat for meditation, closed my eyes, and focused my gaze inside. I saw a fire blazing at the center of my being. Intuitively, I understood that the fire image was a visual representation of Gurumayi’s love—dynamic, vibrant, and full of shakti.
I watched as the fire produced millions of golden, scintillating sparks that spread throughout my being. These sparks of divine love, of Gurumayi’s love, dissolved all tension and feelings of smallness. I felt empowered to let go of all limiting thought patterns. I felt courage and enthusiasm fill my heart.
Inspired by this experience of Gurumayi’s love, I have sought to cultivate inner strength and lightheartedness. During my regular practice of meditation, I encourage my mind to become serene—by focusing on my breath and repeating the mantra—which allows me to return my awareness to the love and joy present in my own heart.
A nineteen-year-old Siddha Yogi from Connecticut, USA
Ever since I was a young child, I have loved watching Gurumayi enter the satsang hall. Before Gurumayi takes her seat, she always acknowledges and honors her Guru. This moment is so sacred.
A twenty-five-year-old Siddha Yogi from Sydney, Australia
I have learned over the years that, though I have never met Gurumayi in person, I can have her darshan at any time. All I need to do is pause with the intention of connecting with her. Even if I am working in my office, one brief pause can connect me to Gurumayi. Even if I am driving, a few deep breaths can give me a glimpse of Gurumayi. Even if I am eating, repetition of the mantra can reveal Gurumayi’s presence in my heart.
These experiences give me a single teaching: Gurumayi is always in my heart. She always listens to me, speaks to me, meditates with me. And in the moments when I long to have Gurumayi’s darshan, and I put forth the effort to connect, I do perceive her presence. Because of this, I feel that Gurumayi is always very close.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for your presence in my heart. Thank you for all your blessings, which you shower on my family and me.
A twenty-five-year-old Siddha Yogi from Pune, India
After listening to Gurumayi’s Message for 2015, I was inspired to meditate. I was eager to experience the joy and bliss that comes with meditation.
I began to meditate most nights before I went to sleep, and after doing this for a while, I realized how special it is to have the Siddha Yoga practices in my life. In a society where many of us are searching, are looking for something more, I feel lucky to have Gurumayi’s teachings, to show me a path toward my own Self.
A seventeen-year-old Siddha Yogi from Brisbane, Australia
I received Gurumayi’s darshan for the first time when I was six weeks old. During that darshan, Gurumayi held me in her arms while my parents received her blessings. Over the years, I have come to understand and experience that when Gurumayi took me in her arms that day, she cradled me in her grace and never let me go.
A twenty-three-year-old Siddha Yogi from California, USA
One day as I sat for meditation, I reflected on a photograph I have of Gurumayi seated in meditation. In the photo, Gurumayi looks perfectly serene.
I closed my eyes, and I could still see Gurumayi. As my mind grew quiet, I had the realization that Gurumayi was not separate from my own consciousness. It was not just a familiarity with Gurumayi I was recognizing; it was the clear understanding that deep inside, we are the same. I had the experience of the great Siddha Yoga teaching that the Guru and the inner Self are one.
When I came out of meditation, I was crying with gratitude. What a gift Gurumayi had given me, to be able to close my eyes, go inside, and know my own inner value.
A twenty-two-year-old Siddha Yogi from Massachusetts, USA