We were all seated in Bade Baba’s Temple. The Celebration Satsang in honor of Gurumayi’s Birthday was about to begin. The moment Gurumayi entered, a symphony of rain started playing on the roof of the Temple. Immediately, a great peaceful joy filled my heart and a smile illuminated my face.
a participant in Gurumayi’s Birthday Celebration
in Shree Muktananda Ashram
As it rained, I felt as if
jyot after
jyot (a bright, soft light) was descending from the heavens to bless Gurumayi on her birthday.
a participant in Gurumayi’s Birthday Celebration
in Shree Muktananda Ashram
As we gazed at the rain—a heavenly ocean of light drops—I felt that I was looking at particles of Chiti. It occurred to me that nature was giving us the experience of what it’s like to see Consciousness sparkling. Absorbed in watching the raindrops as they fell in slow motion, I felt time was also slowing down, and that we were suspended in the eternal present moment, having darshan of the universal shakti in the form of rain!
Along with this, I felt growing wonder at the synchronicity of nature’s response to Gurumayi’s Birthday Celebration, which was so evident from the moment Gurumayi entered the Temple and the rain started drumming melodiously on the Temple roof.
a Siddha Yoga Swami
After the sudden rain, the sun was so bright and seemed so close, so very near to us—almost like it was actually on the earth! It was white and beautiful, shining through clouds. There was still some rain, coming down very slowly, and the raindrops seemed to hang in the air.
I have seen the sun shine when it was raining before, but I had never seen it like this. It was a splendid and beautiful sight—and felt very auspicious to me.
a participant in Gurumayi’s Birthday Celebration
in Shree Muktananda Ashram
What resonated with me very strongly was the teaching that Gurumayi gave about participating fully in the satsang and not being spectators. I understand Gurumayi's teaching as a command to surrender my smallness to the highest Self. This way I can offer fully whatever I have to give.
During the event, I recognized old thought patterns creeping in, but I resolved to put Gurumayi's teaching into practice. Immediately I experienced my heart opening and becoming moist with love. I was able to align myself with Gurumayi's rhythm, stay present, and participate fully.
a participant in Gurumayi’s Birthday Celebration
in Shree Muktananda Ashram
I experienced an immense amount of joy in my heart as we chanted Om Namo Bhagavate Muktanandaya. My heart was filled with gratitude for the birth of our beloved Gurumayi and for her presence in our lives. I remember experiencing that everything and everyone were indeed perfect, that everything and everyone were indeed divine. My heart felt freer than ever before and I was truly ecstatic as we danced around Bade Baba.
And it wasn't just we who were celebrating the birth of our beloved Guru. The heavens, too, celebrated. They opened and showered blessings on all of us. It felt as though the whole world were rejoicing.
a participant in Gurumayi’s Birthday Celebration
in Shree Muktananda Ashram
I vividly recall participating in the arati to Bade Baba on June 23. When the arati began, the drums were banging and the bells were ringing. The first conch sounded, and it reminded me of elephants! There was so much power and energy in the sound.
When Gurumayi led us into meditation after the arati, I could feel a never-ending flow of love radiating from Bade Baba. This connection with Bade Baba filled me with joy and contentment.
a participant in Gurumayi’s Birthday Celebration
in Shree Muktananda Ashram
Here in Gurudev Siddha Peeth, we were setting up the Yagna Mandap for the havan, the fire ritual, in honor of Gurumayi’s Birthday when we were asked to gather in the center of the mandap. We learned we would receive a call from Shri Gurumayi!
The moment I heard Gurumayi’s voice, it felt like nectar streaming down on me. It was like monsoon rains cooling down the heat of the earth. All my mental activity was replaced by calmness and peace.
a participant in Gurumayi’s Birthday Celebration
in Gurudev Siddha Peeth
They told us, “It's Gurumayi ji on the line!” My heart was filled with love and gratitude and acknowledgment of the Guru's grace. My heart was beating faster than a supercar. I could not stop crying when we were talking to Gurumayi ji.
a fourteen-year-old participant in Gurumayi’s Birthday Celebration
in Gurudev Siddha Peeth
I was feeling Gurumayi’s softness, her greatness, as she spoke—and how much she loves us.
a participant in Gurumayi’s Birthday Celebration
in Gurudev Siddha Peeth
It was magical to hear Gurumayi’s voice!
When Gurumayi asked us to convey her love to everyone we see, I felt the power in her instruction. With each person I saw that day, I remembered that Gurumayi loves them. Her presence, her love shimmered everywhere. Her voice took me to the space where I could connect with her profound love for all of us. I felt that we all were messengers of her love that day.
a participant in Gurumayi’s Birthday Celebration
in Gurudev Siddha Peeth
When I heard Gurumayi’s voice, my heart began to beat even faster. It was so unexpected, such a wonderful surprise! I hadn’t imagined that we would hear Gurumayi’s voice on the line, that Gurumayi would be speaking with us. I felt her love, her care so tangibly.
Happy Birthday to you, Gurumayi ji! I offer my full pranam at your lotus feet.
a participant in Gurumayi’s Birthday Celebration
in Gurudev Siddha Peeth