May 6, 2014
Dear Participants in the Chanting Tour,
For five weeks this year—March 22 through April 26—the joyful sounds created by the Siddha Yoga Chanting Tour: Australia 2014—Satyam Shivam Sundaram resounded around the world. This Chanting Tour, which was initiated by Gurumayi Chidvilasananda, has touched countless lives, immersing us in the power of the practice of Siddha Yoga chanting. What a historic and life-transforming event: the first-ever Siddha Yoga Chanting Tour!
Thank you to all of you around the world who wholeheartedly responded to Gurumayi's invitations to send blessings for the Chanting Tour, by:
- joining your voices in the recitation of Shri Guru Gita on Sunday, March 16, 2014 for the Chanting Tour
- making time to pause for sixty seconds to offer blessings in support of the Global Live Audio Stream Satsang: Chanting Creates a Paradise in this World
Thank you to all who participated in the Chanting Satsangs in locations across Australia, and thank you to those of you who registered to participate in these Live Audio Stream Satsangs:
- Arise to the Power of Chanting and Enter the Abode of Sound, held regionally in Australia and New Zealand on March 22 and April 13
- Chanting Creates a Paradise in this World, held in locations around the world on April 19
In ancient times, seekers had to perform arduous practices and austerities and then travel long distances to finally receive one teaching from their Guru, the realized Master. However, in the 21st century we are fortunate to have the support of modern technology. And through the grace and compassion of our Guru, Gurumayi Chidvilasananda, we can receive and study her teachings as a global community. Although the Siddha Yoga Chanting Tour: Australia 2014—Satyam Shivam Sundaram took place in Australia, its participants spanned the globe.
Nonetheless, we do want to thank the many people who still travelled long distances, making the pilgrimage to participate in the Chanting Satsangs in a Siddha Yoga Ashram or meditation center. For each one of you, it must have been a sacrifice to adjust your busy schedule to participate in the events of the Chanting Tour. However, we could see from the photos and videos just how brightly your faces shone with the excitement of having joined the tour. Thank you for your effort.
Thank you to the families who eagerly participated in the
Siddha Yoga Satsangs for Families, "Fun and Laughter" gatherings, and other family activities. Many parents shared about how their hearts rejoiced as they perceived their young ones experiencing freedom while chanting and engaging in the activities provided for the children. What more could a parent ask for than to see their children happy, learning, and interacting confidently with the world around them? Your gratitude to Gurumayi was evident throughout the tour.
Thank you to the teenagers and young adults who inspired one another to participate in the Chanting Satsangs. It's not always easy for you to share your inner experiences openly with others, especially when you are still learning to find your way in the world; however, during the Chanting Tour, everyone noticed your openness and willingness to "go for it" and learn new things. As Trustees, we are filled with great admiration for those of you who will be leaders on the Siddha Yoga path one day.
Thank you to all the new seekers who engaged with the practice of chanting for the first time during this Chanting Tour. Thank you for sharing your awe and wonder about what you were discovering within yourself, as you delved into learning about Siddha Yoga music and the connection between the power of chanting and meditation. Although everything must have been new for you, so many of you shared how you felt you had come home as you practiced Gurumayi's teachings on music.
As we mentioned earlier, modern technology has been a very useful means for us to bring about togetherness. Thank you to those of you who followed and participated in the Chanting Tour through the Siddha Yoga path website. Many of you included visiting the Siddha Yoga path website in your daily Siddha Yoga practice. You also sent in shares about your experiences of Siddha Yoga chanting, which were an inspiration for those who read them. The shares posted on the Siddha Yoga path website have come to be a window for seekers to access and contemplate the profound wisdom of our beloved path. Thank you for continuing to reflect on and articulate your experiences and understanding of your sadhana through your shares.
As we sang the divine name during this Chanting Tour, the awareness of Satyam Shivam Sundaram—truth, auspiciousness, and beauty—has been awakened and enlivened in each one of us through Gurumayi’s grace and guidance.
Warm regards,
SYDA Foundation Board of Trustees, and
Siddha Yoga Foundation Australia Trustees