The Profoundness of the Guru’s Teachings

When I reflect on the most significant practice in my Siddha Yoga sadhana, the very first thing that emerges in my consciousness is: darshan. From 1991 to 2003, I offered full-time seva on staff in Shree Muktananda Ashram and on Gurumayi’s Teaching Visits in India, Europe, Mexico, and the United States. Almost every day there was a satsang with Gurumayi which was attended by thousands of devotees and new seekers. One of the main elements of the satsang was receiving Gurumayi’s darshan. This was my favorite practice, especially because I had the privilege of offering seva during darshan.
Darshan means to be in the presence of a great being. On the Siddha Yoga path I have learned that darshan happens in the heart. This has also been my experience. In fact, my experience of coming forward to Gurumayi’s chair and receiving Gurumayi’s grace directly from her person has only strengthened my awareness of Gurumayi’s presence in my own heart.
During darshan, people from all walks of life would come forward and pranam to Gurumayi, offering their gratitude for having received her teachings and blessings. Some would ask Gurumayi a question while others would pranam in silence. At times the line was so long that darshan would continue for hours on end—four hours, six hours, eight hours! Gurumayi was as loving, compassionate, and present with the very last person as she was with the very first. Sometimes ten or twelve people would come before Gurumayi at once, and yet she connected with each one of them in a personal way. Sometimes Gurumayi would bless devotees with a brush from her wand of peacock feathers. Seekers who were visiting for the first time would be introduced during darshan. Each interaction was unique and perfect for each person’s sadhana in that moment. The darshan assistants would sit by Gurumayi’s side and help with the many interactions taking place between Gurumayi and her devotees.
At the age of seventeen I was both a darshan assistant and the supervisor for all the assistants. In both roles, I focused intently on doing my best. However, the harder I tried to “do my best,” the more nervous and out of sync I would become. This would result in my missing Gurumayi’s cues, not understanding people’s questions to Gurumayi, and not being able to give clear direction to the assistants. Instead of feeling that I was offering seva, I would feel like I was an obstacle.
One evening I made a resolution to pay greater attention to Gurumayi's talk during the satsang. In that satsang, Gurumayi taught about the power of the mantra Om Namah Shivaya. Gurumayi said that the mantra has the power to purify all thoughts, words, and actions.
This teaching spoke directly to my heart. I felt that the mantra could help me to be at ease and in the present moment during seva. So I started to put this teaching into practice.
While offering seva, I would pause, take a breath for a moment, and mentally repeat
Om Namah Shivaya. Before an interaction, I would remember Om Namah Shivaya. Before speaking, I would first say to myself, Om Namah Shivaya.
Lo and behold! It only took a moment for me to pause and reflect on the mantra, but as I did so, I started to feel the connection with everyone around me. I began to realize that I was part of the magical flow of the shakti. I was moving, speaking, and acting from a place of love and profound stillness. My mind was very alert and tranquil at the same time. Since I was now present in the moment, I began to understand Gurumayi’s requests of me without delay—she could make a subtle gesture and I knew what was being asked of me. These moments of alertness and tranquility continued to increase, and I was able to offer seva with the awareness that I was a true support to Gurumayi and the people coming for darshan.
I shared my experience with the other sevites on the darshan team, and we started to meditate on the mantra together before seva each morning. As we continued this practice, we began to offer seva together with greater harmony. It felt like the most beautifully choreographed dance: we would move gracefully and speak kindly, anticipating who needed help, and understanding each other’s roles and responsibilities.
One day after darshan, Gurumayi told me that she had noticed that I was more at ease while offering seva and that all the darshan assistants I was supervising were working well together.
I was so happy to hear Gurumayi say this and I was delighted to tell Gurumayi about our practice of meditating on the mantra. She listened intently, looking at me with so much love, and then she gave me a knowing smile. Gurumayi had been right there with me in every moment.
Now, twenty years later, I continue this practice of remembering the mantra in my daily life. What a gift from Gurumayi! I cherish this gift to this day.
In 2005 I was certified as a hatha yoga teacher. What I had learned as a darshan assistant so many years ago is still very pertinent to my life now, as a teacher living in Ireland. Every time I silently repeat the mantra Om Namah Shivaya before I speak, my words are infused with love and kindness. Every time I silently repeat Om Namah Shivaya before I begin my classes, I feel uplifted. Through this practice, I have seen how others relate to me with respect and understanding.
Any moment spent with Gurumayi yields fruit beyond measure. I feel so blessed that I have had the privilege to spend so many hours offering seva in darshan. My intention is that I will be able to share this invaluable gift with everyone I come in contact with.
Kanta Barrios was introduced to the Siddha Yoga path in 1989, on a visit to Shree Muktananda Ashram during Gurumayi’s Birthday celebration. Kanta served on staff in Shree Muktananda Ashram and Gurudev Siddha Peeth from 1991 to 2003. Currently, Kanta lives in Dublin, Ireland with her husband, Ian O’Brian. She is a certified hatha yoga teacher, the coauthor of books on healthful baking, and a project manager for an international publishing firm.

When I reflect on the most significant practice in my Siddha Yoga sadhana, the very first thing that emerges in my consciousness is: darshan. From 1991 to 2003, I offered full-time seva on staff in Shree Muktananda Ashram and on Gurumayi’s Teaching Visits in India, Europe, Mexico, and the United States. Almost every day there was a satsang with Gurumayi which was attended by thousands of devotees and new seekers. One of the main elements of the satsang was receiving Gurumayi’s darshan. This was my favorite practice, especially because I had the privilege of offering seva during darshan.
Darshan means to be in the presence of a great being. On the Siddha Yoga path I have learned that darshan happens in the heart. This has also been my experience. In fact, my experience of coming forward to Gurumayi’s chair and receiving Gurumayi’s grace directly from her person has only strengthened my awareness of Gurumayi’s presence in my own heart.
During darshan, people from all walks of life would come forward and pranam to Gurumayi, offering their gratitude for having received her teachings and blessings. Some would ask Gurumayi a question while others would pranam in silence. At times the line was so long that darshan would continue for hours on end—four hours, six hours, eight hours! Gurumayi was as loving, compassionate, and present with the very last person as she was with the very first. Sometimes ten or twelve people would come before Gurumayi at once, and yet she connected with each one of them in a personal way. Sometimes Gurumayi would bless devotees with a brush from her wand of peacock feathers. Seekers who were visiting for the first time would be introduced during darshan. Each interaction was unique and perfect for each person’s sadhana in that moment. The darshan assistants would sit by Gurumayi’s side and help with the many interactions taking place between Gurumayi and her devotees.
At the age of seventeen I was both a darshan assistant and the supervisor for all the assistants. In both roles, I focused intently on doing my best. However, the harder I tried to “do my best,” the more nervous and out of sync I would become. This would result in my missing Gurumayi’s cues, not understanding people’s questions to Gurumayi, and not being able to give clear direction to the assistants. Instead of feeling that I was offering seva, I would feel like I was an obstacle.
One evening I made a resolution to pay greater attention to Gurumayi's talk during the satsang. In that satsang, Gurumayi taught about the power of the mantra Om Namah Shivaya. Gurumayi said that the mantra has the power to purify all thoughts, words, and actions.
This teaching spoke directly to my heart. I felt that the mantra could help me to be at ease and in the present moment during seva. So I started to put this teaching into practice.
While offering seva, I would pause, take a breath for a moment, and mentally repeat
Om Namah Shivaya. Before an interaction, I would remember Om Namah Shivaya. Before speaking, I would first say to myself, Om Namah Shivaya.
Lo and behold! It only took a moment for me to pause and reflect on the mantra, but as I did so, I started to feel the connection with everyone around me. I began to realize that I was part of the magical flow of the shakti. I was moving, speaking, and acting from a place of love and profound stillness. My mind was very alert and tranquil at the same time. Since I was now present in the moment, I began to understand Gurumayi’s requests of me without delay—she could make a subtle gesture and I knew what was being asked of me. These moments of alertness and tranquility continued to increase, and I was able to offer seva with the awareness that I was a true support to Gurumayi and the people coming for darshan.
I shared my experience with the other sevites on the darshan team, and we started to meditate on the mantra together before seva each morning. As we continued this practice, we began to offer seva together with greater harmony. It felt like the most beautifully choreographed dance: we would move gracefully and speak kindly, anticipating who needed help, and understanding each other’s roles and responsibilities.
One day after darshan, Gurumayi told me that she had noticed that I was more at ease while offering seva and that all the darshan assistants I was supervising were working well together.
I was so happy to hear Gurumayi say this and I was delighted to tell Gurumayi about our practice of meditating on the mantra. She listened intently, looking at me with so much love, and then she gave me a knowing smile. Gurumayi had been right there with me in every moment.
Now, twenty years later, I continue this practice of remembering the mantra in my daily life. What a gift from Gurumayi! I cherish this gift to this day.
In 2005 I was certified as a hatha yoga teacher. What I had learned as a darshan assistant so many years ago is still very pertinent to my life now, as a teacher living in Ireland. Every time I silently repeat the mantra Om Namah Shivaya before I speak, my words are infused with love and kindness. Every time I silently repeat Om Namah Shivaya before I begin my classes, I feel uplifted. Through this practice, I have seen how others relate to me with respect and understanding.
Any moment spent with Gurumayi yields fruit beyond measure. I feel so blessed that I have had the privilege to spend so many hours offering seva in darshan. My intention is that I will be able to share this invaluable gift with everyone I come in contact with.
Kanta Barrios was introduced to the Siddha Yoga path in 1989, on a visit to Shree Muktananda Ashram during Gurumayi’s Birthday celebration. Kanta served on staff in Shree Muktananda Ashram and Gurudev Siddha Peeth from 1991 to 2003. Currently, Kanta lives in Dublin, Ireland with her husband, Ian O’Brian. She is a certified hatha yoga teacher, the coauthor of books on healthful baking, and a project manager for an international publishing firm.

Quand je réfléchis à la pratique la plus importante dans ma sadhana du Siddha Yoga, la toute première chose qui vient à ma conscience est : le darshan. De 1991 à 2003, j’ai offert de la seva à plein temps à Shree Muktananda Ashram et pendant les visites d’enseignement de Gurumayi en Inde, en Europe, au Mexique et aux États-Unis. Presque chaque jour, il y avait un satsang avec Gurumayi auquel participaient des milliers de disciples et de nouveaux chercheurs. Un des principaux éléments du satsang consistait à recevoir le darshan de Gurumayi. C’était ma pratique favorite, particulièrement parce que j’avais le privilège d’offrir la seva pendant le darshan.
Darshan signifie être en présence d’un grand être. Sur la voie du Siddha Yoga, j’ai appris que le darshan se produit dans le cœur. Cela a été aussi mon expérience. En fait, l’expérience de m’avancer vers le siège de Gurumayi et de recevoir directement la grâce de Gurumayi en personne n’a fait que renforcer ma conscience de la présence de Gurumayi dans mon cœur.
Pendant le darshan, des gens de tous horizons s’avançaient et faisaient un pranam devant Gurumayi, offrant leur gratitude pour les enseignements et les bénédictions qu’ils avaient reçus d’elle. Certains posaient une question, tandis que d’autres s’inclinaient en silence. La file était parfois si longue que le darshan durait des heures — quatre heures, six heures, huit heures! Gurumayi manifestait autant d’amour, de compassion et de présence à la toute dernière personne qu’à la toute première. Parfois, dix ou douze personnes s’avançaient en même temps devant Gurumayi, et pourtant elle établissait un contact personnel avec chacune. Parfois, Gurumayi bénissait les disciples d’une caresse de son plumeau fait de plumes de paon. Les chercheurs qui lui rendaient visite pour la première fois étaient présentés pendant le darshan. Chaque échange était unique et parfait pour la sadhana de la personne à ce moment-là. Les assistantes du darshan étaient assises près de Gurumayi et apportaient leur assistance aux nombreux échanges qui intervenaient entre Gurumayi et ses disciples.
À l’âge de dix-sept ans, j’étais assistante du darshan et en même temps je supervisais toutes les assistantes. Dans les deux rôles, je me concentrais profondément pour faire de mon mieux. Pourtant, plus j’essayais de « faire de mon mieux », plus j’étais nerveuse et déphasée. Le résultat était que je manquais des indications de Gurumayi, que je ne comprenais pas les questions que les gens posaient à Gurumayi et que j’étais incapable de donner des instructions claires aux assistantes. Au lieu de sentir que j’offrais de la seva, j’avais l’impression d’être un obstacle.
Un soir, j’ai pris la résolution d’être plus attentive au discours de Gurumayi pendant le satsang. Dans ce satsang, Gurumayi a donné un enseignement sur le pouvoir du mantra Om Namah Shivaya. Gurumayi a dit que le mantra avait le pouvoir de purifier toutes les pensées, toutes les paroles, toutes les actions.
Cet enseignement parlait droit à mon cœur. Je sentais que le mantra pouvait m’aider à être à l’aise et présente pendant la seva. J’ai donc commencé à mettre cet enseignement en pratique.
Pendant que j’offrais la seva, je faisais une pause, je prenais une longue respiration et je répétais mentalement Om Namah Shivaya. Avant un échange, je me rappelais Om Namah Shivaya. Avant de parler, je me disais d’abord à moi-même : « Om Namah Shivaya ».
Surprise ! Cela ne me prenait qu’un instant de faire une pause et de penser au mantra, mais en le faisant, j’ai commencé à me sentir reliée à tous ceux qui m’entouraient. J’ai commencé à réaliser que je faisais partie du flux magique de la shakti. Je me déplaçais, je parlais et j’agissais à partir d’un lieu d’amour et de calme profond. Mon esprit était très vif et calme en même temps. Comme je vivais maintenant dans le moment présent, j’ai commencé à comprendre instantanément ce que Gurumayi attendait de moi — elle pouvait faire un signe subtil et je savais ce qui m’était demandé. Ces instants de vivacité et de calme ont continué à grandir, et je pouvais offrir la seva avec la conscience d’être un véritable soutien pour Gurumayi et pour les gens qui venaient au darshan.
J’ai partagé mon expérience avec les autres sévaïtes de l’équipe du darshan, et nous avons commencé à méditer ensemble sur le mantra chaque matin avant la seva. En poursuivant cette pratique, nous avons commencé à offrir la seva ensemble avec une plus grande harmonie. J’avais l’impression que c’était la plus belle des chorégraphies : nous nous déplacions avec grâce et parlions avec douceur, anticipant les besoins d’aide et comprenant les rôles et responsabilités de chacune.
Un jour, après le darshan, Gurumayi m’a dit qu’elle avait remarqué que j’étais plus à l’aise en offrant la seva et que toutes les assistantes du darshan que je supervisais travaillaient bien ensemble.
J’étais si heureuse d’entendre Gurumayi dire cela, et ravie de parler à Gurumayi de notre pratique de la méditation sur le mantra. Elle a écouté avec attention, me regardant avec tant d’amour, et puis elle m’a gratifiée d’un sourire entendu. Gurumayi avait été là avec moi à chaque instant.
Maintenant, vingt ans plus tard, je continue cette pratique de me rappeler le mantra dans ma vie quotidienne. Quel cadeau de la part de Gurumayi ! Jusqu’à ce jour, je chéris toujours ce cadeau.
En 2005, j’ai été diplômée enseignante de hatha yoga. Ce que j’ai appris il y a tant d’années comme assistante du darshan vient toujours à propos dans ma vie actuelle d’enseignante de hatha yoga en Irlande. Chaque fois que je répète silencieusement le mantra Om Namah Shivaya avant de parler, mes paroles sont empreintes d’amour et de bienveillance. Chaque fois que je répète silencieusement le mantra Om Namah Shivaya avant de commencer mes cours, je me sens élevée. Grâce à cette pratique, j’ai vu les autres se comporter envers moi avec respect et compréhension.
Tout moment passé avec Gurumayi porte des fruits au-delà de toute mesure. Je me sens tellement bénie d’avoir eu le privilège de passer tant d’heures à offrir de la seva au darshan. Mon intention est d’être capable de partager ce cadeau inestimable avec chaque personne avec qui j’entre en contact.
Kanta Barrios a découvert la voie du Siddha Yoga en 1989, à l’occasion d’une visite à Shree Muktananda Ashram pendant la célébration de l’anniversaire de Gurumayi. Kanta a servi dans les équipes de Shree Muktananda Ashram et de Gurudev Siddha Peeth de 1991 à 2003. Actuellement, Kanta vit à Dublin en Irlande avec son mari, Ian O’Brian. Elle est enseignante diplômée de hatha yoga, co-auteure de livres sur la pâtisserie diététique et directrice de projet pour une société internationale d’édition.

Wenn ich darüber nachdenke, was wohl die bedeutendste Übung in meiner Siddha Yoga sadhana sei, dann ist das erste, was in meinem Bewusstsein auftaucht: darshan. Von 1991 bis 2003 bot ich Vollzeit-seva als Mitarbeiterin im Shree Muktananda Ashram und auf Gurumayis Lehr-Besuchen in Indien, Europa, Mexiko und den Vereinigten Staaten an. Fast jeden Tag gab es einen satsang mit Gurumayi, an dem Tausende von Anhängern und neuen Suchenden teilnahmen. Eines der Hauptelemente des satsangs war, Gurumayis darshan zu erhalten. Das war meine Lieblingsübung, besonders deshalb, weil ich das Privileg hatte, während des darshans seva anbieten zu dürfen.
Darshan bedeutet, in der Gegenwart eines großen Wesens zu sein. Auf dem Siddha Yoga Weg habe ich gelernt, dass darshan im Herzen stattfindet. Das war auch immer meine Erfahrung. Tatsächlich hat meine Erfahrung, nach vorne zu Gurumayis Stuhl zu kommen und Gurumayis Gnade direkt von ihrer Person zu empfangen, das Bewusstsein von Gurumayis Gegenwart in meinem eigenen Herzen nur bestärkt.
Während des darshans kamen Menschen aus allen möglichen Lebenszusammenhängen nach vorne zu Gurumayi, verneigten sich im pranam vor ihr und brachten so ihre Dankbarkeit für ihre Lehren und ihren Segen zum Ausdruck. Einige stellten Gurumayi eine Frage, während andere sich still im pranam verneigten. Zeitweise war die Schlange so lang, dass der darshan stundenlang dauerte – vier Stunden, sechs Stunden, acht Stunden! Gurumayi war bei der letzten Person ebenso liebevoll, mitfühlend und gegenwärtig wie bei der allerersten. Manchmal kamen zehn oder zwölf Leute zugleich vor Gurumayi, und dennoch wandte sie sich jeder und jedem auf persönliche Weise zu. Manchmal segnete Gurumayi Anhänger mit einer Berührung ihres Wedels aus Pfauenfedern. Suchende, die zum ersten Mal da waren, wurden ihr während des darshans vorgestellt. Jede Interaktion war für die sadhana der jeweiligen Person in dem gegebenen Augenblick einzigartig und perfekt. Die darshan-Assistentinnen pflegten an Gurumayis Seite zu sitzen und bei den vielen Interaktionen zwischen Gurumayi und ihren Anhängerinnen und Anhängern zu helfen.
Im Alter von siebzehn Jahren war ich sowohl darshan-Assistentin als auch Supervisorin für alle Assistentinnen. In beiden Funktionen konzentrierte ich mich mit ganzer Aufmerksamkeit darauf, mein Bestes zu geben. Je mehr ich mich jedoch bemühte, „mein Bestes zu geben“, umso nervöser und weniger eingestimmt wurde ich. Das führte dazu, dass ich Gurumayis Hinweise verpasste, die Fragen der Leute an Gurumayi nicht verstand oder nicht in der Lage war, den Assistentinnen klare Anweisungen zu geben. Statt zu spüren, dass ich seva anbot, fühlte ich mich wie ein Hindernis.
Eines Abends entschloss ich mich, während des satsangs stärker auf Gurumayis Vortrag zu achten. In diesem satsang sprach Gurumayi über die Kraft des Mantras Om Namah Shivaya. Gurumayi sagte, dass das Mantra die Kraft besitzt, alle Gedanken, Worte und Handlungen zu reinigen.
Diese Lehre sprach mich unmittelbar im Herzen an. Ich fühlte, dass das Mantra mir helfen könnte, während der seva gelassen zu bleiben und ganz im gegenwärtigen Moment zu sein. Also begann ich diese Lehre in die Praxis umzusetzen.
Während der seva hielt ich nun einen Augenblick inne, nahm einen tiefen Atemzug und wiederholte innerlich das Mantra Om Namah Shivaya. Vor jeder Interaktion erinnerte ich mich an Om Namah Shivaya. Bevor ich sprach, sagte ich zuerst im Stillen Om Namah Shivaya.
Und siehe da! Es dauerte nur einen Augenblick, innezuhalten und an das Mantra zu denken, aber als ich das tat, begann ich die Verbindung mit jedem um mich herum zu spüren. Ich begann zu erkennen, dass ich ein Teil des magischen Flusses der shakti war. Ich bewegte mich, sprach und handelte von einem Ort der Liebe und tiefen Stille aus. Mein Geist war sehr wach und gleichzeitig ruhig. Da ich nun ganz im gegenwärtigen Augenblick war, fing ich an, Gurumayis Bitten an mich ohne Verzögerung zu verstehen – sie konnte eine subtile Geste machen, und ich wusste, was sie von mir wollte. Diese Momente der Wachheit und Ruhe nahmen weiter zu, und ich konnte seva im Bewusstsein dessen anbieten, dass ich eine echte Hilfe für Gurumayi und die Leute, die zum darshan kamen war.
Ich gab meine Erfahrung an die anderen Sevites des darshan-Teams weiter, und wir fingen an, jeden Morgen vor der seva zusammen über das Mantra zu meditieren. Als Ergebnis dieser Übung begannen wir, in größerer Harmonie miteinander seva auszuüben. Es fühlte sich wie ein wunderschön choreographierter Tanz an: Wir bewegten uns anmutig und sprachen freundlich, wussten im Voraus, wer Hilfe brauchte, und verstanden unsere jeweiligen Funktionen und Verantwortlichkeiten.
Eines Tages sagte mir Gurumayi nach dem darshan, dass sie bemerkt hatte, dass ich bei der seva gelassener war, und dass all die darshan-Assistentinnen, die ich koordinierte, sehr gut zusammenarbeiteten.
Ich war sehr glücklich, Gurumayi das sagen zu hören, und erzählte Gurumayi voller Freude von unserer Meditationsübung über das Mantra. Sie hörte aufmerksam zu und sah mich dabei liebevoll an, und dann schenkte sie mir ein wissendes Lächeln. Gurumayi war in jedem Augenblick ganz bei mir gewesen.
Heute, zwanzig Jahre später, setze ich diese Übung fort, mich im täglichen Leben ans das Mantra zu erinnern. Was für ein Geschenk von Gurumayi! Dieses Geschenk ist mir bis heute kostbar.
Im Jahr 2005 erhielt ich mein Zertifikat als Hatha Yoga-Lehrerin. Was ich vor so vielen Jahren als darshan-Assistentin gelernt habe, ist heute in meinem Leben als Lehrerin in Irland immer noch gleichermaßen relevant. Jedes Mal, wenn ich im Stillen das Mantra Om Namah Shivaya wiederhole, bevor ich spreche, sind meine Worte von Liebe und Herzlichkeit durchdrungen. Jedes Mal, wenn ich im Stillen das Mantra Om Namah Shivaya wiederhole, bevor ich meinen Unterricht beginne, fühle ich mich beflügelt. Durch diese Übung sehe ich, wie andere mir mit Achtung und Verständnis begegnen.
Jeder Augenblick in Gurumayis Gegenwart trägt unermessliche Früchte. Ich fühle mich so gesegnet, dass ich das Privileg hatte, so viele Stunden mit seva beim darshan zu verbringen. Es ist meine feste Absicht, dieses unschätzbare Geschenk so gut ich kann mit allen zu teilen, mit denen ich in Kontakt komme.
Kanta Barrios lernte den Siddha Yoga Weg 1989 kennen, als sie während der Feierlichkeiten zu Gurumayis Geburtstag den Shree Muktananda Ashram besuchte. Kanta diente von 1991 bis 2003 als Mitarbeiterin im Shree Muktananda Ashram und in Gurudev Siddha Peeth. Zurzeit lebt Kanta mit ihrem Ehemann Ian O’Brian in Dublin in Irland. Sie ist eine geprüfte Hatha Yoga Lehrerin, Koautorin von Büchern über gesundes Backen und Projektmanagerin für einen international tätigen Verlag.

Cuando reflexiono en la práctica más significativa en mi sádhana de Siddha Yoga, lo primero que aflora a mi conciencia es: darshan. De 1991 a 2003, ofrecí seva de tiempo completo en el staff del Shree Muktananda Ashram y en las visitas de enseñanza de Gurumayi a la India, Europa, México y Estados Unidos. Casi todos los días había un satsang con Gurumayi al que asistían miles de devotos y nuevos buscadores. Uno de los principales elementos del satsang era recibir el darshan de Gurumayi. Esta era mi práctica favorita, en especial porque yo tenía el privilegio de ofrecer seva durante el darshan.
Darshan significa estar en la presencia de un gran ser. En el sendero de Siddha Yoga he aprendido que darshan sucede en el corazón. Esta ha sido también mi experiencia. De hecho, mi experiencia al acercarme ante la silla de Gurumayi y recibir su gracia directamente de su persona solo ha fortalecido mi conciencia de la presencia de Gurumayi en mi corazón.
Durante darshan, gente de todos los ámbitos se acercaba a hacer pranam a Gurumayi, ofreciendo su gratitud por haber recibido sus enseñanzas y bendiciones. Algunos le hacían una pregunta a Gurumayi, en tanto que otros hacían pranam en silencio. A veces, la fila era tan larga que el darshan continuaba por horas interminables, ¡cuatro horas, seis horas, ocho horas! Gurumayi era tan amorosa y compasiva, y estaba tan presente con la última persona como lo había estado con la primera. Algunas veces se acercaban a Gurumayi diez o doce personas al mismo tiempo, y aun así ella se conectaba con cada una de manera personal. En ocasiones Gurumayi bendecía a los devotos con un toque de su mazo de plumas de pavo real. Los buscadores que la visitaban por primera vez le eran presentados durante darshan. Cada interacción era única y perfecta para la sádhana de cada persona en ese momento. Las asistentes de darshan se sentaban al lado de Gurumayi y ayudaban con las muchas interacciones que tenían lugar entre Gurumayi y sus devotos.
A la edad de 17 años yo era asistente de darshan y a la vez la supervisora de todas las asistentes. En los dos papeles, me enfocaba con atención para dar lo mejor. Sin embargo, mientras más trataba de “dar lo mejor de mí”, más nerviosa me ponía y más fuera de sintonía estaba. El resultado de esto es que no captaba las señales de Gurumayi, no entendía las preguntas de la gente para ella, y no era capaz de dar una dirección clara a las asistentes. En lugar de sentir que estaba ofreciendo seva, me sentía como si yo fuera un obstáculo.
Una noche decidí prestar más atención a la charla de Gurumayi durante el satsang. En ese satsang, Gurumayi enseñó sobre el poder del mantra Om Namah Shivaya. Gurumayi dijo que el mantra tiene el poder de purificar todos los pensamientos, palabras y acciones.
Esta enseñanza le habló directamente a mi corazón. Sentí que el mantra podía ayudarme a estar serena y en el momento presente durante la seva. Así que comencé a poner en práctica esta enseñanza.
Mientras ofrecía seva, hacía una pausa, tomaba una respiración por un instante y repetía mentalmente Om Namah Shivaya. Antes de una interacción, recordaba Om Namah Shivaya. Antes de hablar, primero me decía, “Om Namah Shivaya”.
¡Y mira! Hacer una pausa y reflexionar en el mantra, solo me tomó un momento, pero al hacerlo, comencé a sentir la conexión con todos los que me rodeaban. Comencé a darme cuenta que yo era parte del flujo mágico de la shakti. Me movía, hablaba y actuaba desde un lugar de amor y profunda quietud. Mi mente estaba muy alerta y tranquila al mismo tiempo. Puesto que ahora estaba presente en el momento, comencé a entender sin demora lo que Gurumayi requería: ella podía hacer un ademán sutil y yo sabía lo que se me estaba pidiendo. Estos momentos de estar alerta y tranquila siguieron aumentando, y yo podía ofrecer seva con la conciencia de que era un verdadero apoyo para Gurumayi y para la gente que venía a darshan.
Compartí mi experiencia con las demás sevitas del equipo de darshan, y comenzamos a meditar juntas en el mantra cada mañana antes de la seva. A medida que seguimos con esta práctica, comenzamos a ofrecer seva juntas con gran armonía. Sentí como si fuera una danza con la coreografía más hermosa: nos movíamos con gracia y hablábamos con amabilidad, anticipándonos a quien necesitara ayuda, y entendiendo el papel y la responsabilidad de cada una.
Un día, después de darshan, Gurumayi me dijo que había notado que yo estaba más serena mientras ofrecía seva y que todas las asistentes de darshan que yo supervisaba estaban trabajando muy bien juntas.
Me sentí muy feliz de oír a Gurumayi decir esto y me deleité contándole a Gurumayi sobre nuestra práctica de meditación en el mantra. Me escuchó atentamente, mirándome con mucho amor, y luego me sonrió dando a entender que lo sabía. Gurumayi había estado allí conmigo en todo momento.
Ahora, veinte años después, sigo con esta práctica de recordar el mantra en mi vida cotidiana. ¡Qué regalo de Gurumayi! Atesoro este regalo hasta hoy.
En 2005 fui certificada como profesora de hatha yoga. Lo que aprendí como asistente de darshan hace tantos años es aún muy adecuado en mi vida actual, de profesora que vive en Irlanda. Cada vez que repito en silencio el mantra Om Namah Shivaya antes de hablar, mis palabras quedan imbuidas de amor y amabilidad. Cada ver que repito en silencio Om Namah Shivaya antes de comenzar mis clases, me siento enaltecida. Mediante esta práctica, he visto a los demás relacionarse conmigo con respeto y comprensión.
Cualquier momento pasado con Gurumayi da fruto más allá de toda medida. Me siento muy bendecida por haber tenido el privilegio de pasar tantas horas ofreciendo seva en darshan. Mi intención es que yo pueda compartir este regalo invaluable con todos aquellos con los que entre en contacto.
Kanta Barrios fue introducida al sendero de Siddha Yoga en 1989, en una visita al Shree Muktananda Ashram durante la celebración del cumpleaños de Gurumayi. Kanta sirvió en el staff del Shree Muktananda Ashram y de Gurudev Siddha Peeth de 1991 a 2003. Actualmente, Kanta vive en Dublín, Irlanda, con su esposo, Ian O’Brian. Es una profesora certificada de hatha yoga, coautora de libros sobre repostería saludable, y directora de proyectos para una firma editorial internacional.

Quando rifletto sulla pratica più significativa della mia sadhana Siddha Yoga, la primissima cosa che emerge nella mia coscienza è: darshan. Dal 1991 al 2003 ho offerto seva a tempo pieno nello staff dello Shree Muktananda Ashram e in occasione delle Visite d’Insegnamento di Gurumayi in India, Europa, Messico e negli Stati Uniti. Quasi ogni giorno c’era un satsang con Gurumayi cui partecipavano migliaia di devoti e nuovi cercatori. Uno degli elementi principali del satsang era ricevere il darshan di Gurumayi. Questa era la mia pratica preferita, soprattutto perché avevo il privilegio di offrire seva durante il darshan.
Darshan significa essere in presenza di un grande essere. Sul sentiero Siddha Yoga ho imparato che il darshan avviene nel cuore. E questa è stata anche la mia esperienza. In effetti la mia esperienza di avanzare fino al seggio di Gurumayi e ricevere la grazia di Gurumayi direttamente dalla sua persona ha solo rafforzato la consapevolezza della presenza di Gurumayi nel mio cuore.
Durante il darshan, persone di ogni tipo venivano avanti e facevano pranam a Gurumayi esprimendo la loro gratitudine per aver ricevuto i suoi insegnamenti e le sue benedizioni. Alcuni facevano una domanda a Gurumayi mentre altri facevano pranam in silenzio. A volte la fila era così lunga che il darshan andava avanti per ore e ore: quattro, sei, otto ore! Gurumayi era così amorevole, compassionevole e presente con l’ultimissima persona come lo era stata con la prima. A volte venivano davanti a Gurumayi dieci, dodici persone contemporaneamente, eppure lei si connetteva con ognuna di esse personalmente. A volte Gurumayi benediceva i devoti toccandoli con le piume di pavone. I cercatori che erano venuti a trovarla per la prima volta, le venivano presentati durante il darshan. Ogni interazione era unica e perfetta per la sadhana di ogni persona in quel momento. Gli assistenti del darshan sedevano a lato di Gurumayi e davano una mano durante le molte interazioni che avvenivano tra Gurumayi e i suoi devoti.
A diciassette anni facevo sia l'assistente del darshan che il supervisore di tutti gli assistenti. In entrambi i ruoli ero intensamente concentrata a fare del mio meglio. Però, più cercavo di “fare del mio meglio”, più diventavo nervosa e meno ero in sintonia. Come risultato, non coglievo i suggerimenti di Gurumayi, non capivo le domande che le persone facevano a Gurumayi e non ero capace di dare direttive chiare agli assistenti. Invece di sentire che stavo offrendo seva, mi sembrava di essere un ostacolo.
Una sera, presi la decisione di ascoltare con molta più attenzione il discorso di Gurumayi durante il satsang. In quel satsang, Gurumayi spiegò il potere del mantra Om Namah Shivaya. Gurumayi disse che il mantra ha il potere di purificare tutti i pensieri, le parole e le azioni.
Questo insegnamento parlò direttamente al mio cuore. Sentii che il mantra mi poteva aiutare a stare tranquilla e nel momento presente durante la seva. Così cominciai a metterlo in pratica.
Mentre offrivo seva, mi fermavo, prendevo fiato un attimo, e ripetevo mentalmente Om Namah Shivaya. Prima di un’interazione, ricordavo Om Namah Shivaya. Prima di parlare, per prima cosa dicevo a me stessa “Om Namah Shivaya“.
Ecco! Mi bastava solo un attimo per fare una pausa e riflettere sul mantra, ma facendo così, iniziai a sentirmi connessa con tutti attorno a me. Cominciai a comprendere che ero parte del magico flusso della shakti. Mi muovevo, parlavo ed agivo da un luogo d’amore e di quiete profonda. La mia mente era molto attenta e tranquilla allo stesso tempo. Poiché adesso ero nel momento presente, cominciai a capire subito le richieste che mi faceva Gurumayi; poteva fare un gesto impercettibile e sapevo che cosa mi stava chiedendo. Questi momenti di attenzione e di quiete continuarono ad aumentare ed io fui capace di offrire seva sapendo di essere veramente d’aiuto per Gurumayi e per le persone che venivano per il darshan.
Condivisi la mia esperienza con gli altri sevaiti del team del darshan e cominciammo a meditare insieme sul mantra, prima della seva ogni mattina. Continuando questa pratica, cominciammo a offrire seva insieme con maggiore armonia. Sembrava una danza con una meravigliosa coreografia : ci muovevamo con grazia e parlavamo gentilmente, anticipando chi aveva bisogno di aiuto e comprendendo il ruolo e le responsabilità reciproche.
Un giorno, dopo il darshan, Gurumayi mi disse di aver notato che ero più a mio agio nell’offrire seva e che tutte le assistenti del darshan che io supervisionavo stavano lavorando bene insieme.
Fui felicissima di sentir dire questo da Gurumayi e con grande gioia raccontai a Gurumayi della nostra pratica di meditazione sul mantra. Ascoltò con attenzione, guardandomi con tantissimo amore e poi mi fece un sorriso d'intesa. Gurumayi era stata lì con me, in ogni momento.
Ora, vent'anni dopo, continuo questa pratica di ricordare il mantra nella vita quotidiana. Che dono da parte di Gurumayi! Ancora oggi custodisco questo dono.
Nel 2005 ho conseguito la certificazione come insegnante di hatha yoga. Quello che ho imparato tantissimi anni fa come assistente del darshan, è ancora ben presente nella mia vita oggi che sono un’insegnante e vivo in Irlanda. Ogni volta che silenziosamente ripeto il mantra Om Namah Shivaya prima di parlare, le mie parole sono pervase d’amore e gentilezza. Ogni volta che silenziosamente ripeto il mantra Om Namah Shivaya prima di iniziare le mie lezioni, mi sento elevata. Attraverso questa pratica ho visto che gli altri si relazionano con me con rispetto e comprensione.
Ogni momento trascorso con Gurumayi dona frutti incommensurabili. Mi sento estremamente benedetta per aver avuto il privilegio di trascorrere tantissime ore a offrire seva al darshan. La mia intenzione è essere capace di condividere questo dono inestimabile con tutti coloro con cui vengo in contatto.
Kanta Barrios ha conosciuto il sentiero Siddha Yoga nel 1989, in occasione di una visita allo Shree Muktananda Ashram, durante la celebrazione del compleanno di Gurumayi. Kanta ha servito nello staff allo Shree Muktananda Ashram e al Gurudev Siddha Peeth dal 1991 al 2003. Attualmente, Kanta vive a Dublino in Irlanda, col marito Ian O’Brian. È insegnante di hatha yoga certificata, coautrice di libri di cucina al forno naturale e project manager per una casa editrice internazionale.

Quando reflito sobre a prática mais significativa na minha sadhana de Siddha Yoga, a primeira coisa que emerge na minha consciência é: darshan. Entre 1991 e 2003, ofereci seva em tempo integral na equipe do Ashram Shri Muktananda e nas Visitas de Ensinamento de Gurumayi na Índia, México e Estados Unidos. Quase todo dia havia satsang com Gurumayi, que contava com a presença de milhares de devotos e novos buscadores. Um dos elementos principais do satsang era receber o darshan de Gurumayi. Essa era a minha prática favorita, especialmente porque eu tinha o privilégio de oferecer seva durante o darshan.
Darshan significa estar na presença de um grande ser. No caminho de Siddha Yoga, aprendi que o darshan acontece no coração. Essa tem sido também a minha experiência. De fato, minha experiência de aproximar-me da cadeira de Gurumayi e receber a graça de Gurumayi diretamente da sua pessoa apenas reforçou minha consciência da presença dela no meu coração.
Durante o darshan, pessoas de todos os tipos se aproximavam e faziam o pranam para Gurumayi, oferecendo gratidão por terem recebido seus ensinamentos e bênçãos. Algumas pessoas faziam uma pergunta a Gurumayi, outras, apenas o pranam em silêncio. Às vezes, a fila era tão longa que o darshan levava horas a fio — quatro horas, seis horas, oito horas! Gurumayi era tão amorosa, compassiva e presente com a última pessoa como tinha sido com a primeira. Às vezes, dez ou doze pessoas se aproximavam juntas, e, no entanto, ela se conectava com cada uma de um modo pessoal. Algumas vezes, ela abençoava os devotos com seu feixe de penas de pavão. Os buscadores que estavam lá pela primeira vez eram apresentados durante o darshan. Cada interação era única e perfeita para a sadhana de cada pessoa naquele momento. As assistentes do darshan sentavam-se ao lado de Gurumayi e apoiavam as inúmeras interações que estavam acontecendo entre ela e seus devotos.
Com dezessete anos, eu era assistente do darshan e supervisora de todas as demais. Nos dois papéis, eu me focava atentamente em fazer o melhor. Porém, quanto mais eu tentava “fazer o melhor”, mais nervosa e descompassada eu ficava. O resultado era que eu perdia as deixas de Gurumayi, não entendia as perguntas feitas a ela e não conseguia dar diretrizes claras às assistentes. Ao invés de me sentir oferecendo seva, eu me sentia um obstáculo.
Uma noite, decidi prestar mais atenção à palestra de Gurumayi no satsang, no qual ela ensinou sobre o poder do mantra Om Namah Shivaya. Ela disse que o mantra tem o poder de purificar todos os pensamentos, palavras e ações.
Este ensinamento me falou diretamente ao coração. Senti que o mantra poderia me ajudar a ficar mais à vontade e no momento presente durante o seva. Comecei a colocar este ensinamento em prática.
Enquanto oferecia seva, eu fazia uma pausa, respirava por um momento e mentalmente repetia Om Namah Shivaya. Antes de uma interação, eu me lembrava de Om Namah Shivaya. Antes de falar, primeiro dizia a mim mesma: Om Namah Shivaya.
E aconteceu! Eu levava apenas um instante para fazer a pausa e refletir sobre o mantra, mas, ao fazê-lo, comecei a sentir a conexão com todos ao meu redor. Comecei a perceber que eu era parte do fluxo mágico da shakti. Eu estava me movendo, falando e agindo a partir de um local de amor e profunda quietude. Minha mente estava ao mesmo tempo muito alerta e tranquila. Como agora eu estava no momento presente, comecei a compreender de imediato as demandas que Gurumayi me fazia — apenas um gesto sutil, e eu sabia o que ela estava esperando de mim. Aqueles momentos de alerta e tranquilidade continuaram a aumentar, e me tornei capaz de oferecer seva com a consciência de que eu era um apoio verdadeiro para Gurumayi e para as pessoas que vinham ao darshan.
Compartilhei a minha experiência com as outras sevitas da equipe de darshan, e nós começamos a meditar juntas no mantra, a cada manhã, antes do seva. Ao prosseguirmos nessa prática, começamos a oferecer seva juntas em maior harmonia. Parecia a dança mais lindamente coreografada: movíamo-nos com graça e falávamos com gentileza, vendo antecipadamente quem precisava de apoio e compreendendo os papéis e responsabilidades umas das outras.
Um dia, após o darshan, Gurumayi me disse que tinha notado que eu estava mais à vontade oferecendo seva, e que todas as assistentes de darshan que eu supervisionava estavam trabalhando muito bem em conjunto.
Fiquei muito feliz de ouvir Gurumayi dizer aquilo e encantada de contar a ela sobre a nossa prática de meditar no mantra. Ela ouviu atentamente, olhando-me com muito amor, e me deu um sorriso de entendimento. Gurumayi tinha estado bem ali, comigo, o tempo todo.
Vinte anos depois, eu continuo a prática de lembrar-me do mantra no meu dia a dia. Que presente de Gurumayi! Eu o acalento até hoje.
Em 2005, recebi o certificado de professora de hatha yoga. O que aprendi como assistente de darshan, tantos anos atrás, ainda é muito pertinente para minha vida atual como professora, morando na Irlanda. Cada vez que repito silenciosamente o mantra Om Namah Shivaya antes de falar, minhas palavras se infundem de amor e gentileza. Cada vez que repito silenciosamente o mantra Om Namah Shivaya antes de começar minhas aulas, sinto-me elevada. Com essa prática, vi como os outros se relacionam comigo com respeito e entendimento.
Qualquer momento passado com Gurumayi gera frutos imensuráveis. Sinto-me muito abençoada de ter tido o privilégio de passar tantas horas oferecendo seva no darshan. Minha intenção é que eu possa compartilhar esse presente inestimável com todos aqueles com quem eu entrar em contato.
Kanta Barrios foi apresentada ao caminho de Siddha Yoga em 1989, numa visita ao Ashram Shri Muktananda, durante a celebração do Aniversário de Gurumayi. Ela serviu no staff no Ashram Shri Muktananda e em Gurudev Siddha Peeth, de 1991 a 2003. Atualmente, Kanta vive em Dublin, na Irlanda, com seu marido Ian O’Brian. Ela é professora diplomada de hatha yoga, coautora de livros sobre cozinha saudável e gerente de projetos numa editora internacional.



Massachusetts, United States
Rome, Italy
Also, when I read, “Gurumayi had been right there with me in every moment,” I visualized and could feel Gurumayi’s loving presence in my own life.
Pune, India
On the way home I reflected on this, and I saw that even the sincere intention to repeat the mantra had borne wonderful fruit. All through my day, there was a subtle thread of sacredness and spaciousness. Seeing this made me very happy, and I resolved to continue my sweet efforts to practice japa. I put on a recording of Gurumayi chanting the mantra and began to chant with her—with gusto. The sound of the mantra filled the car, and waves of joy arose within me. Welling up were the words, “Yes! Give voice to the great ecstasy within!”
Melbourne, Australia
I am grateful for shaktipat, for the Siddha Yoga practices, and for my own perseverance. I am able to have this inner darshan any time when I remember to pause, focus on my breath, and turn within.
Connecticut, United States
What a beautiful spirit Kanta demonstrates! I loved reading how she shared what she’d learned with the other members of her team, bringing them all on board, and how, twenty years later, she continues to share the fruits of what she learned from Gurumayi.
a Siddha Yoga Meditation Teacher
I know other young people who have offered a year or more of seva at Shree Muktananda Ashram before or after college, and I’ve noticed the same kind of transformation in each of them. They are confident, focused, and caring young adults who bring Gurumayi’s love and the Siddha Yoga teachings into everything they do.
Washington, United States
Castlemaine, Australia