Gurumayi Chidvilasananda’s Darshan and Wisdom

My seventy-eight-year-old father is currently dealing with a neurological disorder, which often renders him still for hours at a time. Yesterday, our family sat beside him and recited Shri Guru Gita. He started moving his lips for the last verses of text during Sadguru ki Arati. Afterward, I opened the first image of “Gurumayi Chidvilasananda’s Darshan and Wisdom” for him to look at. When he saw Gurumayi’s photo he became visibly moved, and we all felt the presence of the shakti. He started to speak to us about the importance of the Guru’s image and about how he got introduced to this grace-filled path.
 

Ulhasnagar, India

Last night I had a beautiful dream of beloved Shri Gurumayi. In that dream I was offering garden seva with my eleven-year-old godchild in Shree Muktananda Ashram. How happy and blessed we felt when we noticed Shri Gurumayi approaching us, with a smile and firm steps, while carrying two happy monkeys on her shoulders. After this darshan we went to participate in the morning Arati and chanted with all our love and gratitude with many others present.
 
This divine experience is so alive within me that I am overwhelmed! Later I found this photo of Gurumayi with her teaching, “Darshan happens in the Heart.” Yes, even in the dream state, darshan is happening in my heart! It’s not just a dream, it is “the movement of shakti in the Heart”!
 

Palzing, Germany

Washington, United States

I tried to approach darshan fully present and open to the Guru’s shakti.

I experienced such stillness, sweetness, and vibrancy. May I carry this sweetness into my day, while still listening and responding to the needs of the moment. May I cultivate a deeper reverence for my sacred heart, which carries the Guru’s shakti.
 

Maryland, United States

I first saw Shri Gurumayi in person standing in front of Gurudev Siddha Peeth in February 2003. Looking back, I see that I immediately understood Gurumayi’s words in this first posting. I sensed that the Sadguru’s heart is beyond anything I was used to. I knew her heart was full of compassion, and in that moment my heart filled with devotion to her.
 
Whenever I remember that moment, I experience anew the depth of the power of love in the heart.
 

Kopargaon, India

Gurumayi’s teaching that true seekers yearn to “experience oneness with every particle of the universe” reminded me of an experience I had in Gurudev Siddha Peeth. While meditating, I experienced myself from the vantage point of a speck on one of the marble walls. It was an experience of a profound witness state, absolute stillness, a feeling of oneness with everything. The experience of oneness was pervaded by a subtle bliss. Recalling it brought back that experience.
 

Washington, United States

When I began to read Gurumayi's words I felt my body scintillating with golden energy. I read each line very slowly. I wanted to become full of this golden light. I read and reread her words, feeling the shift in my state of mind and the release in my body. I became quiet and peaceful.
 

Washington, United States

When I opened this divine invitation to experience darshan, I was instantly struck with the deep rasa of gratitude. I had the experience of not only seeing the image of Shri Gurumayi, but being seen by her. I felt the longing in my depths to be seen, and the experience of having that longing be fulfilled merged into a flowing rainfall of gratitude.
 
Then I read the words of the teaching—and experienced a longing to see the face of God in others, as I long for the face of God to be seen in me. I experienced darshan, which opened the flowers of my heart. I felt Shri Guru’s grace within me, through her loving glance.
 
May others perceive the face of love in me, and may I see the face of God in every human face and in every particular thing.
 

New Jersey, United States

These sacred words make me feel so connected to the shakti, to my Self, to the Truth, and to Gurumayi. And they reassure me that I must be a true seeker! 
 
I’m very grateful to Gurumayi for giving us so many ways to make these beneficial connections.
 

Embrun, Canada

Every photo in this minisite brings me complete joy!

This one in particular speaks to me today because the sky is overcast and it has been raining all day. The words of the teaching are like drops “falling on parched earth,” reminding me to “soften and yield.” 
 
I trust in the lessons I learn from the “rain” in my life and focus on the beauty of the blooms the rain will bring.
 

Michigan, United States

Reading Gurumayi’s words about devotion, I remembered that when I came into the meditation room this morning, I found a fresh rose on the puja. Where did it come from? I found out that my wife had placed it there in devotion early in the morning, while I was still sleeping. The power of her offering and devotion was incredibly potent and felt very sweet and rejuvenating. Feelings of wonder and hope arose.
 

South Carolina, United States

No rain has fallen here for months, and just as I was opening the Siddha Yoga path website and praying for blessings, I heard the pattering of a few precious raindrops. For me it was a delightful confirmation of my Guru’s presence. And, this photo of Gurumayi with the umbrella popped up at that exact moment! 

With even the most subtle experience of darshan, my heart experiences the sweet satsang of Gurumayi’s presence, and tears wet my face. I know my Guru has not forgotten me, and I am so grateful for her being and love.

Now, as I finish this writing, a downpour begins, showering blessings upon us all!
 
I am thankful for Gurumayi being here with us, and sharing her delightful play!
 

New Mexico, United States
 

As I visit the Siddha Yoga path website and receive the darshan of Gurumayi’s teachings, the world around me begins to remind me of these sacred photos and teachings. When I look at the sunrise, I immediately think of Gurumayi. When I see the moon, I silently say, “Thank you, Gurumayi, for your teachings that have shed light and given me direction in my life.”
 
I smiled when I saw this photo of Gurumayi holding an umbrella. I can already picture myself holding an umbrella and remembering this photo and teaching. 
 

South Yarra, Australia

Frankston, Australia

While having Gurumayi’s darshan with this photo, I immediately experienced Gurumayi recognizing my greatness in such a way that I simultaneously experienced it. I experienced the greatness of the Self in her and in myself. I feel it is Gurumayi’s grace, love, and compassion that make that vision of greatness possible. May I in turn see that greatness in all others and in creation.
 

Washington, United States

Yesterday I experienced a great shift in perception. I had been filled with anxiety after listening to the news; I called on Baba for help. After a few minutes, I noticed that with each utterance of Baba’s name, I grew calmer. I then had the impetus to visit the Siddha Yoga path website, where I found this incredible collection of photos and teachings of Gurumayi. After reading several teachings, I noticed that my fear was gone. Instead, I felt like I was floating on a comfy cloud of well-being.

I then heard a whisper of a thought with the question, “How can I be experiencing well-being when mere moments ago I was worried for the state of the world?” Then, I clicked on this photo and teaching of Gurumayi. Each phrase perfectly described what I was experiencing, and the divine alchemy of the Guru-disciple relationship. I am forever grateful.  
 

Maryland, United States

As I read Gurumayi’s words, I experienced that what she was describing was happening to me. Her words were totally alive and transformative—not ordinary words at all, but imbued with the power of her divinity, entering my whole body.
 

Texas, United States

My state has risen like the sun on seeing Gurumayi's image and reading her words. My heart instantly expanded, and I rejoiced in this day. In an instant, my perception of my cold body and the cold, wet weather outside has been transformed.
 

Perth, Australia

When I feel that Gurumayi is with me, I feel joyful. And when I feel my heart open, I think I am really in a pool of joy!
 

Thane West, India
 

Whenever I read this quote from Gurumayi, I immediately become aware of my breath. As I breathe in I perceive light, freshness, beauty, joy, and enthusiasm. I can smell the trees, feel the wind, hear the leaves moving, and enjoy the warmth of the sun. As I breathe out, I feel release, easefulness, and lightheartedness. I can “hear” silence, see the moonlight, and enjoy the state of peace.
 

Berlin, Germany

Last evening I took a short walk, chanting while I walked. As I moved along the paved road lined with trees, I came to an opening in the branches at an intersection of the road in which the crescent moon was beautifully surrounded by small, dark clouds and stars.
 
At that moment I was awestruck, and I could feel my heart open as wide as the expansive sky. I stood there for a minute, feeling bathed in an inner intoxication, and then a bright light of a distant oncoming truck overtook my field of vision. As the truck turned away, I moved back into my former position. The sky had changed, but the feeling in my heart was still one of expansion and joy.
 
Then, this morning, as I read this quotation, I was struck by how my evening's experience resounded with her grace.
 

New Jersey, United States

California, United States

This photo of Gurumayi and the ektar is the one that called me, the first one I clicked on. It reminded me of a Siddha Yoga satsang with Gurumayi in Manhattan in 1985, in which we chanted Jay Jay Vitthale and Gurumayi played the ektar. It was the first time I heard that chant, or the ektar, or experienced such ecstasy.
 
Since then, and for many years, one of the sevas I have offered has been as a lead chanter. That initial ecstasy has sprouted into a blossoming forest. There is nothing like Siddha Yoga chanting! It is my mooring, my teacher, my port of safety and solace—my direct and immediate connection to the divine.

Synchronistically, tonight’s chant is Jay Jay Vitthale. Whenever I chant it, I connect to that first time, and realize how much quieter my mind and my life have become.
 
And for this I give thousands of thanks to Gurumayi and the Siddha Yoga path.
 

California, United States

Today is the anniversary of the day I received shaktipat initiation. I have been celebrating it by chanting with a recording of Gurumayi and dancing.
 
As I chanted, I connected with my longing and let my body express this longing as an offering back to grace. Afterwards, I sat for meditation and felt myself glide easefully inward, into the space of the heart.
 
I love this picture and the teaching about chanting, as chanting practice has been a joyful friend and an awakening power for me for many years.
 

Thornbury, Australia

As I read Gurumayi’s words, I remembered when I was introduced to the Siddha Yoga path in 1984 at a satsang. As I entered the meditation venue, I heard Gurumayi chanting the mantra Om Namah Shivaya. The chant was so melodious and enchanting. As I listened, the chant seemed to seep deeper and deeper into me.
 
I looked toward where Gurumayi was seated. It seemed to me as if her eyes were full of love and were inviting me to join in the chant.
 
Over the years since then, chanting has been my favorite Siddha Yoga practice. It enables me to connect to Gurumayi, to connect to my inner Self, and to experience God within my heart. Through chanting, I’m often able to dissolve my worries and problems. I also feel energized when the chant concludes.
 

Lucknow, India

Reading this teaching, I remembered chanting the divine name with Gurumayi. The chanting took me to previously unknown lands of ethereal beauty and serenity where love flowed and connected me to bliss. I shed tears of happiness that seemed to wash away fears and melancholy. A feeling of completeness grew within me.
 

Lucknow, India

I am reading these words of Gurumayi at a time when I am facing a challenging experience in my life. It is a situation that I have undertaken after receiving inner guidance to do so.

Putting forth self-effort is not always comfortable or easy. Yet, as I deal with this situation, I am learning how to gain detachment from both pleasure and pain. I have faith that, in due time, this will allow me to fully receive the Guru’s grace in such a way that it will be with me forever.  
 

Rixensart, Belgium

My family and I have been traveling in Europe. Recently we visited the Sacre-Coeur Basilica in Paris. I came before an image of Mary with a lit candle in my hand and the intention to offer prayers. As soon as I was close to the image, I felt enveloped by the presence of the divine Mother. I prayed to her for the well-being of the world. Her presence was deeply comforting. I had the experience that her blessings and grace are eternal and exist independent of whatever is happening in the external world. I was amazed by how immediately present she was for me. 

Today I randomly clicked on this image of Gurumayi and when I read her words I was reminded of my experience at Sacre-Coeur. What a great synchrony! Gurumayi’s words exactly described my experience. 
 

California, United States

London, United Kingdom

Reflecting on image 11, I see that I have found prayer to be a direct way for me to enter the heart, both my heart and what I experience as the heart of God. At a time when my usual comforts have been taken away, I have been praying by writing to Gurumayi in my journal. After I write, I focus inside and experience guidance that shows me a way forward. Then I feel more confident in my direction.
 
As I pray, I can feel that the Guru is with me each step of the way. 
 

Massachusetts, United States

This week I read each of the teachings in “Gurumayi Chidvilasananda’s Darshan and Wisdom.” I was particularly drawn to the teaching about prayer that appears with image 11.
 
That night as I was praying, all of a sudden I felt Lord Shiva enter my being and permeate all of it in the tiniest fraction of a second. I had an inner knowing and vision that it was Lord Shiva in the form of Shiva Nataraj, and that I was indeed Lord Shiva myself.
 
This experience makes me feel empowered and worthy of the highest. And I now find myself remembering to repeat Om Namah Shivaya more frequently, with the heightened understanding that Lord Shiva, my Guru, and I are one. This gives me strength.
 

New York, United States

My mother taught me to pray when I was a very young child. That is the greatest gift she could have given me. For me, prayer is the most important thing to do in order to create a good day. And now, Gurumayi affirms the power of this gift in her teaching, “Prayer is a magnet that draws the presence of God.”
 
I am grateful to Gurumayi for this reminder of the importance of praying for my family, friends, the world, and myself.
 

Yautepec, Mexico

I definitely have experienced the truth of this teaching firsthand while offering seva in the Ashram. The challenge for me has been to bring that experience into my daily life.

I have found that when I offer all my actions to Gurumayi and do my best, without expecting anything in return, my heart leaps. Then I feel the joy of doing service solely for the love of it. This love, in turn, can be felt by those who my service might touch. I pray that I can continually offer my service to others in this way, for the good of all.
 

California, United States

Two days ago, I took a walk on the grounds of Gurudev Siddha Peeth and then sat on a bench overlooking the beautiful garden. The moment I closed my eyes, I imagined that Gurumayi was coming towards me, inviting me to walk with her. With enthusiasm, I accompanied her in my mind’s eye.
 
As we walked, I could not stop sharing with her about all the love that she has given me and how happy I am to be in Gurudev Siddha Peeth. I could feel my whole body filled with excitement and, at the same time, I experienced a profound calmness within me.
 
As we paused, suddenly I felt like I was expressing my love to Gurumayi just like a puppy. I opened my eyes in laughter as I thought, “A puppy!? What a wonderful way of expressing unconditional love!”
 
Today, I look at the picture of Gurumayi with the dog, and tears of recognition come to my eyes.
 

Mexico City, Mexico

I have always loved seva, this mysterious practice of offering selfless service. I experience it as the most amazing and profound teaching in how we are not separate—because with each offering of seva, it is I who is also being rejuvenated, invigorated, centered, and made happier.
 

California, United States

Issy les Moulineaux, France

I am grateful for having eyes that allow me to read Gurumayi’s exquisite words and see her serene image. I am filled with bliss, joy, and serenity as I experience her darshan.
 

Montreal, Canada

Whenever I see this photograph of Gurumayi, I feel such incredible longing for meditation. And yet, I do experience the stillness and silence of which Gurumayi speaks—when I am performing puja. The other night, as my attention drifted toward my puja during meditation, I heard Gurumayi’s voice within me, saying quite firmly, “Your puja is inside you!”
 

Sydney, Australia

Shiva drishti. I really love the very simple and yet so profound teaching from Gurumayi that appears along with the fourteenth photo. It gives me a practical way to look at the world around me through the eyes of my Guru to take the time to look closely at everything that exists and acknowledge “All this is Shiva.”
 

Quebec, Canada

Warrnambool, Australia

Message 16 from Gurumayi says it all for me. I feel it miraculously answers my inner question as to what my focus should be these days. It guides me to focus on cultivating divine virtues on a daily basis, while experiencing the Guru’s love and grace whenever I connect with myself within.
 

Bangalore, India

I am so grateful for the steady wisdom and love of Gurumayi. As I received Gurumayi’s darshan through this passage, I felt a sense of peace and patience flow through my mind and heart. I began to experience a deeper feeling of my own self-worth. I began to trust that things were going to be OK. These words remind me that the Guru is always ready to share her grace and love.
 

California, United States

I have been away from home, working with a group of clients with diverse needs. I was not feeling totally at ease. Then, when I read these words of Gurumayi, my fear melted away, I experienced the love inside, and everything flowed in my work with my clients!

I am so grateful to Gurumayi for making her darshan available through the Siddha Yoga path website 24/7.
 

Massachusetts, United States

This darshan brought me to my knees and then into my heart of hearts. I had fallen into seeing differences and feeling separate from my family members. Gurumayi’s words reminded me where I need to focus and rest my mind.
 
I am grateful to Gurumayi for picking me up again, dusting me off, and setting me in the loving direction of the heart!
 

Texas, United States

I am deeply grateful for the profound experience I had while viewing Gurumayi’s picture and reading the accompanying teaching.
 
The image and the text put side by side created a powerful moment of contemplation and insight for me. Gazing at Gurumayi’s picture, I experienced a scintillating blue light emanating from her eyes. It filled me with inner peace, and I felt Gurumayi’s grace and blessings.
 
This moment of tranquility and heightened awareness is a blessing I cherish.
 

Yamuna Nagar, India

Gurumayi’s words are a great reminder to continue the practice of meditation and to remember that the divinity and splendor of my inner core are right here, inside me, and accessible!
 

New York, United States

Many years ago, soon after my first darshan of Gurumayi, I bought a tape of Baba Muktananda chanting with a group. As I listened to the chanting, I felt transported back to the time when the chant would have been recorded in Gurudev Siddha Peeth, although I had never been there before.
 
I was filled with the awareness that I was in the courtyard with Baba and the group, and all my attention was on that experience. My awareness of my current life disappeared until the chant was over.
 
Gurumayi’s words that appear along with picture 21 have confirmed for me the authenticity of that experience.
 

London, United Kingdom

I love the wisdom of Gurumayi’s teaching about the Guru Principle. I feel that this is the main teaching that I will be joyfully learning about and engaging with for the rest of my life. For me, understanding the Guru Principle is something I long for—not only an intellectual understanding, but a deeper understanding, all levels and at all times.
 

New York, United States

I was taught as a child to be modest and not claim,“I am great.” But Gurumayi’s teaching encourages me to experience my true greatness,   “invoking the presence of great virtues within…” As I look at Gurumayi’s picture with the leopard cub, one virtue I can think of is strength of heart, which allows me to understand and overcome the “wilder” aspects of myself—those ego-driven aspects that, when not “tamed,” could be harmful to myself and others.
 
I am grateful to Gurumayi, for this healing and transformational guidance.
 

California, United States

Missouri, United States

I feel the power of this guidance. I am coming to know that I can express and experience my devotion by recognizing God in everything and everyone. My deepest wish is to see God as all in all. My greatest desire is to spread God’s love in gratitude and express God through my being.
 

California, United States

I love the sense of discovery evoked by the wish in this quote. It makes me think of having the “beginner’s mind.” It asks me to awaken again and again to the presence of the Lord in my everyday situations and conversations. What joy and peace such an awareness can bring.
 

New York, United States

Tears came to my eyes as I read “O Lord, reveal yourself in this person...” It was a reminder to me that God is in everyone, not just in the people I like or find pleasing to be around, but equally in the people whom I find difficult or challenging. May these words be ever in my awareness!
 

Missouri, United States

Lismore Heights, Australia

a Gurukula student in Gurudev Siddha Peeth

One morning, after reciting Shri Guru Gita, I experienced how engaging my senses in this practice had returned me to my own natural bliss.
 
I spent the rest of the day observing nature and the animal world. I noticed how my cat, who often meows for food, is reflecting my own hunger for God. Then I drove to some ancient caves, and when I looked into them, I felt the depth of my own heart. Throughout the day, I kept my focus on my inner Self. When my attention strayed to a painful thought, I noticed the vast blue sky, free from disturbance. In another moment, I noticed a snake. This reminded me to pause and be very still and present. On the way home, I stopped by lava rocks in a field and felt their steadfast presence. Then I stopped to swim in the ocean; the rhythm of the current reminding me again of my heart.
 
When I arrived home, my cat was sound asleep before my puja. I felt vibrant, alive, and deeply connected to my inner divinity.
 

Warrnambool, Australia

As I receive this teaching, I feel the stillness of nature arising within my heart. I feel myself returning to myself, just as Gurumayi describes nature as “always in the process of returning to itself.” What a soft, joyful, beautiful feeling arises within me!
 
I'm heading out now for a walk with my dog, with eyes and heart wide open to immerse myself in nature’s state of meditation. 
 

Castlemaine, Australia

While I see the Guru’s presence through my eyes, it is felt in my heart. When I close my eyes, the Guru, the Self, is right here. I smile and relax into that presence.
 

New York, United States

After invoking the presence of Shri Guru as I sit before my puja, I start my meditation. After a few moments, I find myself immersed in divine light and experience no distinction between within and without. I am as pervasive as divine light, while absorbed in love and bliss.
 
After meditation, I find myself filled with happiness and enthusiasm, ready to carry out my daily activities with equanimity.
 

Udaipur, India

I was somewhat restless before seeing this photo and reading Gurumayi’s teaching about mantra, but as soon as I started to repeat the mantra, my mind became calm. I felt as if Gurumayi was touching my head and moving it gently.

Chennai, India

Recently, I have not been able to sit in my usual upright, balanced posture for meditation. I tried again this morning, finally adopting a posture that I had not found successful before. The difference this time was that I surrendered to the mantra and kept returning to it whenever my attention veered toward a negative feeling about the posture. I saw that I could simply use the problem as a tool to keep my mind engaged with the mantra, and then the feeling of wanting to give up faded. Gradually, I felt strength begin to surge through my body. And along with this strength, a gentle feeling of sweetness settled over me. Thus, my regular period of meditation was maintained.
 
After this experience, I found a teaching related to just this subject from the gallery of Gurumayi Chidvilasananda's Darshan and Wisdom. I felt that Gurumayi had provided the inspiration I needed before I even saw her words on the Siddha Yoga path website!
 

London, United Kingdom

I feel that while I have been grateful for many things throughout my life, I have not always been practicing gratitude. I believe that real gratitude means opening my heart and mind to God and truly appreciating all of the grace and gifts I have received. Contemplating Gurumayi’s words has helped to give me the understanding of the true meaning of gratitude. This teaching has also shown me that the practice of authentic gratitude must now be a priority for me.
 

Washington, United States

Montreal, Canada

I was deeply inspired by this quote of Gurumayi—and thankful for it!
 
It has reminded me that the practice of counting my blessings is transforming my outlook on life. I no longer look to what I think I need, or need to receive, in any situation. Rather, I practice remembering that in whatever way a situation is unfolding, it is for my own benefit: it may be there to strengthen my character, or to teach me to look deeper into myself, or to practice not judging myself and others and to come from a place of love instead.
 
This practice does not yet always come easily to me. It is, however, always available. And when I do remember to do it, it unfailingly changes my mood and brings me closer to my heart, and closer to God.
 

Jerusalem, Israel

In a meditation once, I received a card for a spiritual name from Gurumayi. The card was blank; it had no name, just white light beaming out of it.  
 
Later, I wanted to confirm this experience in person. In darshan I asked Gurumayi for a spiritual name, and her hand looked just like it does in this picture. Her words here about “the iridescent force of that light” help me realize that my goal is to keep striving to experience merging into this great light and to live from there.
 

Washington, United States

As I have continued to contemplate this teaching over time, I have noticed that it has taken on different meanings during different periods of my life. When I first read it, I experienced it as words of loving comfort in which Gurumayi was reassuring me that she was always with me. 

However, now the meaning of this teaching has, for me, become more about the Guru always being there in the form of the shakti. It allows me to recognize that the shakti eternally exists within me with the power to transform me and enable me to attain everything.
 

Vadodara, India

Many years ago during my first stay in Gurudev Siddha Peeth, Gurumayi was giving a final darshan in the courtyard before leaving on a Teachings Visit to meditation centers throughout India. She would be away from the Ashram for some time.
 
I was sitting on the steps of Guru Chowk at the time, and as people got up to follow Gurumayi to the front of the Ashram to say goodbye, I tried to stand, but found that my legs were numb. After several attempts to rise, I realized that this was for a purpose, so I sat calmly and waited. It was then that a voice rose up inside me saying, “The Guru does not come and go. Only the Guru’s body comes and goes.” I have treasured these words for the past four decades as their power and wisdom have led me to the inner Guru.
 
As Gurumayi says in this quotation, “Those who know me as I truly am know that I am with you.”
 

Brisbane, Australia

Oklahoma, United States

I do know that Gurumayi is with me. I have had faith in her love for me for many, many years. And I am convinced that I will attain the highest, with Gurumayi’s grace, guidance, and blessings.
 

Yautepec, Mexico