Whenever I watch the video “Prayer to the Sacred Fire,” I connect with the energy of peace that I sense all nine women embody in the depths of their being.

At the moment, I am confronted with personal issues that have caused suffering in my heart. When I meditated today and filled each of my breaths with the mantra Om Namah Shivaya, the heaviness in my heart dissolved into love.

I realized that I can create peace when I do not react to negative energies but instead, dissolve them through my own inner peace. I became aware of the great responsibility I have toward myself. I cannot stop other people from being negative, but I can actively work to transcend these energies within myself and maintain an inner state of love and peace.

Konolfingen, Switzerland

This powerful ritual touches me deeply. I watched it many times with deep gratitude.

For a few years now, a great part of my sadhana has been to make peace with the element of fire after a trauma. And for the very first time since then, through the Guru’s grace, I truly enjoyed “being with the fire”—the benevolent, purifying, and sacred fire. In the silence of dawn, the sacred fire crackling at Lord Shiva’s feet felt so good, so full of the Guru’s love, and so comforting in these challenging times!

I was moved by the nine women, standing side by side in deep, meditative silence. As I watched them hold a prayer stick in their hands and a pure blessing for the world in their hearts, their desire for unity was palpable to me.

I felt blessed and fortunate to join them in spirit, offering my prayer stick to the sacred fire at the feet of Lord Shiva and saying, “May there be peace in the world and in our hearts.”

Quebec, Canada

Watching this beautiful peace ritual in front of the statue of Shiva Nataraj, and hearing the fire crackling, I could see my own face reflected on my screen. I felt like I was participating in the ritual just as each woman was, and I tried to hold the thought “shanti” in my awareness.

Last night at a community dinner we were discussing how to respond to the current global conflict. I shared how I establish a sense of peace within myself, and then mentally send that to the area of the earth that is experiencing conflict.

Watching this beautiful video this morning, I could see the manifestation and importance of ritual. I understood that when I share in ritual, or perform a ritual alone with God, as I invoke peace through word and action, I spread peace to the world and, very importantly, within my own being.

Evans Head, Australia

Gratitude is what my heart feels when I see this sacred fire. The fire is so powerful and, at the same time, so serene.

At this present time, when there is so much noise and clutter in the world, having this sacred fire provides the mind and soul with a haven. A place of focus. A place of worship. A place of prayer. I am grateful that I can come back again and again to this sacred space, in unity with the Siddha Yoga sangham, to offer a prayer of peace for the world. 

Mexico City, Mexico

I am so grateful to beloved Shri Gurumayi for this beautiful, prayerful Holi offering, forged between fire and moonlight. I was moved by these beautiful devis offering prayers in many languages on behalf of the entire global Siddha Yoga sangham. I am deeply grateful for this reminder, at this challenging time in the world, to intentionally use the power of our hearts as a force for good, a force for love, and a force for light.

California, United States

I love this video. It feels sacred and ancient. To me, it depicts an ancient ritual being carried out by modern-day women. I feel deep peace and stillness when I watch it. It has become a way for me to prepare for meditation. I also appreciate that the women, who appear to be of different ethnicities and nationalities, are all praying together for world peace.

Washington, United States

I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in such an incredibly powerful prayer circle through this extraordinary video. As each person offered their prayers for peace to the crackling fire, I too added my own. I felt a deep sense of unity, strength, and calmness. I saw that the opportunity to offer prayers for peace at the fire in front of the Shiva Nataraj in the Siddha Guru’s abode is an astounding blessing—both for those of us making the prayer, and for those receiving its fruits. This is love! This is peace!

New York, United States

What a gift to see these women offering blessings to the fire. “Prayer to the Sacred Fire” captures the sanctity of this space where so many prayers have been offered. As we stood, united, holding virtual hands around the world, I felt the dance of Nataraj moved us toward greater love as we prayed for peace.

Om shanti shanti shanti.

California, United States

As I drove to work this morning, I saw the beautiful moon. It was so peaceful, and its radiance was mild and calming. I played the mantra Om Namah Shivaya in my car and sang along with fervor and love. I felt that somewhere in the world, many more people are repeating the mantra, and together we were attuning ourselves to peace.

When I saw “Prayer to the Sacred Fire,” I was filled with so much joy! I felt the peace, the strength, the divine support. I also realized that each one of us can do our part to make the world full of peace and love, and that our intention is extremely powerful and effective.

Konolfingen, Switzerland

Today I watched “Prayer to the Sacred Fire” and was deeply touched that in many different languages, the same prayer appeared—for “peace on earth.”

This made me pause and ask myself, “Do I truly have peace within myself, despite what’s happening in the world?” The realization that arose within me was simple and profound—when I calm myself, the world around me also begins to feel calm. I saw that inner peace is not separate from outer peace; it begins within me.

I feel deeply thankful for Gurumayi Chidvilasananda, whose grace safeguards me every second of life. This path gently reminds me again and again of what truly matters.

Gandhinagar, India

This was so moving to watch. I was deeply moved by the stillness. The fire. The women and their quiet reverence. My heart opened. When I read on one of the prayer sticks that “Peace for the World” was being offered, tears came to my eyes. I became a part of this offering, and as I offered, I experienced a tender vulnerability as well as great strength.

“Peace for the world”! My heart is open. My heart is strong.

New York, United States

I am grateful for the peacefulness I experienced while watching “Prayer to the Sacred Fire.” I was brought back in time to my last evening at Gurudev Siddha Peeth, where I gathered with two friends at the sacred fire there. As we prayed for peace, peacefulness also entered my heart then.

May the blessing of peace become everlasting and shared by all.

Massachusetts, United States

I am grateful for this beautiful “Prayer to the Sacred Fire.” After viewing the peaceful devis offering prayer sticks for “peace for the world” in different languages, I remembered the title of Gurumayi’s Deepavali poem for 2023: “Light Always, Light Everywhere.”

May there be light and peace always, and everywhere.

New York, United States

This beautiful offering to the fire, serene and strong, makes me feel grounded. The semicircular position of the women around the fire feels ancient; it conveys to me that life is protected, peace is protected, thanks to the grace of Shri Guru.

New York, United States

In “Prayer to the Sacred Fire,” each participant’s intention for peace throughout the world was palpable. As they placed their prayer sticks into the fire, I too prayed for peace throughout the world. Through this exquisite video, I felt connected with my beloved Gurumayi, with others, and with the world beyond.

Oregon, United States

I was deeply touched by this very special way of celebrating Holi. I experience that what is outside is also within—and the story of Holi has a very reassuring end. In my mind, I participated in this prayer and felt consoled, sheltered, and enveloped by grace. 

Hindelang, Germany

I am so moved by this exquisite video on this auspicious occasion of Holi. This first day of the festival—today—is a time of gorgeous fires and making offerings for the victory of light over darkness. These images of women dressed in golden colors, offering prayer sticks in different languages to the vibrant sacred fire in front of Shiva Nataraj in Shree Muktananda Ashram, feels so reassuring, so inclusive—inviting us all to offer our prayers for peace on this auspicious day. I so appreciate this invitation. Tears sprang to my eyes unbidden as soon as I saw this gorgeous golden array of beauty and peace and intention. I have certainty that our prayers are resounding in the universe and touching billions of hearts. 

New York, United States

What a beautiful offering! My mind immediately became quiet. My heart softened. For the entire time of this ceremony, I experienced peace. Calm. Sweet silence. May I carry that feeling all day! 

Minnesota, United States

I am grateful for this beautiful video! As I watched it, I experienced the power of prayer in my heart. I was reminded in such a powerful way that I can offer blessings for the upliftment of this world and for peace everywhere. 

New York, United States

Thank you for this video of the Holi fire puja. What a gift! What a blessing! I felt that I stood among the women making offerings, that their hands were my hands, and that I offered my prayers with each prayer stick they offered to the sacred fire. I am so grateful to be reminded of the unfathomable grace, beauty, and power of prayer. 

New York, United States

What a powerful experience it is to be with the fire. Yesterday, on the day of Holi, I went with my son and husband to offer salutations to the fire of Holika Dahan. This has been my annual ritual since childhood.

As I stood there, I looked up at the radiant full moon, which cooled my mind, and felt the blazing fire on the earth, which warmed my heart. In this moment, I was reminded of the third line of Gurumayi’s Message for 2026: “Recharge! Nourish your heart.”

I spent a few quiet minutes listening to the sound of the fire. I honored the fire for its sacredness and its ability to destroy darkness. I prayed for goodness to prevail and for virtues to win whenever I find myself in a dilemma.

Thane West, India

This morning in meditation I asked, “What can I do for the world?” Offering prayers to the sacred fire soothed the turmoil in my heart and allowed me to “reset” and focus my mind. My hand was holding onto Eesha’s hand, and I too stood at the Shiva Nataraj, offering prayers for peace in the world. 

Maine, United States