Gurumayi’s teaching about the light of Consciousness and the deeper meaning of arati brought me back to a recent experience of offering arati at the Siddha Yoga chanting and meditation group near my home.
As I waited to receive the cue to stand, I became preoccupied with my timing, which unsettled my inner equipoise. However, once I was standing before Gurumayi’s picture on the puja altar, my clouds of mental unrest dissolved in the light of the arati flame.
In that offering, devotion and recognition arose together. I experienced that the light I offered to Gurumayi, the light I revered in her, and the light of Consciousness within my own heart were one.
Gurumayi’s words in “In Praise of Light” have deepened my understanding of this experience. Through the transforming fire of sadhana, I am coming to see more clearly what the light of the arati flame reveals to me: the one Consciousness that shines in the Guru is the very Self from which the offering arises.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Ever since Shri Gurumayi’s poem was posted on the website, I have been reading it again and again. Each time I read it, I feel her blessings and love. I feel my Guru is talking directly to me. I am so grateful for this precious Deepavali gift.
As Gurumayi describes in her poem, I have been starting my days by offering gratitude to my Shri Guru and ending my days with thankfulness for Shri Guru. This practice has become so alive for me! And throughout the day, I feel very different—in touch with gratitude and the Guru’s presence.
a Gurukula student in Gurudev Siddha Peeth
A few weeks ago, I was feeling a little unsettled. I looked at my puja altar and had the impulse to wave a candle as one does when offering arati.
I did so, and right away I felt such a wonderful shift in my heart—everything seemed to become soft and sacred. Since then, I’ve continued waving the light each morning.
Gurumayi’s words about light and arati were a beautiful affirmation of my experience. I feel so grateful.
New York, United States
I have been bathing in the light of Gurumayi’s poem in honor of Deepavali since receiving it on November 1. I experience “In Praise of Light” like a treasure trove filled with the most precious gems, drawing me to unearth them.
Here is one line at the start of the poem that particularly stands out to me:
“May every moment of your life shine with the light of the Truth.”
And here is another: “May your intellect experience this light through and through.”
May Gurumayi’s benediction become my prayer. May her wish become my intention. May her blessings become my reality.
Coburg, Australia
As I read Gurumayi’s astounding poem, I felt that I was being initiated into the tradition of worship. Arati was not part of my culture growing up, and I had never connected to the flame or understood the extraordinary power of worship.
Recently, I offered seva at Shree Muktananda Ashram during Navaratri. Reading Gurumayi’s life-transforming poem, I realized my entire stay was about arati. After singing the Arati and the Jaya Devi Arati in the evening many times during my visit, my being was ablaze with this practice. It culminated on the day of Baba Muktananda’s Lunar Mahasamadhi, when I was invited to offer arati to Bade Baba.
When I stood before Bade Baba, the word “Witness!” from Gurumayi’s Message for 2026 rang out in my heart. And as I slowly raised the lamp, the rest of the fourth line, “Enlighten your consciousness,” shook my being.
Then, as my eyes met Bade Baba’s, with the flame blazing between us, I experienced an electric moment: my individual soul became one with pure Consciousness.
And now, as I read Gurumayi’s poem, I recognize that this was truly a moment of darshan and an experience of my Guru’s teaching about light!
California, United States
For me, every single blessing in this poem is an expression of Gurumayi’s love and an infinitely generous boon. Sitting at her feet, receiving these blessings, is a dream come true. May gratitude continue to flood my heart and, in this way, may I celebrate the light of lights.
California, United States
I knew nothing about the profound significance of waving the arati flame before the Guru or a deity. I am very grateful to Gurumayi for her explanations and her blessings.
In honor of the goddess Lakshmi, who is worshipped on Deepavali, I waved an arati flame this evening while reciting Shri Mahalakshmi Stotram.
The experience was completely different from usual because I was more aware of its significance for me and my ancestors. I also tried to turn my senses inward, and with this intention, my body began to glow with a powerful energy.
The meditation that followed was so profound. My mind was absolutely still, and the silence was as vast as the universe itself.
From now on, I will perform arati more often, with greater respect and with more awareness.
Konolfingen, Switzerland
Gurumayi’s blessings at the beginning of “In Praise of Light” completely captured my heart. And I pray for the grace of these blessings to completely permeate my life.
As I kept reading and rereading, I felt that Gurumayi was showing me a clear path to follow—a path suffused with support and grace, as well as a warning about pitfalls. I feel that Gurumayi has given me a map which, as I read and reread it, will bring me fully to my inner light.
What prasad! What a blessing!
California, United States
To truly understand my Shri Guru’s words, I first connected to my heart to gain a clear insight into her exquisite teaching.
After listening to each pearl of wisdom—each one filled with an ocean of compassion and love for humanity—my heart offered deep salutations and heartfelt gratitude to Shri Gurumayi for the precious prasad of this poem.
Reading it, I was reminded that offering daily gratitude is a very powerful tool to enhance my sadhana. It helps me eliminate my complaints and appreciate the blessing of having a Siddha Guru—guiding me daily to do sadhana in a consistent and disciplined manner.
I also received powerful guidance on how to stay focused by continuing the practice of mantra japa, experiencing inner silence during life’s ups and downs, and remaining vigilant with my thoughts. Additionally, Gurumayi’s poem highlighted for me the importance of polishing the golden virtues and cultivating the state of equipoise.
The Houghton, South Africa
Three years ago, light from Shri Guru lit the inner lamp in my heart. While reading the poem, I could feel Shri Gurumayi speaking to me, as if right in my ear. Deepavali will no longer be the same for me from now on.
Bangalore, India
During my morning routine, while preparing for my morning prayers, I visited the Siddha Yoga path website to read a teaching on any topic at random.
Reading Gurumayi’s poem filled with her blessings on this auspicious day of Deepavali brought a flood of memories of growing up. I remembered how in our home, preparations began the day before the day of lights, with cleaning and wearing new clothes.
For me, Deepavali symbolizes shaktipat-diksha, bestowed by my beloved Siddha Guru, for it is through her guidance that I experience the light in myself and see this light everywhere.
I became completely absorbed in the profound meaning of this day as I slowly read through each word and phrase of Gurumayi’s poem.
I am so grateful to Gurumayi for her generosity and guidance as I live my final years on this earth. I offer my gratitude every moment as I reflect on the many blessings Gurumayi showers upon my family and me.
Florida, United States
This morning, after a challenging time, I found this precious gift from Gurumayi. I felt so blessed to receive it, and I began to read it with great anticipation and enthusiasm.
Reading it was a journey inside from darkness to light, and at the end, my eyes and my heart were full of light.
My heart was at peace, my mind was still, and I craved for nothing. It is such a benediction to have a Siddha Guru who illumines my path again and again.
Rome, Italy
Deep gratitude to Gurumayi for “enlightening my consciousness,” fanning the flames of my inner light, and bringing my awareness to the light that shines in me and connects me to everything.
The divine words of Gurumayi’s poem sing in my being. They make me feel stronger, softer, more open—and fully trusting in the knowledge they contain. They return me to the enlightening truth taught by the Guru that “God dwells within me” and that everyone and everything vibrates with the light of God.
Kingscliff, Australia