I am seventy-three years young, a “golden oldie,” and have been on this miraculous Siddha Yoga journey since 1980. The first time I heard of Baba Muktananda, my friend told me about him, “My Guru says God lives in your heart,” and I received shaktipat in that moment! I was enveloped in sublime peace—that peace beyond all understanding—and most astonishing, I knew I was that peace. I burst out sobbing with relief and wonder.

Since then, Shri Guru’s grace and teachings have guided my sadhana and upheld me everywhere in my life and during challenging times—the greater the challenge, the greater the grace. Words cannot express my heart’s gratitude for Gurumayi’s ever-abundant, compassionate, loving support. The recent wealth of satsangs and teachings on the Siddha Yoga path website have re-ignited for me that original wonder and astonishment at discovering my inner divinity.

New York, United States

Eesha speaks movingly of her experience in learning from people much older than she is as they advance along the Siddha Yoga path. As one of those “much older” people, I want to acknowledge the younger pillars of the Siddha Yoga path, such as Eesha and others of her age or even younger. I have no children of my own, but in my decades of sadhana I have had the joy of mentoring more than a dozen children growing up in Siddha Yoga families. They are all young adults now, and I see with great delight and admiration how they are making the world a more beautiful place.

Eesha also speaks appreciatively of “the groundwork” my generation has established for later generations to build on. I for one feel deeply grateful to realize how many young people have already been building on that “groundwork” to further the Siddha Yoga mission and to extend its blessings to their own generation and those yet to come. I am honored to share this path with these promising young yogis!

Illinois, United States

I resonated a lot with the theme of age, as I am over eighty. I know all too well the increasing need to “harness the energy and vitality we have” since I can no longer “take for granted” my body’s well-being. One way that I implement the Siddha Yoga teaching that our body is a temple of God, to be cared for with reverence and devotion, is by swimming three times a week, each time for fifty minutes.

Whenever I go to the nearby pool, I experience deep gratitude for having this facility available to me and for still being strong enough to use it effectively. Fifty minutes provides a lot of time for idle thoughts, so I have developed a practice I call “swimming japa.” Especially in doing the backstroke, I repeat Om Namah Shivaya Om in time with my arm movements. Not only does this steady rhythm energize my swimming, it keeps me in the radiant company of the mantra of the Siddha Yoga lineage. And for that I also experience deep gratitude!

Oregon, United States

Eesha’s sparkling reflection on Gurumayi’s words lit a fire of contemplation in my mind. How is it possible that “old is gold“?

Some months ago, I was walking around my village when three proud teenagers were doing acrobatic maneuvers with their bikes. I immediately saw everyone’s abilities and started to encourage them to take their performance to the next level. To my astonishment, I saw them progress with enthusiasm and vigor. I told myself, “Now you can share the fruits of your long biking experience!“

Another time, during a concert, the choir leader turned to the audience to repeat the chorus of a song about a mountain. I felt the lyrics vibrate strongly in my chest. When the choir leader turned toward me, smiling, I felt the mountain singing inside me.

At Christmastime, I was offered a wrapped chocolate. Inside the wrapper I read: “If youth is the most beautiful of flowers, old age is the most tasty fruit.“ So yes, “Old is gold“—a ripe, golden fruit!

Rodez, France

Having been on the Siddha Yoga path for many years, I really appreciated these heartfelt words from Eesha.

I keep finding myself surprised when the younger Siddha Yogis I interact with respond with gratitude to stories and teachings I share with them from the past. I forget how lucky I am to have this storehouse of refined learning that supports me every day.

I also feel tender compassion when I see younger people in my life struggle with challenges arising in the outer and inner worlds. I want to help, but some of them don’t see me as a potential resource for help, or they see my advice as outdated or ill-informed. Although that may be true in some cases, in others I think they are missing out on what this elder can offer them.

At the same time, I love hanging out with young people, taking in their enthusiasm and energy and joyfulness, learning about their music and art and their view of the world. It keeps me young as well.

California, United States