Prayers and Blessings
On the Siddha Yoga path, Gurumayi teaches that sending prayers and offering blessings are essential practices that have the power to uplift and transform the world we live in.
At times of tragedy or great challenge, it is a natural human impulse to give our heartfelt support to those who are affected. When we offer prayers and blessings with full faith and clear intention, we call forth the innate goodness of our own Self and send that pure energy into the world.
One way to send prayers and offer blessings is to make an intention before reciting svadhyaya, doing mantra japa, or chanting a namasankirtana. By dedicating our spiritual practices in this way, we bring about harmony and unity among human beings and all creation.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, I have been reciting Shri Guru Gita nearly every day. I receive benefits from this practice, of course, but each day I consciously dedicate my recitation to someone, and often to a number of people. To a friend who has recently died. To an area in the world where there is conflict. To a place hit by a natural disaster. I am so grateful to the Siddha Yoga Gurus for giving me this certain means of sending light into the universe.
Washington, United States
I pray that the hearts of the people who experience or witness fear and destruction in this world will find comfort and strength in God’s love. I pray that they can connect to the light of peace and hope, for themselves and for future generations.
Konolfingen, Switzerland
I am sending blessings of gratitude to the courageous and determined firefighters, police, and other first responders; to the selfless and compassionate souls directly assisting the evacuees in meeting their immediate needs; and to the generous and good-hearted people donating money to the organizations that will be indispensable in the recovery.
May all those affected by these fires find crucial support and receive essential resources for as long as they need them. May their hearts be nourished and comforted by the good deeds performed on their behalf by friends and neighbors and also by perfect strangers who wish them only the best.
Illinois, United States
California, United States
Warrnambool, Australia
I am praying that each day brings the experience of unity to every soul. May all beings learn to see God in one another. May everyone practice acceptance within and without.
Virginia, United States
Doing this brings me great solace, and it also gives a deeper meaning to my life.
Laval, Canada
I pray for all those who are without food.
This morning, I remembered the story of Draupadi praying to Lord Krishna to fill her food bowl when it was empty. And he did! So I prayed that the nourishment of the food I was eating would reach those who need it.
Some years ago, I created a prayer that I offer daily before eating, and I will continue to offer this prayer for those who are suffering. I ask that the food before me helps to heal, nourish, and protect me. I pray that everyone, everywhere be healed, nourished, and protected.
California, United States
I offer my deepest, heartfelt prayers and the deepest love to all those who are affected by war. I truly believe that all humankind wants peace and harmony. May our collective strength prevail.
Melbourne, Australia
I am sending prayers for an end to the suffering, pain, and danger being experienced by people in this world. I pray that those who have had to bear grievous loss may receive all the solace, understanding, and compassion that they will need to recover from their trauma. I send blessings of gratitude and respect to all those around the world who are offering their love, support, and effective care in both tangible and intangible ways. And I pray that the essential goodness in every human heart will manifest more and more openly and be transformed into a recognition of our shared humanity.
Oregon, United States
I send my blessings and prayers to all beings on the still-trembling grounds of the earthquake. May our hearts unite in prayers that offer comfort to everyone in their loss. May the sanctuary of life be rebuilt with great strength and resilience. And may love enter each cell of our beings and each breath of our soul so that we may all uplift humanity at this time.
Waterville, Canada
Tragic news regarding earthquake and disastrous flooding is deeply painful to hear. To the thousands affected by these terrible events, I send my blessings that they may receive all the tangible and intangible support that they will need in the months and years of recovery that lie ahead of them. I am also sending prayers that the rescue services in each country will be generously, effectively, and rapidly amplified by help from around the world. And I pray that the ongoing burdens of grief and trauma carried by the survivors may be eased not just by family, friends, and neighbors but by the healing power of God’s grace and love.
Illinois, United States
May all those who have been and continue to be negatively affected by the powerful earthquake and the catastrophic flooding find the inner strength and resilience to cope with their losses. May they have food, water, and a roof over their heads until their towns, villages, and homes are rebuilt. May they find solace and support in their communities, families, and among their friends. May the rescue teams be guided by grace, intuition, and expertise in finding survivors.
California, United States
California, United States
New Mexico, United States
In the wake of the heartbreaking news that continues to come out, following this week’s catastrophic earthquake, I am sending my heartfelt prayers that the people in those countries may experience great waves of God’s grace and love in the challenging times ahead. May they also receive the vast quantities of tangible assistance that will be vital to their own recovery and the physical reconstruction of their homes, villages, and cities.
I send special prayers for the children affected by these events, that they may be blessed with all that they need to fully heal their bodies and souls. And I send prayers of profound gratitude to the international rescue-and-recovery teams from over sixty countries who have rushed to the affected areas, and to all the compassionate people around the world who have been sending financial and material support to help their fellow human beings in their time of urgent need.
Illinois, United States
It is so sad to hear about the devastating earthquake in which many people lost their lives. As I write this, many others may still be trapped, waiting to be saved.
I am reciting Shri Guru Gita for those affected by this tragedy and sending prayers so that they may receive solace and help.
May everyone be protected and stay safe.
Marval, France
My heartfelt prayers and blessings go to the people where a powerful earthquake has killed a great number of people. May the survivors find shelter, food, and heat in the freezing wintry weather, and may the wounded recover in body and spirit. May the grace of God guide the rescue workers in their search for more survivors. May all involved be touched by the love and care of humanity.
California, United States
I offer my prayers today for everyone affected by the severe earthquakes. May the families who have lost loved ones be comforted as they grieve. May all who are working to rescue others and help the wounded be strengthened and safe as they work. May all who are without shelter find safety, food, water, and warmth. May people around the world join together to help rebuild the damaged cities and provide shelter for all those who have been displaced.
California, United States
Thornbury, Australia
Thornbury, Australia
Waterville, Canada
who is in fear
have a glimpse of God
powerful and clear.
May each woman
who feels vulnerable
experience God’s miraculous protection
and have the vision of divine compassion.
May each man
who is in calamity
find time to calm his mind
and in this blessed quietude approach the higher Self.
May outer tragedy, misfortune, failure, loss
have opposite effects within.
May the outlook take a U-turn to the inner wealth
of God’s abundance, bliss, and grace.
Hindelang, Germany
On this most auspicious night of Mahashivaratri, I pray:
May every creature in every corner of the world be protected.
May there be unity.
May harmony prevail in these uncertain times.
London, United Kingdom
It is my prayer that the peace, love, and strength I feel in my heart with each repetition of the mantra Om Namah Shivaya be sent to everyone in the world.
New Jersey, United States
I too offer my prayers, as well as my recitations of Shri Guru Gita and Shri Rudram, for God’s blessings and intercession on behalf of humankind. May light triumph over darkness and evil.
North Carolina, United States
This is my heartfelt prayer to my Guru and to God: Bless our earth and all her life. Restore her to health. Dress her in newness. Transform all harm into harmony. Remove suffering and bring peace, protection, and preservation to all the people in crisis in the world.
Colorado, United States
Georgia, United States
Castlemaine, Australia
Let there be peace in the world. May everyone be safe and protected. May the Lord come to the aid of all those who are suffering.
Sydney, Australia
My prayers and blessings go to the people, animals, plant life, and soil of countries devastated by powerful earthquakes. May everyone in danger be rescued. May the nations of the world come to their help in the recovery efforts and rebuilding of their homeland. May all affected by these disasters be comforted and find peace and safety again. My heart is with them.
California, United States
Illinois, United State
One thing I have learned during the pandemic is that we, as one humanity, are in this together.
Dortmund, Germany
New York, United States
California, United States
May all the people of India be vigilant at this time. May they experience resilience and know their own inner greatness. And may they know what to do to protect themselves.
Hawaii, United States
Bremgarten, Switzerland
California, United States
Sydney, Australia
Bell Park, Australia
New York, United States
California, United States
My heart is with those who lost their lives in tragic events. I offer my heartfelt blessings to the families and friends who lost loved ones. May they find solace and peace.
California, United States
I pray to Lord Shiva to stop the water from falling and to have compassion for the earth.
Sydney, Australia
California, United States
Sydney, Australia
May all be protected by grace. May the tranquility of the heart be revealed to all beings. May that tranquility restore balance to all five elements. May that tranquility bring an end to the many manifestations of suffering. May we honor all of nature, allowing for its complete restoration.
Washington, United States
May we understand that everything we truly need is inside each of us and that by chanting we can encompass the whole universe, including these challenging situations. May we be empowered to bless the world with each recitation of a sacred text and repetition of the mantra.
Washington, United States
I pray that this world be surrounded by a magnetic field of grace, offering protection to all.
Washington, United States
In that spirit, I have begun reciting these lines from the Upanishad Mantras as my prayer before every meal I have this month:
Let people everywhere be happy.
Let everyone be free of disease.
Let everyone see good everywhere.
Let no one meet with sorrow.
Om. Peace. Peace. Peace.
Illinois, United States
New York, United States
Since receiving Gurumayi’s “Blessings to Treasure” on June 20, I have put her words into practice in my meal blessing. Now I conclude my meal blessing by lifting my arms up to the sky and smiling upwards, and I can feel the rush of sparkling energy flowing out to the heavens! I feel as if I become the fountain in Gurumayi’s Message Artwork! I experience that my joyous blessings are flying outward on wings!
California, United States
I send my heartfelt prayers to all those affected by disasters. May the wounded find effective medical care, may the homeless find compassionate shelter, may the bereaved find peace and solace, and may all be sustained by the helping hands of others, as well as by their own strengths and resilience.
Illinois, United States
I also prayed for the animals in Egypt, India, Thailand, and elsewhere who are endangered because their keepers cannot leave their homes to feed them at this time.
I offer gratitude to those good-hearted people who have gone out of their way to try to save these animals. May all be safe and protected.
Sydney, Australia
California, United States
With every thought, word, and action, may I cultivate the humility to appreciate the gifts that are given to me, and all of us, by Mother Nature.
Washington, United States
I pray for profound and eternal blessings on the work of the SYDA Foundation. May the Guru’s grace permeate and stream through the selfless service of countless devotees and staff for generations to come in fulfillment of the Guru’s work on earth. May all beings benefit by the SYDA Foundation’s protection, preservation, and facilitation of the dissemination of the teachings of the Siddha Yoga path.
May Gurumayi Chidvilasananda receive my eternal gratitude and love for the priceless gift of Shri Guru’s grace, the bestowal of shaktipat diksha.
And may I put her gift to good use in furthering her work on earth in whatever way I can.
Connecticut, United States
I have recently returned from offering satsangs in Texas prisons and have experienced firsthand the commitment, devotion, and gratitude this segment of our sangham has for our path and the Guru. They face the pandemic in the direst of circumstances: overcrowding, lack of medical supplies and masks, and few healthcare workers on site.
May they all remain strong, healthy, and protected in the shelter of Guru’s grace.
Montreal, Canada
May they receive all the strength and support they need at this time.
Narwee, Australia
Campbells Creek, Australia
I pray that the children of our world continue to inspire us, now and always, to be lighthearted, playful, and simple. Gurumayi is the best role model for living with a “fresh young spirit,” and during these challenging times, her teachings are guiding me to remain vigilant in returning to my inner strength and the magical openness that children embody.
May we all continue to experience and appreciate our daily special moments of grace.
South Australia, Australia
Reading others’ prayers and blessings inspired and captured by the Siddha Yoga path website provides me with energy and the mental strength to face the unforeseen challenges of this time on earth.
New York, United States
Hawaii, United States
I offer my intention to accept the unexpected and potentially precipitous shifts in routine and lifestyle so that life may flourish. And I bow my head in gratitude for the opportunity afforded to me at this time to commune more deeply in quietude with the blossoming trees and flowers of springtime.
I extend the blessings conferred upon me and my family by Gurumayi’s grace to everyone and to their beloveds.
Washington, United States
I pray that others too will have this same good fortune.
Obing, Germany
Sydney, Australia
As a registered nurse, I know that the more we ourselves take time to breathe deeply and to feel that inner stillness, the more our immune systems are strengthened, and the more we can open our hearts to healing and helping one another. And so I pray that we come to discern the hidden blessings bestowed on us in the current circumstances.
Texas, United States
Rodez, France
New York, United States
Connecticut, United States
I offer gratitude to all those stepping forward to help from the goodness of their golden hearts.
Illinois, United States
Maine, United States
I have found it deeply soothing to be a part of a prayer circle initiated by Siddha Yoga friends here in response to these bushfires. Seeing and hearing how people were offering their prayers and blessings for this situation has inspired me to take a more focused approach toward doing the same.
Hokianga, New Zealand
This morning after offering Shri Guru Gita, I sat in meditation. This prayer arose:
“Take a portion of the fire. Remove this measure of the blaze and offer it to the fire within. Allow this fire to burn away all that stands in the way of divine perception. Tend this fire with your practices, sacrifice, and the light of your awareness as it grows.
Make yourself a refreshing lake. Allow the pure waters of wisdom to wash away ignorance so that true knowledge shines through the prism of your mind. Offer cool waters of kindness to those around you. Listen inwardly. Keep the vigil of the resplendent Self who dwells in your heart."
Thank you, Gurumayi, for the Siddha Yoga practices that constantly teach me how to live.
Geelong West, Australia
At this time I pray for balance and sweetness of thought within my own mind, and clarity and acuity within my approach. I pray that our communities be protected from fear and frustration, and that we embrace the challenge of restoring balance and harmony.
May these natural disasters trigger healing in our collective relationship with nature. May we learn to honor nature as God. May the cohesion and good will being demonstrated by the emergency services be an inspiration to all, demonstrating what is possible when there is unity of purpose.
I thank Gurumayi for teaching us that sending our prayers and blessings is a powerful means of supporting our world.
Hurlstone Park, Australia
May this beautiful prayer bring them upliftment. May they all feel reassured and protected. May they receive all the help they need. May our love support them
Rome, Italy
I pray that we may begin to acknowledge and respect the interconnectedness of all life on Earth. I pray that we may learn to take care of each other, the land, the animals, and the manmade treasures of the world as one.
California, United States
May the Guru’s love and light surround the natural environment as well as the homes and properties, and all the residents and animals. May the Lord bless the landscape with soothing rain so that the fires will promptly cease.
New Mexico, United States
May the Guru’s love touch all hearts and surround our precious Earth with healing love and light. May everyone reach out to one another, extending hearts and hands to be of help.
New Mexico, United States
Paris, France
Maine, United States
I also send gratitude and blessings to the support teams who are offering aid to survivors, and to all those around the world who have sent monetary support and prayers to ease this situation.
Oregon, United States
New York, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
I also pray that humanity can come together to protect our Mother Earth, who sustains us all. God bless all who have gone to aid and assist.
Georgia, United States
My heart is with the many people in this world who are experiencing great hunger. I will offer my meditations and chanting as a prayer for each child, adult, old person, and animal to have healthy and steady meals.
California, United States
California, United States
New Mexico, United States
New Mexico, United States
New York, United States
New Mexico, United States
As Hurricane Michael spins over the Gulf of Mexico, I pray that people and animals are protected and that the energy of the storm recedes as it nears land.
Llwynygroes, United Kingdom
California, United States
My wish is that the merit I earn from chanting be transferred to them. I pray that the sweetness of the chant will nourish the hearts of those who are experiencing loss and suffering. And as the emergency services rush in to support them, may they experience connection and love and support, knowing they are valued.
Summer Hill, Australia
Shree Muktananda Ashram
Reciting this powerful hymn, I also prayed that the winds of the hurricane calm down, and for all people and animals in the area to be safe and protected.
Washington, United States
Los Polvorines, Argentina
May they have gasoline, food, water, medicine, and shelter as they weather the storm.
May neighbors, family, friends, and coworkers extend compassion and a helping hand to each other, and to the animals.
May the rescue teams be graced with good equipment, calmness, and poise.
May we all treat Mother Earth with care and respect.
California, United States
California, United States
May all beings there find safety. May they have the supplies they need to care for themselves and their animals, and protect their homes and businesses. May they have the strength to escape or weather this storm.
May they experience a collective kindness and assistance many degrees greater than the strength of the storm.
Colorado, United States
I will never forget the brave people who found ways to help, in some cases risking their own life and their own health. I will also never forget the way my fellow New Yorkers were kinder and friendlier to one another in the aftermath.
May those whose lives ended abruptly due to senseless violence never be forgotten. May violence lead not to more violence, but to hands reaching out with love and kindness.
May the common humanity within us prevail.
Colorado, United States
Since then, I have come to understand that I can choose to embrace the best in the world—to look for the light in the midst of the darkness—and be that light.
Hurleyville, United States
As I chant the mantra Om Namah Shivaya and offer its blessings to them, may the power of the mantra uplift them and bring them peace. May they feel the heartfelt love of all the people who are remembering them and sending prayers and blessings on this day.
Massachusetts, United States
I send prayers for all the people and animals to receive shelter, food, and water and for everyone’s suffering to be eased.
New York, United States
I believe a museum is a source of knowledge, wonderment, and reverence for the past. The National Museum in Rio housed twenty million items, including the twelve-thousand-year-old fossilized remains of "Luzia," the oldest human fossil found in Brazil, and a 5.5-ton meteorite discovered in Brazil in 1784.
May the local government find new ways to stimulate research, knowledge, and reverence for history and culture.
May the people of Brazil be comforted and find new places to search for knowledge—within and without.
California, USA
As they recover from this tragedy, may they feel the inner and outer support of the worldwide community.
Massachusetts, USA
Colonia, Uruguay
Sydney, Australia
Now that the heavy rains have stopped, I pray and send my blessings for a quick recovery phase.
New York, USA
New York, USA
Utah, USA
May there be help and healing and blessings for those affected.
Maine , USA
Now that they have been freed, I am sending prayers of thanksgiving for this miraculous deliverance and for the profoundly inspiring way in which the international rescue team showed the world what human decency, generosity, dedication, and loving hearts can accomplish—when we join together selflessly for a noble goal.
I am also sending prayers and blessings to the young people and their coach that the after-effects of such a difficult experience be greatly mitigated by God’s continuing protection and grace. May they all be nourished and comforted by the love and concern the world showed for them throughout, and may that understanding inspire them in the years ahead.
Illinois, USA
A group of Siddha Yoga friends and I, all living in different parts of the world, decided to send our prayers and blessings in support of all those affected by these calamities. We recited Shri Guru Gita at the same time on behalf of the safe and smooth evacuation of the 11,000 island inhabitants.
May Shri Guru’s love and protection embrace each person affected by this series of devastating events on Vanuatu.
Punta del Este, Uruguay
I am praying that we may share this life generously with one another.
Washington, USA
Thank you, Gurumayi, for showing me that I can make a difference in the world by my ongoing contribution to the upliftment of all.
California, USA
Florida, USA
I formed a prayer asking that each one of them would be comforted and supported. During our recitation, I focused on the text and connected with my breath.
I know that the prayer I offer each morning while reciting Shri Guru Gita will be one among many heartfelt prayers offered at this time.
North Carolina, USA
That evening, I participated in the monthly meeting of my sadhana circle at my home; we continued to focus on Gurumayi’s Message for 2017. After exploring the teaching for December—"The sound of your breath is music to your soul"—we lay in a circle on the floor in the shavasana pose of hatha yoga, breathing together as one, and sending our blessings to everyone, including those in California affected by the fires. We felt very connected.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for helping us learn the importance of sending prayers and blessings—and how to do so.
New York, USA
After offering prayers and blessings for California yesterday during the midday namasankirtana at Shree Muktananda Ashram, I understood what great power we have when we join together in this way.
Georgia, USA
Thank you, Gurumayi, for your teachings in these challenging times, and always.
New York, USA
I was drawn to the bhajan by poet-saint Tulsidas and was deeply reassured to read his prayer. Though the prayer was written long ago, it seemed to me to be just as relevant today. I felt grateful to Tulsidas for articulating his faith in God so clearly.
Then I played the CD of the bhajan and sang along with Gurumayi. As I did this, I experienced an even deeper feeling of reassurance.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for giving us these powerful ways to offer prayers and blessings.
California, USA
While tears fall for so many affected by tragedies of hurricanes, earthquakes, again and again I turn to the Heart. I remember the gift of Gurumayi’s Message. I remember that my heart is strong, it is generous, it is unlimited, and it can help uplift our world, one breath and blessing at a time.
California, USA
The recovery will certainly take time, so my prayer is this: May love and courage sustain everyone.
May everyone experience peace beneath the turmoil.
May everyone be protected and receive all needed support.
May we all be united in prayer.
Shree Muktananda Ashram
This morning, I created an intention to offer my spiritual practices and daily activities as a prayer for love, light, and blessings for all those affected by the natural disasters occurring on our planet right now.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for teaching me how to take shelter in your grace and to take inspiration from your teachings.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
I thought that was a wonderful thing for him to say—a sincere blessing and acknowledgment of the correspondent’s strength. I felt deeply connected with these two speakers, and with everyone in Puerto Rico, Mexico, and the other places in the path of the hurricane. I immediately thought of the many ways that the Siddha Yoga teachings remind us of the strength of the Self, and how they help us draw forth our own courage, compassion, and awareness of unity with others.
I took some time to send prayers and blessings for peace, protection, and resilience to those in the midst of current trials. As I did this, respect and compassion filled my heart.
Kentucky, USA
California, USA
May all who have been impacted by this natural event find solace within, and move forward with courage.
New York, USA
Thank you, Gurumayi, for your presence in my life, and for helping me to understand every circumstance that presents itself.
Mexico City, Mexico
New York , USA
I visited this Prayers and Blessings section of the Siddha Yoga path website to connect to the profound wisdom and uplifting teachings expressed here. It feels like a deep well of compassionate guidance with which I can restore and strengthen my connection to the goodness and the love in this world.
I read the heartfelt shares from Siddha Yoga students around the world, whose insights into applying Gurumayi’s teachings about the power of prayer and blessings inspire me. One way I plan to bring the practice of prayers and blessings into my daily life is to recite Pasayadan and Let Us Be United prior to meditating.
I am so grateful to Gurumayi for the unending generosity and wisdom with which she guides me through the challenges of this world.
Oregon, USA
I am also reminded of verse 129 in Shri Guru Gita that teaches that the powers gained from reciting Shri Guru Gita are to be used "for the welfare of people" and not "for selfish gains." I love to recite this sacred text, and to offer this practice for the peace and harmony of the world.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for this inspiring series of teachings about the power of prayers and blessings.
California, USA
When I hear news the tragic events it has been a comfort to know that although I live far away, my prayers and blessings can benefit those affected by what happened.
I am also experiencing how such events strengthen my determination to bring more light and love into the world. By chance, a friend shared this proverb with me just recently: “The tree that falls makes noise. The forest grows in silence.” This image reminds me of the “forest” of good deeds performed every day “in silence.”
And so, as I extend holiday greetings to friends and family around the world, I find myself drawn to thanking them for their individual contributions in making the world a better place. I am moved to see how, in this way, my heart opens to the healing power of gratitude.
Illinois, USA
Thank you, Gurumayi ji, for bringing us together and showering us with your blessings, which allow us to be steady and resolute in the face of adversity.
New York, USA
I am very grateful for these teachings because, at the most challenging times, they help me stay connected to my heart, and to the still place within me that no physical earthquake can perturb.
Oregon, USA
I am grateful that whenever I learn about tragedies and struggles, I can visit the website and offer prayers and blessings, taking very specific actions. It is uplifting to know that other Siddha Yogis are offering blessings to the world at the same time.
Connecticut, USA
New York, USA
I’m dedicating my prayers and blessings to the people who are suffering. I thank Gurumayi with all my heart that, through her grace, I can convey her love to all those in such great need.
Milan, Italy
I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for Gurumayi’s generosity and for the love and protection that she bestows on all of us.
Ontario, Canada
After reciting Shri Guru Gita this morning, I felt compassion in my heart beyond the worries and fear in my mind. I could feel the healing power of all the prayers around the globe.
Bussum, Netherlands