Thank you for the emphasis placed on celebrating Bade Baba this year in our own hearts and also outside. This has been a treasure, a golden gift that is shimmering within in us, offering us support and blessings. There is no greater gift than to have this darshan within and to appreciate the greatness of such a being.
Tonight as I was chanting Nityanandam Brahmanandam, I was filled with such peace and ecstatic joy that I felt like I could sing to the heavens! Thank you, Gurumayi, for your talk and for all of these photos, videos, and practices that you have made available. They are guidance and opportunities to treasure this path.
a Siddha Yogi from Florida, USA
Like an infinite mala,
Bead after bead
Of sun
Was seen
On this golden day.
All around the world,
As it slowly turned its face
To timelessness,
Seekers made a mala
Of seeing
And being
And love
That blessed us all.
Thank you, Gurumayi,
For leading us
On this journey
To the Heart.
With love and gratitude,
a Siddha Yogi from New York, USA
Dear Bade Baba,
Watching the sunrise and sunset photos from all around the world was a very, very pleasant and unique experience. The photos showed your presence in divine colors, which are unique for each place. It made a great impact on me as wherever we are on this globe, the presence of your grace is present with all of us, every time, every where.
a Siddha Yogi from Nagpur, India
As I read the letter by Swami Shantananda and arrived at the point where he talks about how, "heart-wise," he was in Bade Baba's Temple, I thought, without taking it too seriously (because I didn't really think it would work), "Hey, maybe heart-wise I can try to be in Bade Baba's Temple." I was then very surprised as the energy in the room, and within me, suddenly turned into the energy of the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple in Shree Muktananda Ashram. I recognized how Gurumayi has infused this teaching, "Heart-wise, we can be anywhere," with her grace. So I see, heart-wise, we actually can be in the Bade Baba Temple.
Thank you, Gurumayi! Thank you, Bade Baba!
a Siddha Yogi from South Carolina, USA
Thank you, Gurumayi, for taking me to the outer and inner Bada Baba Shrine and showing me how to worship there. I was delighted to see the picture of Bade Baba's Samadhi Shrine in Ganeshpuri. I still feel its sweet stillness whenever I think of it. Now all of my wishes, and then some, for celebrating Bada Baba's Golden Punyatithi have been fulfilled and so many of them right here in my own home! Thank you, with all my heart.
a Siddha Yogi from Georgia, USA
What a treat to view the sunrises and sunset from around the world in celebration of Bhagavan Niyananda’s Golden Punyatithi. I felt streams of grace pouring out toward me as I opened each image and understood this was the Guru’s grace reflected in each heart as the devotee captured the image and offered silent prayer to Gurumayi, to God, and for this world. And I felt surprise when I realized there are so many different countries, with different names, and yet the beautiful earth is so similar in each one: one Earth.
Truly Bade Baba’s grace embraces the world.
a Siddha Yogi from Uluru, Australia
On August 8, 2012, the culmination of the Golden Punyatithi, I was hoping to capture the sunrise and sunset, but the cloudy sky did not permit the sun’s rays to even change the hue of the sky. However, through the wonderful pictures posted on the website, I had darshan of the sun as it appeared to Siddha Yogis around the world. It made me realize again that the sun is unaffected by external factors; it is absorbed in its Self, like Bade Baba. It is the source of light and illumines the world just as our lineage of Gurus sheds light and illumines our awareness.
a Siddha Yogi from New Delhi, India
Thank you so much for inspiring all of those amazing photographs in honor of Bade Baba! Last night I went through each image slowly from the thumbnails and marveled at one sun on one day—how many different visual expressions of that one sun! Then I smiled at all of the artists playfully attempting to capture the playful artwork of the Supreme Artist!
Love,
a Siddha Yogi from California, USA
I awoke this morning to the soft song of the golden finches as if they were chanting the Guru Gita very reverently. I grabbed my camera and headed to the beach to await the sunrise. The palm tree branches swayed, reminding me of devotees swaying while chanting. Even the myna birds seemed anxious for the sun as they perched on the lines, awaiting its glory. Everything in nature seemed to be honoring God. The mist streamed off the mountain, the clouds blew away, and at last the sun rose—a pulsating red and golden globe. When viewed through the palm fronds, it was deep red, like at sunset.
As I walked the tree-covered path strewn with white plumeria blossoms back to my home, it reminded me of walking the paths in Gurudev Siddha Peeth. Memories of Bade Baba's presence in my life flooded my mind and gratitude for his teachings flooded my heart.
a Siddha Yogi from Hawaii, USA
After the satsang in celebration of Bhagavan Nityananda’s punyatithi, I did not feel like going to sleep right away, and I decided to have a look on the website. I watched the wonderful pictures all around the world. Nature’s creativity is so incredible! And then, I discovered the Manasa Puja dharana! What a treasure—I was really there! I could even smell the delicate fragrance of the gardenias, roses, and jasmine. Last year, my husband and I were in Bade Baba’s samadhi shrine in Ganeshpuri on August 8, and we performed pradakshina. This year, through your gift of this dharana, I was able to do it again. Entering the shrine, making the offering, going around the shrine in pradakshina was so sweet. I could take my time; just myself and Bade Baba . . .
hum . . .
Heart-wise, I can bow to your chair in the Temple in Gurudev Siddha Peeth every day. Heart-wise, my hands can feel the carpet. My head can merge into the heart. And my heart vibrates with the sweet sound of bees. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
With deep love,
a Siddha Yogi from Annecy, France
As I get ready to turn in for the early morning abhishek tomorrow, the ritual bathing of the murti of beloved Bhagavan Nityananda here at the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland, I am transported by the vivid scenes of sunrise in Australia and in China. I can feel the serene stillness of morning in the first light. And the molten clouds emblazoned across the sky over the water. What a picture perfect image of the Guru's cooling and heating grace, and vast beauty.
We meditated with Bade Baba in the Temple here tonight after the evening arati. The sweetness was palpable. The peace was palpable. The feeling of gratitude for his unending supply of grace was tangible. The gift of darshan was freely given.
Thank you, Gurumayi for guiding us to recognize Bhagavan's greatness in Nature, which we share together; and for sharing your vision of him with us through your words, and for uniting us. Thank you, devotee photographers for your artistry. Thank you, Nature. Thank you, God. Thank you SYDA Foundation website sevites. All are one. A sweet goodnight from this part of the globe.
Love, love, love. Sadgurunath Maharaj ki Jay.
a Siddha Yogi from California, USA
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to celebrate Bade Baba’s Golden Punyatithi honoring nature.
I am spending my winter holidays with my husband and four children at a cottage on Mount Chapelco, in Patagonia, Argentina. A place we have come for many years, but this year was special. Having August 8th photographs in mind, we all became more aware of the beauty of sunrise and sunset here.
My son suggested that I take the pictures from a clearing uphill. My walk through the snowy woods, so dark and deep, was a silent pilgrimage in communion with nature, stillness within and without. I reached my spot and waited. Suddenly, powerfully, the golden rays started illumining the majestic Andes. Nityanandam Brahmanandam, my heart sang. Sunrise within, sunrise without.
My husband and I will go to another spot, overlooking Lake Lacar, for the sunset photos. What a graceful holiday!
With love, gratitude, and devotion,
a Siddha Yogi from Argentina
Early this morning, in order to view and photograph the sunrise, my husband and I drove to a point that provides an open panorama of Anchorage and the Chugach Mountains behind it. The sun rose playfully and gently, hiding behind the clouds as it skimmed the top of the mountains on its course. As it did so, the tidal waters of the Turnagain Arm took on, ever so subtly and gradually, the color of flamingo.
I expected that any moment that the sun would break through the clouds and dazzle me with its direct, golden/orange rays. I would then take the "ideal" sunrise shot. The sun, however, had its own way of doing things! Staying behind the clouds, it continued to paint the water with great delicacy, blazing forth only after it was already quite high in the sky.
This Golden Punyatithi sunrise was Bade Baba's tender darshan, teaching me to let go of expectations and dive into the joy of the always perfect present moment.
Thank you, Bade Baba!
a Siddha Yogi from Alaska, USA
As I read Swami Shantananda’s letter this morning, I was reminded of the sweetness of the Guru Gita this past Sunday when I felt myself merge with the chant and the chanters. Such a blessing.
Then I got to the manasa puja dharana at the end of the letter. As the dharana went forward, I felt so blessed to be able to worship Bada Baba in this manner. And then, when the puja was complete and the Brahmin gave me the prasad, I disappeared into the moment and sometime later came back to consciousness. I am still buzzing with the energy of Nityananda’s grace. I am so blessed to be able to find refuge at His feet and to have you show me the path!
With all my Love,
a Siddha Yogi from Washington, USA
As I listened to the Bhagavan Nityananda Manasa Puja an overwhelming sense of gratitude caused tears to flow from my eyes, first as I performed pradakshina, and then as I received Bade Baba's prasad. Thank You Gurumayi for opening Bade Baba's Samadhi Shrine to all of us; allowing me to feel and know his grace, his light, his wisdom and protection in my life. Thank you for providing this marvelously open connection through the Siddha Yoga website. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
With love and respect,
a Siddha Yogi from Italy
It was a beautiful day here in Pune, India although the sun was playing hide and seek under a thick cover of clouds. We missed the sunrise due to the monsoon skies, but by the end of the day the sun finally appeared. I was not sure of being able to capture a spectacular photo to share, but decided that rather than assuming anything I should at least try. I went to the roof of our building and spent time watching the last descent of the sun. I realized Nature is completely unpredictable, and that the quietest, humblest of movements in the sky can create a beautiful panorama. I realized that the beauty is in watching it change and the gift of this process of sharing is that it is connecting us to Nature. Gurumayi is making us pay attention to the beauty of Nature, right here where we are—to the beautiful golden light of the Self, outside us and within.
a Siddha Yogi from Pune, India
My heart is brimming with gratitude for the opportunity Gurumayi has given us to stay connected with the divine shakti through the Siddha Yoga path website.
I just came back from photographing the sunrise. I walked through the Phoenix Park in Dublin, while it was still dark, chanting Om Nityananda. The park was misty, magical, and quiet with no one else in sight. When the sun came up my heart burst open with love and awe. It really was one of the most beautiful sunrises I have ever seen. The sun was golden and perfect and beautiful. It was as if nature were singing in its full splendor praises to Bhagavan.
Thank you, Shri Nityananda. Thank you, Shri Gurumayi. I love you. I feel connected and grateful.
a Siddha Yogi from Ireland
This morning when I went to the webpage to see what sunrise photos from devotees around the world had been posted, I was touched as I scrolled through the images. I could almost see the individual people taking pictures and offering them to the global sangham in this way. It was as if a garland of living light that spanned the globe was being created before my eyes—each bead another person focusing on the light of the Self.
Then I saw that a photo of the sunset had already been posted as well, and realized that in some places this Golden Punyatithi day is already complete.
I became aware of the continuum of Siddha Yoga sadhana happening day and night around the globe—someone offering seva while another sleeps, someone meditating while another feeds their child, some chanting, someone giving dakshina—never a moment in the world without it.
I felt so close to Siddha Yogis every where, and so grateful for the Siddha Yoga path, and this webpage helping us all to experience our connection.
Thank you Gurumayi!
a Siddha Yogi from New York, USA
This morning before meditation I was struck by the words "life is an offering." My mind had been so full of "to do" lists—"I have to remember to do...." But Gurumayi's words, from the title of the slideshow, made me stop and think, I do not have to "do" anything; life is an offering—what do I offer? And instantly how I felt about my day's activities was transformed and all things that I “had to do" became things that I “could offer." As a result the anxiety associated with them dissipated.
With love,
a Siddha Yogi from Australia
Reading the invitation to celebrate Baba Baba’s Golden Punyatithi by photographing the sunrise and sunset on August 8 reminded me of an experience I had earlier this week.
My husband and I were biking. It was at the end of a beautiful sunny day; we were biking back home through the fields and close to a dike that embraces a lake (a former sea) and protects the land against the water. We saw green meadows and ditches, cows and farms, trees and bushes, birds and the sky. While the sun was setting, nature was getting ready for the night. It became more and more quiet.
The sunset reminded me of Bade Baba’s form … sweet, magnificent, glorious, golden.
Still on our bikes and watching the sunset, we spontaneously started chanting the refrain of Nityananda Arati over and over again. It was such joy to chant Bade Baba’s name and watch the deep orange-red form of the sun.
As the sun disappeared behind the horizon, in my heart I thanked Bade Baba and said goodbye. In that moment I remembered it was not a goodbye. I could see Bade Baba in everything in nature.
Bade Baba was in the trees, the grass, the lake, the animals, in me, in my heart. By remembering and focusing on Bade Baba in all these forms, my heart was filled with joy and gratitude, and, like nature, I too became very still.
With all my heart thank you, Gurumayi, for offering these great gifts via the Internet so generously to us Siddha Yoga students around the world.
With love, appreciation, and gratitude,
a Siddha Yogi from Makkum and Bussum, the Netherlands
In many surprising ways, you come into my home and into my heart. Thank you for coming also in this beautiful way through the website.
I feel so much joy every time I see you and can follow you on the beautiful paths of the Ashram to the Temple of Nityananda Baba and can merge into his perfect silence.
Silence, joy, and sweetness are flowing into my home, into my heart, and they accompany me everywhere I go. What prasad!
Thank you again and again.
a Siddha Yogi from Rome, Italy
This morning I was writing a letter to Gurumayi, to thank her for the beautiful gifts on the Siddha Yoga path website. The slideshow "Life is an Offering" was on my computer. At a certain point I was describing in the letter the miracle Bade Baba had performed in filling my heart with sweetness. . . and I looked at the computer screen and realized the slide show had stopped on an image of Bade Baba’s murti in the Temple! It was amazing to feel his presence so alive!
How lucky we are to have such a Siddha in our lives!
With infinite gratitude,
a Siddha Yogi from Rome, Italy
As usual, on Sunday I chanted Shri Guru Gita at the Siddha Yoga Meditation Center where I live. Because of seeing the postings on the website for Birthday Bliss and Gurupurnima and reading the talk by Gurumayi, I had a greater awareness and focus as I chanted. I felt inspired to fully participate and engage with the verses. What I experienced throughout the rest of the day was a tremendous feeling of expansion. I felt so much joy and love for life, for the people I interacted with, for nature. I also felt a deep contentment that I recognized as the beautiful feeling I have had after being in the physical presence of Gurumayi.
I feel renewed awe and delight at the power of the practice of Shri Guru Gita recitation. Thank you Gurumayi.
a Siddha Yogi from Perth, Australia
Each day as I do the Dharana in Honor of Bhagavan Nityananda's Golden Punyatithi, my experience becomes more real. At first it seemed I was imagining walking toward a place where Bade Baba is and trying to picture him there. But day by day I began to actually feel his living presence as I drew closer. I realized this is neither imagination nor my own doing. Bade Baba is literally there. I see him and he sees me. The dharana takes me for his darshan and fills me with the most profoundly sweet silence. I am awed and so grateful for this gift to the world from Gurumayi.
a Siddha Yogi from New York, USA
This morning, following the guidance of the Dharana in Honor of Bhagavan Nityananda's Golden Punyatithi, my path took me to Bhagavan Nityananda's Shrine in Ganeshpuri.
There I came into his presence.
I embraced his light.
I embraced his grace.
I embraced his knowledge.
And I meditated deeply and gently on the depths of the Heart.
Thank you very much, Gurumayi, for giving us this great opportunity to go deeper in our daily meditation practice.
Thank you very much for giving us a key to the Guru-disciple relationship kingdom and encouraging us to explore it.
With love,
a Siddha Yogi from Spain
Four days ago, my mother passed in the Hospice after a short illness. All day the mantra was playing softly in the background. As her breathing became more labored, I remembered the dharana in honor of Bade Baba’s Golden Punyatithi. I imagined my mother walking down a path toward Bade Baba and being engulfed in his golden grace and light. I whispered to her to go to Bade Baba. A short time later, she took her final breath.
Thank you, Gurumayi.
a Siddha Yogi from Sydney, Australia
Gurumayi's sankalpa has done the impossible for me—turned my computer and the Internet into a sacred space for daily pilgrimage. Thank you.
With love,
a Siddha Yogi from North Carolina, USA
I am very grateful to have access to all these practices, talks and celebrations via the web. Thank you!
This morning in meditation I envisioned walking into the Nityananda Temple and seeing Bade Baba's beautiful golden face. Seated to the left was Baba, quietly meditating on his Guru, and standing in front of me was Gurumayi. I was very aware of her erect posture and could feel her reverence and devotion. It was like a triangle of such powerful love! Very beautiful!
a Siddha Yogi from Florida, USA
Thank you for the beautiful experience of Bhagavan Nityananda’s darshan on the Siddha Yoga path website.
I was especially moved by the photograph of Bade Baba holding a flower. I have seen this picture before; however this time when I came for Bade Baba’s darshan, it was the first time I noticed that this exchange was between Bhagavan Nityananda and a small child.
I saw, next to Bade Baba’s hand holding the flower, was a child’s hand. Seeing the small hand touching Bade Baba’s hand, so lovingly, was heart opening. When I realized that Bade Baba’s gentle and tender glance was looking at a child it filled me with much love, reverence, and sweetness to share in and experience this moment of darshan.
Thank you.
a Siddha Yogi from New Jersey, USA
Today as I started listening to the dharana in honor of Bade Baba's Punyatithi, I began seeing myself walking on the silent path in Shree Muktanada Ashram toward the lake and Bade Baba's Temple. Immediately, the image changed and the path was going directly toward my heart. I was walking to my heart, and Bade Baba was there. I could feel his presence; I could feel my heart expand with love.
Thank you, Bade Baba, and thank you, Gurumayi, for your uninterrupted loving support and grace.
a Siddha Yogi from Venezuela
Thank you for bringing the celebration of Bhagavan Nityananda's Golden Punyatithi at Shree Muktananda Ashram to each and every home. It helps me to remember that the celebration is in each and every heart!
a Siddha Yogi from Massachusetts, USA
I really love the dharana for Bade Baba's Punyatithi. As I was practicing.it, I felt my body becoming quiet and still like a mountain. I saw a beautiful heart-shaped garden. There was light everywhere! I walked on toward the center, and I saw Bhagavan Nityananda in all his magnificence. Light was beaming from him! The world is really lit with his light. I want to visit this heart-shaped garden every day.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for this beautiful dharana!
a 16-year-old Siddha Yogi from from Mumbai, India
Every time I go to the Siddha Yoga path website, it is like walking into a most sacred place, a virtual Siddha Peeth. I pause, and a sense of stillness and quiet pervade. Then my heart opens to receive, and I am drawn deep inside by whichever element I choose to "click" on at the time—the powerful words, images, practices, and teachings or the shares from devotees all over the world. And I ponder, how can a website become a living expression of the Self, of the Guru's perfect love? It is only through the grace of a living Master that such a transformation can take place.
Thank you, Gurumayi, again and again for this magnificent gift.
With gratitude and love,
a Siddha Yogi from California, USA
The other day I read the talk given by Gurumayi in honor of Bhagavan Nityananda's Golden Lunar Punyatithi, and I was struck by her intention—for Siddha Yogis to refresh their practice of Shri Guru Gita recitation and understand its potency. I decided to do just that and chanted Shri Guru Gita yesterday for the first time in a few months. Afterward, as I was imbibing the energy of the chant in a quiet meditation, I had the most profound untying of a knot in my lower back. It was so sweet and soft. My entire being was soft and light for hours afterward.
I am so grateful that Gurumayi has reached out to Siddha Yogis around the world and allowed us to follow her teachings so directly. Having such access to the Guru's immediate intention is a great boon!
Nityanandam caranam sharanam!
a Siddha Yogi from New York, USA
Reading Gurumayi’s poem “A Temple Without Form,” I am becoming so much more aware of what exists in nature. Yesterday morning, I walked in a market garden here in the misty, cold, winter Melbourne morning. I stopped, transfixed by a small orange tree, its fruit glowing a brilliant orange. It was magical—Bhagavan Nityananda's darshan stilling my mind, refreshing me, and warming my heart. Then again today, walking by the creek in a local park, I had to stop and stare at the trees abundant with golden wattle blossom. I couldn’t move; my entire being was still and my mind glad. This happened three more times on the walk—the sunlight dappled on a tree, a bush with vivid flowers, and more golden wattle. Bade Baba's presence was everywhere in nature.
a Siddha Yogi from Melbourne, Australia
I've been listening to Bade Baba's beautiful Arati at home. It makes me want to chant and dance!
a Siddha Yogi from Adelaide, Australia
This morning I had darshan through the dharana and pictures of Bade Baba on the website and I realized that everything that I long for so deeply in my heart is that close to me already. In fact, everything is there already!
The darshan this morning led me back to a state of deep, deep tranquility and bliss. And I realized that it is completely up to me to make this simple choice: is my attention today and tomorrow going to be scattered all over the world, or am I going to keep my focus on the bliss, which is just there for me to receive from Bade Baba. Thank you Gurumayi for so lovingly encouraging me, again and again, to do the Siddha Yoga practices.
a Siddha Yogi from the Netherlands
Watching the Siddha Yoga path website at home, work, or wherever I am is bringing the Ashram with me where ever I go. I experience an abundance of gratitude for life, the Siddha Yoga teachings, Bade Baba, Gurumayi, and the Siddha yoga path. With so many segments offered on the website I have an array of tools to use to meditate, contemplate, and be immersed in the Golden Punyatithi. My heart is filled with love.
a Siddha Yogi from New York, USA
As I was trying to visualize myself walking towards the sacred place where Bhagavan Nityananda abides, I saw a light flash in my heart area and realized that he resides within me, in my heart.
Thank you, Gurumayi for this beautiful way to experience Bade Baba's presence and thank you, Bade Baba for your darshan.
a Siddha Yogi from Chennai, India
Every morning I open my computer as if I am approaching my meditation puja and the treasures I find within fill me with gratitude to Gurumayi for giving us this opportunity to be with Bade Baba all the time through this medium. His presence fills my home and everyone in it. Thank you so much for opening this new door to the Siddha Yoga path.
a Siddha Yogi from England
Every day I practice the dharana followed by meditation: embracing Bade Baba's grace is a beautiful gift I offer to myself. Thank you Bade Baba for your everlasting Love. Thank you Gurumayi: you always bring me to the Joy within me.
a Siddha Yogi from Rome, Italy
On the day of Bhagavan Nityananda’s Lunar Punyatithi, following the recitation of
Shri Guru Gita, I meditated in the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple for a while. As I was leaving the Temple, I saw Gurumayi standing by the Shiva Nataraj statue. Several sevites were there with her. Gurumayi had been doing puja to Nataraj and had offered a prayer stick in the sacred fire.
When she saw me, Gurumayi invited me to offer a prayer as well, and she asked one of the people to bring me a prayer stick to write on. I knew exactly what my prayer would be.
For the last several weeks, every morning since Gurumayi’s Birthday, I’ve been making the Birthday Bliss Pilgrimage on the Siddha Yoga path website. When I’ve come to Chapter Three: “Prayer for Peace,” in which Gurumayi and the two beautiful children offer their prayers, I have also mentally offered a prayer that I’ve been holding in my heart—the same prayer to God each day—a prayer for humanity.
And now, on the auspicious, golden day of Bhagavan Nityananda’s Lunar Punyatithi, Gurumayi had given me the opportunity to write the prayer and offer it in the sacred fire. The moment I placed the prayer stick in the fire, a wondrous gust of cool breeze came up and fanned the flames, which seemed to leap up to take the prayer. At that moment, Gurumayi and the people who were there shouted Sadgurunath Maharaj Ki Jay! And I knew my prayer had been received.
There is such peace in my heart. Thank you, beloved Gurumayi.
a Siddha Yoga Swami
After watching the slideshow images of Gurumayi on Bade Baba's Lunar Punyathiti and then meditating on Bade Baba's form, I am so grateful for these opportunities to touch the golden essence of my heart. That's what it feels like. Seeing an image of a bird sitting on a tree branch at Shree Muktananda Ashram, I feel like I am invited to stop and take time to behold God's beauty in nature. I'm reminded that God's presence is here, all around. I feel transformed in an instant.
I am very grateful for this path. Thank you, Gurumayi. Thank you for your continued teachings, for your protection, and for your great Love.
With love,
a Siddha Yogi from Minnesota, USA
As I practiced the dharana, I began walking down the path to Bade Baba’s form, my feet began to dance. I danced and laughed and sang in his light like a child in bliss. This celebration went on for a long time. Finally, I sat in lotus posture before Baba. But nothing could wipe the grin off my face. I'd like to start everyday like that. I bow in reverence and gratitude for this magical gift.
a Siddha Yogi from California, USA
Chanting the Nityananda Arati and having the darshan of Bhagavan Nityananda before I meditated and chanted Shri Guru Gita stilled my heart. In the silence of the morning I felt the presence of God and honored the beautiful Self.
a Siddha Yogi from South Carolina, USA
For several days, I had been reading Gurumayi’s poem, “A Temple Without Form,” and I was struck by the beauty of the imagery about Bhagavan Nityananda and Consciousness being everywhere. On Monday morning I was on a bus headed for New York City and I looked out and saw a beautiful grove of pine trees…and I saw Bhagavan Nityananda there! And then I saw the glistening of the morning of dew on the leaves… and I saw Nityananda there. And I looked up in the sky and there were beautiful billowing clouds… and there was Bade Baba. Even in the light morning mist, Bade Baba was there.
I had an ecstatic, ecstatic time on that bus heading to New York City. And all throughout the day—with the cars and the people and the streets of New York, I had the amazing experience of Bade Baba and Consciousness being everywhere.
a Siddha Yogi from New York, USA
Each time I did the dharana on the website I experienced that the light really comes from Bade Baba, from where he is. And then, this light pulls me to where he is. In that moment I have the experience of his darshan: and his darshan is a profound, wonderful silence.
a Siddha Yogi from Switzerland
How sublime to watch this beautiful slideshow during a break at work! How great to bring Bade Baba's and Gurumayi's divine energy with me during my daily activities.
Thank you, Gurumayi!
a Siddha Yogi from California, USA
For a second during the chant of Nityanandam Brahmanandam, I closed my eyes and all I could see was a full moon and nothing else. And then I opened them for a second, and I closed them again. And I only saw the full moon and nothing else. And it was really pretty.
a 7-year-old Siddha Yogi from New York, USA
This morning I watched the video of Bade Baba's murti in the Temple. Very soon I found myself entering a state of supreme peace. I felt that my heart was one with Bade Baba's heart and that we were breathing as one. I repeated the video several times in order to remain in this state of deep peace and contentment.
As I breathed with Bade Baba, these words came to me: “the entire world is a reflection of the Supreme Being.” I feel that Bade Baba's darshan has given me an experience of the Truth. My gratitude to the Guru is like the ocean, but without bounds.
a Siddha Yogi from Alaska, USA
Reading the Guru's words has always captured my heart and mind and woven them into one beautiful focus upon God.
So, when I went this morning to the Siddha Yoga path website and saw Gurumayi's talk, I paused for a few moments to feel this union take place inside of me before plunging in.
Thank you for spreading this divine alchemy instantly to the entire globe. Each sentence was a thunderclap in the space of the heart.
a Siddha Yogi from New York, USA
As I sat to read Gurumayi’s talk, I was filled with an overwhelming joy. Tears came to my eyes. How could Gurumayi know that this is exactly how I feel—becoming new each time I enter the Ashram! The Ashram allows me to feel refreshed and renewed each time I enter.
The daily recitation of Shri Guru Gita is my way of connecting myself to the path, to the Guru, and to my own inner Self. It helps keep me steady and ready to face the day. It is one of the ways I care for my own heart. It feels so auspicious to recite it and what an absolute delight to hear the Guru reciting it for Birthday Bliss and Gurupurnima! Even now as I think about it, I am feeling waves of bliss...thank you Gurumayi. And thank you for your immense generosity in bringing us all so close to your heart as a whole sangham.
Our hearts are full with love...
a Siddha Yogi from Sydney, Australia
Yesterday I went with my dog for my early morning walk on a beautiful mountain path near our house. I was chanting Shri Gurudev Sharanam. As I walked, I noticed a very thick vine that was extending onto the path in front of me. As I approached, I noticed a spider web attached to it and I moved closer to look at its beauty. It was so delicate sitting there in the morning mist. At the center of the web, where there is usually a circle, was a tiny heart shape woven from the thread. How amazing! How did that happen, I wondered? Nityananda. I felt wrapped in love as I continued on my walk.
a Siddha Yogi from New York, USA
I am so happy to rediscover the Nityananda Arati on the website. It brings me so much joy, lightness, devotion, trust, and love!
The Nityananda Arati is Nityananda.
It takes away the worries, the mental contractions, the negative thoughts. It opens my heart and illumines this experience: “I am Bade Baba, I am Baba, I am Gurumayi.”
With love.
a Siddha Yogi from France
After awakening this morning and coming to my computer with anticipation of Babe Baba’s darshan, I first meditated on his form, then read Gurumayi's words in “A Temple Without Form.” After reading the dharana, I sat for meditation. Focusing on the form of Bade Baba, I noticed there was a shift in the temperature of the air....there was a cool breeze, just like the air in the open hall in Gurudev Siddha Peeth, sitting and chanting the Guru Gita as the sun comes up. With this breeze came the most nurturing, sweet embrace. I was being wrapped in delicious love with this cloak of cool air and I recognized this presence as the darshan of Bade Baba.
Thank you Bade Baba for your divine presence! Thank you Gurumayi for reminding us he exists in every form and aspect of nature! I am filled with gratitude for the exquisite gift of being able to experience your multiple forms, the teaching tools via the internet, and for being able to celebrate this Golden Punyatithi with the entire sangham of Siddha Yoga devotees around the globe. We are indeed blessed!
a Siddha Yogi from Colorado, USA
It's Sunday Morning, I just read Gurumayi's poem, "A Temple without Form." Then I sat for a moment listening to the birds singing outside the open window. The impulse came to stand up to look out into the sunlit nature of the surrounding woods of this mountain top. I pulled back the curtain and as my vision became one with nature, there stood a baby fawn—all dappled out, by himself, gently eating leaf after leaf silently in the heart of nature.
My heart was full as I felt the gift, the presence, the darshan of Bade Baba.
a Siddha Yogi from New York, USA
One more golden chance to receive the blessings of Bhagavan Nityananda. While doing the dharana on Bhagavan Nityananda, I realized that the best path was the path of the heart. I saw a golden lotus on which was seated Bhagavan Nityananda spreading his golden light. My being was suffused with the golden light and peace.
Many thanks to the Guru for this blissful experience.
With love and gratitude.
a Siddha Yogi
Greetings to you!
Thank you for this potent dharana. So as to honor and celebrate this glorious gift of Bade Baba’s 50th Punyatithi, I have been reading Bhagavan Nityananda of Ganeshpuri throughout this past year. This morning, as I listened to the dharana and watched Bade Baba’s scintillating form in the Temple via the website, stillness emerged from the space between the cells of my body and soul and I was inwardly transported to his shrine in Ganeshpuri. I reveled in gratitude—one of the many great gifts of this path. I am drenched in his presence and vitality, and will continue to nurture his gift throughout my day. I am ever so thankful for the life that Bade Baba offered, through which he taught countless individuals, and through which our path has manifest. I am ever grateful to Gurumayi for making the vibrancy of this path so portable that I can sit before my computer (typically a work station), and plunge into the depths of my own soul.
Thank you.
With love,
a Siddha Yogi from New York, USA
I was walking on the beach in North Carolina reciting the Guru Gita when my husband came up to tell me that today is Bade Baba’s Punyathiti. When I turned to walk the other direction and finish reciting the Guru Gita I was greeted by a beautiful half rainbow! I felt blessed by Bade Baba’s presence.
a Siddha Yogi from North Carolina
Two days ago, as I was lying down to rest, I began to practice what Baba says in Chapter 10 of his book, Bhagavan Nityananda of Ganeshpuri. Baba says, “If you want to establish a connection with Nityananda Baba, just look at his eyes in the photograph and repeat your mantra. In this way the Shakti will enter you. Then automatically the relationship will be established.”
There is no big size photo of Bade Baba in my room in which I could look into his eyes. So I closed my eyes and visualized his photo I had seen on the website (photo no. 20). Then I visualized his eyes and began to repeat the mantra.
Within few moments, I began to experience deep peace and I started falling into meditative state; and then I actually saw Bade Baba’s face. It was golden. His eyes were shining and I could look into his eyes…He smiled. There was such love and gentleness in his smile. He came to give darshan. Thank You Bade Baba!!!
a Gurukula student in Gurudev Siddha Peeth, Ganeshpuri, India
Chanting the Nityananda Arati and having the darshan of Bhagavan Nityananda before I meditated and chanted Shri Guru Gita stilled my heart. In the silence of the morning I felt the presence of God and honored the beautiful Self.
a Siddha Yogi from South Carolina, USA