I am grateful for these essays on Gurumayi’s words. I was not able to watch the live stream of the satsang in honor of Mahashivaratri, but through these expositions, I feel I have been able to receive its blessings and teachings. So, I am extremely thankful for the “Meditation on Gurumayi’s Words,” which make the teachings from this satsang so accessible to me and to everyone in the Siddha Yoga sangham.
I want to share my experience today during meditation. As I sat to meditate, with the mantra playing in the background, I silently repeated, “I am Shiva” with each in-breath and “Shiva is the best” with each out- breath. It was absolutely incredible—within a few breaths, I was flooded with immense gratitude. “I am Shiva, Shiva is the best.” It was as if these words pierced to and touched the very center of my Self, my heart, and my being.
Michigan, United States
To magnify auspiciousness in my day-to-day life, I have allowed myself to take my place in my family as the youngest daughter, letting go of the impulse to take on others’ responsibilities. This may sound like a simple shift in perspective, but it has had an enormous impact on my sense of freedom and self-respect. “I am Shiva, Shiva is the best.” I will continue to work on respecting myself more, loving myself, valuing myself, and finding joy in giving others the space to do the same.
Konolfingen, Switzerland
As I was savoring the delightful flow of Eesha’s words, the Nirvana Shatkam came to my mind. Every week, I like to sing this beautiful hymn attributed to Adi Shankaracharya. Thanks to my practice of singing this sacred text, the awareness that I am Consciousness and bliss remains vibrant in my being. Shiva is my true identity, the “best” of my life. Shivo’ham!
Rodez, France
Contemplating Gurumayi’s words “I am Shiva, Shiva is the best” has led me to reflect that if “I am Shiva” and “Shiva is the best,” then I must be “the best.” This has inspired me to look past my perceived shortcomings and reflect on what is “the best” about me.
What comes up is my sincere studentship. Ever since beginning on the Siddha Yoga path in 1988, I have dedicated myself deeply to sadhana. This dedication has taken many forms—chanting, meditating, offering seva, contemplating, applying Gurumayi’s teachings to every aspect of my life, and keeping the company of Siddha Yogis.
Now, in midlife, I am glimpsing the beneficial effects of my long-term dedication. I am more aware of all the goodness and greatness that I embody and bring to the world around me. Although I have moments of self-doubt, I increasingly see the positive in myself and the strong expression of my virtues. I perceive in myself an indomitable spirit. In these ways, I do experience that “I am Shiva, Shiva is the best.”
California, United States
Since participating in the satsang in honor of Mahashivaratri, I have been contemplating my oneness with Lord Shiva. This contemplation has empowered me to be more aware of and better able to express my authenticity, especially in my work environment. Those around me have noticed this change and like it.
St. Laurent, Canada
