After reading this exposition, I became aware of the moment when I first experienced mumukshutva. This occurred many years ago when a health condition sent me to the emergency room, where I fell into a twenty-four-hour state of unconsciousness.
Upon regaining consciousness, my first request to my friend was, ”I want to join a meditation group. I want to meditate.” When I felt better, my friend brought me to Shri Gurumayi and the Siddha Yoga Meditation Center in Montreal.
This reminds me of a saying, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.”
St. Laurent, Canada
This morning after meditating, I connected to the Siddha Yoga path website and immediately clicked on today’s namasankirtana: “Om Gurudev.” I sang and listened to this chant in honor of the Guru.
Unfortunately, my mind then shifted to a difficult relationship I have with a family member. After experiencing anger, I decided to return to the website and read “The Longing to Be Free: Mumukshutva” with Om Gurudev playing in the background. While I was reading, I told myself, “But I am not this anger—quite the opposite!” and I tried to connect to my longing for joy, tranquility, and above all liberation. Listening to Om Gurudev makes me aware of what I really seek: to be immersed in love of the Guru, of God.
Now I feel detached from my anger, and it takes me less and less time for my vision to change and to feel my body vibrating with beneficial energy.
How many riches are contained in this website! I am increasingly grateful to receive these teachings when I need them most.
Unfortunately, my mind then shifted to a difficult relationship I have with a family member. After experiencing anger, I decided to return to the website and read “The Longing to Be Free: Mumukshutva” with Om Gurudev playing in the background. While I was reading, I told myself, “But I am not this anger—quite the opposite!” and I tried to connect to my longing for joy, tranquility, and above all liberation. Listening to Om Gurudev makes me aware of what I really seek: to be immersed in love of the Guru, of God.
Now I feel detached from my anger, and it takes me less and less time for my vision to change and to feel my body vibrating with beneficial energy.
How many riches are contained in this website! I am increasingly grateful to receive these teachings when I need them most.
San Giorgio a Cremano, Italy
I offer seva for the Prison Project in my country.
Today in the satsang I read some passages of this exposition to some inmate students. To listen to or to read the word freedom in this context stirs deep emotions. It’s so amazing to have the opportunity to share these inspiring teachings in a place without physical freedom. But at the same time all of us have to understand that the greatest freedom is inside.
At the end of the satsang I invited the participants to chant the name of Baba Muktananda, “the bliss of freedom.” I felt so much devotion, joy, and gratitude.
Today in the satsang I read some passages of this exposition to some inmate students. To listen to or to read the word freedom in this context stirs deep emotions. It’s so amazing to have the opportunity to share these inspiring teachings in a place without physical freedom. But at the same time all of us have to understand that the greatest freedom is inside.
At the end of the satsang I invited the participants to chant the name of Baba Muktananda, “the bliss of freedom.” I felt so much devotion, joy, and gratitude.
Turin, Italy
This exposition contains so much wisdom and guidance.
The first time that I saw Gurumayi, I recognized that it is indeed possible to attain the ultimate state of freedom. At that moment my soul was gripped by an enthusiasm that has never left me.
I prioritize the longing of my soul above all else. I have found that the sacrifices I make in order to do this are not heavy or sad. Instead, they are joyful, relieving, and fulfilling sacrifices. For example, I sacrifice indulgence and choose discipline, I sacrifice sadness and choose vigor, and I sacrifice worldly goals and choose spiritual ones.
Whenever I reflect on how many lives my soul has already lived through and how many times I have sought freedom, I am inspired to delve deeper into my sadhana. I realize that right now, in this life, is the best time for me to attain freedom. This knowledge fills me with a vibrant joy and a sense of deep gratitude for my beloved Guru who guides and uplifts me.
The first time that I saw Gurumayi, I recognized that it is indeed possible to attain the ultimate state of freedom. At that moment my soul was gripped by an enthusiasm that has never left me.
I prioritize the longing of my soul above all else. I have found that the sacrifices I make in order to do this are not heavy or sad. Instead, they are joyful, relieving, and fulfilling sacrifices. For example, I sacrifice indulgence and choose discipline, I sacrifice sadness and choose vigor, and I sacrifice worldly goals and choose spiritual ones.
Whenever I reflect on how many lives my soul has already lived through and how many times I have sought freedom, I am inspired to delve deeper into my sadhana. I realize that right now, in this life, is the best time for me to attain freedom. This knowledge fills me with a vibrant joy and a sense of deep gratitude for my beloved Guru who guides and uplifts me.
Konolfingen, Switzerland
After reading this exposition, questions arose in my mind: Do I really have the longing to be free? How strong is this longing? How will it increase? As I read the exposition several times, I noticed that I was getting the answers to my questions, and new perceptions arose.
Nashik, India
For the last twenty-one years, I’ve been reciting Shri Guru Gita every morning. More recently I have added other text chants to my daily routine as well. During my tasks such as gardening, driving, walking with my wife, cooking, mowing the lawn, I do japa rather than thinking unnecessary thoughts. I feel my happiness and contentment increasing with each passing day. Until I read this exposition, I did not know that what is driving me forward has a name: mumukshutva! I like the sound of that.
California, United States
The truth in these words stirs a blissful fire inside me. When I received the Guru’s grace, I felt, for the first time, that I had found my true north.
Over the thirty-seven years I have been following the Siddha Yoga path, my life has become increasingly imbued with a refined, pure contentment as my thoughts and actions have come into alignment with my soul’s purest yearning—to know the Self.
Over the thirty-seven years I have been following the Siddha Yoga path, my life has become increasingly imbued with a refined, pure contentment as my thoughts and actions have come into alignment with my soul’s purest yearning—to know the Self.
Maryland, United States
After reading this exposition on “The Longing to Be Free,” I felt an impulse to meditate by the river in the woods. As the sweet song of birds faded into the back of my mind, I felt a deep yearning to be in the presence of my Guru.
Naturally my mind traveled to Ganeshpuri. I felt Bhagavan Nityananda’s presence around me, and I felt Gurumayi’s presence within. I repeated inwardly: I am the truth, I am the light, I am the Self, I am Consciousness and bliss, my body is your temple.
I felt every word reverberating in the core of my being. My longing to be in the presence of my Lord was so tangible that I felt I had become the Lord. I felt one with my Guru and all life forms around me. I felt liberated.
Naturally my mind traveled to Ganeshpuri. I felt Bhagavan Nityananda’s presence around me, and I felt Gurumayi’s presence within. I repeated inwardly: I am the truth, I am the light, I am the Self, I am Consciousness and bliss, my body is your temple.
I felt every word reverberating in the core of my being. My longing to be in the presence of my Lord was so tangible that I felt I had become the Lord. I felt one with my Guru and all life forms around me. I felt liberated.
St Adèle, Canada
I give thanks at this point in my life to have the freedom to engage in my spiritual practices, guided by the teachings of the Siddha Yoga path. I am so grateful to feel my heart aligned with others who also feel the recognition of mumukshutva in themselves, and to have access to the great teachings of those who have led the way forward through their embodied example.
St. Lazare, Canada
After reading this exposition, I’ve been reflecting on what supports me in order to stay on the path to liberation. I do so by contemplating the teachings on the Siddha Yoga path website and by performing my daily and weekly spiritual practices. These disciplines give me happiness and nourish my other activities.
Over the years, I have noticed that my detachment, discernment, and understanding are evolving. I am able to let go of old habits which don’t support my goal while welcoming new ones that bring about balance and harmony. With a constantly renewed awareness, I continue to find life enjoyable and engaging, and I keep enthusiasm in my heart.
Over the years, I have noticed that my detachment, discernment, and understanding are evolving. I am able to let go of old habits which don’t support my goal while welcoming new ones that bring about balance and harmony. With a constantly renewed awareness, I continue to find life enjoyable and engaging, and I keep enthusiasm in my heart.
Rodez, France
When I was twelve years old, questions about the nature of reality and the purpose of this human birth became more important to me. Over the following eighteen months, my questioning turned to longing. I would dialogue with God, begging to be sent a teacher, or to have the longing taken away.
When I was fourteen, my mom went to a Siddha Yoga satsang for the first time. A few days later, a Siddha Yogi was over at our house, and my mom asked him to sing the chant from that week’s satsang.
I was standing in our living room, looking outside. As Mere Baba Muktananda filled the room, walls around my heart, which I didn’t even know existed, fractured and melted away. The world in front of me became translucent, backlit by a radiance filled with joy. Tears rolled down my checks, and I knew not why. One thought kept repeating, “It’s so beautiful.” It was a giant step forward in my journey toward the truth of who I am and the purpose of existence. I am forever grateful for my longing for liberation, and the answer to that longing.
When I was fourteen, my mom went to a Siddha Yoga satsang for the first time. A few days later, a Siddha Yogi was over at our house, and my mom asked him to sing the chant from that week’s satsang.
I was standing in our living room, looking outside. As Mere Baba Muktananda filled the room, walls around my heart, which I didn’t even know existed, fractured and melted away. The world in front of me became translucent, backlit by a radiance filled with joy. Tears rolled down my checks, and I knew not why. One thought kept repeating, “It’s so beautiful.” It was a giant step forward in my journey toward the truth of who I am and the purpose of existence. I am forever grateful for my longing for liberation, and the answer to that longing.
Pennsylvania, United States
I was ecstatic to read this exposition last night! I have been praying each day to be a mumukshu since first reading Gurumayi’s teachings about such a person. Gurumayi’s teaching that “even a tinge of ego is painful” to a mumukshu keeps me vigilant in moments when my ego wants to relish a rush of contracted energy. Instead of giving in to this impulse, I take the support of Gurumayi’s words and realize that what once felt pleasurable is now holding me back from liberation. Consequently, I am increasingly able to watch the “tinge of ego” from a safe distance and let the energy merge into the fire of yoga.
Connecticut, United States
I am grateful for this exposition on mumukshutva, for Gurumayi’s words to “be a mumukshu,” and for her wishes and grace that we all attain this state of longing and eventually the final awareness of our oneness with the Self. I also feel motivated to contemplate what being a mumukshu means for me, how that longing would begin to express itself in me, and what practices would bring me to that state.
Maryland, United States
For me, mumukshutva is a force at once soft and benevolent, yet so powerful. This longing feels like such a purifying force; it arises from within my heart and quiets my whole being. As soon as I place my attention on it, the Guru’s enlivened mantra arises spontaneously within me, and the image that comes to mind is that of a candle flame burning silently and steadily in the cave of my heart.
Castlemaine, Australia
As I first thought about this exposition, I realized I loved the sound of the word mumukshutva. It felt so playful to me. Then, I thought I’d love to be a true mumukshu. Next, I gave more time to reading the exposition, and was surprised to find myself crying tears of recognition as I read, “Through all of its cycles of birth and rebirth, the soul carries the memory of its true nature as expansive and blissful Consciousness, secretly embedded deep within the heart.” Putting this all together, I feel a recognition growing in me of how important this topic is for me right now. It occurs to me that being a mumukshu could actually be a lot of fun. I could let go of my burdens and see everything as the play of Consciousness. I could embrace the lighthearted part of my nature. Even thinking about this, I feel more open—lighter!
Kentucky, United States
As I contemplated this beautiful exposition, I realized how fortunate I am to have “a human birth, the longing for liberation, and the refuge of a great being,” our beloved Gurumayi. Further reflection showed me that sometimes I lack the “burning” longing that Gurumayi speaks of. To cultivate this longing, I am resolved to follow the suggestions in the exposition and make the right effort to enhance my daily sadhana with courage and sacrifice.
I pray to have the strength to follow Gurumayi’s command to “be a mumukshu” in the true sense of the word, and become liberated in this very lifetime.
I pray to have the strength to follow Gurumayi’s command to “be a mumukshu” in the true sense of the word, and become liberated in this very lifetime.
Udaipur, India
Even the title of this exposition caught me by the heart. And each sentence produced an assent within my heart, taking me closer and closer to the very yearning the author describes. But reading that “a pure-hearted dedication to liberation establishes a true north” was the turning point in my understanding.
Gurumayi’s teaching “be a mumukshu” inspires me to practice her words as both an affirmation and a mantra as I continue my ascent towards that yearning.
Gurumayi’s teaching “be a mumukshu” inspires me to practice her words as both an affirmation and a mantra as I continue my ascent towards that yearning.
New Jersey, United States
The word “sacrifice” in this exposition leapt out at me. I paused and considered its meaning for me, and realized it was anything and everything that keeps me small, and it needs to be released in exchange for freedom.
I feel that mumukshutva is my reason for living. And every effort I make to maintain this focus feels not like a sacrifice, but a grace-filled gift.
Gurumayi’s encouragement to “be a mumukshu” has taken permanent residence in my heart. I pray for it to come to full fruition in my being and in the hearts of all those who long for true freedom.
I feel that mumukshutva is my reason for living. And every effort I make to maintain this focus feels not like a sacrifice, but a grace-filled gift.
Gurumayi’s encouragement to “be a mumukshu” has taken permanent residence in my heart. I pray for it to come to full fruition in my being and in the hearts of all those who long for true freedom.
West Vancouver, Canada