After rereading the explanation of
Turn yesterday, I realized for the first time ever that to be focused on the senses means to be focused outward. And to focus inside means to focus on something far deeper.
With this in mind, while doing
puja before meditation, I became aware that there was a third presence observing my body's actions and my mind's thoughts: the Witness. So during meditation I tried to focus on that Observer. Suddenly I was in a space where there was nothing but Bade Baba meditating, Baba Muktananda meditating, Gurumayi meditating. Their silence was so profound that I felt that just my presence in that space disturbed that silence.
The amazing thing is: the image is still on the screen of my mind. While I'm writing this, I can see it. Therefore, I will be able to recall it whenever and wherever I am during my daily activities.
Jay Gurumayi! I am deeply grateful for this lesson!
Sao Paulo, Brazil
When I first heard Gurumayi’s Message for 2015, I sensed that there was a need for me to make a sharp U-turn from my outward-turned life and the concerns that occupy my senses most of the time. Sure, I am able to go inside when I meditate in the morning or chant at the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Sydney. However, when I’m removed from the supportive environment of my home and
puja, the Ashram, and the company of other Siddha Yogis, my attention is drawn outward—and I sometimes feel a bit estranged and tense.
When I read this beautiful guidance on the word
Turn, it totally answered my question on how to change direction while maintaining balance, without swerving or screeching the wheels. The secret is, as the commentary says, “to redirect the flow of our mind and senses, as if in a
circular motion, back to their source.”
I realized that no jarring U-turn is required for me to stay centered in the Self. Once my attention flows in a circular motion, it makes a return smoothly moving inward and moving outward when required, without losing the link to the inner Self.
Sydney, Australia
Today I left my house for the weekly
satsang at the Siddha Yoga meditation center here. I was riding on the bus, and the traffic was congested. It occurred to me that I would miss the
satsang, and I began to feel sad and agitated.
Then I resolved to turn my mind in another direction. I started the repetition of mantra with my breathing. After a while, my mind became quiet. I reached the meditation center in a tranquil state and participated in the remaining half of the
satsang with a focused mind. The sweet voice of Gurumayi delivering her Message for 2015,
Turn Inward Meditate Easefully, reverberated in my heart.
Thank you, Gurumayi.
Basmatnagar, India
Thank you very much for this commentary on
Turn, the first word of Gurumayi's Message. It brings into focus an experience I had when I participated in
A Sweet Surprise satsang. At the moment I was receiving the words of the Message from Gurumayi, I was giving special attention to my state. When I heard the words
Turn Inward, I watched the liquid rays of my senses flow like a waterfall inward and bathe my whole being in golden light, like scintillating honey. I became aware of how my senses that had turned inward were recharging my whole being with divine vitality.
This experience led me to contemplate how the flow of my senses back to their source nourishes my own being with the light of the Truth. They are gateways for God's love.
Gurumayi, your Message for 2015 is everything I ever wished for—a way to live a sacred life absorbed in divine love. Thank you.
Shree Muktananda Ashram
So powerful! Just by reading this definition and commentary on the word
Turn, I was drawn inward. I immediately connected with my breath, which is one of my favorite places to be. From here, everything makes sense. Everything is all right. Everything is sweet, and I feel a soft smile inside, as well as a smile on my lips. Everything is love as I turn.
California, USA
Since receiving Gurumayi's Message in
A Sweet Surprise satsang, I have been using
Turn as a mantra when I find myself needing to detach from thoughts or emotions that are not serving me. I experience this word as
chaitanya, alive with Gurumayi's intention, power, and love. When I say
Turn to myself, I experience an inner movement, a turning toward the Self.
California, USA
I have been experiencing a strong inward pull since the days leading up to
A Sweet Surprise. It is as if the
shakti in my body had already heard and begun to obey this command to change the direction of my attention. I continue to find myself naturally drawn into a meditative state several times during the day, even if only for a few moments between activities, and I see that this has led to my being more calm and clear in general. And in the early mornings and evenings, when I sit before my
puja, meditation comes so easily and quickly. I close my eyes, and I'm moving in currents of powerful energy.
Yes, the word has its meanings that I understand. And the loving power behind this word that Gurumayi uttered is also very real and awe-inspiring.
Wisconsin, USA
I can never be reminded enough to turn, turn, turn. Inward bound is homeward bound.
Thank you, dear Gurumayi, for all you continue to give to me, and the constant reminders of who I am and what my existence is for.
California, USA