This is such a sublime poem! I can only express my gratitude, over and over again, to Gurumayi for giving me this magical mirror—one that allows me to see what I am on my way to becoming, as long as I take refuge in the Guru’s divine lotus feet.
Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico
This morning I felt embraced by this poem. I am inspired to stay firmly tuned into the now and acknowledge that I am in the right time at the right place.
Mersin, Turkey
Gurumayi’s poem expresses what I have been trying to do, how I have been trying to be opposites, outside and inside, at the same time, to reach the stillness and infinity and nothingness.
Massachusetts, United States
I am so grateful to Gurumayi ji for giving us this poem. When I read it, my gaze automatically turns inward and my whole being becomes still. When I practiced breathing in the way Gurumayi describes, I felt the soft and loving touch of Gurumayi within me, and from within I heard, “Live in this peacefulness and do your tasks from this space." How beautiful this experience was.
New Delhi, India
I experienced this poem as a gift not for reading with the eyes and mind, but to be immersed in with my whole heart and being. To me, each line is a command, a welcome, a promise. The pull of meditation that followed was powerful.
Bangalore, India
My first impression when I saw the design concept of the golden sun was that nothing exists but the infinite light of Consciousness.
During our prayer time, my husband read the poem aloud, and I felt I was on a pilgrimage to my own being. My mind and breath were consciously synchronized, and I experienced the
shakti in each word of the poem. I was intensely reinvigorated.
Bedford Gardens, South Africa
I was on the brink of entering a state of fear, when I was drawn to the Siddha Yoga path website and this poem. Then, in place of the expected fear, I found myself on a road deep within and far without -- and there I found silence and peace.
Washington, United States
As I read the opening lines of Gurumayi's poem, I closed and opened my eyes consciously. As I closed my eyes, I was reminded of the formless nature of Consciousness, and as I opened my eyes, of Consciousness with form. What caught my attention was the experience and the understanding that the essential nature of both was the same: the formless was form and vice versa.
As I came out of meditation this morning, I was aware of these two sides of the same coin—all this is Brahman, the Absolute; and
aham brahmasmi, I am the Absolute. In this understanding I find peace, calm, serenity, equanimity of mind, and the vision of the essential equality of all natural phenomena.
New Jersey, United States
This poem by Gurumayi gives me a sense of supreme peace and liberation. I feel light and at ease. I feel burdens lifted, and whatever was weighing on me is dissolved. I feel as if I had taken a swim in the warm, buoyant ocean waters of places like Hawaii or the Caribbean. I also feel a sense of the calm deep below the surface of the ocean—an even, gentle flow, with such beauty and groundedness as well as a gliding sensation.
I am very grateful to be able to read this beautiful, generous, supportive poem.
California, United States
For the last two years, Gurumayi's poem “Witness Consciousness” has been with me so often! I use the poem to lead me into meditation. I like to recall its words; they make me feel that God is whispering so sweetly and lovingly to my soul, saying, “Think of me, breathe with me, be breathed by me, understand me, imagine me, remember me, merge your breath in me, be lit by me, offer your life to me, rest in me, be me.”
My heart feels content and peaceful each time these two words,
witness consciousness, come to my mind.
Annecy-le-Vieux, France
Today my meditation ended with the feeling that I was a tree. My roots were snugly embraced by the earth, as I breathed in the blue sky that filled every cell of my being. I felt incredibly protected and secure.
After this meditation I read the verse in this poem by Gurumayi that speaks of the "venerable trees” that are “lending protection to your vulnerable heart." I recognized that this was the exact experience I had had during my meditation. This is another instance when I receive just what I need, when I need it—as long as I hold true to my daily practices.
Alaska, United States
I love this poem. I immediately took my guitar and sang the words into improvised music. At that moment, all the deep, beautiful, true meanings spoke to me like light in the night as I found an appropriate melody to express each group of words, with enough time to hear each part. It was a magical five minutes!
Vught, Netherlands
Shri Gurumayi's divine poem led me into a state of utter silence and tranquility, and a sense of soft, eternal protection. It felt like my mind was floating on a large, puffy, white cloud—with no thoughts, no worries, just pure existence.
St. Laurent, Canada
It is just before bedtime and I have come to the Siddha Yoga path website to experience Gurumayi’s
darshan through this beautiful poem. As I arrive at the close of this poem, I feel my state has changed. I was already happy and content, but something deeper and illuminating has unfolded in my awareness, something subtler.
I am looking inward and outward, my eyes resting on the word
nothingness. As I repeat
nothingness to myself, I feel connected to an eternal presence within me that is still, silent, and fearless. I feel I am in the presence of a priceless gift. Stillness is mine. Silence is mine. Fearlessness is mine.
I am so reassured and grateful for the practices of the Siddha Yoga path that will support me in remaining connected to this beautiful gift and strengthening this connection. And I am looking forward to arising in the morning to sing the
arati in gratitude for this gift, and then to meditating on it.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for this extraordinary poem. Thank you.
Geelong West, Australia
I am grateful to Gurumayi for this wonderful poem. I enjoy writing it out in my journal. When I do so, I absorb the words more deeply. Writing it out also prompts me to look up the definition of words I’m unsure of. This enhances my connection to and enjoyment of this exquisite poem.
New Mexico, USA
This poem teaches me not to be attached sentimentally to whatever good or even great things I may do. The same goes for mistakes I may make. I must do my duty and let everything move on naturally. Reading this poem returns me to the present moment.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for this wonderful poem.
Visakhapatnam, India
Gurumayi's poem awakens me to the experience of being Lord Shiva--opening and closing my eyes, creating and dissolving worlds within worlds.
I feel that Gurumayi is guiding me to transcend both the creating and the dissolving, to become free. Totally free.
And here I am now, sitting in the pulsating and blissful freedom of the silence that has emerged after reading this poem.
Thank you so much for this exquisite poem, Gurumayi.
Castlemaine, Australia
I read Gurumayi's poem and I experience my life—past, present, and future. I connect to lifetimes of longing to experience the knowledge of silence, of nothingness. My heart yearns for my Guru's feet where everything dissolves into God's Heart and I am but a bright spark.
Thank you, beloved Gurumayi, for this glimpse of eternity.
Lake Chapala , Mexico
As I have continued my daily reading and contemplation of Gurumayi's words, they have become ever more alive for me. I feel the inward experience of what she is saying. This has led to a greater experience of witness consciousness in my life. I can now see more clearly, free from the entanglement of ego.
Montreal, Canada
One sharing here gave me a key for this poem—to engage with the poem as a "guided meditation." I wanted to try.
I feel that Shri Gurumayi is describing this very life of mine: from silence I emerge; I incarnate to comply with Shiva’s joyful play; I merge into silence. Destination: silence, for more millennia ahead.
Grazie
Geneva, Switzerland
Through reading Gurumayi's poem, I feel I am life itself—a multifaceted life which emanates from silence and meditation. To have encountered a Guru is the most valuable gift in my life.
How could I thank you, Gurumayi, for such a precious gift?
Font Romeu, France
This poem is the exact salve I needed for the precise pain of my wandering resolve. I am now, once again, steeped in the eternally true vibration of the Guru's voice.
This is the best medicine.
Massachusetts, USA
Gurumayi’s poem is a supreme blessing for me. I feel I am sitting before Gurumayi as she reads these words representing her love, guiding me, teaching me, showing me how to simply
be. I'm overflowing with gratitude.
New Jersey, USA
After I read the first few lines of this poem, it dawned on me that Gurumayi wishes for us to become totally free. I feel that by imbibing Gurumayi's words and teachings, this is totally possible for me.
It is my wish that the world can be uplifted by the powerful seeds of love and truth that Gurumayi plants in our hearts and which then radiate all throughout this earth like the rays of the mighty Surya, lord of the sun.
Ponce, Puerto Rico
For me, this poem is a magnificent guided meditation.
I have read it over and over, allowing the rich images and colors to wash over me and to enter my heart in a deep way.
Many, many thanks, Gurumayi!
Kentucky, USA
To turn 360 degrees means to me becoming a witness to what is outside, and to what lies inside of me. It reminds me to remain aware of my breath, and to love from my “vulnerable heart,” as I “inhale the aroma of the venerable trees.”
Nature has for so many years brought me closest to the Divine. This poem brings me to the point of connection with nature and the stillness in my own heart.
San Juan Cosala, Mexico
I am very grateful for this poem. It speaks to me directly and in a very mysterious way. I feel I can use it as my compass. I hear Gurumayi guiding me to study the scriptures through it. It also confirms for me that I have been on the right path in choosing to focus on witness consciousness even before reading the poem.
The imagery feels familiar to me and the words have a deep undertone that take me into the core of who I am, to the core of any situation.
Thank you so much, Gurumayi.
Glastonbury, United Kingdom
I feel so blessed by this gift of Gurumayi’s poem as springtime begins to unfold. I experience such grace that I can practice each line of the poem as I read. And each practice is profound.
I love how Gurumayi has given me everything through this poem, and yet she still leaves me with a sense of beautiful mystery.
Colorado, USA
Since the day I read this precious poem by Gurumayi, I have been feeling my heart intensely. I’m focusing on understanding how I can “become all that IS to become nothingness.” As I meditate, I concentrate on my intention to help myself achieve this state of consciousness.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
As I was reading Gurumayi's sacred words, I felt as if she was showing me what
satsang is—showing me how I can experience both the inner consciousness and expanded consciousness around me.
From this I have experienced a shift within. My meditation is deeper and I am able to experience the pause between my in-breath and out-breath for a longer duration. This is helping me to stay connected with my inner Self. I feel more centered, balanced, and calm. I have been in a blissful state today.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for the wonderful poem. It is helping me to witness everything within and around me.
Lucknow, India
To feel, to hear, to receive such poetic, inspired
satsang—my beloved Guru’s words awaken me and bring me to the realization that I am the witness. In this moment, I feel free from my story, no longer imprisoned by karma.
Thank you, Gurumayi ji. You open my heart to hear the divine!
Ostuni, Italy
I have consistently found that poetry speaks to the "ear in my heart." And I’ve found I am able to experience the power of poetry without always understanding it rationally.
Gurumayi's poem, “Witness Consciousness,” touches me deeply.
North Saanich, Canada
During meditation I silently repeated the title, "Witness Consciousness," several times. I prayed for a deeper understanding of Gurumayi's divine poem.
The image arose of a see-saw going up and down. The movement had a natural rhythm, full of playfulness and ease. Watching the see-saw going up and down, I became aware of the center part—that one spot which is always completely motionless! This inactive, stable, and well-rooted part of the see-saw is vital for its proper functioning.
This metaphor inspires me to become aware of the still center in the midst of activity. In Gurumayi's poem I find abundant guidance on how to enter that state.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for showering us with your grace and wisdom.
Katzenbach, Germany
I decided to practice witness consciousness as I watched my son’s ball game. Whenever there was a timeout in the game, I would follow Gurumayi’s words: “Witness your eyes closing/ Witness your eyes opening/ Then blink again.” It was easy for me to do, and I was drawn into witness consciousness.
My son’s team was not winning, but I was able to keep my composure, enjoy the sunlight and the sky, and have harmonious interactions with the other parents around me. Practicing this teaching from Gurumayi totally revolutionized the way I watch a game!
Thank you, Gurumayi, for your profound teachings.
Washington, USA
Over and again
I reflect on your words of light:
explore the maze of paradox,
soften into sleep,
wake to wonder,
turn toward the Truth,
and a waterfall of gratitude
cascades across my life.
Llwyn-y-groes, United Kingdom
Yesterday, I read Gurumayi’s poem, “Witness Consciousness,” under the full moon rising above the mountain. I could feel how both the poem and the moonrise contain so much mysterious grace and compassion, leading my soul into
satsang!
Now, I have been given fourteen stanzas to relish, to imbibe, to contemplate, to practice before the next full moon, Baba’s moon! Two days per stanza.
Thank you, beloved Gurumayi, for guiding my sweet efforts with so much beauty and fineness.
Annecy-Le-Vieux, France
Absorbing the precious words of Gurumayi's poem very slowly lifted a veil of contraction. My breath eased and my mind became silent as I opened and closed my eyes, and opened and closed the book. As I entered the expanded space of my inner Self, my awareness heightened and I was filled with love, peace, and bliss. This indeed was the experience of
satya rasa—the ambrosia of the Truth.
Nairobi, Kenya
I experienced such openness in my mind as I read this poem. Such inspiration, as if I was walking with my Guru into a liberating dome.
It is so exciting to follow these awakening words. They feel so personal—was this poem just for me?
I feel I have just been given special entrance to a multidimensional existence by participating in Gurumayi's poetic and revealing universe.
New York, USA
Gurumayi's words unfolded for me like a
dharana. As I read them, I heard her voice saying them out loud, as instructions for my mind. Even in—especially in—the moments that seemed paradoxical to me, I felt my mind attempt to follow along, encounter the paradox, and fall silent. Each verse brought a new visualization and a deeper turn inwards. My entire being could feel the deep truth of what Gurumayi was saying.
As the thoughts slowed, I felt my breath expand and my being ground and anchor itself. I feel deep quietude. Gurumayi's words are the vehicle for me to experience the infinite, silent Truth.
Thank you for guiding me there, beloved Gurumayi.
California, USA
Reading Gurumayi's words made me reflect on the nature of the mind, the heart, and the Self. The poem reminds me to pray for the Guru to open my inner eye, to keep me close to the Truth. As I read the poem with open eyes, I could feel myself going into meditation.
Sydney, Australia
As I read these words out loud, I feel them vibrating inside my body. Each one is activating my cells and calling me to pause, close my eyes, and enter into silence between the lines.
Slowly meeting each verse and speaking the words, I can feel myself resting more deeply. My heart relaxes with relief and expands with gratitude as I become engulfed in a sensation of coming home.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for this incredible poem.
London, United Kingdom
Last night I took a short walk before bedtime. Thanks to this poem, I paid close attention to the trees in our neighborhood. I admired their humility, their willingness to simply be themselves, accepting and making the most of their circumstances—whether growing in the generous park or in a small patch of earth squeezed between the concrete sidewalk and the blacktop road.
I hadn’t known how much I could learn from trees. This mystical
satsang granted me both balm and inspiration for my “vulnerable heart.” I’m so grateful.
Massachusetts, USA
I have been at my father’s side as he enters his last stage of life. Today I read Gurumayi’s poem to him as he lay in his chair. As I read, I noticed him following Gurumayi’s instructions literally; he practiced opening and shutting his eyes, then leaving them closed to let his mind rest.
As I continued to read Gurumayi’s words aloud, I thought Dad had gone into a deep slumber, but when I finished reading her poem, a smile appeared on his face. Then he opened his eyes to reveal that his sometimes faded blue eyes were now sparkling and shining and refreshed. He had been absorbing every one of Gurumayi’s words and images.
He held my hand and thanked me for sharing such beauty with him. As Dad thanked me, inwardly I expressed my gratitude to Gurumayi for presenting me with the greatest gift I could present to my father—the gift of the Guru’s love.
South Yarra, Australia
This poem feels like a tonic to me. I want to live this way, I want to be this way, I want to breathe this way.
With these awesome verses, Gurumayi has once again adjusted the sails of my little boat and guided me. I feel at peace.
Virginia, USA
These words from Gurumayi remind me once again to be mindful of the present moment, to engage with life as it is presented to me, to make the greatest effort and not attach myself to the outcome. They remind me to give generously and not expect anything back, to serve with joy, to live with love in my heart. I am reminded that the heart is where the power to be free can be found.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for this beautiful rendering of the most profound wisdom.
New York, USA
Time dissolves as I read this majestic poem. I feel the divine Presence come to the forefront of my being, and my mind acquiesces.
I understand something new about my breath—breathing in, breathing out. I recognize that this breath, this movement, has been with me in all my countless forms, for as long as there has been life here on the planet. Again, my mind bows low before the ancient patience of my breath.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for this poem, which heartens and moves me deeply.
Hampton, Australia
Unable to sleep, I was drawn to contemplate the words of this poem step by step. Slowly, surely, it moved me from a contracted mind back to the freedom of the Self, allowing me to fall into my center, rest, refocus, and breathe. My day now begins and I take these words and this wordless experience with me.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for your teachings, your guidance, and your support.
Washington, USA
I ponder
I experience Gurumayi's exquisite instructions
A spigot of sweetness opens within
Wordless understanding arises
External, internal, eternal
Satsang
Oregon, USA
After reading these teachings on Consciousness, my heart filled up with love and my fears fell away. I feel very free and relaxed.
Mansa, India
My whole being was so touched by Gurumayi's words. I felt her protection and her love flowing over me and guiding me inside to a world where—between my thoughts, between my breaths—lies the Witness.
Massachusetts, USA
This evening as I walked my dog, I was overcome by the Guru's presence welling up in my heart. I felt her gaze looking through my eyes as they took in the bright pink cherry blossoms, the tall, pale eucalyptus trees, the dark pines, and the velvety twilight sky. The waxing moon glowed through the gauze of clouds high above. I walked along the streets witnessing not only the deepening beauty of the freshly starlit night, but also the wonder of the Guru's presence within.
When I returned home, I opened the Siddha Yoga path website to find this poem by Gurumayi so sweetly mirroring my experience of witnessing the natural elegance of the night. I felt tenderly touched by her grace.
Thank you so much, dear Gurumayi, for this moment of communion with you—through nature and your shimmering poem.
California, USA
Gurumayi’s poem is so evocative for me. I can recognize myself in each stanza, from my busyness with a thousand and one things to the profound wish to “become nothingness.”
I have been thinking lately about the subtle effects of noticing when I’m fully present. When I pause and connect with my breath, I can feel a window opening to
satsang with myself. This experience is, for me, one of the greatest gifts of Gurumayi’s Message this year—remembering my Self in the midst of everything going on in my life.
Thank you for this poem, Gurumayi. It intensifies my commitment to practicing your Message and paints a vivid, intimate picture of my longing for
satsang.
a Siddha Yogi from Ohio, USA
I am very grateful for this wonderful gift. I feel it gives me ways to turn inside again and again, and thus will help make turning inside become second nature to me. I trust this process will enable me to experience the state of nothingness, the profound silence within, which is as close to me as my breath.
Gandhinagar, India