This poem by Shri Gurumayi has stayed with me since the first time I read it—challenging, questioning, fascinating me. Two weeks of devoting myself to it were not enough to cover it all. I copied it word for word in my journal to better study and imbibe it. Then I felt the need to answer each of the questions we were asked.
Each question generates other questions, taking me deeper into what seems to emerge—my own truth! How can I lead a “mystical life” and serve this world? How can I stay faithful to my
dharma—keeping my inner flame alive, no matter what?
“There is immense power in the question-and-answer that takes place inside,” Gurumayi writes. I am still at the surface of this vast and deep questioning. I know the answers will come in God’s time. For now, I am engaged in ongoing self-inquiry, filled with the Guru’s grace, and with so much joy!
Québec, Canada
I have been making time to read Gurumayi’s poem out loud to myself. I repeat each verse until I can take in the meaning before moving on. With each verse, I realize what an infinite source of grace this poem offers!
This slow reading illuminates for me the spaces in my mind and life where light is needed. I know that with each such slow reading I will be further guided toward the light of the Self.
Washington, United States
When I open the website, my eyes first rest on this wonderful design adorning Gurumayi’s exquisite poem. The colors remind me of springtime, evoking the feeling of a fresh, new beginning. The left part of
Shri reminds me of a ribbon for gifts that is made out of leaves. It is as if a fresh wind is curling it. This makes my spirit happy. The second part reminds me of a table, very stable. As I gaze at the yellow background, I feel like I am in the sun; my mind and heart are warmed. Then my eyes take in the pillars filled with hearts, little hearts in big hearts. I feel like I am one of those little hearts in the big heart of God. And then I see the bells and imagine their sounds. I see the lotus, and I feel my inner lotus open.
Hindelang, Germany
Gurumayi’s poem reminds me that the light of the heart is always shining. When I feel love for God’s creatures, they reflect the light of the Self and send my love back.
As autumn progresses, with weeks of dark clouds and continuous rain, the Japanese maple tree near my home celebrates the Deepavali festival! Its bright-red, starry leaves fall to the ground one after another, creating a beautiful
rangoli.
During this dark time, my heart is moved by the luminous blessings offered by people around the world to those who are suffering. I join them in offering my prayers and by reciting
Shri Guru Gita.
Rodez, France
As I read Gurumayi’s poem and then listened to it, I felt the warmest, most loving mantle of compassion embrace me. I knew that Gurumayi was touching my heart with her words.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
In her poem, Gurumayi asks us: “How will you make this world sparkle, my dear ones?”
I offer a smile when I actually want to frown, write a loving note to someone in need even when “I don’t have time,” remain peaceful when a part of me wants to scream, and other such ordinary deeds.
I envision our world being healed a little bit at a time as each one us Siddha Yogis heeds Gurumayi’s invitation to “make this world sparkle.” And I am deeply honored and grateful to be given this task.
California, United States
Oh, the incredible, immense, and vast love for me in Gurumayi’s poem!
Cradling my mind and heart in a soothing bubble bath of light
Every shimmering word pulling me into a vortex to the light of the Self
The world looks different now, darkness turned to light, sadness to joy
I am so grateful to Gurumayi!
Pennsylvania, United States
As I read Gurumayi’s poem, verse after verse, I kept hearing the teaching to light the inner flame, and to keep it alight with faith and discipline. This yearning kept getting stronger and stronger as I kept reading. When I read the scriptural verse at the end of the poem, I found myself reading and rereading the last two lines. Suddenly, my heart seemed to burst open, as I realized that the festival of Deepavali celebrates the Guru Principle—that which takes me from darkness to light! I also understood that the Deepavali flame is a manifestation of the Guru’s grace.
I am grateful for the glorious gift of the Guru’s grace, which I experience as constantly showing me the path of light, changing my understanding from ignorance to knowledge, and reminding me to choose light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and faith over fear.
I am thankful to Gurumayi for this poem and for her tangible daily presence in my life.
California, United States
It has been many years since I was last in Gurumayi’s physical presence. Yet, through this poem, I felt as if I had seen Gurumayi just today, and as if she was reading her words to me live and in person. Each sentence spoke to me, addressing my challenges, just as her teachings have spoken to me whenever I was in her presence.
New Mexico, United States
I am filled with gratitude for the inner light that was kindled within me so long ago by Gurumayi and that continues to illumine my path. I am thankful for Gurumayi’s reminder in this poem to take responsibility for continuously nurturing my own inner flame with love and self-acceptance.
May that light within me always inspire me to serve my Guru through sharing conscious kindness wherever I go.
Texas, United States
Having read Gurumayi’s words and having followed the
dharana, I have a deeper understanding of the celebration of Deepavali: I am the vessel in which the flame glows!
This has become my contemplation. As I notice my spirits sinking in the face of external events, I shift my awareness to the Truth that I am a clay vessel within which the light glows.
I tend this light and watch it steadily become brighter, dispelling the shadows that so easily creep across my interior landscape. Doing this, I feel this light spread softly across the earth, serving her and those who inhabit her.
Hampton, Australia
I experience Gurumayi’s poem for Deepavali as sweet, deep, and insightful—an elixir for living in today’s world. Gurumayi’s words empower me, and I feel a deep affirmation and a big shift within—toward the light.
Central Lakes, New Zealand
With Gurumayi’s poem I feel that I have received the most auspicious, beautiful, insightful, grace-filled gift for the celebration of Deepavali. I am most grateful for the understanding that even in dark times, there is “light always, light everywhere”!
I was filled with joy and mesmerized as I listened to the
dharana. Throughout the fall, I have been feeling very connected with the leaves and sky and winds, and I felt the
dharana land deep inside myself. The next morning in meditation, I had a powerful experience of opening, which I felt was a further unfolding of the grace, love, and protection of Gurumayi’s poem.
New York, United States
After listening to Gurumayi’s poem, I felt a deep stillness within. Gradually, I began to see the shimmering “light of joy” emanating from my heart. It was so bright, but it was also calm. I was bathing in bliss.
Suddenly a prayer arose: “May this light fill everyone around me with love. May everyone be filled with such light as is now shining brilliantly within me.”
New Delhi, India
The teachings in this poem come to me at the perfect time!
In one of the stanzas, Gurumayi writes: “Take a good look at the nature of your mind.” This resonated with me because I was just reflecting on how I could work toward attaining “The friendship of the mind” that is part of Gurumayi’s Message for 2023. And here was the guidance I needed: befriend my mind by witnessing how it operates. Then, when I read the line, “God is our most ardent well-wisher,” I felt such relief!
What sublime blessings throughout the entire poem! I could feel Gurumayi’s love for us in every word.
Varese, Italy
To feel the love that Gurumayi’s poem for Deepavali expresses is to find the ultimate love! Embraced by the Guru’s hands through each line of this poem, I trust that the agency ignited within me will keep the light alive in my own heart so I can bring it to all.
May we keep our hearts nourished through the practices of the Siddha Yoga path and always share the love ignited in us by Gurumayi.
South Melbourne, Australia
I felt directly addressed by Gurumayi through her poem for Deepavali. Every word feels like a great gift of love, protection, and empowerment. I am very grateful to Gurumayi for catching me in the midst of the fleeting drama of my life.
Yes, I let the light in my heart shine brightly. Yes, I work on myself so that I am strong enough to carry the great light of love. Yes, I accept that the happiness I desire from this world is present within me. Yes, I walk further and further on the path until I reach the stars and the state beyond.
My beloved Guru is my path, my confidence, my breath of life, and my destiny. In my heart I worship her again and again with all the beauty my mind can imagine.
Konolfingen, Switzerland
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