The Noblest Volunteer
~ Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
The Noblest Volunteer
~ Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
सर्वश्रेष्ठ स्वयंसेविका
~ गुरुमाई चिद्विलासानन्द
एका मातेला आदरपूर्वक वंदन
~ गुरुमाई चिद्विलासानंद
Designer: Jenny Hira Tanner
डिज़ाइनर : हीरा जेनी टैनर
Designer: Jenny Hira Tanner
Washington, United States
I always look forward to reading Gurumayi’s Mother’s Day poem with its in-depth tribute to mothers. I am convinced that it was the Guru’s love and guidance that got me through some of the most trying years of motherhood. Gurumayi’s teachings encouraged me to take good care of myself, to do the Siddha Yoga practices, and to remain steady. And by doing these things, I believe that I became a steadfast mother. I was able to stay undaunted and calm, even in the face of some extreme challenges that I faced with my then teenage daughter. Now, twenty years later, I’ve become a grandma and I’ve gotten to see the transformation of my own daughter into being a mother herself.
Connecticut, United States
Nairobi, Kenya
I want to thank Gurumayi ji for the awareness these questions bring. Although I do express my appreciation for my mother, many of her qualities would have gone unnoticed if I did not have Shri Guru’s teaching in my life. I would not have given my mother the full honor she deserves.
The fragrance, color, sound, taste, and texture of my mother’s love are nothing but love. I thank her for loving me unconditionally.
New Jersey, United States
Bellbrae, Australia
As I listened to this poem, I remembered my own mother’s hardships, her continuous work, and her desire to put our needs first, so that we could have a better life.
My mother forgave us easily, loved us immensely, and made us feel happy even when she wasn’t feeling well. It is true that growing up I did not appreciate what my mother had done for us. But now that I am a mother myself, I recognize the immense sacrifices she had made to keep us happy and to give us a healthy childhood.
Gurumayi’s words fill me with gratitude for my mother and appreciation for myself as a mother. The teachings in this beautiful poem inspire me to strive for excellence in all aspects of my life. They are shining beacons that light up the inner path I need to take to experience God’s love.
Melbourne, Australia
I’m not a mother, but at a certain point in my life I happily assumed the role of caring for my mother. It was an honor and a joy to be able to do this.
Gurumayi writes about mothers: “You are the true angels from the heavens.” Now that my mother is no longer here, I feel strongly that she is with the angels to protect us.
I am grateful to Gurumayi for the strength of this poem—strength I have made mine too.
Naples, Italy
As a would-be mom, I felt Gurumayi’s love, care, and appreciation deeply and personally. For me, this poem came as a blessing to embody the qualities of a mother. It also inspired me to take care of myself.
Each time I read this poem, I feel the tenderness and strength of a mother. My heart is filled with gratitude to my own mother and to Shri Gurumayi who guides me every step of the way.
Bhopal, India
As I pondered the qualities that Gurumayi ji speaks of, multiple instances of how they’d come alive filled my mind effortlessly—examples from my own life and the mothers that I’ve observed. First, I said a prayer of deep gratitude and respect to all mothers in the world for all that they do, their ever-giving nature, their unconditional love and warmth, and I prayed for their safety and happiness. Second, I was drawn to introspect on how I can honor, respect, and take care of all the mothers I meet—my own and others who shower this world with their greatness.
New Delhi, India
Mersin, Turkey
For all the mothers who gave me their love and care, I offer a beautiful rose from my heart to their hearts. I know that I am the person I am today because mothers have opened their hearts to me, and I thank them.
Konolfingen, Switzerland
Our lives were imbued with grace and love. I was happy to help my mom during this time since she had always tried her best to help me. Reading this poem honoring mothers is a sweet and powerful reminder of the precious love which mothers are always offering.
New York, United States
Mumbai, India
Yes, I have noticed it, in particular, in my sisters and sisters-in-law when they have been pregnant. I remember a special moment, full of divine amazement, when one of them was pregnant with my niece. It was night, and we were finishing a festive event in a room. Coming out of a corridor between the tables, she came toward where I was. Her face was shining, her skin was soft with a delicate pink tone, and, just as Gurumayi describes it, “a celestial light surrounded her” and I was “touched by her gleaming light.”
Mexico City, Mexico
Shahada, India
New Jersey, United States
I feel that by using this word, brilliance, Gurumayi is identifying and honoring every single one of these qualities in a mother. It gives me an even greater appreciation for my own mother and for all mothers.
New York, United States
The Houghton, South Africa
South Melbourne, Australia
While reading this poem, I thought of three generations in my own family: my mother, myself, and my children. Although I still remember and miss my mother—even during my seventy-ninth year—she is always with me. I feel her presence in my every thought, action, and reaction. All I do and think is still connected to how she brought me up, with discipline and values that are still applicable today.
When I look at myself as a mother, it gratifies me that my children still value my thoughts and my example. They express their appreciation in so many ways, which is amazing.
Lastly, when I observe how my own children are bringing up their children, I so appreciate that they are instilling their values and sense of responsibility in them. My grandchildren respect the older generation and value their advice.
I know that all this has only been possible because I have been extremely fortunate to have found Gurumayi. My Guru has taught me how to value discipline and uplift my life.
Pune, India
I recently lost my mother. So my eyes teared up as I read this eloquent poem dedicated to all mothers. When I listened to it read aloud, with my eyes closed, my heart opened. I felt the presence of a filament that connected my heart with the heart of my mother. I recognized that my mother’s wisdom and beauty are always present. They radiate in the words that I speak, in the love that I feel, and in the confidence and determination that guides me through my life.
Maine, United States