Renewing Your Inner and Outer Landscape
Teachings by Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Read the stories that are referenced in this teaching:
The Leper and the Undiscovered Treasure
Sage Narada and His Veena
Read further teachings from Gurumayi about effortless effort.
I woke up this morning feeling alone in the world. This feeling surfaced during my morning meditation as well. I recognized that this sense of aloneness has been with me since childhood, and that it is a way I have of putting walls around myself. Reflecting on this took me to the recognition that the only true connection in life is to the Guru and the inner Self. Then I reread Gurumayi’s teaching “Intending, Supposing, Judging…,” and my heart sang at the final phrase: “I know grace is my companion.”
Sydney, Australia
Gurumayi’s concluding words in this teaching, “I know grace is my companion," have had and continue to have a major impact on my state.
I knew for months that I would be having a major operation which involved general anesthesia. My anxiety was building and building. I really couldn’t put my finger on what I was anxious about, but I was feeling unsettled. So I have been working with Gurumayi’s latest teaching since it was posted. I was drawn especially to the words, “Now all my efforts to do my sadhana will shine with effortlessness because I know grace is my companion.”
As I was contemplating Gurumayi’s words a few nights before the operation this past Saturday, I realized deep inside, “Grace is my companion. Grace will be with me, always.” While I intellectually knew this, the experience and power of the words went to the core of my being. Grace is always with me—always—and I am always with grace. I felt a profound relief and saw my state dramatically soar. This experience is another jewel in my Siddha Yoga treasure chest.
I knew for months that I would be having a major operation which involved general anesthesia. My anxiety was building and building. I really couldn’t put my finger on what I was anxious about, but I was feeling unsettled. So I have been working with Gurumayi’s latest teaching since it was posted. I was drawn especially to the words, “Now all my efforts to do my sadhana will shine with effortlessness because I know grace is my companion.”
As I was contemplating Gurumayi’s words a few nights before the operation this past Saturday, I realized deep inside, “Grace is my companion. Grace will be with me, always.” While I intellectually knew this, the experience and power of the words went to the core of my being. Grace is always with me—always—and I am always with grace. I felt a profound relief and saw my state dramatically soar. This experience is another jewel in my Siddha Yoga treasure chest.
California, United States
I returned to Gurumayi’s teaching today to explore the passage in which she writes, “Your judgments can then easily become a justification for deferring responsibility. They can derail you from fulfilling your own cherished intentions.”
I see that when I don’t believe in myself, which I equate with taking risks, I am not fully serving God or the purpose of my life. This is the “cherished intention” that I allow to get “derailed.” I see that I need to take responsibility for the powers that are inherent within me, and at the same time to respect the powers, skills, aptitudes, and gifts that are inherent in others.
In this way, I will have wind in my sails to navigate the waters that lie between what Gurumayi calls “the opposite shores of the same ocean”: insecurity and narcissism.
I see that when I don’t believe in myself, which I equate with taking risks, I am not fully serving God or the purpose of my life. This is the “cherished intention” that I allow to get “derailed.” I see that I need to take responsibility for the powers that are inherent within me, and at the same time to respect the powers, skills, aptitudes, and gifts that are inherent in others.
In this way, I will have wind in my sails to navigate the waters that lie between what Gurumayi calls “the opposite shores of the same ocean”: insecurity and narcissism.
Guildford, United Kingdom
I have been reading and rereading this powerful teaching with a Siddha Yoga Sadhana Circle, where we read out loud and then share. This mechanism Gurumayi illumines feels so important. I’m now beginning to catch, in my daily life, moments in which whole stories play out in my mind—responses to what life is presenting me just then or a story binding me to a particular viewpoint. When I unpack these moments, histories are revealed, ungrieved wounds, undigested emotions. And so astonishingly quickly!
As we study in the Sadhana Circle, we laugh looking at it. The laughter is grace. Witnessing the mechanism is grace. A first step, taken together.
As we study in the Sadhana Circle, we laugh looking at it. The laughter is grace. Witnessing the mechanism is grace. A first step, taken together.
New York, United States
Recently a situation arose in the area in which I offer seva. Two of the sevites became unavailable which left the seva supervisor on her own. I realized that my supervisor needed support, and I considered offering to step forward—but then a sense of inferiority began to take over. I kept thinking about all the functions I couldn’t do. I related to Gurumayi’s words about our self-judgments: “They can derail you from fulfilling your own cherished intentions.”
Soon after, I participated in a one-day meditation event, during which I heard the inner Guru say, Step up to the plate. I knew exactly what this meant. I had to offer my service.
I contacted my seva supervisor, who was delighted with my offer of support. We will work out what I can offer. My heart is very happy that I will be doing whatever I can. I realize I can learn some new skills to be helpful.
I am grateful for realizing how a habit of feeling inferior can hamper my yearning to serve.
Soon after, I participated in a one-day meditation event, during which I heard the inner Guru say, Step up to the plate. I knew exactly what this meant. I had to offer my service.
I contacted my seva supervisor, who was delighted with my offer of support. We will work out what I can offer. My heart is very happy that I will be doing whatever I can. I realize I can learn some new skills to be helpful.
I am grateful for realizing how a habit of feeling inferior can hamper my yearning to serve.
Burnaby, Canada
Gurumayi’s teachings in Renewing Your Inner and Outer Landscape are truly treasure chests filled with gems of divine insights. Each one has come at exactly the right time for me.
By holding these teachings close to my heart as I go through my day and as I face difficult circumstances, by contemplating them and allowing them to surface in meditation, their magic awakens within me. Each teaching reveals its secret and very personal command from my Guru. This empowers me to understand what is happening in my life in an uplifting and grace-filled way.
By holding these teachings close to my heart as I go through my day and as I face difficult circumstances, by contemplating them and allowing them to surface in meditation, their magic awakens within me. Each teaching reveals its secret and very personal command from my Guru. This empowers me to understand what is happening in my life in an uplifting and grace-filled way.
Paspels, Switzerland
Recently I’ve been frustrated with long-standing thought patterns that drag me down. Gurumayi’s suggestion that we “can become more amenable to thinking and acting differently” is just the tonic I need to become more alert to the opportunities to continue changing and growing toward identification with the Self.
Connecticut, United States
For me, devoting myself to my sadhana means being faithful to a deep, unshakeable commitment to transform myself, day after day, under the guidance of my Guru. It’s by following my Guru’s teachings that these inner transformations, which are often silent and mysterious, take place. Yet sometimes, my resistance to change can be tenacious, and I fear that it will cause me to refuse a tremendous opportunity to transform myself. But I experience, over and again, how the incredible power of my Guru’s grace helps me to overcome my most stubborn resistance, and this fear is starting to disappear. When I do let go of my resistance to change, I see a torrent of love gush forth from deep within.
To be able to transform myself under the guidance of my Guru is the most wonderful of destinies. I love the person that I am becoming, and I can see a light on the horizon that’s already bringing me so much joy.
To be able to transform myself under the guidance of my Guru is the most wonderful of destinies. I love the person that I am becoming, and I can see a light on the horizon that’s already bringing me so much joy.
Quebec, Canada
I have loved reading and rereading these words of Gurumayi. Recently, I had to say goodbye to my beloved dog, my companion of the last decade. She rested next to me at my puja, shone with endless joy and enthusiasm, and seemed to know me deeply.
After losing her, I struggled to imagine how to go forward—until Gurumayi’s teaching arrived to urge me onward. The Guru’s words have helped me to examine certain beliefs and experiences, such as why change is so hard and why I had been feeling that all love was gone. Now I see that I am still here, I am still able “to welcome the sunrise into my life,” in Gurumayi’s words. I am beginning to gain a greater understanding that the Self is, in truth, beyond death.
These words are, in particular, a gift to my heart: “Grace is my companion.” I can now accept that part of my sadhana involves learning how to love and let go. For me, the Guru’s words are pure grace, illumining my mind’s darkness and urging me back toward the heart’s light.
After losing her, I struggled to imagine how to go forward—until Gurumayi’s teaching arrived to urge me onward. The Guru’s words have helped me to examine certain beliefs and experiences, such as why change is so hard and why I had been feeling that all love was gone. Now I see that I am still here, I am still able “to welcome the sunrise into my life,” in Gurumayi’s words. I am beginning to gain a greater understanding that the Self is, in truth, beyond death.
These words are, in particular, a gift to my heart: “Grace is my companion.” I can now accept that part of my sadhana involves learning how to love and let go. For me, the Guru’s words are pure grace, illumining my mind’s darkness and urging me back toward the heart’s light.
Washington, United States
I’m so grateful that Gurumayi has given us such clear and practical guidance. I have noticed that I display both insecurity and narcissistic tendencies. I am aware of the narcissism surfacing when I am doing something that I haven’t yet mastered, and I try to mask my inefficiencies. Often, when my skills are questioned, or a suggestion to improve them is made, I tend to shut down or get defensive. The way that I intend to reverse this situation is by being honest with myself about what I’m doing and by being open to growth.
I believe that my insecurity began in childhood and runs very deep. In extreme cases, it can make me shrink and become incapable of interacting with others. I have discovered that I am able to reverse this process by remembering to repeat the mantra and remembering my Guru’s love and compassion.
I believe that my insecurity began in childhood and runs very deep. In extreme cases, it can make me shrink and become incapable of interacting with others. I have discovered that I am able to reverse this process by remembering to repeat the mantra and remembering my Guru’s love and compassion.
Melbourne, Australia
Recently, after once again reading this teaching from Gurumayi, I had a realization. I recognized that ever since I first heard Baba’s teaching, “God dwells within you as you,” more than four decades ago, I had continued to think that I was separate from my Self.
Over the many years of my sadhana, I had maintained a view of myself as a conglomeration of virtues, shortcomings, likes, and dislikes. This self-image somehow coexisted with the idea that, somewhere inside me, there resided a magnificent, immortal power, which was somehow different from the real me.
Yet, after reading Gurumayi’s teaching, I have started to shift my understanding and see that this divine power truly lives within me as my true Self. It abides within my very own heart. This has led me to form a new intention to focus on perceiving myself as the undivided One that I am, have always been, and forever will be.
Over the many years of my sadhana, I had maintained a view of myself as a conglomeration of virtues, shortcomings, likes, and dislikes. This self-image somehow coexisted with the idea that, somewhere inside me, there resided a magnificent, immortal power, which was somehow different from the real me.
Yet, after reading Gurumayi’s teaching, I have started to shift my understanding and see that this divine power truly lives within me as my true Self. It abides within my very own heart. This has led me to form a new intention to focus on perceiving myself as the undivided One that I am, have always been, and forever will be.
California, United States
I had an immediate thought when I read Gurumayi’s guiding words this morning: How does she always seem to know what I am pondering at this moment?
I find Gurumayi’s teaching so timely and profound as I keep asking myself—personally and professionally—what is the right balance? I find that putting myself down or thinking of myself as greater than others are breeding grounds for being judgmental and for feeling irritated and confused. What a relief to learn from Gurumayi that none of this is beneficial. Being who I am and striving for a better me so that I can love more fully is so much clearer and more beautiful.
What a glorious path we are on—guided by Gurumayi, who shares her wisdom and love again and again.
I find Gurumayi’s teaching so timely and profound as I keep asking myself—personally and professionally—what is the right balance? I find that putting myself down or thinking of myself as greater than others are breeding grounds for being judgmental and for feeling irritated and confused. What a relief to learn from Gurumayi that none of this is beneficial. Being who I am and striving for a better me so that I can love more fully is so much clearer and more beautiful.
What a glorious path we are on—guided by Gurumayi, who shares her wisdom and love again and again.
Cologne, Germany
I have a wise older friend who is a Siddha Yogi. Over the years we have talked about various topics and shared our thoughts. I have been impressed again and again with her flexibility of mind and openness.
At times, when someone had a different perspective from hers, she would say, “I like your perspective better than mine. It’s more inspiring for me to think of it that way. I’m going to adopt your way of thinking.”
I loved that! To me, my friend was exemplifying Gurumayi’s guidance to “strive to move out of the darkness of the mind and enter into the light of the heart.”
I learned from my friend that it’s not necessary to rigidly hold onto my point of view. I, too, can be flexible in my thinking and include the perspectives of others. I can shift my thoughts when it seems like that would be beneficial. Sometimes when I want to free myself from a limited way of thinking, I bring my friend and her example to mind.
At times, when someone had a different perspective from hers, she would say, “I like your perspective better than mine. It’s more inspiring for me to think of it that way. I’m going to adopt your way of thinking.”
I loved that! To me, my friend was exemplifying Gurumayi’s guidance to “strive to move out of the darkness of the mind and enter into the light of the heart.”
I learned from my friend that it’s not necessary to rigidly hold onto my point of view. I, too, can be flexible in my thinking and include the perspectives of others. I can shift my thoughts when it seems like that would be beneficial. Sometimes when I want to free myself from a limited way of thinking, I bring my friend and her example to mind.
California, United States
Sometimes my sadhana feels very dry and opaque, as if nothing of value can penetrate. This teaching felt like rain on the desert floor—particularly the part about waiting for others to do what is actually my responsibility.
I read the teaching yesterday, and today I noticed a subtle difference in my interactions with people. Normally I am holding back my love, and I am careful about my time. This behavior makes me feel in control. Today I found it easier to be present and give attention and love. And I thought: if not now, then when?
I read the teaching yesterday, and today I noticed a subtle difference in my interactions with people. Normally I am holding back my love, and I am careful about my time. This behavior makes me feel in control. Today I found it easier to be present and give attention and love. And I thought: if not now, then when?
Florida, United States
These teachings, along with the shares, are uplifting and inspiring. I am catching my mind sooner as it tries to run down a rabbit hole. I am shifting more easily to devotion and the remembrance of Gurumayi’s grace. I am more willing to do what needs to be done and not assuming someone else will do it. And I am more ready to speak from my heart.
California, United States
I enjoyed reading and memorizing the statements at the end of this teaching from Gurumayi. I have long recognized that the feeling “I am home” is my primary goal on my spiritual path. So, the first statement immediately brings me into my heart and calms my ongoing longing.
When I read or say aloud all five sentences together, I am drawn into a place of pure and peaceful receptivity. I feel alert, open, content inside my skin, and available for service.
When I read or say aloud all five sentences together, I am drawn into a place of pure and peaceful receptivity. I feel alert, open, content inside my skin, and available for service.
Guildford, United Kingdom
I love Gurumayi’s story about the celestial sage Narada.
My partner and I are both singers. I have a music degree and many years of vocal instruction, and he cannot read music and does everything by ear. When I sing, my technique may be impressive, but when he sings people are moved because he sings from his heart.
When I read this story, I was touched by how the villager’s playing and chanting were so full of devotion that everyone listening was brought into a state of bliss.
My partner and I are both singers. I have a music degree and many years of vocal instruction, and he cannot read music and does everything by ear. When I sing, my technique may be impressive, but when he sings people are moved because he sings from his heart.
When I read this story, I was touched by how the villager’s playing and chanting were so full of devotion that everyone listening was brought into a state of bliss.
Delaware, United States
To receive these teachings from Gurumayi at this point in my life is very affirming. They soothe me as I begin to recognize my tendencies toward both narcissism and insecurity. I love the image of these two qualities as being “the opposite shores of the same ocean.”
My current dilemmas have been replaced by gratitude for having these teachings to imbibe, to make my own, and to understand. And I feel that grace will support me in this process.
My current dilemmas have been replaced by gratitude for having these teachings to imbibe, to make my own, and to understand. And I feel that grace will support me in this process.
Virginia, United States
During meditation this morning I felt my perception of who I think I am shift. The idea and image of me that I have identified with for a long time started to break apart and become separate pieces of an intricate jigsaw puzzle. As I let go and enjoyed this breaking up of “me,” the pieces changed in their nature into shining pieces of light. Although many, these pieces were only one—made of love—and came together as the true me.
Waterville, Canada
Gurumayi’s latest teaching arrived at the perfect moment for me. I had just fallen into a completely irritable and mistrustful state, sparked by a client request. An old mental filing cabinet creaked open and ancient grievance reports began blowing around everywhere.
Then I spotted Gurumayi’s teaching on the Siddha Yoga path website. Her words were potent and soothing—cooling drops on my overheated mind. With each reading, something inside was loosening up.
On a project call the next morning, I actually began to have fun. Feeling relaxed, I noticed that the person I was speaking to really wanted to do a good job. A sense of compassion and relatedness opened within me. Steeping my mind in Gurumayi’s words had given me a clearing, a feeling of generosity toward the other person.
Whatever happens next, I want to keep practicing this lighter, more patient way of being at all times. Cynicism is exhausting. I want to live only in the the space of the Self. I’m deeply grateful for Gurumayi’s sustaining grace and guidance.
Then I spotted Gurumayi’s teaching on the Siddha Yoga path website. Her words were potent and soothing—cooling drops on my overheated mind. With each reading, something inside was loosening up.
On a project call the next morning, I actually began to have fun. Feeling relaxed, I noticed that the person I was speaking to really wanted to do a good job. A sense of compassion and relatedness opened within me. Steeping my mind in Gurumayi’s words had given me a clearing, a feeling of generosity toward the other person.
Whatever happens next, I want to keep practicing this lighter, more patient way of being at all times. Cynicism is exhausting. I want to live only in the the space of the Self. I’m deeply grateful for Gurumayi’s sustaining grace and guidance.
California, United States
Gurumayi’s words resonate within the inner world of my heart. I am awestruck at how every layer of my sadhana is revealed through her love, guiding me deeper and deeper to understand and make sense of my world. Gurumayi’s grace cradles me so that I can make sense of the intensity in my life, giving me courage to refresh each day. My life is filled with her love.
Kingscliff, Australia
It is so true how our thoughts about ourselves or others can be so wrong. This past week, I experienced this truth with a co-worker whose sincerity I’d had some doubts about. A few days later, when I was having a hospital emergency, she gave me incredible moral support by staying in touch with me all day long. During the many hours I was waiting to receive care, I realized that I had misjudged her goodness—and deeply regretted it. I am very grateful for the lesson I have now learned from Gurumayi’s teaching.
St. Laurent, Canada
This morning as I reflected on Gurumayi’s teaching “Intending, Supposing,
Judging…,” this poem arose:
Let go
Clenched hands jaw body, armored beliefs ideas
Observe
Eagles float high above the valley floor trusting updrafts of wind
allow gentle breeze changes flow through each cell atom particle
fully embodying the flow
Remove
Ear plugs of ands ifs buts
Listen like eagle floating trusting updrafts of wind
allowing the gentle breeze to flow through each embodied cell atom particle
Listen to the inner song of the Heart experience its harmony with all
revel in its intoxicating light flow in all.
Judging…,” this poem arose:
Let go
Clenched hands jaw body, armored beliefs ideas
Observe
Eagles float high above the valley floor trusting updrafts of wind
allow gentle breeze changes flow through each cell atom particle
fully embodying the flow
Remove
Ear plugs of ands ifs buts
Listen like eagle floating trusting updrafts of wind
allowing the gentle breeze to flow through each embodied cell atom particle
Listen to the inner song of the Heart experience its harmony with all
revel in its intoxicating light flow in all.
New York, United States
I was drawn to practice Gurumayi’s guidance to think differently. This morning, I endeavored to think differently by focusing more on the light of my heart.
During my morning walk, I spoke to my mind: “O wonderful, sharp, and intelligent mind, grant me your grace to experience the fullness of love in my heart. O mind, together with my heart, you can always experience the beauty of God’s creation! Open your doors, beloved mind, and let the warm light of my heart illuminate your beauty-full halls.”
Through grace, my mind relaxed and opened. I felt the love of my heart fill my whole body. As I continued to walk along my path, I drank the golden elixir of contentment and felt at home within myself.
During my morning walk, I spoke to my mind: “O wonderful, sharp, and intelligent mind, grant me your grace to experience the fullness of love in my heart. O mind, together with my heart, you can always experience the beauty of God’s creation! Open your doors, beloved mind, and let the warm light of my heart illuminate your beauty-full halls.”
Through grace, my mind relaxed and opened. I felt the love of my heart fill my whole body. As I continued to walk along my path, I drank the golden elixir of contentment and felt at home within myself.
Konolfingen, Switzerland
While reflecting on Gurumayi’s teaching “Intending, Supposing, Judging…,” I recalled a recent conversation that was centered around blame. During this conversation, I became judgmental. I thought I was better than the other person. Yet now, when I consider where this “story” began for me, I can see that it springs at least in part from a sense of lack—from my feeling insecure.
In her teaching, Gurumayi reminds me that I have agency. I needn’t allow self-doubt to thwart my trust in the Self. I am neither helpless nor lacking.
The story, “The Leper and the Undiscovered Treasure” prompts me to remember that the golden Self lies within, and I can redirect myself toward that truth.
I am inspired to take the responsibility to catch myself when I become caught up in tendencies that are not beneficial. By doing so, I will move toward the light that resides within and be able to revel in what unfolds.
In her teaching, Gurumayi reminds me that I have agency. I needn’t allow self-doubt to thwart my trust in the Self. I am neither helpless nor lacking.
The story, “The Leper and the Undiscovered Treasure” prompts me to remember that the golden Self lies within, and I can redirect myself toward that truth.
I am inspired to take the responsibility to catch myself when I become caught up in tendencies that are not beneficial. By doing so, I will move toward the light that resides within and be able to revel in what unfolds.
Michigan, United States
Whenever a new teaching from Gurumayi appears on the Siddha Yoga path website, my heart lights up like the sun. It seems like any dark cloud in my mind that might be obscuring this light disappears and, as I read Gurumayi’s words, I feel sweet devotion throbbing in me.
Just this morning I’d been floundering, trying to find my bearings, and then I saw the title of Gurumayi’s teaching: “Intending, Supposing, Judging…” These words so perfectly described the root cause of my suffering. I feel Gurumayi is always watching over me and guiding me.
Just this morning I’d been floundering, trying to find my bearings, and then I saw the title of Gurumayi’s teaching: “Intending, Supposing, Judging…” These words so perfectly described the root cause of my suffering. I feel Gurumayi is always watching over me and guiding me.
California, United States
Since I began studying Gurumayi’s teachings in Renewing Your Inner and Outer Landscape, I have felt much more flexibility in my perceptions and my sense of myself. I’ve felt so much grace within my own being. I notice an increased ability to draw on this grace and take positive steps toward my goals while speaking to myself in an encouraging manner. I see how often in the past I have dwelt on unsettling thoughts, and I’m learning that truly I have the power to redirect my mind to a more spacious and encouraging way of perceiving my circumstances.
I read these words from Gurumayi: “Like sage Narada, you too can become more amenable to thinking and acting differently.” Inwardly, I said, “Yes!” I am so grateful that our Guru articulated this intention for us, and, when I read it, I knew that this is exactly what has been happening for me. Step by step, as I take these blessed teachings into my being and apply them in my life, I am changing!
I read these words from Gurumayi: “Like sage Narada, you too can become more amenable to thinking and acting differently.” Inwardly, I said, “Yes!” I am so grateful that our Guru articulated this intention for us, and, when I read it, I knew that this is exactly what has been happening for me. Step by step, as I take these blessed teachings into my being and apply them in my life, I am changing!
California, United States
This morning I listened to the Devi Dhyanam mantras and chanted Kali Durge. When I opened the Siddha Yoga path website and saw Gurumayi’s teaching “Intending, Supposing, Judging…,” I felt as if the Goddess were standing before me with an important communication. When I posed Gurumayi’s questions to myself, I realized that one of my “stories” began when, many years ago, I started accepting jobs that were very different from my formal qualifications. Gurumayi’s teaching on narcissism and insecurity really cuts to the heart of my experience. Now, I can begin to let go of the stories and become a new person as I repeat the affirmation Gurumayi has given us: “I am who I am because the knowledge of the Self is awakening within me.” These words fill my being with light and joy, so that only the love of the Self matters.
Warrnambool, Australia
The more I read through this teaching, the more evident is the feeling that Gurumayi is talking to me. Although this teaching feels personal to me, in the end I experienced a feeling of unity with others. I felt our shared humanity. Gurumayi’s teaching reconnected me with myself and with others as well. It illuminated the vast field of possibilities that we can access on the Siddha Yoga path, which will lead me and others on the path to the perfection of the Heart. I am grateful for this amazing experience.
Rome, Italy