समय के समक्ष
In the Presence of Time
~ Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
In contemplating “The litmus test of time,” I thought that time really verifies the truth and the value of all our intentions, our decisions, our knowledge, our experiences, and our relationships. If something “has stood the test of time,” like passing a litmus test, it stays forever my own.
I decided to follow the Siddha Yoga path thirty-two years ago, when life seemed to me like a heavy, unbearable burden on my shoulders. At the age of forty, I felt unhappy, powerless, and helpless. I asked the Guru for help.
It was the best decision of my life. It has stood the test of time. Year after year, day after day, the Guru’s grace has revealed myself to me—my own joy and vitality, myself as a happy person with a happy destiny. Everything that has come to me has stood the test of time, and so have my devotion and love for my Guru. I am eternally grateful to Gurumayi for this prasad.
Russian Federation
Like a chemical litmus test, “the litmus test of time” shows me whether my life and I are more “acidic” or more “alkaline.” It is better for my health, and for my sadhana, if I am more “alkaline” and less “acidic.”
When I think about what makes my body “acidic,” it’s stress, including the feeling of having to do a lot and having little time to do it. When I think about what makes my body “alkaline,” then it is rest, pure foods, and a positive mindset.
In this sense, “the litmus test of time” shows me whether I have a healthy attitude to life or whether I need to still work on myself. Today, “the litmus test of time” showed me that I should reduce my stress levels and give myself more time to do things with more love.
Konolfingen, Switzerland
For me “the litmus test of time” is being in alignment with the Guru’s teachings. If thoughts or activities are lessening my access to my heart, I know I am out of alignment. I find the easiest path back to my heart is devotion and identification with my Guru, gurubhav. This “litmus test of time” increases a deep inner knowing that my heart is part of the great Heart of God and that my Guru lives within me.
California, United States
As soon as I read this teaching, what came to mind was that, for me, the Siddha Yoga path has stood “the litmus test of time.” Ever since I received shaktipat, which was nearly thirty-five years ago, the Siddha Yoga Guru, the Siddha Yoga teachings and practices, and the Siddha Yoga sangham have been a steady and constant refuge for me. Other relationships, other places of refuge, other homes have all come and gone, but the Siddha Yoga path has been a steady source of purpose, guidance, and joy in my life.
Sydney, Australia