The teaching “The constraints of time” reminds me of a darshan I had with Gurumayi one summer many years ago at Shree Muktananda Ashram. I had been given the seva to write a script about the Guru-disciple relationship. I was in heaven! For days, I sat on the beautiful Amrit Café terrace and read everything I could on the subject.
In darshan I went up to Gurumayi and enthusiastically announced, “Gurumayi, I am writing a script on the Guru-disciple relationship!” Gurumayi looked at me, tapped me with her peacock feathers, and turned to someone else. But as I was walking away, I heard her call after me, “Write fast!”
The truth is that I am a slow writer, and English is not my mother tongue. So I take my time; I try this and I try that. But when push comes to shove, I remember Gurumayi’s words—and I write fast! Since my profession requires me to hand in written projects on time, having this constraint on my time has proven to be surprisingly beneficial.
California, United States
In Eesha Sardesai’s letter, “Dedicating Time to Time,” she posed the question: “How might you enrich your understanding of Gurumayi’s teachings if you view them through the lenses of unconditional love and unconditional grace?”
In reflecting on Gurumayi’s teaching “The constraints of time” through these lenses, I came to view time itself as a constraint on unbounded Consciousness. The human body that I inhabit is also a constraint on, or contraction of, that same infinite Consciousness. This recognition awakens such gratitude in me.
As I study and assimilate the Guru’s teachings on time and call upon the Guru’s “unconditional grace,” I can simultaneously achieve delight in this time-limited human body and an enduring experience of the Self as limitless Consciousness.
Michigan, United States
When I reflect on “the constraints of time,” I see the inevitable changes that the individual self undergoes over time. The body and mind and all the rest grow ever older. So I view this teaching as a fantastic tool for avoiding identifying with all that is not essential, all that is not the Self.
Minnesota, United States
When I contemplate the teaching “The constraints of time,” I envision time as the vast ocean and the constraints as a riverbank channeling the vast power of the ocean into a beautiful, flowing river.
I have experienced that when I follow a well-thought-out schedule, it serves me like the banks of a river, and I get more into the flow. I am then more effective, freer in my life, calmer in my mind—and I receive the grace-filled benefits of accomplishing my goals.
Following a consistent schedule is something I love, but it’s not always so easy for me. I am currently working on a creative project that requires a disciplined schedule. Every day before I begin work, I offer my efforts to the Divine and pray that I may keep my focus and come from my heart. “The constraints of time” is a perfect teaching and contemplation for me in this moment.
Nora, Sweden
This teaching reminded me of a paradox that I learned about decades ago: that artists feel freer when there are some constraints on their artistic process than when everything is allowed. For example, a painter who decides to use a limited palette, or a sculptor who chooses to carve only whole blocks of wood found on the mountainside, may relish the creative challenge of remaining within those chosen constraints.
This paradoxical principle illuminated today’s teaching for me in a very welcome way. My customary response to “the constraints of time” would have been to view them in a negative way and resent the limits they impose on my day. However, now I see that I can view these constraints the way an artist would—as a creative challenge that I am not only qualified, but eager, to meet. I look forward to keeping this insight close to my heart as I face each new day—with the confidence that I have the power to make of it a work of art!
Illinois, United States
I feel that it has always been the constraints or limitations on my time that have helped me to realize the importance of time. In such a short time span as a lifetime I have to do my best to advance in my spiritual practices. This thought keeps me motivated to be regular and focused in the way that I approach my
sadhana. Every moment of my life is a precious gift from the Guru, which should not be wasted.
Surat, India
When there is a constraint or limit on my time, I have noticed that I often increase my focus so that I can use what time I have well. An example of this is when I have gone on a spiritual retreat and I consciously want to stay present and absorb myself in each moment. Then, when I have been able to bring that attitude back home and integrate it into my daily life, I have experienced that my
sadhana really has progressed.
As I continue to focus on Gurumayi’s Message for 2025, I find that my intention to eliminate wasteful uses of my time and instead devote more of it in a worthwhile manner is growing stronger.
California, United States