समय के समक्ष
In the Presence of Time
~ Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Gurumayi’s intriguing teaching, “The pathway of time,” evokes for me a vision of time as a well-lit way forward toward a longed-for destination.
As time has unfolded each stage of my life, it has been my responsibility to create a dharmic pathway through the brambles and chaos of life’s challenges. Sometimes I chose wisely and at other times I did not. Through my Guru’s infinite grace and time’s generosity, I at last found the Siddha Yoga path.
Reflecting on my journey along “the pathway of time,” I am filled with wonder, awe, and gratitude.
As time has unfolded each stage of my life, it has been my responsibility to create a dharmic pathway through the brambles and chaos of life’s challenges. Sometimes I chose wisely and at other times I did not. Through my Guru’s infinite grace and time’s generosity, I at last found the Siddha Yoga path.
Reflecting on my journey along “the pathway of time,” I am filled with wonder, awe, and gratitude.
Georgia, United States
“The pathway of time” I’ve taken in my life may seem obvious: childhood, studentship, work, family life, getting older. But this is only a tiny part of that pathway.
Years ago, in Ganeshpuri, India, I entered Bade Baba’s samadhi shrine to sing the arati. As the pujari waved the arati lamp to the murti of Bade Baba, another man repeatedly struck the large drum at the front. With each drumbeat, I felt energy and vibrations in my heart area. It was so strong! The vibrations were so powerful that I didn’t know if I’d be able to bear it. Suddenly, I was pulled out of my body as memories of past lifetimes appeared very quickly, one after another.
I had always thought that the pathway of my existence was the life I was living. Now I understand that this road traverses multiple lifetimes. Without meeting Gurumayi, I would have just kept cycling through lifetime after lifetime. Now, as I continue on “the pathway of time,” I am focused on discovering and resting in a deeper reality, which pervades all this.
Years ago, in Ganeshpuri, India, I entered Bade Baba’s samadhi shrine to sing the arati. As the pujari waved the arati lamp to the murti of Bade Baba, another man repeatedly struck the large drum at the front. With each drumbeat, I felt energy and vibrations in my heart area. It was so strong! The vibrations were so powerful that I didn’t know if I’d be able to bear it. Suddenly, I was pulled out of my body as memories of past lifetimes appeared very quickly, one after another.
I had always thought that the pathway of my existence was the life I was living. Now I understand that this road traverses multiple lifetimes. Without meeting Gurumayi, I would have just kept cycling through lifetime after lifetime. Now, as I continue on “the pathway of time,” I am focused on discovering and resting in a deeper reality, which pervades all this.
New York, United States
This teaching resonates as I feel that I am being led along “the pathway of time” by Guru’s grace. Sometimes the teachings come from being with other people and taking courses externally. Other times I am led by the inner Guru. Sometimes following the pathway is wondrous, sometimes it is challenging, and other times I just watch and remember that I am experiencing a divine play of Consciousness.
Hawaii, United States
Gurumayi’s teaching “The pathway of time” might seem to imply that time is a straight line. In contemplating my own experience of “the pathway of time,” it reminded me of the stories of Baba Muktananda wandering through India looking for his Guru, and his search certainly didn’t follow a straight line.
In my own seeking, I did not know what I was doing until, finally, after many experiences in examining different traditions, meeting different people, and getting to know myself, I truly found my Guru. My pathway to her certainly wasn’t a straight line, but time abided with me along branches and circles and cul-de-sacs, always returning me to the pathway leading me to Gurumayi.
“The pathway of time” is not one but many that may finally converge into the one that leads to the Absolute.
In my own seeking, I did not know what I was doing until, finally, after many experiences in examining different traditions, meeting different people, and getting to know myself, I truly found my Guru. My pathway to her certainly wasn’t a straight line, but time abided with me along branches and circles and cul-de-sacs, always returning me to the pathway leading me to Gurumayi.
“The pathway of time” is not one but many that may finally converge into the one that leads to the Absolute.
California, United States
When I read the word pathway today, I immediately thought of neural pathways and how malleable our thoughts are. Our brains are able to adapt through a quality called neuroplasticity, which makes us capable of becoming ever new. That teaches me that I am never stuck as I am; I can use my experiences to reorganize my ways of thinking and I can learn new ways of being.
All the while time is my companion—always there, walking the pathway with me to the highest version of myself. And when I put Gurumayi’s Message for 2025 into practice, I am joining time in exploring the pathway to the Self.
All the while time is my companion—always there, walking the pathway with me to the highest version of myself. And when I put Gurumayi’s Message for 2025 into practice, I am joining time in exploring the pathway to the Self.
New York, United States