A Letter About Gurumayi’s Message for 2013, Mantra Japa

April 19, 2013

Dear Siddha Yogis,

Each January 1, we welcome the New Year by participating in A Sweet Surprise satsang and receiving Gurumayi’s Message, which guides our sadhana throughout the year. What a blessed event! I have heard that many Siddha Yogis took such great delight in A Sweet Surprise 2013 that they participated in it again and again.

I was honored to be the teacher, at Gurumayi’s request, for this year’s A Sweet Surprise satsang. My practice of Gurumayi’s Message, Mantra Japa, continues to reveal new wonders. The practice of mantra japa, the repetition of sacred syllables, is a boon for all of us. Gurumayi has said this is the most portable Siddha Yoga practice: we can repeat the mantra anywhere, anytime, and experience the fruit immediately.

For over two decades, we have been receiving Gurumayi’s Message—her teachings and guidance for the year—in the form of a sutra. In the Sanskrit language, the word sutra refers to an aphoristic statement of spiritual knowledge. When a sutra is studied and contemplated, it expands one’s perception of the Truth. Many of the classic texts of Indian philosophy are written as a series of sutras. From time immemorial, Gurus have imparted teachings to disciples in this form.

Gurumayi’s Message vibrates with living energy—chaitanya shakti. How fortunate we are! I have seen how Gurumayi’s Message inspires seekers, regardless of how long they have been immersed in Siddha Yoga sadhana, to walk the spiritual path and to follow the teachings that lead to the realization of their own true Self.

I hope you have had the opportunity to view the full spectrum of Gurumayi’s Messages and Message Artwork from 1991 – 2012 posted on the Siddha Yoga path website.

Throughout this year we are studying Gurumayi’s Message, Mantra Japa. As you learned in A Sweet Surprise 2013, there are many wonderful ways to practice mantra japa. Right now, I’d like to share with you some of my personal favorites:  

  • I begin my meditation with mantra japa, using my japa mala.
  • During the day whenever I have an opportunity, I bring my awareness to repeating the mantra in harmony with my breath.
  • Each evening, I write in my journal about my practice of mantra japa.
  • Also in the evening, I choose one of the Guru’s teachings on mantra japa to study and contemplate the next day.

I find that these rejuvenating daily practices connect me to my heart, anchor me in the present moment, and align me anew with my life’s purpose. Every day as I offer seva, selfless service, I recognize how mantra japa imbues my activities with the subtle energy of abundance, sweetness, and delight. It makes me value and appreciate each of my seva tasks.

Mantra repetition has been my constant support on the spiritual path. I am so inspired to know that since Gurumayi has given us the Message Mantra Japa this year, thousands of Siddha Yogis of all ages are practicing mantra japa and collectively realizing its power. 

I want to encourage you to continue your practice of mantra japa by following the four essential steps that support Siddha Yoga studentship. These four steps are: 

  • study
  • practice
  • assimilate
  • implement

Follow the discipline of these four essential steps and you will become aware of their myriad benefits, both within and without.

Are you still with me? Great! I want to congratulate you for your steadfastness. You may be wondering, “Where is Swamiji taking me with all this?” Believe me, I have something awesome to tell you!   

Gurumayi’s Message Artwork for Mantra Japa is now available for darshan on the Siddha Yoga path website!

The link to view the Message Artwork is at the end of this letter.

Let me give you some advice for how to receive darshan of Gurumayi’s Message Artwork for 2013. To benefit the most from your experience, set aside a minimum of fifteen minutes to do the following:

  • First, be with the Message Artwork.
  • Next, meditate.
  • Then, if you have a few additional minutes, I encourage you to write in your journal.

With love,

Swami Akhandananda
Teacher for A Sweet Surprise 2013