The Shopkeepers and the Accountant

This encouraging story helps me understand, in the simplest and sweetest way, that though life will always present challenging circumstances, when I draw my mind inward, the light of understanding can dawn and provide practical solutions.
 
I see the fountain of water that arises in the story as the meditation energy that increases and flows within me from the Guru's grace and the effort of performing the practices. This reaffirms my understanding that I am sustained by the water of the Guru's feet until I reach my goal.
 

California, United States

This story reminds me of the many times Gurumayi has taught us about the power of intention. I truly appreciate this beautiful tale, which urges me forward and gives me patience to pursue my goals.
 

California, United States

This beautiful story, so exquisitely read, reminds me that the only way to complete a difficult passage is by prioritizing, seeking for, and finding true nourishment. I cried at the revelation of what it means to find water in a barren environment and the recognition that it is always worth the effort it takes to search.
 

New York, United States

What a compassionate teaching on perseverance in sadhana and a reminder of the tremendous support that is there for us. 

In the story, the rock was finally cracked through the united effort and will of the group--their hammers striking all together— and through the collective wisdom and leadership. The guide helped cross the desert and find the source for the water, and the merchant took over by the end.

I am at a time where I face a “rock” in my life that challenges me to cultivate a quiet, content, and focused mind, and be disciplined with my time. Reading about the united effort to crack the rock in the story reminds me to take refuge in Gurumayi, the teachings, and the sangham through the website, global events and the Siddha Yoga Meditation Center in my town.

Now, every fiber of my being tingles with expectation at the thought of the upcoming Shaktipat Intensive! What geyser will be unleashed as we participate around the world with our united intention?
 

Montreal, Canada

For me, this story beautifully describes a blessed life. When I fall asleep, a wise being wakes me up. I then look around more carefully. I set a goal and work diligently towards it. Success arrives. And gratitude arises.
 
Thank you, beloved Gurumayi, for showing me the wisdom that lies within.
 

Florida, United States

I've begun to live more and more in the conviction that “mistakes” are simply positive steps we take to learn. I'd never say to a child who falls while learning to walk that they’d made a misstep. Falling leads to building muscles that maintain balance. Falling allows a child to experience negotiating levels of space. Similarly, why should I view my growth pattern as a series of wins and losses?

What I appreciate in this story is the group’s ability to suspend blame and see the possible rather than the impossible. It would have been easy for everyone to point a finger at each step when the going became challenging, then more challenging. Though there was grumbling, no one ever stopped the possible through blame. 
 

New York, United States

The story “Across the Desert” came at just the right moment for me. I was feeling somewhat discouraged at my life circumstances, seemingly unable to make forward progress. When listening to the story, I felt Gurumayi was speaking directly to me, encouraging me to keep going, to use the tools of the Siddha Yoga path—chanting, meditation, mantra japa, and more. She has given us so many tools to move through obstacles. I felt she was telling me that I am so close to breaking through.
 
Thank you, Gurumayi, for all the ways you give me the support I need to move forward during challenging times, knowing your presence is always with me. I am most grateful and will listen to this inspiring story again and again.
 

Massachusetts, United States

What a powerful story for me to read today. The comforting truth of trusting the evidence: where there is green growth, there is water. Yes, I agreed, keep digging; don't give up no matter what!
 
I am so grateful to Gurumayi for sending this poignant message to me today: Don't give up where there is evidence of green and blossoms. That’s where the life-giving shakti is, ready to be unearthed and and imbibed!
 

Texas, United States

This story, so superbly rendered and performed, offers me guidance and fills me with hope. 

For some time I have been working on a creative project and now that it’s time to bring it out into the world, it feels like “breaking through rock.” I have nearly given up. When the merchant in the story tells his apprentices, “Now, use your strength. Use all your energy, and the power of your will. Pound through this rock,” I hear his words as if spoken to me. 

I have taken them to heart, and will handwrite them on a piece of paper and place it at my desk. I will remember them as I “pound through” that rock until it gives in, and my project springs forth.

Thank you, Gurumayi, for this encouraging story!
 

California, United States

As I read and listened to this beautiful story, I was reminded of the third line of Gurumayi's Message for 2019. I feel immense gratitude for the teaching in the story to continue the practices in one's sadhana, no matter how far the destination may seem or how many obstacles may arise. 
 
Thank you, Gurumayi, for teaching us in so many engaging ways.
 

New York, United States