Siddha Yogis' Experiences of Participating in A Sweet Surprise 2016

As I apply Gurumayi’s Message in my daily life, I find I am able to enjoy tasks I usually would not enjoy, such as math homework. It really is such a relief. It changes everything and makes all of the work, which I used to find intolerable, into a blissful experience. I go into another dimension where I see the beauty of math. I realize that although it may seem as if I am seeing through a better mind—to my astonishment it is the hidden quality of my own mind!

My whole attitude about school and work has been transforming through practicing Gurumayi’s Message. Rather than feeling that life is interrupted by annoying periods of work, I am realizing that I can experience joy in everything I do. I feel I can take responsibility for my own life fearlessly, and it feels so liberating.

South Carolina, USA

One of the things that stood out for me is how my breath became easeful as I listened to the entry music, so that I was better able to absorb the teachings in the Message.

I understood clearly that I have the free will to make choices in my life, be it worldly or spiritual. The circumstances in my life can be turned into a gem of an understanding by bringing my focus to the center, the madhya, and that pure understanding will carry me through to the ocean of supreme bliss.

Johannesburg, South Africa

Truly, Gurumayi’s boundless love and guiding grace transform my life as I study, practice, assimilate, and implement the teachings in A Sweet Surprise Satsang.

Two days ago my cherished service dog took his final breath. Offering such steady devotion and sweet companionship, he taught me so much about love.

Yesterday was the first morning in 13 years that I have sat for meditation and chanting at my puja without him nearby. As I repeated the words of the Message—Move with steadfastness toward becoming anchored in Supreme Joy—I wondered, “Where is the ‘Supreme Joy’ in this sorrow?” Then, I felt a pull drawing me into deep meditation, grounding my awareness in a place far deeper than any fleeting emotion. I now understand that I was being given an answer to my question.

Thank you, Gurumayi.

New Mexico, USA

Gurumayi’s Message for 2016 has given me the sense that there is no more time to wait. Attended by the grace of the Guru, I must act now, with resolve, to reach the safe haven: my inner Self.

Naples, Italy

I participated in A Sweet Surprise Satsang at home, via live audio stream. During the meditation session, I became absorbed in the feeling that ocean waves were thoroughly cleansing my entire being. Suddenly, I had the experience that I was in the luminous presence of Bhagavan Nityananda, Baba Muktananda, and Gurumayi. They were all present with a sense of unity, of which I was a part. It lasted for just a moment and then I went into deep meditation.

For several days afterwards, as I reflected on this experience, I noticed a sense of negativity bubbling up, as though I felt unworthy of having such an experience. So I sat for contemplation. At the end of the contemplative process, as I was opening my eyes, I was drawn to one of Gurumayi’s books, sensing a message in it for me. When I opened it, the first thing I saw were words that gave me permission to cherish my experience!

Thank you so much, Gurumayi, from deep within my heart. With open hands, I accept this wonderful gift!

Lac-Saint-Paul, Canada

The more I make time to be with the words of Gurumayi's Message, the better friends they become. I return to them in meditation and also at times when I feel at sea in the changing circumstances of my life.

As I repeat the words, they lead me to my Self. They bring me a sense of calm and acceptance. And in those times when I am focused on them, they give me confidence that my perspective is clear. This is such a profound gift. I’m so grateful.

Thank you, Gurumayi.

Massachusetts, USA

A Sweet Surprise Satsang has touched my heart so deeply! In deepest gratitude, these words streamed forth:

I am sitting in the boat of abundance
without a rudder.
The burbling river
shows the beauty of the world
and whispers the beauty of my Self
on the way to the adventure of life.
I awaken amazed:
the golden sun
is rising.

Ingolstadt, Germany

Each year, on January 1, I look forward to receiving Gurumayi’s Message to strengthen my understanding of my Self, my sadhana and my world. The Message gives me new vision and fresh intentions for the new year.

This year, as in the past, I am practicing Gurumayi’s Message as I approach my inner and outer life. The Message is inspiring me to renew my commitment to meditation.

I am so very thankful to Gurumayi for constantly guiding me toward the highest goal. Thank you, Gurumayi. Thank you for your presence in my heart.

Kolkata, India

I participated in A Sweet Surprise Satsang on January 1st at the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Mexico City. I made my first visit to the Ashram ten years ago on this very day.

Participating in A Sweet Surprise Satsang is the way I celebrate my anniversary on the Siddha Yoga path each year. For me, there is no other way to start the new year!

This year, I felt that I received every word of Gurumayi’s talk. It seemed that I was the most alert I have ever been. As I listened to Gurumayi speak, I experienced the strength, truth, renewal, and grace-bestowing power of each word and each story. Gurumayi`s voice resounded in my inner being.

All day long I felt so blessed, so protected, so nurtured, and so certain I was starting my year in the best possible way! I am so grateful for having Gurumayi’s Message to guide my life, my every day.

Thank you, Gurumayi!

Mexico City, Mexico

I too had the experience that Gurumayi’s Message was embedded in every single part of the talk. I’m very excited about learning to implement all the teachings in the Message talk in the year ahead.

Thank you, Gurumayi, for your abundant guidance and care. I’m ready to put your teachings into action.

Massachusetts, USA

I am very grateful for A Sweet Surprise Satsang. Before the satsang, I had been praying to Gurumayi to help me know how to move forward in my sadhana. When Gurumayi said the first word of her Message—Move—I felt a huge jolt of energy.

Later, while chanting and meditating, I understood that I have to give more regular time to meditation; I have to go deeper inside. I felt I had received the answer to my question. With uplifted spirit, I bowed to Shri Guru's padukas.

Now I am able to sit regularly for meditation and go deeper—to connect with the sushumna nadi. I thank Gurumayi from the bottom of my heart for giving direction to my sadhana.

Lucknow, India

Gurumayi's Message talk during A Sweet Surprise Satsang was wonderful and uplifting. I felt each word seep into my being and illuminate places that were previously unlit. At one point, I began to weep with a deep yearning for the light of the Self.

Thank you, Gurumayi, for illuminating our hearts and minds with this Message to guide us in 2016, and beyond.

New Jersey, USA

For me, Gurumayi's Message felt like an installation of grace in every cell of my being. For me, the experience of receiving the Message was the experience of living the Message.

Today, these words arose within: "sowing the seeds of grace." It felt like this is what Gurumayi was doing for me—installing the Message and sowing seeds of grace within me.

Wisconsin, USA

I participated in A Sweet Surprise Satsang on New Year's Day with my family, from our home. Before the satsang, we took great care in cleaning and setting up the room to make it a part of the Universal Hall.

As I listened to the webcast, I felt a deep feeling of connectedness with the entire Siddha Yoga sangham, and the whole world. I felt that not only was I receiving blessings from Gurumayi, but our home, our neighborhood, and our town were too.

I am so grateful to Gurumayi. What a great way to uplift the world! I am so grateful that my home can become part of the Universal Hall!

Pennsylvania, USA

As I listened to A Sweet Surprise Satsang, I felt the teachings entering a deeper level of my being—one deeper than I had ever known before—initiating a divine process inside, where Gurumayi’s words were vibrating with shakti, the transformative power. I could tangibly feel her love, care, and compassion for me, supporting me to attain the state she lives in.

Even now, I can feel Gurumayi’s words resounding in my being. I experience a newness in my being, and my heart knows a new layer of gratitude for having Gurumayi as my Guru. During my day, when I become aware of myself, or pause in the middle of an activity, Gurumayi’s words emerge and bring me back to the space of joy which is present right inside of me—a joy which is very much accessible, which is my own, one that does not depend on anything, a joy that is absolutely free.

I am deeply grateful to Gurumayi for how uninterruptedly she imparts her teachings so that I can complete my journey.

Gurudev Siddha Peeth

In the early hours of the morning, while my children were sleeping, I participated in A Sweet Surprise Satsang 2016, as it streamed live from Shree Muktananda Ashram in New York into my meditation room in Melbourne, Australia.

I felt Gurumayi's blessings enter my quiet home and reach each child as I listened to Gurumayi laugh, share stories, and give instruction.

Since this satsang, when I repeat Gurumayi’s Message, I have the sensation of leaning deep into myself and becoming joyous. Joy emanates from within and rides out on my breath, and in this way I feel I am breathing joy into the world. That is a most wonderful thing to feel!

South Yarra, Australia

When I heard Gurumayi's Message, I felt that I had been preparing for the last 38 years to receive her words. They reached a deep place within me. I became immersed in a space that I realized I had known for ages, yet for some time had seemed far away, and now was no longer distant from me. I was there. I was home.

I felt pure love as the inner column of light became fluid. It embraced me and we danced as one. This experience is still palpable. It guides me as I practice and imbibe Gurumayi's Message.

Arizona, USA

I offered seva for A Sweet Surprise Satsang at the Siddha Yoga Meditation Center in Pune. When I entered the hall I felt as if there were more light there than usual. Everyone’s face appeared brighter.

I experienced an instantaneous connection with the energy in the Universal Hall.

Now, after the satsang, I feel completely new—as though I’ve been reborn for 2016.

Thank you, Gurumayi!

Pune, India

Being with Gurumayi in the Universal Hall for A Sweet Surprise Satsang and listening to the teachings answered a deep longing in me.

I am profoundly touched—and carry the Message in my heart, as a most precious gift.

California, USA

In A Sweet Surprise satsang with Gurumayi, it was so wonderful to hear Gurumayi's voice and her laughter resounding in the Universal Hall and in my heart. I felt Gurumayi's Message enter deeply within my being, instilling new ways of looking and hearing, and I sensed it imparting facets of the truth that will reverberate for the rest of this year, if not a lifetime. I entered into a deep, still place during meditation and rested there in a space of calm, serenity, alertness, and shakti.

Thank you, Gurumayi, for sharing your wisdom, your love, and your grace in charting a course for our sadhana in 2016.

New Jersey, USA

I celebrated the New Year at the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Boston by participating in the Muktananda Dhyana Saptah on December 31 and A Sweet Surprise satsang on January 1. Attending the two teaching and learning events together was a powerful experience. The Muktananda Dhyana Saptah gave me the opportunity to review all that I had received from Gurumayi’s Message for 2015. And its stillness prepared me so that I could be fully present for A Sweet Surprise.

I understood for the first time the importance of preparing to receive the teachings. My meditations were so deep and my meditation experiences very profound. I feel as if I emerged a different person—much more content and joyful.

I am very grateful that these two teaching and learning events were offered in this way. I am starting the new year re-energized with such an appreciation for all I have received from Gurumayi and this great Siddha Yoga path!

New Hampshire, USA

Hearing Gurumayi's voice and laughter, and listening to her teachings during A Sweet Surprise satsang was for me truly prasad. My heart overflowed with love, gratitude, and tears.

Thank you, Gurumayi, for your Message for 2016 and for the love and grace you shower upon all of us. I am so blessed and fortunate to be on the Siddha Yoga path and to have a living Master to guide my sadhana.

Nassau, Bahamas

This year, as I participated in A Sweet Surprise satsang, I was 100 percent aware and engaged with my beloved Guru's teachings throughout the satsang. The satsang took place in the Intensive hall here in Gurudev Siddha Peeth, and I felt Gurumayi ji's presence in the hall. In fact, most of the time I sat with folded hands and listened to Gurumayi ji's voice from within. By doing this, I felt so connected with my beloved Guru and was able to remain fully engaged.

Since then, I am still feeling the same power within, and I have now created an intention for practicing Gurumayi's Message for the whole year.

Gurumayi ji, thank you so much for your Message for 2016, for your guidance, and for your grace.

Gurudev Siddha Peeth

On January 1, I participated in A Sweet Surprise satsang at the Siddha Yoga Meditation Center in Denver. As I was listening to Gurumayi give her talk and Message for us to study throughout the year, I could feel my chest region opening. I felt as if my shoulders were drawn back and I couldn't have let them cave in even if I had wanted to.

Then I had a visual image—as if my chest were a window. The wooden shutters of the window had been thrown open and secured, and I was looking out the window to a grassy-green meadow full of bright-colored flowers, butterflies, and birds, beneath a brilliant blue sky. The sunlight intensified the colors and brought great warmth to the scene. I understood clearly that I was seeing the beauty of my own heart and the beauty of everything around me.

Thank you, Gurumayi, for illuminating the Truth for us in so many ways.

Colorado, USA

A Sweet Surprise satsang was a gift I received with my whole being. I am so grateful for Gurumayi’s guidance. As I listened to her words, I experienced the best within me—the perfection within me.

Ontario, Canada

Participating in A Sweet Surprise satsang was an immense gift that I received as a sign of the Guru’s compassion. For me, after almost 40 years on the Siddha Yoga path, it was an initiation into an even deeper level of sadhana. I am so grateful for this gift of continuously deepening experience.

My prayer for 2016 comes from Shri Guru Gita, verse 60: “May the divine glance of the Guru ever dwell upon me.”

Thank you, Gurumayi, for A Sweet Surprise 2016!

California, USA

How sweet it was to join Siddha Yogis and new seekers in the Universal Hall for A Sweet Surprise 2016!

I am filled with gratitude to have spent the morning receiving Gurumayi's Message, listening to her Message talk, and engaging in the Siddha Yoga practices. I have been repeating Gurumayi's Message as a mantra throughout the day and as I do, a warm feeling spreads throughout my body. I am so excited to continue to engage with it and to see how it will unfold for me throughout this year.

Thank you, Gurumayi, for your Message—a pillar to support my sadhana throughout 2016 and many years to come!

New York, USA

While I was participating in A Sweet Surprise satsang at my home, a bunch of birds flew up near the window. I saw lots of sparrows and two woodpeckers. I felt that all the birds had come to welcome Gurumayi and say they were grateful to her. While the birds chirped and I listened to A Sweet Surprise 2016, a connection to the birds and to Gurumayi came into my heart.

Thank you, Gurumayi, for this connection deep in my heart.

an eight-year-old Siddha Yogi from California, USA

What a blessing it was to participate in A Sweet Surprise satsang! Following the guidance I received from the audio webcast, "The Power of Listening to Learn—The Power of Learning to Listen," I received Gurumayi's Message talk as if it were just for me. And I experienced so much love!

Although I was born into a family following the Siddha Yoga path, still it felt like this was a new beginning for my spiritual journey. I felt a new energy flow, and identified some depths that I now want to focus on. It was indeed very sweet.

Thank you, Gurumayi, for this special gift. Happy New Year, Gurumayi! And Happy New Year to Siddha Yogis all over the world!

Dombivli, India

When I was listening to Gurumayi's Message talk today during A Sweet Surprise satsang, I felt that her love was penetrating deeply into my heart. At the end of the satsang, I felt my connection to her very strongly.

When I have taken Intensives in the past, I don't always quite know what just happened but I do know I will never be the same because of the Guru's grace. I had that same feeling today very clearly after the satsang.

Thank you, Gurumayi, for so generously teaching us how to love and be loved.

Massachusetts, USA

Yesterday I received Gurumayi's Message in A Sweet Surprise satsang. Since it was being streamed live, the satsang went on till after midnight here in India.

As soon as I left the satsang hall, I could sense something different in the silence of the night that I had never felt before. I must have traveled the same path thousands of times but yesterday it was all different: it was more beautiful than ever before!

And then I realized I had truly received something precious.

Indore, India

During this profound, joyous, and sweet satsang, I was able to stay very focused, thanks to the preparation I received from "The Power of Listening to Learn—The Power of Learning to Listen" audio webcast. I remained aware of the practice of listening attentively while engaging in conversation with fellow Siddha Yogis on the way to the Siddha Yoga meditation center. And during the satsang itself, refreshing my posture from time to time helped me maintain my focused attention.

I had a peaceful meditation experience: I felt like I was diving deeper and deeper into the depths of an ocean—my inner world. My entire being was bathing in waves of tranquility and toward the end I saw a rising full moon, which for me symbolizes the Guru's eternal presence.

I know that the valuable teachings from this satsang will open up new directions for my sadhana. I have resolved to be disciplined in practicing this Message throughout 2016.

Thank you, Gurumayi, for A Sweet Surprise satsang.

Pune, India