I heard about the
satsang at noon on December 31 via a phone call from a co-sevite while travelling to my work. I had goose bumps when I heard his excited voice sharing about the live video stream. I came home in the early evening and prepared by filling my home with fragrant flowers. At 9:30 p.m. I connected via my laptop in my
puja room.
I was in pure bliss to see Gurumayi. As she moved into Shri Nilaya Hall, I felt she stepped into my home and into my heart. During the chant I was dancing with her, and at the same time there were loud, celebratory firecrackers outside my house. When we chanted "Guru Om," the clock struck 12:00 midnight.
I had tears of love and gratitude in my eyes after the
satsang. It seemed to be a global
raslila with my beloved Gurumayi. I felt an intimate personal connection with her even while she was with so many devotees.
Thank you, beloved Gurumayi. It has been a stupendous beginning to 2017 with you.
a Siddha Yogi from Mumbai, India
I was in southern Sri Lanka when I received word of the live video stream, and I forwarded the news to other Asian Siddha Yoga friends whom I thought would not hear of it otherwise. The live stream was to begin at 9:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve in the middle of a dinner I was to attend at a hotel restaurant. Fortunately, my hosts were also Siddha Yogis.
I was able to get online the moment the
satsang started. At the sight of our beloved Guru, my heart burst open with love, and I caught my breath. The Internet connection all evening was intermittent but I always managed to get the feed when Gurumayi spoke.
We went back to our residence about an hour and half into the
satsang, and in the dark stillness of a beautiful garden above a bay on the Indian Ocean, I continued to participate.
It was a great thrill for me to move from 2016 to 2017 in the Universal Hall in the presence of our beloved Guru. My heart overflows with bliss, with gratitude, and with love.
Thank you, Gurumayi!
a Siddha Yogi from Hong Kong
As I was contemplating how to enter the New Year in tune with the Siddha Yoga path, I heard about the event from a Siddha Yoga friend through a social media app.
We decided to meet at the local center as it has the best facilities for a video broadcast. The webcast, beginning at 9:30 p.m. our time, was the biggest surprise of 2016. I was delighted to be with Gurumayi and enter the New Year in the most auspicious way possible. My heart was filled with love and joy—with Gurumayi's love that reached us wherever we were. What an amazing night it was!
My heartfelt gratitude to Shri Gurumayi for giving all of us this wonderful gift—a truly unforgettable, joyous event.
a Siddha Yogi from Thane, India
My wife and I are so grateful for the kindness of a French friend, a visiting sevite at Shree Muktananda Ashram, who sent us a message about the
satsang. At 5:00 p.m. I was working in my shop, so we attended the
satsang in a back room where we sat in front of my computer. My employees too had a chance to see Gurumayi on the screen. I felt the
satsang allowed grace to settle fully in my workplace.
We loved the wind of freedom that Gurumayi bestowed on this event. Her interactions with people there—her deep listening and purpose—were full of teachings for us.
The swamis’ blessings, seeing the trustees, hearing about leadership, and the sharing about knowledge, living knowledge, all made a strong impression. The spontaneous expressions made us feel so at ease with this
satsang.
We felt the
satsang going deep inside in the most profound, silent place—with our hearts vibrating, pulsating with the divine music of the Self. We feel immense gratitude for Gurumayi’s love and gift.
a Siddha Yogi from Lyon, France
I woke up in Dublin, Ireland on the New Year’s Eve. When I turned on my phone there were text messages from six people that had come in at different times through the night. All of them were saying: “Live video stream
satsang with Gurumayi tomorrow at 11 a.m.!!”
I read them twice, and it took me a second to figure out the timings and realize what the messages meant. Then it dawned!
I was so excited that I was jumping around the house, and then I turned to my husband and said, “Live video stream
satsang with Gurumayi TODAY!”
Then I sent a few messages myself. It felt like the sweet echo of the heart was spreading this happy news.
At 3:00 p.m. Ireland time, we sat in front of my computer screen. At the beginning we could only see the dark screen, but we knew it was live because we could see the timer running, so we waited.
First, the sound started to stream through. I heard Gurumayi's voice clearly. I think my heart skipped a beat. Suddenly the video image came through. I saw Gurumayi standing in the lower lobby, and something extraordinary happened. I felt that I was pulled in through the screen, and I was standing right there, in Atma Nidhi, next to Gurumayi! I wasn't just watching the screen. I was actually there!
At the end of the
satsang, I looked out my window. The sky was deep blue with the most beautiful amber-colored clouds just over my house.
Thank you, Gurumayi. It was amazing!
a Siddha Yogi from Dublin, Ireland
My family joined the
satsang from our home in Sydney, connecting at 3 a.m. on January 1, Australian time. We heard about the
satsang by text message from Siddha Yogis in Melbourne and Sydney, and connected using a tablet, with a mobile phone to provide Internet connection.
My family and I enjoyed the easeful spontaneity that ran throughout the
satsang. Underlying the informality, there were many moments which carried important teachings for me about how to be with the Guru, and how to share my experiences.
As the
satsang was drawing to a close, the birds were heralding the dawn of a new day. One of my family members shared that after the
satsang she experienced a dancer, light and full, within her being.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for sharing your love so freely.
a Siddha Yogi from Sydney, Australia
At 11:45 a.m., I was at home and went online to find a motor oil change shop close by. In the process, I received a notification in my social media account from a friend letting me know about the
satsang. Right away, I launched it. At first I thought it was a kind of pre-announcement for
A Sweet Surprise Satsang. Then I realized it was a live event with Gurumayi and excitedly told my wife and six-year-old daughter, who joined me!
I felt very happy and connected with Gurumayi and grateful for how she cares for us! I contemplated how I practiced Gurumayi´s Message for 2016 as if at any moment, I would be able to hold the microphone and participate. When Gurumayi began to chant and dance, I felt I was celebrating New Year’s Eve with her.
During dinner that evening I said to my family, “I was trying to change our car's oil before the end of the year and instead I got my inner oil changed!”
a Siddha Yogi from Columbus, Ohio
My
seva supervisor at Gurudev Siddha Peeth told me about the
satsang. We began watching at 9:30 p.m. via the Ashram connection.
I sensed so much anticipation in everyone present about seeing Gurumayi. When she appeared on the screen, there was great, great joy—especially when she was speaking directly to the camera—to us!
I specifically remember Gurumayi sharing about the mother who was thinking only of her three-month-old baby. This made a deep impression on me and helps me remember that we should have the same kind of relationship with the
shakti, that we must think of and care for the
shakti inside us.
The
satsang was great from the beginning to the end.
a Gurukula student in Gurudev Siddha Peeth
On December 31 I woke up to texts from friends telling me about the
satsang. Since we were all eagerly anticipating Gurumayi’s Message the following day, it was hard to believe that it was really true, but it was also incredibly exciting to open my heart up to the possibility!
I logged onto the Siddha Yoga path website, and waited, and then all of a sudden
there was Gurumayi! My heart leapt; I felt overcome with waves of love to be so close to Gurumayi, listening to her voice, and connecting with her joy as she welcomed us to the gathering of people in the Atma Nidhi lobby. I felt like she was talking directly to me.
It was as though all of us around the world had front-row seats at this beautiful and moving
satsang. The surprise of it all kept me rooted in experiencing the present moment as it unfolded. So much love and joy!
I am so grateful to Gurumayi for this tremendous gift!
a Siddha Yogi from New Hampshire, USA
I heard about this incredible event just after my grandfather’s funeral. I came home just in time to connect through my computer. I received this
satsang as a loving blessing for my whole family. Participating was a way for me to joyfully celebrate my grandfather’s legacy: love for work, love for service, and love for all of nature’s gifts. Bubbles of joy danced in my heart as I participated in the
satsang and sent loving prayers to my grandfather.
My 13-year old-daughter participated with me. She was very happy and felt that Gurumayi was looking right at us!
My deep gratitude and love to our beloved Gurumayi.
a Siddha Yogi from Annecy le Vieaux, France
This event was so spontaneous and a huge surprise. It answered a longing that I have had for quite some time now—to be with Gurumayi.
After participating in the
satsang, I have a burning desire to meditate regularly to see what will be revealed. The
satsang also reinforced the oneness I feel with the Siddha Yoga teachings that guide me.
My heart was full before the
satsang, yet having Gurumayi’s
darshan is, for me, still deeper and more familiar than every other experience in this world! For me, the
satsang was a call to get back to the basics. The importance of our path and meditation became crystal clear for me again.
a Siddha Yogi from Hawaii, USA
Yo estaba en la casa de mis padres, cuando supe que nuestra amada Gurumayi estaría en un satsang en vivo. Decidí verlo en mi casa, junto con mi papá y mi mamá.
Fue una gran sorpresa que siempre había esperado!!!! Sentí que nuestra amada Gurumayi nos visitaba en nuestra casa y juntos le dábamos la bienvenida.
un Siddha Yogui de la Ciudad de México, Mexico
Me enteré del evento por mis compañeros del centro de Siddha Yoga en Jérez de la Frontera. Me conecté a las 16 horas de España en compañía de mi madre que tiene 95 años. Aunque no hablamos inglés, fue muy emocionante ver a Gurumayi. Mi corazón se llenó de tanta alegría que pasé casi todo el evento llorando.
Unos días antes, antes de llevar a cabo mi meditación diaria le había pedido a Gurumayi que me gustaría mucho poder verla, ya que este año no había podido participar en el Intensivo porque tuve que cuidar a mi madre. Así que cuando la vi en la transmisión en vivo mi alegría fue inmensa porque sentí que me había escuchado. Fue una gran bendición estar en su presencia. Gracias por tan bello regalo.
una Siddha Yogui de Jérez de la Frontera, España
Este 31 de diciembre mi madre y yo nos levantamos desde las 5 de la mañana para prepararnos y estar listas para recibir el darshan de nuestra Maestra espiritual. Nada como refrescarnos en la mañana y ponernos la ropa adecuada para estar en presencia de nuestra amada Maestra.
Estoy cuidando a mi madre que se encuentra en rehabilitación debido a una cirugía de rodilla y está usando el bastón para poder caminar bien.
Al subir a nuestro carro mi madre dijo espontáneamente: La vida me ha tratado muy bien. Hizo este comentario con el rostro iluminado por la luz y la frescura del día y también por la gran emoción de participar en el satsang. Después, ambas nos dirigimos en silencio y con una gran sonrisa en el rostro rumbo al áshram de Siddha Yoga en la Ciudad de México.
un Siddha Yogui de la Ciudad de México, Mexico
El aviso sorpresa de la transmisión en vivo me llegó la noche anterior a través de los mensajes de diversos amigos del sangham. En ese momento estaba pensando en la nueva edición en español del libro de Baba,
Luz en el sendero, en particular en el capítulo
Guru-Premamrit (El néctar del amor por el Guru) que fue escrito por Baba en 1959.
Es uno de los primeros escritos de Baba donde él explica nuestro hermoso Sendero de Siddha Yoga. Relacioné este acontecimiento histórico con la transmisión en vivo de Gurumayi. Ambos son revelaciones para los estudiantes de Siddha Yoga. Hoy Gurumayi enseña a través de la página web, así como Baba lo hizo en 1959 a través de su escrito sobre el amor por el Guru.
un Siddha Yogui de la Ciudad de México, Mexico
It was a regular Saturday morning in Vermont when I noticed a text and voicemail about the
satsang. I got my laptop ready and called two new seekers to share the great news.
I felt instantly connected to Gurumayi and riveted by the
satsang. I experienced the sheer joy of being with Gurumayi in my own house, in a small, remote town. I felt elevated to a place of greatness inside myself—a greatness I did not know I had, and yet it was familiar. I recognized it as the “true me.” This was the culminating experience for me of the Message for 2016. I moved deeper and deeper toward the cave of the Heart.
One of the new seekers I had called shared how she too had felt “so connected” to Gurumayi. Like the children who set up the “joy jar” mentioned in the
satsang, she had set up a jar for notes about things she had done to help herself become stronger. We are more connected than we realize!
a Siddha Yogi from Vermont, USA
My family and I recite
Shri Guru Gita every Saturday morning. On December 31, after our recitation we shared what we’ve learned from Gurumayi’s Message for 2016. Soon after, I received a text message from a Siddha Yogi friend about a livestream, but without confirmation. When at 9:30 p.m. in India I saw Gurumayi live in the Universal Hall, it was truly a surprise!
My family and I participated in the
satsang on a small smartphone and speaker. We each felt we received a personal message regarding our responsibilities and the role we play in the world. It opened a doorway into our
sadhana in 2017.
The
satsang concluded at 12 a.m. January 1, 2017. We took our first step into the New Year with Gurumayi! My sister and I have not seen Gurumayi in a long time. Our longing to be with her was washed away by the livestream. There was no separation, no distance, no time and space between us! What else did I need?
Thank you, Gurumayi!
a Siddha Yogi from Chennai, India
Recently my friend in Oregon, USA, and I started a tradition of meeting by Internet to offer blessings for the well-being of people and our planet. On the Thursday prior to New Year's Day, I joined my friend using a video phone app, and together we sent our blessings for
A Sweet Surprise Satsang preparation. Saturday morning I received an e-mail from a friend in Oakland about a livestream video with Gurumayi—I felt sure that something special was about to happen. So I immediately forwarded the e-mail to friends within my country and abroad. I waited for morning to arrive in the USA before calling my friends in Florida, Arizona, and Oregon—it was great to pass the sweet news on to them, just in time to participate! It became a very blessed day, connecting us all in many ways.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for giving us
A Sweet Surprise Satsang and these New Year’s Eve surprises, too!
a Siddha Yogi from Warsaw, Poland
I received the news about the
satsang shortly before it began, from someone who had heard about it from a friend in South Fallsburg, New York. Later I received more messages from fellow Siddha Yogis who were so excited to share the news. What an amazing network of loving hearts!
When the
satsang began and Gurumayi appeared on my computer screen, my heart leapt with joy. I felt I was actually in the hall with Gurumayi—there was no separation.
Afterward, I called my son in California, who had lived in Siddha Yoga Ashrams during his school years. His wife has participated in Intensives but had not met Gurumayi in person. He was bubbling with laughter, describing how, through this
satsang, his wife was able to be with Gurumayi and see how Gurumayi is conveying her teachings at every moment.
a Siddha Yogi from North Carolina, USA
Saturday morning at 10:55 a.m., I called a Siddha Yogi friend. She told me that she was logging onto the Siddha Yoga path website, thinking that there was new information regarding
A Sweet Surprise Satsang. I went to my computer and opened the website, too, and we connected to the site at the same time. When we saw the livestream begin, we both quickly hung up the phone.
It was one of the most marvelous surprises of my life. I found myself in Shri Nilaya with the Siddha Yoga
sangham, having
satsang with our beloved Gurumayi. I was glued to my seat, and my senses were completely focused on the screen.
I was deeply moved by Gurumayi's teachings. My heart was wide open to receive her words. I was also poised to take in each one of the shares from the great Siddha Yogis.
I cried, I laughed, I chanted, I danced with great delight. I truly experienced the miracle of the Universal Hall.
a Siddha Yogi from Montreal, Canada
I had planned to go to Gurudev Siddha Peeth to recite
Shri Guru Gita as a graceful start to the year 2017. However, an emergency arose, and I had to undergo surgery on New Year’s Eve. When I came back to consciousness that evening, one of my friends told me about the upcoming livestream
satsang in the Universal Hall with dear Gurumayi. From my bedside in the hospital, my brother started the webcast on his mobile phone. We watched the entire
satsang from my hospital bed.
Our hearts are full of joy and gratitude to our beloved Shri Guru for her love and compassion—and for the opportunity to participate in
satsang from anywhere.
Thank you, Gurumayi ji, for making this our most surprisingly happy New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day!
Nutan Varshabhinandan 2017.
a Siddha Yogi from Ambernath, India
I had just returned from a trip with my mother, sister, and son, and I was very tired. Then the coordinator for the Siddha Yoga meditation center we attend called to inform me that a
satsang with Gurumayi would be live streamed that very night. All my tiredness instantly vanished! I quickly finished all my chores, and at 8:30 p.m. eagerly opened the Siddha Yoga path website on my computer.
I was overjoyed to see my beloved Gurumayi beaming with energy and enthusiasm, surrounded by the lovely Siddha Yoga
sangham! It was so compelling that my twenty-two-year-old son and my husband, who have not participated in webcast programs, watched every moment intently! I forgot the outer world, and my consciousness was completely absorbed in the livestream. The words "right knowledge and right understanding" are still ringing in me! What a perfect way to celebrate the culmination of 2016!
My dear Gurumayi, I was longing to have your
darshan—and you fulfilled my wish through this beautiful
satsang.
a Siddha Yogi from Chitradurga, India
What a heart-expanding experience to be with the global
sangham in this spontaneous, joyous, glorious livestream—knowing that Siddha Yogis of all ages, all over the world, were gathering in the Universal Hall! I felt a renewed sense of connection to the Siddha Yoga
sangham, as we were brought together through this auspicious portal.
Finding myself suddenly in Gurumayi’s company, I felt as if she had taken her seat inside my heart. When Gurumayi spoke about allowing for grace—reminding us that we have a living Guru—her words entered my heart like an arrow of love.
A Siddha Yogi from Massachusetts, USA
Eight Siddha Yogis from France had gathered at a friend's house on the coast of Spain for a five-day retreat. We chanted every evening to live music, and cultivated the virtue of harmony. On Saturday morning, my friend received a text message from a sevite in Shree Muktananda Ashram, informing her about the
satsang occurring that afternoon. She immediately went out to buy a TV set so that we could all see Gurumayi better on livestream.
We found the connection at 5 p.m. sharp, and I translated the
satsang into French for my friends. I could feel Gurumayi’s presence—her love and grace were very tangible. It felt as if Gurumayi had suddenly chosen to share our New Year's Eve celebrations with us in our friend’s home—as if Gurumayi were the ninth guest to join us that Saturday afternoon.
Thank you, Gurumayi.
A Siddha Yogi from Versailles, France
On the afternoon of December 31
st, I was sitting on the balcony of my home when I received a message from a co-sevite via a group app announcing the live
satsang with Gurumayi. Every
satsang excites me, but the prospect of a live
satsang with Gurumayi gave me special happiness and filled my heart with gratitude. I immediately forwarded the message to a family member in Canada.
I have never met Gurumayi in person although most of my family has. In the regular
seva I offer, I feel that Gurumayi is right there. Yet, in the live video
satsang, I felt that she was close enough to me that I could seek her blessings.
The entire family connected to the
satsang through our laptop without any break or disturbance. I was so blissful. I could not stop myself from dancing along with Gurumayi. And I couldn't stop discussing the experience with my co-sevites. When we met the next day to participate in
A Sweet Surprise Satsang, we were all dancing while offering
seva.
a Siddha Yogi from Delhi, India
C’était le 31 décembre. Je revenais de marcher avec ma filleule et sa chienne. Je me suis connectée à l'Internet pour chercher une information sur la toile, et comme la page du Siddha Yoga est ma page d’accueil, j’ai entendu la voix de Gurumayi !
Ébahie, j’ai fermé ma fenêtre de navigation et me suis retrouvée dans le
satsang. Je n’avais aucune idée que celui-ci avait lieu. Ma filleule ne connaissait pas Gurumayi. Je la lui ai présentée, là dans ce moment. C’était une pure bénédiction, un
darshan exquis.
Nous n’avons pu rester connectées que quelques minutes, à cause de difficultés de connexion. Toutefois, ces quelques minutes furent un réel moment de grâce. Mon cœur était comblé de joie. Ma filleule semblait tout aussi heureuse de cette rencontre fortuite. Ce fut un magnifique
darshan de fin d’année !
Merci, Gurumayi, pour tant de générosité, de bienveillance à notre égard, d’amour ! Je t’aime.
une Siddha Yogini de Sherbrooke, Canada
On December 31, my family and I were flying home from a vacation at the same time as the live video stream. My heart was full of excitement in anticipation of this very special event.
Soon after takeoff, I pulled out my smartphone. To my surprise, I was able to join the video stream at 30,000 feet in the air. My heart leapt with such happiness to see Gurumayi welcoming everyone, with her loving smile and irresistible laughter. I excitedly told my family I'd connected! With the speakerphone just loud enough, we all eagerly huddled around my smartphone.
My three kids have never met Gurumayi in person, so when they see her online, they often ask, "Mum, is Gurumayi alive? Is she real? Does she love kids?" Once I assured them this
satsang was definitely real, they were so delighted!
It was truly
mahaprasad to witness this tapestry of loving expressions unfold. After landing, as we walked out listening to
Jyota se Jyota Jagao, I thought I would burst with happiness. When the
satsang ended, so had my family's trip but I felt the
satsang heralded a very special and auspicious new year.
a Siddha Yogi from Washington, USA
I have a serious medical condition, and it's a daily struggle physically. This unexpected
satsang was so uplifting that it took me out of feeling sorry for myself. That is huge!
Thank you for making the start of my new year a happy one.
a Siddha Yogi from Arizona, USA
I woke up late On December 31
st and was rushing off to the golf course.
However, I still wanted to start my day as I always do by singing to the goddess Mahalakshmi and offering some coins. But this morning I could find no coins. So I thought, “Let me make a
dakshina offering online today out of gratitude for the Siddha Yoga path website.”
Well, when I went online, the live video stream was just beginning!
I’m so grateful to Gurumayi for this
satsang—and to myself for listening to my inner voice by tuning in to the flow of giving and receiving. In the
satsang, I especially heard Gurumayi instructing me to treasure and nurture my sense of worthiness.
I send my blessing to the Siddha Yoga community. May love shine in your world constantly.
a Siddha Yogi from Acapulco, Mexico
Ce
satsang avec Gurumayi pour conclure l'année 2016 a été un émerveillement. La connection par Internet via ordinateur m'a permis de participer du début jusqu'à la fin.
Il est encore plus clair pour moi que la grâce du Guru éclaire le chemin et l'adoucit jusqu'à la réalisation. L'amour, la joie et la paix de cette soirée illuminent encore mon cœur.
La confiance et le respect sont présents maintenant avec davantage de conscience pour soutenir de doux efforts et honorer l'abondance de la grâce. Je me sens bénie. De voir Gurumayi est tellement bénéfique. Je reconnais toute la chance que j'ai.
Merci mille fois à Gurumayi !
une Siddha Yogini de Paris, France
On December 31, after reciting
Shri Guru Gita at our center in rural India, I received an Internet phone app message from a friend in Mexico City about a livestream with Gurumayi. Given the time zone differences, I assumed she was talking about
A Sweet Surprise Satsang. However, over the next few hours, I received the same news from four different places—today’s livestream was confirmed!
My fellow
sevites and I danced and embraced each other with joy. We informed as many people as we could. Then we prepared a big screen with a projector, so everyone could see and have Gurumayi’s
darshan.
By 9:30 p.m. in India, there were almost 250 Siddha Yogis in the hall, clapping and cheering. Suddenly, the video came to life, and everyone saw Gurumayi on the big screen.
Sadgurunath Maharaj ki Jay! resounded from the hall. People were ecstatic. When the livestream concluded, it was 12:05 a.m. January 1. So, we welcomed the new year live with Gurumayi, singing a song of love, joy, and peace.
Thank you, Gurumayi—it was the best!
a Siddha Yogi from Gandhinagar, India
It was 1:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day in Tokyo, Japan. Before going to bed I checked the Siddha Yoga path website. Someone was sharing something, live. I did not understand what was going on, but in a moment realized it was a live
satsang with Gurumayi.
I kept watching and listening to Gurumayi and to the other participants. The young people’s blessings to the six continents were so beautiful. The talk about knowledge was profound. Chanting with Gurumayi was so joyful, I stood in front of my computer and danced!
Thank you so much, Gurumayi.
a Siddha Yogi from Tokyo, Japan
My 90-year-old mother and I planned to stay up until midnight to welcome 2017. However, in the late afternoon, I received a text message from a Siddha Yogi in Melbourne inviting me to the
satsang at 3:00 a.m. We became excited and decided to go to bed early.
Around 3:07 a.m. Gurumayi’s image and voice, and her infectious and jubilant laughter, appeared on my computer and we immediately felt a part of the Universal Hall.
I was enthralled as I watched each element of the
satsang emerge, unfold, and dissolve. I felt Gurumayi’s energy—that same
shakti that is within me.
Later, as I went for a
japa walk, I saw and felt Gurumayi’s energy pulsating within me and the world around me—in the pond, trees, birds, cars, sky, and the rising sun. Everywhere and everything seemed to emanate love from my Guru and my love for her!
a Siddha Yogi from Melbourne, Australia
I was at a family wedding with my husband and son the night before the live video stream. I was awoken at 5:30 a.m. by a text message inviting my family to the
satsang that very morning! As we prepared to leave the hotel, the sun began to rise over the winding Hudson River. My husband stopped to take a picture. As I arrived to see it, a golden column of light streamed down from the sky, and began glistening off the river. It was a gentle color of orange, amber, and red. I immediately reached for my camera phone and also took a picture. It was so beautiful!
We arrived in the nick of time, and as Gurumayi entered Nidhi Chauk, the entryway outside of Shri Nilaya, she saw me and said, “I heard you have a picture of the sunrise!” Gurumayi asked me to share its beauty on the live video stream with everyone in the world. Then we heard from another
satsang participant that there had also been a column of light during the sunrise at Shree Muktananda Ashram. The sky and sun were showering their blessings upon us!
a sevite in Shree Muktananda Ashram
On the evening of December 30, I received texts and e-mails from fellow Siddha Yogis who attend the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland. I decided to bring my adult son with me to the
satsang. He has a severe intellectual disability which makes it difficult for him to sit still and be quiet, so I didn’t know what to expect.
When Gurumayi appeared on the screen, his face lit up. For the entire
satsang, my son was transfixed, soaking in Gurumayi's presence, laughing when she laughed, making chanting sounds when she chanted, and listening intently when she spoke even though he could not intellectually follow very much. He seemed to enter an abode of joy that I remember him experiencing when he was in the physical presence of Gurumayi or Baba.
Near the end of the
satsang, when Gurumayi said, "I welcome you all, with all my heart," my son’s joy could not be contained. He raised his arms and shouted as if ecstasy knew no bounds, "
Sadgurunath Maharaj ki Jay!"
a Siddha Yogi from California, USA
Early in the morning of December 31, I was planning on going grocery shopping when I had an intuition to check the Siddha Yoga path website. I saw a video link and thought it was perhaps related to
A Sweet Surprise Satsang the next day. It was only when the musicians began to sing
Joy to the World that I began to feel an immense power, and realized the event I was watching was being streamed
live!
As I participated in the
satsang, my soul felt nourished like a parched desert flower receiving rain. During the program I texted my sister and she was able to participate, as well as my husband who had never met Gurumayi. I am so grateful that I followed my intuition. What an incredible way to end one year and start a new one!
Thank you so very much, Gurumayi.
a Siddha Yogi from California, USA
The livestream
satsang came as an act of grace just at the right time in my life. That morning I had just come out of the hospital, and was feeling discouraged. I heard about the
satsang from a friend who'd supported me while I was in the hospital.
I immediately informed two other friends, and starting at 4 p.m. Dutch time, the three of us enjoyed the
satsang on my laptop at my house. I also called some American friends who were in India at that moment. When I experienced some technical difficulties, I called them back, and together we made it possible for all of us to connect with the live stream. It felt like international co-creation!
During the
satsang, my state changed for the better: I reconnected with the Self. I am still in that state, despite having some physical pain. I thank God, because now I can stay connected to my heart and feel compassion for all others who have pain.
I feel grateful to Gurumayi, who shows us the possibility of living from a state of gratitude and inner well-being.
a Siddha Yogi from Amsterdam, Netherlands
I first heard a rumor about the
satsang, so I opened the Siddha Yoga path website on my phone to check if the news were really true. Then my mother and I connected up a laptop with huge speakers so we could really hear everyone. Full of excitement, I ran to the other room, where my father was busy watching news, to tell him about the
satsang. The three of us watched together—I think this was the first time we watched a program with Gurumayi as a family.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see Gurumayi dancing around Shri Nilaya—and I was dancing too, with tears of joy rolling down my cheeks. I felt reunited with her; in that moment, I forgot where I was and the physical distance between us!
a Siddha Yogi from New Delhi, India
The surprise element of the gorgeous s
atsang was wonderful. Since it caught me off guard, I was able to spontaneously feel the joy and delight of the moment without any expectations. And the way it came about showed many of us just how close we all are as a community.
I first heard of the event from a friend in Brazil, even though I live five minutes away from Shree Muktananda Ashram! My next-door neighbor first heard about it from someone in California. That experience of our connectedness was amazing. It was like a divine fire spreading suddenly around the globe.
The faces of everyone in the
satsang shone with joy, with peace, and with a very centered energy. In fact, everyone looked truly rooted in their own being, and as if they exemplified Gurumayi’s Message for 2016. I felt as if I were there in Shri Nilaya with them, as we celebrated the culmination of another magnificent year on the Siddha Yoga path.
Happy New Year!
a Siddha Yogi from New York, USA
This was the best event ever—Siddha Yoga rocks! It felt so alive and filled with everything I love: a
living Siddha, and the company of wonderful people. I felt like I was sitting at the Guru's feet once again.
We heard about the event on social media, and we connected through my computer at our home in Ohio. Our whole family participated—my wife and I, and our two children. Even our dog seemed to enjoy it!
The children couldn't believe how funny Gurumayi was. Our son said, "She has so much joy!" I couldn't stop crying; I felt so much love I thought I couldn’t contain it. I had to sing the verses of
Jyo
ta se Jyota Jagao inside because I couldn't get the words out.
I feel completely rejuvenated and reconnected to the path. I meditate every day, but I’ve really missed offering
seva and being in community. In the afternoon I decided to repair my harmonium and taught my children how to play the drum. We chanted
Om Namo Bhagavate Muktanandaya in the
Bhakti raga. I’m so grateful!
a Siddha Yogi from Ohio, USA
Many years ago I lived in Shree Muktananda Ashram, and I’ve longed to see Gurumayi again. On Saturday, December 31, my wish came true!
When I became aware that we would see Gurumayi and be with her in a
satsang, my mind stood still, and I was totally open to receive her love and lessons. I felt I was actually there with her in mind, body, and spirit—and with lots of tears. She brought me to places and memories inside that have always been there but were lying dormant. It seemed that the fire of Consciousness, which had been hidden, was reignited and started to blaze once again within me.
a Siddha Yogi from Florida, USA
I heard about the
satsang on social media. When the s
atsang started, my Internet connection was not working, but I finally got it to work on my tablet computer. My daughter, who lives a mile away, sent me a picture of her seven-week-old baby participating in her first
satsang! Her husband is tech-savvy, so she was watching it on a big-screen television! I was very happy for that!
This was a wonderful, spontaneous
satsang with Gurumayi.
a Siddha Yogi from New York, USA
I heard about the
satsang that morning, about three hours before the event, when I checked text messages from the night before. I was so excited! I wanted to let everyone know, so I went to work with texts, emails, and calls. Many people had already heard, but some had not and were very grateful to receive word.
Once I was able to connect to the website, the love, joy, and enthusiasm came roaring through the connection perfectly, perhaps even more than the sound and images! I was so happy that people everywhere around the world could be there.
So many people shared so generously and bravely. I felt so much love for everyone. I even feel that my computer is now blessed—a blessed vehicle of love and
shakti.
I am so grateful for the beautiful gift of this
satsang. I’m especially grateful that so many people around the world had the opportunity to see, hear, and feel the presence of our Guru and our loving
sangham.
a Siddha Yogi from Utah, USA
I first heard about this unexpected
satsang via a messaging app. At first I could not believe it. So I called the person who sent it, and she shared her source of information. Then I also received an e-mail from my
seva supervisor at Shree Muktananda Ashram.
The
satsang was scheduled for 6 p.m. here in Nairobi. I settled myself in front of my computer at home, my heart beating in anticipation and awe. And there I saw Gurumayi enjoying the bubbles with the children!
Throughout the
satsang I was focused on every word with rapt attention. My heart expanded with so much love and joy.
After contemplating this event, I realized how lovingly Gurumayi had made me aware of the importance of remaining alert, understanding questions asked, and answering to the point with "confidence, conviction, clarity"—Gurumayi's teaching in honor of Raksha Bandhan 2016. I will put this into practice in my worldly situations throughout 2017.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for inviting us all into Shri Nilaya!
a Siddha Yogi from Nairobi, Kenya
On the morning of December 31, I received an e-mail about the
satsang marked "URGENT," forwarded to me from a friend in Maryland, who'd introduced me to Baba in 1980! I didn’t know if this information was true, but then another e-mail came from my friend, affirming "This is real!"
That morning, my husband and I went out to breakfast to celebrate our thirty-third wedding anniversary; on New Year's Eve 1983 we were married in the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple in the Ashram in South Fallsburg. Of course, we'd agreed we’d return home before 11 a.m. for the webcast. During breakfast, I received a cellphone call about the live video stream from a friend in Amherst.
Once the webcast began on our home computer, my heart soared! I texted my daughter in Pondicherry, India: "Gurumayi is giving
darshan SYDA Website NOW!" It was approaching midnight in Pondicherry. When the New Year arrived, fireworks were bursting above my daughter's rooftop—just as Gurumayi was wishing us “Lots of love, lots of joy, lots of peace!”
Thank you, Gurumayi, for this
satsang.
a Siddha Yogi from Massachusetts, USA
I was home, and because of a very long work week, I'd decided to go to bed early. Around 9:00 p.m. I turned off the ringer on my phone. But before falling asleep, I happened to notice the blinking light signaling a text message—a delightful text from someone at the Ashram in Oakland telling me about this surprise
satsang. Wow! I was so excited and I forwarded it to a number of people.
The webcast started at 8 a.m. Pacific time. At first I couldn't connect; I thought, "The global Siddha Yoga community must have crashed the website!" Friends were texting me, "I can't see anything!" And then suddenly—there was Gurumayi, speaking to the camera (and to
me!) with the children and their bubble wands! I was ecstatic!
As I viewed the
satsang, I truly felt as if I were there in Shri Nilaya. Everyone looked so beautiful—full of love, joy, and peace. It was one of my most memorable experiences in Siddha Yoga. I am so very grateful!
a Siddha Yogi from California, USA