Nature's Splendor Shares and Experiences

This sacred worship of Baba’s steady and loving presence is a true celebration of his 30th Lunar Mahasamadhi. Studying these images and the nature pujas, I delight at the unexpected ways Baba appears!

With all my love and gratitude.
a devotee from New York

The tree with the golden leaves is so dazzling.

Shubh Baba Muktananda's Lunar Mahasamadhi!

a devotee from Massachusetts, USA

The deeply red leaves have such a presence! Subtle and powerful, they command the same beauty as a mighty sunset. They are like old friends in the way that they put my heart at ease.

a devotee from New York, USA

I LOVE the pictures on the website! Today the orange reflections of trees in blue water, intermingled with ripples and waves creating a visual feast, a luscious, vibrant, nearly magical scene that I delight in staring at...the endless, boundless beauty and creativity of God's hand is awesome.

a devotee from Washington, USA

In 1997 I was at Shree Muktananda Ashram at this time, in October during Baba Muktananda's Mahasamadhi. It was a very important time for me. I remember the splendor of nature red and gold, the fresh air, an unforgettable atmosphere.These photos remind me of that wonder. I seem to still be there!

Thank you!

a devotee from Livorno, Italy

I felt a burst of joy when I saw the peacock feathers reflected in the water. Nature, through Guru's grace, bestowing Shaktipat. Wishing everyone a most auspicious Shaktipat Intensive!!

In love and gratitude,
a devotee from Washington, USA

Wow! Today's image, the day before the Intensive, is a reflection on the water that's like the peacock feather! An anticipation of the darshan and all the grace we are about to receive from the Siddhas! We can already feel the shakti blessing us all. Thank you Gurumayi, Baba, Nityananda!

a devotee from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Thank you for the colorful rippling water! This image, for October 26, reminds me of peacock feathers. The blue is beautifully brilliant.

With great gratitude,
a devotee from Pennsylvania, USA

Colorful play of consciousness!

a devotee from Ohio, USA

Thank you for the amazing array of nature photographs today, October 25. I have one word for the photo of the field grass covered in water droplets: Ecstatic.

In another photo there is a heart in the space created by leaves. For me this is a metaphor for the seeing God within in everything — at first it may appear that there is nothing there, but if you turn your attention to God you see that God is present in that space.

a devotee from New York, USA

Whenever I feel any kind of negativity or I want to refresh myself, I take refuge in nature. For me, nature is the best source of love, enthusiasm, and vitality. In the midst of the city, I get this energy by visiting the Siddha Yoga website daily. And I get connected with my own source. While seeing every photo of Shree Muktananda Ashram, I praise God, I love God, and I thank Gurumayi for all that happens in my heart. Each photo puts a big smile on my face and peace, inside me. As with Gurudev Siddha Peeth, I am in love with Shree Muktananda Ashram too. Actually, my heart is expanding.

Thank you, Gurumayi, for everything.

Love,
a devotee from Uttar Pradesh, India

Today, October 24, is the Indian festival of Dasera. It looks like nature is celebrating this day with all of her colors, especially the brilliant gold of the leaves and the flowers. This holiday celebrates the triumph of the Goddess and the serpent is a symbol of the Goddess, Kundalini Shakti.

Shubh Dasera!

a devotee from Massachusetts, USA

Nature radiates so simply and profoundly—the inner flame made visible.

a devotee from California, USA

As I watched each of today’s photos appear before me in the slideshow, one thought arose over and over again: “Wow!”

The potent colors of nature elicit such joy in my being—pure delight. I can’t help but smile when my eyes behold the lustrous red leaves of the Japanese Maple trees, the soft warm glow of the blanket of clouds, and the heart-shaped pod on the pavement.

Thank you, God, for expressing your divinity through nature! Thank you Gurumayi, for the Siddha Yoga path website!

a devotee from Virginia, USA

Contemplating this powerful image

I feel purified,

refreshed,

exhilarated!

It expresses the "fruits" of sadhana...

Thank you Gurumayi

and the wonderful photographer and the sevites and Shree Muktananda Ashram's garden!

a devotee from Washington, USA

Today October 23rd , the ninth day of the Navarati Festival, honoring Saraswati Devi, and four days before our Global Shaktipat Intensive, the power of the strong waterfall cascading down from the lake, reminds me of slokas 13 and 14 of Shri Guru Gita, where the blessedness of the water of the Guru’s feet is described: it can wash away ignorance, end karmas, and ignite the light of Knowledge.

May Goddess Saraswati, whose name means flowing waters, and who is fair like the silver-color in the second picture, shower upon us her blessings of wisdom, discrimination, and clear and heart-to-heart communication.

With love and devotion,
a devotee from Buenos Aires, Argentina

Just as the drops merge into the pool of water in the exquisite photo posted today, the essence of my Shaktipat experience in 1988 was exactly this.

After returning from attending an Intensive, I lay on my bed reading Baba's book Play of Consciousness and I heard,"Have no fear; I am with you," after which my entire being dissolved into scintillating light particles.

This seminal event triggered the beginning of a subtle change within that continues to unfold, and I continue to contemplate its meaning.

I cannot possibly repay my beloved Gurumayi for this experience. The best part of all is that the capacity to experience and offer gratitude was awakened within. What a blessing!

a devotee from Texas, USA

The splashing water evokes a feeling of freshness that I experience when I do the practices. As I experience the pure Heart through meditation or chanting, my entire being feels rejuvenated, uplifted, and refreshed.

Thank you for the Siddha Yoga practices infused with the Guru’s grace. Thank you, Gurumayi!

a devotee from Florida, USA

The fog on Lake Nityananda is quieting and meditative. Just right for this time of preparation before the Shaktipat Intensive.

a devotee from New York, USA

Today, October 21, is the first of the three days of Navaratri that honor the Devi in the form of Mahasaraswati, the Goddess of knowledge, speech, music, and art.

She is always associated with water; her name means, “the one who flows elegantly.” She is dressed in pure white and rides a white swan. So today’s Nature’s Splendor photos exquisitely evoke the form and power of Mahasaraswati.

Jayadevi!

With immense gratitude,
a sevite in Shree Muktananda Ashram

Experiencing the light in each image this morning: “What a luminous world we live in.”

a devotee from California, USA

As I watched the flower unfold a big smile came over me—the Kundalini Shakti manifesting so exquisitely! The flower as it blossomed looked like a whirling dervish dancing in a circle. I felt its movement. I can't wait for the Shaktipat Intensive as I know so much more will be revealed. What a beautiful way to start my day, with so much joy in my heart as I contemplate the blossoming of the flower and that of my own heart.

Thank you, Gurumayi for guiding this awesome unfolding within me.

In gratitude,
a devotee from Washington, USA

As I clicked through the photographs of the beautiful pink flower unfolding, I felt as though I was approaching Gurumayi's chair during darshan, and plunging into the depths of my heart. My whole being was so expansive when I saw the final photograph of the fiery, luminous core of the flower fully in bloom.

Thank you for taking me on this journey to my heart, Gurumayi.

With gratitude,
a devotee from New York, USA

This is a brief note to say how much the Siddha Yoga path website has been supporting my daily meditation. Each day I choose at least one form of engaging with the website. And I feel that simply looking at a photograph of "Nature's Splendor," practicing the dharanas, or even reading a Siddha Yoga story or a comment posted by some devotee brings me a lot of joy and encouragement for following a discipline of meditation.

Thank you, Gurumayi.

a devotee from Brazil

On Sunday, October 21, the Siddha Yoga Shaktipat Intensive is being held in Shree Muktananda Ashram. I want to share with you one of the splendorous ways Nature will be celebrating this auspicious event. The annual Orionids meteor shower will reach its zenith in the pre-dawn hours of Sunday morning, so it will be offering its most dazzling display to herald the day of the Shaktipat Intensive.
Sadgurunath Maharaj ki Jai!

a sevite in Shree Muktananda Ashram

When I first saw the image of the bridge at Lake Nityananda, I thought that the bridge had been decorated with a garland. Then I looked closer and realized I was seeing a bright red vine—nature had garlanded the bridge. How beautiful.

a devotee from Illinois, USA

As I looked at the image of Lord Shiva dancing upon the demon of forgetfulness (Apasmara), I realized that the poem by Bhagavantappa on the Siddha Yoga path website, "How Could I Ever Forget My Guru's Grace?" was also addressing forgetfulness. Enjoying the synchronicity of the poem and photo, I took a moment to identify how present the Guru's grace is in all moments of my life and to count my blessings. Thank you.

a devotee from Ireland

The few moments that I spend viewing the myriad pictures of nature connect me to the respective qualities within myself. Nature is so alive, so beautiful and perfect! It communicates in silence!

I start by identifying myself as that which is depicted in the picture, feeling the expansion and depth and, at the same time, serenity, calmness, power, playfulness, steadfastness, so on and so forth. I feel oneness within and without as I go beyond the physical aspects and connect with God’s creation.

I admire God’s works of art: the colors and textures, the shapes and forms, the stages of life as seen in leaves and the waning and waxing of the moon. I am reminded of Gurumayi’s poem from Smile, Smile, Smile! and feel I, too, am his work of art!

I am so grateful for having this opportunity to pause, reflect, and connect.

Thank you, Gurumayi, I love you!

Thank you, dear sevites, for supporting this superb initiative.

a devotee from Delhi, India

As I look at the photos of fall at Shree Muktananda Ashram, I am transported to my early days in Siddha Yoga as a graduate student in upstate New York—fresh, in a new country and culture, barely two months in Siddha Yoga, enchanted by the first autumn of my life.

Though I was so close to Shree Muktananda Ashram, I never had the great fortune to visit it then—and in all these 22 years since, I’ve only heard what it was like or seen it on the Internet or had some glimpses here and there. To be able to see the videos and now the photos of nature every day on the Siddha Yoga path website—I feel I am right there again in upstate New York. The only difference is this time I’m in Shree Muktananda Ashram, soaking every bit of it into my being.

To ensure that it becomes part of me, and that these pictures and videos are not a fleeting event, I sketch them for my personal use. I pause the videos and draw the scenes; I colour them, the whole sequence of the videos and the photos. I see them again and again. I play memory games and recollect them and relive them on my mental screen as image and experience so that they become an integral part of me. When I travel, I sit by the window of the car or plane and lose myself seeing the moon, or the setting sun, or the fields, or trees, or the wetlands, or lakes, like a child seeing it for the first time.

Thank you for allowing us to be soaked in the arms of nature at Shree Muktananda Ashram—every day is new, and every photo is a blessing.

a devotee from Delhi, India

This photo of light cascading on the partitions reminds me of time passing through phases and evolutions.

As we near the end of 2012, I look back on this year and see how my life becomes more rich with each phase of time – moon cycles, months, seasons. Each one building on the prior, like in this photograph.

Thank you, Gurumayi, for the abundance of guidance you have given this year through the Siddha Yoga path website.

a devotee from California, USA

The simple image of a wooden screen covered in golden sunlight is very powerful. As I look at it, I feel peace wash over me and I just want to sit quietly in that space of stillness for a while. The serenity of nature is all around me, reminding me to go within to experience the serenity of the Self.

Thank you.

a devotee from New York, USA

When I stare for 20 to 30 seconds at Lord Shiva Nataraja and the golden, colorful tree behind Nataraj, I see an AUM syllable formed by branches and leaves of the tree at a number of places—Nature’s Splendor. This reminds me: AUM is Shiva, Shiva is AUM, I am Shiva.

a devotee from Maharashtra, India

Thank you to the sevite in Shree Muktananda Ashram for sharing about Navaratri and about the 16 photos in the slideshow!

I had actually not noticed that there was more than one photo, and so may have missed all the exquisite pictures if it were not for this share. Thank you!

The photos of the rainbow particularly astonished me. The entire sky was imbued with the serenity of the Goddess. And the rainbows seemed to crown the sky and Lake Nityananda with the royal majesty of the Goddess.

Shubh Navaratri!

a devotee from Florida, USA

Thank you for the beautiful pictures, they symbolize positive change. Fall leaves remind me of releasing; allowing freedom. Bright flowers reflect renewal; feeling joy and lightheartedness. Rainbows awaken the sense of wonder; experiencing divinity all around and within.

How splendid to see leaves, flowers, and rainbows on the site today, my divya diksha day (October 16.)

Gurumayi, thank you for shaktipat. The Guru-disciple relationship is an auspicious blessing. I am forever thankful.

With Love and Gratitude,
a devotee from Pennsylvania, USA

Shubh Navaratri to all! Yesterday evening, Monday, October 15, was the first night of Navaratri, the nine nights devoted to celebrating the Devi, the supreme Goddess, the divine Shakti. In Shree Muktananda Ashram the sky at sunset honored the Devi with unusual soft orange and lavender hues, and by manifesting the most exquisite double rainbow that lasted for 20 minutes! You can see these amazing sights in the slideshow images today.

And I want to share a sweet synchronicity—there are sixteen new images posted today and in the Devi Mahatmyam, a revered Indian scripture that is recited during Navaratri, the Devi is described as Kanya Kumari, eternally young, forever sixteen years old. Throughout India, Kumari pujas are performed for Navaratri. The most elaborate forms of these pujas may include sixteen girls, one of each age from one to sixteen, who are worshipped as different forms of the Devi.

Jayadevi!

a sevite in Shree Muktananda Ashram

This morning I prepared for meditation by chanting Shri Rudram and then listening to Baba's Full Moon Dharana. As my awareness moved deeper within, the vastness of the inner space took on the form of what appeared like the viewer on a camera, layered, larger, then a bit smaller and then even smaller. At the center of the view was a radiant point of light, no bigger than a pixel. And, from that pixel emerged the words, "I am Shiva."

After meditating, I returned to the Siddha Yoga website to look at the "Nature's Splendor" photo for the day. Much to my surprise and delight, there, in front of the magnificent autumn colored tree, stood Lord Shiva, dancing the cosmic dance.

Thank you, dearest Gurumayi, for the brilliance of your teachings. And thank you to the dear sevites who ensure that the Siddha Yoga teachings are available in such a colorful, light filled way on the Siddha Yoga path website.

With lots of love and gratitude,

a devotee from Missouri, USA

One of the delights of these pictures is finding AUMs and hearts. Today (October 15) I see the AUM in the golden leaves. And in each picture I see an almost fully shaped heart. If these two pictures were merged and adjusted ever so slightly, they would form a full leafy heart!

a devotee from Tennessee, USA

God’s graceful palette has colored Shree Muktananda Ashram’s forest with the shades of fall: crimson, golden, yellow, perennial green—and added loving touches of pink to awaken our forgetful mind.
Chitshakti Vilas: whispers the wind. Nature is like a big broadcasting station, constantly playing a symphony of color, sound, and smell.

Thank you, Gurumayi, for teaching us how to tune in to it from our Heart’s hub!

a devotee from Buenos Aires,Argentina

I love today’s photo of Shiva Nataraja! The tree seems to be an extension of His being—the branches are the Lord’s limbs, and the blazing autumn leaves are myriad flames emanating from Him. I’ve read that Nataraja, the Lord of the Dance, symbolizes God as the source of all manifestation in the universe. Seeing this image is like witnessing God in the very act of creation.

Thank you to the photographer for conveying this divine experience!

a devotee from New York, USA

The changing fall leaves in this photo seem to be emerging from the ring of fire around Lord Shiva, as if they changed colors just for Him!

I would like to be like those leaves, making myself into an offering to glorify the Lord.

a devotee from West Virginia

What a majestic image of Lord Shiva dancing before a beautiful fall tree. It is as if the tree is an extension of Shiva’s dance—the branches matching the curve of his limbs.

a devotee from Massachusetts, USA

Early this morning I looked out my window and was entranced by the sight of the brilliant Shiva moon journeying across the clear pre-dawn sky. Then a few moments ago I made one of my several daily pilgrimages to the Siddha Yoga path website, and lo and behold—the Shiva moon has reappeared! It stirs my heart to have the darshan of this benevolent celestial being, again and again and again.

With gratitude,
a sevite in Shree Muktananda Ashram

When I view the photos of nature at Shree Muktananda Ashram which show dewdrops coming from the leaves, pine needles and such, I am reminded of something Gurumayi said long ago in a talk. She talked about rasa as a divine essence. I am always delighted and so grateful when this blessing comes into my heart.

Thank you, Gurumayi, again and again!

a devotee from Maine, USA

Yesterday's beautiful image of the pine needles with dewdrops reminded me of the changing seasons and the regenerative cycles of nature. The single filament thread of the spider's web and the numerous worlds reflected in those tiny drops of water spoke to the myriad forms of all manifestations from their source of light. A single thread begins to weave complex texture and detailed forms that we recognize and are delighted by through color, scent, touch, and feelings.

Today's image of those gorgeous deer immediately brought to mind the three faces of God, observing and playfully immersed in a magnificent display of nature, divine both within and without.

Thank you for touching my heart yet again.

a devotee from California, USA

I recently spent four weeks at Shree Muktananda Ashram at the start of summer, when each day new flowers bloomed in myriad shapes, sizes, and colors, and the new growth in every green shade brought the vibrant freshness of nature's splendor to the fore.

Now as Nature changes Her seasonal cloak once more the diversely rich palate of golden fire that paints the forest and meadow is truly amazing to behold.

Love is Nature adorning Herself so beautifully simply for the Joy of it.

a devotee from Perth, Australia

I’ve been at Shree Muktananda Ashram as a visiting sevite for four days. Today, Baba Muktananda’s Solar Mahasamadhi, I visited Bade Baba’s Temple at noon time. Bade Baba was surrounded by the most beautiful hues of orange roses—many, many orange roses. He was cloaked in the colors of autumn.

Later on, I looked at today’s image in the Nature’s Splendor section of the Siddha Yoga path website and saw the huge orange, heart-shaped canopy of leaves standing so tall above the other green tree tops. The leaves in this heart-shaped canopy matched the roses in Bade Baba’s Temple perfectly.

Nature’s synchronicity is flawless.

a devotee from New York, USA

The capturing of the beauty of nature - the natural beauty - is thrilling! Knowing that I’m on a shared journey as I appreciate each photo makes my heart sing. Thank you.

a devotee from California, USA

The twenty-two photos on Nature’s Splendor posted today take me on a pilgrimage. The golden reflections and fall images pull me in as I am guided gently to my inner and outer consciousness like the breath breathing in and breathing out.

It is a dance of Lord Ganesh as he watches over us through nature and the moon. I am touched by the details and the expansiveness and delighted with the journey the photos take me on concluding with offerings to Shri Ganesh. My heart is giddy. Thank you for this generous offering.

a devotee from London, England

The reeds in the water look like a Chinese pictograph, reminding me that the language of God is expressed everywhere in nature in the form of pattern, rhythm, cycle, and sacred geometry. Nature is constantly teaching.

“As above so below,” the symbolic figures seem to express. The sky-blue water reflects the peacefulness that lies around in sweet detachment.

“Just as the sky is not tainted by its clouds…” Jnaneshwar Maharaj says.

Thank you Gurumayi for teaching me how to appreciate the incredible beauty of the landscape above and below, within and without!

With love and reverence,
a devotee from Buenos Aires, Argentina

Thank you for the exquisite Nature's Splendor photographs!

Since I have started looking at these amazing pictures, I have found that they come alive in my day! I have noticed that what is shown on the Siddha Yoga path website shines forth in nature! I have found a wonderful play between viewing the pictures and looking outside!

I have seen Monarch butterflies drinking nectar, beautiful colored clouds, squirrels leaping across lawns, and fragrant blossoming flowers in a whole new way.

I now see these elements in nature shine forth, and I am filled with a sense of recognition, joy, and connection.

Thank you!

a devotee from New Jersey, USA

When I saw the photographs of the African Grey parrot in the tree, I had to laugh–I was looking through the photos with my own parrot perched next to me.

It has been so enjoyable to contemplate the daily nature photos and then notice synchronous little moments throughout the day that call back the same stillness, wonder, and occasional grin of delight. As a squirrel darted in front of my car yesterday, I saw in him or her the same playful exuberance of the squirrel bounding through the grass on the Ashram lawn. When I take the time to honor the Self in the plant and animal forms on the website, I can't help but perceive the Self in the familiar plants and animals around me. God in a squirrel costume! God in a parrot costume!

Thank you, Gurumayi. And thank you, dear sevites, for refreshing my vision.

a devotee from New York, USA

I did not expect the huge rush of delight, joy, and love I felt when I saw the African Grey’s pictures. I looked at them a few times and felt amazing wonder at the details of its feathers, eyes, colors. My heart felt like it was bursting, and I was so grateful for everything! I don’t understand the reasons for this overwhelming response evoked by the parrot, but I am grateful for it. Thank you for this series of pictures which always remind me of the countless and priceless treasures of this creation. Thank you and love to Gurumayi—and to the sevites, the technology, and Mother Earth!

a devotee from Hawaii, USA

The picture of the parrot is like looking at my own Self—looking at me in a feathered form. The pattern of the feathers on its face reminds me of the petals of a lotus around the blue pearl. My heart is still in wonder.

a devotee from Washington, USA

This morning, September 23,
I looked at this image for a long time.
I noticed how still I became,
and then my mind questioned:
Why is this picture so beautiful?
So exquisite in its balance and equilibrium?
The Guru!
The light on the path!

Thank you all for sharing your light.

a devotee from Washington, USA

Thank you for those gorgeous photos which take me to the sweet grounds of Shree Muktananda Ashram. They are so vibrant with colors and so respectful of the beauty of Nature. I just went through the entire month of September, while listening to the Raga Taranga CD, and I feel like I am literally walking within the gardens of the Ashram. They are taking my heart and mind there. Thank you for sharing this beauty and reminding me of how humble and generous Nature is. Thank you Gurumayi for your bountiful grace and teachings.

a devotee from Toronto, Canada

I feel so blessed to be able to view these photos each day. They are a wonderful, calming, peaceful reminder of a very special and loving place. Thank you to all the sevites who work to make this possible.

With great respect and great love,
a devotee from Florida USA

Every few days this month I have returned to the magnificent Nature's Splendor photos from September 1st. First comes an otherworldly view of Lake Nityananda and the sky above it. Then, one after another, are images of the full moon in an ever-darkening sky. The first time I saw this series of moon photos, I watched it in a slide show, and the images slipped from one frame to the next with no perceptible sign to my eye. I knew only that I was staring at the glowing moon, mesmerized, as the sky gradually darkened around it. The sky darkened, the moon shone ever more brightly, and my state soared.

I am unutterably grateful for this beauty and for the now countless forms of instruction, darshan, satsang, and soul renewal being offered to me—to us all—on the Siddha Yoga path website.

Thank you, Gurumayi, for your abundant grace.

a devotee from Washington, USA

The exquisite detail of today’s photo of white orchids on a black background reflects the precise intelligence behind the design of all creation—divine Consciousness. The manifestation of light and detail from the depths of darkened stillness illustrates the emanating power of God's creative play. The beauty of the image creates a moment of joy and bliss as the "ahh" of recognition arises in the viewer. This photo is a tribute to the three attributes of the Supreme Self—Sat-Chit-Ananda. As Baba's Mahasamadhi approaches, it is wonderful to be reminded of the true nature and state of being of the Sadguru.

a devotee from California, USA

Contemplating the pictures of nature at the Siddha Yoga path website helps me to clean my mind, to sweep darkness away. It reminds me that I can always shift my mind to a higher state of consciousness. It helps me to connect to my inner beauty. It makes me feel calm and reminds me of the blessings in my life.

The pictures also remind me that nature is always giving, always bestowing its beauty. No matter if someone stops to watch it or not, nature is always flourishing and giving its beauty and aroma, without expecting anything back. I see this as a great seva by nature. And, ultimately, I see the Siddha Gurus in these pictures of nature, for the fact that they are always bestowing their grace, Shakti, and glory!

Thank you, Gurumayi, for all this beauty!

With love,
a devotee from Brazil

This beautiful image of the water flowing reminds me of the grace that flows through the physical body when one receives shaktipat. As it flows into its Self, an awakening of peace, love, joy, and oneness settle within where God resides. And because of this awakening we can now see and experience God, not only in ourselves, but in each other, nature, and everything. This precious gift of shaktipat is everlasting and loves to be nurtured with the practices of Siddha Yoga: meditation, chanting, and dakshina.

Thank you beloved Gurumayi, for all your love and compassion.

a devotee from New York, USA

The blade of grass, with its blossoms shining around its dark core, reminds me of how Kundalini Shakti burns away the inner dross in the sushumna, allowing the divine light of the Self to shine forth.

Love always,
a devotee from New Hampshire

I opened the Siddha Yoga website to view the photo for today—the golden reddish-browns and backlighting on a grass field. It is as if nature knows how to garland itself.

Beauty
Reverence
Devotion

I am grateful for this reminder.

a devotee from New York, USA

My first thought when viewing this photo was, Kundalini Shakti! The grace-bestowing power of the Guru.

Thank you for this scintillating, golden photo as I remember my shaktipat experience with everlasting gratitude, love, and devotion.

a devotee from New York, USA

I just loved the photos of the squirrel on the website this morning, running around over the grass, busy getting ready for winter. The squirrels here in Seattle are doing the same thing. For me there was just something so sweet about it, and a little humorous, and a nice reminder how practical animals are.

a devotee from Washington, USA

When I opened Nature’s Splendor this morning and saw the gorgeous image of Lord Ganesh I remembered, “It’s Ganesh Charturthi.” And I was so excited to be able to celebrate Ganesh’s birthday all together on the Siddha Yoga path website!

I am awe-struck by the beauty of this photo and how it captures, for me, so many of the qualities of the Self and displays them so vividly.

As I identify some of the qualities with my eyes, I actually start to feel more and more uplifted and can experience them within myself as I name them!

Perfection
    Clarity
        Beauty
           Benevolence
                 Inner Light
                     Radiance
                           Steadiness
                     Majesty
                Wisdom
         Strength
     Serenity
Timelessness

What a feast for the eyes and heart!

Thank you, Gurumayi, for showing me how to recognize God in everything and how to relish that gift.

a devotee from New York, USA

Looking at the photo of the deer, I imagined Gurumayi gazing at it, seeing it as the Self. Then I imagined I was looking at my own reflection—how beautiful! Later, the following quotation, that I heard Swami Kripananda share in a Sadhana Retreat, came to mind:

When you look upon the world, go beyond the seer and what is seen, and
become aware of that which is looking at itself.   -Jnaneshwar

As I contemplated that quotation, I was able to touch, and hold for a time, the experience of pure awareness.

Thank you, Gurumayi!

Thank you, Sevites!

a devotee from New Hampshire, USA

My heart was opened by the beautiful image of the deer on your website today. Immediately, I was reminded to practice the austerity of "gentleness," as Gurumayi has instructed us. This beautiful creature speaks to my mind, saying to be alert, aware, and focused, but to embody gentleness in my approach. Gentleness is a quality I greatly admire, and one which I often need to be reminded of, as an antidote to the tendency of my mind to easily bristle and become agitated.

So, a deep breath in and out. Ah-hhh. Thank you, Gurumayi.

a devotee from California, USA

When I saw the photos of the crescent moon my heart jumped. Every single image is so beautiful. I love the moon and I love nature. They remind me of Gurumayi. The nature photographs have inspired me to connect even more with nature and listen to its wisdom.

a devotee from New York, USA

Daily, I access the Siddha Yoga path website to see what's new. One thing I always see is the pictures of nature. Lake Nityananda; the trees, leaves, flowers, sky—nature is so beautiful in Shree Muktananda Ashram! And the photographer has been so talented and sensitive to register the images.

I've been trying to define what makes these pictures so beautiful—the luminosity, the brightness.... At first I thought that nature is different in SMA because of the Guru’s shakti and the spiritual practices that are held there. But the other day I had an experience that I would like to share.

I was lunching in a restaurant and suddenly looked at a tree and saw it had the same brightness and the same light that I see in the photos on the website.

That same tree I had seen ever so many times, like so many other trees, was now shining.

Then I realized it was my vision that had changed: the way I see the world, the way my mind sees the world. The tree has always been there, shining; the day was no different from other days, but this time I was seeing it differently.

I'm remembering when Bade Baba said to Baba to look and see chiti shining in a stone. These photos on the website are helping me see the glow of Consciousness in the world around me.

Thank you, Gurumayi. And thank you the photographer and all who were involved in this project.

a devotee from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

I was by Lake Nityananda, writing in my journal, when this beautiful deer stood for a long time, gazing at Gurumayi. And Gurumayi too was watching this deer. I loved watching them, looking at each other. Who is the seer and who is the seen?

a sevite in Shree Muktananda Ashram

I just went through all of the September nature photos and experienced a big, happy inner smile.

I am reminded that such beauty is forever present and available to one and all—one only has to pause and cultivate one’s appreciative eye.

Thank you.

a devotee from California

Thank you very much for the beautiful Lake Nityananda and full moon photos

I feel so full to see the real facet of the full moon from Shree Muktananda Ashram. I remember that I saw this yellow, big, and bright full moon on August 3, Bade Baba Nityananda’s Punyatithi Celebration day, at the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Sydney.

Also I would like to share that photos no. 8 and 9 of the moon on September 1 look very similar to mine, which were also taken on that day.

I certainly think this is an amazing experience.

a devotee from Sydney, Australia

Looking at the photo for today, September 11th, an immediate feeling of tranquility arises within me. The tiny dots of light on the water suddenly also look like stars in the sky. The song "Let us be united" comes to my mind—the line "...and perfect be our unity" feels like the matching words for this wonderful photo.

Thank you!

a devotee from Germany

The daily photos are like a complete pause in my day. Every time I watch them, my state shifts into a space of repose, total peace. It's like I become the seer, and the seeing, and the seen...my mental clutter stops, my being absorbs the astounding qualities of each picture...their light, their power. An amazing focus takes place (similar to when I go out to shoot pictures myself, which I enjoy a lot.) These images have an exquisite quality that gives me so much in my day. I am adoring the daily experience. It is beyond purely visual. It becomes blissful, poetic, melodic even! My seeing the world changes and I appreciate life, nature, and its splendor in a magnificent and quiet way. Thank you so much to Gurumayi. And thank you to all the sevites making this possible.

a devotee from New York, USA

I am a visiting sevite at Shree Muktananda Ashram. I am offering Garden Seva.

Yesterday we were working by Lake Nityananda, diligently extracting the seeds from dried lavender buds while chanting Om Gurudev. I thought how blessed I am to be right here, surrounded by a group of devotees from different parts of the world, honoring nature, meditating with eyes open and blissfully praising the “Temple Without Form.”

The wind started blowing and the gathering clouds took majestic shapes. Cumulonimbus, stratotocumulus…my fellow sevites said. My inward eye saw condensed Shakti playfully dancing and reshaping in the sky adopting countless different, unique shapes; a myriad of gravity defying phenomenon to see.

The sun behind the clouds, like Shiva’s five fold cosmic actions: creating, maintaining, dissolving, concealing, and as the feather shaped cloud in the web photograph, endlessly bestowing Grace…

As Above, so Below.

Nitya Suddha, the Pure Nature of the Eternal.

Sadgurunath Maharaj ki Jay!

a devotee from Buenos Aires, Argentina

It was the middle of the night, I couldn’t sleep. I was pulled to my computer and started to watch these wonderful pictures of nature. They were amazing. Peaceful for the heart. A real companion of this quiet night. A presence of my beloved Guru. Thank you for all this wonder in nature. Thank you to all sevites who make this sharing around the world possible. It is grandioso!

a devotee from Montréal, Canada

Thank you so much for the beautiful Nature’s Splendor photographs on the Siddha Yoga Path website. Today’s photographs of the moon and Jupiter are so exquisite. It is always so wonderful to see the moon, which represents the mind, together with Jupiter which represents the Guru.

a devotee from New York, USA

On my morning walk with my dog I have been seeing many butterflies and they always make me think of Bade Baba. One morning they were uniquely abundant and seeing these beautiful yellow butterflies with velvety brown patterns on them had a particularly strong impact on me. Seeing them I became very present in my body and was aware of Gurumayi everywhere, of being love within Gurumayi’s love. I walked that morning in the company of my dog with a huge smile on my face and in my heart.

When I got to the computer that morning I was looking forward to the Nature’s Splendor photo of the day on the Siddha Yoga path website and something inside of me knew I was going to be sweetly surprised by it, it was like I was about to unwrap the sweetest gift.

When I got to the computer that morning I opened the page and…the photos were of a yellow butterfly with velvety brown patterns on it. In gratitude I sat in silence, experiencing Gurumayi within and without, savoring being love within Gurumayi’s love.

a devotee from New York, USA

It is such a delight to view the photo web postings first thing in the morning. It is like a journal entry for the day and guides how I perceive the day ahead of me. The exquisite and colorful focus is refining my awareness of the infinite details of God in the world. I stop more and notice my world around me, moment to moment. Thank you Gurumayi, I feel very alive! And very grateful to be alive.

a devotee from New York, USA

How much power a small being like a butterfly has! The full power of God dwells in every little thing! Wonderful!!!

Lots of love,
a devotee from Switzerland

The presence of a cute little turtle in the photos triggered very powerful images to my mind.

I remembered the story of Vishnu's second avatar, Kurma, the tortoise, sent to help the devas obtain the nectar of immortality. Vishnu helped create the world by supporting it on his back. This is also the function of the Guru in our lives: to support us, give us stability, and restore our own dharmic order during the churning of our inner ocean, our way to self-realization.

Turtles are so special. The turtle naturally withdraws and goes within when necessary. The turtle’s whole life is one of steadfastness, patience, wisdom. The turtle is always at home within itself. And just like Aesop's fable of the hare and the tortoise, I was reminded not to be careless, overconfident, and take things for granted—always grateful, but practical, step by step.

Thank you, Gurumayi, for this WONDER-ful path.

a devotee from Buenos Aires, Argentina

The photo of the moon over the flag today reminded me of an experience I had yesterday evening. I was lying down resting, watching the moon rise in the cloudless night sky. Its presence felt benevolent, powerful, and loving. Verse 59 of the Guru Gita came to mind, "May the divine glance of the Guru ever dwell upon me," and I was reminded that no matter where I am or what I'm doing, the Guru is with me.

a devotee from California, USA

When I saw the beautiful Nature’s Splendor photos of the turtle and the hummingbird in Shree Muktananda Ashram posted on the Siddha Yoga path website I was reminded of a talk Gurumayi gave on her birthday in Shree Muktananda Ashram on June 24, 2011.

Gurumayi described how she was walking through the Ashram and first saw a humming bird on one side of the building and then Gurumayi saw a turtle when she walked to another part of the Ashram. Gurumayi shared that when she saw the hummingbird she was reminded to keep moving and when she saw the turtle she was reminded to slow down.

Thank you, Gurumayi for the Nature's Splendor images on the Siddha Yoga path website!

a devotee from New Jersey, USA

Thank you, Gurumayi, for the Nature’s Splendor images.  They are beautiful reminders, for me, of your poem for Bade Baba, “A Temple Without Form.”The pictures help me to remember that wherever I look, whatever I see is the divine presence manifesting in that form. Remembering your words, I practice this awareness—the dog friend happily wagging his tail, the shrubs and trees touched by the breeze, the changing clouds on the wide horizon, even the traffic and rushing crowds—all exist as part of the Temple without form.

a devotee from Hawaii, USA

This evening, when I opened the Shree Muktananda Ashram—Nature's Splendor webpage and clicked on the third image for today, August 29, a big smile arose from within. Earlier in the day I had read how Vishnu, as Kurma the tortoise, is said to bear the land upon his back.

Seeing the photo of the beautiful blue-grey turtle set against the vibrant pine greens and blues, I was reminded of the Siddha Yoga teachings and practices. They are like Kurma as they provide great support and guidance about how to live as a true human being in this world. A prayer of gratitude arose for how graciously the turtle bears the land upon his back and with a wink and a smile invites me to live with the same benignity.

Thank you for sharing the amazing brilliance of nature.

With great love and gratitude,
a devotee from Missouri, USA

The nature photos have such an extraordinarily rich quality to them. Rather than just observing imagery, when I look at these photos, I find it is an entire experience, it is like drinking nectar. I wondered, Why am I having this experience? I realized that, in addition to how divinely beautiful they are, they capture the effervescent shakti in Shree Muktananda Ashram. So looking at them allows me to absorb that shakti, that grace.

Thank you, Gurumayi; thank you, sevites!

a devotee from Sydney, Australia

Thank you so much for the images of Nature's Splendor offered daily. I have found myself taking much more time to pause and notice the abundant beauty of nature’s offering that surrounds me. With each pause, there is an expansive moment of connection where I take a mental photo and offer it to the Guru, the sangham, and back to nature. I feel so grateful to follow a path that reminds me that in each moment there is pure joy, true bliss, and divine connection—we just have to remember to keep our eyes and hearts open.

a devotee from California, USA

Like  the flower…
My heart has opened
and a wonderful feeling
of love and surrendering
fills up my being.

Lots of love,

a devotee from Unterseen,Switzerland

As I watched the hibiscus flower open, I breathed deeply in appreciation. The Guru opens our hearts the way the sun opens the flowers. There was so much joy, love, and fullness in the opened flower, and there was also total perfection in the closed bud. I could feel its contentedness and faith in the process of blooming. It too held a smile in its being. We are all somewhere along that continuum of unfolding to our full glory and perfect expression of ourselves. I feel a greater contentment seeing the flower's process—yes, I'm on that journey too, and wherever I am is perfect. Even in my less-than-fully-unfolded state, there is the promise of opening and shining fully, just like the hibiscus.

Thank you, Gurumayi, for awakening us to this beautiful journey, and guiding us along the way. Om Purnamidah.

a devotee from California, USA

I had been staying in the hospital for three days with my son, who had just been diagnosed with a chronic medical condition. We returned home and, struggling with what I felt were my limitations as a human being and a parent, I sat down in front of my computer to catch up on the Nature's Splendor photos. As I looked at the beautiful photos of the tomatoes on the vine, at various stages of ripening, I experienced an acceptance of myself as being in the process of growing and learning. The truth that that which is ripe was once green and that which is green will be ripe in the fullness of time seemed to shine from the photos, breaking through the clouds of my thoughts. As I continued to look at the photos—the exquisite lotuses opening to the sun, the play of light and movement on the water, the phases of the moon— each one carried a message that brought a feeling of serenity and an acceptance of the movements of time to my heart. Thank you so much, Gurumayi, for offering this prasad, these gifts that illuminate and reveal the beauty within and without.

a devotee from Kansas, USA

As we saw the tomatoes appear on the Siddha Yoga website, my 3-year-old jumped in excitement and said,“I want to eat that,” and she reached out for them. Immediately the story about Lord Hanuman, the epitome of discipleship and selfless service, wanting to eat the sun came to mind and filled me with such sweetness.

Thank you, Gurumayi. for these beautiful pictures of nature that fill us with sweetness, wonder, and beauty.

a devotee from Gurgaon, India

Thank you especially for the little lizard of today! Such a delicate creature; light-footed on the rough ground. Seeing the sunlight through its tiny body reminds me of the Swedish word for see-through: genomskinlig, which means something like “able to shine through.”

May we all be like the lizard, able to let God's light shine through us.

a devotee from Sweden

When I opened to the picture of tomatoes ripening on the Siddha Yoga path website and saw the sun reflected in each beautiful orb, I was not sure for a moment if I was looking at tomatoes—or looking at the sun. This playfulness touched my heart.

Then I recalled the passage in Play of Consciousness in which Baba writes about the love and silent speech between the sun and the plants on the earth.

My experience deepened and so did my gratitude for the webpage that offers the teachings in this delightful and powerful way.

I go back to the image again and again to reflect on this.

Thank you, Gurumayi.

a devotee from Seattle, USA

When I looked at the images of the ripening tomatoes, it reminded me that everything happens in its own time and at its own pace. In this moment one tomato is green and another nearly red—each perfect in its own right and following the natural dharma of its life. The tomatoes remind me to exist in the moment and see each second as perfect, being exactly as it needs to be. I practice following the dharma of each moment by doing what needs to be done. Being practical.

a devotee from Victoria, Australia

As I clicked on each picture of the Nature’s Splendors, I could feel myself merging with its beauty. My breath became steady and my gaze soft as I bowed down to God’s creation. This reminded me of a line in the Siddha Yoga Vision Statement—“For everyone everywhere to realize the presence of divinity in themselves and in creation.”

a devotee from Nairobi, Kenya

When I watched this sideshow on Nature's Splendor, I suddenly remembered Gurumayi's quote:

“If you have the ears to hear, then the trees, the birds, the animals whisper great messages to you. If you have eyes to see, the whole world reveals its secrets to you.”    [Darshan Magazine, vol. 121]

Nature is also celebrating Bade Baba's Punyatithi with us. I could feel Bade Baba's energy in every particle of the nature around us. As I do this practice of seeing him in nature, my mind turns within, and I feel his divine presence inside me.

Thank you, Gurumayi!

a devotee from Mumbai, India

What a gift to begin the day sharing such natural beauty from the Ashram! Seeing the lotus resting on the water this morning immediately released a sense of the Divine within me. For such a precious gift of remembrance and presence, thank you, Gurumayi!

a devotee from Kentucky, USA

Thank you for strengthening our bond with nature through the wonderful daily images from Shree Muktananda Ashram. The bunches of tomatoes today reminded me of our natural state as human beings: we are all nurtured by the same root, the same water, the same sun, the same air, and we all have God’s spark of light shining in us. Yet, each of us matures at a different rhythm and is just unique, priceless.

With love and devotion,
a devotee from Buenos Aires, Argentina

I’ve just viewed the new Nature’s Splendor images on the website—I was delightfully surprised to find three new ones.

As I gaze at the blue lake, I see Nityananda in nature. I experience tranquility of the mind.

As I gaze at the deer, I see Nityananda in nature. The deer appears to be so alert, so still and silent, so beautiful—qualities of Nityananda I have so appreciated when I have been in the presence of Bade Baba in the Temple.

As I gaze at the brilliant golden rising sun, I connect with the sun in my own heart—the brillant, blazing golden sun that I experienced after receiving shaktipat. The sun that was shining so brilliantly that all I could feel was happiness, peace, and love. The sun that I experience blazing brilliantly whenever I turn within.

Thank you, Gurumayi, for these beautiful images of Nature’s Splendor, and for the sublime gift of shaktipat.

a devotee from Perth, Australia