When I read this sweet reminder about Lord Shiva being “the bestower of divine knowledge who is easily pleased by the simplest of devotional actions,” I was very happy to remember the simplicity, immediacy, and accessibility of God’s grace. For me, it begins with a longing, and my longing is always heightened as Mahashivaratri approaches. I feel a stirring in my heart, an excitement—this great time has come around once more!

During the weeks leading up to this special day, I’m naturally drawn more inwards, I want to offer the practices, I feel a longing to have that pure experience of Shiva inside my heart. I know I have to lay the foundation for this experience, to open the door for Shiva to appear in my awareness, to make the connection. And I do this through “the simplest of devotional actions”—by repeating his divine name.

I’m so grateful for this grace-filled path.
 

Oslo, Norway

The March letter has inspired me to reflect on my experience of participating in the livestreamed satsangs on the Siddha Yoga path website this past year. I’m recollecting how each one seemed to propel me deeper into my study and contemplation of the Guru’s teachings. Each one revealed to me unexplored truth and beauty within me.

After many of these satsangs, I was able to settle into what felt like a walking meditation in my daily life. In those instances, my focus was reeled inside and I felt the same freedom of space and time which I have felt in deep meditation. Yet I was still able to attend to my everyday concerns with mindfulness. In fact, my choices became sharper and clearer, as I was able to more consciously choose how to use my energy.
 

Maryland, United States
 

What a gorgeous letter to introduce March! It’s especially interesting to me because I have been feeling as if Shri Rudram has been knocking on my door lately! I located the CD and the text and placed them where I could see them every day. My longing has been growing daily. Now, thanks to the March letter, I know the auspicious moment has arrived: I am going to recite Shri Rudram right now! 
 

Connecticut, United States

I loved being reminded right at the start of this monthly letter that we’ll soon be celebrating Mahashivaratri, “the great night of Shiva.” As I read just the first paragraph, memories of celebrating that sacred night in years past came back to me.

I remember in particular one Mahashivaratri celebration in Gurudev Siddha Peeth. We had been chanting for a while and it felt like we were already deep into the night when I decided to visit the Shiva temple. I arrived only minutes before the Brahmin priests began performing puja to the shiva-lingam. As I sat listening to their recitation of sacred mantras, my eyes closed and my awareness was drawn deep inside. I still remember feeling a profound sense of peace and enormous spaciousness inside me.

Recalling that experience, I am inspired to prepare for and chant on this “supremely sacred” and powerful night this month.
 

Sydney, Australia