I am grateful for the wealth of wisdom contained in this commentary. Ami and Garima exemplify the virtue of
samanubhuti through the patience, respect, kindness, and thoroughness with which they teach me about it.
From the time I began to study this commentary, the circumstances of my life gave me opportunities to experience the state of my inner qualities related to this virtue. I then started to consider some of my past challenges through the lens of this virtue. The commentary connected Gurumayi’s teachings with my own living feelings, emotions, thoughts, and observations in these life situations. I find this experience invaluable and am deeply grateful for it.
California, United States
The anecdote of the delicate shawl caught in the thorns of the rosebush is a powerful metaphor for me—and a cautionary tale! It reminds me of times I have walked too quickly and clumsily by a breakable object, causing it to fall and shatter, of times I have carelessly yanked a price tag off a new garment creating a hole in the fabric. Similarly, I have lost several meaningful friendships by reacting quickly in a disagreement rather than first pausing to assess the situation and engage my discrimination.
From now on I will keep this poignant metaphor in mind when encountering a disagreement with a friend. I will practice
samanubhuti by pausing and disentangling myself from impulsive emotions before responding.
California, United States
I have experienced that I come very close to my highest Self when I manage to act with gentleness and without judgment, even in the most difficult of situations. In fact, challenging situations can actually be a gift because they give me an opportunity to anchor myself more firmly in my inner Self.
Through the years of practicing my
sadhana, I have discovered that there is a place within me where I am absolutely protected. It exists in the space between breathing in and breathing out. There, I rest in my heart and enjoy the divine company of God. Then, whether someone dislikes me, judges me, or even directly confronts me, I can still respond with gentleness and without prejudice. This is because experiencing the company of God in the space between my breaths is so fulfilling!
Unterlangenegg, Switzerland
A gift that keeps on giving, this gorgeous virtue continues to reveal new aspects and experiences with each Part of the commentary. This culminating chapter pulled together my experiences to date and then catapulted me into a whole new understanding.
I’d been focusing on my own knowledge, my own efforts to absorb and implement the teachings when I realized that despite all my efforts I was still subtly treating
samanubhuti as a concept. In meditation I glimpsed how in truth, I have been the most fortunate recipient of this virtue from the Gurus from the very beginning—how indeed it is their very essence. As a flood of memories washed through me, I experienced the truth of this virtue far beyond its being a concept. The Gurus’ compassionate wisdom, their patience with my shortcomings, their generosity in repeatedly showing me the way through my own agitation and limits—always the same unifying force believing in me even when I could not, welcoming me as the same One even when I felt insufficient and unworthy.
Allowing these experiences to be, expand, and settle left me with the most profound gratitude and a commitment to stay in this knowing and live it day by day.
Washington, United States
For me, the butterfly effect mentioned in Part VIII of the commentary is most fascinating. It reminds me of incidents when I received
samanubhuti from unexpected people, and even in unknown places, just by praying to Shri Gurumayi for her grace and employing the tools for connecting within given throughout this commentary. Similarly, when I wanted to express
samanubhuti in some situations, I took help of these tools and the results were always encouraging.
I believe this virtue of
samanubhuti is in everyone and everywhere; I only have to be aware and alert to receive it and give it. I pray to Shri Gurumayi to give me that “strength of the heart” described in the commentary, and the determination to practice and experience the affirmations given at the end of this commentary.
Udaipur, India
This concluding Part of the commentary has arrived at a most auspicious moment in my life. I am struggling to assist a group in its decision-making, and I had an “
Aha!” moment when the authors described the mistaken tendency to allow one’s pure judgment to emerge as condescension. It became crystal clear to me that I have unwittingly allowed this to happen when communicating with others, and I am so grateful for this teaching.
I will enter into our meeting at work tomorrow with a renewed sense of purpose and the resolution to exercise and embody
samanubhuti in its purest form. In this season of gratitude, I am deeply grateful for this teaching. It affects every aspect of my life.
Virginia, United States
From feeling lack to offering
—inspired by the Italian immigrant
What do I lack? What is my deepest yearning?
How many people are around
who feel alike?
When I understand my longing,
I can intend and work on
ways to let solutions grow
and offer them to others
I’d like to offer
in the way I offer food to birds
They can take it
if they like it
Well, what is my deepest yearning?
What could be my offering?
First, my shawl needs to be free
of thorns
I have to plant a seed
let it grow in peace
and tend it diligently
before I’ll see the fruit
that is food
for the body, mind, or soul
of many
I pray for inspiration
to find my vision and my blessed way
Hindelang, Germany