In the past, my first action upon waking was to reach for my phone and start to read and scroll. Even after Gurumayi had spoken about our addiction to phones, I continued. And yet, I didn’t forget.
One day last week, the moment I awoke, I decided to reach for my Guru’s teaching of the day instead. And that has been my practice ever since. First, I read the teaching in English, then in French, and then in Italian; there is a subtlety to the words that shows up in the other languages, which I love.
Then I study the oyster in the artwork. I remember hearing that every aspect of every image on the Siddha Yoga path website is a teaching in and of itself. So I study the oyster for the pearl of wisdom that oysters bestow. I’ve read that in many cultures the calm nature of oysters in turbulent waters can be seen as a reminder to find contentment in the present moment.
And so my day begins, blessed and joyful.
Colorado, United States
Each of these teachings leads me to a fresh engagement with time. I receive every new teaching as prasad, a sacred gift from Gurumayi. I move the words around in my being, and I look up the meaning in a dictionary. Very often I discover a fresh shade of meaning that I would not otherwise have thought of. Throughout the day, I continue to repeat the teaching and linger on its words. Time unfolds, colored by my new way of seeing. Because of these teachings, moments I would have previously let slip by, I now understand as worthy of my attention. I pause in those moments and listen in order to know how I can best honor my time. My days are richer for this. I am richer.
Hampton, Australia
Since these teachings have been posted daily, I have each day written them out on a list that I have placed in clear sight so that during the day I can revisit the teaching as it unfolds its meaning in my life on that particular day. I love doing this because I feel Gurumayi’s love in the words as well as her presence, like the sky above the clouds—always there.
Hørsholm, Denmark
California, United States
When I contemplate “What is the role of my time in my life?” I see that time is here to serve me, to serve the purpose of my life. Time unfolds my days and hours for me, patiently watching my journey, inspiring me constantly with new understanding, joyful meetings, and connectedness with my Guru.
I am patiently following “the dictates of time” when it offers me challenge after challenge, giving me a chance to overcome my limitations over and over again. Now I feel no difference, no struggle between my time, my life, and myself. We are in harmony; we are one.
Russian Federation
North Carolina, United States
Through Gurumayi’s daily teachings on time, however, I’ve come to look at time from a different perspective—as far more accessible. Now I experience time as mine, and as something to enjoy and engage with.
Hampton Hill, United Kingdom
In the light of the daily teachings, I’m freshly discovering time as a trustworthy friend. I see time’s beauty, clarity, profundity, and more. This new intimacy with time supports me in my practice and assimilation of Gurumayi’s Message.
Rhode Island, United States
As I review the profound blessings that Gurumayi has bestowed on us with “In the Presence of Time”—sixty so far!—I see that my understanding of time has expanded, and, with it, my entire being has expanded.
The time that I invest in this study and contemplation is invaluable in leading me to the place of timelessness within, and it expands my ability to make every moment of each day as worthwhile as these priceless moments of study.
Oregon, United States
My relationship with and understanding of time has expanded in ways I’d never imagined. My self-awareness has increased, too. For example, I’m much better able to notice when I’m rushing or when I’m holding my breath—and I can better make adjustments.
Coburg, Australia
Ripon, United Kingdom
I offer gratitude for all of the teachings on time that Gurumayi has lovingly imparted.
Before this, I only thought of time in relation to the clock and how much time I had in my day. Now though, I’ve become more vigilant about how I spend my time. This has enabled me to make changes in my thoughts, feelings, and actions. Each day, I reflect on the phrase that Gurumayi gives us. This practice has resulted in a complete shift in my perception of time. I’m now more productive and relaxed, rather than fretting and feeling hurried. Whenever I fall back into my previous pattern, this new awareness and focus helps me to remember the value of time and to offer it the respect that it deserves.
California, United States
It is a wonder to me that, most of the time, the teaching of the day from Shri Gurumayi connects to the happenings within my inner and outer worlds.
I also note that if I am able to make the mind my friend, in accordance with the Guru’s teachings, I can then make my time worthwhile. The Siddha Yoga practices and Shri Guru’s teachings are helping me to go deep within and understand my inner and outer experiences, leading me to experience the Self.Udaipur, India
I would never have thought that time could have so many beautiful aspects. In my life, time was the thing I needed to try not to be late in, or why I felt anxious, or the limiting factor of an experience. Basically, time was what I never seemed to have enough of. I had no idea how to befriend, let alone honor, it. I am so grateful for the new awareness I am developing about time.
And as I go through this beautiful daily process Gurumayi has created for us, I begin to wonder too, “Isn’t the same true for the qualities of my life? Aren’t there many ever subtler and ever more beautiful and divine qualities in me that I could look at and appreciate instead of the lacks or deficiencies?”
I feel like a new door has opened for me in my sadhana. And just in time too!
California, United States
I experienced such depth of freedom when I first heard Gurumayi announce her Message. Paradoxically, it seemed to me that time stopped for a split second—which felt eternal—while limitless possibilities unfolded within me.
Since then, Gurumayi’s daily teachings, “In the Presence of Time,” have been treasures that highlight the newness and goodness of each day and remind me that I am the one who chooses how to approach that day.
I am forever grateful to Gurumayi for her life-transforming teachings and grace.
New York, United States
Last night I dreamt that I was in an auditorium for a class I am currently taking at the university. Suddenly everyone—over four hundred students—began to chant “Om namo bhagavate muktanandaya” as a heartfelt prayer. To me it felt like a way of showing what is needed and what is important at this moment in time.
Hørsholm, Denmark
For example, what began for me as an ordinary, mundane, even boring period of time this morning before I recited Shri Guru Gita became something totally different during and after my recitation. My sense of being, my reality were transformed into the sensation of sweetness, of significance, of the power to make a difference in my life—and in such a harmonious, elevated way.
This experience feels to me like a major breakthrough in my sadhana.
New York, United States
When I reflect on the teachings from “In the Presence of Time,” I think of the light we receive from stars in the sky. They are so far away from the earth that their distances are measured in light-years—the distance it takes light to travel in a single year. The closer a star is to our planet, and the larger it is, the brighter its light will twinkle in the vast dome of the night sky.
As suggested by the adage “As above, so below,” I live my life under the dome of my own timeline of experiences—some twinkling brightly in their beauty, others starting to dim. Each constellation of events—from my birth to the moment that just passed—has formed and shaped me. The imprints or impressions left on my body and soul reflect the weight of each event as well as its distance in time from the present moment. “In the Presence of Time” inspires me to love and honor the whole timeline of my life—just as I honor the beautiful, endless, evocative, and inspiring firmament above.
California, United States
Is that time ticking?
Measuring the breaths,
The metronome of a life’s
Doing and undoing?
But wait!
Listen!
Don’t you remember that beat?
The vibration of the damaru?
It’s the heart of God
Throbbing as time!
The breath of God
Propelling the movement
Of time!
It’s the soul of God
Appearing as the Guru
In this ever-changing
Body of time!
New York, United States
As I stood in front of Gurumayi’s photo at my puja altar, I acknowledged my negative attitude. Without judging it, I mentally placed this mindset on a shelf to witness it. This lessened its hold on me. I then tried to aim my being toward positivity without any idea of how that might work. It seems this small effort allowed me to become receptive to grace.
Next, I did a short task at the computer. When I was done, my heart felt light. And the rest of the day was productive and wonderful. The action I took was so subtle yet the grace I received was so profound.
Michigan, United States
My mind jumps from moment to moment in time,
Sometimes leaping into the future with worry or hope,
Sometimes crawling back in time with regret or nostalgia,
Until, by some miracle, I remember to come home to the present,
At which point all regret, nostalgia, and worry disappear.
At moments like this, time is a friend,
A present from my Guru in the present moment.
Despite my self-effort to stay established in the present,
Maya cleverly entices me with morsels of the future or past;
And then…I am gone again,
Riding the roller coaster of time.
But when I’m able to step off that ride into the present moment,
I clearly sense my Guru is there.
Here.
In my heart.
She never left,
But I was away.
Florida, United States
That dream made me realize that we create the “fabric” of our time by the thoughts and experiences we choose in each moment. When we weave together moments of beautiful thoughts and golden company, time feels like a warm embrace, like a homemade blanket of love.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Before this happened, I had behaved in ways that not only wasted my time but also left me feeling more drained. I was aware of this but somehow felt unable to break these wasteful habits. I have been praying for Guru’s grace for help with this issue. After this meditation, my awareness expanded and the strength arose in me to more easily let go of these old habits.
Now I am feeling better about myself. I feel more present within myself and in my relationships. I feel I am implementing Gurumayi’s Message for 2025 more consistently. I am grateful for Gurumayi’s grace and support.
California, United States
Now that I am much older and my memory is not as sharp as it once was, I am grateful that, as a Siddha Yoga student, I can place my focus on remembering and applying the Siddha Yoga teachings in each moment. When I do that, I experience the immediacy of the Self and the love in the hearts of all. The teachings give me the key to fulfilling each moment’s potential, and then I remember goodness and love, which are timeless.
Also, I find that in sharing experiences and memories with my fellow Siddha Yogis, we help each other to remember the amazing blessings in our lives.
New York, United States
Time is like a blank canvas; the possibilities for our creative expressions are vast.
We are the farmers and the artists who care for whatever we choose to cultivate within time.
May the paintings we create and the fields we cultivate bring boundless love, joy, nourishment, goodness, and exquisite beauty to our inner and outer worlds and to all beings everywhere.
a staff member at Shree Muktananda Ashram
Konolfingen, Switzerland
When I reached the center of the labyrinth and sat quietly, Gurumayi’s teachings on time began to scroll through my mind. I first recalled “An understanding of time.” I realized I’d been feeling time as a pressure and not understanding its true nature. I then remembered Gurumayi’s teaching, “The value of time,” followed by “A wise use of time,” and contemplated how I might use “the gift of time” as I wait for the sale.
The depth of these teachings took me out of that feeling of “time pressure” into a still place of acceptance and trust. There is so much more to time than I had imagined!
Auckland, New Zealand
The words “Time to let go” showed me how time empowers me when I take the correct action, make the right effort at the appropriate time. As I honor time, time supports my growth and fuels my progress in sadhana. I am ever so grateful for this study and daily exploration of Gurumayi’s Message for 2025.
New York, United States
My new relationship with time feels precious and tender, and I pray to honor this understanding by continuing to reflect on Gurumayi’s teachings and by returning, over and again, to the present moment.
Connecticut, United States
In the firmament of God’s creation
The kaleidoscope of time is turning,
Wheeling stars singing anthems of praise
As each new moment appears.
At the very source of our being
Resonating in the hearts of all,
A dimensionless unstruck sound,
The still point in this ever-changing world.
Within, silent and eternal,
The pure One resides,
And without, appears
As the precious form of our Guru.
God’s hidden treasure,
Along with keys to the kingdom
Of our own Self.
Tucked away within creation itself
Is the secret jewel of time!
New York, United States
I read the new day’s teaching from Gurumayi, maybe research a word, reflect on it, allow myself to open inwardly, and I write about it. Then I feel as though the teaching enters me; I feel connected to grace. Throughout my day, I pause and reconnect to the day’s teaching, and again I feel connected to grace and divinity all around me. The entire process is awe-inspiring.
Washington, United States
I have found that one way to be aware of time is to remain aware of my breath. As soon as I pay attention to breathing, I return to the present moment and I am able to use my time beneficially. Remembrance of these teachings is also keeping me alert to the precious gift of time I have been given.
Udaipur, India
I have found that my practice of observing my mind’s different reactions to time has been very revealing. It is giving me a great gift of insight. I feel really grateful and enthusiastic to engage with these teachings from Gurumayi on a daily basis.
Pune, India
Every teaching in the series “In the Presence of Time” gives me nourishing food for thought. They help my mind to more deeply contemplate Gurumayi’s Message for 2025. The precious prasad of these teachings, which come to us every day, gives me the opportunity to spend each day contemplating them. Then, at night, I can go to sleep with the contemplation of the day’s teaching in my thoughts.
Through my practice of contemplating these precious teachings, I have observed that my mind has become more focused and less distracted by unwanted thoughts, by fear of the future, or by resentment of the past. To me, the teachings are a sweet, continuous reminder that the most precious moment is now.
Surat, India
It is my great good fortune to have the teachings of our Guru and to recognize the grace that is always protecting me. If I make time to connect with this grace with the intention to send blessings and prayers, I can trust that these prayers and blessings have been received. I know that this is a worthy use of my time.
Georgia, United States
As I repeat these teachings, the skin of my body awakens with the vibrations of these mantras. My breath starts to sound like the waves of the ocean. This deeply inspires me to practice these teachings throughout the day.
Thane West, India
Now, I find myself sometimes observing time from a distance, and at other times, I find we are walking hand in hand. One day, I am marveling at the mystery of time, and on another day, I am realizing that because of time, I can laugh wholeheartedly and tap into my greatest potential.
New York, United States
I understood that time is always present. I experienced time as a witness, like a thread connecting all my actions and thoughts.
Pimpri-Chinchwad, India
I offer deepest gratitude to Gurumayi for giving us this powerful way to honor time.
Massachusetts, United States