It was wonderful to read about Julian's love for Shri Rudram.

I first became aware of Shri Rudram in Gurudev Siddha Peeth many years ago. Every morning I offered seva mopping the floor of the Annapurna Dining Hall, and while mopping I could hear Shri Rudram being recited in the nearby Nityananda Temple. I marveled at the intensity and power of those mantras and felt a deep admiration for the group that recited them so fluently and effortlessly.

Years later at Shree Muktananda Ashram, I had the opportunity to recite Shri Rudram one evening. It was the first time I recited it in a group, and it was a most joyous, intense, and powerful experience. It demanded total focus. Afterwards I felt as though I had bathed in holy water.
 

London, United Kingdom

I learned Shri Rudram and recited it once a week while serving at Shree Muktananda Ashram. Since retiring a few years ago, I have continued this practice in my home every Monday morning to begin my week. As I recite Shri Rudram, accompanied by the SYDA Foundation recording, I focus on the power of Shiva in my life and I offer the blessed mantras for the benefit of other people and the world.
 

North Carolina, United States

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

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