Siddha Yogis’ Experiences of Participating in A Sweet Surprise 2016
VI of VII

We received the live audio stream of A Sweet Surprise in the wee hours of the morning in Sydney, Australia. I was thrilled to hear Gurumayi’s voice, to laugh along with the global sangham, and to learn about what we would be studying in 2016.
When I participated a second time, during the daytime, I took great care to collect as many of the droplets of wisdom and guidance as I could, writing them all down afterwards. That day I got together with a friend who had also participated in A Sweet Surprise, and we talked about the teachings that stood out for us. This helped me to appreciate the depth and breadth of Gurumayi’s Message for 2016. At times in our conversation, tears of awe and gratitude would arise as we became aware of Gurumayi’s love for us and for the whole global sangham.
I regularly refer back to my notes, and as I study A Sweet Surprise Satsang in this way, I become clearer about its meaning for my life and sadhana. For me, it was like an invitation to trust myself and the power of my heart.
a Siddha Yogi from Sydney, Australia

My whole attitude about school and work has been transforming through practicing Gurumayi’s Message. Rather than feeling that life is interrupted by annoying periods of work, I am realizing that I can experience joy in everything I do. I feel I can take responsibility for my own life fearlessly, and it feels so liberating.
South Carolina, USA
I understood clearly that I have the free will to make choices in my life, be it worldly or spiritual. The circumstances in my life can be turned into a gem of an understanding by bringing my focus to the center, the madhya, and that pure understanding will carry me through to the ocean of supreme bliss.
Johannesburg, South Africa
Two days ago my cherished service dog took his final breath. Offering such steady devotion and sweet companionship, he taught me so much about love.
Yesterday was the first morning in 13 years that I have sat for meditation and chanting at my puja without him nearby. As I repeated the words of the Message—Move with steadfastness toward becoming anchored in Supreme Joy—I wondered, “Where is the ‘Supreme Joy’ in this sorrow?” Then, I felt a pull drawing me into deep meditation, grounding my awareness in a place far deeper than any fleeting emotion. I now understand that I was being given an answer to my question.
Thank you, Gurumayi.
New Mexico, USA
Naples, Italy
For several days afterwards, as I reflected on this experience, I noticed a sense of negativity bubbling up, as though I felt unworthy of having such an experience. So I sat for contemplation. At the end of the contemplative process, as I was opening my eyes, I was drawn to one of Gurumayi’s books, sensing a message in it for me. When I opened it, the first thing I saw were words that gave me permission to cherish my experience!
Thank you so much, Gurumayi, from deep within my heart. With open hands, I accept this wonderful gift!
Lac-Saint-Paul, Canada
As I repeat the words, they lead me to my Self. They bring me a sense of calm and acceptance. And in those times when I am focused on them, they give me confidence that my perspective is clear. This is such a profound gift. I’m so grateful.
Thank you, Gurumayi.
Massachusetts, USA
I am sitting in the boat of abundance
without a rudder.
The burbling river
shows the beauty of the world
and whispers the beauty of my Self
on the way to the adventure of life.
I awaken amazed:
the golden sun
is rising.
Ingolstadt, Germany
This year, as in the past, I am practicing Gurumayi’s Message as I approach my inner and outer life. The Message is inspiring me to renew my commitment to meditation.
I am so very thankful to Gurumayi for constantly guiding me toward the highest goal. Thank you, Gurumayi. Thank you for your presence in my heart.
Kolkata, India
Participating in A Sweet Surprise Satsang is the way I celebrate my anniversary on the Siddha Yoga path each year. For me, there is no other way to start the new year!
This year, I felt that I received every word of Gurumayi’s talk. It seemed that I was the most alert I have ever been. As I listened to Gurumayi speak, I experienced the strength, truth, renewal, and grace-bestowing power of each word and each story. Gurumayi`s voice resounded in my inner being.
All day long I felt so blessed, so protected, so nurtured, and so certain I was starting my year in the best possible way! I am so grateful for having Gurumayi’s Message to guide my life, my every day.
Thank you, Gurumayi!
Mexico City, Mexico
Thank you, Gurumayi, for your abundant guidance and care. I’m ready to put your teachings into action.
Massachusetts, USA
Later, while chanting and meditating, I understood that I have to give more regular time to meditation; I have to go deeper inside. I felt I had received the answer to my question. With uplifted spirit, I bowed to Shri Guru’s padukas.
Now I am able to sit regularly for meditation and go deeper—to connect with the sushumna nadi. I thank Gurumayi from the bottom of my heart for giving direction to my sadhana.
Lucknow, India
Thank you, Gurumayi, for illuminating our hearts and minds with this Message to guide us in 2016, and beyond.
New Jersey, USA
Today, these words arose within: "sowing the seeds of grace." It felt like this is what Gurumayi was doing for me—installing the Message and sowing seeds of grace within me.
Wisconsin, USA
As I listened to the webcast, I felt a deep feeling of connectedness with the entire Siddha Yoga sangham, and the whole world. I felt that not only was I receiving blessings from Gurumayi, but our home, our neighborhood, and our town were too.
I am so grateful to Gurumayi. What a great way to uplift the world! I am so grateful that my home can become part of the Universal Hall!
Pennsylvania, USA
Even now, I can feel Gurumayi’s words resounding in my being. I experience a newness in my being, and my heart knows a new layer of gratitude for having Gurumayi as my Guru. During my day, when I become aware of myself, or pause in the middle of an activity, Gurumayi’s words emerge and bring me back to the space of joy which is present right inside of me—a joy which is very much accessible, which is my own, one that does not depend on anything, a joy that is absolutely free.
I am deeply grateful to Gurumayi for how uninterruptedly she imparts her teachings so that I can complete my journey.
Gurudev Siddha Peeth
I felt Gurumayi’s blessings enter my quiet home and reach each child as I listened to Gurumayi laugh, share stories, and give instruction.
Since this satsang, when I repeat Gurumayi’s Message, I have the sensation of leaning deep into myself and becoming joyous. Joy emanates from within and rides out on my breath, and in this way I feel I am breathing joy into the world. That is a most wonderful thing to feel!
South Yarra, Australia
I felt pure love as the inner column of light became fluid. It embraced me and we danced as one. This experience is still palpable. It guides me as I practice and imbibe Gurumayi’s Message.
Arizona, USA
I experienced an instantaneous connection with the energy in the Universal Hall.
Now, after the satsang, I feel completely new—as though I’ve been reborn for 2016.
Thank you, Gurumayi!
Pune, India
I am profoundly touched—and carry the Message in my heart, as a most precious gift.
California, USA
Thank you, Gurumayi, for sharing your wisdom, your love, and your grace in charting a course for our sadhana in 2016.
New Jersey, USA
I understood for the first time the importance of preparing to receive the teachings. My meditations were so deep and my meditation experiences very profound. I feel as if I emerged a different person—much more content and joyful.
I am very grateful that these two teaching and learning events were offered in this way. I am starting the new year re-energized with such an appreciation for all I have received from Gurumayi and this great Siddha Yoga path!
New Hampshire, USA
Thank you, Gurumayi, for your Message for 2016 and for the love and grace you shower upon all of us. I am so blessed and fortunate to be on the Siddha Yoga path and to have a living Master to guide my sadhana.
Nassau, Bahamas
Since then, I am still feeling the same power within, and I have now created an intention for practicing Gurumayi’s Message for the whole year.
Gurumayi ji, thank you so much for your Message for 2016, for your guidance, and for your grace.
Gurudev Siddha Peeth
Then I had a visual image—as if my chest were a window. The wooden shutters of the window had been thrown open and secured, and I was looking out the window to a grassy-green meadow full of bright-colored flowers, butterflies, and birds, beneath a brilliant blue sky. The sunlight intensified the colors and brought great warmth to the scene. I understood clearly that I was seeing the beauty of my own heart and the beauty of everything around me.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for illuminating the Truth for us in so many ways.
Colorado, USA
Ontario, Canada
My prayer for 2016 comes from Shri Guru Gita, verse 60: “May the divine glance of the Guru ever dwell upon me.”
Thank you, Gurumayi, for A Sweet Surprise 2016!
California, USA
I am filled with gratitude to have spent the morning receiving Gurumayi’s Message, listening to her Message talk, and engaging in the Siddha Yoga practices. I have been repeating Gurumayi’s Message as a mantra throughout the day and as I do, a warm feeling spreads throughout my body. I am so excited to continue to engage with it and to see how it will unfold for me throughout this year.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for your Message—a pillar to support my sadhana throughout 2016 and many years to come!
New York, USA
Thank you, Gurumayi, for this connection deep in my heart.
an eight-year-old Siddha Yogi from California, USA
Although I was born into a family following the Siddha Yoga path, still it felt like this was a new beginning for my spiritual journey. I felt a new energy flow, and identified some depths that I now want to focus on. It was indeed very sweet.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for this special gift. Happy New Year, Gurumayi! And Happy New Year to Siddha Yogis all over the world!
Dombivli, India
When I have taken Intensives in the past, I don’t always quite know what just happened but I do know I will never be the same because of the Guru’s grace. I had that same feeling today very clearly after the satsang.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for so generously teaching us how to love and be loved.
Massachusetts, USA
As soon as I left the satsang hall, I could sense something different in the silence of the night that I had never felt before. I must have traveled the same path thousands of times but yesterday it was all different: it was more beautiful than ever before!
And then I realized I had truly received something precious.
Indore, India
I had a peaceful meditation experience: I felt like I was diving deeper and deeper into the depths of an ocean—my inner world. My entire being was bathing in waves of tranquility and toward the end I saw a rising full moon, which for me symbolizes the Guru’s eternal presence.
I know that the valuable teachings from this satsang will open up new directions for my sadhana. I have resolved to be disciplined in practicing this Message throughout 2016.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for A Sweet Surprise satsang.
Pune, India