Rejoicing in the Self
Teachings from Baba Muktananda
I of III
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Swami Muktananda, Satsang With Baba, Volume 5 (South Fallsburg, NY: SYDA Foundation, 1978) p. 358. Teaching read by Rudra Sharp.
As I contemplate this teaching, I see that there are moments where I believe that my experience of happiness is due to external circumstances. The next time I am feeling deep joy, I will examine it and meditate on the awareness that this feeling of joy arises from within. I intend to take this teaching forward and learn how to delight again and again in the awareness that joy comes from within.
New York, USA
On a recent trip to help take care of my elderly mother, I found myself surprised when I noticed how happy I was feeling. After hearing Baba’s teaching, I see where that happiness was coming from. I was making an effort to meditate regularly, to exercise, and, in general, to keep myself in an uplifted state.
I see now that the Siddha Yoga practices and teachings gave me the support I needed to serve in this situation and, even more, to experience the grace and joy of an open heart.
I see now that the Siddha Yoga practices and teachings gave me the support I needed to serve in this situation and, even more, to experience the grace and joy of an open heart.
Ohio, USA
I appreciate this reminder that the enjoyment that seems to be coming from outer events and objects is always a reflection of the joy within. Listening to Baba’s words, I find myself shifting into the awareness of all the joyful blessings in my life. Pondering them, I see how my gratitude and appreciation, and, in fact, my ability to notice all the good things in my life, have come from returning again and again to the source inside my being.
Thank you, Gurumayi, and thank you, Baba, for your grace that has transformed my experience of my life.
Thank you, Gurumayi, and thank you, Baba, for your grace that has transformed my experience of my life.
Massachusetts, USA
I have been a music fan since I was a teenager. Last week at a concert I found myself becoming immersed in the sounds of the instruments and the melody of the song. As I listened, a feeling of great joy arose inside that made me close my eyes and get "lost" in the music.
At that moment I realized that it was not really the music—the "thing outside," as Baba says—but the joy arising within that I was connecting to. In that precious instant, the music itself faded into the background and I was suddenly enveloped in a space of stillness that was filled with a sweet, delectable bliss. In that moment I found myself delighting in the joy of the Self—the essence that I now recognize as my true nature.
At that moment I realized that it was not really the music—the "thing outside," as Baba says—but the joy arising within that I was connecting to. In that precious instant, the music itself faded into the background and I was suddenly enveloped in a space of stillness that was filled with a sweet, delectable bliss. In that moment I found myself delighting in the joy of the Self—the essence that I now recognize as my true nature.
New Jersey, USA
This teaching from Baba is a soothing balm to my mind and heart. Like a lake that becomes calm after the ripples of a stone thrown into it have subsided, I feel reconnected with my joy, and this joy gives me stamina to act with clarity and wisdom. This could have not come at a better time for me.
California, USA