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Everyone who met Baba, who received his grace, who has studied his teachings has their own way of describing who he is for them. In this video, you will see twelve such descriptions of Baba—twelve for Baba’s 112th solar birthday… Read more.
The descriptions in this video come from stories and experiences shared by devotees of Baba over the years. These experiences are recorded in the Shakti Punja archives of the SYDA Foundation.
Happy birthday, Baba!
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During this month, Baba’s month, these words of Baba have been in my mind and heart all day, every day: “Honor your Self, worship your Self, meditate on your Self, God dwells within you as you.“ No matter what I’m feeling or what I’m thinking, I sense Baba reminding me that I am a manifestation of the great Absolute. I feel him guiding me to focus on my identity as the Absolute no matter what is happening or what limitations I am seeing in myself. I’m so glad Swami Ishwarananda talked about these words of Baba’s at the celebration of Baba’s solar birthday. They are a great reminder, a great gift!
New York, United States
Baba is … the illuminator of devotion.
the inspiration of service.
the joy of the Heart.
the inspiration of service.
the joy of the Heart.
California, United States
Baba is… a great force that has changed my life.
California, United States
Baba is… in his books.
Whenever I have experiences that I don’t understand or I have questions, I randomly open any page of one of Baba’s books; I receive answers to my questions and my mind calms. Baba’s books are like a bridge between Baba and me. He is always there to help me in my search for Truth.
Whenever I have experiences that I don’t understand or I have questions, I randomly open any page of one of Baba’s books; I receive answers to my questions and my mind calms. Baba’s books are like a bridge between Baba and me. He is always there to help me in my search for Truth.
Bellary, India
Baba is… radiance.
Nevada, United States
I have not met Baba in his physical form, but every time I see a picture of him, there is a burst of love that surges through my heart as I look at his eyes. I feel like I have known him for a very long time.
Baba is … pure selfless love.
Baba is… present in every moment.
Baba is … pure selfless love.
Baba is… present in every moment.
Sydney, Australia
In September 1978, during my travels through India, I discovered Gurudev Siddha Peeth. When I entered the Ashram, I felt the place was extraordinary. I did not know in the first few days that the smile on people’s faces, the beauty of the gardens, the delicious food, the peacefulness of the Ashram, the powerful chants, the vivid energy within me were all expressions of Baba’s shakti.
When I met Baba for the first time in 1979, I felt the same energy in him that I had felt during my five-month stay at Gurudev Siddha Peeth. It was extraordinary to realize that the powerful shakti was in a human form. Baba looked at me and, for a short moment, I felt like we were merging. I felt as if he was me and I was him. This gave me the strong conviction and experience of my true nature and of Baba’s teaching “God dwells within you as you.”
When I met Baba for the first time in 1979, I felt the same energy in him that I had felt during my five-month stay at Gurudev Siddha Peeth. It was extraordinary to realize that the powerful shakti was in a human form. Baba looked at me and, for a short moment, I felt like we were merging. I felt as if he was me and I was him. This gave me the strong conviction and experience of my true nature and of Baba’s teaching “God dwells within you as you.”
Nottingham, United Kingdom
Reading “Who Baba Is, in the Words of his Devotees” has given me a deep, beautiful, comforting darshan of Baba and connected me to a state of peace.
It has also reminded me of my memories of Baba’s care and love.
It has also reminded me of my memories of Baba’s care and love.
Madrid, Spain
Recalling the first time I met Baba in Gurudev Siddha Peeth, I realize again how omniscient and omnipresent he was.
I remember walking towards him as he sat in the courtyard. I felt I was entering a massive force field. It felt so strong that my mind couldn’t comprehend what was happening, and it was like entering another dimension. Yet when I looked into Baba’s eyes, he was so present with me. I had never felt so seen. Looking into his eyes was like looking into eternity. I was utterly still and expanded. I was seeing Baba’s greatness.
Years later I realized I was not only seeing Baba’s greatness, but also my own. Baba was showing me my greatness—through his eyes.
I am grateful for this immeasurable gift, this treasure, this single glance that will last a lifetime.
I remember walking towards him as he sat in the courtyard. I felt I was entering a massive force field. It felt so strong that my mind couldn’t comprehend what was happening, and it was like entering another dimension. Yet when I looked into Baba’s eyes, he was so present with me. I had never felt so seen. Looking into his eyes was like looking into eternity. I was utterly still and expanded. I was seeing Baba’s greatness.
Years later I realized I was not only seeing Baba’s greatness, but also my own. Baba was showing me my greatness—through his eyes.
I am grateful for this immeasurable gift, this treasure, this single glance that will last a lifetime.
Melbourne, Australia
When I look at Baba, I get lost in his eyes. When I look at him smiling, my heart smiles too, and I am happy.
Edmonton, Canada
When I read these words and listen to the melody of the chant, I feel a deep longing for Baba. Again and again, Baba’s Samadhi Shrine in Gurudev Siddha Peeth appears in my mind’s eye. With this visualization, I feel content and detached from all worldly things. So I view this video every night before I go to sleep.
I offer my love and gratitude to Baba for coming to this earth.
I offer my love and gratitude to Baba for coming to this earth.
Pune, India
One devotee’s description of Baba as “a wish-fulfilling tree” echoes my own experience.
Years ago, I received shaktipat diksha on Baba’s lunar birthday, but even so, I felt more connected to Gurumayi and to Bade Baba. This continued even when I became a Gurukula student.
One day, I went to Baba’s Samadhi Shrine in Gurudev Siddha Peeth and I prayed: “Baba, you are the link between Bade Baba and Gurumayi. Please help me feel connected to you.”
My prayer was answered. My connection to Baba began to strengthen. Most importantly, I now experience the three Gurus as one! And this realization is strongly imbedded in me.
Years ago, I received shaktipat diksha on Baba’s lunar birthday, but even so, I felt more connected to Gurumayi and to Bade Baba. This continued even when I became a Gurukula student.
One day, I went to Baba’s Samadhi Shrine in Gurudev Siddha Peeth and I prayed: “Baba, you are the link between Bade Baba and Gurumayi. Please help me feel connected to you.”
My prayer was answered. My connection to Baba began to strengthen. Most importantly, I now experience the three Gurus as one! And this realization is strongly imbedded in me.
Gurudev Siddha Peeth, India
Reading who Baba is in the words of his students in this video, I contemplated the most significant, tangible, priceless gifts I received from him.
One is his gift of shaktipat diksha to the world. And another is giving Gurumayi to the world. I have not met Baba or Bade Baba, but I see them both in Gurumayi, whose teachings, guidance, and grace are my lifeline and the lifeline for countless people all over the world.
One is his gift of shaktipat diksha to the world. And another is giving Gurumayi to the world. I have not met Baba or Bade Baba, but I see them both in Gurumayi, whose teachings, guidance, and grace are my lifeline and the lifeline for countless people all over the world.
Thane, India
Baba is… everlasting.
In 1989, when I was very new to the Siddha Yoga path, I set up a puja in my bedroom and tried to decide whose picture to put on the puja. One night I was meditating in front of my puja when I saw Baba install himself on my puja! He was real, like a miniature copy of his physical body, and he was moving and breathing as he sat on my puja table. I was shocked and surprised and in that moment I realized that Baba was very much alive and that we had just met! Then I put a big picture of Baba on my puja.
On another occasion, I had a dream in which Baba was calling me over the phone. We spoke like two old friends and I could hear Baba laugh on the other end of the line. From then on I felt no more regrets about not having met him before he took mahasamadhi in 1982.
In 1989, when I was very new to the Siddha Yoga path, I set up a puja in my bedroom and tried to decide whose picture to put on the puja. One night I was meditating in front of my puja when I saw Baba install himself on my puja! He was real, like a miniature copy of his physical body, and he was moving and breathing as he sat on my puja table. I was shocked and surprised and in that moment I realized that Baba was very much alive and that we had just met! Then I put a big picture of Baba on my puja.
On another occasion, I had a dream in which Baba was calling me over the phone. We spoke like two old friends and I could hear Baba laugh on the other end of the line. From then on I felt no more regrets about not having met him before he took mahasamadhi in 1982.
California, United States
Baba is… a Shaktipat Guru.
Baba is… a meditation master.
Baba is… a meditation master.
New York, United States
Baba’s month always fills me with fresh memories, and each description here seems to reflect what is held in my heart. As the word bliss arose within, I particularly resonated with “Baba is…bliss! The bliss of understanding.”
After seeing all these beautiful words, each expression a sutra for me, so full of love and inspiration, I will continue to reflect on “Baba is….” What a sublime and sweet experience.
After seeing all these beautiful words, each expression a sutra for me, so full of love and inspiration, I will continue to reflect on “Baba is….” What a sublime and sweet experience.
New Delhi, India
These descriptions of Baba distinctly remind me of being at home with my family one Sunday afternoon as an eight-year-old child. Somehow I experienced the longing for a teacher, and silently articulated an intention to meet a great saint and welcome him or her into my life. I pictured myself surrendering to divine guidance. I yearned for someone to help me experience the deepest spiritual relationship with God. I believe that pure, innocent, heartfelt desire brought Baba to me.
I thank God that my wish came true!
I thank God that my wish came true!
Georgia, United States
What I am aware of every day: Baba is…a safe haven, providing comfort and endless support.
Workum, Netherlands
For me, Baba ji is blue, the Blue Pearl. He is the ocean of compassion and I find the happiness of the world in his laughter.
I pray to continue to have this understanding of Baba, and to love him just the way he loves his Guru, Bhagavan Nityananda.
I pray to continue to have this understanding of Baba, and to love him just the way he loves his Guru, Bhagavan Nityananda.
Mumbai, India
We have had a drought in our area throughout the winter and into the spring. During the past few years, when it has rained, it has often been a downpour with most of the water running off, leaving the soil dry and causing flooding of roads and overflowing of lakes.
Tonight I stepped outdoors into the dark to say goodbye to Baba’s birthday and found it was raining and had been for a while. The rain was coming down gently—a gift from Baba to us, the earth, and all the plants and animals—on his birthday.
Baba is… generous!
Tonight I stepped outdoors into the dark to say goodbye to Baba’s birthday and found it was raining and had been for a while. The rain was coming down gently—a gift from Baba to us, the earth, and all the plants and animals—on his birthday.
Baba is… generous!
Minnesota, United States
Baba is… the supreme teacher.
Baba is… the embodiment of grace, who started the meditation revolution.
Baba is… the confidant, who listens and guides me every day.
Baba is… the embodiment of grace, who started the meditation revolution.
Baba is… the confidant, who listens and guides me every day.
Mexico City, Mexico
To me, Baba is the most charitable person one can ever find. He gave his hard-earned, most precious spiritual energy so freely to everyone as the gift of shaktipat diksha.
Thane, India
Baba is… within!
London, United Kingdom
Blissful
Atma
Bountiful
Ananda
This is how I experience BABA in my own Self!
Atma
Bountiful
Ananda
This is how I experience BABA in my own Self!
Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Baba is… the most pure, tender, unconditional love.
California, United States
Baba is… Presence.
St- Elie- de- Caxton, Canada
Near the beginning of the “Be in the Temple” satsang in honor of Baba Muktananada’s 112th birthday, I moved from sitting in my room to sitting outside in nature, while I continued to listen to the webcast coming from the computer in my room.
As I listened to the meditation instructions, I brought my attention to my heart and visualized a translucent pink lotus tinged with gold, with a flame resting above it. I offered my in-breath to the divine flame, and on the out-breath gently allowed the light of the flame to expand. As I continued to breathe, the flame expanded and encompassed the sun, and then—faster than light—infinitely expanded to become the universe.
After the satsang, I returned to my room, where an image shown at the beginning of the satsang was still displayed on my laptop. It was a picture of Mount Mandagni, the sacred mountain near Gurudev Siddha Peeth. The sky over the mountain was tinged with glorious hues of gold and pink. I felt the mountain pulsating with divine energy. There was a deep movement in my heart, which I perceived as Baba’s love.
Then I understood: Baba is all-pervasive.
As I listened to the meditation instructions, I brought my attention to my heart and visualized a translucent pink lotus tinged with gold, with a flame resting above it. I offered my in-breath to the divine flame, and on the out-breath gently allowed the light of the flame to expand. As I continued to breathe, the flame expanded and encompassed the sun, and then—faster than light—infinitely expanded to become the universe.
After the satsang, I returned to my room, where an image shown at the beginning of the satsang was still displayed on my laptop. It was a picture of Mount Mandagni, the sacred mountain near Gurudev Siddha Peeth. The sky over the mountain was tinged with glorious hues of gold and pink. I felt the mountain pulsating with divine energy. There was a deep movement in my heart, which I perceived as Baba’s love.
Then I understood: Baba is all-pervasive.
Connecticut, United States
During the “Be in the Temple” live stream on Baba’s solar birthday, Swami Ishwarananda invited us to look for signs of Baba this month. What amazed me was the more I searched, the more the ordinary became truly extraordinary, truly miraculous. The drops of rainwater shimmering on the end of fir tree needles became so captivating and exhilarating that I had the impulse to jump up and dance.
In fact, at the end of reciting Shri Guru Gita this morning in honor of Baba’s solar birthday weekend, my husband and I became so drenched in the heightened atmosphere that we both began to sweetly dance during the arati. Gurumayi’s, Baba’s, and Bade Baba’s eyes seemed to come alive in their photos, sending palpable rays of love into my heart. I felt I made the connection to Baba’s teaching, “God dwells within you as you,” and I rejoiced!
In fact, at the end of reciting Shri Guru Gita this morning in honor of Baba’s solar birthday weekend, my husband and I became so drenched in the heightened atmosphere that we both began to sweetly dance during the arati. Gurumayi’s, Baba’s, and Bade Baba’s eyes seemed to come alive in their photos, sending palpable rays of love into my heart. I felt I made the connection to Baba’s teaching, “God dwells within you as you,” and I rejoiced!
Oregon, United States
It’s incredible! On the day of Baba Muktananda’s lunar birthday, I celebrated at my home all day, chanting my favorite namasankirtana dedicated to Baba: Mere Baba Muktananda.
And just now, after participating in the "Be in the Temple" satsang in honor of Baba Muktananda’s 112th solar birthday, I was reading “Baba Is…”—and the wonderful sounds of the same namasankirtana have permeated my room and my heart! I am rejoicing for happiness at the synchronicity. What a beautiful experience!
And just now, after participating in the "Be in the Temple" satsang in honor of Baba Muktananda’s 112th solar birthday, I was reading “Baba Is…”—and the wonderful sounds of the same namasankirtana have permeated my room and my heart! I am rejoicing for happiness at the synchronicity. What a beautiful experience!
Naples, Italy
These simple expressions of love and devotion for Baba are exquisite! To me, Baba is a master Teacher whose grace destroys the darkness of ignorance and imparts knowledge of the Self.
New York, United States
This morning, on Baba’s solar birthday, I woke up naturally, without the cue of the alarm clock. The first thing I saw was the sky. It was spectacular—beautifully adorned with clouds colored in light orange and red hues. Over the years I’ve learned from Gurumayi to look for signs in nature, and I am very touched every time she speaks about finding signs from Baba in nature. I understood this moment as a sign from Baba saying: "Wake up! Look at the sky!" It was a gift.
One of the twelve descriptions of Baba is: "Baba is all-pervading." By seeing the expansive sky this morning, I did experience Baba’s presence pervading nature.
One of the twelve descriptions of Baba is: "Baba is all-pervading." By seeing the expansive sky this morning, I did experience Baba’s presence pervading nature.
New York, United States
Baba is… one with Universal Consciousness.
Michigan, United States
These comments bring back memories from my childhood. One time, I went for Baba’s darshan holding my father’s hand. My father offered pranam at Baba’s padukas, whereas I went and offered pranam on Baba’s lap. Baba tapped me several times on my back. For a few seconds I went into a meditative state and didn’t want to come out of it. I felt a sense of calmness within me after that.
During my childhood my family spent all our vacation time in Baba’s Ashram because that’s what my father wanted us to do and learn. Once, when I saw Baba Muktananda come out of Bade Baba’s Temple, I saw golden light around his whole being. He was smiling, and I felt love within me.
During my childhood my family spent all our vacation time in Baba’s Ashram because that’s what my father wanted us to do and learn. Once, when I saw Baba Muktananda come out of Bade Baba’s Temple, I saw golden light around his whole being. He was smiling, and I felt love within me.
Dombivali, India
Baba is… living enthusiasm.
Baba is… the perfect disciple.
Baba is… the soul of Siddha Yoga.
Baba is… the perfect disciple.
Baba is… the soul of Siddha Yoga.
Thane West, India
Baba saved my life because he brought the Siddha Yoga path to Oklahoma! The first time I went to the bookstore at Shree Muktananda Ashram, it was the week of Gurupurnima in 1988. I bought only his small book To Know The Knower because I had very little money. This small book of knowledge continues to remind me that God lives inside me. Because of Baba’s book I have spent years gathering more knowledge that reveals the inner Self.
This is how I have experienced Baba “spreading his grace in the world.”
This is how I have experienced Baba “spreading his grace in the world.”
Oklahoma, United States
Baba is… devotion personified.
Baba is… beauty.
Baba is… everything I love.
Baba is… beauty.
Baba is… everything I love.
Nantes, France
These wonderful statements of how Siddha Yogis have experienced Baba took me back to the day when I saw Baba in film footage for the first time. The footage was entirely of Baba laughing. That was the day I first experienced Baba inside my heart—blessed Baba, beloved Baba.
London, United Kingdom
Baba is… love and compassion.
Stadtbergen, Germany
As I was recognizing the qualities of Baba in each word of the video, two other words came to mind: freedom and God.
When I saw Baba for the first time in the gardens of his Ashram, I said to myself, “This man is free!” And that is what I wanted to be—free. Baba perfectly embodied his name: Muktananda, the bliss of freedom.
Baba spread God’s bounty. I continue to receive from him infinite compassion and love.
When I saw Baba for the first time in the gardens of his Ashram, I said to myself, “This man is free!” And that is what I wanted to be—free. Baba perfectly embodied his name: Muktananda, the bliss of freedom.
Baba spread God’s bounty. I continue to receive from him infinite compassion and love.
Rodez, France
Baba is… Truth, experienced and personified.
Baba is… transformation in action.
Baba is… Teacher, living divine love.
Baba is… transformation in action.
Baba is… Teacher, living divine love.
California, United States
Baba certainly is a healer! Ten years ago (!) after receiving a diagnosis of terminal cancer, I was chanting at the London Center when I saw Baba in the form of golden light. I appeared to step outside myself and saw black arrows fly out of my body like iron to a magnet. The magnet was Baba and they dissolved in his golden shape. I knew immediately that he would care for me.
Since then a path of healing has opened up and I know he is responsible. I have never felt better in my life! I owe my life to him.
Since then a path of healing has opened up and I know he is responsible. I have never felt better in my life! I owe my life to him.
Beccles, United Kingdom
Baba is… joy!
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Although I never met Baba in person, I have been fortunate to see many videos and photos of him. When I saw the words "Baba is… love personified," the images of Baba that came to mind were of Baba embracing a calf and feeding an elephant. I felt as if he were witnessing his own Self in those beings. Merely thinking of him allowed me to feel his presence in my own golden heart.
Florida, United States