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Niścintatā II
The State of Harmony

Niścintatā is a Hindi word referring to the state of being in harmony with oneself and one’s surroundings. Gurumayi requested that this gallery of black-and-white photos be created for the Siddha Yoga path website because these images evoke timelessness. Gurumayi gave the word niścintatā as the title for this gallery.

Gurumayi shared the story that when she was a child in India and she would ask elderly people how they were doing, they would often reply, with a very sweet smile, a gentle tilt of their head, and a lift of their hand, “Maĩ niścint hū̃. I am free from worry.” Gurumayi remembers this with great affection. It made a deep impression on her.

Gurumayi’s teachings are about just this: it is within every seeker’s ability to become free from worries—it is possible to experience the absence of mental agitation. This gallery is an invitation from Gurumayi to get in touch with niścintatā, the state of being in harmony.

niscintata-motif

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As I looked at these photographs, I experienced profound stillness. The images of the butterfly imbibing nectar, the flowing waterfall, and the soaring bird made me aware that I can experience stillness even when I am engaged in activity.

The picture of the serene lake with reflections moved me deeply. It showed me that a silent, serene mind can reflect the Truth. It reminded me that a mind free from agitation is able to experience and reflect God’s glory and the Guru’s grace.

I am grateful to Gurumayi for these profound insights from nature.
 

Hosur, India

For me, the harmony, beauty, and peacefulness in the pictures of nature in this gallery reflect the inner state of Shri Guru. Viewing image after image, I experienced my own heart filling with profound peace and harmony, and saying: Yes!
 

Bhandara, India

When I look at the heart shape emerging from the concrete in image 1, I perceive beauty and experience the heart-opening sensations of vulnerability and tenderness.
 

Thornbury, Australia

Gazing at the black-and-white picture of the multipetaled flower, I discovered new qualities. The flower petals filled the image so abundantly, while the petals in the center curled inwardly like an embrace. I felt abundance and love in my heart. 
 
Then I became aware of my breathing. I experienced a vitalizing, sweet energy as I breathed in—and stillness as I breathed out. After some time my mind was peaceful and in the moment. I experienced the Guru's presence within.
 
I am very grateful for this experience.
 

Deventer, Netherlands

In the 1980s it seemed that every time I went up for darshan with Gurumayi, she would ask me, "How are you?" And for years I would answer her with my worries: "I'm fine, Gurumayi, but..." I longed for the day when I could answer simply, honestly, "I am fine, thank you, Gurumayi."
 
Now, at last, as these beautiful pictures and the sweet story from Gurumayi's childhood remind me, my heart has accepted Gurumayi's unfailing gift—supported by all my years of practice and buoyed by her teachings. On this New Year’s Day I want to take this joyful opportunity to inwardly offer pranam again before my beloved Guru and answer her, simply, honestly, "I am fine, thank you, Gurumayi."
 

North Carolina, United States

I am so grateful for these images and the explanation of the concept of nishchintata. In viewing these images, I feel the grounded, silent peace of nature. It brings me into my inner silent forest where I feel “free from worry,” where the trees and sky remind me of the state of oneness.
 

North Carolina, United States