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Niścintatā
The State of Harmony II

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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From the first photo to the last, I was captivated and deeply calmed. I was drawn into a space in which I had no worries, was in no rush, and could just be there in this precious serenity.

The variety of photo subjects carried me gently from one corner of nature to another, and from one season to another. Sometimes the landscape was covered in a soft blanket of fog, sometimes a soft blanket of snow, but always a soft blanket of tranquility and balance. The photo of the tiny bird at the bird feeder was exquisite, visually embodying such a sense of equipoise while also evoking the generosity and compassion of the invisible person supplying the feeder. I also loved seeing the photos of deer keeping each other in good company, and those of trees stretching their branches to the sky like elegant dancers in fanciful poses.

I lingered there, grateful, for a long time.
 

Illinois, United States

Looking at the daisy—its tender petals and abundant pollen center so close in the image— I affirmed that because of the existence of this daisy, everything is right with the world. I experienced how, when I focus on a seemingly small, yet wondrous detail of creation, ease arises in me; I gain perspective.
 

Thornbury, Australia

As I read the beautiful words of the text, I felt exactly what they described—“the absence of mental agitation.” I experienced a sense of peace and deep contentment through viewing these stunning black and white photographs.

I am so grateful for this expression of Gurumayi’s compassion and love.
 

Cologne, Germany

The smiling cloud floating through the sky evoked happiness in me. It reminded me of dreams I had at a young age in which I could fly, and brought back the feeling I had in those dreams: a joy, soft like this cloud, and a kind of freedom that I never experienced in my waking state.
 
I also see a big heart in the cloud. I experience it as a gift of love sent into my heart. It makes me smile and inspires gratitude in me.
 

Hindelang, Germany

I love these images! They represent to me the stillness, purity, and beauty of nature. Having immersed myself in this gallery, my mind is silent, my heart is moist.
 

Pennsylvania, United States

I find it very soothing to look at these images devoid of color. The absence of color seems to enhance my vision’s awareness of the presence of light. The presence of light in my life is something I have been contemplating. I have been asking myself: When do I experience this light? What steps can I take to invite its presence into my life more and more?
 

Melbourne, Australia

Nishcintata is a state I continuously strive to attain. In my efforts to become established in this state, I have discovered a pathway that is very effective for me.

Whenever I experience worry, anxiety, or insecurity, I repeat “Mai nishcint hu” five times with full conviction. Surprisingly, every single time I do this, it instantly shifts my awareness from fear to faith.

As a result, I am able to separate my emotions from facts and act more maturely and responsibly. I am grateful to Gurumayi for sharing this story and inspiring me.

 

Thane West, India

As I view these images, their simplicity and purity still my mind. The harmonious composition of each one reveals a beauty that is timeless. I find I look at them without interpretation, as if I were coming out of meditation and observing the world around me with soft eyes.
 

Maine, United States