A Day in the Temple
in Honor of Bhagavan Nityananda’s Punyatithi
Siddha Yogis Share Their Experiences

A Day in the Temple, A Lifetime in the Heart!
New York, United States

A Day in the Temple, A Lifetime in the Heart!
New York, United States

Her disappointment touched my heart deeply. At the same time, I was overjoyed to hear her speak about her love for Gurumayi ji, her wanting to do the practices, and her connection to the Siddha Yoga path.
Fortunately, I was able to support her by sharing what Gurumayi ji had said toward the end of the satsang. I told her that Gurumayi ji said that she missed all those who couldn’t be there, that she told us to “Be happy!”and that she said “Love you!” at the very end. My niece listened quietly, and managed to overcome her sense of disappointment by accepting Gurumayi’s words as being for her personally.
I was again in bliss!
a Gurukula student in Gurudev Siddha Peeth

After I finished recording, I had the experience that I was sitting in front of Bade Baba in Gurudev Siddha Peeth in the early morning at meditation time. I closed my eyes. I became aware of my smile, which was becoming wider and wider. And I also became aware that there was no apparent feeling of what I usually call love, gratitude, or joy—no name to what I was experiencing. I was just there in that quietness and nothing else.
Later, this experience reminded me of the twelfth verse of the Upanishad Mantras, which says “sukshmatisukshmam,” “He is the subtlest of the subtle.”
Chennai, India

The aratis, the readings, the bhajan, the chanting with Gurumayi were all precious gifts from Bade Baba on his punyatithi day. The days afterward were also filled with his presence, leaving me with many tangible experiences. On August 8 when we participated in the celebration satsang here in Kolkata, during chanting I saw Bade Baba’s scintillating laughter, and during meditation I saw him sitting on a slab in the river, with his right leg playing in the water. He seemed so happy.
I am so grateful to Bade Baba for being present in our lives and showering his blessings upon us.
Kolkata, India

He looked magnificent and majestic, as always, in his green and beige attire and I was in complete awe of his grandeur. I also had a nice heart-to- heart chat with him, mentally sharing with him all that I was going through in my life and seeking his grace and blessings.
The understanding I received from Bade Baba was to “surf” on the waves of life, that is, to be agile and buoyant while still maintaining my balance. Whether the waves are big or small, be agile, be still, stay afloat. It was powerful guidance!
Mumbai, India

“A Day in the Temple” has been preserved in my deepest self. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime satsang. I was tuned in for all of it. My heart is still singing right along with my voice and mind.
Washington, United States

Chanting Bhagavan Nityananda’s name with Gurumayi gave me the experience of love and gratitude as I watched Gurumayi chanting with us. During meditation I had the darshan of Bhagavan Nityananda in the form of the Blue Pearl between my eyes.
Watching Gurumayi laughing, looking at me, and nodding was a reaffirmation for me that, yes, Gurumayi is always with me in my heart and is always protecting me.
Lucknow, India

For me, “A Day in the Temple” was extraordinary. I experienced that Bade Baba’s quietude permeated every element of the satsang. Ever since I participated in this satsang, my heart, mind, and soul have been very happy.
I feel such heartfelt gratitude to all those who offered their time, skills, and talents to bring this exquisite live video stream event to the sangham and to the world.
I am grateful to Gurumayi for her love, compassion, and guidance. I feel that this satsang has given me a mystical experience of the Siddhas and my own divinity that continues to reverberate.
Virginia, United States

By the grace of Shri Guru, I was able to attend the entirety of “A Day in the Temple,” even though I was in transit during parts of the day. I experienced that the more I participated in the flow of the satsang, the more I felt Bade Baba’s and Shri Gurumayi’s shakti bringing me deeper and deeper inside. The moment that the meditation started, I found myself in a state of profound stillness, which seemed effortless. I believe that this was a result of Bade Baba’s and Gurumayi’s powerful presence in the Siddha Yoga Universal Hall. I felt so strongly that Gurumayi was right in front of me, not across the world.
Ahmedabad, India

I am so grateful for “A Day in the Temple.” For a while, I have had a strong desire to dive deeper into my sadhana. Spending all day participating in this satsang was the perfect way for me to begin to do this. “A Day in the Temple” was, for me, so full of shakti. Each reading, each meditation, and each chant seemed to expand my experience of the Self. I offer my deepest gratitude for the Siddha Yoga path and for this life-changing satsang.
North Carolina, United States

Since participating in the memorable “A Day in the Temple,” I have felt I am living in communion with Bhagavan Nityananda. Anchored in quiet strength, I am bathed in a velvety silence. My heart overflows with tenderness and gratitude. Day and night, my beloved Bade Baba dwells in my heart.
The wonderful offerings presented to Bade Baba throughout the course of “A Day in the Temple” were like a feast for my soul. The practice of naivedya—offering exquisite food with deep devotion—moved me deeply. For me, it reflected the spiritual nourishment so generously given by our three Gurus to the entire Earth and to my own heart, thus changing the course of my life forever. Since observing the performance of naivedya during the satsang, I have begun to feel more conscious and grateful for the sacredness of all kinds of nourishment that I receive and give in my blessed life.
Quebec, Canada

Part of my experience of “A Day in the Temple” took place on a beautiful day in the Northern Italian mountains. During a hike, I found a place in the forest to sit down and participate in the live video stream. The moment the satsang began, several butterflies landed on the mobile phone I was using to participate in the event. These beautiful beings stayed with me for a long time.
There was absolute silence all around, and I could feel Bade Baba’s presence very strongly as I joined in the singing of the Arati. My heart was filled with immense gratitude to be on this divine path and to be able to experience a sense of oneness with the Siddha Yoga Gurus in the midst of these majestic mountains.
Cologne, Germany

Here in Germany, the “day” went from noon to midnight. Yet, at the conclusion, I thought: What? It’s already over? But it’s not over. I am still feeling Bade Baba’s presence and Gurumayi’s shakti so strongly. I feel nourished and full of inner images and impressions.
Hindelang, Germany

In a subtle way, I continue to feel Bade Baba’s sparkling, golden presence and the love of our Sadgurus. The celebration continues to go on within me wherever I am!
Starnberg, Germany

The dancers, the musical segments, and the heartfelt stories were all so inspiring. And when the dancing saptah started, I danced around my living room, trying to follow the steps. I felt such joy, such a sense of lightness!
Hørsholm, Denmark

I was already amazed by the cornucopia of offerings throughout the day! Such an abundance of love, joy, bliss, and goodness. I was dancing within and without at the thought of the circle of love we were creating around the planet.
I feel that with this satsang, my sadhana has been stepped up to another level of devotion. And in taking Gurumayi’s farewell blessing to heart—yes! I am very happy!
California, United States

Throughout the day, I was simultaneously in Shree Muktananda Ashram and in my house in the south of France! Every moment of the satsang, produced with so much love by the teams of Ashram sevites, was pure joy! When the dancing saptah began, I danced around the table in my dining room!
As I left my house the following morning, I was a new person in a new environment, and still bathing in pure Consciousness!
Rodez, France

I did my best to stay focused and present in front of the screen through the night. I was disappointed that I fell asleep once or twice. Still, later in the day, I felt Bade Baba’s presence with me. Even now, a couple of days later, I still think about him and feel he is here. What amazing grace!
Christchurch, New Zealand

When the host referred to this day as “a pilgrimage to the heart,” I felt that she so accurately described what we had experienced in the Universal Hall. It was a sacred day in which we could step right into the Temple every time we joined the live stream, and in doing so we entered the temple of our own hearts.
When Gurumayi so lovingly wished us farewell and said, “Love you!” my heart burst with love and I said, ”Me, too!”
Mexico City, Mexico

Rosendahl, Germany

Nairobi, Kenya

I participated in the beginning portion of “A Day in the Temple,” and then I went to bed with the intention of getting up for the final part of the live video stream. However, my friends, the kookaburras, seemed to be especially and joyously vocal during the early hours of the morning, so I got up before 5:30 a.m. to resume my participation. I noticed that when we had silent darshan with Bade Baba, they increased their vocalizing. It felt to me that they were participating by offering their song in praise. Even now, the purity of their song stays with me as an experience of Bade Baba’s darshan in nature.
Redfern, Australia

New York, United States

When I opened my eyes, the sun was up and the atmosphere inside and outside was scintillating. And this continued for the entire day, as I watched dancing, singing, readings, sharings—and then saw our beloved Gurumayi enter the Temple and make her offerings to Bade Baba.
I couldn’t help but ask, “Is this the magical mystery I felt hours earlier?” and wondered, “How does my heart stay intact with all this joy and love pulsating through it?” Then I looked at Bade Baba, whose sweet smile and serene presence whispered to me, “Yes!” And I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that my heart is the sacred place where I am to live and roam free.
North Carolina, United States

As I entered the Intensive hall and joined one of the satsang meditation sessions, I immediately fell into deep meditation. All the elements of the satsang were full of beauty and deep love. As we chanted with Gurumayi and I listened to and watched her—while simultaneously experiencing myself as a part of the Ashram sangham here—everything around me disappeared and I felt only love and joy, nothing else.
Gottmadingen, Germany

For the first time, a friend of mine came to join me for a moment of the satsang. She immediately became attuned to it, even though this satsang was totally novel for her. She chanted enthusiastically along with Gurumayi, and left happy and renewed.
Softly, gradually, the shakti of this blessed day of pure grace has permeated my heart. And some difficult emotions I’d experienced in recent months have now given way to surrender, profound peace, and opening of my breath into Hamsa.
The strength and tender softness of Bhagavan Nityananda’s love, the unlimited devotion of Baba Muktananda, the delight and enthusiasm of Gurumayi surrounded by young people—all these have reawakened memories of so many magical Ashram visits. Now I have to assimilate this nectarean day and strengthen my daily practices to honor this gift. That is my challenge.
Blanquefort, France

As soon as Gurumayi looked toward the camera and smiled, I felt a deep emotion. These days I am concerned about my husband’s health, but when I saw Gurumayi’s compassionate look and smile, I felt all her support and love. She seemed to be looking right at me and wanting to comfort and support me.
Bade Baba’s murti was beautiful, shimmering, and seemingly alive. The darshans and contemplations were filled with Bade Baba’s love and blessings. During the meditation I entered a state of deep stillness and calm. I felt the divine presence around me and felt Bade Baba’s golden energy enveloping my husband and filling him with light.
Naples, Italy

I made the effort to clear my schedule so that I could spend as much time as possible viewing and participating in the many beautiful and powerful activities. Today is Sunday and I can’t get the details of yesterday’s celebration out of my mind. I find myself continuously thinking about what Gurumayi said to us throughout the day, and how uplifted I felt by chanting with her and by Bade Baba’s darshan, as well as by the storytelling and the dancing and musical performances.
As I remember yesterday’s events, I am transported back to the actual experience. And so I am filled with joy and gratitude.
San Felipe, Mexico

During the dancing Saptah I danced as well, with tears of joy and love! After many hours in the Temple I took a pause and went out for a short walk in nature. Every leaf, every flower, every tree looked so shiny and beautiful and reflected Bade Baba’s divinity, just as Gurumayi describes in her poem, “A Temple Without Form.” I felt Bade Baba’s divine presence so powerfully everywhere—especially in my heart!
Yes, indeed, what a happy and unforgettable day this has been!
Palzing, Germany

I didn’t want to miss one minute of the entire day! It was a day spent in heaven.
New York, United States

I loved every part of the satsang, including the Arati with the Upanishad mantras we used to sing in the Temple in Gurudev Siddha Peeth. The readings from Baba’s book Bhagawan Nityananda of Ganeshpuri made Bade Baba so alive for me. The love I felt will never leave me. I am so grateful to Gurumayi for “A Day in the Temple.”
Juvignac, France

When we were chanting Nityanandam Brahmanandam with Gurumayi, tears of joy were streaming down my face as I recalled chanting the same chant with Gurumayi in the Siddha Yoga retreat in Sitges, Spain, in 1996. It felt like all the Siddhas were touching my heart. I feel very lucky as we were showered with blessings, blessings, and more blessings!
Eastbourne, United Kingdom

I was very comforted when Rami shared that the miracle of grace is always blossoming around us, and by her visualization of golden light surrounding the planet. I really resonated with her saying, with such conviction, that we have a mandala of Gurus surrounding the earth and protecting us. More and more over the past few years, I too have become convinced that life unfolds miraculously, and that blessings are surrounding us all the time.
Sydney, Australia

With each person who sweetly offered seva in this satsang, a deep connection and unity kept pulsating through me. Whether the person was reading an excerpt, dancing, playing an instrument, or speaking as the host, I kept feeling, “This is exactly how I would offer this seva.” I felt no separation between being in my home and being in the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple. We were all united in the abode of the heart! Shri Bade Bada showered blessings all around the world and his teachings were profoundly alive and palpable.
I feel unending gratitude to Shri Gurumayi for having us all around the world be united in the heart and receive her teachings, blessings, and love through the Siddha Yoga path website.
Colorado, United States

I am grateful for the Guru’s grace, which I realize is the only thing that makes this experience recognizable as an obvious one.
Washington, United States

As I’d kept a night vigil, like many others around the world, I entered the sweetest sleep following the end of the live video stream, feeling the nectar of the satsang and feeling embraced by the love of Bade Baba, Baba, and Gurumayi.
On waking, and as I went about my day, I keep delighting in the image of seeing Bade Baba smiling as he was garlanded, as he listened to people tell stories about him, and watched dancers and musicians perform for him.
Paddington, Australia

Yesterday, watching the satsang via live video stream and being in the Temple all day was just like being drenched by the divinity of Bhagavan Nityananda once more. I am very thankful to Gurumayi for giving us this beautiful and rich experience. I continue to feel its blessings.
New York, United States

Unterlangenegg, Switzerland

Later I had the impression that I was talking to Bade Baba as he was sitting in the Bade Baba Mandir located in Gurudev Siddha Peeth, and that he was talking with me. And when Gurumayi started chanting Nityanandam Brahmanandam, I was completely immersed in memories of Bade Baba and felt a deep sense of peace.
I am eternally grateful to Gurumayi for the divine experience I had in “A Day in the Temple.”
Ahmedabad, India

Everything was so perfect! Gurumayi was sparkling and joyful and I couldn’t stop laughing at her words. I rejoiced, I cried, I laughed; I felt enveloped in the love of the Siddhas. What more can be said? I am grateful from the bottom of my heart.
San Giorgio a Cremano, Italy

The stories and shares led my mind to complete quietude. I found that place of real peace in my heart, the state of peace in the presence of Bade Baba. While reciting Arati with Gurumayi ji, my heart was so full of love that my tears didn’t stop until the culmination.
I was so fresh after the event ended at 3:50 a.m. here that I attended the morning Arati once again in the Temple here and recited Shri Guru Gita! That was a complete saptah!
a Gurukula student in Gurudev Siddha Peeth

My love for my Guru’s physical presence is deep, and I am coming to see that beyond the physical Guru, all day, minute by minute, we were offered opportunities to become absorbed in our beloved Guru. I have learned that absorption in my Shri Guru can happen at any minute, any day, anywhere.
North Carolina, United States

However, as I participated in it yesterday, each moment unfolded most easefully, merging into the next and weaving a beautiful garland of experiences. Even when there was silence and only the tamboura reverberating in the Temple, I felt my being pulsating and melting in front of Bade Baba. I savored each moment. The whole satsang radiated shakti! When I left my puja room for meals and pauses, I continued to experience divinity and a constant feeling of being connected to the Temple. Eating also felt like worship—naivedya to my inner Self.
It felt so divine to sleep after chanting in the Temple and then arise at 2:30 a.m. as I heard the resounding Arati sounds from my puja room, inviting me there. My home felt as if it were converted to an Ashram!
This day’s experiences are etched in my heart.
Bangalore, India

Rome, Italy

I was also amazed, after the two times that Gurumayi came before Bade Baba to offer flowers, that suddenly the perfect space of his Temple seemed even fuller and richer than ever. It was as if her offerings amplified the perfect completeness of the space—that her perfection had made its perfection even more perfect.
“A Day in the Temple” was a beautiful way to experience the outpouring of our beloved Shri Gurus’ grace.
Guildford, United Kingdom

Among the beautiful elements of the satsang, the flute and sitar music made my heart dance. When I sang the Arati, holding its meaning in my mind, it felt so deep, as if Bade Baba ji were accepting my prayers and offering.
Pune, India

When Gurumayi arrived, her darshan gave me the joy of a wish came true. I observed the reverence, humility, and love she offered to Bade Baba in the form of the flowers she offered him.
I stayed up till 3 a.m. and played the satsang on my tablet during my sleep. I woke up at the satsang’s last hour, when I again received the darshan of my beloved Gurumayi.
Today I feel my whole home is filled with peace, a sense of aliveness, and a sense of joy. I feel complete.
Richmond, Australia

It is difficult to adequately express my love and gratitude for Bade Baba, Baba Muktananda, and beloved Gurumayi for so compassionately and generously giving me so many blissful moments. This has truly restored and revitalized me. I enjoyed the readings, the chants, the darshan moments, and the meditations that permeated my whole being so gently but deeply.
My heart is full.
Porto, Portugal

The Patch, Australia

It was great to not know exactly what was coming and to enjoy various activities whenever they occurred—especially seeing Gurumayi. It was a serene, comforting, and enjoyable experience.
Kingston, United Kingdom

One particular experience that stands out for me was when we were chanting Om Namo Bhagavate Nityanandaya with Gurumayi during the culmination of the satsang. I took notice of Baba Muktananda’s photo just above Gurumayi’s chair. To my eyes, his smile kept getting brighter and brighter as we chanted with Gurumayi in honor of Bade Baba’s Punyatithi. I realized he was joining us in the ecstatic celebration.
I am very thankful to have been offered a golden opportunity today to be with the lineage of Siddha Gurus.
New York, United States

I am so grateful for this day!
Georgia, United States

I started off the morning feeling sluggish, and my mind was agitated. I am transitioning out of my role at work and searching for a new job, and I have felt worried about this transition all week. But I took the day today to be with Bade Baba in the Temple—meditating, chanting, and having Bade Baba’s darshan.
As the day went on, I noticed my mind begin to calm, and a gentle, light, and breezy feeling spread throughout my being. My thoughts subsided, and a tranquil, blissful peace has taken their place.
The Siddha Yoga practices continually ground me and refresh my mind and spirit. I am grateful to Bade Baba for his love, his quietude, and his never-ending grace!
Pennsylvania, United States

Oakville, Canada

New York, United States

We prepared a beautiful bouquet of white roses for Bhagavan Nityananda. Baba then told me, “I want you to learn this seva in case I am not here to do it.”
My heart leapt with joy today when, via the live video stream, I entered the Temple and found the padukas and the ledge in front of the murti covered in white roses.
What an incredible satsang! Yes, this will not be forgotten.
Waterville, Canada

I will treasure this experience for a very, very long time. I intend to continue to nurture my experiences so I can honor them and allow them to continue to unfold, and so I can “be happy” and share my love even more in this world.
Sydney, Australia

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Yes, as Gurumayi said, we will remember “A Day in the Temple” for a very very long time. It is imprinted forever in each cell of my being. It was particularly exciting to see what a gorgeous production that “younglings” helped create!
Bangalore, India

Friday night I had a long, wonderful dream, in which I was part of a large gathering of Siddha Yogis from around the world, all participating in a great extended satsang. Through this reunion, I connected and reconnected with people I hadn’t seen for many years. There was a beautiful sense of everyone coming together for a most joyous occasion.
I awoke at 6:30 a.m. and joined “A Day in the Temple” in progress, and participated in this beautiful satsang through to its conclusion. I feel so grateful to Bade Baba, Baba, and Gurumayi, and to the great Shakti, for this gift of grace: to be able to be in the Temple—in both the dream and the waking states—and to get much-needed sleep too! Grace truly knows no bounds.
California, United States

One sentence from one of the experience shares resonated deeply with me: “Bade Baba knows everything.” It inspires in me total surrender, particularly to the Siddha Yoga spiritual practices. With firm trust in my heart that Bade Baba will protect and inspire me to walk the path of righteousness, I have strong faith that these practices will bring me fulfillment and immense joy.
I feel deeply inspired by the young adults who offered seva for the live video stream. It’s truly incredible to witness their dedication.
Pune, India

Chanting with Gurumayi in honor of Bade Baba was an experience filled with grace, joy, love, and ecstasy. Tears of joy and gratitude filled my eyes. How truly blessed am I to have been embraced by a Siddha Guru, the Siddha Yoga path, and the teachings which nourish, nurture, and guide my every step.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Thane West, India

California, United States

My heart is full of gratitude.
Carla-Bayle, France

I am thankful to Bade Baba, Baba, and Gurumayi for showering us with so much love and grace. I feel loved, protected, and guided. As my heart opens up more and more through the Guru’s love, I feel that I am kinder to people around me, and my life becomes easier to live.
Florida, United States

I am so grateful for the reverence, dedication, and love suffusing this satsang. Every detail, each element of Bade Baba’s day is a veritable feast for the eyes and ears. At the same time my attention is drawn inward to roam ever more deeply in the vastness of divine union.
Washington, United States

I am so delighted and grateful for this day.
Massachusetts, United States

Every corner of my own temple—my apartment here in New York City—is drinking in this profound and sacred energy. My own body, heart, mind, and soul feel it, too. The ongoing transmission of gurukripa, the shakti and grace of Shri Guru, is flowing and flooding into everything around me.
I am profoundly grateful to Bade Baba, Baba Muktananda, and beloved Gurumayi for this mahaprasad that is embracing, nourishing, healing, and uplifting this entire world!
New York, United States

Behold Lake Nityananda
Stillness meeting stillness
Auspicious day
Behold Bhagavan Nityananda
Love meeting love
Dance of devotion
Behold beloved Bade Baba
Heart meeting hearts
Connecticut, United States

Ville St. Laurent, Canada
