Siddha Yoga Satsang in Honor of Makara Sankranti
Siddha Yogis Share Their Experiences
During the Makara Sankranti satsang, I experienced an expansion of light inside and outside of myself. In my inner vision, I saw small, sparkling particles of light dancing in rhythm with my breath and pulsating throughout my body.
Enveloped in this light, I felt protected and at peace. It was similar to how I felt as a child when watching snowflakes fall to the ground in immaculate silence.
During darshan of Bade Baba, my mind became absorbed in the golden light of Surya Devata emanating from the murti. I felt my devotion, my bhakti, dwell in that light. I understood that light is the light of the Guru and also my true nature.
Enveloped in this light, I felt protected and at peace. It was similar to how I felt as a child when watching snowflakes fall to the ground in immaculate silence.
During darshan of Bade Baba, my mind became absorbed in the golden light of Surya Devata emanating from the murti. I felt my devotion, my bhakti, dwell in that light. I understood that light is the light of the Guru and also my true nature.
Macerata, Italy
When I saw Shri Gurumayi, I experienced a great wave of grace entering my heart and a purifying energy filling me. Prior to the satsang, I had been feeling a lack of confidence. That all shifted, and my heart felt full of joy.
Udhana, India
I see you looking at me,
a gaze like the sun,
forever shining.
Whether I am aware of it or not,
your grace pours in like the sunlight.
May I always receive it, bask in it,
and nurture this feeling in my heart.
a gaze like the sun,
forever shining.
Whether I am aware of it or not,
your grace pours in like the sunlight.
May I always receive it, bask in it,
and nurture this feeling in my heart.
Leichhardt, Australia
Before participating in the satsang, I was feeling that my heart was a bit dry. Receiving Gurumayi’s darshan and Bade Baba’s darshan opened my heart. Chanting with Gurumayi was a sweet gift. I experienced waves of love and a profound connection with Gurumayi.
New York, United States
I have attended the satsang in honor of Makara Sankranti every day, and every day I felt as if I were right there in the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple, happy and in love, and very lucky with my Siddha Yoga journey.
Today is the last day the video webcast is available on the Siddha Yoga path website. I tried to absorb all the peace, joy, sweetness, and devotion that Gurumayi has showered upon us.
Today is the last day the video webcast is available on the Siddha Yoga path website. I tried to absorb all the peace, joy, sweetness, and devotion that Gurumayi has showered upon us.
Naples, Italy
For a long time, I struggled with the critical side of my mind. My judgments of myself and others caused me stress. Everything felt tense and tight.
As I have participated repeatedly in the Makara Sankranti satsang, those negative feelings have been replaced by sweetness and a flow of devotion and love. I’ve been waking up every morning eager to participate once again in the satsang. Every time I have felt my heart leap in freedom and joy.
As I have participated repeatedly in the Makara Sankranti satsang, those negative feelings have been replaced by sweetness and a flow of devotion and love. I’ve been waking up every morning eager to participate once again in the satsang. Every time I have felt my heart leap in freedom and joy.
Hørsholm, Denmark
Being with Gurumayi this week has been a momentous blessing for me. Tonight, as I viewed the video webcast for the last time, I closed my eyes and saw the Blue Pearl.
For the last three decades, my beloved Gurumayi has blessed me in so many ways. Her countenance, her tenderness, her laughter, her love have brought me through many challenges and given me immense joy. I am so grateful!
For the last three decades, my beloved Gurumayi has blessed me in so many ways. Her countenance, her tenderness, her laughter, her love have brought me through many challenges and given me immense joy. I am so grateful!
South Carolina, United States
For five days, I joined the Makara Sankranti satsang from Benin in West Africa on my small cellphone screen. The Wi-Fi reception was mostly shaky, but each time I got it back, I was in bliss, and when I lost it, I realized that the bliss hadn’t left me.
In contrast to wintertime in Germany, where I am from, in West Africa, the sun shines brightly and the waves of the Atlantic Ocean are at times huge and powerful and at other times mellow and playful. As I sat silently by the turquoise water, I offered my prayer in gratitude for the darshan of my beloved Guru in the form of the sun and the water.
In contrast to wintertime in Germany, where I am from, in West Africa, the sun shines brightly and the waves of the Atlantic Ocean are at times huge and powerful and at other times mellow and playful. As I sat silently by the turquoise water, I offered my prayer in gratitude for the darshan of my beloved Guru in the form of the sun and the water.
Palzing, Germany
Today I participated once again in the Makara Sankranti satsang. During the meditation I envisioned Bade Baba’s Temple in Gurudev Siddha Peeth. I was looking at it from a distance and I was feeling great wonder as the walls of the Temple were growing taller and bigger, as if the walls had life in them.
The Temple was expanding and slowly all of Gurudev Siddha Peeth and then the whole world became part of the Temple. Then I was looking at myself from outside myself. In front of the expanding walls I was so small that I could not see the roof of the Temple even after bending my neck fully to look up. I was like a small insect—and then “I” disappeared!
The Temple was expanding and slowly all of Gurudev Siddha Peeth and then the whole world became part of the Temple. Then I was looking at myself from outside myself. In front of the expanding walls I was so small that I could not see the roof of the Temple even after bending my neck fully to look up. I was like a small insect—and then “I” disappeared!
Pune, India
What a precious gift! This satsang with the Sun God and with Shri Gurumayi was a precious gift that I am still treasuring. The word that comes to mind is restoration. This satsang—with its chanting, meditating, and darshan of the Guru—was restorative! As I meditated, Shri Guru opened a door in my heart, and my body was enveloped in the warm, restorative power of the sun.
New Jersey, United States
It has always fascinated me to watch camphor being waved in front of Bade Baba’s murti. I find the flame of camphor strong, abundant, and exquisite. Singing the text of the Karpura Arati feels like an auspicious prayer to me.
Today I waved camphor in front of my small murti of Bade Baba and listened to the Karpura Arati. I was surprised at how the atmosphere in my room changed immediately. Everything became calm, pure, and filled with a divine presence. I felt that my whole being just wanted to meditate and merge into this ocean of light.
Today I waved camphor in front of my small murti of Bade Baba and listened to the Karpura Arati. I was surprised at how the atmosphere in my room changed immediately. Everything became calm, pure, and filled with a divine presence. I felt that my whole being just wanted to meditate and merge into this ocean of light.
Unterlangenegg, Switzerland
This poem is dedicated to my beloved Gurumayi, who has made the sun of knowledge dawn in my heart and mind, who has carried me across the ocean of suffering, who has lent the sun itself its luster, and who shines with the light of ten thousand suns!
Surya Devata/Sun God
As you leave me every night
you set the sky ablaze.
And each morning when you return
your light is a bowl of gemstones:
ruby, sapphire, and amber,
spilled across the horizon.
In the history of all the worlds
has there ever been a more faithful friend?
Surya Devata/Sun God
As you leave me every night
you set the sky ablaze.
And each morning when you return
your light is a bowl of gemstones:
ruby, sapphire, and amber,
spilled across the horizon.
In the history of all the worlds
has there ever been a more faithful friend?
New York, United States
This Makara Sankranti satsang fills me with so much love, joy, and devotion! It has renewed my love for Gurumayi. She is so loving, welcoming, and generous. Chanting these powerful chants while being in the Temple with Bade Baba and Gurumayi is so transforming.
Washington, United States
Each morning, I relish watching the recording of the live stream video of the Makara Sankranti satsang. As I do so, I experience that I am in Shree Muktananda Ashram, sitting in the Temple with Gurumayi and Bade Baba. I believe that Gurumayi feels my love and hears every one of my prayers. I feel in my heart that I am being given the darshan that I have been longing for.
California, United States
When I first experienced the calm and loving presence of Gurumayi, my heart surged with great gratitude. I could not contain my feelings of devotion, as I kept internally thanking Gurumayi for being a part of my life. But, as my emotions subsided somewhat, I wondered to myself, “Why don’t I feel this devotion for the Guru all the time? Why does my heart sometimes feel dry, while at other times I am overwhelmed with love for Gurumayi?”
Then, during the chant, I received Gurumayi’s guidance when I heard her say that bhakti (devotion) is fluid.
I am grateful to Gurumayi for her words. I pray that going forward, I will have the right understanding to accept all the phases of my devotion for my Guru.
Then, during the chant, I received Gurumayi’s guidance when I heard her say that bhakti (devotion) is fluid.
I am grateful to Gurumayi for her words. I pray that going forward, I will have the right understanding to accept all the phases of my devotion for my Guru.
a Gurukula student in Gurudev Siddha Peeth
To me, Gurumayi was so radiant and emanated such joy and love. As we chanted Narayana, I felt a new level of happiness, clarity, and bliss. When Gurumayi said the word “devotion,” I was extremely moved. I am very grateful for this entire experience. I pray that I will always remember this feeling of healing love and bliss. I pray that I will always find the Guru like a golden sun in my heart.
Ludlow, United Kingdom
As we chanted AUM over and over again, images of people in my life began to pop up in my mind’s eye—a different person (or pet) appearing for each round of AUM. As I chanted in this way, focused on the conscious remembrance of each person, I felt that each one was being blessed. I experienced that they were being brought into the realm of light and holiness.
Maryland, United States
As we chanted Narayana, I became so absorbed in the sound of the namasankirtana that it seemed to open a portal to even greater sound. After Gurumayi commented about the chant being like water, I began to hear the music cascading, dancing, and flowing. A few moments later, I started to not only hear but somehow also see sounds while Gurumayi was singing. Some sounds even appeared to make harmonies with each other, like floating, sparkling drops of water adorning her voice.
After a while, I experienced that these sounds were bubbling up from inside my own heart. I wanted to sing them. It was like being simultaneously in a river and an ocean of sonic sunlight. It was unlike anything I have ever experienced before. I am still reveling in and assimilating this experience, for which I am so very grateful.
After a while, I experienced that these sounds were bubbling up from inside my own heart. I wanted to sing them. It was like being simultaneously in a river and an ocean of sonic sunlight. It was unlike anything I have ever experienced before. I am still reveling in and assimilating this experience, for which I am so very grateful.
New York, United States
In the sacred silence that followed the chanting of Narayana, I was immersed in a wonderful inner vision of sunlight on a vast ocean. From within, a profound feeling of completeness arose. I heard these words: nila bindu, blue like deep water, nila bindu, pearl like the rising sun.
Katzenbach, Germany
Yesterday evening, after participating in the satsang in honor of Makara Sankranti, I went to brush my teeth. When I looked in the mirror, I saw a beautiful blue light flashing at the level of my heart. I was totally surprised, and mesmerized too, because this light was beautiful!
I then drew a picture of a heart with light streaming out of it so that I will always remember that God lives in all hearts and that I really saw this light of God streaming out of my own heart.
I then drew a picture of a heart with light streaming out of it so that I will always remember that God lives in all hearts and that I really saw this light of God streaming out of my own heart.
Unterlangenegg, Switzerland
This was an amazing satsang. Darshan of Bade Baba and Gurumayi filled me with indescribable joy, and I forgot my body and mind and felt myself become one with the flow of nectar. During meditation I saw the divine light of Surya Devata within, which gradually turned into the feet of Bhagavan Nityananda. There was splendorous blue light all around, which seemed to draw me deeper within.
Udaipur, India
Chanting with Gurumayi is always ecstatic! I am very grateful that we can participate in this satsang again and again. I have had the time to approach the chanting in different ways. As I continue to participate, I discover that there are many more things to contemplate than I had noticed at first.
Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
The Makara Sankranti satsang in the Universal Hall was as sweet for me as the sesame and jaggery laddus we offer to each other here in India on this holiday.
Having Shri Guru’s darshan made my heart dance in bliss. I wanted to hold each and every moment in my heart forever!
During the chant, I could feel the sound vibrations of God’s name filling the entire universe. At one point, I felt I had gone to the stars, to galaxies, to mountains, trees, and flowers, and told each of them: “See, see how blissful my Shri Guru’s form is today!” I wanted to share my joy with everyone and everything!
I am still feeling this dancing, joyful energy within me!
Having Shri Guru’s darshan made my heart dance in bliss. I wanted to hold each and every moment in my heart forever!
During the chant, I could feel the sound vibrations of God’s name filling the entire universe. At one point, I felt I had gone to the stars, to galaxies, to mountains, trees, and flowers, and told each of them: “See, see how blissful my Shri Guru’s form is today!” I wanted to share my joy with everyone and everything!
I am still feeling this dancing, joyful energy within me!
A Gurukula student in Gurudev Siddha Peeth
Chanting Narayana during the satsang, I felt embraced by the chant’s powerful energy. It reverberated in all my cells and filled me with the warm rays of the sun.
I can feel Surya Devata—the sun god—shining within me, reflecting the beauty and reliability of the sun that rises day after day.
I can feel Surya Devata—the sun god—shining within me, reflecting the beauty and reliability of the sun that rises day after day.
Mersin, Turkey
Thirty-four years ago, during a beginners’ satsang, I chanted Narayana for the very first time. How could I have not fallen in love? Today, we celebrated Makara Sankranti in honor of Surya Devata, the deity of the sun, and chanted Narayana with Gurumayi. How could I not fall in love again and again?
Throughout the satsang, Gurumayi’s boundless blessings were palpable for me. I felt us all vibrating as one heart, one love—all of us illumined by divine light.
Throughout the satsang, Gurumayi’s boundless blessings were palpable for me. I felt us all vibrating as one heart, one love—all of us illumined by divine light.
New York, United States
I am deeply grateful for this grace-filled, sweet, and generous satsang today.
As we chanted Narayana, I was filled with so much love that it overflowed into tears of joy. It was like the first time I chanted Narayana at my very first satsang over thirty years ago.
I can feel Gurumayi’s love and commitment to our sadhana. For me, it is as stalwart and reliable as the sun.
As we chanted Narayana, I was filled with so much love that it overflowed into tears of joy. It was like the first time I chanted Narayana at my very first satsang over thirty years ago.
I can feel Gurumayi’s love and commitment to our sadhana. For me, it is as stalwart and reliable as the sun.
Tennessee, United States
This satsang touched me so deeply. Never before do I recall having been in the presence of such radiance, such purity, such clarity. I was with the sun and experienced deep contentment. In that contentment I sensed deep stillness and readiness to serve. What a beautiful place in my being! I long to live my life from that place.
With great love and gratitude, I offered dakshina after the satsang to give my heart at least a small way to express its fullness and immense gratitude.
With great love and gratitude, I offered dakshina after the satsang to give my heart at least a small way to express its fullness and immense gratitude.
Hinwil, Switzerland
I am so grateful for this beautiful satsang.
As Gurumayi was chanting the Surya Gayatri mantra, I perceived the sound and words of the mantra as ancient and eternal. I understood that this sacred space was actually within my own being. I was filled with love and bliss.This state remained with me as we chanted Narayana. During the chant, I perceived that the whole world existed and was unfolding within my being.
The power of these profound experiences still remains with me and I am able to renew my perceptions by recalling the moments in which they first occurred.
As Gurumayi was chanting the Surya Gayatri mantra, I perceived the sound and words of the mantra as ancient and eternal. I understood that this sacred space was actually within my own being. I was filled with love and bliss.This state remained with me as we chanted Narayana. During the chant, I perceived that the whole world existed and was unfolding within my being.
The power of these profound experiences still remains with me and I am able to renew my perceptions by recalling the moments in which they first occurred.
Arizona, United States
The light of the sun itself right in my living room.
A front-row seat to the Guru’s love!
A heart filled with light, love, and music!
A front-row seat to the Guru’s love!
A heart filled with light, love, and music!
Minnesota, United States
Although the Makara Sankranti satsang began at 2 a.m. local time, I soon felt calmed by the beautiful singing and the heavenly flute.
As we started chanting Narayana, I had the experience that I wasn’t chanting just for myself. As I watched Gurumayi chant, I found myself answering her. In that answering, I felt part of a world-wide network of beneficial chanting spreading over my small community and uniting with everyone else to encompass the globe.
I felt so grateful to be part of the Siddha Yoga global sangham, which holds the well-being of everyone and everything in its intention. I feel continual love and gratitude for Gurumayi.
As we started chanting Narayana, I had the experience that I wasn’t chanting just for myself. As I watched Gurumayi chant, I found myself answering her. In that answering, I felt part of a world-wide network of beneficial chanting spreading over my small community and uniting with everyone else to encompass the globe.
I felt so grateful to be part of the Siddha Yoga global sangham, which holds the well-being of everyone and everything in its intention. I feel continual love and gratitude for Gurumayi.
Lismore Heights, Australia
This Makara Sankranti satsang was so complete! It contained so many jewels that I couldn’t ask for any more. The after-effects of the satsang continue to vibrate in my being, immersing me in great contentment and ever-resounding bliss.
Florida, United States
The power of Gurumayi’s love, and the presence of Shri Guru’s grace in my heart, continue to be the source of countless miracles and surprising breakthroughs.
My responsibilities and daily routine changed radically in March 2020. Although always continuing with my daily spiritual practices, the regular physical exercise that had been an intrinsic part of my day-to-day life and self-care fell by the wayside, and with it a sense of well-being. With this beautiful Makara Sankranti satsang—and the blessings of participating in three Siddha Yoga satsangs already in 2023—I feel that a spell of inertia has been broken and an oppressive heaviness lifted from me. I am inspired to move again and take better care of my body’s health, and I feel a renewed sense of wonder and enthusiasm for life.
In deepest pranam, I offer my heartfelt gratitude to Shri Gurumayi for her endless guidance and love.
My responsibilities and daily routine changed radically in March 2020. Although always continuing with my daily spiritual practices, the regular physical exercise that had been an intrinsic part of my day-to-day life and self-care fell by the wayside, and with it a sense of well-being. With this beautiful Makara Sankranti satsang—and the blessings of participating in three Siddha Yoga satsangs already in 2023—I feel that a spell of inertia has been broken and an oppressive heaviness lifted from me. I am inspired to move again and take better care of my body’s health, and I feel a renewed sense of wonder and enthusiasm for life.
In deepest pranam, I offer my heartfelt gratitude to Shri Gurumayi for her endless guidance and love.
West Vancouver, Canada
Since participating in the Makara Sankranti live video stream, I have become more present for myself, instead of unconsciously letting habitual thought patterns determine my moment-to-moment reality. I am indeed being with myself in a miraculously new way.
This morning in meditation, I was guided to experience a new respect for myself. Through the mantra, I easily felt a self-respect that was so simple and accessible. I sat basking comfortably in the self-blessing of self-respect. I felt that I was basking, self-luminous, in my own sunshine!
This morning in meditation, I was guided to experience a new respect for myself. Through the mantra, I easily felt a self-respect that was so simple and accessible. I sat basking comfortably in the self-blessing of self-respect. I felt that I was basking, self-luminous, in my own sunshine!
New York, United States
From the moment the satsang began until the end, I felt wrapped with love and devotion. From the beginning on, I visualized a gentle and bright flame in my heart. Then, while we chanted Narayana, the flame within me became the sun, and I could see inside my body a beautiful blue and calm ocean.
As the satsang continued, I could feel the sun rising up and up through each chakra until it settled in my sahasrara. In that process I felt strong pressure in the heart and throat chakras, with the flow rising strongly to the top. I felt as if my head were open, in a rounded form, feeling the beat of the warm light, the sea, the shakti.
Only in my heart can I express all my gratitude to Gurumayi.
As the satsang continued, I could feel the sun rising up and up through each chakra until it settled in my sahasrara. In that process I felt strong pressure in the heart and throat chakras, with the flow rising strongly to the top. I felt as if my head were open, in a rounded form, feeling the beat of the warm light, the sea, the shakti.
Only in my heart can I express all my gratitude to Gurumayi.
Olivos, Argentina
The power of satsang is invaluable! My heart sparkles like snow in the sun, its light flows through my veins and makes my soul vibrate. I am experiencing deep gratitude!
Plougonvelin, France
Shri Guru resides in my heart
Infinite love
Surya Devata shines in my heart
Infinite light
Gratitude fills my heart, like an ocean of sweetness
I am filled, whole, complete, healed,
vibrant with my Guru’s love,
renewed by her gaze,
awed by her compassion,
inspired by her wisdom.
Infinite love
Surya Devata shines in my heart
Infinite light
Gratitude fills my heart, like an ocean of sweetness
I am filled, whole, complete, healed,
vibrant with my Guru’s love,
renewed by her gaze,
awed by her compassion,
inspired by her wisdom.
Llwynygroes, United Kingdom
I am very thankful for this morning’s delightful satsang in honor of Makara Sankranti. Chanting Narayana reminded me of when I participated in my first Shaktipat Intensive about thirty years ago—because that was the first time I chanted Narayana. I remember how joyful and energized Gurumayi was during that chant; at one point, she was dancing through the hall as she chanted.
That memory is engraved in my heart and mind. As I drove the four hours back home, I just kept chanting Narayana. I remember opening the car window and thinking that the vibration of the chant was spreading out to everyone I passed.
This morning illuminated the memory of that experience. From deep within my heart, I extend my gratitude and eternal love to Gurumayi.
That memory is engraved in my heart and mind. As I drove the four hours back home, I just kept chanting Narayana. I remember opening the car window and thinking that the vibration of the chant was spreading out to everyone I passed.
This morning illuminated the memory of that experience. From deep within my heart, I extend my gratitude and eternal love to Gurumayi.
Massachusetts, United States
O my heart…
A kite billowing to touch the sun…
My Pilot tugs the string…
I dance higher…
A kite billowing to touch the sun…
My Pilot tugs the string…
I dance higher…
Texas, United States