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May 2023

May
Nature in Shree Muktananda Ashram I

Nature in Shree Muktananda Ashram

by Pamela Roberts

The scriptures of India often describe the ashram of a spiritual Master as flourishing with vibrant gardens, abundant wildlife, and the entrancing beauty of nature. It seems that all of life celebrates the presence of a great being in its midst. Why is this so? The scriptures reveal that the grounds of an ashram are infused with the presence of the Guru’s shakti, the benevolent, divine power of grace and spiritual awakening that is beneficial to all living creatures.

The photographs of nature in this series all originate from Shree Muktananda Ashram, the abode of Gurumayi Chidvilasananda, the Siddha Yoga Guru. Month after month, year in and year out, we are given an opportunity to witness the movement of the shakti that continuously arises and flows through the seasons, manifesting as the majestic natural world of infinite variety, perfection, and mystery. By engaging with these images, we may discover the transformative power they can have on our inner state and awareness.

When I looked at these photographs for the first time, I felt a gentle, blissful energy stirring within me. After viewing the last image, I sat motionless, in silence and in a deeply peaceful state. Gradually, a thought arose, and I realized I had been in meditation. I had always loved nature, but being with nature had never drawn me inside in this way.

Contemplating this experience, I realized that I had connected with the shakti that pervades the grounds of Shree Muktananda Ashram. I understood that these photographs had provided me with a way to experience the play of supreme creative energy as it manifests in nature. Inspired by this understanding, I began a regular exploration of the natural world through the exquisite purity and perspective of these images.

Any one of these photographs can take us within, where we can experience our oneness with nature—and our own divinity. Each time we prepare to view the photographs, it is good to set an intention—for example, the intention of connecting with the shakti. As we center ourselves, our approach might be like entering a temple, the sacred temple of nature. Before looking at the photographs, we might begin our meditation by focusing on the breath and repeating the mantra. Then, as we press “play” or scroll one-by-one through the images, we can coordinate our breath and the mantra with the movement of nature before us. When we are drawn to a specific image, we can pause the image to contemplate it, asking ourselves, “What do I learn from this photograph that I can apply to my life?” In this way, we are engaging with the images as a spiritual practice.

By viewing the photographs regularly, we can observe the harmony and balance that sustain the natural world. And because we are an intrinsic part of nature, we can contemplate how our own lives can benefit from nature’s peerless example. Over time, by learning to immerse ourselves in the divinity of nature through these images from Shree Muktananda Ashram, we can transform our experience of nature wherever we live and wherever we go on this planet.

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On Mother’s Day, when I saw the photo of Bade Baba’s murti in white and pink, I felt him as very soft and tender, yet so strong.   
The image of the murti radiates immense purity, beauty, and divinity for me. It touches me, and I want to keep it close to my heart.
 

Hindelang, Germany

I have been feeling immense gratitude for the photos of nature in Shree Muktananda Ashram. For me it is a gift to connect to this lofty realm. In the images, I perceive immaculate purity, gentleness, serenity. Nature feels so sacred and divine. As I view the images, I am drawn to search within myself for this sacred space. I like to stay connected to this inner space as long as possible after I close the website. With the awareness that divinity is present, it is easy to feel good, to forgive, and to bless all.
 

Hindelang, Germany

The view of the lush green-and-red landscape next to the bridge over Lake Nityananda filled my being with contentment and a sweet feeling of expansion.
 

Ville St. Laurent, Canada

Wow! Spring glory! Baba’s love!

For me, Baba is that huge rainbow holding us all, watching over everything and everyone, giving us colors and inspiration.

I see the triple rainbow above, and below it a festival of happy flowers! Beautiful pink blossoms in every tone of pink, so pretty, so fresh; to me it is as though the flowers are dancing and singing!
 

New York, United States

When my eyes and senses take in the color, the beauty, the splendor of nature at Shree Muktananda Ashram, my entire being softens. I feel settled within, serene and contented—drawn to what feels like the most intimate and familiar place in my heart—drawn to what feels like home.
 

New Jersey, United States