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?…Read more 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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Seeing all the lights around the Ashram lit up my heart! Bade Baba in red velvet at Christmas time is so lovely. The Guru’s orange flag flying in the wind outside the window, with Christmas lights and stars hanging inside, is so playful and fun!
I am grateful for these visual surprises filled with
shakti!
Hawaii, United States
Snow and ice, wind and cold, light and dark—nature models for me the virtue of endurance.
California, United States
Each day, I look forward to immersing myself in the photos of Shree Muktananda Ashram. For me, doing this feels like making a pilgrimage to a holy land. I experience a sense of delight and awe at taking a fresh look at nature. I revel in having the
darshan of Gurumayi and Bhagavan Nityananda.
I feel so blessed to begin my day by looking at such beautiful images that contribute to the upliftment of my soul.
California, United States
My heart lights up when I see the Christmas tree adorned with a garland of lights on the Ashram grounds. It makes me realize what a gift it is to have a living Sadguru and to know that it is not only the best Christmas gift, but a gift I am graced with every day of the year—the gift of experiencing my own heart’s connection with Gurumayi.
I feel such gratitude for the Siddha Yoga lineage,
sangham, and practices.
California, United States
In these photos I see that, amidst all the snow and ice, the red cardinal is present and the moon fills the sky and earth with light. This reminds me that in all seasons and all the weather of my life, Gurumayi’s grace is present to sustain, warm, and protect me, to guide me and illumine the path for me to fully unfold my divinity.
California, United States
These images awaken in me a feeling of the universe being so vast, yet also filled with such intricate beauty. How amazing it is to experience manifestations of divinity that seem both so large and so small simultaneously.
California, United States
The intimate beauty of these images reminds me to look for the extraordinary beauty in everything—since everything and everyone is created by divine Consciousness. It also recalls for me Baba’s teaching to “change the prescription of your glasses.”
California, United States
When I looked at the photo of the red bird and green foliage, I thought of Christmas. But as I continued through the photos, I was captured by the white, which for me represents purity. The red and white colors reminded me that everything is Shiva and Shakti. I felt that Consciousness is in everything, constantly shimmering in nature, often leaving me in awe, still, and at peace and reminding me to stop and connect to my divinity.
The gold colors reminded me that Gurumayi guides me to the golden center of my heart.
Gurumayi is the greatest treasure to have entered my life. She has opened the golden doorway to the Self within and continually supports this amazing journey. I offer my deep, heartfelt gratitude to my Guru.
Melbourne, Australia
These photos of the pristine, white winter wonderland of Shree Muktananda Ashram inspired a sweet remembrance of seeing the divine white light of the Self during meditation!
St. Laurent, Canada
Last night I went to the Siddha Yoga path website, where I always go to the nature photographs. I was so surprised to find the sweet picture of our beloved Gurumayi! When I looked at the photo, I seemed to hear Gurumayi speaking to me inside:
Here I am… Keep your unwavering focus.
Hearing these words, a feeling of supreme happiness arose in my heart.
Hawaii, United States
As I contemplate nature by looking at these beautiful photographs of Shree Muktananda Ashram, what comes to mind is this: Is not nature the ultimate expression of
seva? Everything in nature, to my mind, bespeaks selfless service. That is the inspiration I draw from this exquisite gallery. And seeing Gurumayi celebrate nature reminds me of the profound connection between nature and the divine.
Virginia, United States
The beauty of a cardinal on a pine tree. The beauty of snow and snowdrops on a spruce tree. The beauty of snow on the ground, glistening. The beauty and magnificence of my Sadguru! All of it touches me so deeply.
New York, United States
