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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Every photo of nature scenes in Shree Muktananda Ashram evokes a feeling of harmony, beauty, and divinity within me. I love to take the time to study the details in the photos and get inspired. I explore the colors, the textures, the light, the shadows, the mood, the composition, the message, the humor, and the feelings that each image brings up. Then, I imagine myself being there and gazing directly at the reality that every picture captures. In that moment, I feel the stillness, the majesty, and the love of my Guru’s presence, and my heart is filled with joy.
Konolfingen, Switzerland
The image of the powerful tree roots surrounded by beautiful fall leaves stirs within me this intuition: just as the roots and the leaves enhance each other by being true to their essence, so too can each of us be true to our divine essence with the effect that we enhance each other and the community as a whole. I am so grateful to divine grace for this revelation and for uplifting my understanding and perspective in life.
California, United States
Today I had ample time to view all five groups of the photos in the nature gallery. So many images caught my eye: the autumn leaves whose colors reminded me of Baba, the blue sky dotted with brightly lit clouds, the squirrel with an acorn in its mouth, the moonlight. But what caused me to pause and close my eyes in meditation was the photo of Baba’s photograph. I felt his presence there—and in my room and in my heart. I am so grateful for Baba’s life and for the path he introduced us to.
New York, United States
Here is what I felt when I looked at the photos of Lake Nityanada:
I love God.
I love the whole, entire world and the milky universe.
I love the colorful leaves on the trees around the lake.
I love everyone and everything in the world.
a six-year-old in New York, United States
I am deeply drawn to these nature photos every day and they have become my doorway into meditation. I just realized that gazing at them shifts my state into the shambhavi mudra. Though my eyes are open, it feels like I’m looking but not looking. I’m not focusing on the different elements of the image; instead, my eyelids close just slightly and it’s as though I feel/see the scene before me. I savor the feeling of the photo and it takes me inside in a way that staring at it or studying it does not.
Washington, United States
When I look at all the beautiful multi-colored leaves, I am reminded of the Siddha Yoga world
sangham. We all come from different countries, cultures, and religions and yet we are united as the one Self—a unified consciousness of light and love!
St. Laurent, Canada
The multitude of leaves on the trees, the blooming flowers, and the continually arising ripples on Lake Nityananda remind me of the freshness of each moment. They inspire me to repeat the mantra with fresh awareness in each new moment.
All of this beauty adorns the
sanctum sanctorum of Bhagavan Nityananda’s Temple, stirring my awareness of the Self within me and within everyone else.
My heart overflows with love and gratitude for this path and for Gurumayi.
California, United States
I am very grateful for these magnificent photos of the Northern Lights at Shree Muktananda Ashram. What a rich and stunning visual display of nature’s beauty!
Prior to walking the Siddha Yoga path, I wasn’t very aware of nature all around me; however, now I have a lot of respect and love of nature. I particularly love surprise animal sightings like the tiny turtle I saw the other day or the little green lizard on my windowsill or the spider living on my window that I say hello to each morning!
North Carolina, United States
Isn’t it amazing? Those same Northern Lights were over my house too! Whenever I visit the photo gallery “Nature in Shree Muktananda Ashram,” I always feel I’m actually there. So precious are my memories of walking around Lake Nityananda, so easily recaptured by scrolling through the gallery each month.
Hampton Hill, United Kingdom
I love the photo of the leaf-covered bridge amidst the trees. It reminds me of how Baba and Gurumayi reveal “the bridge to the inner world.” And the trees remind me of Gurumayi’s Message Artwork for 2024, and the first line of her Message for 2024. In my heart I am walking over this bridge, celebrating how fortunate I am to be on this path and guided by Gurumayi’s grace.
California, United States
This morning these images draw me to the value and beauty of the structure not just of the buildings, but also of the trees, plants, and even the rocks. This understanding brings to my mind and heart how I benefit from the structure of the Siddha Yoga practices, the stambha or support within, and the support and protection of Gurumayi.
California, United States
As I view these images, I am thrilled with the beauty and power of Kundalini Shakti celebrating Navaratri. How exquisite nature is from early bloom to fallen leaf! This inspires and supports me to value each moment of life—from arrival at birth to the transition of the death of the body.
California, United States
