Darshan of Shri Guru is a very profound experience for me. In 1984, when Gurumayi blessed me with shaktipat–diksha and gave me the inner experience of her state, my journey of Siddha Yoga sadhana began. At that time, I vividly remember seeking Gurumayi’s physical darshan, whether during formal darshan or while I was doing seva in Gurudev Siddha Peeth. Gurumayi’s physical darshan always uplifted my spirit, and joyful tears would roll down my cheeks.

As my sadhana progressed, darshan of Shri Gurumayi became more subtle and more pristine. Now, darshan is very personal, and I am able to have Gurumayi’s darshan in my heart. Just remembering Shri Gurumayi, I experience her shakti and grace .

This experience of Shri Gurumayi in my heart helps me to glide through every situation in my life, and I feel Gurumayi’s guidance within.

I still desire to have Shri Gurumayi’s physical darshan, but her ever-present benevolence, grace, and boundless love give me an abundance of opportunities to have Shri Gurumayi’s darshan in my heart.

Lucknow, India

I am a visiting sevite in Shree Muktananda Ashram. Recently before going to bed, I visited the Siddha Yoga path website and received the words for July 1, “Darshan of Shri Guru.” I immediately experienced a beautiful sense of calm, and at the same time a feeling of expansion and joy. During the night as I awoke, and then first thing in the morning, the image of “Darshan of Shri Guru” blessed my awareness.

I am reflecting on my experience and understanding of the nature of the Guru and the Guru-disciple relationship in regard to darshan. For me, it is a profound inner state of love, trust, and peace that I feel whenever I am in the presence of the Guru. I experience the Guru’s presence when I engage with the Guru’s teachings, chant, remember the Guru, look at the moon, or offer seva.

Sydney, Australia

My gaze turned within as I listened to these words shri guru darshana. I had a vision of Gurumayi and, in the vision, Gurumayi was looking at me. This divine moment of seeing and of being seen was precious. It was like a mirror in my heart. What a blessing!

George, South Africa

I experience the image of “Darshan of Shri Guru” as the vibrant growth of the trees, as the strong, steady presence of the mountain, and as the serenity of the smooth lake. My heart is exceedingly glad.

Washington, United States

As I listened to these words “shri guru darshana,” I began to contemplate “What is darshan of the Guru?”

I then experienced stillness and silence. I experienced that darshan of my Guru happens within me. It is the sweet, delicate feeling of love in my heart when I think of Gurumayi. It is the subtle smile of inner knowing. It is Om Namah Shivaya, which floats on my breath and resonates in my being with each footstep. I am grateful for this beautiful experience as I sit for meditation on this first day of the Guru’s month.

Massachusetts, United States

Receiving these words, I asked, “What does Gurumayi want me to understand about darshan today?”

After chanting, I closed my eyes to meditate, and I saw Gurumayi’s smiling being reaching out to bless me between my eyebrows. I had a gentle sense that with darshan, it isn’t only that I perceive the Guru, but also that the Guru sees God within me.

Watson, Australia

Hearing the spoken words “shri guru darshana,” I experienced a profound cohesion and inseparability of the three words as one. What a deep and connected revelation within my own being! I will allow this experience to continue to resonate in my mind and heart. I will hold this with awe and wonder. 

California, United States