I love to repeat the phrase of the day with my breath as a lead-in to meditation. I was doing that while picturing Gurudev Siddha Peeth as Gurumayi’s abode and thinking of Dakshin Kashi, Baba’s Samadhi Shrine, and other places in the Ashram.

A few moments later, I felt a flash of energy in my heart. As I inwardly glanced at my heart, I found the words shri guru dhama there.

I understood that my “Shri Guru’s abode” is my heart. She dwells in my heart. She has always been there and will always be there. She is always with me.

I carried this thought throughout the day, and it was delightful. Gratitude welled up for this great blessing from Gurumayi.

Bangalore, India

It took me many years to find my Guru’s abode. Since I first met Gurumayi in person, I have always wanted to be close to her. For years I had a deep longing to be in Gurudev Siddha Peeth because I thought that there, I would be closest to Gurumayi.

However, when I had the opportunity to serve as a Gurukula student in Gurudev Siddha Peeth for an extended period, I had to return home after three months because my body couldn’t cope with the Indian climate and I became homesick.

I then set up a beautiful puja altar in my own home, and I worshipped my Guru there. Over time, through meditation, I discovered that my Guru’s true abode is within my own heart.

Having developed this realization through my Guru’s grace fills me with humility and gratitude, because it sets me completely free. The journey to “Shri Guru’s abode” has transformed my heart into a paradise.

Konolfingen, Switzerland

Internally repeating “Shri Guru’s abode,” I followed my breath inward. It seemed to go deep into my abdomen, where I found myself in a garden of flowers blooming in tranquility and under warm sunshine. I felt nurtured and at ease. The sense of peace radiating in my belly supported me throughout the day. I felt that paradise is within.

Canberra, Australia

Since the moment I read the phrase, “Shri Guru’s abode,” I have become increasingly aware of how wonderfully auspicious my life would be if I would live it by remembering to be in my “Guru’s abode!”

Following my usual practice to mentally visit places where my Guru has lived—Gurudev Siddha Peeth and also Shree Muktananda Ashram—I was drawn into deep meditation. Then I felt that the abode of my Guru is within my sahasrar, the crown chakra.

This led me to make a commitment to myself to strengthen the bond with my Shri Guru until it’s so strong that I eternally reside with her in the sahasrar. There, I feel divine protection that is unshakable.

Indeed, with this phrase “Shri Guru’s abode,” I feel an upliftment to live with the Guru whose presence is everywhere in the universe and, at the same time, within me in my sahasrar as my inner Self.

Dombivli, India

When I meditated this morning, I experienced that the Guru’s abode is the mantra, and I became immersed in the mantra.

I experience that whenever I become immersed in the mantra, I am immersed in the Guru.

I experience that the Guru’s abode is within me and that my own truest abode is the Guru.

Maryland, United States

When I read today’s words, “Shri Guru’s abode,” what first came to mind was Shree Muktananda Ashram, where Gurumayi resides. I felt a deep longing—as I often do—to make a pilgrimage to the Ashram, to offer seva where my Guru lives.

As I continued to contemplate these words, I asked myself, “What is ‘Shri Guru’s abode’? Where does Gurumayi reside?”

During the meditation that followed, I perceived the Guru’s presence and light pervading this entire universe—and beyond—while simultaneously residing in my heart. I understood then that even though the physical form of Shri Guru may appear to me to be only in one place, the Guru truly resides in my heart—the heart of a devotee who is full of love for the Guru.

Throughout my day, I was able to stay connected, return to this experience, and feel a sense of oneness with Gurumayi.

Coburg, Australia

Since I discovered Shri Gurumayi inside my heart, I realized that she may have a physical abode in another state and town, but she also has an abode inside of me.

It is to this Shri Guru in my heart that I talk and say my prayers. It is this Shri Guru who has her inner abode within my heart, who holds my hand and walks through the dark of night with me, and whose grace comforts me. Again, in the bright early morning sun when the birds sing, she walks with me.

It is this precious inner Guru who walks with me, hand in hand, toward my destiny.

California, United States

When I reflected on “Shri Guru’s abode,” my mind immediately turned to Shree Muktananda Ashram. But then my heart asked me, “Where else does my Guru reside?” The answer was, “My Guru resides in my heart and in everything around me.” How, then, can I limit her abode to a physical place?

This reflection led me to look at my own life. More than twenty-five years ago, driven by an intense longing to offer seva, I moved near Gurudev Siddha Peeth in India. That step undoubtedly helped me understand the Siddha Yoga path more deeply. But today, I feel just as content in my own home. I can live anywhere because I have come to realize that I carry my Guru within me—I am “Shri Guru’s abode.” And yet, I continue to hold the place where my Guru resides physically with the deepest reverence.

Thane, India