श्रीगुरु-उपासना
Veneration of Shri Guru

I first started reciting “The song of Shri Guru”—Shri Guru Gita—in the early 1990s when I first began following the Siddha Yoga path. The importance of this text really motivated me to learn the words. I focused on the Sanskrit words, and it took about a year for me to become proficient at pronouncing them. It felt wonderful to have accomplished this, but—and this is big!—I had not given much attention in that year to the English translation. True, the Sanskrit had its effect on me, but it was when I finally started reading the English translation that the greatest transformation in my understanding of the nature of the Guru actually occurred. Take, for instance, verse 36: “Salutations to Shri Guru, by whose reality the world is real, by whose light it is illumined, and by whose joy people are joyous.” This blessed text intoxicates my being with the knowledge of the truth of the Guru.

California, United States

It was lovely to contemplate “Shri Guru’s song.” I did so on a walk in the woods after a demanding day at work that had stretched my mind in all directions. My mind was too tired to think, so I walked quietly through the woods, listening to see if I could hear “Shri Guru’s song.”

It seemed to me as though the wind was singing “Shri Guru’s song” in the leaves, the birds were singing her song, and even the rustling of my footsteps was singing her song. All of these sounds came together to form a symphony that dissolved into the stillness of my being. How wonderfully exhilarating this experience of inner stillness was.

Konolfingen, Switzerland

Recitation of Shri Guru Gita is an anchor and protector of the Guru’s grace and prasad within me. I am much older now with two grown-up daughters, but I still remember as a child getting up with Shri Guru Gita, which my parents would recite every morning. I remember that my parents would offer this sacred text if a family member or friend was going through a difficult time.

One day when I was about twelve years old, I decided to sit with my parents during their recitation. I did not realize how long it would take, but I continued to sit, and I have never forgotten my first Shri Guru Gita. I feel very grateful, because each time I recite Shri Guru Gita, I am connected to the Guru in my heart, and I am filled with gratitude toward my parents.

New Jersey, United States

Since I began reciting the verses of the Shri Guru Gita while keeping the meaning of each verse in my mind, I have been experiencing the energy of every word and the power and vibration of every letter as it is pronounced with full awareness and clarity.

I am deeply grateful for this entire journey. Every day brings a new practice that helps me connect more deeply with Shri Guru. I offer my heartfelt gratitude to Shri Guru for the opportunity to experience love, protection, guidance, and grace, which are constantly present in my life.

Delhi, India

Contemplating shri guru gita, I remembered Baba said that Shri Guru Gita is “the one indispensable text.” As I continued to contemplate, other forms bubbled up—Gurumayi’s laughter, Gurumayi’s movements, Gurumayi’s silence, Gurumayi’s voice, Gurumayi chanting and repeating the mantra Om Namah Shivaya.

My mind becomes still when singing or listening to “the song of Shri Guru.” My mind acquires steadiness and the power to go through life as simply and gracefully as water cascading through high mountains and meandering through green meadows. My mind goes deeper and deeper within to the source of bliss!

New Mexico, United States

For me, Shri Guru Gita is the supreme offering and the most beautiful way to express my love for Shri Gurumayi. I have been blessed to participate in the recitation of Shri Guru Gita in Gurumayi’s presence many times at Gurudev Siddha Peeth. During every summer vacation in my childhood, I loved writing the entire text by hand in my notebook. This helped me learn its correct pronunciation, understand the precise meaning of each verse, and recite it with a deeper focus.

Over time, I have come to realize that Gurumayi is the very aim of my life. Daily practice of meditation has allowed me to experience the deeper meanings of the verses of Shri Guru Gita. With this deeper understanding, I experience, whenever I recite it, that Gurumayi is seated majestically within my heart chakra, lovingly receiving my devotion and love through every verse that I sing to her divine glory. By the end of the recitation, I am immersed in profound silence.

Ahmedabad, India

Receiving “The song of Shri Guru” today, I decided to recite Shri Guru Gita as an offering to Shri Guru. Usually, at some point during the recitation of this text, I feel a bit tired and my body feels a bit uncomfortable. At that point remaining focused on the text becomes a challenge. Today, however, my recitation felt easeful and beautiful. I felt as if I were reciting the text with many other voices and beings. Throughout this recitation and the meditation at the end, there was a sense of deep silence. It felt as though this silence was the power of the sound of Shri Guru Gita. I am grateful for this experience of silence.

Canberra, Australia