श्रीगुरु-उपासना
Veneration of Shri Guru
Audio recording by Ami Bansal
During the summer of 1979, after receiving shaktipat from Baba in a dream, I took several Shaktipat Intensives with him in Shree Muktananda Ashram. Nobody had ever explained to me what contemplation was. But shaktipat automatically generated a practice of continual contemplation in my life.
Throughout one full year, I thought about Baba Muktananda nearly all the time. I continually read the set of Baba’s books entitled Satsang with Baba during my free time. Doing so made me feel like I was constantly sitting at Baba’s feet.
The following summer, I decided to spend several weeks in Baba’s sweet company. On the day I arrived, during the evening satsang, I was waiting for Baba to come into the meditation hall when I suddenly started weeping—out of joy—for no obvious reason. I spontaneously turned my head toward the back of the hall and saw that Baba had just stepped into the room. My heart was melting with love.
I immediately realized that the bliss I was then experiencing was the fruit of one year of continual contemplation of my beloved Guru.
Laval, Canada
Shri Guru chintana leads me to the feeling of being in Gurumayi’s presence and connecting with the Guru’s wisdom. In this state, I receive truly helpful guidance in my life, including deeper understanding of situations and creative ideas.
Washington, United States
I began my “contemplation of Shri Guru” by invoking Shri Guru’s grace. Then the question arose within me: “Who is contemplating whom?”
This question instantly brought my mind to a standstill. I closed my eyes to surrender to this stillness. Pulsating love rose from my heart into my mind. It felt as though this energy had also brought the steam locomotive of my life to a standstill. Everything was still.
And there was nothing left but love.
Konolfingen, Switzerland
Several years ago, I enrolled in the Siddha Yoga Home Study Course: The Power of Siddha Yoga Contemplation. That was when I truly understood, for the first time, what contemplation (chintana) means and how to practice it. Only after participating in this course did I begin to experience the real benefits of contemplation—both in better understanding the Guru’s teachings and in dealing with practical situations in my everyday life.
Today, as I reflect on “Contemplation of Shri Guru,” I find myself thinking about how this practice has changed me. For me, contemplation means turning my mind inward and focusing on the presence, the teachings, and the qualities of Shri Guru. Contemplation has become one of the most practical ways for me to invite the Guru’s guidance into my daily life.
Thane, India
While listening to Ami Bansal’s beautiful repetition of “shri guru chintana,” I thought of Gurumayi. Then, instantly, I was aware of the place of the Guru in the sahasrar, the crown of the head. This gave me a feeling of deep joy—that this is where my Guru truly lives.
London, United Kingdom
Through these daily phrases of “Veneration of Shri Guru,” this Gurupurnima month feels profoundly sacred, naturally anchoring my mind in divine awareness. Today’s phrase, “Contemplation of Shri Guru,” connects me directly to the inner Guru.
For me, contemplation means aligning my daily behavior with my Guru’s teachings. This awareness purifies my actions. Whenever I seek inner guidance, divine grace responds, becoming like a blooming flower that spreads its fragrance and strengthens my practice.
Ultimately, I feel we become what we contemplate. I have learned that a soul’s transition is shaped by their final awareness. My father passed away chanting “Gurumayi” three times, and my grandfather left this world reciting Shri Shiva Mahimna Stotram. Inspired by their examples, I make a dedicated daily effort to remain absorbed in shri guru chintana.
Dombivli, India