I have deeply enjoyed this month’s practice of shri guru upadesha, which has become a continuous act of veneration of the Guru through my daily contemplations.

For me, it has been the truest kind of upawas—a word in Hindi that means “fasting as a way of living in close proximity to the divine.” But rather than a physical restriction, this upawas was a feast for the soul—where my mind fasted from worldly distractions to sit close to the Guru’s feet.

I am incredibly grateful for these daily phrases. They have supported me to seamlessly carry forward the steady rhythm of daily contemplation I practiced during the previous month of June, when I honored the sadguna vaibhava, the divine virtues.

The deep reflection I engaged in each day has granted me a profound new clarity. By participating in this practice, I could revisit and reframe many of my overall life experiences, transforming my daily routine into a continuous act of adoration and a steady, inner worship.

Dombivli, India

Throughout this month, receiving the daily phrases from Shri Gurumayi became a profound spiritual practice for me. As I reflected on them today, I was drawn into a deep inner stillness—a luminous silence filled with a vibrant current of energy. Intuitively, I recognized this as the grace-filled darshan of Shri Guru.

Each day, I journaled my reflections, studied the etymology of the words, and explored their meaning in the scriptures. This deepened my understanding and inspired me to embody the teaching in meditation and daily life.

Contemplating such phrases as shri guru shravana, “listening to Shri Guru,” and shri guru drishti, “Shri Guru’s gaze” led me to ask, “Am I truly listening?” and “Am I seeing the one Self in everyone?” These inquiries gradually transformed my perspective, helping me feel more connected to the Guru’s presence in every moment.

Returning to each phrase throughout the day repeatedly uplifted me, strengthened my discipleship, and renewed my conviction that the Guru is always with me.

I am grateful to Gurumayi for these precious gifts of “the guidance of Shri Guru” that nourished my heart, one graceful drop at a time.

Pune, India

This month I have taken refuge in each of the daily phrases of “Veneration of Shri Guru.” When I read the phrase for Gurupurnima, I had the experience of a waterfall opening above me. Yet, rather than water, it showered me with torrents of pure energy, light, and love from above. My entire body was infused with this transmission.

I sat for some time, allowing the waves to course over and through me, my skin tingling, my heart open, and my whole being overflowing with this gift from the Guru. My mind couldn’t make immediate sense of this experience. So I simply bathed in the power of this phrase, “shri guru upadesha,” and rested in the bounty of my Guru’s love, grateful that my mind doesn’t always need to understand things in the usual way in order for me to receive “the guidance of Shri Guru.”

Massachusetts, United States

“The guidance of Shri Guru” is always present in my heart, and I have experienced it so many times. This guidance is very clear; there’s no confusion. However, I am aware that I must be open and ready to receive this inner guidance from Shri Guru. For all these years, I have experienced that my Shri Guru’s guidance is leading me to become a better person, with the strength to deal with inner enemies and keep the space inside me very safe and clean. This allows me to appreciate and love my world. I am immensely grateful.

Pune, India

Each year, Gurumayi’s Message provides the pillar and daily guidance of my sadhana. My true test arises when dharma demands actions I instinctively dislike. Yet, dharma cannot be bypassed. When the path feels dry, chanting becomes my sanctuary, instantly restoring an unattached bliss that transcends ordinary joy or sorrow. This practice harmonizes my mind and heart, allowing me to align with “the guidance of Shri Guru.”

Dombivli, India

For me, every single word of Gurumayi is shri guru upadesha. Whenever I hear Gurumayi’s words through other devotees, I feel as though she is speaking directly to me. Gurumayi’s Messages have become the strongest pillar of my life. By following them, I am able to remain in a state of inner balance in every situation.

Gurumayi’s Message for 1992—“Have Faith, Everything Is All Right”— has become a strong foundation of my life. These sacred words give me inner strength in every circumstance. They enable me to remain happy even in the most difficult situations and support me on my spiritual journey of daily deep meditation.

In this way, by Gurumayi’s infinite grace, I continually swim in the ocean of my Guru’s divine upadesha, immersed in the grace and boundless love of Shri Gurumayi.

Ahmedabad, India

The joy of being guided by Shri Guru,

Light illuminating each step.

The instant recognition of the incomparable gift received,

Treasure that transforms the heart.

The certainty of reveling in truthfulness,

The beauty of Truth.

The humility to embrace Shri Guru’s guidance.

The peace of knowing every step leads along the right path.

The gratitude for every grace bestowed,

For every blessing granted.

And, above all,

The striving each day to become a disciple worthy of Shri Guru,

Faithful in action, pure in intention, and radiant with the love and care that have been received.

Fort-de-France, Martinique