श्रीगुरु-उपासना
Veneration of Shri Guru
Audio recording by Ami Bansal
“Remembrance of Shri Guru” is the practice I do to invite the Guru into my daily life.
The first thing I do in the morning and the last thing at night is to remember my beloved Guru and give thanks for her presence, her teachings, and her grace in my life. I also do this practice by offering a prayer at my puja altar before I meditate or begin seva, or when I visit the Siddha Yoga path website.
The power and support I experience when I remember Shri Guru throughout the day is tangible. The moment I remember the Guru, the moment I turn to the Guru, I return home to my heart.
Usually, a Siddha Yoga teaching arises in my mind, such as Gurumayi’s Message for the year, or one from a past year that is relevant to my life currently. I take time to listen to any guidance the teaching has for me. Or I simply appreciate the feeling that my Guru is constantly with me.
Sydney, Australia
For me, listening to these daily “whispers of truth” is cumulative, centering, grounding, and affirming. They grow a steady sense of the reality of Shri Guru within me—far beyond words.
I find that “Remembrance of Shri Guru” invokes them all to date and promises the beauty of the days to come. The added dimension of this gift is in listening to Ami’s expression of these truths; to me, her voice is so full of love and certainty.
I realize that the sound of my own voice within my mind is often unconsciously driven and critical. My mind is now saying, “Listen, try this new approach, feel the truth of its tenderness and strength, allow the words to melt into awareness of this presence, and allow that presence to infuse any thinking that arises. Yes, remember Shri Guru, remember the truth of grace.”
Washington, United States
These first days of Gurupurnima month have been imbued with heavenly nectar for me. Each day, as I meditate on the exquisite image and repeatedly recite the beautiful Sanskrit words from memory, my awareness of Gurumayi’s presence has expanded and permeated my entire environment.
I sense Gurumayi in my surroundings and see her in my encounters with people and nature. My days are filled with warmth and a constant smile of recognition that I am in the presence of the Truth. This morning, while reflecting on shri guru smarana, I felt completely in my heart and at peace.
Sydney, Australia
For me, shri guru smarana brings to mind the countless gopis, who, through their loving remembrance, remained forever connected to their beloved Lord Krishna even in his physical absence. They may have known little of formal spiritual practices—yet through their practice of smarana, steeped in intense love and bhakti, they lived in a state of bliss, feeling the Lord’s presence as vividly as if he stood before them.
What a beautiful gift shri guru smarana is for me—a way to remain connected to my Guru even amid the ceaseless flow of daily life. Such remembrance does more than fill me with joy; it becomes a wellspring of strength and quiet guidance, helping me navigate this mundane world with clarity and grace. In this way, shri guru smarana becomes like a living mantra—one I can carry with me anywhere, at any time, in every situation.
Thane, India
Whenever I remember my beloved Shri Guru—my Gurumayi—my heart swells with the deepest love. My soul recognizes the profound connection that has been awakened, and all it wants is to return to this love, and to lose itself once and for all in the final merging. Remembering Shri Guru awakens that longing again and again.
Wollongong, Australia
I remember the first darshan of Gurumayi I ever received—eleven years ago today. As I reflect on “Remembrance of Shri Guru,” I experience that remembrance as an inner flame, forever kindled in my heart, illuminating the path of my life.
May the remembrance of Shri Guru remain with me always, even in my final moment.
Sydney, Australia
The words shri guru smarana, “Remembrance of Shri Guru,” fill my heart with warmth and happiness. The moment I remember Gurumayi, a great sense of protection and deep love surrounds me. I feel her hand is resting on my head.
I am deeply grateful for my great good fortune in having Gurumayi in my life as my Guru.
Thane West, India