श्रीगुरु-उपासना
Veneration of Shri Guru
Audio recording by Ami Bansal
For me, the “knowledge imparted by Shri Guru” is the knowledge of who I really am, the Self.
Shri Guru has been imparting this knowledge by offering me experiences of the inner Self and, little by little, transforming my way of being in the world.
I have received “knowledge imparted by Shri Guru” during meditation, during my waking state, during my dream state, by listening to or reading the teachings, through look, through touch, by offering seva, in chanting, while offering dakshina, and in my ordinary life. Receiving knowledge can happen anywhere and at any time.
This knowledge came to me in so many different subtle and powerful ways that I cannot possibly list them all. Remembering these and so many other precious gifts received from my beloved Guru makes my heart melt with gratitude.
Plougonvelin, France
As I was reflecting on the “knowledge imparted by Shri Guru,” one door after another opened in my consciousness. I became increasingly aware of just how comprehensive, profound, and valuable this is. And I realized that Gurumayi gives this knowledge in a way that enables me to understand, reflect upon, utilize, and implement what she imparts.
I used to know nothing about my true Self or how to find my way in this world. By imparting to me the highest knowledge of my own true reality, Gurumayi has also opened up access to my intuition, which I can expand through the Siddha Yoga practices. All of this together helps me to live an orderly, successful, contented, and easeful life, for which I am infinitely grateful.
Konolfingen, Switzerland
When I meditated on the “knowledge imparted by Shri Guru,” I had an experience of receiving prasad in the form of a small portion of food. It felt as if I were being given an experience of imbibing God through one of the many different forms that grace takes.
I used to think of spiritual knowledge in the way I thought of worldly knowledge—as material facts that needed to be collected, stored, and used in logical arguments. I have come to understand that Shri Guru’s grace opens the door to every scripture and reveals its living essence.
I am so thankful to Gurumayi for imparting the knowledge that God exists within me. This experience sustains and nourishes me.
Canberra, Australia
I once understood knowledge merely as intellectual acumen and scholarly learning filled with advanced information, understanding, or scriptural erudition. But through my engagement with Siddha Yoga teachings and practices, I came to realize that knowledge unfolds, for me, in two distinct dimensions. The first is the humbling recognition and acceptance that my own ego has veiled me from my true nature, casting me into forgetfulness.
The second—far more profound—is the knowledge of complete oneness within all of creation, a gift that dawns only through the Guru’s grace. Baba and Gurumayi have illumined this knowledge with such beauty and clarity, showing not only what it is, but the path to attaining it.
Today, while reciting Shri Guru Gita, I set aside verses 14, 34, 39, 81, and 100 for further contemplation—to deepen my understanding of the “knowledge imparted by Shri Guru.”
Thane, India