During the satsang on Mahashivaratri, we chanted the mantra Om Namah Shivaya. Again and again, we repeated the Lord’s name. Om Namah Shivaya. “I bow to Lord Shiva, to the auspicious one, to the Self of all and the Self within.”
Gurumayi explained to us that the Lord likes his name, that he is very pleased when we call to him, using his name. I had a sudden recollection, when Gurumayi said this, of the stories that I had read growing up—the epic tales from ancient India, many of which were originally recorded in the Puranas and in other scriptural texts. There were innumerable accounts of people in yugas past who would journey to some remote mountaintop and perform tapasya, austerities, for months and years on end. As they did so, they repeated the name of their chosen deity—often Lord Shiva—with one-pointed focus. Eventually, the Lord would appear before them, pleased with their worship, and he would grant them a boon of their choosing.
I loved reading these stories, and yet a question would linger in my mind. It seemed to me that more often than not, the characters in these stories would pray to Lord Shiva because they wanted something from him. Sometimes what they wished for was noble and virtuous—the protection of dharma, the upliftment of humanity. Sometimes it was a more immediate and personal goal they had in mind. And sometimes the person praying was very obviously an embodiment of avarice; they were bent on amassing their own wealth and power. The asuras, the demons, sought out Lord Shiva’s blessings just as much as the devatas, the gods, and the people on earth did. Even Ravana, the demon king around whose immoral actions much of the Ramayana unfolds, was said to be a great devotee of Lord Shiva. His indomitable strength was largely the fruit of his intense tapasya performed for the Lord.
So I would think, “How could it be that the Lord—who is all-knowing and supremely detached—grants all of these individuals what they wish, regardless of who they are, what they have done, and what intentions they have? Is it ‘just’ because they had repeated his name?”
What I was not quite understanding, at least not intellectually, was the nature of the Lord’s compassion. Lord Shiva is Dayalu, the merciful one. He is Bhaktavatsala, the one who is tender-hearted toward his devotees. He is Ashutosh, the one who is easily pleased, who responds swiftly to those who pray to him in earnest. When we call out to the Lord, when we say his name, our shortcomings become secondary. The Lord will come to meet us. He is the Self within, the presence of God in our own being. We do not need to atone for every single one of our past mistakes before we experience this divine presence. We do not need to become a more “improved” version of ourselves to be worthy of God’s love. We just need to remember. God is always here, right here, with us, and without judgment.
This is not to say that we are not responsible for our actions. Nor am I suggesting that we should not try to do good in our lives, that we should not endeavor to be kind, generous, and considerate, that we should not extend care to our planet and its inhabitants. Gurumayi teaches us that it’s our duty as human beings to do exactly this. Even the scriptural stories tend to include some caveat that allows for righteousness to be maintained in the world. The Lord might grant a boon to an asura, but if that demon allows their vices to go unchecked—their greed, their pride—then, without fail, they will meet their end.
The point is, the Lord’s compassion—and our ability to experience that compassion—exist on a plane that transcends right and wrong. Moreover, the scriptures tell us that the Lord’s name is inherently purifying. To repeat this name is an act of merit in itself—one that creates and magnifies auspiciousness. There are whole chapters of the Shiva Purana dedicated to glorifying Lord Shiva’s name. The sage Suta, who narrates one of these chapters, even proclaims that “the power of Lord Shiva’s name in destroying sins is greater than the ability of people to commit them.” He describes the Lord’s name as an “axe” that cuts down such sins, as “nectar” that soothes those “scorched by the conflagration of sins,” and as the means to “perfect liberation.”1
In the satsang on Mahashivaratri, Gurumayi said simply that the Lord likes his name, and that he is pleased when we call to him. For me, this one statement—sweet and intriguing as it is—has illumined so many possible avenues for contemplation. So many ideas to consider. So many associations to make and to explore further.
Therefore, I am wondering: If you’ve had a chance to contemplate this teaching, what has come up for you? What do you think about when you hear that Lord Shiva likes his name?
1Siva Purana: Part I; ed. J. L. Shastri (Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1950), chap. 23, p. 152.
When I hear Gurumayi’s teaching that Lord Shiva likes his name, a sweet feeling comes to my heart. I understand that the Lord is pleased when I repeat Om Namah Shivaya. And, when the Lord is pleased, I feel so happy.
For me, there is something liberating about the thought that all beings without exception can receive God’s compassion from the plane that transcends right and wrong. Yet, when we pray to Lord Shiva for the upliftment of the world, righteousness will prevail.
For many months now, I have been meditating while repeating Om Namah Shivaya,and I find it keeps me centered and steady amid the conflicts and challenges in the wider world.
Vermont, United States
Recently, when I repeat the mantra, I have been holding the awareness that Shiva is my own inner Self, and Shiva is my own name. When I repeat it in this way, I am filled with love, ease, and a deep sense of wholeness.
There are also moments when I find myself in a difficult conversation or thinking about someone who spoke unpleasantly to me. In those moments, I turn to the mantra, keeping the awareness that the Shiva I bow to also resides within that person. I connect with my heart and silently offer “I bow to Shiva within you.”
This works like magic. If my need to feel respected or loved has not been fulfilled in the outer interaction, I have been feeling it fulfilled within. Things often begin to move in the right direction, as though the mantra gently erases the memory of bitter impressions.
Thane West, India
When I received the teaching from Gurumayi during the Mahashivaratri satsang that the Lord likes his name and is pleased when we repeat his name, I started repeating the name consciously with full trust and love. I experienced the power of this practice.
As I lead myself now in the journey of life while holding the conviction that Lord Shiva is walking with me, I have become a bit more courageous and easeful. Satisfaction blooms in each action as I inwardly practice mantrajapa.
I am realizing how the power of the Guru’s words manifests when I make real steadfast effort.
Cuttack, India
Many years ago, as I prepared to participate in a Siddha Yoga Shaktipat Intensive, I prayed intensely to Baba for an experience of the mantra within myself. At the Intensive, we chanted the mantra and began to meditate. I soon felt Om reverberating loudly within me. It grew so loud that I felt I was inside a mighty jet engine. Then the sound exploded into golden light from which the syllables of the mantra formed. Simultaneously, I could hear the mantra filling my whole being with powerful, sweet, and loving tones.
Ever since I received that gift from Baba in response to my heartfelt prayer, the mantra has been with me constantly, continually arising from the stillness and silence of my being.
Hampton, Australia
Lately I’ve been listening to the vibration of Om in my breath as I breathe deep into the bottom of my belly. On the out-breath, I feel this vibration cuddling the words NamahShivaya as I think them.
I’ve found that allowing myself to be ensconced in the wisdom Eesha is sharing when repeating Om Namah Shivaya feels like my highest and most sacred dharma. With this practice, my true, pristine state softly reveals itself, and I experience that Lord Shiva is alive and conscious and shining all throughout my being.
Washington, United States
I thank Eesha for her incisive analysis of the merits of chanting Lord Shiva’s name. Growing up in India, I too was puzzled that the scriptural stories told of how the demons, or asuras, could obtain their boon or wish from Lord Shiva, despite the atrocities they had committed. Eesha clarified this for me, along with the immense significance and merit of chanting the name of Lord Shiva, who is benevolent to all his devotees.
Hawaii, United States
I love this teaching. It inspires me to repeat God’s name and to pray to him. I love that when I pray to Lord Shiva, I am lifted out of the realm of the world of my mind and into his realm. This is so beautiful and inspiring for me.
Washington, United States
When I hear Gurumayi’s teaching “Lord Shiva likes his name,” I immediately think of how much I love his name.
I adore those sacred syllables. When I repeat “Shhh,” it takes me to the deep silence of the cave of my heart, and when I pronounce “va,” it reminds me of the sound of my heart beating! Om Namah Shivaya!
Santa Fe de la Vera Cruz, Argentina
At the end of my weekly yoga class, the instructor gives us time for meditation. Usually, this brings me to a joyful state. One day recently, however, I felt uneasy during the meditation, disturbed by thoughts that were coming up for me. All too soon the meditation period ended, leaving me feeling agitated.
As I began walking home, I remembered Gurumayi’s teaching that Shiva loves hearing his name. Then I inwardly heard Gurumayi say, “Shiva, Shiva.” I responded, saying, “Shiva, Shiva.” Then I heard her saying, “Shambo, Shambo.” So, I repeated, “Shambo, Shambo.” This very quickly turned into my chanting Jaya Jaya Shiva Shambo all the way home. The chant felt like a heartfelt prayer, and my agitation slowly dissolved. By the time I got home, I had reached a joyful state.
I’m so grateful for having the tools I need to “reset my mind.”
New Hampshire, United States
Gurumayi’s teaching that Lord Shiva likes his name reminds me of how I feel when my children call me “mom.” It is the sweetest thing that I can hear from them. It triggers this feeling within me that speaks of a strong bond between us, forged long ago, which cannot be broken. It unites us, mother and child, at a deep level.
Similarly, when the Lord hears us utter his name, I feel he is pleased because he knows that we are recognizing and acknowledging his place in our hearts and in our lives. The mantra, the Lord’s name, is the sweetest thing he can hear from us as his children because he knows we are coming home.
Wollongong, Australia
Reading “Meditation on Gurumayi’s Words” instantly connects me with my Self and allows me to relive the experience of being in my beloved Shri Guru’s presence.
When I heard Gurumayi ji say that the Lord likes his name and he is pleased when we call to him, it brought a sweet smile to my face. I felt that just as much as the Lord enjoys hearing his name, I love repeating it!
With a little contemplation, I realized that as a human being—and as a disciple of such a loving Guru—it is my dharma to experience oneness with the Truth. Repeating God’s name helps my heart become fully absorbed, allowing worldly concerns to fade away. With one‑pointed focus, I merge into the Truth, resting in the universal power, Lord Shiva.
I love chanting God’s name because it is the simplest and most effective tool for instant calm, joy, confidence, and love.
Pune, India
I am very grateful to Eesha for her inspiring insights on the teachings from the Mahashivaratri satsang and for her beautiful invitation to the global Siddha Yoga sangham to share our profound experiences.
One of the revelations I had while remembering this satsang is that mantra japa is a powerful way to practice Gurumayi’s Message for 2026. My understanding is that mantra repetition is a means to bring the mind back to its most pristine state. It is also a way to pursue sadhana intently, which, for me, is the highest “dharma” of a spiritual seeker.
When I repeat the mantra while remembering what Gurumayi revealed during this satsang—holding the attitude that I am pleasing the Lord—an incredible sense of sweetness and devotion nurtures my heart.
I also understand that since the mantra is conscious, alive with the Guru’s grace, its repetition can illumine my individual “consciousness” and support me to “witness” everything from the standpoint of supreme Consciousness.
I feel that if I make the effort to repeat the mantra wholeheartedly whenever it’s possible and while keeping an awareness of Gurumayi’s Message, my sadhana will advance.
Milan, Italy
Reading these words and imbibing them inspires in me a new confidence, great courage, and the conviction to continue repeating Shiva’s name and to turn to the Lord in my heart in each situation.
Arizona, United States
When I reflected on Gurumayi’s teaching “Lord Shiva likes his name,” my first thought was how much I love hearing Gurumayi say my name. I have often wondered why. I think it’s because when Gurumayi says my name, I experience her teaching that I am the Self, I am God.
Similarly, I think one reason the Lord loves his name so much is that when I repeat it with sincerity, I am giving voice to our essential oneness as the Self and calling upon that state to arise within me.
Langwarrin, Australia
In 2005, while participating in a Blue Pearl Course where we repeated the mantra Om Namah Shivaya with great focus, I had a direct experience of Lord Shiva’s infinite compassion.
Shiva appeared in my meditation as a very handsome being made of pure blue light, with magnificent eyes and remarkable dark slim eyebrows.
What was most amazing to me was to feel deep inside that I was actually looking at myself. Indeed, I very spontaneously and completely identified with this absolutely splendid being who had a gentle smile on his face.
Irresistible tears of joy started rolling down my cheeks, and I was permeated by a sweet state of bliss. The experience was both powerful and absolutely natural.
I was Shiva himself, and there was nothing strange or awkward about it. This is who I am, and who I always was, and who I always will be. This moment of sudden recognition of my own Self instantly transformed forever my understanding of the ultimate goal of my life.
Laval, Canada
“Lord Shiva likes his name.” Contemplating this teaching, I asked myself, “Who is Shiva?” What came up for me—which our Guru teaches—is “I am Shiva.”
To me, Shiva is not just a name; it is a state of being. It is the ultimate state in which my mind is seeking to be established. In this state, my mind dissolves, and I become pure sat-chit-ananda (existence-consciousness-bliss). For me, that is what Shiva is.
Pune, India
When I hear Gurumayi say that the Lord likes his name and that he is very pleased when we call to him using his name, I feel a childlike love deep in my heart. I’m in my seventies, and it makes my heart smile with delight. It reminds me of the way I felt when I was very young, and I found out what my dad wanted for his birthday—and I could actually get it for him. I felt so much love for him, and so much happiness that I could do something sweet for him. Now that I know how much the Lord likes his name, I just want to offer him what will please him the most.
And now, doing japa with great love and with no desire is changing me. It’s softening me in unexpected and beautiful ways. How could I do any less for God who does so much for me?
