When I first read Gurumayi’s “Introduction to A Temple of…,” I began to reflect: “What does it truly mean to be a temple?” This led me to contemplate: “What makes a temple a temple?” Immediately, I thought of arati, the offerings I make, my daily worship that uplifts the space. I thought of the fruits I receive when sitting in a temple, the serenity I experience.

In the same way, I realized that this body is also a temple. How I care for my temple, the actions I perform, the thoughts I entertain and let go of, the company I keep, will all determine the qualities I radiate. So, if I wish to be “A temple of lightheartedness, laughter, and devotion,” it is through my daily choices and practices that the fruit of my intention, my temple, will come forth. Just as a temple is maintained with care and devotion, I too must keep my temple with this same awareness, discipline, and love.

In this way, I can radiate the divinity that exists within me.

New Jersey, United States

After reading Gurumayi’s Introduction, I sat for meditation, and what came up for me was A temple of quest. I experience this as a place where seekers go, where our questions are answered, where the desire for knowledge is fulfilled. This is where the great beings patiently wait for us to go looking for them. I found myself resting in a deep, warm space of gratitude that such a sacred place has been revealed to me through the grace of Shri Guru.

Bordeaux, France

After immersing myself in the heart-touching experiences of Gurumayi ji in her Introduction, I feel a secret stirring within, a longing to build A temple of faith in my life.

In 1999 I was blessed with the darshan of Shri Guru at Gurudev Siddha Peeth. With folded hands, I asked, “How should I live a life of truth and purity?” With infinite compassion, Gurumayi bestowed the timeless teaching: “Never let your faith diminish.”

Since that moment, these words have become the light of my path. They have transformed each breath into seva and worship, in every joy and every challenge. Today I find myself sheltered in A temple of faith. May my life ever be an offering of faith, devotion, and gratitude to Shri Guru.

Farrukhabad, India

As I read Gurumayi’s Introduction, I asked my heart what type of temple it would like, and the answer came up swiftly and without doubt—A temple of truth. Gurumayi has planted in my being a search for the truth, a reliance on the truth and an existence in the truth. I am so grateful to be on the Siddha Yoga path and to have the blessings and teachings of an enlightened being. Gurumayi’s teachings have given my existence the roots I never had, the love I never had, and the firm belief I now have that God exists in the form of Shri Guru—and in myself.

Florida, United States

Tears flow as I read Gurumayi’s profoundly beautiful gift of grace and light. Gratefulness flows as I remember that light—in the time, place, person, destiny, and fruits of our deeds—is what matters. When I paused to contemplate Gurumayi’s request, what alighted upon me was: May my life be “A temple of love’s freedom flowing as mutual well-being.”

As Navaratri celebrations begin in honor of the divine goddess Shakti, may grace’s revelation of oneness empower me to gratefully recognize Mahashakti’s presence in every moment, in all of creation, and in every experience of my innate freedom.

Florida, United States

I am grateful for Gurumayi’s “Introduction to A Temple of…” It is a refreshing tonic for me to drink in deeply as I step into the world. The quality that is most meaningful for me at this time is A temple of silent wonder. 

Melbourne, Australia

A temple of purity comes to mind as I recall a Bible verse that says “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Contemplating Gurumayi’s Introduction, I connect this purity with seeing Goddess Shakti in everything, even “every speck of dust,” as Gurumayi encourages me to do. I feel that only a pure heart can recognize the presence of pure being in everything. How grateful I am to be on this Siddha Yoga path with so much grace and purity guiding my way. As I begin my day, I bless myself with the purity to behold the grace of my inner Self.

Virginia, United States

A temple of refuge. The Siddha Yoga practices are a refuge from my mind that judges myself and others. I repeat the mantra, and I have stepped into “a temple of refuge.”

Christchurch, New Zealand

I live in A temple of divine play. A two-year-old has blessed our lives here and taught me many things. The first thing is the value of this human life. I watch the joy this child shares with every activity. She stops and looks at me across the porch and runs over, throwing herself onto me—she does this several times. It’s as though God is showering me with love. We walk down the street, and every man she sees is Daddy. Every woman she sees is Mommy. I feel she sees the Self in everyone. I give her paints and tools and an easel, and she creates abstract paintings no one would ever guess a two-year-old created. So yes, A temple of divine play.

Connecticut, United States

A temple of great fortune is the one I chose for my intention among many virtues and thoughts. I experience my great fortune to be here in Gurudev Siddha Peeth (a temple of temples), to offer seva, to do my prayers, and to receive countless blessings. I am grateful to Gurumayi for this wish-fulfilling tree.

Hyderabad, India

I envision A temple of the Blue Pearl—to be with the Blue Pearl, to watch the Blue Pearl, and to become one with the Blue Pearl.

Domessin, France

A temple of light,

where illusions dissolve and my being awakens to radiance.

In moments of doubt,

the light whispers its eternal presence.

This “temple of light” becomes

A temple of grace,

as I reflect upon my life

and the sacred gift of shaktipat-diksha

bestowed by my Shri Guru,

Gurumayi Chidvilasananda.

Grace unfolds into sadhana—

A temple of practice,

calling me again and again

to svadhyaya and meditation.

It becomes A temple of virtue,

guiding me toward a life

rooted in dharma and purity.

And the deity of this temple—

none other than the Heart,

sublime, spacious, resplendent—

the very soul of recognition:

I am That.

It is through you

that I recognize myself;

through you

that I awaken to light.

All that I am

is but a reflection

of your boundless gift, O Gurumayi.

Dehu Road, India

I live in A temple of gratitude. Next month I will be seventy-nine years old. I have come to realize that everything that has happened in my life—every experience, every meeting—has been exactly the right thing.

Piers Island, Canada

A temple of honor: I strive to live honorably by being respectful of others and taking responsibility for my own actions.

Florida, United States

Every day as I read about the news of the world, quietly in my mind and heart I wish for love to prevail. My intention is to be in A temple of love, for love is the key where all giving starts.

Florida, United States

A temple of spontaneous heart-filled song.

New York, United States

A Temple of Joy

To live in a temple of joy.

To leave my worries, concerns, and judgments of daily life behind.

To leave these unnecessary distractions on the shoe rack.

To understand that in every moment,

the supreme state of joy is available to me.

To experience the purity of joy in seeing a friend, hearing a birdsong,

watching children play, seeing the sunlight sparkle through the leaves of a tree,

watching a sunset, and especially—to be alive and aware of Consciousness.

Such joy is ever fresh, ever new, as if I am experiencing it for the first time.

Such joy is my companion, my compass, my natural state.

Such a temple is always bright with the laughter and love of supreme joy.

El Escorial, Spain

Today, I envision myself and the whole world in A temple of equanimity and love for one another.

Lausanne, Switzerland

I am A temple of multifaceted gratitude! For the Guru has bestowed the Siddha Yoga teachings upon me, which illuminate the path of my sadhana and are transforming me in an indescribable way.

Icel, Turkey