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Baba's Birthday

The Presence of the Guru

A Story about Baba Muktananda

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In the late summer of 1970, I was walking along a sidewalk after school. I had just entered seventh grade. Suddenly I was rooted to the ground. I entered a realm of light. A male voice said, with great authority, “What are you doing? Your life belongs to God!” For over two decades I sought to understand what this meant. Then I came to my first Siddha Yoga program, the Shaktipat Intensive in honor of the tenth anniversary of Baba Muktananda’s mahasamadhi. On the morning of October 10, 1992, I received initiation. I came home. And I realized it was Baba who had called for me.
 

Arkansas, United States

After thirty years of physical separation from my beloved Gurumayi, I have come to cherish the inner Guru. Yet still, I have wondered from time to time if this deep closeness I feel is simply my profound wish for it to be so. This story shows me that my inner experience is real and true. It moves me at my core.
 

Washington, United States

Oh, what a burst of joy and tears upon reading this story!
 
Here in our small house in the middle of the countryside in the south of France, we are so fully aware of the presence of our cherished Gurumayi when we begin reciting Shri Guru Gita!
 

Carla-Bayle, France

Although I only met Baba once, in July 1981, I feel he is closer to me with each day that passes. I have relied upon this deep connection throughout the years, and it guides my way through life. All I have to do is remember the feeling I received from Baba’s smile. Then I sense that everything is going to be all right.
 

New York, United States

I love the simplicity and pointedness of this story. What a great reminder of what "closeness to the Guru" really is, especially during these times of physical isolation.
 

Idaho, United States

This story reminds me of two experiences I have had of Baba’s presence.
 
In 1979, I had just returned home after being with Baba at what is now the Shree Muktananda Ashram, where I participated in one of the Shaktipat Intensives held at that time. In a rush of joy, I sat down on the floor in my apartment, thinking of Baba strongly with great love. Immediately, the aroma of Baba's heena oil filled the room. Baba was unmistakably present. It was a wondrous moment of direct connection with my Guru! 
 
At another time, I was sitting around and talking with a group of other Siddha Yoga students.  Suddenly, I experienced Baba's strong presence very clearly hovering above us. "Do you all feel that? Baba is here!" I exclaimed. Everyone was first stunned into silence, and then affirmed that, yes, they could also feel Baba's holy presence. For a few minutes, we could do nothing but sit and revel in this direct and powerful experience.

Maryland, United States

Recently I have been reflecting on the Guru's presence and how to honor it and experience it in my daily life. As soon as I read this beautiful story, I recalled a powerful experience I had in Gurudev Siddha Peeth in 2013.
 
I’ve never met Baba in his physical form. However, one day I was resting in the courtyard, facing Baba's samadhi shrine. The courtyard was largely empty—or so I thought. I gradually become aware of someone at the other end who was moving very slowly in my direction. He looked like a pujari and seemed to be carrying something on his head. 
 
As I watched this, I experienced the most extraordinary feeling of an endless expansion of peace and love that seemed to fill the courtyard and my inner being at the same time. I spontaneously stood up and bowed. It was then I realized the pujari was carrying Baba's padukas.
 
That experience is as alive in me today as on that auspicious day in Gurudev Siddha Peeth all those years ago.

Frome, United Kingdom

As I read this story about Baba’s presence, it made me fully believe in the experience I had last year in October, Baba’s month—the month in which we look for the signs of Baba's presence.
 
In that experience Baba came to my room and gave me shaktipat by pressing the space between my eyebrows with his finger. Even today, when I remember that experience, I feel that Baba was present at that very moment—and that he is still present today to guide me.

Valsad, India