Seeing the
murti of Bade Baba brought back wonderful memories. In the 1990s, I offered
seva at Shree Muktananda Ashram as night security guard. On the nights I was on guard duty at Atma Nidhi, I would go through the small room housing the
murti and
pranam to Bade Baba. Communing with Bade Baba even briefly in the middle of the night was heaven. The peace was palpable.
I was so happy to hear that the
murti has been moved to Shri Nilaya to be shared even more fully with the global
sangham in the Universal Hall.
Val-Morin, Canada
What a gift! While reading this enchanting narrative, I felt the welcoming warmth of Bade Baba’s energy entering into the little meditation cabin here at home where I have been meditating and chanting with a few friends since 1997. We now, even more vividly, experience Bade Baba’s presence and grace with us, helping us in our
sadhana. It is wonderful!
Querétaro, Mexico
After reading this narrative, I chanted
Kali Durge. Then I entered into meditation, and Gurumayi’s words about being “surrounded 360 degrees by the Siddhas” surged in my being. I immediately had the sense of being a flame, right in the middle of Shri Nilaya, with the thought that this sacred place is a
mandala, a radiating circular image. I experienced an immense power of protection reaching into the core of my being. Then I saw Shri Nilaya as a
mandala showering rays of light upon the whole world.
Rennes, France
Multiple exquisite feelings such as tenderness, gratitude, wonder, devotion, and peace opened within me as I read and connected with each and every component in this history and narrative. For example, when I breathed in the description of Shri Nilaya, the entire sacred space converged into the center of my being, and then rays of blessed light began to radiate out into this world and the subtle worlds.
How incredible to experience the depth of the
rasa of this event and to feel as if I could share it wherever I am.
Oregon, United States
While savoring the narrative, sharing, and photos, I had a vision of Shree Muktananda Ashram as an ocean of light flowing into rivers of grace that connect us all in a global
satsang of Gurumayi’s love. My heart spills over with love and gratitude for Gurumayi’s generosity, devotion, and kindness in making this possible.
Through Gurumayi's teachings, I have learned the importance of being fully present to the Self in
all places. Therefore, I have made that an intention of my
sadhana. And now, because of Gurumayi’s compassion, everything that I cherish on the Siddha Path is available for me and everyone else in the Siddha Yoga Universal Hall. It feels to me like the light of God is shining on everyone in this space. And this light brings a wellspring of boundless grace to my practices at home.
Illinois, United States
The narrative, the photo gallery, and the sharing brought back to me my experiences of
darshan of Bade Baba through visits to Gurudev Siddha Peeth since 1983 and to Shree Muktananda Ashram last year as a visiting sevite. Every experience was filled with grace and blessings.
Swami Ishwarananda’s words, “Bade Baba’s image is the very face of the Absolute. His beautiful countenance invokes
satsang within us,” is one hundred percent true for me too. Whenever and wherever I remember Bade Baba in any way, I become still, centered in my core, and filled with happiness, as if I were a new person in every respect. I can never forget Bade Baba.
I am grateful that Gurumayi brought us all into
satsang with Bade Baba, along with all the Siddhas, in the Siddha Yoga Universal Hall.
Udaipur, India
Today I closed my eyes and felt connected to my heart. When I opened my eyes again, I remembered the description of the “360 degrees” of blessings from the Siddha Yoga Universal Hall. So I had a look all around me and not only felt very blessed but understood the all-encompassing vision of the Siddhas. What a great insight and feeling!
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Whenever I receive Gurumayi’s
darshan through seeing a photo of her, through her teachings, or by listening to stories others share about being with Gurumayi, the first feeling that consistently arises in me—over forty years of following the Siddha Yoga path—is gratitude.
I feel this same expansive feeling of gratitude after reading this narrative, whose writers so carefully shared the kind of detail that made me feel I was present—both through many of the memories shared, and through the feeling of being in Shri Nilaya, experiencing the “360 degrees” of blessings all around me.
South Yarra, Australia
Reading the narrative and the beautiful sharing by Swami Ishwarananda reminded me of a recent experience—on a day when I was not yet consciously aware that the relocation of Bade Baba's
murti had already taken place
.
On that day, I felt inspired to repeat the mantra out loud. Suddenly, it spontaneously changed into Bhagavan Nityananda's name. I felt delighted, walking around my flat and joyfully calling out, “Bhagavan Nityananda! Bhagavan Nityananda! Bhagavan Nityananda!” This spontaneous practice continued for quite some time, filling my being with sweetness and great energy.
It was only later that I found these beautiful photos and the sharing on the website. It supports me to know how blessed and connected we all are through having
satsang in the Siddha Yoga Universal Hall.
I am grateful that Gurumayi created a sacred space within and without, and showered us with grace so that we can be part of this very special celebration wherever we are.
Warsaw, Poland
After reading and savoring the narrative and sharing on the occasion of the relocation of Bade Baba’s
murti, I viewed the images in the photo gallery. When I came to the image of Gurumayi meditating with her eyes closed, I closed my own eyes to join her in meditation. All of a sudden I saw the image of Bade Baba’s
murti in my heart. I was looking within and seeing his divine form. I felt a profound transcendence and clarity. I realized that “I” don't exist as such. Bade Baba is in my heart and I can worship him there. The unity I felt with the events in Shri Nilaya was complete.
Connecticut, United States
The Spanish word for “remember”
—recordar—means "to bring something again to the heart." This morning, reading the narrative and seeing the pictures, I learned and
remembered the facts, stories, and blessings of having Bade Baba’s
murti with us. My heart is enlivened with blissful, grateful feelings. I feel as if I am touching a sacred space within. The Guru’s grace has filled my heart.
Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
Thank you for this beautiful history. It has helped me to understand all that has happened and is happening on the Siddha Yoga path. I feel a new and deep connection to the Ashram. For me, it is not a destination to go to in my car; it is a place in my heart. Now, when Gurumayi speaks of the Universal Hall, I am there. Now, when I see photos of the sevites who are living at the Ashram, I appreciate their deep commitment to the path and value all that they are offering.
Maryland, United States
A few weeks ago, I had the good fortune to visit Bade Baba’s Temple in Ganeshpuri. As I walked into the area surrounding what was Bade Baba’s home for several years, I had the intense experience of being in his divine presence. Although I have visited this sacred space again and again since my early childhood, I felt that I was there for the first time. I was able to see Bade Baba in the many photographs that adorn the area, and I had a glimpse of the deep state that he constantly lived in.
Seeing these photos of Gurumayi with Bade Baba’s
murti in this gallery evoked the same deep and powerful presence I felt in Ganeshpuri. It made me think about how Bade Baba is always with us, inside our hearts.
Pune, India
I am so grateful for this narrative. I could feel that I was actually present in Shri Nilaya and that I have seen the entire hall.
Jhinjhoti raga has been my favorite, especially since chanting it recently. Every time I chant it, even though I was born in the 1990s, I feel like I am in the early 1980s with Baba Muktananda, and I can feel his presence.
Gandhinagar, India
After reading the beautiful stories of Bade Baba’s miracles, I became still. I felt deeply moved to ask Bade Baba to guide all of us on this planet to take responsibility for our actions and our lifestyle so we can make this world a pure and healthy place for our children, grandchildren, and all coming generations. From hearing stories of Bade Baba through our Gurus’ teachings and from my own experiences of the Guru’s grace, I feel confident that Bade Baba will support our efforts to heal this beautiful world.
London, United Kingdom
Thank you so much for this exquisite gallery and narrative. I not only feel as though I was present and have been bathed in the sweet
shakti of the experience, I also feel that the description is a portrayal of my own heart.
Such bliss! Such grace! I am so happy to be there and here at the same time.
Aloha!
Hawaii, United States
When Swami Ishwarananda mentioned offering his
pranam to Bade Baba and then hearing Bade Baba say within, “Tomorrow, I will be with all of you in Shri Nilaya,” I felt my heart blossom. I could literally feel Bade Baba’s love for all of us inside my heart. And I suddenly had the vision of being with my worldwide Siddha Yoga family sitting in the Siddha Yoga Universal Hall for a future Siddha Yoga event, offering our
pranam to Bade Baba, and feeling his love and grace pouring out to each of us around the world.
Arizona, United States
I was deeply moved by Swami Ishwarananda’s joyous sharing about the relocation of Bhagavan Nityananda’s
murti in Shree Muktananda Ashram. Even as I try to articulate what I experienced as I read it, I find myself simply sitting back and savoring again the sweet
shakti of the scenes Swami ji describes. Bade Baba’s presence and great heart are certainly alive for me in the words and stories of this sharing. Reading this, I feel wonderfully connected with Bade Baba and the relocation of his
murti to Shri Nilaya.
Oregon, United States
As I participated in the
puja honoring the relocation of Bade Baba’s
murti to Shri Nilaya, I became totally enthralled by the solemnity and power of the ritual. I was transported beyond my sensory perception to the depths of my heart and soul. In fact, each act of the
puja, each offering, seemed to be a doorway through which I entered into more subtle aspects of my own being. Watching Gurumayi offer the traditional gifts of the most fragrant flowers, the most exquisite oils, and the luscious fruit ignited within me an awareness of the depth of these honored Vedic rituals and their ability to open me to my own Self.
New York, United States
By the time I reached the end of this scintillating and supremely generous narrative, I was pulsating with energy and falling naturally into deep meditation. As soon as I closed my eyes, I had a mental image of Gurumayi, with absolute focus, tenderness, and reverence, performing
abhishek, the ritual washing of Bade Baba’s
murti. In this vision, Gurumayi poured purified water over Bhagavan Nityananda’s head and shoulders, gently and lovingly spreading the water all over the
murti, making certain the entire
murti was bathed. And I know that from where he is seated now in Shri Nilaya, Bhagavan Nityananda is radiating his infinite grace everywhere, to all, always.
California, United States
In two days, I’ll be going to my local Siddha Yoga meditation center to perform
abhishek, a bathing ritual, for Bade Baba’s
murti, which graces our local meditation hall. When I read Baba’s words at the installation of Bade Baba’s
murti in Gurudev Siddha Peeth in 1971, I was inspired to remember to take that plunge into the mystery of the
murti while I’m performing the
abhishek so I too can experience the
darshan that Baba describes—entering the state of absolute reverence and worship of one’s Guru. I love thinking about seeing Nityananda “in his full glory.” I feel Baba is exhorting me to see Bade Baba in all his radiance, to experience the deep devotion and reverence that Baba had for his Guru, and to respond fully, with all my heart, to Bade Baba’s love.
I feel grateful to Baba and Gurumayi for teaching me how to perform
abhishek for Bade Baba’s
murti.
Massachusetts, United States
When I was in Shree Muktananda Ashram recently as a visiting sevite, I loved having Bade Baba’s
darshan and meditating in his presence. I felt I was in a pristine sanctuary of light, a quiet place of softness and safety where I would meditate deeply. What good fortune now for all of us in the global community. How amazing! As Bade Baba will be gracing the Siddha Yoga Universal Hall with his beneficent presence, I will be able to have his
darshan when I join others there. Just the thought of this brings me a sense of deep ease, tenderness, and gratitude. To be in my beloved Bade Baba’s presence in that way is a great comfort.
Dulwich Hill, Australia
In this magnificent and full narrative of the relocation of Bade Baba’s
murti to Shri Nilaya, I noticed that the writers ask three questions.
The first relates to Bade Baba’s teaching:
The Heart is the hub of all sacred places. Go there and roam. “Isn’t it true?” the writers ask. The second is about how the
shakti, already fully abundant in Shri Nilaya, has become even more abundant and incandescent. They ask, “How can honey be sweeter than honey?” The third: “Remember how Gurumayi said that in Shri Nilaya, the Universal Hall, we are now surrounded 360 degrees by the presence of the Siddhas?” To all these beautiful questions I want to give a big, loud assent with my full attention, right on board with the aliveness of this moment: YES! YES! And YES!
Castlemaine, Australia
This narrative allowed me to be in Shri Nilaya, present to the purpose, intention, and palpable
shakti of this relocation. My experience was supported by the beautifully described examples of transition, bringing my awareness to how I can compassionately honor transition in my own life. I often think of Bade Baba in Atma Nidhi. In addition to having made this conscious shift in my own connection to his
murti, I have also been offered the opportunity to make my everyday transitions with greater trust and patience, led by the wisdom of the Guru.
New York, United States
I am so grateful to explore the Siddha Yoga Universal Hall through space and time. And I so appreciate reading Baba’s words about the
murti of Bade Baba! Being in the presence of Bade Baba’s
murti, or even remembering his golden form, has always taken me directly to the Heart. As I read Baba’s words about the
murti, I know that what he is describing has always been my experience. Yet having Baba name the “heart of its mystery,” having him speak of “the love glowing in Bade Baba’s eyes,” has made my experience even more tangible and defined. I feel that this narrative has brought the experience of the Siddha Yoga Universal Hall, with its “360 degrees” of Siddhas, into my world in a new and personal form.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for holding all of us, in every part of the world, so close.
Hampton, Australia
I found this narrative very powerful! I felt pulled into a meditative state as I imagined in my mind’s eye, first, the initial creation and installation of Bade Baba’s
murti in Gurudev Siddha Peeth in 1971, and then the beautiful
satsang in honor of Bade Baba’s
murti being installed in Shri Nilaya only a few days ago. I feel fortunate to belong to this lineage, where we are surrounded by grace! I think it is important to learn in narratives such as this the history of our sacred lineage and the story behind the objects we worship in
puja, like the
murti and the image of Mahalakshmi. I find that it increases my love and gratitude for the lineage and rekindles my longing to serve our beloved Gurumayi and the path we follow.
I am grateful for this detailed narrative, which made me feel as if I were there.
Montreal, Canada
As I read this narrative, I became aware of deep gratitude arising within my heart. I feel so moved that Bade Baba’s
murti will now be in Shri Nilaya, because this beautiful room has truly become the living heart of our Siddha Yoga Universal Hall. Here, as a fellow student in the worldwide Siddha Yoga
sangham, I receive the Siddha Yoga teachings from Gurumayi and Siddha Yoga meditation teachers. I get to chant and meditate and listen to fellow Siddha Yogis speak of their
sadhana experiences and transformation. I have the living
darshan of our beloved Gurumayi in the midst of the bright faces of those in attendance. I feel connected with the global
sangham. And now, along with Siddha Yogis around the world who participate in these live broadcasts from Shri Nilaya, I will have Bade Baba’s “glowing”
darshan!
This is a great blessing of the Siddhas!
Oregon, United States
As I read this narrative, memories flashed before me, and I recognized again the presence, protection, and grace of Gurumayi, Baba, and Bade Baba in my life. It made me acknowledge once more that the Siddha Yoga mission is a mission of the Heart. It is my great good fortune to be walking the Siddha Yoga path, and my heart is full of gratitude for Gurumayi’s guidance. I am inspired to meditate remembering Gurumayi’s words: “We are surrounded 360 degrees by the presence of the Siddhas!”
I am grateful for Gurumayi ji's immense compassion and love. I pray that I may continue to serve the mission actively, ‘til my last breath.
Pune, India