Sharing Experiences of the
Global Live Audio Stream Satsang
Chanting Creates a Paradise in this World
April 19, 2014
During the Global Live Audio Stream Satsang, I learned how to experience and practice the soundless sound while I chanted. What an ecstatic revolution! The soundless sound became my own, and the experience of chanting was refreshed. Now, instead of just taking a breath, I experience the soundless sound between my breaths and at the end of phrases, which transforms the chant into a beautiful ribbon of light that never ends. So beautiful! What a treasure!
Thank you, Gurumayi!
Thank you, Gurumayi!
Hawaii, USA
During the chanting of Jaya Jaya Shiva Shambho in the Audio Webcast from Sydney, I re-experienced a time many years ago, in the Shakti Mandap in Shree Muktananda Ashram, when I was chanting this chant with Gurumayi. As we chanted, the Mandap filled up with golden light. The air seemed to be made of liquid gold, and we all appeared to be shimmering and glowing brightly as we chanted. This time, during the Audio Webcast, I was alone in my home. But I felt surrounded once again by the golden nectar of the chant. How sublime!
Thank you, Gurumayi! And thank you to all of you on the Siddha Yoga path.
Thank you, Gurumayi! And thank you to all of you on the Siddha Yoga path.
Maine, USA
As I participated in the Global Live Audio Stream Satsang , I could feel the chant vibrating within myself and throughout my home. I truly felt as if my body was a finely tuned instrument chanting divine sounds. After a while, it seemed to me as if the entire earth was pulsating with the chant.
New York, USA
My husband and I participated in the Global Live Audio Stream Satsang at home. At the very beginning of the satsang, after the exquisite taste of Gurumayi chanting in Baba’s Samadhi Shrine and Baba chanting Shri Guru Gita, I felt a swelling up in my heart, which surged through my being in ripples of soft gratitude for my Guru and this path. At the climax of the chant we both found ourselves on our feet with our hands in the air in intoxicated freedom.
Near the end of the satsang we were asked to study, practice, assimilate and integrate the three principles of chanting we had learned. So the next morning, my husband and I reviewed the satsang together. Then he spontaneously stood up and started softly chanting Jaya Jaya Shiva Shambho with great focus and love. When I joined him, I felt each principle stand forth in my mind’s eye, and it was lovely and easeful to apply them to our singing. We both began to sway with an inward and outward euphoria.
This morning as I practiced chanting AUM, I felt my entire body to be an instrument, a giant resonator—my pronunciation attuned, my inner ear activated and relishing the inner oceanic roaring.
Tomorrow morning we’ll participate in the satsang one last time to more fully imbibe its lessons!
With all my heart, thank you, Gurumayi.
Virginia, USA
During the Global Live Audio Stream Satsang, I experienced deep stillness and silence, underneath the vibrancy of the chant, which set the framework for the dynamic aspect of the chant.
I realized that it was due to the preparation and focus that we learned in the satsang that I was able to experience both profound silence and, at the same time, the ecstatic power of each syllable.
Ever since this experience, I have discovered that I am able to use what I learned in the satsang to enhance and enliven my own daily practice of chanting.
Thank you, Gurumayi!
I realized that it was due to the preparation and focus that we learned in the satsang that I was able to experience both profound silence and, at the same time, the ecstatic power of each syllable.
Ever since this experience, I have discovered that I am able to use what I learned in the satsang to enhance and enliven my own daily practice of chanting.
Thank you, Gurumayi!
Texas, USA
Right from the beginning of the Global Live Audio Stream Satsang, I felt the presence of the sacred atmosphere of the Universal Hall. I loved learning the three elements of chanting that Carlos del Cueto, Siddha Yoga music teacher, taught us. I applied them as we chanted and had the most beautiful experience, which grew as the chant built. At the peak moment of the chant when we could hear the people in Sydney expressing their utter ecstasy, I felt so beautifully immersed in the love-filled presence of the Guru’s grace that I just wanted to dissolve in it and remain there forever.
The chant also began a purification of something deeply ingrained in my heart. As the pace and sound of the chant peaked, a sadness burst forth in my heart, and for a few seconds I couldn’t chant with my voice. Even as the chant continued with its incredible shakti, I could feel the contraction very subtly in my heart. In the days since the chant, this inner purification has continued. What’s significant to me is that in meditation and my daily chanting, my heart feels clearer and lighter now, allowing more of the pure, tender experience of divine love to come through.
Texas, USA
As we were chanting in the Universal Hall, I started to listen with intent, following the instructions of Carlos del Cueto, Siddha Yoga music teacher. I was able to listen in this way to the notes of the raga, the syllables of each word, and the voices of both the chanters and the musical instruments. I also was able to listen to the silence in between.
I saw myself dissolving into a very powerful silence and my awareness expanding, as I swayed along with the music. I felt my entire being vibrating and flowing with love from head to toe.
Thank you, Gurumayi. Thank you, Baba. Thank you, Bade Baba. Thank you to all the Siddhas and great beings for your presence, wishes, and blessings.
I saw myself dissolving into a very powerful silence and my awareness expanding, as I swayed along with the music. I felt my entire being vibrating and flowing with love from head to toe.
Thank you, Gurumayi. Thank you, Baba. Thank you, Bade Baba. Thank you to all the Siddhas and great beings for your presence, wishes, and blessings.
—a Siddha Yogi participating in Chennai, India
I participated in the Global Live Audio Stream Satsang in the Siddha Yoga meditation center in Amsterdam, and we all had a "wow" evening! What a joy to sing together with all the others in the world. We could feel the uplifting atmosphere coming through the audio system. For me it was the first time I received an explanation of chanting, and the way the program was set up was perfect for me. It will inspire me on my path as a new seeker. Chanting is the most intensive way for me to feel God’s presence in my heart and to see God in each other.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for this Chanting Tour. And strong applause for all the sevites who have contributed so much to it.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for this Chanting Tour. And strong applause for all the sevites who have contributed so much to it.
—a new seeker participating in Rotterdam, Netherlands
When we chanted Jaya Jaya Shiva Shambho in the Global Live Audio Stream Satsang, I was struck by the crystalline and pure sound produced by the Siddha Yoga musicians in Sydney, and by the satsang participants around me—it truly was one unified sound. As I chanted and became absorbed in the practice, I experienced the sounds of the chant moving through my body with such clarity and high resonance that it seemed as though the air and environment around me and the cells within my body were one great pool of highly refined sound.
The image arose in my mind of these shimmering vibrations permeating all the particles of the grounds, plants and buildings all around the hall. With the awareness that we were all chanting simultaneously around the world in this Universal Hall, and that these same pure sounds were being produced across the globe, I envisioned this brilliant vibration spreading across the lands, waters, and cities, and infusing every particle with the sounds of the chant. As I held this image, the following blessing sprang from my heart: "May all living beings and inanimate objects experience the perfect joy of Satyam Shivam Sundaram."
Thank you, Gurumayi, for the Siddha Yoga Chanting Tour. Thank you for the experience of Satyam Shivam Sundaram. Thank you for teaching us how to make a paradise in this world.
The image arose in my mind of these shimmering vibrations permeating all the particles of the grounds, plants and buildings all around the hall. With the awareness that we were all chanting simultaneously around the world in this Universal Hall, and that these same pure sounds were being produced across the globe, I envisioned this brilliant vibration spreading across the lands, waters, and cities, and infusing every particle with the sounds of the chant. As I held this image, the following blessing sprang from my heart: "May all living beings and inanimate objects experience the perfect joy of Satyam Shivam Sundaram."
Thank you, Gurumayi, for the Siddha Yoga Chanting Tour. Thank you for the experience of Satyam Shivam Sundaram. Thank you for teaching us how to make a paradise in this world.
—a Siddha Yogi participating in New York, USA
During and after the Global Live Audio Stream Satsang, I felt as if I were entering into the abode of silence, enveloped in the soothing energy of our chanting. My entire being seemed to be at peace and immersed in an ocean of bliss, and this state continued for hours. The words of the chant Jaya Jaya Shiva Shambho continue to reverberate within me—and sometimes on my tongue—even now. This chant makes me feel as if I am flowing without any obstacle in the river of happiness.
The three essential principles of chanting that Siddha Yoga music teacher Carlos del Cueto taught us provided me with new insight. I have started to apply these in my practice of chanting, particularly during the recitation of Shri Guru Gita. To honor each syllable as the carrier of Shri Guru’s grace, I pay attention to the phrasing. And I not only listen with intent but also look at each word and syllable of the text with intent. This makes me remain present and alert throughout the recitation, and brings me peace and blessings during and after the recitation.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for these wonderful experiences and insights, and for giving us a golden opportunity to become a part of this great event and to witness Satyam Shivam Sundaram in the Universal Hall.
The three essential principles of chanting that Siddha Yoga music teacher Carlos del Cueto taught us provided me with new insight. I have started to apply these in my practice of chanting, particularly during the recitation of Shri Guru Gita. To honor each syllable as the carrier of Shri Guru’s grace, I pay attention to the phrasing. And I not only listen with intent but also look at each word and syllable of the text with intent. This makes me remain present and alert throughout the recitation, and brings me peace and blessings during and after the recitation.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for these wonderful experiences and insights, and for giving us a golden opportunity to become a part of this great event and to witness Satyam Shivam Sundaram in the Universal Hall.
—a Siddha Yogi participating in Udaipur, India
I took the Global Live Audio Stream Satsang on April 20 in my home. The Shiva-Shakti movements made me very conscious of my body—the tapping awakened my life energy and I could feel the prana flowing through my body.
I started the chant using my whole body as an instrument, as Carlos del Cueto, Siddha Yoga music teacher, had instructed us. As the chant progressed, I felt a dancing light filling all the cells of my body and it began to sway very gently. I felt like I was floating in clouds of divine melody.
When the chant was over, the soundless sound arose and subsided in my inhalation and exhalation, and my meditation was pure sweetness. Waves of love and gratitude arose and subsided in my heart.
I started the chant using my whole body as an instrument, as Carlos del Cueto, Siddha Yoga music teacher, had instructed us. As the chant progressed, I felt a dancing light filling all the cells of my body and it began to sway very gently. I felt like I was floating in clouds of divine melody.
When the chant was over, the soundless sound arose and subsided in my inhalation and exhalation, and my meditation was pure sweetness. Waves of love and gratitude arose and subsided in my heart.
—a Siddha Yogi participating in Sao Jose do Rio Preto, Brazil
A wonderful understanding dawned upon me as I was offering seva for the Chanting Tour. What a blessing it is to be able to create paradise wherever we are, in whatever profession we are , and in whatever place we are! It was an amazing insight to realize that we have a possibility, a blessing, and more than that, an assurance from the Siddha Yoga Guru that with the powerful tool of chanting we CAN create a paradise in our world.
At the end of the Global Live Audio Stream Satsang, as I listened intently to the abhanga of Tukaram Maharaj, Deva Mazha, I went deeper into this understanding. I realized that paradise is created because we can experience it within. With the power of chanting, as we sing the name of the Lord, paradise is created in the world inside, and the outer world reflects it.
Thank you, Gurumayiji.
At the end of the Global Live Audio Stream Satsang, as I listened intently to the abhanga of Tukaram Maharaj, Deva Mazha, I went deeper into this understanding. I realized that paradise is created because we can experience it within. With the power of chanting, as we sing the name of the Lord, paradise is created in the world inside, and the outer world reflects it.
Thank you, Gurumayiji.
—a Siddha Yogi participating in Pune, India
From the first moments of chanting, when I closed my eyes I had a vision of the Shiva Nataraj statue that graces the grounds of Shree Muktananda Ashram, outside the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple. Lord Shiva is dancing, dancing, dancing…
—a Siddha Yogi participating from Wisconsin, USA
The Global Live Audio Stream Satsang was certainly the purnahuti of the Chanting Tour. Everything we had been learning all month was again presented so beautifully by Carlos del Cueto. As we joined together for the final chant, I could hear in the quality of the voices that we as a sangham have grown so much, not only in the physical practice of chanting, but in our understanding of the practice of chanting itself.
I experienced Gurumayi fully in the form of the Chanting Tour. She was as present for me as if her physical form was there. It felt as though all of us in the hall were a part of Gurumayi’s divine form, chanting in Gurumayi’s divine heart. I felt expanded and so full of love, joy, and contentment.
The Chanting Tour has deepened and strengthened my connection to the Siddha Yoga path. I have a new sense of purpose in my sadhana and a new feeling of inner strength and security.
Thank you, Gurumayi; you have changed lives. And thank you to all those who offered seva to make the Chanting Tour possible.
—Sydney, Australia
Thank you, Gurumayi, for the fabulous gift of the Global Live Audio Stream Satsang from Sydney. The clear teachings on the practice of chanting given by Shalini Davies, the instructions on the finer points of how to chant given by Carlos del Cueto, and the way the ensemble modeled each point given by Carlos, facilitated the most amazing experience of chanting. Much to my delight and surprise, I found that by placing my focus on breathing, as Carlos instructed us, the chant chanted itself—effortlessly dissolving any distinction of chanter, chant, and chanted. I experienced the one great sound.
Thank you to all who so generously gave their skill, knowledge, and seva to making available to so many such a precious and long-lasting experience of Siddha Yoga chanting.
—a Siddha Yogi participating in Missouri, USA
Soon after the Global Live Audio Stream Satsang began, I realized that this event offered me a golden opportunity to take my practice of chanting to a new place. I consciously let go of expectations and opened up to the teachings being presented about how to participate in Siddha Yoga chanting.
Because I was participating late at night, it required effort for me to remain alert, and I noticed in my body the kind of low-grade fatigue that results from lazy habits with regard to my posture. As I rallied to fully engage with the teachings and to be fully present, my energy levels rose, my brain became quiet, focused, and engaged, and any source of previous tension in the body dissolved.
The next day, when I sang Jyota se Jyota Jagao at a satsang, it was very different—I was applying all I’d learned the night before. I felt strong, clear, and absolutely connected to the auspicious power of chanting.
Because I was participating late at night, it required effort for me to remain alert, and I noticed in my body the kind of low-grade fatigue that results from lazy habits with regard to my posture. As I rallied to fully engage with the teachings and to be fully present, my energy levels rose, my brain became quiet, focused, and engaged, and any source of previous tension in the body dissolved.
The next day, when I sang Jyota se Jyota Jagao at a satsang, it was very different—I was applying all I’d learned the night before. I felt strong, clear, and absolutely connected to the auspicious power of chanting.
—a Siddha Yogi participating in New York, USA
I participated in the Global Live Audio Stream Satsang from my home and had an exquisite experience. The first half of the program, which focused on instructions and explanations, was lovely and supportive especially for a participant who might be new to chanting. I am a long-time lover of chanting, who has been practicing Siddha Yoga for 35 years, and I, too, learned some valued lessons in pronunciation and chanting—thank you!
The staff who spoke throughout the program were genuine and helpful, and I really appreciated Carlos del Cueto, Siddha Yoga music teacher, whose great heart, humility, and purity shone through his voice.
And then we chanted—Yippee! About three-quarters of the way through the chant, I had a really profound, loving experience of being connected to all the chanters around the world. It was very moving for me. Particularly since for the past few months I have been feeling alone and worried about a family member who is ill.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for creating and filling this event with your love and the divine Shakti. I feel so connected to and supported by the mystical, loving Siddha Yoga worldwide community.
—a Siddha Yogi participating in Oregon, USA
The Global Live Audio Stream Satsang, Chanting Creates a Paradise in this World, was for me a powerful and profound spiritual, intellectual, and physical endeavor!
I found the strength and clarity of the teachers to be a tribute to their years of Siddha Yoga sadhana and training. While I experienced every element in the satsang as significant, I was particularly inspired by the formal presentation of the history of Siddha Yoga music. It was good to be reminded that right from the very beginning with Baba, focus and discipline were key elements of Siddha Yoga chanting. As the chronology took us through the evolution of Siddha Yoga music, I experienced heartfelt gratitude for Gurumayi’s teachings and guidance on the practice of chanting, for the music she writes and composes, and for her attention to every detail regarding this practice. Ever since the global satsang I have been reflecting on the remarkable contribution that Siddha Yoga music has made to our world.
As Carlos del Cueto, Siddha Yoga music teacher, talked about raga in the global satsang, I realized that it is much more complex than I had understood. And since the raga in Indian classical music plays such an important role in Siddha Yoga music, I now want to learn more about it. How exciting to continue to expand my knowledge and understanding of this beautiful practice!
Thank you, Gurumayi, for the gift of Siddha Yoga music.
I found the strength and clarity of the teachers to be a tribute to their years of Siddha Yoga sadhana and training. While I experienced every element in the satsang as significant, I was particularly inspired by the formal presentation of the history of Siddha Yoga music. It was good to be reminded that right from the very beginning with Baba, focus and discipline were key elements of Siddha Yoga chanting. As the chronology took us through the evolution of Siddha Yoga music, I experienced heartfelt gratitude for Gurumayi’s teachings and guidance on the practice of chanting, for the music she writes and composes, and for her attention to every detail regarding this practice. Ever since the global satsang I have been reflecting on the remarkable contribution that Siddha Yoga music has made to our world.
As Carlos del Cueto, Siddha Yoga music teacher, talked about raga in the global satsang, I realized that it is much more complex than I had understood. And since the raga in Indian classical music plays such an important role in Siddha Yoga music, I now want to learn more about it. How exciting to continue to expand my knowledge and understanding of this beautiful practice!
Thank you, Gurumayi, for the gift of Siddha Yoga music.
—a Siddha Yogi participating in New York, USA
Thank you, Gurumayi for the profound Global Live Audio Stream Satsang, Chanting Creates a Paradise in this World! I feel like I have experienced a rare and mysterious initiation.
As I contemplated my experience of the chant, I had a delightful realization that each moment of life contains Satyam Shivam Sundaram—Truth, auspiciousness, beauty—for these are the virtues of the Self. And by chanting, while practicing the techniques taught in the satsang, I can experience those virtues.
I am learning to live my life knowing that I am Satyam Shivam Sundaram.
—a Siddha Yogi participating in Virginia, USA
I flew into Sydney just for the day. From the moment I entered the theater foyer, I saw so many familiar faces. There was one person whom I had not seen in forty years. Older bodies, yes, but bright, sparkling eyes filled with shakti and excitement.
For a very long time I have practiced Siddha Yoga just by myself in my bedroom, with just the photos of my beloved Guru, the candle, the incense, the harmonium, the meditation mat, and occasionally the neighbor’s dog. Inside the theater, it was so beautiful! I was seated in the middle section, between people I did not know; we all smiled at each other in recognition of that which connected us.
The chanting was so sweet. Jaya Jaya Shiva Shambho has definitely become the soundtrack to my life. Then the chanting stopped and I became lost in the deep, sparkling energy of inner space. This Chanting Tour—guided by the Siddha Yoga teachers and musicians—and the experience of chanting with others have filled me with immeasurable gratitude to Gurumayi.
—a Siddha Yogi participating in Sydney, Australia
During the Chanting Tour, I received an email from a Siddha Yogi whom I had met in Gurudev Siddha Peeth a few years back. The Siddha Yogi asked me if I could invite one of his childhood friends to a chanting satsang. I invited the friend for the Global Live Audio Stream Satsang at the Parade Theater. After the satsang, I sent him an email and invited him to share his experience. This is what he shared:
"This satsang has revealed to me that music is food for the soul. I understood that good sounds and music are essential components of meditation, which I enjoyed in full. During the chanting sessions, I had my eyes closed and wanted to enjoy the sound of the music and the chanting. Through the chanting I experienced tranquility and peacefulness of mind, and eventually inner joy.
"The methodical approach to the devotional music was very well researched and was one of my most memorable experiences. I’ve attended a few musical events and satsangs in the past but nothing can be compared to my experience today. I’ve profoundly enjoyed every moment! Participating in more satsangs will be on my priority list."
Thank you, Gurumayi, for the Chanting Tour: Australia 2014.
—a Siddha Yogi participating in Sydney, Australia
This Global Audio Satsang was absolutely amazing for me! When the instruments played during the first hour, I felt sweet sensations in my heart region. It felt like being in the Intensive hall in Gurudev Siddha Peeth! Every contribution of the speakers, instrumentalists, and chanters was coming from the heart. The different practices were very helpful—I put my emphasis on emptying the lungs completely. The outcome was amazing! I arrived at a deep state of meditation at the same time that I was consciously listening and chanting.
I feel immense gratitude to Gurumayi. And thank you to all the sevites who made this experience possible.
—a Siddha Yogi participating in Bad Hindelang, Germany
I registered to take the Global Live Audio Stream Satsang in my home via the Siddha Yoga path website. As I began preparing my living room for the broadcast, it suddenly was no longer my living room. I felt I was literally preparing a space in a Siddha Yoga Ashram or meditation center where a sacred event was about to take place. Each item needed to be beautiful and clean and put in just the right location with reverence and love. Inspirations arose in my heart about how to offer this preparation seva.
I knew then that Gurumayi was connecting us all in the Universal Hall not figuratively but actually. During the satsang I experienced that I was in the same room with every other participant and we were all learning together. I can only imagine the positive effect it had on the world when we chanted God’s name, connected in this way, around the globe.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for this marvel. I am in awe of your grace.
—a Siddha Yogi participating in New York, USA
What an exquisite jewel—the Global Live Audio Stream Satsang, Chanting Creates a Paradise in this World! I experienced a sweet, deep, peaceful, and velvety flowing energy during and after the chant. The golden gift of Siddha Yoga music!
This morning way before dawn, I woke up with a bird sitting on the windowsill, singing enthusiastically at the top of his voice! Birds normally start singing at dawn—it is unusual to hear one sing in the dark, especially with full voice. I smiled as he obviously was participating in the Chanting Tour. I thought that I would go back to sleep since I had participated in the satsang until 12:30 a.m. the previous evening.
But then a beautiful hymn to Lord Shiva, which we have sung in Siddha Yoga satsangs, started playing over and over in my head. I was surprised to hear it in my head during the early morning hour. Then I realized that we had just worshiped Lord Shiva a few hours before by chanting Jaya Jaya Shiva Shambho. Lord Shiva must have been so pleased that he wanted the chanting to continue. So after a while, I got up and sang the hymn. I felt as if I were still in the satsang hall and that the satsang will continue for some time. It was very sweet.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for the most precious gift of Siddha Yoga music. Thank you for creating a paradise in this world!
—a Siddha Yogi participating in New York, USA
I have been a hatha yoga teacher for many years. Because my voice is "reedy," I have always had to make an effort so that participants can hear me in class. I have spent a lot of time and effort exercising my throat so that my muscles could become stronger and my voice could be loud enough. However, for several months lately I have been feeling contractions in my neck, like a steady muscle spasm. I have tried different things to relieve the problem, but the tenseness persisted.
Yesterday, on April 19, when I was participating in the Global Live Audio Stream Satsang, I listened carefully to the instructions given by Carlos del Cueto, Siddha Yoga music teacher. He explained how the muscles of our body are involved as we chant, and guided us in breathing out silently with the throat open. When I started to apply this advice during the chant, all my old neck tensions suddenly disappeared! I am amazed at all of this, especially since my neck is still perfectly relaxed.
Thank you, Gurumayi, for your precious teachings which lead us to create a paradise in this world, in our lives, and our bodies.
—a Siddha Yogi participating in Saint Victor la Coste, France