I started the month of Birthday Bliss by reading Eesha’s letter and contemplating the virtue of the day, Abundance. I reflected on the abundance of nature, the abundance of blessings, and the abundance of the Guru’s love and grace in my life.

Later that day, I was sitting quietly in my car for a few minutes, in between appointments, when I made the conscious decision to connect with the virtue of the day once again.

The moment I did, I heard these words loud and clear within me:

“There’s an abundance of virtues within you.”

I realize that, up to that moment, I had been focusing mainly on the abundance around me. This year, I can refresh my approach by also connecting to the abundance within me and enjoying discovering my inner wealth more deeply.

Coburg, Australia

Recently, my husband brought home many mangoes, knowing how much we all love enjoying them during the summer. We also received several mangoes as gifts so we had a real abundance of mangoes. However, the intense summer heat soon caused some of the mangoes to ripen too quickly and become rotten. The next day, even more had spoiled. With heavy hearts, we had no choice but to throw them away.

One evening my husband and I decided to preserve the remaining mangoes by extracting the pulp and deep-freezing it. As we worked, we continued our conversation about the bliss of Gurumayi’s birthday month.

Suddenly, a profound insight arose within me. I realized that abundance must be cared for if it is to be fully enjoyed. Whatever comes into my life in abundance—whether opportunities to serve Gurumayi, financial resources, time, or other blessings—needs to be used wisely and responsibly. When I care for what I have received, I honor abundance itself.

Thane West, India

My first impression of this virtue was a lingering set of sounds: the syllables a-bun-dance. I focused on the final syllable of dance. I started to look at what these letters, these sounds were showing me, and I was delighted to see that out of this contemplation emerged the understanding that this existence is a dance. From the enjoyment and spiritual seeking that uplift our life on earth, we dance into our destiny. Just thinking about it in this way has made my heart feel lighter and has made my enthusiasm for exploring this virtue expand.

Massachusetts, United States

As I was contemplating the virtue of abundance, I reflected on how this virtue has shaped my sadhana and my life over the past thirteen years.

I realized that whatever external situations and challenges I have faced in my life, the grace of Shri Gurumayi has always been there in abundance, with me and for me. This helped me maintain a state of equipoise within my heart, and I was able to meet the challenges gracefully and with a smile on my face.

Abundance for me is Shri Guru’s bountiful grace, which is there for me to lead my life, perform my sadhana, and extend my inner state to all the people I meet and all the things I touch.

Lucknow, India

Contemplating the meaning and life energy of abundance, I began to see images of water flowing. Oceans, rivers, waterfalls of grace—of the Guru, of Shiva. Abundance became a live entity, with Om as an expressive vibration of that energy. I chanted Shri Guru Paduka Panchakam to offer my worship and reverence for the infinite grace, the abundance of Shri Guru’s love.

New York, United States

Today, I contemplated the virtue of abundance with a focus on not doing “too much,” as Eesha described in her introduction. I decided to take refuge in Gurumayi in order to more deeply experience the virtue of abundance. Immediately, I became aware of the sweet sounds of the birds singing outside my window.

Throughout the day, I continued to read Eesha’s introduction and contemplate abundance. I felt the abundance of breath, oxygen, prana, available for me to live my life. As the day unfolded, there were many other things that caught my attention, including the abundance of love from my daughter and the abundant time that I have to spend on spiritual practice.

In the evening, when something disturbed me, I chose to stay focused on what I have in life in that very moment—I could see the nice garden area around and take in my daughter’s love as she sat with me. Then we listened to a recording of my brother singing an uplifting bhajan; I experienced an abundance of calm and shakti as I listened to his soothing voice. 

Dombivli, India

As I reflect on abundance, I realize that God has already blessed me with this virtue.

My body is a living example of abundance—countless cells, organs, blood, breath, and thousands of energy channels working continuously to sustain my life. My brain has the capacity to acquire limitless knowledge, my heart can nurture noble virtues, and my mind holds an endless stream of thoughts.

When I give my positive thoughts my attention, they can grow into many uplifting ideas, insights, and possibilities. If I encourage my negative thoughts, they can multiply into unnecessary pain and suffering. Thus, I am inspired to observe my thoughts more consciously as a way of cultivating the virtue of abundance.

I feel fortunate to reflect on the virtues each day of this month. They are like nourishing food for my mind—uplifting, inspiring, and gently guiding my attention inward. Each virtue becomes a small lamp on the path, illuminating a deeper and more divine journey within. To me, true abundance exists within me and is waiting to be nurtured through awareness, gratitude, self-care, and dharma.

Khargone, India

To me, abundance is God’s true nature. God created everything in abundance. For example, a cherry tree bears not just one cherry but countless ones, which are there for everyone—animals and humans alike.

I practice abundance by constantly trying to open my heart completely in order to give love. But if I give “too much,” it can be overwhelming; the other person may perceive it as overbearing and patronizing, and they may reject what I am giving. On the other hand, if I am not open enough and cannot let love flow, then I feel lonely and unloved.

The reaction of others and my own feelings show me whether I am living the virtue of abundance in moderation.

Konolfingen, Switzerland

Early this morning, I went to pick strawberries in a farmer’s field. The strawberries were beautiful, and I felt gratitude for the farmer. When I got back home, I saw that today’s virtue is Abundance.

What a great manifestation!

So, I’ve decided to keep a daily record of the virtues in my journal and how they manifest in my life.

Lausanne, Switzerland

Balance is one virtue I have long wished to cultivate. I often pray for harmony among the four aims of life—dharma, artha, kama, and moksha.

Yet I frequently find myself caught in dilemmas. When I am deeply engaged in an important project, I worry that I am not giving enough time to my son. When I work hard, I feel I may be neglecting my body’s need for rest. If I choose to rest or spend time in leisure, I sometimes feel that my day has not been productive enough. So, I have noticed that the pursuit of balance itself can become a source of stress for me.

Over time, I have come to realize that, for me, balance is not about dividing time equally among everything that matters. Rather, it is about doing what is important in a given moment and offering it my full attention. When I am fully present with my work, my family, my health, or my rest, I experience a greater sense of contentment and balance.

Thane West, India

When I read today’s virtue, Balance, my first thought was that it would be difficult for me to practice. I often find myself wondering what my priorities truly are and how to choose them wisely.

So, I prayed to Shri Guru, asking for guidance in cultivating this virtue.

As the day came to an end, I realized something beautiful had happened. I had found time for all my activities—my spiritual practices, work, household responsibilities, and even adequate rest. What amazed me most was how effortlessly the day unfolded, and how my daily targets were not only completed but exceeded.

This experience reminded me that what seems difficult through personal effort often becomes effortless when I am open to divine guidance.

Khargone, India

June 2 is my birthday, and the virtue of balance has always been a central theme in my life, because I used to be very easily affected by everything, which made me feel unbalanced and caused me a great deal of suffering.

I am most successful in practicing this virtue when I am humble and mindful. Discipline and regularity also help me to experience more balance in my life. When I am out of balance, I use the Siddha Yoga practices—usually reciting Shri Guru Gita or meditating—to return to a state of balance.

When I reflect mindfully, I immediately notice what is too intense and what I need to do to regain balance; often it is simply to breathe more deeply. It is therefore up to me to bring everything in my life into balance and to open myself to the supportive grace of my Guru.

Konolfingen, Switzerland

Inner balance

Outer balance

Peace

Joy

Inner balance

Outer balance

Transcendence

Poise

Inner balance

Outer balance

Love

Love

Florida, United States

I used to think of compassion as an outward expression, but I know now that it is important to be compassionate toward myself as well.

When my heart feels tender and vulnerable—when the strings of my heart feel raw—if I can step into witness consciousness, I am better able to feel compassion for myself and give myself a hug, encouragement, or whatever it is that I need.

The awareness of having compassion for myself makes space for my heart to heal and expand.

Brighton, United Kingdom

As I was contemplating the virtue of compassion, my heart began overflowing with joy, love, and bliss. I considered that whenever I gaze into the eyes of Bade Baba, Baba, and Gurumayi in their photographs, I find that their eyes are full of compassion. I prayed to Gurumayi, asking how I can achieve this state.

I heard Gurumayi’s answer inside: “See the same divinity around you that is within you.”

Experiencing that Gurumayi is in my heart, I started my practice by cleaning the photos on my puja. I observed that my hands were gentle and soft as I was cleaning the photos. I was looking at Gurumayi’s photo with the same love, the same gentle smile that I saw on her face.

And with this same inner state, I went to my place of work. I am a professor, and I found that the same sweetness, the same compassion was present while I was teaching.

I am very grateful to Shri Gurumayi for instilling in me a deeper dimension of this precious virtue.

Lucknow, India

As I reflected on compassion, I understood that this virtue is a powerful presence that flows through all of creation, quietly nourishing everything it touches. I began to see that God comes to me in many forms, that every being who enters my life brings a form of grace. Every encounter, whether pleasant or difficult, seems to hold a lesson wrapped in compassion. Even those whose words hurt me unknowingly guide me back to remembrance of God, helping me grow in patience, understanding, and humility.

Behind every experience lies the same compassionate intention—to awaken, teach, and transform. The more I contemplate this, the more I feel surrounded by an ocean of compassion. It exists within me and around me, silently supporting every moment of my life. Its depth is beyond measure, and its presence can be felt in every breath. Like an endless shower of grace, compassion seems to flow through every particle of creation. In this awareness, I experience the sacred presence of God everywhere, in everyone, and in everything.

Ujjain, India

I have found prayer to be a wonderful vehicle for the expression of compassion, especially when I feel helpless in the face of difficulties being experienced by others or by myself.

For me, prayer helps to relieve my suffering. And when I am suffering due to uncomfortable or antagonistic relationships with another person, prayer is a powerful ally in changing my perspective and creating a compassionate attitude toward them.

Nanaimo, Canada

Compassion. A moment of stillness, connected to my heart. A pause with intention, focused on the other, done with deliberate effort to listen to their heart, their need. Judgment disappears. Openness to grace is elevated. Will I do that today? When I remember Gurumayi, I will. It is that simple for me.

New York, United States

A few days ago, I had a vivid dream of Gurumayi. She was standing right in front of me, radiating strength and serenity.

Later that morning, I learned that my husband was facing a challenging medical situation and needed urgent care. We were on two different continents, thousands of miles apart. My first reaction was fear, helplessness, and the ache of not being physically present.

In the midst of that first wave, the image of Gurumayi from my dream returned to me. When I saw that the virtue for that day was courage, the connection felt immediate and deeply reassuring.

This experience is teaching me that virtues are like finely cut diamonds: different facets shine in different circumstances. The courage I experienced then was not something I had to ask for. It arose from within me with strength, amplified by Gurumayi’s grace.

My husband is now home, doing well and recovering, and I feel deeply grateful.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

For me, courage means allowing the awareness of my inner divinity to grow stronger than the fears, doubts, objections, and limitations of my ego.

Courage is therefore essential for being true to myself—for overcoming old, comfortable habits and for stepping outside my comfort zone.

I intend to practice courage at a pace that is natural for me. I sense that if I am too courageous too quickly, the result will not be satisfying in the long run.

Konolfingen, Switzerland

As I contemplate Courage, I feel that this virtue requires me to look within and honestly see and acknowledge both my virtues and my shortcomings. Virtues are often easier for me to notice, but I have to be vigilant so as to perceive them without allowing pride to arise. Recognizing my faults or negative feelings toward others without hiding behind excuses, justifications, or circumstances is more challenging. For me, the act of acknowledging which of my thoughts, words, and deeds needs to be changed defines what true courage means.

Whenever I practice this honest assessment with myself, I find that Shri Guru’s grace begins guiding me. Often, I receive an inner signal before repeating the same mistake. For me, courage first manifests as an inner transformation before it becomes an outer action. Having the strength to call my wrong actions wrong, bringing sincerity and discipline into my practices, and continuously striving to improve from within—for me, this represents courage.

Ujjain, India

When I contemplated devotion, or bhakti, many Siddhas and saints came to mind. Reflecting on their lives, their challenges, their virtues, and the grace they received helped me understand the qualities of such true devotees: humility, compassion, unwavering faith, courage, and surrender.

As I reflected further, I asked myself what true devotion really means. Is it limited to prayer and meditation, or is it the ability to always trust the Guru completely? I realized that I express bhakti through my daily actions and relationships. If my spiritual practice is not making me more loving, compassionate, and humble, then I need to deepen my understanding of devotion.

As a Siddha Yogi and a mother, I feel a responsibility to introduce my children to the path of sadhana. Supporting them with love, setting an example for them, and helping them develop a connection with the Siddha Yoga path are also expressions of my devotion.

I also realized that bhakti requires continuous self-examination. Challenges test my faith, and humility helps me recognize whether my actions arise from a pure heart or from subtle ego. Through devotion, surrender and awareness grow together.

Khargone, India

For me, devotion is like a fountain of golden love that springs forth in my heart, the divine force behind all my sadhana.

Plougonvelin, France

As June approached this year, I made the intention to listen to the daily namasankirtana posted on the Siddha Yoga path website. Many of these chants were composed by Gurumayi, and I feel so close to her as I listen and chant.

When I read Eesha’s letter, “A Fresh Inquiry into the Sadguna Vaibhava,” I decided to unite this chanting practice with my study of the virtues. Today, as I sing along with Hare Rama, Hare Krishna in the Bhairavi raga, devotion naturally arises as I write in my journal and begin my day.

Kingston, Canada

I used to believe discipline meant overriding myself. Pushing through fatigue, ignoring my body’s signals, and demanding more always felt virtuous, as if my worth depended on unwavering effort. Upon reflection now, I can see that beneath my consistency was a subtle self-punishment I didn’t recognize.

I am learning now that discipline is not the opposite of compassion—it is one of its expressions. Sometimes the most disciplined choice is to honor my capacity, rest when I need to, and offer what is genuinely available instead of forcing what isn’t.

This shift has transformed my sadhana. I am learning that tenderness is not a break from practice but a deeper practice itself. When I meet my limitations with honesty rather than judgment, I can offer myself to God and to the world with greater presence, humility, and love.

I am forever grateful to my Guru’s grace for revealing these deeper truths to me.

Pennsylvania, United States

To strengthen my ability to practice discipline, I need to incorporate it into various aspects of life. When I maintain discipline in my eating habits, both my body and mind feel lighter and more balanced. In my spiritual practices as well, it is discipline that engenders consistency and regularity.

However, when I think about excessive discipline, certain situations come to mind where flexibility becomes more important than rigid discipline. Examples include allowing my body to rest when my health is not at its best, adapting my diet according to the season, and accepting the facilities available during travel. In such situations, discipline does not require being inflexible; rather, it means adapting wisely and thoughtfully.

For me, the greatest discipline is the discipline of the mind. This requires not only rules and firmness but also love and friendship. The mind is the one force that can transform my experiences in spiritual practice and my perception of circumstances through a single right or wrong thought.

In my understanding, discipline becomes complete when it combines firmness with sensitivity, rules with wisdom, and structure with love.

Khargone, India

I usually do not consider myself as a person with strong discipline. That is because it often happens that I tell myself I will do something by a specific time and I do not quite do it.

But then there are some aspects of my life in which I have had good discipline. For example, I sat for meditation for the first time twenty-three years ago. I told myself then that from now on I will meditate every day, and since then I have not missed a single day of meditation!

Reflecting on the contrast, I realized that I usually do not maintain good discipline if my motivation comes from a sense of obligation, forcing myself, or thinking “I must do this.” But when it is driven by meaning and purpose, when it comes from the heart, I can maintain my discipline.

London, United Kingdom

Discipline is one of those virtues I can easily overdo! When that happens, it takes the form of rigidity and it disguises my desire for control.

I have learned to recognize that when I practice discipline in this way—that is, with “too much” of it—I do not feel connected to my inner Self, nor do I experience bliss. This has been a good indicator to let me know whether I’m on the right track.

This year I strive to approach the practice of discipline with the conscious awareness of not overdoing it. Instead, I endeavor to apply a more gentle, yet intentional, effort.

Coburg, Australia

I was offering seva for A Day of Siddha Yoga Practices when I saw that the virtue for the day was Easefulness. I breathed a big sigh of relief—something in me released, and I felt more relaxed about the day ahead.

Reflecting throughout the day on easefulness and my response, I understood that easefulness is a virtue because it contributes to goodness in the world. And the best way for me to access easefulness is through the body and breath. When I inwardly asked for insight about how to experience easefulness, my breath deepened and my upper body moved back slightly, so that I was more aware of the back of my body and the space behind me. This brought me into an easeful posture and a greater sense of being.

When I’m at ease, there’s more spaciousness. I can be present for the situation and for what’s needed; I can be kinder and more aware of others.

Sydney, Australia

Regarding Easefulness: When I take care of my body, I can sit more easily and longer for meditation. I start by assuming a comfortable posture, sitting upright, followed by taking some deep breaths. This quiets my mind and supports me in witnessing my thoughts.

Sometimes, I listen to the CD of Gurumayi’s meditation instructions to prepare my mind for meditation. After meditation, I notice a shift within. This daily practice supports me in focusing on my pure intention to fulfill all of my duties more easefully.

Dombivli, India

Today I woke up later than usual. Generally when this happens, I feel uneasy, thinking about the tasks for the day that might get delayed.

When I saw Easefulness, I realized that despite waking up late, I felt relaxed, as if my inner being had already begun practicing this virtue.

Easefulness is a virtue I need to develop. My mind is often restless and occupied with unnecessary negative thoughts, which leaves me feeling drained.

Reflecting on how to practice this virtue, several insights arose. Since I have no control over other people’s behavior and thinking, I need to remain patient. I can release excessive thoughts, unfinished tasks, and emotional reactions by letting go. I can keep my mind from “ticking away” if I breathe consciously, pause, reconnect, and return to the present moment. As I practiced these throughout the morning, I naturally entered an easeful state.

And if something arises that feels beyond my control, I can seek help from Shri Guru. Simply remembering her presence brings me comfort, guidance, and a solution-oriented perspective to every challenge.

Khargone, India

Today, I was inspired to read the chapter on forgiveness in Gurumayi’s book, Enthusiasm, and I gained a deeper appreciation of the breadth and depth of this virtue.

I have reflected on forgiveness at specific times in my life. Today, I more fully understood the importance of the practice of forgiveness in maintaining and protecting an open heart. My reflection took me deep inside as I became aware of what I have been holding onto and what I can let go of.

I feel a renewed appreciation for the clarifying and nourishing virtue of Forgiveness and for the divine grace that enlivens my study of the virtues.

Connecticut, United States

Reflecting on Forgiveness, I realize that the person most in need of my forgiveness is often myself.

I tend to hold on to past mistakes. I have learned that unexpressed feelings, guilt, and self-judgment can quietly weigh on my heart. So, for me, forgiveness is not a single act but a daily practice of letting go.

Through prayer, reflection, and inner awareness, I am learning to be gentler with myself; I am also learning to trust that every experience—even those that come from my mistakes—has guided me toward greater understanding and compassion.

Life becomes lighter when I release old regrets and trust the wisdom gained from my experience. By practicing forgiveness each day, I create space for peace, gratitude, and a deeper connection with my inner Self.

Khargone, India

I once heard a saying, “Forgiveness is easy until you have something to forgive.“ Many years later, I am appreciative of this wisdom.

Although there are practices I can do to encourage the inclination toward forgiveness, it seems that this virtue cannot be forced. My only recourse in very difficult moments is to turn to God, to ask the Guru for grace—because I don’t want to waste another moment in a state of being unforgiving. My go-to action to support me in forgiveness is to pray for another’s happiness. This has been especially helpful when I feel fearful or offended. Over time, praying in this way has increased my capacity to forgive.

May my heart—and everyone’s heart—be happy.

California, United States

For me, the act of forgiveness is a demonstration of right understanding. When I have truly forgiven someone, the energy that was blocked through my anger or resentment, the love that I withheld, returns again completely, uplifting us both.

From the perspective of the Siddha Yoga teachings, there is only one consciousness in all beings, so when I forgive another person, I understand that I am forgiving a manifestation of my own Self.

New York, United States

I love the background design for Forgiveness. In the image, I perceive a union of the sky, the land, and the water. The union reflects my feeling about this virtue. To me, forgiveness is a virtue that brings unity and heals the heart.

When I forgive others, it keeps me feeling lighthearted, not carrying any burden of negative emotions toward another.

Dombivli, India

As I reflected on how I practice the virtue of forgiveness, I realized that I don’t always manage to forgive. When I asked myself why that was regarding a particular situation, I became aware that there had not been a conversation to clear things up, and therefore I had not understood the other person’s point of view.

To make things right and practice forgiveness, I closed my eyes and pictured the person and the situation at the time, enveloping everything in light and love. I experienced that the love in my heart consumed everything that was preventing me from forgiving, and I was able to find peace and free myself from a burden.

On the other hand, I realized that when I am too quick to forgive myself and others, this makes me more lax in my sadhana.

I resolved to be more mindful and to clear up misunderstandings more quickly.

Konolfingen, Switzerland

I have always thought of forgiveness as one of those virtues I can never “overdo.”

However, as I reflect on how I might have applied “too much” forgiveness in the past, I discover that when I have forgiven myself too quickly on some occasions, it has prevented me from taking an honest look at my thoughts, feelings, actions, and consequences—and therefore prevented me from fully going through the process of repentance.

At the same time, I recognize how important it is to be able to forgive—myself and others—quickly enough so I don’t carry the weight of anger, unnecessary guilt, or resentment.

Contemplating forgiveness in this way—by holding multiple perspectives in balance—has really helped me to recognize how vital it is to hone in on my skill of discernment so that I know just how much of a virtue is needed at any given time.

Coburg, Australia

This morning I decided to recite Shri Guru Gita while offering the virtue of forgiveness.

During the recitation, situations arose in my mind that carry a charge of pain. In an instant, this feeling changed to gratitude. Family members, friends, and people I have met came to mind—including a few from times decades ago—and my pain and aversion melted away.

At the same time, I saw that I was being forgiven. The self-recrimination I had carried over those events became apparent, and I could let it go. I saw what I could learn from the experiences. I felt a gentleness toward myself rather than judgment. It was as though forgiveness was a presence rather than a mental or verbal action.

I asked myself, “Is there such a thing as ‘too much’ forgiveness?” Yes, there is—if it is given only to the world and not to me, or if it becomes a shortcut to avoid self-inquiry.

Watson, Australia