My family and I have been traveling in Europe. Recently we visited the Sacre-Coeur Basilica in Paris. I came before an image of Mary with a lit candle in my hand and the intention to offer prayers. As soon as I was close to the image, I felt enveloped by the presence of the divine Mother. I prayed to her for the well-being of the world. Her presence was deeply comforting. I had the experience that her blessings and grace are eternal and exist independent of whatever is happening in the external world. I was amazed by how immediately present she was for me.
Today I randomly clicked on this image of Gurumayi and when I read her words I was reminded of my experience at Sacre-Coeur. What a great synchrony! Gurumayi’s words exactly described my experience.
Today I randomly clicked on this image of Gurumayi and when I read her words I was reminded of my experience at Sacre-Coeur. What a great synchrony! Gurumayi’s words exactly described my experience.
California, United States
This morning as I began to meditate, I was already in a very quiet state. Repeating the mantra was easy and steady for a while, till I felt a shift within. I felt a simple desire to thank God for being with me and in me for eons—time without limit.
Gradually my ardor increased and then another shift occurred. I saw that God already knew that my greatest wish was to be aware of him every minute of every day and night. I was sure of this. Then it seemed that he was repeating my wish as though it was also his wish. This went on for some time, till all words seemed to evaporate and I felt enveloped and held by his atmosphere—utterly still and blissful.
Then, when I found Gurumayi’s words about prayer in number 11 of “Gurumayi Chidvilasananda’s Darshan and Wisdom,” I realized that I had been given the experience of Gurumayi’s words.
Gradually my ardor increased and then another shift occurred. I saw that God already knew that my greatest wish was to be aware of him every minute of every day and night. I was sure of this. Then it seemed that he was repeating my wish as though it was also his wish. This went on for some time, till all words seemed to evaporate and I felt enveloped and held by his atmosphere—utterly still and blissful.
Then, when I found Gurumayi’s words about prayer in number 11 of “Gurumayi Chidvilasananda’s Darshan and Wisdom,” I realized that I had been given the experience of Gurumayi’s words.
London, United Kingdom
Reflecting on image 11, I see that I have found prayer to be a direct way for me to enter the heart, both my heart and what I experience as the heart of God. At a time when my usual comforts have been taken away, I have been praying by writing to Gurumayi in my journal. After I write, I focus inside and experience guidance that shows me a way forward. Then I feel more confident in my direction.
As I pray, I can feel that the Guru is with me each step of the way.
As I pray, I can feel that the Guru is with me each step of the way.
Massachusetts, United States
This week I read each of the teachings in “Gurumayi Chidvilasananda’s Darshan and Wisdom.” I was particularly drawn to the teaching about prayer that appears with image 11.
That night as I was praying, all of a sudden I felt Lord Shiva enter my being and permeate all of it in the tiniest fraction of a second. I had an inner knowing and vision that it was Lord Shiva in the form of Shiva Nataraj, and that I was indeed Lord Shiva myself.
This experience makes me feel empowered and worthy of the highest. And I now find myself remembering to repeat Om Namah Shivaya more frequently, with the heightened understanding that Lord Shiva, my Guru, and I are one. This gives me strength.
That night as I was praying, all of a sudden I felt Lord Shiva enter my being and permeate all of it in the tiniest fraction of a second. I had an inner knowing and vision that it was Lord Shiva in the form of Shiva Nataraj, and that I was indeed Lord Shiva myself.
This experience makes me feel empowered and worthy of the highest. And I now find myself remembering to repeat Om Namah Shivaya more frequently, with the heightened understanding that Lord Shiva, my Guru, and I are one. This gives me strength.
New York, United States
My mother taught me to pray when I was a very young child. That is the greatest gift she could have given me. For me, prayer is the most important thing to do in order to create a good day. And now, Gurumayi affirms the power of this gift in her teaching, “Prayer is a magnet that draws the presence of God.”
I am grateful to Gurumayi for this reminder of the importance of praying for my family, friends, the world, and myself.
I am grateful to Gurumayi for this reminder of the importance of praying for my family, friends, the world, and myself.
Yautepec, Mexico
I am so grateful to read these words from Gurumayi. They describe my experience of prayer so well and reassure me that the connection I experience with God when I pray is very real and not something I am imagining! Gurumayi’s teaching also encourages me to continue in my practice of prayer, which I can do at any time wherever I may be.
California, United States