Prayers and Blessings

As we chant Kali Durge at the local Siddha Yoga meditation center tonight, I will be praying for the grace of Kundalini Shakti to reduce the destructive power of Hurricane Michael and protect the people of Florida from loss and suffering. I will offer the fruit of my chanting to finding solutions to climate change and healing our beautiful planet.   
 

a Siddha Yogi from New Mexico, United States

I have made offering prayers and sending blessings a daily practice for the past two years. After reading Gurumayi’s talk “Your Genuine Responsibility,” I realized that each time I offer prayers and send blessings, I am actually sending love to the world. This is a powerful and uplifting practice and, having been the recipient of other people’s prayers and blessings, I know, beyond doubt, that every good thought we send to the world has an effect.
As Hurricane Michael spins over the Gulf of Mexico, I pray that people and animals are protected and that the energy of the storm recedes as it nears land.
 

A Siddha Yogi from Llwynygroes, United Kingdom

This evening, I made a special time to meditate and offer my sincere prayers for the people of Palu and Donggala in Indonesia, who are suffering from the effects of a very strong earthquake followed by a powerful tsunami. I prayed that the rescue crews and family members will find the missing people alive, that those who are injured will receive immediate and effective care, and that those who have lost loved ones will be comforted. I prayed for all the people and animals to have shelter, food, and clean water, and for the grace of God to ease their suffering as they struggle to recover.
 

a Siddha Yogi from California, United States

Today, as I chanted a namasankirtana, I decided to consciously prepare an intention for my chant. I took a moment to think of the people in Indonesia. That country was hit by the big tsunami in 2004, and now they have experienced another earthquake and tsunami.
 
My wish is that the merit I earn from chanting be transferred to them. I pray that the sweetness of the chant will nourish the hearts of those who are experiencing loss and suffering. And as the emergency services rush in to support them, may they experience connection and love and support, knowing they are valued.
 

a Siddha Yogi from Summer Hill, Australia

While chanting Krishna Govinda Govinda Gopala in Shri Nilaya Hall this afternoon, I focused on expanding my heart to send prayers to all individuals whose lives have been affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia, especially those who are still missing. I pray for the alleviation of their suffering and send my blessings to the relief workers who are trying to find them.
 

a sevite in Shree Muktananda Ashram

This morning I offered the Universal Prayer, which is in the Nectar of Chanting book, to the residents of southeastern United States who are in the path of Hurricane Florence.

Reciting this powerful hymn, I also prayed that the winds of the hurricane calm down, and for all people and animals in the area to be safe and protected.
 

A Siddha Yogi from Washington, United States

Yesterday evening, the Siddha Yoga chanting and meditation group in my city offered our chanting session to pray for the people affected by the gas explosions in Massachusetts. We offered the sacred syllables of the mantra to shower blessings of strength on all those who are affected, as well as those who fight the fires, care for the displaced, and bring healing to the suffering.
 

A Siddha Yogi from Los Polvorines, Argentina

I send blessings to the one million people in the path of incoming Hurricane Florence.
 
May they have gasoline, food, water, medicine, and shelter as they weather the storm.
 
May neighbors, family, friends, and coworkers extend compassion and a helping hand to each other, and to the animals.
 
May the rescue teams be graced with good equipment, calmness, and poise.
 
May we all treat Mother Earth with care and respect.
 

a Siddha Yogi from California, United States

Today, I am sending prayers and blessings for all who are being evacuated from their homes in the path of Hurricane Florence. May they find safety and comfort as they wait out the storm. May all who respond to the emergency find steady calm within themselves as they help others.
 

a Siddha Yogi from California, United States

I am sending love and blessings to the people in the pathway of Hurricane Florence.
 
May all beings there find safety. May they have the supplies they need to care for themselves and their animals, and protect their homes and businesses. May they have the strength to escape or weather this storm.
 
May they experience a collective kindness and assistance many degrees greater than the strength of the storm.
 

a Siddha Yogi from Colorado, United States

On this day seventeen years ago, too many people lost their lives.
 
I will never forget the brave people who found ways to help, in some cases risking their own life and their own health. I will also never forget the way my fellow New Yorkers were kinder and friendlier to one another in the aftermath.
 
May those whose lives ended abruptly due to senseless violence never be forgotten. May violence lead not to more violence, but to hands reaching out with love and kindness.
 
May the common humanity within us prevail.
 

a Siddha Yogi from Colorado, United States

Today, as I remember September 11, 2001, I am moved by the enormity of the events—the thousands of people whose lives were lost and a world shaken by that horrific act. On that day, I became more aware of our collective power and our vulnerability.
 
Since then, I have come to understand that I can choose to embrace the best in the world—to look for the light in the midst of the darkness—and be that light.
 

a Siddha Yogi from Hurleyville, United States

Today I am holding in my heart all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001.
 
As I chant the mantra Om Namah Shivaya and offer its blessings to them, may the power of the mantra uplift them and bring them peace. May they feel the heartfelt love of all the people who are remembering them and sending prayers and blessings on this day.
 

a Siddha Yogi from Massachusetts, United States

On this day, I am thinking of and praying for the three million people of Idlib, Syria , as their city is in danger of imminent attack.
 
May each one find shelter, food, water, and strength of heart.
 
May the animals be cared for; and the olive and cherry trees, fields of barley and wheat surrounding the city, protected.
 
May the way to peace be revealed in the hearts of all those engaged in this conflict.
 

a Siddha Yogi from New Mexico, United States 

My blessings and prayers go to the people of Hokkaido Island, Japan, shaken by a 6.7 magnitude earthquake early this morning. May the grace of God be with the rescue teams as they work to reduce the loss.
 
I send prayers for all the people and animals to receive shelter, food, and water and for everyone’s suffering to be eased.
 

a Siddha Yogi from New York, United States

I offer my prayers and blessings to the people of Brazil grieving the loss of The National  Museum in Rio de Janeiro— one of the largest museums in Latin America—which was destroyed by fire yesterday.
 
I believe a museum is a source of knowledge, wonderment, and reverence for the past. The National Museum in Rio housed twenty million items, including the twelve-thousand-year-old fossilized remains of "Luzia," the oldest human fossil found in Brazil, and a 5.5-ton meteorite discovered in Brazil in 1784.  
 
May the local government find new ways to stimulate research, knowledge, and reverence for history and culture.
 
May the people of Brazil be comforted and find new places to search for knowledge—within and without.  
 

a Siddha Yogi from California, USA

Today I was remembering all the people affected by the recent flooding and mudslides in Kerala, India and sending them blessings through silent repetition of the mantra.

As they recover from this tragedy, may they feel the inner and outer support of the worldwide community.
 

a Siddha Yogi from Massachusetts, USA

Today, during my early morning japa walk, I sent blessings to all those affected by Hurricane Lane in the Hawaiian islands. I prayed that people in the affected areas may be filled with generosity and kindness to reach out to others, and to act as the hands of God to those in need. May local and national leaders be inspired with the best ways to act and assist all those affected.
 

a Siddha Yogi from Colonia, Uruguay

I'm offering Shri Guru Gita as a prayer for rain to relieve the drought in Australia. May all the livestock receive food, and may the wild animals be protected. May the blessings of Shri Guru Gita moisten the hearts of everyone affected.
 

a Siddha Yogi from Sydney, Australia

I am offering heartfelt prayers and love for all the people in Kerala and all their families. I pray that everyone has adequate shelter and food and is safe with their loved ones.

Now that the heavy rains have stopped, I pray and send my blessings for a quick recovery phase.
 

a Siddha Yogi from New York, USA

My heart and prayers are with those in Kerala who are struggling amidst this catastrophic flood. May those in need receive help to get to safety, and may the rescuers be protected and their strength fortified as they help people.
 

a Siddha Yogi from New York, USA

Today, I took a few minutes to sit in silence and send my prayers and blessings to those affected by the massive flooding in Kerala, India. I prayed from the stillness of my heart that people will stay safe and protected, and that all will receive the support that they need in these times of great distress.
 

A Siddha Yogi from Utah, USA

My prayers are for the people of Lombok and Bali, Indonesia, where there have been earthquakes recently.
 
May there be help and healing and blessings for those affected.
 

a Siddha Yogi from Maine , USA

Like millions of people around the globe, I rejoiced this morning on learning that the last of the twelve young soccer players and their coach had been rescued from the cave in Thailand where they’d been trapped. Like millions of others, I had been praying for the safety and well-being of both the boys and their coach, and all those dedicated to saving them.
 
Now that they have been freed, I am sending prayers of thanksgiving for this miraculous deliverance and for the profoundly inspiring way in which the international rescue team showed the world what human decency, generosity, dedication, and loving hearts can accomplish—when we join together selflessly for a noble goal.
 
I am also sending prayers and blessings to the young people and their coach that the after-effects of such a difficult experience be greatly mitigated by God’s continuing protection and grace. May they all be nourished and comforted by the love and concern the world showed for them throughout, and may that understanding inspire them in the years ahead. 
 

a Siddha Yogi from Illinois, USA

My heartfelt prayers and blessings to all the students and staff at the Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe, Texas, and to their families and everyone attending schools around the world.

May their hearts experience deep healing. May all children on this earth be nurtured and cared for. May no harm ever come to a child again.

a Siddha Yogi from New Mexico, USA

I am a scuba diver and have had the opportunity to enjoy the pristine waters of the South Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu, about 1,000 miles east of Australia. Therefore, I was very sorry to hear that the Vanuatu island of Amebae had recently suffered an earthquake, followed by the eruption of the Manaro volcano, and then by cyclone Pam.

A group of Siddha Yoga friends and I, all living in different parts of the world, decided to send our prayers and blessings in support of all those affected by these calamities. We recited Shri Guru Gita at the same time on behalf of the safe and smooth evacuation of the 11,000 island inhabitants.
 
May Shri Guru’s love and protection embrace each person affected by this series of devastating events on Vanuatu. 
 

a Siddha Yogi from Punta del Este, Uruguay

I am praying for the awakening of all humanity. I am praying that we fully realize that we are one, that with each and every in-breath and out-breath we are bringing forth a new reality. I am praying that we know deeply that we are each other’s brothers’ and sisters’ keepers.
 
I am praying that we may share this life generously with one another.
 

a Siddha Yogi from Washington, USA

May God's grace give strength to the people in Münster, Germany. May they come together to support each other and experience each other's love and strength. I am sending each one my love, blessings, and prayers.
 

a Siddha Yogi from London, United Kingdom

I am an anthropologist and work for an international organization that provides emergency medical care to people affected by crises in countries around the world. We give assistance when tragic events overwhelm local health systems. My role is to update the group I lead with news of devastating events worldwide. Last week, after re-reading the shares from the Prayers and Blessings Satsang with Gurumayi, I made the intention to offer my prayers and blessings to all the people affected by the tragic events that I report to my team. I decided that I was not going to just “update” the group with the news, but after reading each piece of information, I would also pause and make a short silent prayer. When I told a co-worker about what I was doing, she joined me! And then, one by one, the rest of the group! We are now having sweet satsangs, indeed.

Thank you, Gurumayi, for showing me that I can make a difference in the world by my ongoing contribution to the upliftment of all.

a Siddha Yogi from California, USA

I was very sorry to learn that a pedestrian bridge had collapsed near the Florida International University in Miami. I am originally from Argentina, but live part of the year in Miami. So this tragic event particularly touched me because I have friends living in the area. Early this morning, I recited Shri Guru Gita with the intention of sending blessings to the people who were hospitalized and praying for the family members who lost loved ones. May Shri Guru’s grace give comfort and solace to the people affected.
 

a Siddha Yogi from Florida, USA

This morning, before the recitation of Shri Guru Gita, our host reminded us that we can each offer prayers and the recitation of Shri Guru Gita to everyone affected by the wild fires in California. 

I formed a prayer asking that each one of them would be comforted and supported. During our recitation, I focused on the text and connected with my breath.

I know that the prayer I offer each morning while reciting Shri Guru Gita will be one among many heartfelt prayers offered at this time.
 

a Siddha Yogi from North Carolina, USA

I was offering seva at Shree Muktananda Ashram yesterday. At the midday namasankirtana, the host explained that we would be sending our prayers and blessings in response to the southern California fires. She read a beautiful intention, asking us to send blessings for all the people there, and for the animals and the earth. We first all silently created our prayer and then chanted with such deep focus, intention, and love. It was awesome.
 
That evening, I participated in the monthly meeting of my sadhana circle at my home; we continued to focus on Gurumayi's Message for 2017. After exploring the teaching for December—"The sound of your breath is music to your soul"—we lay in a circle on the floor in the shavasana pose of hatha yoga, breathing together as one, and sending our blessings to everyone, including those in California affected by the fires. We felt very connected.
 
Thank you, Gurumayi, for helping us learn the importance of sending prayers and blessings—and how to do so.
 

a Siddha Yogi from New York, USA

I recognize that whenever I breathe out, I can offer a prayer. I have been praying for the rains to come to soothe the earth in California, and for refuge to be provided for every human, every animal, every plant.
 
After offering prayers and blessings for California yesterday during the midday namasankirtana at Shree Muktananda Ashram, I understood what great power we have when we join together in this way.
 

a Siddha Yogi from Georgia, USA

As the wildfires in California continue, my love and prayers are with everyone who is affected by this tragic event. May our united prayers and blessings be a firm support during this time of suffering and loss. 
 
Thank you, Gurumayi, for your teachings in these challenging times, and always.
 

a Siddha Yogi from New York, USA

As I was seeking a meaningful way to offer blessings to everyone who is experiencing suffering due to recent events in the world, I visited the “Prayers and Blessings” section of the Siddha Yoga path website for inspiration.
 
I was drawn to the bhajan by poet-saint Tulsidas and was deeply reassured to read his prayer. Though the prayer was written long ago, it seemed to me to be just as relevant today. I felt grateful to Tulsidas for articulating his faith in God so clearly.
 
Then I played the CD of the bhajan and sang along with Gurumayi. As I did this, I experienced an even deeper feeling of reassurance.
 
Thank you, Gurumayi, for giving us these powerful ways to offer prayers and blessings.
 

a Siddha Yogi from California, USA

While tears fall for so many affected by tragedies of hurricanes, earthquakes, and now the shooting in Las Vegas, again and again I turn to the Heart. I remember the gift of Gurumayi’s Message. I remember that my heart is strong, it is generous, it is unlimited, and it can help uplift our world, one breath and blessing at a time.
 

a Siddha Yogi from California, USA

Earlier this week at the noon chant in Shree Muktananda Ashram, we were invited to offer the chant as a blessing to all those impacted by the tragedy in Las Vegas. As we chanted, I could feel the power of our shared focus. I experienced that each particle of air was being enveloped in our love and blessings. I felt that our collective prayer was uplifting the world.
 
Afterwards when I meditated, as my breath flowed in and out, I held the awareness that it was filling the hearts of all who are suffering with love and peace. I experienced that through the air around me, through each breath, I have the power to send blessings and share love with the world.
 
Thank you, Gurumayi, for your teachings about prayers and blessings.
 

a Siddha Yogi from New York, USA

I am so grateful for these prayers and teachings. When I woke this morning and heard about the tragedy in Las Vegas, I went to the Prayers and Blessings page and read the words of Pasayadan; then I chanted and sent blessings.
 
I am offering my prayers for the people impacted by this unfathomable event and for their families. May they find comfort.
 

a Siddha Yogi from New York, USA

I am so inspired by the outpouring of love, courage, strength, and mutual support that the people of Mexico are sharing with each other following this latest tragic earthquake.

The recovery will certainly take time, so my prayer is this:

May love and courage sustain everyone.
May everyone experience peace beneath the turmoil.
May everyone be protected and receive all needed support.
May we all be united in prayer.

a sevite in Shree Muktananda Ashram

When I learned about the earthquake in Mexico yesterday, at first I was fearful about my friends who live there. Then I remembered Gurumayi’s Message for 2017. I started repeating each line and connecting inside, through my breath, with all the people affected. I imagined a golden string uniting us all. I asked God to help me respond with generosity in prayer and to remain aware of the needs of the world, even after this crisis has passed.

This morning, I created an intention to offer my spiritual practices and daily activities as a prayer for love, light, and blessings for all those affected by the natural disasters occurring on our planet right now.

Thank you, Gurumayi, for teaching me how to take shelter in your grace and to take inspiration from your teachings.

 

a Siddha Yogi from Buenos Aires, Argentina

While my husband was listening to the latest news about Hurricane Maria and the earthquake in Mexico, I heard the commentator say to the correspondent in Puerto Rico, “I can hear the strength in your voice. People are going to need that—stay strong!

I thought that was a wonderful thing for him to say—a sincere blessing and acknowledgment of the correspondent’s strength. I felt deeply connected with these two speakers, and with everyone in Puerto Rico, Mexico, and the other places in the path of the hurricane. I immediately thought of the many ways that the Siddha Yoga teachings remind us of the strength of the Self, and how they help us draw forth our own courage, compassion, and awareness of unity with others.

I took some time to send prayers and blessings for peace, protection, and resilience to those in the midst of current trials. As I did this, respect and compassion filled my heart. 

a Siddha Yogi from Kentucky, USA

I am sending love and blessings to everyone affected by the hurricanes, and to those in the earthquake zone in Mexico. May everyone receive the physical, emotional, and spiritual support to move forward. May the support they receive help bring them to a place of safety and love. May their courage and faith sustain them in the days and weeks ahead.

a Siddha Yogi from California, USA

This morning, as I offered Shri Guru Gita, I kept the people of Mexico City and the surrounding area in my prayers.
 
May all who have been impacted by this natural event find solace within, and move forward with courage.
 

a Siddha Yogi from New York, USA

At this moment I am offering prayers and blessings to all the people affected by the earthquake that occurred at night, in my country of Mexico. May each person re-emerge with faith, hope, and confidence in their destiny.

Thank you, Gurumayi, for your presence in my life, and for helping me to understand every circumstance that presents itself.
 

a Siddha Yogi from Mexico City, Mexico

I am offering prayers for all the people and all of the animals affected by the flooding in Texas and in South Asia.  I am praying for the safety of the living and for the souls of those who have passed on. May the survivors receive all the help they need to heal and carry on.
 

a Siddha Yogi from New York , USA

When I heard the news about Manchester, England, I visited this Prayers and Blessings section of the Siddha Yoga path website to connect to the profound wisdom and uplifting teachings expressed here. It feels like a deep well of compassionate guidance with which I can restore and strengthen my connection to the goodness and the love in this world.
 
I read the heartfelt shares from Siddha Yoga students around the world, whose insights into applying Gurumayi's teachings about the power of prayer and blessings inspire me. One way I plan to bring the practice of prayers and blessings into my daily life is to recite Pasayadan and Let Us Be United prior to meditating.  
 
I am so grateful to Gurumayi for the unending generosity and wisdom with which she guides me through the challenges of this world.

a Siddha Yogi from Oregon, USA

I especially noted the word essential in Gurumayi's teaching that "sending prayers and offering blessings are essential practices that have the power to uplift and transform the world we live in." The word essential reminded me that there is one essence in the universe, and that by centering myself in the madhya, I can reflect the peace of that essence outwardly.
 
I am also reminded of verse 129 in Shri Guru Gita that teaches that the powers gained from reciting Shri Guru Gita are to be used "for the welfare of people" and not "for selfish gains." I love to recite this sacred text, and to offer this practice for the peace and harmony of the world.
 
Thank you, Gurumayi, for this inspiring series of teachings about the power of prayers and blessings.

a Siddha Yogi from California, USA

Last year when tragedy struck in Brussels, I was able to take refuge in the words of Pasayadan to offer support for my work colleagues there. Today, I found strength in those same words to go to work in my own city.
 
Thank you, Gurumayi, for continuing to make the teachings so readily accessible for me to tap into. My love and gratitude to you always.

a Siddha Yogi from London, United Kingdom

The news of the tragic event in Berlin has stayed with me, especially because of dear friends I have there. It has been a comfort to know that although I live far away, my prayers and blessings can benefit those affected by what happened.
 
I am also experiencing how such events strengthen my determination to bring more light and love into the world. By chance, a friend from Berlin shared this proverb with me just recently: "The tree that falls makes noise. The forest grows in silence." This image reminds me of the "forest" of good deeds performed every day "in silence.”
 
And so, as I extend holiday greetings to friends and family around the world, I find myself drawn to thanking them for their individual contributions in making the world a better place. I am moved to see how, in this way, my heart opens to the healing power of gratitude.

a Siddha Yogi from Illinois, USA

I love reading the shares on this page. They remind me of the power of collective prayer.
 
Thank you, Gurumayi ji, for bringing us together and showering us with your blessings, which allow us to be steady and resolute in the face of adversity.

a Siddha Yogi from New York, USA

When I heard about the powerful earthquake that occurred in New Zealand, I immediately remembered Gurumayi’s teachings about that other powerful force in our lives: the prayers and blessings that we offer to others, even when they’re thousands of miles away. So when I recited Shri Guru Gita this morning, I offered the recitation for the benefit of all those impacted by the earthquake. As the recitation continued, I imagined the waves of positive energy and sacred intentions flowing instantaneously over the globe to reach everyone in the affected area.
 
I am very grateful for these teachings because, at the most challenging times, they help me stay connected to my heart, and to the still place within me that no physical earthquake can perturb.

a Siddha Yogi from Oregon, USA

Gurumayi’s teachings have led me to understand that maintaining a state of equanimity enables me to offer peace and love to the world. It has taken me a while to imbibe this because I often reacted to suffering by becoming agitated. Finally, I understand that this is not helpful!
 
I am grateful that whenever I learn about tragedies and struggles, I can visit the website and offer prayers and blessings, taking very specific actions. It is uplifting to know that other Siddha Yogis are offering blessings to the world at the same time.

a Siddha Yogi from Connecticut, USA

My heart goes out to those in Italy affected by the catastrophic earthquake. May they find solace deep within, amidst the disarray. May they have the palpable experience of God's hand supporting them through this phase of recovery. May the power of all prayers uplift their hearts.

a Siddha Yogi from New York, USA

In these days we are living the terrible tragedy of the earthquake that hit the center of Italy. Many people lost their lives, while others got saved.  The earth continues to tremble.  
 
I'm dedicating my prayers and blessings to the people who are suffering. I thank Gurumayi with all my heart that, through her grace, I can convey her love to all those in such great need.

a Siddha Yogi from Milan, Italy

Tonight, after chanting Rama Raghava, I had the awareness that I am chanting for the protection of all people and all of God's creation. My heart is filled with love for God's magnificent creation, of which I am a part.

I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for Gurumayi's generosity and for the love and protection that she bestows on all of us.

a Siddha Yogi from Ontario, Canada

I am so grateful that I learned about the power of prayer. It is the best thing I can offer right now.
 
After reciting Shri Guru Gita this morning, I felt compassion in my heart beyond the worries and fear in my mind. I could feel the healing power of all the prayers around the globe.

a Siddha Yogi from Bussum, Netherlands