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.

Ontario, Canada

For the past five years, I have been reciting Shri Guru Gita nearly every day. I consciously dedicate each recitation to someone, and often to a number of people—to a friend who has recently died, to an area in the world where there is conflict, to a place faced with a natural disaster. I am so grateful to the Siddha Yoga Gurus for giving me this certain means of sending light into the universe.

Washington, United States

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.” I love to recite this sacred text, and to offer this practice for the peace and harmony of the world.

California, 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.

Llwynygroes, United Kingdom

How blessed I am to have a Guru who teaches me how to pray. How blessed I am that Gurumayi taught me that I can recite Shri Guru Gita as a prayer. How blessed I am to have a place here on the Siddha Yoga path website where I can learn more about prayer and pray with others in the Universal Hall.

I pray that others too will have this same good fortune.

Obing, Germany

I pray that the hearts of the people who experience or witness fear and destruction in this world will find comfort and strength in God’s love. I pray that they can connect to the light of peace and hope, for themselves and for future generations.

Konolfingen, Switzerland

I am praying that each day brings the experience of unity to every soul. May all beings learn to see God in one another. May everyone practice acceptance within and without.

Virginia, United States

Laval, Canada

Thornbury, Australia

It is my prayer that the peace, love, and strength I feel in my heart with each repetition of the mantra Om Namah Shivaya be sent to everyone in the world.

New Jersey, United States

This is my heartfelt prayer to my Guru and to God: Bless our earth and all her life. Restore her to health. Dress her in newness. Transform all harm into harmony. Remove suffering and bring peace, protection, and preservation to all the people in crisis in the world.

Colorado, United States

Before eating a meal, I bless and offer gratitude for the beautiful food before me. I repeat the mantra and thank Gurumayi, Baba, and Bade Baba. Then I offer the subtle essence of this food and blessings to those in need of food, love, and protection.

California, United States

I send my heartfelt prayers to all those affected by disasters. May the wounded find effective medical care, may the homeless find compassionate shelter, may the bereaved find peace and solace, and may all be sustained by the helping hands of others, as well as by their own strengths and resilience.

Illinois, United States

I pray for profound and eternal blessings on the work of the SYDA Foundation. May the Guru’s grace permeate and stream through the selfless service of countless devotees and staff for generations to come in fulfillment of the Guru’s work on earth. May all beings benefit by the SYDA Foundation’s protection, preservation, and facilitation of the dissemination of the teachings of the Siddha Yoga path.

May Gurumayi Chidvilasananda receive my eternal gratitude and love for the priceless gift of Shri Guru’s grace, the bestowal of shaktipat-diksha.

And may I put her gift to good use in furthering her work on earth in whatever way I can.

Connecticut, United States

I joined a prayer circle, and we are offering our practices to bring rain, solace, and protection to all who are being affected by wildfires.

This morning after offering Shri Guru Gita, I sat in meditation. This prayer arose:

“Take a portion of the fire. Remove this measure of the blaze and offer it to the fire within. Allow this fire to burn away all that stands in the way of divine perception. Tend this fire with your practices, sacrifice, and the light of your awareness as it grows.

Make yourself a refreshing lake. Allow the pure waters of wisdom to wash away ignorance so that true knowledge shines through the prism of your mind. Offer cool waters of kindness to those around you. Listen inwardly. Keep the vigil of the resplendent Self who dwells in your heart.”

Geelong West, Australia

May God’s grace surround the children who are living in areas of conflict in the world. May they and their caretakers be protected, and may they be given access to places of safety, peace, and love.

Maine, United States

From the depth of my heart and mind, I offer my blessings to all the people around the world who are experiencing suffering. I pray for solutions that will allow all inhabitants of the Earth to live in peace and prosperity.

Paris, France

My heart is with the many people in this world who are experiencing great hunger. I will offer my meditations and chanting as a prayer for each child, adult, old person, and animal to have healthy and steady meals.

California, United States

New York, United States

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 rereading 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 coworker about what I was doing, she joined me! And then, one by one, the rest of the group!

California, United States

I have found it deeply soothing to be a part of a prayer circle initiated by Siddha Yoga friends. Seeing and hearing how people were offering their prayers and blessings has inspired me to take a more focused approach toward doing the same.

Hokianga, New Zealand

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.

California, United States

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 sing 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.

Oregon, United States

Once when I was offering seva at Shree Muktananda Ashram, prior to the midday namasankirtana, the host explained that we would be sending our prayers and blessings in response to the wildfires. She read a beautiful intention, asking us to send blessings for all the people affected, 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 deeply moving for me.

New York, United States

When I hear news about tragic events, 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 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.”

I find myself drawn to thanking my friends and family members 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.

Illinois, United States

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.

Connecticut, United States

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.

Bussum, Netherlands