At the local Siddha Yoga meditation center, we recently recited
Shri Guru Gita. I had the good fortune to offer
seva as part of the musical ensemble, playing the harmonium. It has been an intense time in my life lately. Yet while I was playing the harmonium, I experienced a sense of relief. I felt focused, calm, relaxed, and at peace. It was as though I was being carried along by a sweet, smooth wave of sacred sound. I love and cherish being able to offer
seva playing the harmonium for
Shri Guru Gita and other Siddha Yoga chants.
West Vancouver, Canada
Here in Germany, for two months during winter, the sun hides behind a mountain almost all day long. Every day I wait for the sun—will I see it today? At what time will it come? Will the sky be blue?
How can I thank my Guru for teaching me that there is a sun within, so brilliant and so bright, and I can find it in my heart? I can expect it to rise at any moment!
At times, my mind is like a mountain. Sometimes my mind resembles a forgetful, gloomy cloud telling me, “That’s it, there is no more to life.” In those moments, I lighten this darkness by reading the teachings, breathing consciously, singing, praying, loving, letting go.
I keep looking for the sun, knowing that every cloud is transitory, every winter has an end. But I pray that my thankfulness will be never-ending and eternal.
Hindelang, Germany
As I read these verses, I felt reassured again and again.
I experienced the shimmering presence of Shri Guru within me. I felt that she never leaves me and consistently shows me the path, filled with her love and light. She is my protector from the grip of my senses and desires.
I offer my salutations to Shri Guru, who steers my boat in the ocean of
samsara.
Cuttack, India
I reflected on the teaching “Shri Guru illumines all, like the sun.” My mind became still and what arose in me was the recognition that I have experienced the truth of this statement.
From the moment I first came in contact with Gurumayi, my life became brighter. I began to understand, to realize, to perceive. In my mind and heart things became lighter and more loving.
To nurture and maintain this precious light of love is my daily delight, because in this light I am close to my beloved Guru.
Unterlangenegg, Switzerland
This early morning, as I heard and recited these three verses of Shri Guru Gita along with the sweet, gentle voices of the music ensemble in Gurudev Siddha Peeth, I was transported to my own past experiences in Guru Chowk, where I’d be sitting in the early morning to greet the day with the recitation of Shri Guru Gita. I could feel Gurumayi’s grace enveloping us all in the form of the warmth of the rising sun over Dakshin Kashi. My longing to return there once again deepened even more.
Nairobi, Kenya
This morning, just when I was admiring the picture on the Siddha Yoga path website of Mount Kailas illuminated by the sun, the sun illuminated my own lawn covered with snow. I deeply felt Shiva’s presence, and heard him say silently to me: “Mount Kailas is your home—I dwell in your heart.“
I’m grateful to Shri Guru, who illumines my mind and my life with the light of knowledge.
Rodez, France
Ever since the Makara Sankranti satsang earlier this month, I have been meditating on the sun in my sahasrara while I recite the Surya Gayatri mantra in the morning, followed by reciting Shri Guru Gita; then, while I conduct my daily affairs, I envision a ruby-red sun jewel in my inner sky.
Now, after reading these three verses, I realize that these practices have been making my sons, daughters, and many other people dear to me, as verse 37 explains. These verses also reveal to me a deeper longing and mystery, which is that I also wish that all these people may receive Shri Guru’s grace and live their lives in harmony with the enormous benefits of this life-giving grace.
Washington, United States
It was so refreshing to hear these verses being recited by the music ensemble in Gurudev Siddha Peeth. As I listened to the rhythm and the pronunciation, I wished that I could illumine my own recitation with this renewed perception of the syllables and sounds of Shri Guru Gita, so that I could continue to experience its magic unfolding for me.
I am grateful for this reminder of how valuable it can be to refresh my practices in order to advance in sadhana.
Geneva, Switzerland
I am grateful for this beautiful recording of the crystalline voices of the Gurukula students in Gurudev Siddha Peeth reciting these verses of Shri Guru Gita. I feel instantly transported to the magic of sunrise over Dakshin Kashi, and gratitude for Shri Guru swells in my heart.
New York, United States
I was so intrigued by the deep blue color in this image. It takes me to the stillness of the meditation hall, the vibrancy of the Blue Pearl, and indeed to a part of my heart which sees this color as the hue of the Self.
When I recite
Shri Guru Gita, this is the color I see in my mind’s eye.
Montreal, Canada
Each morning since a recent eclipse I have been watching the sun rise through darkened eclipse glasses. The sun first announces its arrival with a golden glow appearing behind the mountain. Then a sliver of brilliant orange light appears amidst the dark mountain outline. Silently, slowly, the sun’s breathtaking, radiant form rises and grows larger and more beautiful.
These verses of
Shri Guru Gita have been particularly filled with energy for me each morning. I experience that the Guru brings her awesome presence into my life daily. All I have to do is watch for it.
New Mexico, United States
It is the greatest wonder to have this illuminating, warming, loving light of the sun and the Guru in my life. May I always be aware of this miracle and be grateful.
Hindelang, Germany
What joy! Some other Siddha Yogis and I decided to recite
Shri Guru Gita at the same time this morning in our own homes. Before the recitation we viewed the Siddha Yoga path website and were delighted to find a focus on
Shri Guru Gita and Surya Devata. This focus strengthened and illuminated my connection to the Guru, my fellow Siddha Yogis, and my Self as I recited
Shri Guru Gita. After the recitation, a beautiful rainbow appeared. What a glorious way to celebrate the light of Lord Surya together.
Hawaii, United States
During the hours I was in labor with my son, I kept hearing verse 37 in my mind. Afterwards I looked up the meaning of it. Months later it took on much greater significance for me. My son was diagnosed with an intellectual disability, and there were times when the going got rough. Through it all, however, I would always remember that it is the Guru’s love that fills me with love for my son. To this day, verse 37 always makes my heart smile.
California, United States
On New Year's Eve, I spent time in nature contemplating the previous year and forming an approach for the coming year. The intention that arose within me was to focus on being filled with the Guru’s light.
I was so happy when I read these verses from
Shri Guru Gita, with the heading “Shri Guru Illumines All, Like the Sun.” When synchronicities like this happen, it makes me feel that Gurumayi is, indeed, always with me.
Taupo, New Zealand
On New Year’s Eve, reflecting on the previous year and recalling the tidal wave of losses I had experienced, I decided to recite
Shri Guru Gita. Afterwards, I found myself shouting with joy, “I am free! I am free!” The feelings of loss were gone.
That night I dreamed about Gurumayi, and waking up in the morning, I realized for the first time in my life that I had actually stepped into the brilliant power of the new year. I felt so full inside, and I still do.
Reading verse 23, I recognized that my transformation had been the result of Gurumayi’s grace guiding me through my darkness to the light of the Self.
New York, United States
Verse 23 in
Shri Guru Gita has always stood out for me. And over the years, as “the darkness of ignorance” within me has been replaced with Gurumayi’s teachings on love, light, and grace, the genuineness of the verse has become my absolute reality! Walking the Siddha Yoga path, I feel Gurumayi’s hand guiding me and purifying every cell of my being.
Nairobi, Kenya
I love that verse 23 describes the Guru as “the supreme knowledge that swallows (the darkness of) ignorance.” I have seen it come true in my life. When I learn by heart and repeat over and over words from Gurumayi’s teachings or from her poems, I have the experience that the darkness of my ignorance is “swallowed” and a new understanding, a new insight, is revealed.
Annecy-le-Vieux, France
Reading Verse 37 of
Shri Guru Gita, I understood that it is through the Guru’s love that I feel great love for my daughter. I also realized that when I am experiencing love for my daughter, I am experiencing the Guru’s love.
I am grateful that Gurumayi is so present in my life and guides me to experience love, respect, and compassion in this wonderful world.
Niterói, Brazil
Verse 37 of
Shri Guru Gita has always been particularly dear to me.
When my son was born with a significant disability, I was utterly at a loss as to how to proceed. I offered my situation to the Guru, and so began my
sadhana in earnest. Gurumayi has taught me, shown me, encouraged me, challenged me to see beyond the surface, to understand the true nature of the Self—and to love the life I was given, not mourn one I hadn’t received.
Our family has become more dear to me than I could have imagined, and my relationship with the world is utterly transformed. While I may not know exactly where we go from here, I know how we will proceed: by the light of Shri Guru, with whole hearts and thankful minds.
I give thanks for
Shri Guru Gita, which gives me both a way to express my love and a way to continue absorbing more of the mysterious, illuminating, life-sustaining power of the Guru. To say that I owe my existence to Shri Guru is a simple, magnificent truth.
Washington, United States