Share Your Experience of Gratitude
In the spirit of gratitude, you are welcome to write a descriptive story of an experience in your sadhana when you recognized the hand of divine grace in your life. For each person, the particular circumstances are unique. However, whether it is a sudden and dramatic revelation or a gradual unfolding of inner awareness, there is bound to be a common thread that unifies each unique experience and that is gratitude—gratitude for grace and gratitude for the Guru’s boundless generosity and unconditional love that are ever present in a disciple’s life.
Take a moment to reflect on, and write about, a brief anecdote of grace and the creative ways in which this grace revealed itself to you.
I’ve been thinking a great deal about gratitude recently. Over the past few years, my life has changed so much, with many things falling away. Still, despite all of the changes, I have noticed that I have remained calm. When I asked myself how this is possible, I realized that, ever since I had the great good fortune to receive shaktipat many years ago, I have been blessed to be able to participate and take refuge in the Siddha Yoga practices. So, I have every reason to be calm and extremely grateful.
Christchurch, New Zealand
I am grateful for shaktipat, the divine awakening of the ever-powerful, cleansing, and loving Kundalini. For me, this is the most precious gift of any lifetime, which is given by God through Gurumayi. Gurumayi has opened the universe of love to me. She has generously guided and protected me, allowing the Kundalini to unfold in the most perfect way. I am supremely blessed.
El Escorial, Spain
During the recent Shaktipat Intensive, as I watched Baba speak, I was deeply touched by the love, patience, and dedication that I saw in his face. My heart filled with immense gratitude for all that he did to attain oneness with the Self and for his extraordinary gift of devoting his time to sharing his understanding with seekers and guiding us on the spiritual path.
California, United States
I think about the times when I have seen the Blue Pearl—the beautiful flash of light, that exquisite gift that connects me to my Guru in such a way that I feel I belong to the earth and the universe. At the same time, I feel I am protected and close to Gurumayi, and then my whole being is filled with immense gratitude and devotion.
New York, United States
The first time I entered Baba Muktananda’s Samadhi Shrine in Gurudev Siddha Peeth was during the orientation for visitors to the Ashram. I already had a lot of love in my heart for Baba.
As I performed pradakshina around Baba’s shrine, suddenly a lightning bolt shot through me. “I” disappeared. There was no body, no mind. There was not any time or space. There was only eternity, pure eternity.
After we left the shrine, the orientation guide asked me how my experience had been. All I could say was, “There is lightning in there.” I never had imagined a reality beyond time and space. Baba so sweetly, generously, and powerfully offered this gift to me.
I am forever grateful to Baba for showing me that I am eternal.
El Escorial, Spain
After reading “My Grateful Heart,” I was left with a longing to interact with Gurumayi in person again. I remembered that many years ago, my ninety-year-old father had received a crystal heart from Gurumayi. As I was falling asleep that night, I prayed to Gurumayi, saying, “I know I receive so much from you, but I really want to receive a crystal heart from you.”
A few days later, while cleaning my closet, I found an organza bag with something wrapped in lots of tissue paper. I unwrapped it, and there before me was a pure-white selenite heart! I know I must have purchased it years ago, likely as a gift, but in no way could I have expected to be the recipient!
The timing of my prayer to Gurumayi and the discovery of this beautiful crystal heart filled my heart with joy and gratitude. I was flooded with the understanding that to feel Gurumayi’s presence, I just need to look into my own heart. There I will find that she is ever present and always with me.
Michigan, United States
In 2005 I was visiting Shree Muktananda Ashram in order to offer seva. During my stay, I was to take part in an important meeting, from which I wanted a very particular outcome. So I went to the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple in Atma Nidhi to request Bade Baba’s grace for this outcome to happen.
In the end, the meeting ended up being a success, and the outcome I had hoped for was achieved. Later that day, I was participating in a chant when Bade Baba’s voice arose inside me urging me to return to the Temple. I did so and, as I bowed before Bade Baba’s murti, I heard his voice within me again, telling me that when one asks the Guru for a blessing, one should always go back to the Guru to express gratitude afterward—no matter the outcome.
Waterville, Canada
I am very grateful to Gurumayi for composing the namasankirtana Shri Krishna Devadeva. When I chant it along with the recording, I feel strong inside and protected. Also, both my courage and my will to make the world a better place are energized and joyful.
Gratitude has been the impetus of my sadhana since my earliest years following the Siddha Yoga path. Prior to that, I had never known the feeling of the heart welling up and overflowing with gratitude, which very much feels to me like a form of love. Now, not only does practicing gratitude inspire a feeling of great love in me, the very experience of gratitude inspires even deeper gratitude.
I feel profound gratitude for gratitude itself.
California, United States
For many years, I’ve had the habit of saying a goodnight prayer, after which I would mentally prepare my to-do list for the next day and review that day’s list. I often ended my day feeling sad about the uncompleted tasks.
A few years ago, my ten-year-old son attended a Siddha Yoga satsang where he learned about gratitude. One evening, he asked me, “After working so hard all day, why do you end your day thinking about what’s undone? Why not express gratitude for what you did accomplish?” His words touched me deeply.
Since then, I end my day differently. I tell myself things like “I am grateful I could offer seva today,” “I am grateful I helped my son with his studies,” “I am grateful I spoke to my relatives with love and respect,” or “I am grateful I allowed myself to rest.”
This simple shift has completely transformed the way I see myself. I began to understand that while gratitude for others is a beautiful practice, so is gratitude for my own efforts. This has helped me recognize my own worth and guided me to love and honor my own Self—just as Baba Muktananda always taught.
Thane West, India
I have a practice of journal writing every morning as soon as I wake, before meditation. I let all thoughts land on the page; I let all questions, worries, plans, and decisions stream through into writing. Rather than thinking “This thought is good” or “That thought is bad,” I clear my mind through writing, as an offering of all this inner activity to the fire of grace.
Inevitably, after I have cleared out the space in my mind, there comes a sense of spaciousness, of deep silence, of needing nothing, of having everything that I need. I feel a deep connection with Gurumayi, and in that connection and spaciousness, gratitude naturally arises, and that gratitude is my entryway into meditation.
I am grateful to Gurumayi for inspiring me to learn and practice this divine virtue.
California, United States
This dream reminded me of an experience I had years ago. I awoke that morning at 4:00 a.m., crying with gratitude. Somehow, this felt related to that day’s full moon. So I got dressed and, taking my camera, went to Lake Nityananda, still feeling deeply moved. Tears of gratitude ran down my face as I took photographs of the full moon.
Later I wrote to Gurumayi about the experience of crying with gratitude as I woke up. In her reply, Gurumayi said that gratitude is her favorite subject.
California, United States
Today I wanted to go deeper and find the source of what I am most grateful for. I found that my most precious possession pulsates in the chamber of my heart. My Guru has awakened my consciousness and the love in my heart. This realization gives everything immeasurable value, divine lightness, and great luminosity.
My awareness of this great good fortune makes my soul dance with gratitude.
Konolfingen, Switzerland
I had a wonderful time putting Gurumayi’s guidance into practice as I handwrote thank-you notes to the summer sevites in my department.
Since then, Gurumayi’s teaching “You are great!” has been special to me.
Recently, I have been facing a challenge and doing my best to feel equal to it, but it has been hard. Then, yesterday, while driving a familiar route, I looked up and saw—painted on a highway bridge in bright yellow—the words “You are great!” I got so excited! I’ve never seen any graffiti like this before. I just knew it was from Gurumayi, and I knew she meant me! So I said aloud to myself, as though I were hearing it from Gurumayi, “You are great!” It was such a beautiful affirmation of her presence in my life!
California, United States
Each morning, I conclude my puja by offering my gratitude to my Guru with these words. The Guru’s grace has guided me through countless challenges, instilling strength and clarity even in the most difficult times. It feels as if Baba ji gave these words not only to express his own devotion but also to help disciples like me fully appreciate the immense role the Guru plays in our lives.
This simple act of gratitude renews my energy and strengthens my connection to the Guru’s wisdom. Indeed, the more I express my gratitude, the more energy I receive. Offering this gratitude is, to me, the highest form of devotion.
Mumbai, India
Udhana, India
I grabbed my halter and lead rope, and walked out of the barn toward my horse. He was eating grass and stopped to look up at me. In that moment, I felt it was not me walking, but Baba, wearing his sunglasses and hat on that hot, sunny day.
I felt an instant lightheadedness. My breath softened, air filled my lungs, and an overwhelming feeling of love engulfed me. It was just Baba and me and my horse. I threw my arms around my horse—this big, beautiful, sentient being—buried my face in his neck, and thanked Baba.
The feeling I had at that moment happens to me every day. I am forever grateful for being able to feel the awe-inspiring power of love.
Illinois, United States
He lectured a lot in satsangs; I learned his teachings and tried to understand them more deeply For me, his main teaching was the value and importance of taking refuge in a Siddha Master. And that has been my sadhana. Taking refuge in a saint means to be protected by the knowledge of Brahman. My gratitude for Baba’s teachings is immense.
Turin, Italy
Konolfingen, Switzerland
After this meditation I was chanting the Shiva Arati and, when I reached the last verse, I read this line of the translation: “O Lord of the world, by your mercy protect me forever.”
Suddenly I realized how much I am protected and lovingly guided by my Guru—and my heart overflowed with waves of gratitude.
Konolfingen, Switzerland
The child calmed down, observed the mala carefully, then began a long search to find a perfect place to lay it down. He chose to hang it on the window pane, beyond which it was dark but for the evening lights.
He looked at me and then he looked up at the sky with an attitude of offering. It seemed as if he were gazing toward infinity, beyond the ocean.
I felt Gurumayi’s grace had entered him. I felt it was a miracle. And I felt my own heart reverberating with grace and gratitude as I perceived Gurumayi had touched the little boy’s heart.
Torino, Italy
Since I started following the Siddha Yoga path, my life has been permeated with the love and knowledge I have received from my Guru.
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Look around, acknowledge and be grateful!
For it is in doing so that you discern,
Without taking for granted,
The generosity, blessings, and the ongoing transformation
Being continually bestowed and unfolded
In this life.
O my mind, O my heart!
Notice what you have conveniently labeled
as “mundane” or “business-oriented”
For that very thing may actually be a rose-scented
Contributor to your growth and expansion.
Do notice the blessings coming in from every direction.
If you are a true traveler,
Realize that gratitude is a great unraveler.
Bangalore, India
After meeting Baba, I wondered if he was the teacher I had been searching for. I silently prayed to him to please give me a tangible sign. When I returned home after the weekend, I found a letter waiting for me. It had been written by a friend whom I hadn’t heard from in years. I eagerly opened it, and out flew a mantra card with Baba’s photo on the front. My body began to tremble with an energy I couldn’t explain. I came to understand that this was the gift of shaktipat. I later realized that this letter had been written and mailed before I had even asked Baba for a sign that he was my Guru. I am eternally grateful for Baba’s grace and blessings.
New York, United States
Many years later, as I was introduced to Gurumayi and stood before her in the darshan line, I said, “I want to know.” Gurumayi looked at me and I looked at her, and I felt that my wish was going to be answered.
At another time, Gurumayi asked me, “How are you feeling?” I answered, “Better.” Gurumayi said, “Better, better, better.”
It took a long time for me to appreciate this wonderful gift of the Guru’s generosity, but now I can see that my wish is being answered. I have seen that situations arise in my life which help me to understand how to proceed on my path toward the Truth. I keep pursuing the Truth in my sadhana and in every action and every step I take.
California, United States
Yes! I realized that the wish-fulfilling gem is gratitude itself! With my heart full of gratitude, I thank Shri Gurumayi for her ever-present grace in my life, which manifests itself through shining insights like this one.
Naucalpan, Mexico
Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico
Once I was invited to offer seva teaching dance in movement sessions at Shree Muktananda Ashram. All of my sense of unworthiness came to the surface only to be upstaged by my pure love for dance. To offer seva in an area I had learned and loved since I was a child was a perfect gift.
At home now, as I go about my daily tasks, I am grateful for the understanding that I can offer all of my actions to my Guru and to God. In the quiet solitude of my home space, I also dance nearly every day, and I remember this too is an offering.
New York, United States
Several years ago I was facing questions about my purpose in life. I had the opportunity to go to Gurudev Siddha Peeth for a visit to offer seva. While I was there, my longing to know my divine purpose was fulfilled. When I returned to work, my understanding of my divine purpose led me to be content and happy.
Tumsar, India
I met my husband at the Siddha Yoga meditation center, and we have shared our sadhana together now for thirty-eight years. In 1997 I participated in a “Siddha Yoga and Psychotherapy Conference” at Shree Muktananda Ashram. I had just begun my career as a psychotherapist, and what I learned there has shaped my entire working career. I am so blessed in my personal life as well, as I keep growing in love through the grace and teachings of Bade Baba, Baba, and beloved Gurumayi.
Kingscliff, Australia
Remembering this many years later, I realize that every evening I can use my body, like that bottle, in different ways. For example, I can chant or I can go out somewhere. Most evenings, I have chanted namasankirtanas. This has given me sweetness and blessings, and has benefited both me and my family.
Udhana, India
In school, in college, at Gurudev Siddha Peeth as a Gurukula student, at my first job, as a new wife and a new mother, and in the various professional roles that followed, Gurumayi’s wisdom has guided me every step of the way, even if I was not always aware of it.
This guidance came in many ways. Sometimes it came in a teaching from one of Gurumayi’s books. Sometimes it came in offering seva, or in a friend’s advice. Sometimes it came in the midst of a challenging life situation. But no matter what, I have always felt Gurumayi by my side.
Many times my heart leapt in sheer joy and love, and all I could do was to say, “Thank you, thank you, Gurumayi, for your presence in my life, and on the planet!”
Mumbai, India
Willemstad, Curacao
She didn’t let me finish the question I wanted to ask her, and she responded quickly instead. Her response made me appreciate her sadhana and also showed me how I could remember the blessings of my own life. Her response was, “When you regret, you are not grateful.”
New York, United States
Later, during the midday chant, I suddenly heard an inner command to go to the Bade Baba Temple. As I bowed my head to the floor, Bade Baba’s voice arose inside me, saying, “Whenever you ask for a blessing, always remember to come back and give thanks for grace.” Inside I gave a resounding “Yes!” As I rose from the floor, his voice came loud and clear again: “Just as important, even if the outcome is the exact opposite of what you want, return to me and say thank you.”
Montreal, Canada
Many years later, when I thought I was meeting her for the first time at Shree Muktananda Ashram, I suddenly remembered that years earlier, she had saved my life. She picked a boy out of the streets, and then gave him her most precious treasure—the love in her scintillating, expansive heart.
Now, in my late fifties, I consider myself the most fortunate being on earth. Sometimes doing my best, sometimes falling short, every day of my life I weep with gratitude. Why? Because, no matter what, I get to be alive at the same time on the same planet as Shri Gurumayi Chidvilasananda. For this, and this alone, aren’t we all the most fortunate people on earth?
Nevada, United States
On my way back to the Lower Lobby, I saw Gurumayi standing there talking to someone. She addressed me and asked, “So you want to serve?” and of course I replied “Yes!” with enthusiasm. I was immediately invited to offer a timely seva. Washed anew by Gurumayi’s grace, I floated in gratitude for the rest of my stay.
My Guru’s love ignites my gratitude. Her love is truly immense and my heart is on fire.
Milan, Italy
For almost thirty years I had longed to go to Gurudev Siddha Peeth, but it never seemed to be the right time. Finally, in 2018 I set the intention to go in 2020. Then in May 2019 I had this strong feeling I needed to go that November. Although lacking the time and money I needed, I applied just before the deadline to attend the Pilgrimage to the Heart Retreat in 2019. I was accepted and everything I needed for it to happen came about.
Gurudev Siddha Peeth is truly a sacred place and everything about my time there has been a blessing, especially the challenges! I now feel more able to move forward in my life with courage and fearlessness. I am so grateful for the inner guidance to go when I did, as it would not have been possible in 2020 or 2021. I know it all came about thanks to Gurumayi’s grace.
Calgary, Canada
One night I woke up filled with fear. I meditated and remembered an experience I’d had when I was six years old. It was an experience of the Blue Being within myself and I knew that was my true Self. A voice said, “It is up to you to decide if you want to focus on your Self or your fear.” I chose the Self.
New York, United States
The feelings that predominate in my life now are those of immense love, gratitude, and joy. What a difference from the young woman who met Baba with feelings of fear, despair, and longing! Steady progress rather than spectacular experiences has been my lot and I am ever so grateful for whatever it is that has caused me to persevere—even when, at times, it felt impossible that I would ever overcome the darkness in my heart.
Truly, all that sense of unworthiness, self-deprecation, and timorousness have left and I feel that I have the choice to never go there again. What gift could be more valuable? Whatever good fortune has guided my life is all the doing of my Guru. I would not want to change a second of the experiences I’ve had since our paths joined. They were never separate!
Clifton Hill, Australia
Recently my mind was full of complaints about the many little things I expected my husband to do, and things felt tense between us. As I practiced gratitude, I felt as if a heavy weight had been lifted from my heart. In the days that followed, I was able to see the love in my husband’s actions, his eyes, and his words—love which has always been there.
a Gurukula student in Gurudev Siddha Peeth
New Jersey, United States
Soon after I learned about the Siddha Yoga path. When I had Gurumayi’s darshan, the recognition arose within me that I was in the presence of the divine. Each day I count my blessings, for even when challenges arise in my life, I am aware of the greatest blessing of all, a mind that can perceive the ultimate Truth, thanks to the Guru’s grace.
New Jersey, United States
Hindelang, Germany
I left his surgery with gratitude in my heart because I immediately remembered having heard a teaching implying that patients like me were very fortunate since they would come close to God very quickly. Even my imprecise memory of this teaching was sufficient to lift my spirits to a kind of exultation. Rather than a death sentence, I had been given a great gift— knowing I was worthy of coming close to God. Rather than dread, I felt jubilation! And I’m here to tell the tale!
I vividly recall leaving the hospital and feeling this understanding enter my mind, overriding all other reactions. In the process of writing this share now, I realize that the true gift was not that memory or any wise understanding I had but simply the presence of the Guru, which always manifests in my hour of need.
My gratitude for that knows no bounds.
Beccles, United Kingdom
Unterlangenegg, Switzerland
This was particularly evident for me after I received a serious medical diagnosis about fifteen months ago. After my first emotional reaction, I understood that this experience was a gift of grace and a special opportunity for me to learn some truths that had not been accessible to me until then. I embraced the experience fully and was immediately blessed with a state of complete trust and gratitude that never left me, accompanying me to a full recovery.
For me, gratitude is a gift of divine grace that expands and grows into more and more gratitude.
New York, United States
I find myself repeatedly drawn into and uplifted by my own descriptions of forgotten dreams and meditation experiences, significant interactions, and the countless moments of grace. I know that the best way for me to express gratitude for my tremendous good fortune is by embodying the sublime virtues, living each day as an offering to God, and giving thanks to Baba, Gurumayi, and Bade Baba for my blessed life.
Once my journal reading is completed, I intend to offer its gems to my family—and to Shakti Punja, the Siddha Yoga archives.
North Carolina, United States
Suddenly I saw myself with an arati tray doing puja to Baba, as Gurumayi watched. As the arati tray circled, I saw Baba’s eyes filling with a light that was getting brighter and brighter. I could see how Baba’s body was a temple that was being filled completely by that divine light. Everything inside Baba was pure light.
When I woke up, I wanted to keep seeing that light inside Baba. But again and again, my consciousness went inside me, and I could see how that same light was shining inside me. I was filled with that light. A feeling of deep love and gratitude welled up in my heart for the gift I had just received.
Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Mersin, Turkey
At night when I go to bed, I sometimes feel so grateful just to have a bed and its protection. Knowing that on this earth many people are sleeping on the street, and that having a bed to sleep in is something special, fills me with gratitude. Then I pray for a protected and soft, warm place to sleep for all.
Hindelang, Germany
Madrid, Spain
Together, these two practices have shifted my experience of living in my body. When I feel grateful, I feel good; it seems impossible to struggle and feel gratitude at the same time. I feel so much more at ease, and I notice I am much more present than I have ever been before. Even though Gurumayi has spoken so much over the years about gratitude, and I have practiced feeling grateful, I don’t think I really understood just how powerful this practice really is until now.
I am truly grateful for the practice of gratitude!
New York, United States
Rodez, France
Mexico City, Mexico
Maine, United States
After contemplating this experience, I realize that I can give people the opportunity to feel the same way I did by remembering to express my gratitude, even for the little things.
Minnesota, United States
New York, United States