Toward Love…
~ Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Listen to the teaching
Read by Eesha Sardesai
Music to accompany the teaching:
Pan flute played by Derek Jivan Jones
I have come back to this teaching again and again, reflecting on how Gurumayi’s words “Love is indestructible” have resonated for me this year.
When I first studied Gurumayi’s teaching, her words evoked a sense of protection that supported me in facing a challenging time with greater courage and calm. Since then, Gurumayi’s words have often arisen spontaneously, bringing a feeling of trust and ease. Today, they arose in meditation, prompting a profound insight; where previously, I had often identified with other people or circumstances as the source of love, I now realized that the source was within me—present as my true nature. I recognized this indestructible love as the highest state, the state of the inner Self.
I have understood this intellectually for a long time, but today I felt blessed with a much deeper understanding, one I can only describe as a “sense of knowingness,” for which I am profoundly grateful.
When I first studied Gurumayi’s teaching, her words evoked a sense of protection that supported me in facing a challenging time with greater courage and calm. Since then, Gurumayi’s words have often arisen spontaneously, bringing a feeling of trust and ease. Today, they arose in meditation, prompting a profound insight; where previously, I had often identified with other people or circumstances as the source of love, I now realized that the source was within me—present as my true nature. I recognized this indestructible love as the highest state, the state of the inner Self.
I have understood this intellectually for a long time, but today I felt blessed with a much deeper understanding, one I can only describe as a “sense of knowingness,” for which I am profoundly grateful.
Havant, United Kingdom
Gurumayi’s directive to “plant this seed within yourself” resonates deeply within me. This morning in meditation, I repeated Om Namah Shivaya with my breath. Then I planted the seed, “Love is indestructible,” in my heart. I experienced how this love is not an addition—it is the source of my entire being. Remembering this seed brought my awareness to my heart, where I experienced a subtle softening and warmth and, at the same time, a sensation of the heart’s unwavering power.
Pennsylvania, United States
Recently, as I contemplated this teaching once again, I realized that, whatever the external or internal circumstances of my life, I have always believed in the existence of love.
Then, I began to meditate with the sound of the pan flute washing over me. Soon, I experienced that the sounds I was listening to had flowed through me and settled in my chest in the form of a vibration. After a while, this vibration began to circulate throughout my entire body. The sensation was powerful, soft, and reassuring. I felt as if this vibration was the very essence of my life.
Since then, I have aspired to remain connected to this vibration of love, which is able to take me to the gracious, still heart of my Self.
Plougonvelin, France
I am so happy to be inspired to rediscover some of the fabulous moments that I have lived through and to recall the multiple activities I have enjoyed in many different places, either alone or in the company of others. For me, these precious moments are inscribed in the cave of my heart. I feel that they all have led me to experience love. The moment itself may have been temporal, but the love that it revealed in my heart has remained available. As Gurumayi says in this teaching, “Love is indestructible.”
This morning, before breakfast, I closed my eyes and observed my breath for a short time. I then felt a soft and peaceful light infusing my being. I was simply happy. I was enjoying the love that is within me. Through meditation—a practice that is always accessible to me—I can feel this eternal love at any time.
Rodez, France
Right before discovering the “Toward Love…” teachings, I’d been contemplating some landscape paintings I’m working on. I was considering all of the pathways, light and shadows, and the background colors and effects—some blurred and some not. Although I was a little impatient about completing them, a calm reassurance arose within me that it was OK that these paintings were taking longer than expected to complete. A wave of peace came over me. Contentment and gratitude had replaced my impatience, and I found myself going to the Siddha Yoga path website to see the newest postings.
When I encountered Gurumayi’s mention of “clear” or “blurry” pathways and how our perspective is “colored” by facing or not facing them, I was delighted! It felt as though Gurumayi was right in the room with me, guiding my spiritual life as well as reassuring me as an artist.
The words “Keep marching toward love” brought a smile to my face. I knew that as long as I made the effort to stay focused on love as I painted, the paintings themselves would imbibe and share the shakti of that love with the world!
When I encountered Gurumayi’s mention of “clear” or “blurry” pathways and how our perspective is “colored” by facing or not facing them, I was delighted! It felt as though Gurumayi was right in the room with me, guiding my spiritual life as well as reassuring me as an artist.
The words “Keep marching toward love” brought a smile to my face. I knew that as long as I made the effort to stay focused on love as I painted, the paintings themselves would imbibe and share the shakti of that love with the world!
New York, United States
I have recently moved to a new area for family reasons. At times during this relocation, I have felt discombobulated and exhausted. At these times I have reminded myself that love is both the reason for this move and the goal. My prayer has been, “May I be of service by giving and receiving love.”
It is in this context that I sighed with joy and recognition upon receiving “Toward Love…” from Gurumayi. I read and reread it, inviting my mind and heart to absorb it more and more. One of the key teachings I receive from these words of Gurumayi is how to make time my friend as I move toward absorption in love.
To me Gurumayi’s words are both a soft blanket of compassion and a crystal-clear illumination of the goal of my sadhana. Compassion—because even when love seems distant, I can move “toward love.” And illumination because love is the only force that, in the end, makes sense to me as the fundamental building block of life.
It is in this context that I sighed with joy and recognition upon receiving “Toward Love…” from Gurumayi. I read and reread it, inviting my mind and heart to absorb it more and more. One of the key teachings I receive from these words of Gurumayi is how to make time my friend as I move toward absorption in love.
To me Gurumayi’s words are both a soft blanket of compassion and a crystal-clear illumination of the goal of my sadhana. Compassion—because even when love seems distant, I can move “toward love.” And illumination because love is the only force that, in the end, makes sense to me as the fundamental building block of life.
Langwarrin, Australia
Some challenging circumstances a few days ago placed me in a state of mind paralyzed by anxiety. Focusing on my breath allowed me to enter a state of inner calm, out of which a solution to my dilemma arose which brought me some peace of mind. I then went to the Siddha Yoga path website and chanted Om Namah Shivaya with Gurumayi, which led me more deeply into the state of inner calm.
After a while, I returned to the homepage and there appeared the first of Gurumayi’s teachings on “Toward Love…” I realized she was speaking directly to me and specifically to the dilemma I had just overcome. I then was filled with a sense of overwhelming enthusiasm and joy because I felt that Gurumayi’s words held the key to unlocking my innate divine power of “indestructible” love!
I feel this love is my chariot that will take me across the sometimes bumpy road of life and lead me to the divine state of oneness and inner peace.
After a while, I returned to the homepage and there appeared the first of Gurumayi’s teachings on “Toward Love…” I realized she was speaking directly to me and specifically to the dilemma I had just overcome. I then was filled with a sense of overwhelming enthusiasm and joy because I felt that Gurumayi’s words held the key to unlocking my innate divine power of “indestructible” love!
I feel this love is my chariot that will take me across the sometimes bumpy road of life and lead me to the divine state of oneness and inner peace.
San Felipe, Mexico
I’ve been pondering what my gift to the world is. This question has an urgency to it as I get older. These days, I am confronting many barriers to getting what I think I need for the ideal life. When I read Gurumayi’s words, the barriers went to the back seat. I realized that there is nothing more important than leading with love. The greatest impact I can have is to act and speak with love. The ability to do so is utterly independent of life’s circumstances.
I am excited about my responsibility in keeping “the flame of love” alive. Flames need oxygen, and I can breathe love into this world, and ensure that love predominates, on a personal level and on the world scene.
I was also reflecting on the connection between dignity and love. In order to uphold dignity, I need to value love—love that is irrefutable and, as Gurumayi states, “indestructible.” I have much to learn, and I am grateful that Gurumayi is my guide.
I am excited about my responsibility in keeping “the flame of love” alive. Flames need oxygen, and I can breathe love into this world, and ensure that love predominates, on a personal level and on the world scene.
I was also reflecting on the connection between dignity and love. In order to uphold dignity, I need to value love—love that is irrefutable and, as Gurumayi states, “indestructible.” I have much to learn, and I am grateful that Gurumayi is my guide.
North Carolina, United States
Gurumayi’s teaching “Toward Love…” arrived at the perfect time for me. Its appearance on the Siddha Yoga path website yesterday was divine synchronicity. As I am entering a new phase of my life, I have been reflecting on my intentions. To support my inquiry, I recently relistened to the CD of Gurumayi’s talk, Intention and Blessing.
Now, after I have read and reread Gurumayi’s “ Toward Love…,” it is abundantly clear that my intention will be the one that she elucidates for us: “I must keep marching toward love, so that I may always keep the flame of love shining bright for me and for others."
With this intention, I am supremely confident that my life will be divinely guided as I enter this new phase of my life.
Now, after I have read and reread Gurumayi’s “ Toward Love…,” it is abundantly clear that my intention will be the one that she elucidates for us: “I must keep marching toward love, so that I may always keep the flame of love shining bright for me and for others."
With this intention, I am supremely confident that my life will be divinely guided as I enter this new phase of my life.
California, United States
The seed of “Love is indestructible” that Gurumayi has instructed us to plant within ourselves can be planted year round and in any climate or condition. How inspiring it is for me to imagine the protection, the nourishment, the good fortune, and and the light this planting can bestow!
Florida, United States
Following Gurumayi’s instruction in “Toward Love…,” I mentally planted the seed of “Love is indestructible” into my being. At first I went to plant it in the heart region of my chest. It seemed as if I had two hearts in that region so I didn’t plant it there. Instead I went to my sahasrara, where I found the unified golden light—of love. In my mind’s eye the seed easily and naturally assimilated into this fertile environment.
Then I went back to the heart area. I chose the heart on my left side instead of the center of my chest. The seed did take, and as it gave itself to this soil, my whole chest area along with my belly area began to vibrate sweetly and tenderly.
Then I went back to the heart area. I chose the heart on my left side instead of the center of my chest. The seed did take, and as it gave itself to this soil, my whole chest area along with my belly area began to vibrate sweetly and tenderly.
Washington, United States
I am grateful to Gurumayi for this pristine, clear direction on the path of our sadhana. Though Gurumayi has taught us that we have our origins in love, and finally merge in love, I can get caught up in the middle of the upheavals of my own mind and things that happen around me, and then I can lose my inner footing.
“Toward Love…” is a very timely reminder for me to keep an unwavering focus on love and only love, and to move forward with that focus, which will brighten not only my life but also the lives of those around me.
Just like planting trees helps to save the planet, so also planting the seeds of love helps to make our planet “a better paradise” to live in. The best way I can show my gratitude to Gurumayi is by consciously practicing this teaching every moment.
“Toward Love…” is a very timely reminder for me to keep an unwavering focus on love and only love, and to move forward with that focus, which will brighten not only my life but also the lives of those around me.
Just like planting trees helps to save the planet, so also planting the seeds of love helps to make our planet “a better paradise” to live in. The best way I can show my gratitude to Gurumayi is by consciously practicing this teaching every moment.
Hosur, India
Reading this teaching today is perfect timing. Last week a beloved family member died at the age of ninety-seven. I was feeling guilty about not being able to attend her funeral, which was a whole ocean and a continent away. When I turned to the Guru, I heard a strong message within, to keep my beloved relative in my heart. I made this a practice.
Since then I have been keeping her in my heart, and in my mind she is like a fully blooming rose filling me with the fragrance of deep love. Today she was finally laid to rest and today I read the teaching “Toward Love….” The last part of the teaching inspires me to take this practice I have been doing and to use it with love in general—to keep love in my heart like that blooming rose. So whatever my path is in the future and whatever I experience about the past, I can practice remembering love and feeling its presence filling me from within my heart.California, United States
I am very grateful to receive this teaching from Gurumayi as February begins with its special focus on the Heart. I have long felt it very significant that Believe in Love was Gurumayi’s Message in 2000, at the start of this millennium. As I’ve been listening to that Message again, its emphasis on embodying, sustaining, conveying, and connecting with love through our divine virtues stood out for me.
In this difficult time on our planet of love, it feels rejuvenating to receive Gurumayi’s reminders in “Toward Love…” to refresh our intention, to trust love’s “indestructible” power, to protect “the flame of love,” and not to slacken as we “keep marching toward love.”
In this difficult time on our planet of love, it feels rejuvenating to receive Gurumayi’s reminders in “Toward Love…” to refresh our intention, to trust love’s “indestructible” power, to protect “the flame of love,” and not to slacken as we “keep marching toward love.”
Florida, United States
I woke this morning wondering what can I do to make this world a better place. The thought seemed daunting, to the point where my mind went completely blank. I prayed to Gurumayi to show me how I can be of service to others, to make this world more kind, more peaceful, more resilient.
Gurumayi answered my prayer in four letters: L-O-V-E. If in every moment I pause, and have the intention to see “the flame of love shining brightly for me and for others,” then love is all that I will see, feel, hear, and experience.
I thought about this for a while. Then I heard Gurumayi’s voice inside me, sweetly laughing as she said: Be open, be open to grace. Answers come when you are open to grace.
Gurumayi answered my prayer in four letters: L-O-V-E. If in every moment I pause, and have the intention to see “the flame of love shining brightly for me and for others,” then love is all that I will see, feel, hear, and experience.
I thought about this for a while. Then I heard Gurumayi’s voice inside me, sweetly laughing as she said: Be open, be open to grace. Answers come when you are open to grace.
Maine, United States
Gurumayi’s words in “Teaching Love…” made me realize what has unsettled me again and again in recent years. Whenever my life was challenging and I was struggling to maintain my discipline and do my practices, I was very worried whether I would be able to maintain the love within me or whether I would lose it.
With heartfelt gratitude, I will plant this golden gift from Gurumayi in my heart and nurture it every day by telling myself, “Love is indestructible!”
Konolfingen, Switzerland
Before shaktipat, I believed that love came from the outside. After shaktipat, I experienced through my Guru’s grace love living within me. What a miraculous experience! I now have the firm conviction that this love is who I am, have always been, and will always be; that this love created, and lives within, everyone and everything; and that my dharma is to honor this love within myself and others.
As she does with her teaching “Toward Love…,” Gurumayi guides me over and over again to return to the heart, to live remembering this love, and to share this love. My daily life and sadhana become a way to hold this love and experience the world with unity, divinity, and equality. I find that as I am one with this love, I am one with Gurumayi.
As she does with her teaching “Toward Love…,” Gurumayi guides me over and over again to return to the heart, to live remembering this love, and to share this love. My daily life and sadhana become a way to hold this love and experience the world with unity, divinity, and equality. I find that as I am one with this love, I am one with Gurumayi.
California, United States
I was excited to visit the Siddha Yoga path website as soon as I woke up, because I sensed that there would be a teaching from Shri Gurumayi. When I read the teaching, the first thing that reached me with the wisdom from my beloved Guru was: to pause to center myself in my heart, amidst the unprecedented realities all around me.
My spouse and I listened to Gurumayi’s teaching after our daily practices, and I saw an inner link between the words destination and love—Gurumayi is directing me that in order to reach a goal, it is essential to follow my “heart’s consent” and feel its vibrations within.
I am grateful to Gurumayi for constantly improving my sadhana and enlightening me to have a deeper perspective on life.
My spouse and I listened to Gurumayi’s teaching after our daily practices, and I saw an inner link between the words destination and love—Gurumayi is directing me that in order to reach a goal, it is essential to follow my “heart’s consent” and feel its vibrations within.
I am grateful to Gurumayi for constantly improving my sadhana and enlightening me to have a deeper perspective on life.
The Houghton, South Africa
What a wonderful feeling I gained from reading “Toward Love”!
My moods have been alternating for a few days, some days a sweet happiness and others a subtle sadness. It’s incredible that in reading Gurumayi’s teaching, “Toward Love…,” I felt her words were destined for me. They made me reflect that the two states of mind come from the heart and when I perceive them, both want to go toward a single path: love!
My happy heart is thankful.
My moods have been alternating for a few days, some days a sweet happiness and others a subtle sadness. It’s incredible that in reading Gurumayi’s teaching, “Toward Love…,” I felt her words were destined for me. They made me reflect that the two states of mind come from the heart and when I perceive them, both want to go toward a single path: love!
My happy heart is thankful.
San Giorgio a Cremano, Italy
Last night I saw a dear friend with whom I have shared my history for over thirty years. Seeing her made me think of the path that lies behind me, and what lies before me too. Then I read “Toward Love…,” which speaks of both the past and the future. I am very grateful to Gurumayi for the blessing of this teaching, which emboldens me and gives me hope.
Virginia, United States