Toward Love…
~ Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Listen to the teaching
Read by Eesha Sardesai
Music to accompany the teaching:
Pan flute played by Derek Jivan Jones
The “underground endeavor” Gurumayi describes calls to mind my experience of meditation this morning. While meditating, I felt like nothing was happening. I was aware of my thoughts, I adjusted my slackening posture, I brought my awareness back to my heart—but I noticed no inner shifts or visions or sublime feelings.
Then when the timer went off after forty-five minutes, it felt like only a couple of minutes had passed. As I journaled afterward, I noticed how much calmer and more connected to my heart I felt after meditating that morning. A mysterious alchemy had taken place. It had happened within my mind yet at a level deeper than thoughts could penetrate. As I considered this, the sense of inner quietness I felt morphed into a feeling of intoxication and awe.
It occurred to me that I can continue practicing steadily—like the trees that are constantly nourished by one another beneath the soil—and hold an inner conviction that sadhana is happening exactly the way it is meant to.
Then when the timer went off after forty-five minutes, it felt like only a couple of minutes had passed. As I journaled afterward, I noticed how much calmer and more connected to my heart I felt after meditating that morning. A mysterious alchemy had taken place. It had happened within my mind yet at a level deeper than thoughts could penetrate. As I considered this, the sense of inner quietness I felt morphed into a feeling of intoxication and awe.
It occurred to me that I can continue practicing steadily—like the trees that are constantly nourished by one another beneath the soil—and hold an inner conviction that sadhana is happening exactly the way it is meant to.
Pennsylvania, United States
Forever Love
There is a field
A field that everyone knows
A field from which we are all came
Including you and me.
Like the trees over their roots
Like the cenotes over the underground caves
Like the heartbeat of the mother
And the heartbeat of the child
Like the earth in the universe.
So through this are we connected forever. You and me.
Love. Forever connected, in unconditional love.There is a field
A field that everyone knows
A field from which we are all came
Including you and me.
Like the trees over their roots
Like the cenotes over the underground caves
Like the heartbeat of the mother
And the heartbeat of the child
Like the earth in the universe.
So through this are we connected forever. You and me.
Obing, Germany
Gurumayi has expanded my understanding of love through these daily teachings.
As I was walking and mentally reviewing these daily gems, my mind recalled a tiny pendant Gurumayi once gave me of two small connected hearts. I wore it until it disintegrated. Suddenly I spotted a spark of light on the pavement. It came from a pendant of two tiny golden leaves connected by synthetic diamonds. The shape resembled the leaf shown with each “Toward Love…” teaching. I was so touched and felt it was a gift from God, symbolizing the constant connection I have with my Guru.
After making determined but unsuccessful efforts to find its rightful owner, I have kept the pendant as a reminder of this special time.
Gurumayi’s teachings are a lifeline for me, connecting bhakti and jnani, devotion and knowledge. The pendant reminds me of the daily “Toward Love…” jewels Gurumayi has bestowed on us. Since I’m the caretaker for my mom, who has dementia, Gurumayi’s teachings have been a sweet and profound support for me and my mom, moving us both “toward love.”
As I was walking and mentally reviewing these daily gems, my mind recalled a tiny pendant Gurumayi once gave me of two small connected hearts. I wore it until it disintegrated. Suddenly I spotted a spark of light on the pavement. It came from a pendant of two tiny golden leaves connected by synthetic diamonds. The shape resembled the leaf shown with each “Toward Love…” teaching. I was so touched and felt it was a gift from God, symbolizing the constant connection I have with my Guru.
After making determined but unsuccessful efforts to find its rightful owner, I have kept the pendant as a reminder of this special time.
Gurumayi’s teachings are a lifeline for me, connecting bhakti and jnani, devotion and knowledge. The pendant reminds me of the daily “Toward Love…” jewels Gurumayi has bestowed on us. Since I’m the caretaker for my mom, who has dementia, Gurumayi’s teachings have been a sweet and profound support for me and my mom, moving us both “toward love.”
California, United States
The tenth teaching of Gurumayi in “Toward Love…” reminds me that nature is a great gift—a treasure. In my life, I have wanted to be linked with nature, to be united with her in many ways. Of course, knowing the miracle of photosynthesis and the relationship between trees, plants, and the earth is of great value. Nevertheless, nature herself has taken me further.
I had built an intimate bond with a nearby river. One day, I had to leave the small town where I lived to participate in a Siddha Yoga Shaktipat Intensive in a large, distant city. As I crossed the bridge to the railway station, my heart exploded with love. At the same time, I heard the sound of “my” river flowing under the bridge. Touched by this intimate attention, I understood that the river was very happy that I was going to the Intensive. Thanks to this new development, our relationship grew even stronger.
And that’s how I learned to know my inner river: Kundalini Shakti. She flows in me like sap flows in trees. Like nature connecting to the sun, thanks to her I become freed from earthly attachment—and connect to God.I had built an intimate bond with a nearby river. One day, I had to leave the small town where I lived to participate in a Siddha Yoga Shaktipat Intensive in a large, distant city. As I crossed the bridge to the railway station, my heart exploded with love. At the same time, I heard the sound of “my” river flowing under the bridge. Touched by this intimate attention, I understood that the river was very happy that I was going to the Intensive. Thanks to this new development, our relationship grew even stronger.
Rodez, France
Skiing down the pristine corduroy snow yesterday, I offered my gratitude to nature. Pausing to take in the exquisite surroundings, I noticed the trees, caked with snow, were “standing tall in their dignity.” They appeared to be holding one another up and created a divine hedgerow for me to pass.
Then this morning I read Gurumayi’s “Toward Love…” teaching and realized the trees had allowed me to bear witness to their “most complex intelligence,” and to enter into the pure “vibration of love” that Gurumayi speaks of.
I am grateful to Gurumayi for putting words to my experience and deepening my connection with nature.Then this morning I read Gurumayi’s “Toward Love…” teaching and realized the trees had allowed me to bear witness to their “most complex intelligence,” and to enter into the pure “vibration of love” that Gurumayi speaks of.
Maine, United States
Reflecting on the “unremitting” quality of love that Gurumayi points to in this teaching fills me with joy. I think of other words that Gurumayi has used in these teachings to describe love, such as indestructible and immortal. I experience this unending quality of love in my own life.
For example, when I turn inside and observe closely, I see that every single person I have ever loved still has a place in my heart. Even if I am no longer in contact with them for whatever reason, including when unresolved feelings may be present, there it is beneath the surface—that tender feeling of love for them in my heart. I also experience that it is not possible to have a tiny speck of love. If it is love, it is not only “indestructible,” it is also vast and even infinite. Under my close gaze, the speck opens out into the whole.
For example, when I turn inside and observe closely, I see that every single person I have ever loved still has a place in my heart. Even if I am no longer in contact with them for whatever reason, including when unresolved feelings may be present, there it is beneath the surface—that tender feeling of love for them in my heart. I also experience that it is not possible to have a tiny speck of love. If it is love, it is not only “indestructible,” it is also vast and even infinite. Under my close gaze, the speck opens out into the whole.
Langwarrin, Australia
This morning I was teaching a yoga class in a lovely house with two students. During the class a beautiful fox came into the garden; it was very well fed with a bushy tail. It curled up on the lawn and seemed very content. In fact, it looked like it felt it had every right to be there. It made me smile. There was such simplicity in that scene.
I learn so much from nature, and today’s “Toward Love…” teaching has increased my gratitude for all its bounty.London, United Kingdom
Just like the first nine teachings in “Toward Love…” this powerful teaching has stopped my busy mind with its intricate presentation of thoughts, and in so doing, has opened my heart. I am grateful to Gurumayi for these beautiful daily gifts, and am receiving these teachings as prasad.
Virginia, United States