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 two phrases that stirred me most in this teaching by Gurumayi are “trail of light” and “the original drumbeat.”
When I share my sadhana experiences with others, I can feel their “trail of light.” Whether sharing through written or spoken words, poems, music, or visual art, the initial shakti of the experience is re-invoked, and it spreads. Others can then experience it in their own way.
For me, it often feels that in sharing my experiences, I experience them again, as if for the first time. The alchemical energy is reawakened, and I assimilate its power more deeply.
I also find that in sharing my sadhana experiences and listening to or reading those of others, synchronicities and realizations often emerge. These have an awe-inspiring effect on me. They make me more sensitive to “the original drumbeat”—the vibration of love within me and within everyone and everything.
When I share my sadhana experiences with others, I can feel their “trail of light.” Whether sharing through written or spoken words, poems, music, or visual art, the initial shakti of the experience is re-invoked, and it spreads. Others can then experience it in their own way.
For me, it often feels that in sharing my experiences, I experience them again, as if for the first time. The alchemical energy is reawakened, and I assimilate its power more deeply.
I also find that in sharing my sadhana experiences and listening to or reading those of others, synchronicities and realizations often emerge. These have an awe-inspiring effect on me. They make me more sensitive to “the original drumbeat”—the vibration of love within me and within everyone and everything.
Pennsylvania, United States
As I immersed myself in the twelfth teaching of “Toward Love…,” I remembered a seva meeting in the Siddha Yoga chanting and meditation group in which I participate, during which I had expressed a request that we improve the quality of the namasankirtana that we sing in satsangs.
Contemplating this memory in the light of this teaching, I realized that, although my request was accepted, I had missed a loving opportunity: I’d had a chance “to leave a trail of light” by sharing how my experience of devotion had been enhanced in the early 2000s by practicing the premotsava principles of Siddha Yoga music, and I hadn’t done so.
Sharing my experiences is a way I have found through which I can both “take steps toward my own goals” and “leave a trail of light for others.”
Contemplating this memory in the light of this teaching, I realized that, although my request was accepted, I had missed a loving opportunity: I’d had a chance “to leave a trail of light” by sharing how my experience of devotion had been enhanced in the early 2000s by practicing the premotsava principles of Siddha Yoga music, and I hadn’t done so.
Sharing my experiences is a way I have found through which I can both “take steps toward my own goals” and “leave a trail of light for others.”
Plougonvelin, France
I am the eldest daughter in a family of eight siblings. Our situation in our childhood was precarious, since our parents were humble. As teenagers, we older children had to leave school to help with household expenses by working. The only one who almost finished high school was me, but then my mother told me, “Now you have to work,” like my older brothers.
When I discovered the Siddha Yoga path, the love that my beloved Gurumayi awakened in my heart prompted me to move into the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Mexico City as a resident sevite. After one such visit, it occurred to me to finish high school and earn my degree.
As my mother followed my progress, she perceived the good that following the Siddha Yoga path did for me, and she not only allowed it, she encouraged it. When she realized that I was successful at both working and studying, she let my younger brothers do the same—bringing out the best in them.
It is this family history that makes this teaching from my beloved Gurumayi so meaningful for me.
When I discovered the Siddha Yoga path, the love that my beloved Gurumayi awakened in my heart prompted me to move into the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Mexico City as a resident sevite. After one such visit, it occurred to me to finish high school and earn my degree.
As my mother followed my progress, she perceived the good that following the Siddha Yoga path did for me, and she not only allowed it, she encouraged it. When she realized that I was successful at both working and studying, she let my younger brothers do the same—bringing out the best in them.
It is this family history that makes this teaching from my beloved Gurumayi so meaningful for me.
Mexico City, Mexico
In the early morning hours I awoke and had that familiar feeling that God was calling me to meditate. Instinctively, I turned to Gurumayi’s newest teaching for “Toward Love…” and felt the words tingle and take shape in my being. My mind felt transparent and like a sponge, soaking up this “palpable, hallowed energy.” I could sense the “original drumbeat,” which overtook me into a childlike openness and wonder.
My heart cries out, “Yes! Yes!” as Gurumayi beckons me “to keep moving, keep riding, keep rising.” In these moments I know beyond a doubt that love is real and this is my truth, my soul’s reason for being here on this earth. Gratitude dances in my heart with invincible wings!Washington, United States
This teaching of Gurumayi’s invites me to continue on my own path while sharing love with others and so “to leave a trail of light for others.“ I had a vivid experience of doing so some years ago.
I was climbing toward a mountain peak in the Pyrenees. On my way, I met a group of Spanish hikers. I found them very congenial, so we continued the climb to the top all together. On the way back to the valley, we were about to cross a torrent and some hesitation arose within the group.
Looking the situation over, I spied a pass that would make our descent easier, and everyone followed me with confidence. The more we progressed, the more I felt a sense of unity arising in my being. When the moment of farewell arrived, I looked into their eyes with love, as I recognized what Gurumayi calls “the original drumbeat.“
I was climbing toward a mountain peak in the Pyrenees. On my way, I met a group of Spanish hikers. I found them very congenial, so we continued the climb to the top all together. On the way back to the valley, we were about to cross a torrent and some hesitation arose within the group.
Looking the situation over, I spied a pass that would make our descent easier, and everyone followed me with confidence. The more we progressed, the more I felt a sense of unity arising in my being. When the moment of farewell arrived, I looked into their eyes with love, as I recognized what Gurumayi calls “the original drumbeat.“
Rodez, France
Despite my advanced age, I continue to move “toward my own goals” and aspirations, due to inspiration from the center of my heart, which is my own Self.
Shri Gurumayi’s teachings on “Toward Love…” this month support me to pursue my sadhana daily in spite of difficulties. I thank Shri Gurumayi from the bottom of my heart for her unconditional grace and eternal love.
Shri Gurumayi’s teachings on “Toward Love…” this month support me to pursue my sadhana daily in spite of difficulties. I thank Shri Gurumayi from the bottom of my heart for her unconditional grace and eternal love.
Udaipur, India