When I read Gurumayi’s Introduction to “The Temple of…,” I began to think what kind of temple I would like to be. Immediately, I remembered that every morning for the four years since my release from prison, and many years prior to that while I was in prison, I would start my mornings and end my days with this prayer: “I bow to and take refuge in the purity, perfection, and auspiciousness of Lord Shiva, Chitshakti Kundalini, Shri Gurudev, the supreme Self, supreme love, peace, harmony, healing, joy, bliss, and freedom.”

And as I prayed this prayer over the years, the feeling of the prayer evolved from bowing to these vibrations in the universe to the intention that this would be my own, constant vibration. So, the temple I long to be has the many qualities of my prayer—love, peace, truth, bliss, and liberation. I am grateful for being able to share this intention, for this has allowed me to feel it in a new way, as not just my reality, but a reality that I share with the world.

Texas, United States

Recently, in the midst of a challenging interaction, I remembered to breathe, fully and steadily, and to repeat the mantra Om Namah Shivaya with each breath. I grounded myself, feeling the support of the earth beneath me, and I visualized a column of light within me. Up until that point, my heart was still being disturbed by the words being directed at me. Then, as I relaxed my whole body, a shift took place, and those words could no longer affect me. I was experiencing my true nature, the divine Self. By drinking the elixir of that knowledge, my self-doubt was eclipsed. The situation dissipated, and I was left with nothing but love.

Immediately after this experience, I read Gurumayi’s “Introduction to A Temple of….” As I took in her words, what came up for me was A temple of self-worth. 

Hong Kong

While reading Gurumayi’s “Introduction to A Temple of…,“ I had a vivid experience of being surrounded by the light of Gurumayi’s love and by my own love for Gurumayi and Baba.

It is so beautiful to realize now that this powerful, ethereal, and subtle experience is my intention—A temple of light and love. This temple is always present, surrounding me wherever I go, whatever I do. I feel divinely protected in this timeless space—a place of dedication, worship, and immense gratitude.

May I always remember this “temple of light and love” within me and around me.

Ludlow, United Kingdom

Reading and rereading Gurumayi’s “Introduction to A Temple of…” has brought forth ever more revelations, inspirations, and feelings of oneness. Over the years, I have learned that repeated study is key to bringing to life my own temple—A temple of godliness—within me and around me.

With this in mind, my husband and I took turns this morning rereading Gurumayi’s Introduction and many of the shares. Then we shared our own thoughts. This satsang left us with an alacritous readiness to start our day with gusto. We feel Gurumayi’s grace is dancing everywhere.

Washington, United States

A temple of divine protection.

When I remember that I am divinely protected by God and the Gurus and that I am filling a part in God’s play, God’s lila, I let go of trying to control everything. With this understanding, I offer seva with more equanimity, more ease, and more enthusiasm.

Washington, United States

As I read through the words of Siddha Yogis from around the world, my heart is moved. What could I add to such blessings? These words arose: A temple of auspicious belief—belief that such blessings and harmony are possible in this world, and belief that I may imbibe and disseminate them wherever I go.

Virginia, United States

A temple of God’s will.

Langwarrin, Australia

A temple of alignment.

Virginia, United States

In response to Gurumayi’s invitation in her Introduction, I pray, “May I be a temple of divine love and devotion for my beloved Guru, Shri Gurumayi. And may I always radiate this love out into the world.”

London, United Kingdom

I felt invited into the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple for contemplation, and the intention that arose within me was A temple of silence.

Florida, United States

After I contemplated, the intention that came to me was A temple of love and unity between the Guru and the disciple.

Farrukhabad, India

As part of my study of Gurumayi’s “Introduction to A Temple of…,” I have been asking myself, “What is my inner response to this open-ended phrase?” Today this response arose in me: A temple of assimilation. It feels empowering and energizing to hold this intention.

After reflecting on the actions and attitudes that A temple of assimilation inspires in me, I meditated for a few minutes. My whole head became deliciously heavy and I entered a thought-free state. What a gift! It feels like the very intention to focus on A temple of assimilation is inviting blessings.

North Carolina, United States

My share is A temple of true being.

When I see the blue, it makes me think of the Blue Pearl.

a seven-year-old in New York, United States

A temple of fragrant white jasmine.

Fitzroy, Australia

Until I received shaktipat, I did not know that a temple lived within me. With the Guru’s bestowal of divine initiation, my inner light was illumined. Studying and reflecting on Gurumayi’s teachings in this series has set that sacred space ablaze again and has revealed more clearly to me many temples within the temple. It has felt like a holy pilgrimage inward, each step carrying me deeper.

As I contemplate them together, I see how the Siddha Yoga practices themselves shine as temples, further revealed through the dance of self-effort and grace:  “A temple of meditation,” “A temple of seva,” “A temple of chanting,” “A temple of dakshina.”

With gratitude for the one who illumines the temples within, I pray that this pilgrimage continue with every breath, guided by the blazing light of our beloved Guru’s teachings. May our temples be filled with divine music. May our temples be united in this divine dance. May we all become a continuous celebration of our Guru’s glory.

New York, United States

After reading Gurumayi’s “Introduction” and thinking about it for a while, what came to my mind was A temple of the Self. In this temple, my sadhana consists of keeping the floors clean by sweeping away unhealthy thoughts. I have to keep the windows wiped clear to allow the light of God to shine in. I must ensure that the doors are always open so that the knowledge given by my Guru can enter freely.

I am committed to doing everything I can to ensure that the voice of the goddess Kundalini always rings within my temple walls.

Barrie, Canada

A Temple of Gentleness

When I become the “temple of gentleness,”

I feel a soft breeze—gentle, yet guided,

free, yet unwavering.

Melbourne, Australia

A temple of obedience.

Entering this beautiful heart-shaped temple within, all I want to do is follow Shri Guru’s commands with love and reverence.

Joliette, Canada

After viewing a picture of ocean waves that my husband had just painted, I imagined entering “a temple of creativity” and wrote this poem:

The Purest Form of Freedom

Light dances its ethereal dance

Upon rippling waves.

Whether waves are gently cascading,

Or roiling and crashing,

Light rides the waves,

Sparkling, twinkling,

Its ecstatic state untouched.

California, United States

I am so happy Gurumayi has asked us how we might finish the phrase “A temple of…”

In 1988 when my husband and I were new to the Siddha Yoga path, at a satsang at Shree Muktananda Ashram, Gurumayi asked all the seekers present: “In one word, what do you want from the Guru?” There was a hush in the hall, and then to my amazement and delight, my husband stood and answered, “Faith.” I stood and spoke my heart’s desire: “Godliness.”

Over the years, with this experience at the root of my relationship of transformation with Gurumayi, I am fashioning for myself A temple of godliness, and my husband’s temple is A temple of faith. Our temples seem to become ever more tangible, to shimmer and reverberate each time we reconnect with our center, our power within. Then it becomes easy to be immersed in gratitude, to listen inwardly and follow the Guru’s guidance. Life becomes smooth sailing and so much fun. I adore this path of light leading me back home.

Washington, United States

Amidst the swirling unrest in the outer world, these cherished daily reminders of the temple in the heart are so sweet. These gentle whispers from Gurumayi remind me that she’s with me, without a doubt.

Georgia, United States

Last night, before going to bed, I read Gurumayi’s “Introduction,” and I had the most amazing, spectacular, deep, powerful dream of Gurumayi.

I hadn’t had such a wonderful visit like this in many years. After I woke up and thought about my experience, I realized that Gurumayi had given me A temple of darshan.

With much gratitude I am offering Gurumayi “a temple of infinite pranams.”

New York, United States

My child and I just visited each of these beautiful temples with their divine intentions. When I asked him which temple he would pick for himself or which one he would create he said, “A temple of curiosity”—perfect for his young and growing self!

California, United States

I just reread Gurumayi’s “Introduction to A Temple of…,” and the idea that the Goddess is present in “every speck of dust” made me laugh aloud in recognition and gratitude. This afternoon, I was vacuuming and cleaning my car in a frenzy after I found evidence of mice inside it. I wanted to change my inner stance from annoyance and disgust, but I found it very challenging to do.

Then, despite the negative mental cacophony, I allowed my mind to slowly quiet while I vacuumed. The words arose inside, “What if this was Baba’s car?”

I began handling the vacuum more sweetly, as if I were lovingly cleaning Baba’s car. I suddenly felt filled with careful attention but without the aversion that had been driving me before (and which I had thought was intrinsic to the task). I felt clear-headed and practical about what needed to be done, and I could perform it all with both love and detachment.

New York, United States

I woke up especially early this morning, meditated, and—though I’d hoped to go back to sleep—I instead felt wrapped in the love of God. I was feeling especially close to Gurumayi. Later, I came to the website and read Gurumayi’s “Introduction.” I found that my temple was full of caring—my caring for others and God and the Guru’s care of me. My life is A temple of caring.

Louisiana, United States

When I first read Gurumayi’s Introduction, my mind jumped to several intentions for my temple, all of which were inspiring. But I felt I needed to go deeper to settle on just one. I meditated after reading Gurumayi’s words and was blessed to experience within me a realm of great beauty. From this, I knew that my intention was to create A temple of beauty.

Reflecting on what this means to me at this time, I see that it is about recognizing and acknowledging the beauty of everything in my life—both within me and outside of me. It means celebrating that beauty, learning to see beauty in things or circumstances where it isn’t immediately obvious, and doing my best to create and support a world that is beautiful through what I think, say, and do.

I can see how A temple of beauty can connect me with other qualities—love, joy, gratitude, caring, patience, and so much more!

Havant, United Kingdom

A temple of just being.

Every Siddha Yoga teaching imparted by Gurumayi brings about a transformation within me and draws me into my “temple of just being.”

George, South Africa

My intention is A temple of spontaneity, where my life flows naturally, without force. In this temple, every action arises from my heart and is guided by Guru’s grace. It is easy, simple, and effortless—born out of surrender. It is my natural instinct.

Bangaluru, India

While reading Gurumayi’s Introduction, the words that welled up from deep in my being were “A temple of forgiveness.” With these words came surprise, relief, and gratitude. I had tears in my eyes, thinking that this issue had been burdening my heart for so long and was at last coming to the surface. Forgiveness. I feel forgiven at last.

I am grateful for this precious mirror into my soul.

California, United States

A temple where I can always take refuge—A temple of tenderness.

Santa Fe de la Vera Cruz, Argentina

On my daily walk I came to a grove of beautiful, large canopy trees. “A temple of trees!” I said out loud.

I entered the temple and stood there for quite some time, bathing in the sacred energy of these magnificent trees and nature. I felt filled with peace, stillness, and steadiness.

I love that, through engaging with these teachings from Gurumayi and reading the shares, I am having more awareness of what is present!

Canterbury, Australia

Since Gurumayi’s wonderful invitation, I have been contemplating this question every day: What is my temple? This question arises constantly, and the temple that presents itself to me is never the same one. I have contemplated temples of joy, fearlessness, trust, love, and many others.

So I asked myself, “Why am I unable to choose just one temple?”

I realized that each teaching of my Guru, each virtue, is a temple in itself for me. All these sacred temples together form a great whole—my spiritual path. And they each present themselves at the appropriate time to bring me back to my most sacred temple: A temple of the lotus feet of my Guru.

Quebec, Canada

I am so grateful for this invitation to reflect on a meaningful quality to complete the phrase “A Temple of…”

When I enter Bhagavan Nityananda’s Temple to receive his blessed darshan, or when I sit and meditate on his divine form, I feel pulled right into that quiet, still place within my heart. In that space, I sense his benevolence, his love, and his acceptance of all who come before him. His presence exudes goodwill.

So for me, it is A temple of benevolence.

What a great example of how I can conduct myself in the world: to welcome everyone with the same benevolence and goodwill! May we all come to imbibe this quality and make the world a better place.

Wollongong, Australia

After reading Gurumayi’s “Introduction to A Temple of…” with some Siddha Yogis, one person shared his intention: A temple of joy.

Immediately, I was transported to the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple in Gurudev Siddha Peeth where one day, years ago, I was chanting Om Namah Shivaya during the noon chant. Suddenly, the most incredible joy burst forth within me. It was like nothing I had ever before experienced—or had even known was possible to experience.

A thought arose that in the future, should I have to wait a hundred years to experience this state again, it would be well worth the wait. I understood that this thought came to me so that, if I should ever be unable to remember the intensity of the ecstasy of that experience, I would remember that it was so special that I had thought that a hundred years was not too long to wait to experience it once again.

So much was given to me that day! I experienced the “temple of grace,” the “temple of joy.”

New York, United States

As I read and reread Gurumayi’s experience in the gardens on the morning of Gurupurnima, I was moved by how she describes her own process of reflection, synthesis, and vision.

Her words reminded me of how practicing the teachings strengthens my ability to see beyond my likes and dislikes and to widen my perspective to include everything. This action causes me to pause, to be open, to allow for grace to guide me in how I can respond with discernment and love.

When I rest in the “temple of grace,” in the “temple of light,” my actions are simpler, more refined, more in tune with my heart. I experience an attunement with time and the unfolding moment.

Massachusetts, United States

As I took in Gurumayi’s words from her “Introduction to A Temple of…,” what arose for me was A temple of concentration. Right now, in every aspect of my life and sadhana, my highest and deepest priority is concentration. I’m fine-tuning my thoughts, words, and actions as I go about each day to contribute to deeper and steadier concentration. I invoke concentration during manasa puja, mental worship, which I learned about on the Siddha Yoga path website, and I decided to incorporate manasa puja into my daily practice before reciting Shri Guru Gita.

This practice led me to create, care for, and worship in my “temple of concentration” within the shrine of my own heart. My sadhana has taken on a new depth and power, and for this experience I am so grateful. May the concentration I cultivate be for the good of all beings everywhere.

Pennsylvania, United States

Reading Gurumayi’s words has turned my heart inward, toward the sacred temple within—my inner “temple of faith.”

In every corner of my life, my Guru’s grace and blessings flow like a constant stream, guiding, uplifting, and protecting me. No matter what situations arise, I feel the assurance of my Guru’s hand holding mine with infinite love.

Yes, my heart is indeed A temple of faith—ever deepening, ever expanding. Faith fills me with love, devotion, and surrender at my Guru’s feet. This faith is not mere belief; it is immense power, unshakable strength, and the very breath of my soul. This temple is not made of stone; it is built of surrender, of trust, of boundless devotion, and of divine love.

Farrukhabad, India

It was so touching to read my beloved Gurumayi’s “Introduction to A Temple of…” My heart leaped and melted at the same time, and I felt a strong sense of inner protection.

I feel invited to consider my life as “a temple for worship,” and this is of great value to me. With this, an impulse to give back and to let gratitude flow out with abundance arises within me.

Rome, Italy

As I read Gurumayi’s “Introduction to A Temple of…,” tears of joy, recognition, and gratitude filled my eyes, and I felt I was sitting inside “a temple of all-embracing love.”

This feeling took me to my first experience of the quality of this love. After meeting Gurumayi, I experienced a love that I had no idea existed. The power of the Guru’s divine love reached into the molecules of my being and flowed throughout my body as rejuvenating, golden light. I remember thinking, “This kind of love seems impossible, and yet it IS real!” Joyfully overwhelmed with this revelation, I was filled with a supernal bliss that lasted a long time. This bliss launched my great adventure of sadhana on the Siddha Yoga path.

Today, many years later, I offer my gratitude to Gurumayi for inviting me into “a temple of all-embracing love.”

Georgia, United States

Gurumayi’s letter to us put me immediately into the temple of my own being—which included the place where I was standing as I read her words, and in the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple in Shree Muktananda Ashram, and in the garden that Gurumayi described as the place she sat when she contemplated Gurupurnima and “a temple of light.”

What a mystery it is that all three places organically merged into one. This was a direct experience of Gurumayi’s explanation, “We live in a temple of grace. It manifests wherever we stand, wherever we sit, wherever we meditate, wherever we walk, talk, and work.”

The temple I have created, through Gurumayi’s wonderful invitation to do so, is A temple of kindness. For me, kindness is relational, reciprocal, and gentle. Kindness respects the kinship we have with all of life. Kindness is the gorgeous crystal in the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple, reflecting the Guru’s light everywhere.

South Melbourne, Australia

Today, as I finished preparing lunch, I realized I still had some free time. I asked myself: “How can I best spend this time?” I longed to be with my Guru, so I thought maybe I could chant with one of Gurumayi’s chants on video.

In that moment, my daughter sent me the link to Gurumayi’s beautiful teaching on the Siddha Yoga path website, “Introduction to A Temple of…” As I read it, an intense feeling of gratitude and love pervaded my being, and tears flowed down my cheeks. I thought, “Yes! Gurumayi is always with me, now and forever! She listens to my longing and to each one of my prayers! I truly live in A temple of divine love!”

Trieste, Italy

Seeing Gurumayi’s “Introduction to A Temple of…” on the Siddha Yoga path website this morning was a beautiful beginning to the day. I read it several times and meditated on it. I felt Guru’s grace with every cell of my body, and everything around me was filled with it.

I am so grateful to Gurumayi.

Russian Federation