समय के समक्ष
In the Presence of Time
~ Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
When I read the teaching “The rudder of time,” a Hindi bhajan I had learned and sung decades ago sprang to mind—Prabhu Ji Nava Kinaare Lagao, written by the poet-saint Mirabai. The words say: “O Lord, please steer my boat to the shore. The river is deep and the boat is old. Please save this sinking ship. I have tied the buoys of knowledge and meditation to this ship. Meera says, O Lord, help me latch on to your feet.”
For me, “the rudder of time” is about trusting completely in my Guru’s grace, performing my sadhana through thick and thin, knowing that my Guru is guiding me every step of the way.
How moving it is to realize that although I had “forgotten” about this bhajan for years, its wisdom is still inside me. Even more deeply comforting is the knowledge that Gurumayi’s teachings and love are part of my very being, always there for me—the “rudder” that steers my boat through time to the shore.
New York, United States
I have always been fascinated by how, if adjusted even slightly, a rudder—the mechanism used to steer a ship in a particular direction—will alter the route of the vessel, thus leading it toward a completely different destination. Contemplating “The rudder of time,” I can see that I have recently, though unwittingly, made a small adjustment in my life that is steering it in a new direction.
This small adjustment—this “rudder of time”—is my commitment to a daily, thirty-minute-only exercise routine. I have had an exercise routine before, but only “when I felt like it”—never consistently! Now, to honor my commitment, I must be consistent, disciplined, and create a daily routine. I have to plan what I eat and how much, when to eat, and when to work out. This small adjustment is already changing my life—affecting my physical and emotional well-being and steering me toward a more yogic lifestyle.
California, United States
Contemplating Gurumayi’s teaching “The rudder of time” has encouraged me to perceive time as a guiding force that I can take hold of to steer the direction of my life and sadhana.
I have come to recognize that when I am aware of what time is presenting to me in any given moment, then I am able to steer my mind and actions toward that which brings me closer to my heart and gives me a greater experience of peace and harmony.
For example, when I woke up this morning, I felt quite agitated about world events and had the impulse to reach for my phone to look at the news. But then I paused and considered what would be a better use of my time. With that thought, I chose to visit the Siddha Yoga path website and contemplate today’s teaching on time. In this way, I feel that I used “the rudder of time” to steer myself back to my heart. I am left feeling calm, happy, and filled with gratitude for these priceless teachings.
New York, United States