समय के समक्ष
 In the Presence of Time

~ Gurumayi Chidvilasananda

Teaching 3
 

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    This share is about In the Presence of Time – Teaching 3 in April


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    With this teaching, I felt that it was time for me to notice “the vista of time.”

     

    Passing by a row of yellow, white, and pink tulip clusters in a sidewalk flowerbed, I thought that since they are at children’s eye level, the children would notice the change in the tulips’ color and perceive “the vista of time.”

     

    Later, I perceived “the vista of time” once again. On my way to do some shopping, I saw the moon, like a white balloon floating silently in the blue sky. Then, on my way back home, I saw that the moon was still up, but clouds were gathering, dividing the sky: on one side—the blue sky and white moon; on the other side—the gray, cloudy sky.

     

    “The vista of time” seems to be infinite when I pay attention and notice.


    Tokyo, Japan

    Recently, I have had the good fortune to collect and compile anecdotes and messages of good wishes and gratitude for several friends who are Siddha Yogis, in honor of their eightieth birthdays. As I read these beautiful submissions from people who appreciate them so much and whose experiences with them sometimes span many decades, I feel I am looking out over “the vista of time.” I see how the contributions and virtues of these Siddha Yogis have illumined their own lives and the lives of so many. I see how “the vista of time” can reveal the greatness of a human life.

    California, United States

    As I walked to work through Manhattan’s Central Park, a gentle rain had passed, leaving the pavement shimmering. Rounding a bend, I noticed a young girl and boy crouched in quiet fascination while their family tended to their bicycles nearby. Something about their stillness held my attention. Slowing my steps, I came near enough to see, yet far enough not to intrude.
     
    They seemed to be gazing at a large puddle where a patch of the sky’s reflection stretched beyond the puddle’s edge onto the asphalt. With her fingertips grazing the water’s surface, the girl exclaimed, “Look! The sky is in the ground!”
     
    In that instant, time folded in on itself. Gurumayi’s teaching for the day arose in my mind, and suddenly, the vast and the small, the above and the below, the eternal and the fleeting all became one! Something shifted within me. “The vista of time” had opened—not just the seen but the unseen, not just the moment but the presence beneath it. That child’s insight filled me with wonderment.
     

    New York, United States

    I am grateful for “the vista of time” I am learning to perceive from this sacred path. I am able to view my life both on a personal, finite timeline and from the viewpoint of the eternal Self. This allows me the richness of warm personal experiences as well as deep absorption in the Self.
     

    California, United States

    As I contemplate Gurumayi’s teaching “The vista of time,” I visualize myself on a railway where I can see the two rails stretching out in front of me and coming to meet at infinity. This infinite point echoes in my heart and evokes a sense of unity. I often have the same feeling when I look out at the horizon over the ocean.
     
    With the understanding that the infinity of the universe dwells in my heart, I can experience “the vista of time” from the perspective of my Self. And I can maintain this awareness and reactivate it by focusing on my breath and mantra repetition.

    Rodez, France

    One of my favorite things about being in middle age is the ability to look back over my life and experience “the vista of time.” This vantage point enables me to see how many difficulties have eased over time, how the hand of grace has always been with me, and how my accumulated efforts have added up to so much growth and change. I am also able to acknowledge the many actions that have benefitted myself, my family, and the world around me. I can see how many of my dearest-held dreams have been fulfilled and how my skills have been honed.
     
    Over “the vista of time,” I have gained and continue to gain confidence in my ability to take small steps that add up to great things. I can recognize the accumulated, unfailing effect of grace, my own self-effort, and the beneficent efforts of others.
     
    Contemplating “the vista of time” makes me welcome the passing of time because, in my experience so far, the more time that goes by, the wider and more illuminating view this vista reveals.

    California, United States