समय के समक्ष
In the Presence of Time
~ Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
While driving recently, I passed an acquaintance walking his terriers. “There’s Eddie wi’ his twae grey dugs,” I said to myself in a broad Scottish accent—the accent of my mother’s siblings, whom I’d loved in my childhood. Instantly, my mind was back in the house where they’d lived—seeing the coal fire burning brightly and hearing their own terrier barking incessantly. Next I was in a different room, decades later, laughing with a friend as I recounted those memories.
As these memories arose, I was still absolutely aware of the present moment. Then came an “Aha!” insight. Everyone in these memories, along with Eddie, his dogs, and me all existed simultaneously in my mind. I—my consciousness—was the nexus where they met across time and space. In that moment, it was as if time had collapsed into nonexistence. It seemed like a brief glimpse into the mind of Shiva.
After further contemplation, I realized I’d forgotten to ask, “Who was it that knew I was aware and in the present moment? In whose mind were we all existing?” As I continue to reflect, I see that every question I ask in seeking to understand time is also a question about Consciousness.As these memories arose, I was still absolutely aware of the present moment. Then came an “Aha!” insight. Everyone in these memories, along with Eddie, his dogs, and me all existed simultaneously in my mind. I—my consciousness—was the nexus where they met across time and space. In that moment, it was as if time had collapsed into nonexistence. It seemed like a brief glimpse into the mind of Shiva.
Corsham, United Kingdom
As I study and practice teaching 17, I realize my time on this earth has completely changed because of Gurumayi. She has shown me a higher purpose in living. She has found ways to make pursuing sadhana engaging, meaningful, and delightful. She has inspired me to honor time by offering the Siddha Yoga practices to begin each day and in many moments of time during the day. I fold my hands in dedication to my Guru.
North Carolina, United States