समय के समक्ष
In the Presence of Time
~ Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Gurumayi’s teaching “The expansion of time” reminds me of an experience I had a few years ago.
I was driving in a flow of cars on a country road with my daughter, her friend, and our dog. I had left later than expected, and the traffic was dense. Arriving at a crossroad, I saw that the car in front of us was about to brake and the car behind us was too close to stop and would hit me.
Suddenly, time expanded. In a fraction of a second, I analyzed the situation and realized that the only way to escape a terrible crash was to drive my car into a field through a narrow opening between a small monument and a tree. To this day, I am amazed I had the time to think and choose the best solution for us all to end up being safe. I felt protected by Gurumayi’s grace.
Marlanval, France
As I walked down carpeted stairs, the overhead lights and my eyeglass lenses blended my perception of the bottom step and the floor below it. I took a long step forward, and felt as if the earth had fallen away from my feet! I fell in slow motion, which allowed me to witness all my movements as I folded at the waist, with my forearms and fingers extended forward and my lower legs extended back. I became aware of a bubble of light surrounding me and gently, slowly lowering me to the ground. I sensed time expanding. I landed slowly and lightly in a position similar to a full pranam.
An observer told me, “You floated slowly down instead of hitting with a thud.” In this “expansion of time,” I surrendered to the light rather than to reflexive fear, remaining aligned with the light and the time and following their lead and dance.
North Carolina, United States
The other day I was reviewing some of my favorite videos stored on my computer—another technological miracle almost unimaginable in my youth. The videos range widely in subject and mood, from milestones in the lives of beloved friends and family to funny and creative videos made by strangers. And I suddenly realized what a miracle these videos are—because they allow me to travel back in time to review and savor experiences from the past, and not just my own.
In this way, they grant me astonishing access to a vivid and precious “expansion of time” beyond the present moment. What a miracle indeed!
Illinois, United States
This teaching, “The expansion of time,” reminds me that time is Consciousness and not a limited entity. As I think about this, my mind and heart expand with the understanding that I need to trust in God’s wisdom and allow my awareness to expand, just as time does.
Maryland, United States
I am grateful to Gurumayi for the lovely teachings on time every day.
a six-year-old from Thane, India
When the Earth’s shadow covers the moon, I look at my own “shadow,” my ego—things that no longer serve me like jealousy, pettiness, and insecurity—and I let it all go. A healing is taking place in me. And when the Earth’s shadow starts moving off the moon and the light is returning, I pray to live my life in loving service to my higher Self and to our world.
California, United States