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Svadhyaya: The Recitation of Scriptural Texts

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The golden teachings from Shri Bhagavad Gita have inspired my life since 1978 when I first came across the scriptural text in a college course.

Lord Krishna’s teaching to Arjuna to fulfill his sacred life duty and go to war as a soldier helped me decide to return to my own frontline profession of working in a dental setting during the pandemic.

To me, Shri Bhagavad Gita is a treasury of answers to my life questions.
 

St. Laurent, Canada

Years ago, one of the first sevas I offered in Shree Muktananda Ashram was learning scriptural texts and reciting them with other sevites in the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple at noon. One of those texts was Shri Bhagavad Gita.

I remember the day when we recited the verses in which Lord Krishna reveals his cosmic form to Arjuna. In those moments of the recitation, I felt I became one with Arjuna. A revelation came to me that the conversation between Krishna and Arjuna, between Guru and disciple, is occurring within, from moment to moment. Even on days when I’m not in touch with this understanding, this experience helps me remember and know that the conversation between Guru and disciple is still going on within me.
 

New York, USA

In her book My Lord Loves a Pure Heart, Gurumayi talks about the 16th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. I have read this book several times. Since I began reading it, during difficult situations, I have felt the presence of Gurumayi guiding me as Lord Krishna does Arjuna.


Thank you very much, Gurumayi, for your protection and presence in my life.
 

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Having read this post and related shares, I was inspired by the personal nature of the bond between Lord Krishna and Arjuna—between the Guru and disciple.

As I was reflecting on this mystical relationship, I remembered the inner guidance for my sadhana that I had received from the Guru in my heart at the conclusion of a recent Pilgrimage to the Heart Retreat in Gurudev Siddha Peeth. This guidance, at the moment I received it, was so unexpected, but at the same time, it felt so right—I just knew it was the perfect direction for me.

Now, back home, as I am putting this guidance into practice in my life, I feel this is making more space inside myself for love—for stillness and silence, for appreciation of the natural world, and for self-acceptance.

I am very grateful for this guidance. I am grateful for the mystery that is the Guru-disciple relationship. Thank you, Gurumayi.
 

Sydney, Australia

As I read Gurumayi's words about Arjuna’s sadhana and his dialogue with his Guru, Lord Krishna, I could immediately relate to it. At times, when my desire to be liberated from all bondage becomes intense, I can become as confused as Arjuna.
 
Gurumayi’s words here reassure me that, at any time, I can access a fresh and elevating dialogue with my Guru. Grace is already there. It is just a question of opening myself to receive the wisdom that is being showered upon me in so many ways.

This current “update” in my dialogue with Shri Guru—on the practice of svadhyaya of Shri Bhagavad Gita on the Siddha Yoga path website—gives me a renewed sense of direction and reassurance.

I am deeply grateful to Gurumayi for creating this oasis.
 

Vadodara, India

I love to study this sacred text by contemplating and implementing its teachings. This inspires me to act according to dharma, living a true life as a Siddha Yoga student.

Thank you, Gurumayi, for encouraging the svadhyaya of Shri Bhagavad Gita. By this practice, I am reminded that my supreme dharma is to attain liberation.
 

Pune, India

Although the verses of Shri Bhagavad Gita were written many centuries ago, when I read Lord Krishna’s words to his disciple Arjuna, I feel the Lord is speaking directly to me. His words evoke inner strength, courage, and devotion. There is one verse that I especially treasure. In Chapter 18, verse 58, the Lord says to Arjuna, “Fixing thy mind on me, thou shalt by my grace overcome all obstacles.” Remembering these words has inspired me in many challenging situations. The wisdom of Shri Bhagavad Gita is a constant support in my life.
 

California, USA

For me, the Siddha Yoga path, much like Arjuna’s, is one of dharma. I am able to uphold dharma by absorbing and acting on Gurumayi’s teachings. I am so grateful that Shri Bhagavad Gita is among these teachings. Just as Lord Krishna remains at Arjuna’s side, I feel Gurumayi remains always in my heart, guiding and encouraging me.
 

Massachusetts, USA