For me, devoting myself to my
sadhana means being faithful to a deep, unshakeable commitment to transform myself, day after day, under the guidance of my Guru. It’s by following my Guru’s teachings that these inner transformations, which are often silent and mysterious, take place. Yet sometimes, my resistance to change can be tenacious, and I fear that it will cause me to refuse a tremendous opportunity to transform myself. But I experience, over and again, how the incredible power of my Guru’s grace helps me to overcome my most stubborn resistance, and this fear is starting to disappear. When I do let go of my resistance to change, I see a torrent of love gush forth from deep within.
To be able to transform myself under the guidance of my Guru is the most wonderful of destinies. I love the person that I am becoming, and I can see a light on the horizon that’s already bringing me so much joy.
Quebec, Canada
I have loved reading and rereading these words of Gurumayi. Recently, I had to say goodbye to my beloved dog, my companion of the last decade. She rested next to me at my
puja, shone with endless joy and enthusiasm, and seemed to know me deeply.
After losing her, I struggled to imagine how to go forward—until Gurumayi’s teaching arrived to urge me onward. The Guru’s words have helped me to examine certain beliefs and experiences, such as why change is so hard and why I had been feeling that all love was gone. Now I see that I am still here, I am still able to welcome the sunrise. I am beginning to gain a greater understanding that the Self is, in truth, beyond death.
These words are, in particular, a gift to my heart: “Grace is my companion.” I can now accept that part of my
sadhana involves learning how to love and let go. For me, the Guru’s words are pure grace, illumining my mind’s darkness and urging me back toward the heart’s light.
Washington, United States
I’m so grateful that Gurumayi has given us such clear and practical guidance. I have noticed that I display both insecurity and narcissistic tendencies. I am aware of the narcissism surfacing when I am doing something that I haven’t yet mastered, and I try to mask my inefficiencies. Often, when my skills are questioned, or a suggestion to improve them is made, I tend to shut down or get defensive. The way that I intend to reverse this situation is by being honest with myself about what I’m doing and by being open to growth.
I believe that my insecurity began in childhood and runs very deep. In extreme cases, it can make me shrink and become incapable of interacting with others. I have discovered that I am able to reverse this process by remembering to repeat the
mantra and remembering my Guru’s love and compassion.
Melbourne, Australia
Recently, after once again reading this teaching from Gurumayi, I had a realization. I recognized that ever since I first heard Baba’s teaching, “God dwells within you as you,” more than four decades ago, I had continued to think that I was separate from my Self.
Over the many years of my
sadhana, I had maintained a view of myself as a conglomeration of virtues, shortcomings, likes, and dislikes. This self-image somehow coexisted with the idea that, somewhere inside me, there resided a magnificent, immortal power, which was somehow different from the
real me.
Yet, after reading Gurumayi’s teaching, I have started to shift my understanding and see that this divine power truly lives within me as my true Self. It abides within my very own heart. This has led me to form a new intention to focus on perceiving myself as the undivided One that I am, have always been, and forever will be.
California, United States
I had an immediate thought when I read Gurumayi’s guiding words this morning: How does she always seem to know what I am pondering at this moment?
I find Gurumayi’s teaching so timely and profound as I keep asking myself—personally and professionally—what is the right balance? I find that putting myself down or thinking of myself as greater than others are breeding grounds for being judgmental and for feeling irritated and confused. What a relief to learn from Gurumayi that none of this is beneficial. Being who I am and striving for a better me so that I can love more fully is so much clearer and more beautiful.
What a glorious path we are on—guided by Gurumayi, who shares her wisdom and love again and again.
Cologne, Germany
I have a wise older friend who is a Siddha Yogi. Over the years we have talked about various topics and shared our thoughts. I have been impressed again and again with her flexibility of mind and openness.
At times, when someone had a different perspective from hers, she would say, “I like your perspective better than mine. It’s more inspiring for me to think of it that way. I’m going to adopt your way of thinking.”
I loved that! To me, my friend was exemplifying Gurumayi’s guidance to “strive to move out of the darkness of the mind and enter into the light of the heart.”
I learned from my friend that it’s not necessary to rigidly hold onto my point of view. I, too, can be flexible in my thinking and include the perspectives of others. I can shift my thoughts when it seems like that would be beneficial. Sometimes when I want to free myself from a limited way of thinking, I bring my friend and her example to mind.
California, United States
Sometimes my
sadhana feels very dry and opaque, as if nothing of value can penetrate. This teaching felt like rain on the desert floor—particularly the part about waiting for others to do what is actually my responsibility.
I read the teaching yesterday, and today I noticed a subtle difference in my interactions with people. Normally I am holding back my love, and I am careful about my time. This behavior makes me feel in control. Today I found it easier to be present and give attention and love. And I thought: if not now, then when?
Florida, United States
These teachings, along with the shares, are uplifting and inspiring. I am catching my mind sooner as it tries to run down a rabbit hole. I am shifting more easily to devotion and the remembrance of Gurumayi’s grace. I am more willing to do what needs to be done and not assuming someone else will do it. And I am more ready to speak from my heart.
California, United States
I enjoyed reading and memorizing the statements at the end of this teaching from Gurumayi. I have long recognized that the feeling “I am home” is my primary goal on my spiritual path. So, the first statement immediately brings me into my heart and calms my ongoing longing.
When I read or say aloud all five sentences together, I am drawn into a place of pure and peaceful receptivity. I feel alert, open, content inside my skin, and available for service.
Guildford, United Kingdom
I love Gurumayi’s story about the celestial sage Narada.
My partner and I are both singers. I have a music degree and many years of vocal instruction, and he cannot read music and does everything by ear. When I sing, my technique may be impressive, but when he sings people are moved because he sings from his heart.
When I read this story, I was touched by how the villager’s playing and chanting were so full of devotion that everyone listening was brought into a state of bliss.
Delaware, United States