A Temple Without Form
~ Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Design Concept by Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Designer: Karan Singh Bhullar
In reading “A Temple Without Form,” I was reminded of a life-changing visit to Shree Muktananda Ashram in the summer of 1992. Previously, I had not established any inner connection with Bhagavan Nityananda. However, one day that summer, I stopped by the Bade Baba Temple and his grace suddenly entered into my life—with great abundance.
From that day on, I began to have inner visions of Bade Baba. For example, a familiar photo of him would appear during my meditation—except that Bade Baba was fully alive in that picture, as if I’d been there when it was taken. Sometimes a large murti of him, made of the purest gold, would emerge in my inner vision, or I would simply see one of his hands or his long, bare legs and feet.
He would also visit my dreams from time to time. In one of those dreams, he graciously offered me a great recommendation, which became a strong support for my sadhana. He simply told me, with great love: “Have faith!”
From that day on, I began to have inner visions of Bade Baba. For example, a familiar photo of him would appear during my meditation—except that Bade Baba was fully alive in that picture, as if I’d been there when it was taken. Sometimes a large murti of him, made of the purest gold, would emerge in my inner vision, or I would simply see one of his hands or his long, bare legs and feet.
He would also visit my dreams from time to time. In one of those dreams, he graciously offered me a great recommendation, which became a strong support for my sadhana. He simply told me, with great love: “Have faith!”
Laval, Canada
As I read Gurumayi’s powerful poem, what stood out for me was the line “The one who is formless and in all forms.” I understood that I could see Bade Baba in all of creation as well as within my own self.
Vapi, India
In the last few days as Bhagavan Nityananda’s Punyatithi approaches, he has appeared in my meditations, when I’ve been doing yoga, and even during a massage. I have felt his immense stillness, the freedom and joy and laughter of his being. I have felt him in my gut, in my very belly, and in my heart.
When I see him in my mind’s eye, I feel his presence, not as a mere image but his feeling, his energy within me. He resides in the temple of our hearts, giving us again and again the gift of his presence. He is alive there, benevolently giving us his blessings.California, United States
This evening, in the Sadhana Circle that I participate in, we listened to this wonderful poem and contemplated, “How does nature bring me into the experience of my heart?”
I’ve never had the still, small voice within communicate so clearly with me as it did tonight. I heard: “Nature is an interconnected ecosystem. Every plant and animal has its function within that system, and that describes our Heart. We are all connected and each of us has our role to play.”
And thanks to our Gurus’ grace, we can fulfill our role in the highest way, reveling in the bliss of the Heart.
I’ve never had the still, small voice within communicate so clearly with me as it did tonight. I heard: “Nature is an interconnected ecosystem. Every plant and animal has its function within that system, and that describes our Heart. We are all connected and each of us has our role to play.”
And thanks to our Gurus’ grace, we can fulfill our role in the highest way, reveling in the bliss of the Heart.
Oregon, United States
This poem is so beautiful! It reminds me of the time when I saw a white flower growing in the border of flowers around Babe Baba’s Temple in Shree Muktananda Ashram in July 1988. Gazing at the flower, I went into meditation. I sank onto the grassy bank and entered a space deep within me where there was no thought, only a profound contentment.
This lasted for a very long time and I felt that I was part of my surroundings, like a jigsaw puzzle when all the pieces fit together. Previously, I had sometimes felt alienated from the world which I inhabited, but after this experience this sense of dislocation was gone—never to return.
This lasted for a very long time and I felt that I was part of my surroundings, like a jigsaw puzzle when all the pieces fit together. Previously, I had sometimes felt alienated from the world which I inhabited, but after this experience this sense of dislocation was gone—never to return.
Illinois, United States
I experienced an additional blessing of darshan in reading this poem by Gurumayi, for Gurumayi’s Message for 2023 is evoked for me in these lines: This meditation gives you the darshan of the Heart / The experience of the Heart energy / The possibility of living a meaningful life / The true knowledge of your world.
The first three of these lines recall for me my experience of how fullness of the heart brings me fulfillment in contentment, and the fourth line calls forth my experience of gratitude in befriending the mind, which helps me to regain equanimity and experience the Self.
No matter how many times Gurumayi guides me with utmost patience, I am always awed by the immensity of her gifts.
The first three of these lines recall for me my experience of how fullness of the heart brings me fulfillment in contentment, and the fourth line calls forth my experience of gratitude in befriending the mind, which helps me to regain equanimity and experience the Self.
No matter how many times Gurumayi guides me with utmost patience, I am always awed by the immensity of her gifts.
California, United States
Today my husband and I were looking after a lovely Labrador dog. I had not walked a dog for a long time and was delighted to have this responsibility. On the walk I was fortunate enough to have Bade Baba’s darshan in a cow, a banksia tree with blossoms in the shape of a shiva-lingam, herons and cormorants, and a river. As Gurumayi’s poem states, “the Heart energy in each is unique.” And yet, on reflection, I realized the related truth expressed in the poem—that “the Heart energy in each is the same”—for in each darshan I felt the Heart’s wonder and joy.
I ended this day in great contentment by having Bade Baba’s darshan in a brilliant, glowing moon.
I ended this day in great contentment by having Bade Baba’s darshan in a brilliant, glowing moon.
Warrnambool, Australia
Gurumayi’s poem is such a beautiful expression of love, which centered me in devotion this morning.
I especially noticed the word untrammeled. The initial feeling of expansiveness that this word gave me, thanks to its basic meaning of “unhindered” or “unlimited,” impelled me to look it up in my dictionary. I learned that the English word is derived from a Late Latin word tremaculum, referring to a net composed of three layers, used to catch fish (by hindering or constraining them). That etymology reminded me of something being beyond three spots—because there is no spot where God is not—and beyond the limitations we experience from the three gunas, or fundamental qualities of nature: tamas, rajas, and sattva.
So when Gurumayi writes, “Know the untrammeled terrain of the Heart,” her words give me great joy, carrying me to a feeling of ecstasy from the Guru’s infinite love—always there, always protecting me, always guiding me.
I am so grateful.
I especially noticed the word untrammeled. The initial feeling of expansiveness that this word gave me, thanks to its basic meaning of “unhindered” or “unlimited,” impelled me to look it up in my dictionary. I learned that the English word is derived from a Late Latin word tremaculum, referring to a net composed of three layers, used to catch fish (by hindering or constraining them). That etymology reminded me of something being beyond three spots—because there is no spot where God is not—and beyond the limitations we experience from the three gunas, or fundamental qualities of nature: tamas, rajas, and sattva.
So when Gurumayi writes, “Know the untrammeled terrain of the Heart,” her words give me great joy, carrying me to a feeling of ecstasy from the Guru’s infinite love—always there, always protecting me, always guiding me.
I am so grateful.
California, United States
This wonderful poem and the audio recording of it are really nourishing for my soul. Gurumayi’s words are like a shower of radiant light, whose benefits for me are countless.
Rosendahl, Germany
The poem is so lovely, it melted my heart. I love Bade Baba! I feel so grateful that even though he is no longer living, he still showers blessings upon me.
Plasencia, Spain
Last night, I lay in bed unable to sleep. When I looked out the window, I noticed that on the horizon, through the trees, the full moon was rising. But with the thin scattered clouds running across it and the tree branches obscuring it, I could not see its full form.
Suddenly it rose into a clearing, the clouds scattered, and the full, golden moon was revealed. It seemed as if it had stopped moving and was just shining its full light—on me!
I was basking in gratitude to be receiving the moon’s light when I realized I was also having the Guru’s darshan! Reflecting on this experience in light of this beautiful poem, I feel that the moon was the Guru blessing me over and over again in the night.
Suddenly it rose into a clearing, the clouds scattered, and the full, golden moon was revealed. It seemed as if it had stopped moving and was just shining its full light—on me!
I was basking in gratitude to be receiving the moon’s light when I realized I was also having the Guru’s darshan! Reflecting on this experience in light of this beautiful poem, I feel that the moon was the Guru blessing me over and over again in the night.
Massachusetts, United States
Last night I was in a rainforest that reminded me of the place in India where Bade Baba was born. I felt his grace in the powerful downpour of raindrops, and I asked for his blessings.
Today, Gurumayi’s poem inviting us to “Enter his Temple in nature” was prasad for me.
I feel thankful and open to continue receiving auspicious blessings and love as I move forward in my life with gratitude and delight.
Today, Gurumayi’s poem inviting us to “Enter his Temple in nature” was prasad for me.
I feel thankful and open to continue receiving auspicious blessings and love as I move forward in my life with gratitude and delight.
Hawaii, United States
Gurumayi’s marvelous poem resonates especially with me, as it reminds me of a rare and unforgettable experience I received in 1986 in Bhagavan Nityananda’s Temple in the town of Ganeshpuri.
When I arrived at the Temple’s main entrance, there were so many flower vendors that I went looking for another entrance. But when I tried to enter, I was stopped by a strange and invisible force!
This strong presence took form of a huge letter “A,” while an inner voice told me, “I am the A of amitié, of friendship.” I knew then that Bade Baba was talking directly to my Self! Simultaneously, I was overwhelmed by this beautiful feeling of oneness and love, as if I’d finally been invited to meet with a very old friend I hadn’t visited for ages! What a strange, marvelous, and awesome feeling this was! As I sat for Bade Baba’s darshan, I felt I was merging into a sea of love.
As I read Gurumayi’s beautiful and profound poem, each word rang a bell in my heart, and will surely guide me further in my sadhana.
When I arrived at the Temple’s main entrance, there were so many flower vendors that I went looking for another entrance. But when I tried to enter, I was stopped by a strange and invisible force!
This strong presence took form of a huge letter “A,” while an inner voice told me, “I am the A of amitié, of friendship.” I knew then that Bade Baba was talking directly to my Self! Simultaneously, I was overwhelmed by this beautiful feeling of oneness and love, as if I’d finally been invited to meet with a very old friend I hadn’t visited for ages! What a strange, marvelous, and awesome feeling this was! As I sat for Bade Baba’s darshan, I felt I was merging into a sea of love.
As I read Gurumayi’s beautiful and profound poem, each word rang a bell in my heart, and will surely guide me further in my sadhana.
Pau, France
After I first read this poem by Gurumayi in 2011, I began to practice connecting with the divine Consciousness in nature when I walk. Parts of nature began to stand out to me, like a heart-shaped leaf reaching out to express the Guru’s love, or a set of leaves in which I saw a letter M, letting me know that Baba was with me. Certain trees seemed to particularly embody Gurumayi, Baba, and Bade Baba for me.
As I continued to hold onto the knowledge of Bade Baba’s presence in nature, I increasingly experienced divine Consciousness connecting me with all of nature, and making its own presence felt powerfully in my heart.
Today, when I finished reading Gurumayi’s words, “Your heart / Will be / Content,” I realized with deep gratitude that this has become my reality. My heart is indeed filled with contentment and love—and deep gratitude for the Guru’s bountiful, powerful, loving grace that has made this my reality.
As I continued to hold onto the knowledge of Bade Baba’s presence in nature, I increasingly experienced divine Consciousness connecting me with all of nature, and making its own presence felt powerfully in my heart.
Today, when I finished reading Gurumayi’s words, “Your heart / Will be / Content,” I realized with deep gratitude that this has become my reality. My heart is indeed filled with contentment and love—and deep gratitude for the Guru’s bountiful, powerful, loving grace that has made this my reality.
Maryland, United States
How can I hold all the love in my heart when I sit with Bade Baba! My heart expands with love that is so sweet and strong, it fills my chest. Like a butterfly I drink deeply of the sweet nectar of the Heart.
And yet I sometimes get distracted by another sweet flower and flit away from that nectar. Still, whenever I return to drink again of his deep eternal sweetness, his heart is always there—always loving, always welcoming, always forgiving.
This is what I yearn for. And yet it can be hard for me to stay and realize that this wonderful Heart is my own Self. So I will flit, but each time I will return to stay a little longer—until I dissolve into the loveliness of this open-hearted love.
And yet I sometimes get distracted by another sweet flower and flit away from that nectar. Still, whenever I return to drink again of his deep eternal sweetness, his heart is always there—always loving, always welcoming, always forgiving.
This is what I yearn for. And yet it can be hard for me to stay and realize that this wonderful Heart is my own Self. So I will flit, but each time I will return to stay a little longer—until I dissolve into the loveliness of this open-hearted love.
Kingscliff, Australia
This poem by Gurumayi explains a lot to me by revealing that in every moment, Bade Baba is there. He is there not just in the early hours of the day, before everyone has started on their daily chores, but in every part of the day. Now, as I sit at my desk and look out at my garden, I see him in the sunlight on the trees, and I feel sweetly calm and content with my lot.
In August, with its golden sunshine, I feel Bade Baba’s presence reflected in everything. He is always there in every month, but I experience his presence even more strongly in this golden month.
In August, with its golden sunshine, I feel Bade Baba’s presence reflected in everything. He is always there in every month, but I experience his presence even more strongly in this golden month.
Hampton Hill, United Kingdom
One of the pivotal moments of my life after shaktipat initiation took place in the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple. It was summer and I had been encouraged to visit Shree Muktananda Ashram. When I arrived, I followed a sweet guide to the Temple where I sat and meditated for some time, listening within to Bade Baba speaking with me. I heard him say that he was creating a foundation for my life.
Indeed, that is exactly what happened. I had only recently discovered the Siddha Yoga path, and this path did become the foundation of my life. I now live in gratitude.
Indeed, that is exactly what happened. I had only recently discovered the Siddha Yoga path, and this path did become the foundation of my life. I now live in gratitude.
Connecticut, United States
Over these last days I have been surrounded by rain forest. I have swum in secret, crystal-clear rivers and as I walk along an empty beach, my heart has been filled with the sound of the ocean.
I have always loved this poem, and over these days it has been my companion. The breathtaking beauty of a leaf, or the way the sunlight pierces the canopy of trees and dances on the surface of a river are in themselves a song of pure joy. Instructed by Gurumayi’s words, I have known these moments and all the many other instances to be something even more divine.
I know that I have entered Bade Baba’s Temple. I am receiving darshan of the great Heart. What a profound blessing this true knowledge is!
I have always loved this poem, and over these days it has been my companion. The breathtaking beauty of a leaf, or the way the sunlight pierces the canopy of trees and dances on the surface of a river are in themselves a song of pure joy. Instructed by Gurumayi’s words, I have known these moments and all the many other instances to be something even more divine.
I know that I have entered Bade Baba’s Temple. I am receiving darshan of the great Heart. What a profound blessing this true knowledge is!
Cairns, Australia
I love this poem by Gurumayi. I have read it many times, both silently and out loud to myself. It has supported me in experiencing Bade Baba in nature. Just yesterday, while walking through the bush, I saw an echidna quietly exploring the undergrowth for food. I offered pranam to it as a form of God, my heart filled with gratitude for this darshan. I was enveloped in silence radiating from the Heart.
This morning, listening to the poem being read with different voices, each bringing a unique rasa, my being again experienced silence and a quiet joy. What a sublime gift! What an exquisite way to enter the Heart! I am grateful to Gurumayi for guiding me ever more fully into that space.
This morning, listening to the poem being read with different voices, each bringing a unique rasa, my being again experienced silence and a quiet joy. What a sublime gift! What an exquisite way to enter the Heart! I am grateful to Gurumayi for guiding me ever more fully into that space.
Maryborough, Australia
As I listened to the recording of this poem, which to my delight featured so many different voices, for a moment time stopped and I felt I was truly in a Temple that was everywhere, and everyone was my family. Then I remembered Baba’s teaching in his spiritual autobiography Play of Consciousness that Siddha students “belong to a noble family” that includes all the Siddhas as well as Bhagavan Nityananda. Listening to the recording of this poem today, I feel the truth of Baba’s words more deeply than ever.
Nairobi, Kenya
Gurumayi’s poem cracked my heart open because for the past several months I have been having exactly the experiences of nature she describes. I have gone out into nature every day for one to three hours. I have taken hundreds of photographs and found among them jewels that I can only think of as gifts from Mother Nature.
Gurumayi says, “To immerse yourself in Bade Baba’s darshan / through the beauty of nature / is to meditate with the eyes open / This meditation gives you the darshan of the Heart.” These words, too, feel like prasad, and they express exactly what I have been feeling.
Gurumayi says, “To immerse yourself in Bade Baba’s darshan / through the beauty of nature / is to meditate with the eyes open / This meditation gives you the darshan of the Heart.” These words, too, feel like prasad, and they express exactly what I have been feeling.
Minnesota, United States
I sank into gratitude while reading this poem. Gurumayi’s teaching “Know the untrammeled terrain of the Heart” made me reconnect and rediscover that this is exactly the one and only destination of my journey—my only wish ever.
That terrain may seem like a faraway land from this worldly life, from my uncertain shore. But now, my perception has cleared up completely and I can see my Guru’s mahaprasad, her great gift, offering me liberation with such openhanded, incredible generosity! In every teaching, in every bit of remembrance of my Guru abides the bridge to liberation.
That terrain may seem like a faraway land from this worldly life, from my uncertain shore. But now, my perception has cleared up completely and I can see my Guru’s mahaprasad, her great gift, offering me liberation with such openhanded, incredible generosity! In every teaching, in every bit of remembrance of my Guru abides the bridge to liberation.
Milan, Italy
Reading this poem is confirmation of a profound experience I have been having.
Once a week I go swimming in the ocean even though it is winter here and the water is cold. Immersing myself in the sea and focusing on the sensations of nature—waves, wetness, sun, sky, birds, thunderclouds—this is so blissful that it feels life-changing. I experience being face-to-face with God, as though Gurumayi, Baba, and Bade Baba are all around me. It is blissful, peaceful, and invigorating; it is love.
I am grateful for this beautiful poem and for the opportunity to experience God in nature.
Once a week I go swimming in the ocean even though it is winter here and the water is cold. Immersing myself in the sea and focusing on the sensations of nature—waves, wetness, sun, sky, birds, thunderclouds—this is so blissful that it feels life-changing. I experience being face-to-face with God, as though Gurumayi, Baba, and Bade Baba are all around me. It is blissful, peaceful, and invigorating; it is love.
I am grateful for this beautiful poem and for the opportunity to experience God in nature.
Melbourne, Australia
In this poem, A Temple without Form, Shri Gurumayi speaks of Bade Baba as “The one who is formless / And in all forms.” This inspires and encourages me to perceive every life event as a metaphor of Bade Baba’s grace and blessings. For me, this poem is a direct command from Gurumayi to worship the Temple within me and cultivate detachment in my everyday activities.
The Houghton, South Africa
A few days before leaving Shree Muktananda Ashram, I dreamt that Bade Baba’s murti was missing from his Temple. The next morning I went to the Temple to see for myself if the murti was there, and, yes, of course, it was. Standing in front of it, I asked “Why this dream? What does it mean?” I heard Bade Baba’s voice within me saying, “Because I am in you.”
As I read Gurumayi’s poem, I was brought back to that beautiful experience. I realized once again that Bade Baba is indeed in me. And, as Gurumayi says here, I feel that he speaks to me through every “speck” of nature.
As I read Gurumayi’s poem, I was brought back to that beautiful experience. I realized once again that Bade Baba is indeed in me. And, as Gurumayi says here, I feel that he speaks to me through every “speck” of nature.
California, United States
In the last paragraph of the poem, Gurumayi says, “Your heart will be content.” I reflected on why this is true for me.
When I look at a picture of Bade Baba, or when I think about him, my heart is filled with love. Love is the one thing that my heart wants to experience: true love, pure love, everlasting love, divine love—the Guru’s love.
I experience that my own true nature is love. My heart is content because the Guru is opening the door to my own true nature.
When I look at a picture of Bade Baba, or when I think about him, my heart is filled with love. Love is the one thing that my heart wants to experience: true love, pure love, everlasting love, divine love—the Guru’s love.
I experience that my own true nature is love. My heart is content because the Guru is opening the door to my own true nature.
Thun, Switzerland
When I read Gurumayi’s beautiful poetry, I agreed intellectually, but I couldn’t figure out exactly how Bhagavan Nityananda could be all-pervading in nature.
These last days, Europe has been plagued with a wave of heat and there had not been a drop of rain. Eventually, yesterday evening we had thunder and flashes of lightning carrying on all evening and all night.
When a flash of thunder lit my room like daylight, I then understood Gurumayi’s poem. I had had an argument with my parents and became aware of the essence of our problem and how to sort it out. I felt that Bade Baba, in the form of thunder and lightning, had shown me a previously hidden and crucial element of our relationship.
I offer my thanks to Bade Baba for watching over me. And I offer my thanks for showing me the way.
These last days, Europe has been plagued with a wave of heat and there had not been a drop of rain. Eventually, yesterday evening we had thunder and flashes of lightning carrying on all evening and all night.
When a flash of thunder lit my room like daylight, I then understood Gurumayi’s poem. I had had an argument with my parents and became aware of the essence of our problem and how to sort it out. I felt that Bade Baba, in the form of thunder and lightning, had shown me a previously hidden and crucial element of our relationship.
I offer my thanks to Bade Baba for watching over me. And I offer my thanks for showing me the way.
Paris, France
I made my first visit to Shree Muktananda Ashram thirty years ago during the month of August, which I came to think of as Bade Baba’s month. From the first time I stepped into Bade Baba’s Temple, the palpable shakti took the shape of unconditional love and guided me with its powerful loving force from ordinary existence to the most profound states of consciousness.
During these thirty years, Bhagavan Nityananda and the precious Temple that Gurumayi has tended with her own infinite love and devotion have remained alive in my heart and provided me with an inner space of profound refuge. Indeed, when I go to my heart and “roam,” I find the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple there and a stream of profound experiences that I look forward to when I meditate.
I am grateful to Bhagavan Nityananda for his generous darshan and for teaching me how to make my world into a temple.
During these thirty years, Bhagavan Nityananda and the precious Temple that Gurumayi has tended with her own infinite love and devotion have remained alive in my heart and provided me with an inner space of profound refuge. Indeed, when I go to my heart and “roam,” I find the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple there and a stream of profound experiences that I look forward to when I meditate.
I am grateful to Bhagavan Nityananda for his generous darshan and for teaching me how to make my world into a temple.
Illinois, United States
This beautiful poem confirms for me something that I experienced long ago, watching Gurumayi pranam before the murti of Bhagavan Nityananda. She models for me how to worship. And in these beautiful words, she shows me how to see the divine Lord in all beings.
Sydney, Australia
Reading this sublime poem, I feel contentment and relief when I am reminded that nature endures, as it is not created by humans. I realized that, in the same way, Bade Baba’s compassion is constant, beyond the human play, as it is coming from God.
I experience that A Temple without Form is a cascade of Gurumayi’s and Bade Baba’s blessings for all beings on this earth and for the entire universe.
I experience that A Temple without Form is a cascade of Gurumayi’s and Bade Baba’s blessings for all beings on this earth and for the entire universe.
New York, United States
I am grateful for these wonderful words from Gurumayi that describe Bade Baba’s presence in nature and reveal such beauty and value in everything!
I felt chills run through my body as I read this. I resonated with Bade Baba’s words:
I understood that nature is a manifestation of this most sacred place. This is what I experience when I look at the natural world through “the eye of the heart.”
I am grateful to Gurumayi for her teachings and constant reminders of the Truth. We are blessed indeed by her grace!
I felt chills run through my body as I read this. I resonated with Bade Baba’s words:
The heart is the hub of all sacred places. Go there and roam.
I understood that nature is a manifestation of this most sacred place. This is what I experience when I look at the natural world through “the eye of the heart.”
I am grateful to Gurumayi for her teachings and constant reminders of the Truth. We are blessed indeed by her grace!
North Carolina, United States
Reading this poem, I am so happy. I love that I can experience Gurumayi’s darshan and her smile through this poem. And I experience her smile through the books I read, through the people I meet, and even in my own face in the mirror.
Indore, India
I am so moved by this amazing poem by Gurumayi.
The phrase that always touches my heart is “Despite human ignorance, Nature endures.”
It touches me at the core of my being, reminding me that humans can connect with nature and with God, and that we can realize who we truly are.
The phrase that always touches my heart is “Despite human ignorance, Nature endures.”
It touches me at the core of my being, reminding me that humans can connect with nature and with God, and that we can realize who we truly are.
New Mexico, United States
This morning I read this beautiful poem and then decided to go sit outside and see Bade Baba in nature, as Gurumayi describes. I walked out to my patio, and manifesting before me was a beautiful, full, vibrant rainbow. As I gazed in amazement, I was reminded of what a blessed life I have been given because of the blessings of my Guru.
Arizona, United States
My heart expands so much when I read the Guru’s words! I remember that while I’m in the world, love surrounds me. I remember that while I’m in the world, nature is here for me. I remember that I can have Bhagavan Nityananda’s darshan in the everyday things that surround me. I remember.
Texas, United States