Prayers and Blessings
Sharing Experiences of the Satsang with Gurumayi on November 14, 2015
Watching and listening to Gurumayi at the Prayers and Blessings Satsang on November 14, I came to see that the compassion that the saints and great beings have for everything that lives and breathes is enormous. The work they do on so many levels to preserve and protect humanity and all of creation is beyond my comprehension.
When Gurumayi thanked us all for being there, for offering our prayers and blessings, and for supporting her work at this time, I realized, “Yes, we are important—all of us—and we can and do make a difference in the affairs of this world we live in.”
a staff member in Shree Muktananda Ashram
At the Prayers and Blessings Satsang with Gurumayi, when we started to chant the mantra Om Namah Shivaya to offer our blessings to the world, I became totally immersed in the breath and the mantra. I understood that one thing I have in common with everyone in the world is the breath: the in-breath, the out-breath, and the space in which the breath moves. When I realized this, I could quite naturally envision the mantra filling that space that everyone, everywhere, experiences, and I felt that everyone was being touched by the power of the mantra.
At the conclusion of the satsang, Gurumayi taught about continuing to offer our blessings with every in-breath and every out-breath. I was happy to learn how I can continue to offer blessings in this way to everyone, everywhere.
I am grateful to Gurumayi for her presence in this world and her love, blessings, and guidance.
At the conclusion of the satsang, Gurumayi taught about continuing to offer our blessings with every in-breath and every out-breath. I was happy to learn how I can continue to offer blessings in this way to everyone, everywhere.
I am grateful to Gurumayi for her presence in this world and her love, blessings, and guidance.
a staff member in Shree Muktananda Ashram
When Gurumayi spoke about our duty to cultivate perfect steadiness of mind on a daily basis in order to uplift others and the world, I felt great power in her words; I felt it was a teaching that was essential for my life. And I started to reflect on how to do this.
I decided to look up the word for “perfect” in Sanskrit. It’s purna, which has a variety of other meanings too, including “full,” “abundant,” “complete,” and “contented.”
I’ve started to explore how working with these meanings of purna could help me make my mind steady. Today, I discovered that when I paused for a moment and focused on being “full” of pure awareness, I experienced steadiness of mind. I also found that when I focused on being “contented” with the inner bliss of meditation, my mind became steady.
In this way, I’m continuing to discover ways to practice Gurumayi’s teaching to cultivate perfect steadiness of mind, and I can see how this steadiness will support and uplift others.
I am grateful to Gurumayi for the abundant wisdom she gives to seekers everywhere!
I decided to look up the word for “perfect” in Sanskrit. It’s purna, which has a variety of other meanings too, including “full,” “abundant,” “complete,” and “contented.”
I’ve started to explore how working with these meanings of purna could help me make my mind steady. Today, I discovered that when I paused for a moment and focused on being “full” of pure awareness, I experienced steadiness of mind. I also found that when I focused on being “contented” with the inner bliss of meditation, my mind became steady.
In this way, I’m continuing to discover ways to practice Gurumayi’s teaching to cultivate perfect steadiness of mind, and I can see how this steadiness will support and uplift others.
I am grateful to Gurumayi for the abundant wisdom she gives to seekers everywhere!
a Siddha Yoga Swami
As the Prayers and Blessings Satsang continued in the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple, we sat with quiet focus and perfect attentiveness as Gurumayi spread a cornucopia of teachings before us.
Toward the conclusion of the satsang, Gurumayi asked us to keep sending prayers and blessings to the world, long after the aftermath of the Paris tragedy has been cleaned up, long after the survivors have begun to be healed. Gurumayi said that the world needs our continuing prayers and blessings, our ongoing cultivation of goodness, our ongoing contributions to the upliftment of all.
A great upswell of inspiration, of positivity, of empowerment arose within me upon hearing this. I realized that this is my dharma, my sacred duty, as a conscious and caring human being.
Melbourne, Australia
With all my heart, I treasure having participated in the Prayers and Blessings Satsang with Gurumayi in Shree Muktananda Ashram, where we came together with a unified intention to send our love and blessings to uplift the world.
In the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple, we sang Pasayadan, chanted the mantra Om Namah Shivaya, and sang the Arati. Throughout all this, the atmosphere was filled with everyone’s love and our prayers that peace be restored on earth and that all of those afflicted by recent events be healed. I could feel that our blessings and prayers were spreading to all the regions of the world.
During the Arati, as the drums sounded, a pujari waved the arati lamp to Bhagavan Nityananda. After some time, a second one joined, then a third, a fourth, and a fifth pujari, each one waving a lamp. Finally, Gurumayi joined the pujaris. At this point everyone began clapping in rhythm with the drum beat.
The roaring sound of the drums in the presence of Bhagavan Nityananda seemed to me to be a direct expression of the power of prayer. I had the honor of being one of the pujaris. As I waved the lamp on behalf of everyone, I could see the lights leaping up into the Temple’s atmosphere, and I sensed them carrying our blessings, our love, and the Guru’s grace to everywhere on this planet.
a Siddha Yoga Swami
I was very touched by Gurumayi’s invitation to all of us to drop our self-centeredness and focus on the good of all. Gurumayi spoke about not crying for ourselves, not crying because we did not get breakfast or because someone said that we did not do a good job. We should not waste our tears on such things, but if we do shed tears, to cry for humanity. I felt that Gurumayi was urging me to drop my small self and step forward and embrace my higher Self.
Instead of wasting my time or energy struggling with my limited self, I can focus on doing something good for others. For this, I need a steady mind. I need to keep my mind in check to prevent it from going down the path of self-deprecation or complaint. I am inspired to practice discipline in redirecting my mind to a higher purpose. One way I can do this is to follow Gurumayi’s teaching to send blessings with each in-breath and each out-breath.
Instead of wasting my time or energy struggling with my limited self, I can focus on doing something good for others. For this, I need a steady mind. I need to keep my mind in check to prevent it from going down the path of self-deprecation or complaint. I am inspired to practice discipline in redirecting my mind to a higher purpose. One way I can do this is to follow Gurumayi’s teaching to send blessings with each in-breath and each out-breath.
a staff member in Shree Muktananda Ashram
During the Prayers and Blessings Satsang, Gurumayi spoke about how conflict in the world endures because neither side embraces humility. Although she seemed to be speaking about the horrific events of the previous day, I thought of how this teaching applies at every level of interaction between people, and even in our inner life.
We forget that we are all manifestations of the Self, and from this lack of humility and other aspects of the ego, conflict arises and endures.
I have come to understand that our thoughts, beliefs, and opinions are gifts from the divine Self, to be used for the upliftment of humanity—and never to harm others.
New York, United States
During the Prayers and Blessings Satsang on November 14, I was very intrigued when Gurumayi told us to be a good omen for others. I had to know: what does it mean to be an omen?
This morning I found the following definition online: “An omen is a phenomenon that is believed to foretell the future, often signifying the advent of change. People in the ancient times believed that omens lie with a divine message from their gods.” And an illustration showed that a rainbow was sometimes considered an omen.
I feel that Gurumayi is asking us, through our simple daily behavior and our smiles, to be a living message from the divine, a message of hope and a portent of change for the good.
New York, United States
What Gurumayi shared with us in the Prayers and Blessings Satsang on November 14 has inspired me to be steadfast in my resolve to be “a good omen” for the world. Gurumayi shared with us that being a good omen means choosing to rise above life’s challenges and giving our best, and it can be as simple as smiling.
New York, United States
After hearing Gurumayi’s many beautiful teachings during the Prayers and Blessings Satsang, and the chanting and drumming in the Temple that resonated through my whole being, the one phrase that remained foremost in my mind was, “Be a good omen.” I heard it several times. It felt to me that it contained the essence of the Guru’s current command to me.
As I reflected on the meaning, this phrase connected all the teachings I had heard that day. It affirmed for me that my sadhana has a real impact on everyone I meet, and ultimately on humanity. I understood it to be a sacred mission to convey blessings to everyone I see wherever I am, in whatever way I can, and to all humanity. If I maintain that awareness in my daily life, I will never doubt the power of prayer, infused by Guru’s grace, to uplift humanity.
I am grateful to Gurumayi for the fresh new meaning she has given to my life.
As I reflected on the meaning, this phrase connected all the teachings I had heard that day. It affirmed for me that my sadhana has a real impact on everyone I meet, and ultimately on humanity. I understood it to be a sacred mission to convey blessings to everyone I see wherever I am, in whatever way I can, and to all humanity. If I maintain that awareness in my daily life, I will never doubt the power of prayer, infused by Guru’s grace, to uplift humanity.
I am grateful to Gurumayi for the fresh new meaning she has given to my life.
New York, United States
In the Prayers and Blessings Satsang, Gurumayi encouraged us to cultivate steadiness of mind.
Many beautiful teachings to “be a good omen” for others. Only with steadiness of mind can I truly and consciously listen to people. Only with steadiness of mind can I really offer kindness, strength, love, and support to people.
My heart is bursting with gratitude.
Many beautiful teachings to “be a good omen” for others. Only with steadiness of mind can I truly and consciously listen to people. Only with steadiness of mind can I really offer kindness, strength, love, and support to people.
My heart is bursting with gratitude.
a Siddha Yoga Swami
Toward the end of the satsang in the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple on Saturday, Gurumayi asked a sevite to play the large bass drum used in the Arati. When I heard the first boom of the drum, my heart leapt. The bass drum joined the chorus of little drums that participants were playing in the Temple to create a cacophony of pure percussion.
As this sound rang out and the arati lights were waved, it felt as if all darkness was being banished. I felt that an ancient healing and cleansing ritual was being performed for the world, and the strong wind blowing outside was carrying that sound to the four corners. Tears of love and hope rolled down my face, and my heart beat faster and faster as the percussion played. I felt that I, too, was that big drum and that God was playing each one of us—playing us to heal, to give hope, to love; playing us to be a “good omen.”
As this sound rang out and the arati lights were waved, it felt as if all darkness was being banished. I felt that an ancient healing and cleansing ritual was being performed for the world, and the strong wind blowing outside was carrying that sound to the four corners. Tears of love and hope rolled down my face, and my heart beat faster and faster as the percussion played. I felt that I, too, was that big drum and that God was playing each one of us—playing us to heal, to give hope, to love; playing us to be a “good omen.”
a staff member in Shree Muktananda Ashram
When Gurumayi invited us to sing the Arati in the temple, she asked a Siddha Yoga musician to play the large drum. I recall Gurumayi speaking about how the sound of the drum destroys evil. Several people were handed small drums adorned with beads that can be twirled, and those that did not have a drum clapped their hands.
We were completely focused. And, as the sound of the drumming and clapping resonated throughout the temple, I thought, “This is what goodness sounds like.” I realized that as sadhakas we have so much power when we come together with Gurumayi’s grace and our focused intention. We can spread goodness in this world!
a staff member in Shree Muktananda Ashram
Yesterday, during the first part of the Prayers and Blessings Satsang, Gurumayi talked about how at times like this, we are all on an equal platform. There is no one higher or lower, good or bad, richer or poorer. We are all united in the heart. When Gurumayi said that, I experienced a strong sense of connection in the heart and love for everyone in the satsang and extending out to the world. I understood that at the core, we are all one living, united humanity, with the purpose of sharing love and kindness and uplifting our world around us.
Later, after we chanted and offered blessings to the world, Swami Ishwarananda read, at Gurumayi’s request, Baba’s prayer that ends with “May brotherhood, love, and perfect steadiness of mind always prevail in the world.” Once again, I experienced and understood that, ultimately, what matters most in our lives is cultivating and sharing love and doing our best to ensure that every human heart is uplifted, experiences peace, and is united in a spirit of kindness and compassion for ourselves, each other, and the world around us.
Later, after we chanted and offered blessings to the world, Swami Ishwarananda read, at Gurumayi’s request, Baba’s prayer that ends with “May brotherhood, love, and perfect steadiness of mind always prevail in the world.” Once again, I experienced and understood that, ultimately, what matters most in our lives is cultivating and sharing love and doing our best to ensure that every human heart is uplifted, experiences peace, and is united in a spirit of kindness and compassion for ourselves, each other, and the world around us.
a staff member in Shree Muktananda Ashram
Yesterday, when Gurumayi told us that one way we can give blessings to the world is to be a good omen for everyone we come in contact with, it had a powerful resonance for me. I became aware that there are times during the day when I can go through negative moods, and this affects the quality of my interactions with others at those times.
My resolve now is: rather than closing myself to others in such times, I will put into practice Gurumayi’s teaching and offer my best to the world in whichever way is appropriate, even if it’s as simple as a genuine smile or kind words.
I am grateful to Gurumayi, for showing us that we have the power to uplift others—and, by the same token, ourselves.
a staff member in Shree Muktananda Ashram
When we were chanting in the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple, I visualized all of France filled with blue light. This light started to spread in all directions and soon all of Earth was enveloped in its healing and protective energy. There were a few dark spots, but they too became cleansed and suffused with this beautiful blue light. Then, as we kept chanting, I sensed that each repetition of the mantra coming from Shree Muktananda Ashram was a wave reaching out to every corner of the world and bringing peace to all.
I am grateful to Gurumayi for teaching me that I have the power to give blessings.
a staff member in Shree Muktananda Ashram
While we were chanting Om Namah Shivaya in the Temple, I kept praying for everyone on the planet—no matter what hardship they might be experiencing—to have a connection with gentle joyfulness and with the awareness of the divine. My heart started to feel like a luminous entity, sending rays of light in all directions to the world.
I am grateful to Gurumayi for enabling us to strengthen our good qualities and for teaching us how to harness the power of our good energies and prayers in service to the world.
I am grateful to Gurumayi for enabling us to strengthen our good qualities and for teaching us how to harness the power of our good energies and prayers in service to the world.
a staff member in Shree Muktananda Ashram
We came together with Gurumayi in the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple to send blessings to the world with focused attention. During the chanting I saw how a Siddha Yogi can make a real difference when world crises seem unsolvable.
As we chanted, I felt a tremendous power of light and grace rising up from the sound of the mantras in the Temple and enveloping the world in a blanket of protection.
As we chanted, I felt a tremendous power of light and grace rising up from the sound of the mantras in the Temple and enveloping the world in a blanket of protection.
a Siddha Yoga Swami
Toward the end of the Prayers and Blessings Satsang on November 14, 2015, Gurumayi invited us to be “good omens.” She shared that to be a good omen takes effort.
I was so happy and grateful to receive this teaching. I can practice bringing my best self to all situations in my life, no matter how I personally feel at the time. I can work toward being a good omen in the many facets of my life: offering a smile as I pass someone in the hallway, sharing an insight with friends, giving a listening ear to my husband, even if I’m tired. I can even be a good omen to myself as I look in the mirror each morning!
Through this practice of being a good omen every day, the light and love I bring into my days will join all the light and love of all of us who are bringing our best selves forward. In the end, all there will be is love. Yes! All there will be is love and goodness in this world.
Gurumayi opened my eyes to how the small choices I make in my day can help create a world of goodness, sweetness, and love. I am forever grateful.
I was so happy and grateful to receive this teaching. I can practice bringing my best self to all situations in my life, no matter how I personally feel at the time. I can work toward being a good omen in the many facets of my life: offering a smile as I pass someone in the hallway, sharing an insight with friends, giving a listening ear to my husband, even if I’m tired. I can even be a good omen to myself as I look in the mirror each morning!
Through this practice of being a good omen every day, the light and love I bring into my days will join all the light and love of all of us who are bringing our best selves forward. In the end, all there will be is love. Yes! All there will be is love and goodness in this world.
Gurumayi opened my eyes to how the small choices I make in my day can help create a world of goodness, sweetness, and love. I am forever grateful.
New York, United States
Early this morning I awoke from a dream in which we were in the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple, chanting with Gurumayi. After the chant, Gurumayi garlanded Bade Baba with a long silver necklace adorned with puffy hearts.
Later in the morning, while in the satsang in the Temple, I remembered the dream as we were offering blessings from our hearts out to the world.
Later in the morning, while in the satsang in the Temple, I remembered the dream as we were offering blessings from our hearts out to the world.
a staff member in Shree Muktananda Ashram
Gurumayi’s love and compassion for the world were palpable in the Lower Lobby and the Temple on November 14. With the wind howling powerfully outside, Gurumayi acknowledged Hanuman, and I recognized that this great servant of God was there with us to carry all the blessings to the world.
Gurumayi shared her conviction that all good people can, and must, step forward in each moment, in small yet significant ways, to fill the space around us with their goodness and love so that there is no room for demons and enemies to enter that space, including our own mind.
I could feel how Gurumayi was being so present with us: with all her devotees, and all people everywhere, as well as with all the animals and our beautiful natural world. And I was filled with gratitude to Gurumayi, our jagadguru—a Guru for the world.
As we gathered the energy from singing Pasayadan and chanting the mantra, Gurumayi invited us to stand for the Arati. She explained that the sound of shaking rattles and beating drums dispels negative energy. As the Arati built, Gurumayi began clapping rhythmically and powerfully.
It felt to me that Gurumayi’s conviction, compassion, power, and humility were calling forth these same qualities in everyone, as we offered our golden prayers and blessings to the world.
Gurumayi shared her conviction that all good people can, and must, step forward in each moment, in small yet significant ways, to fill the space around us with their goodness and love so that there is no room for demons and enemies to enter that space, including our own mind.
I could feel how Gurumayi was being so present with us: with all her devotees, and all people everywhere, as well as with all the animals and our beautiful natural world. And I was filled with gratitude to Gurumayi, our jagadguru—a Guru for the world.
As we gathered the energy from singing Pasayadan and chanting the mantra, Gurumayi invited us to stand for the Arati. She explained that the sound of shaking rattles and beating drums dispels negative energy. As the Arati built, Gurumayi began clapping rhythmically and powerfully.
It felt to me that Gurumayi’s conviction, compassion, power, and humility were calling forth these same qualities in everyone, as we offered our golden prayers and blessings to the world.
a staff member in Shree Muktananda Ashram
I awoke early this morning, wishing that what happened in Paris last night was some crazy dream. I then was fortunate enough to attend the satsang with Gurumayi, in which we offered prayers and sent our blessings to those in Paris.
As we sang Pasayadan, my heart became increasingly moist with love for all those affected by the attack. I listened to Gurumayi’s voice singing, filling the heavens with blessings and bountiful intentions for Paris and the upliftment of humanity. I knew that our prayers were indeed riding the currents of wind blowing outside the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple, reaching all corners of the universe and benefiting everyone.
I am ever grateful for the Siddha Yoga path, and for Gurumayi, who has taught me that I have a choice about how to respond—to focus on the light, to send blessings, and to chant and have faith in the greater good.
As we sang Pasayadan, my heart became increasingly moist with love for all those affected by the attack. I listened to Gurumayi’s voice singing, filling the heavens with blessings and bountiful intentions for Paris and the upliftment of humanity. I knew that our prayers were indeed riding the currents of wind blowing outside the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple, reaching all corners of the universe and benefiting everyone.
I am ever grateful for the Siddha Yoga path, and for Gurumayi, who has taught me that I have a choice about how to respond—to focus on the light, to send blessings, and to chant and have faith in the greater good.
a staff member in Shree Muktananda Ashram
Last night before I went to sleep, I offered my prayers and meditation for all those who were affected by the tragedies in Paris. During the night I had a dream in which I was gazing at the blue sky overhead. I knew that if I made my mind focused and steady, I’d be able to see the stars even though it was daylight. Sure enough, as I stilled my mind, all the stars that had been invisible appeared, sparkling and twinkling in broad daylight. When I awoke, I wondered what this dream meant.
The next morning, in the Prayer and Blessing Satsang, Gurumayi referred to one of the lines from the Arati that Baba Muktananda had written: “May brotherhood, love, and perfect steadiness of mind always prevail in the world.” Gurumayi went on to teach us that it is our duty to cultivate perfect steadiness of mind, so that we can step forward to offer our best to the world.
Reflecting on her words, I saw a connection between Gurumayi’s teaching and my dream of the stars shining in the daylight when my mind became steady. I understood that through the practice of making my mind steady, the light of divinity becomes more visible everywhere. And through steadiness of the mind, I increase my capacity to share light and goodness with the world.
The next morning, in the Prayer and Blessing Satsang, Gurumayi referred to one of the lines from the Arati that Baba Muktananda had written: “May brotherhood, love, and perfect steadiness of mind always prevail in the world.” Gurumayi went on to teach us that it is our duty to cultivate perfect steadiness of mind, so that we can step forward to offer our best to the world.
Reflecting on her words, I saw a connection between Gurumayi’s teaching and my dream of the stars shining in the daylight when my mind became steady. I understood that through the practice of making my mind steady, the light of divinity becomes more visible everywhere. And through steadiness of the mind, I increase my capacity to share light and goodness with the world.
a Siddha Yoga Swami
This morning, in preparation for the satsang with Gurumayi to send our prayers and blessings to the whole world, I was one of several sevites who came together, along with a child visiting Shree Muktananda Ashram with her mother, to share with each other our blessings for all those affected by various tragedies, whether natural or manmade, taking place in the world.
We each had a powerful image that represented the ways we were seeing how people and animals were receiving inner and outer support—such as mantra-filled rays of pure goodness reaching every creature in every corner of the universe. The nine-year-old child who was a part of this gathering shared how she was sending her blessings to God, and then God would direct them to all those who needed them. She said this with such conviction and brightness! I was deeply moved and grateful for the ways that children are growing up on the Siddha Yoga path, with such clarity about their prayers and blessings being received and benefiting the world.
With all my heart, I am grateful to Gurumayi for teaching every seeker that, no matter who we are and where we are, we each have the power to make a difference in the world and for the world.
We each had a powerful image that represented the ways we were seeing how people and animals were receiving inner and outer support—such as mantra-filled rays of pure goodness reaching every creature in every corner of the universe. The nine-year-old child who was a part of this gathering shared how she was sending her blessings to God, and then God would direct them to all those who needed them. She said this with such conviction and brightness! I was deeply moved and grateful for the ways that children are growing up on the Siddha Yoga path, with such clarity about their prayers and blessings being received and benefiting the world.
With all my heart, I am grateful to Gurumayi for teaching every seeker that, no matter who we are and where we are, we each have the power to make a difference in the world and for the world.
a staff member in Shree Muktananda Ashram
On Saturday, November 14, 2015, I had the good fortune to participate in the chant in the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple with Gurumayi. As the bass drum began to sound, I was envisioning Gurumayi’s light traveling to all corners of the world, comforting and giving love and strength to those whose lives had been disrupted.
As the sound of the drum became stronger, I felt as if the drum were inside me. Then I had the distinct impression that—on another plane with which I was not so familiar—it was actually the whole Temple with all of us within it that was traveling and bringing blessings to the world. This feeling of the whole Temple moving through space lasted until the drum stopped.
I felt gratitude for the love and light that Gurumayi brings to the world and for the fact that I can support her work by living her teachings and maintaining a positive state of mind.
As the sound of the drum became stronger, I felt as if the drum were inside me. Then I had the distinct impression that—on another plane with which I was not so familiar—it was actually the whole Temple with all of us within it that was traveling and bringing blessings to the world. This feeling of the whole Temple moving through space lasted until the drum stopped.
I felt gratitude for the love and light that Gurumayi brings to the world and for the fact that I can support her work by living her teachings and maintaining a positive state of mind.
New York, United States
This morning, after the first part of the Prayers and Blessings Satsang, we continued the satsang with Gurumayi by singing Pasayadan , chanting the mantra Om Namah Shivaya, and singing the Arati in the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple. When the drumming for the Arati resounded in the temple, Gurumayi reminded us to keep our focus in this very moment on sending prayers and blessings to the world.
Suddenly, it seemed to me that an enormous stream of grace was emanating from Bade Baba’s murti. My heart felt like a prism that was spreading my prayers and this enormous stream of grace in all directions.
I am grateful to Bade Baba for giving me this experience of the power of praying, and to Gurumayi for teaching again and again about the importance of praying and sending blessings for the upliftment of humanity.
Suddenly, it seemed to me that an enormous stream of grace was emanating from Bade Baba’s murti. My heart felt like a prism that was spreading my prayers and this enormous stream of grace in all directions.
I am grateful to Bade Baba for giving me this experience of the power of praying, and to Gurumayi for teaching again and again about the importance of praying and sending blessings for the upliftment of humanity.
a staff member in Shree Muktananda Ashram
In this morning’s satsang, after we heard Gurumayi speak and the sevites from France shared their stories, we moved into the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple to offer our prayers and blessings through chanting.
As we entered the Temple, we saw Bade Baba shining, dressed in gold and red, with vases filled with long branches of tiny red and yellow orchids all around him. A musician was chanting a bhajan by Tulsidas, “Raghuvara Tumako Meri Laaj”—a prayer for God’s protection.
We started by chanting Pasayadan. We then chanted Om Namah Shivaya in the Darbari raga—the chant so sweet and profoundly powerful, I could feel the blessings in my heart go out into the world.
After the chant we all stood and sang the Arati. After the Arati, five pujaris each waved an arati lamp, accompanied by the sounds of the damarus, the small two-headed drums. When it was time for the next pujari to wave the tray, the previous pujari moved to the side, so that at the end, all the pujaris were waving arati lamps to Bade Baba. The giant arati drum sounded and while everyone was still standing, we began to clap to the beat. Gurumayi came forward and took a new lamp to wave in front of Bade Baba. I could feel the flames of grace and blessings fill the Temple.
Swami Ishwarananda read a prayer by Baba that ends with these words: “May brotherhood, love, and perfect steadiness of mind always prevail in the world.”
Gurumayi spoke about perfect steadiness of mind, which we must cultivate on a daily basis. When the world is united, there is courage. We must come forward with our goodness in the little things we do and be “a good omen” for others. I understood that it is our responsibility to be a good omen by spreading our prayers, our smiles, and our goodness into the world.
As we entered the Temple, we saw Bade Baba shining, dressed in gold and red, with vases filled with long branches of tiny red and yellow orchids all around him. A musician was chanting a bhajan by Tulsidas, “Raghuvara Tumako Meri Laaj”—a prayer for God’s protection.
We started by chanting Pasayadan. We then chanted Om Namah Shivaya in the Darbari raga—the chant so sweet and profoundly powerful, I could feel the blessings in my heart go out into the world.
After the chant we all stood and sang the Arati. After the Arati, five pujaris each waved an arati lamp, accompanied by the sounds of the damarus, the small two-headed drums. When it was time for the next pujari to wave the tray, the previous pujari moved to the side, so that at the end, all the pujaris were waving arati lamps to Bade Baba. The giant arati drum sounded and while everyone was still standing, we began to clap to the beat. Gurumayi came forward and took a new lamp to wave in front of Bade Baba. I could feel the flames of grace and blessings fill the Temple.
Swami Ishwarananda read a prayer by Baba that ends with these words: “May brotherhood, love, and perfect steadiness of mind always prevail in the world.”
Gurumayi spoke about perfect steadiness of mind, which we must cultivate on a daily basis. When the world is united, there is courage. We must come forward with our goodness in the little things we do and be “a good omen” for others. I understood that it is our responsibility to be a good omen by spreading our prayers, our smiles, and our goodness into the world.
a staff member in Shree Muktananda Ashram
In the Prayers and Blessings Satsang this morning, November 14, in Shree Muktananda Ashram, we sang the Pasayadan hymn, chanted Om Namah Shivaya, and sang the Arati with Gurumayi in the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple. We chanted and sang with this intention: to send prayers and blessing for the upliftment of humanity. Our voices were strong and united, and throughout the chant I experienced the world being bathed in a golden light.
Following the chant, Gurumayi spoke about how we have a responsibility to spread our good energy and be good omens in this world. I understood that I could be “a good omen” by extending kindness, good will, courtesy, and respect through my thoughts, words, and actions. By doing so, I can contribute to creating a future of goodness for the world. Every action, no matter how small, makes a difference. Every person has a role to play. I can do my part!
Following the chant, Gurumayi spoke about how we have a responsibility to spread our good energy and be good omens in this world. I understood that I could be “a good omen” by extending kindness, good will, courtesy, and respect through my thoughts, words, and actions. By doing so, I can contribute to creating a future of goodness for the world. Every action, no matter how small, makes a difference. Every person has a role to play. I can do my part!
a staff member in Shree Muktananda Ashram
During the satsang held on the morning of November 14, Gurumayi had the translation of a Tulsidas bhajan read aloud:
O Lord, you are the protector of the helpless.
My honor is in your hands.
She reminded us that this bhajan had been sung in 2000 during performances of The Golden Tales—a series of plays in which children visiting Shree Muktananda Ashram had enacted the lives of saints.
In the context of recent world events, the association of this bhajan with the image of the children performing the plays was very poignant. I felt this poignancy earlier in the satsang as well, when Gurumayi spoke of the beauty of the world—mentioning particularly the beauty of our children—as a counterweight to the forces at work in the events in Paris. She said that the planet Earth is too beautiful for the dark thinking of those who cause such suffering, and that our children need to be able to sing and dance in the beauty of the world.
For me, that beauty was manifest in the satsang, like a powerful light penetrating the darkness of recent events in the world.
O Lord, you are the protector of the helpless.
My honor is in your hands.
She reminded us that this bhajan had been sung in 2000 during performances of The Golden Tales—a series of plays in which children visiting Shree Muktananda Ashram had enacted the lives of saints.
In the context of recent world events, the association of this bhajan with the image of the children performing the plays was very poignant. I felt this poignancy earlier in the satsang as well, when Gurumayi spoke of the beauty of the world—mentioning particularly the beauty of our children—as a counterweight to the forces at work in the events in Paris. She said that the planet Earth is too beautiful for the dark thinking of those who cause such suffering, and that our children need to be able to sing and dance in the beauty of the world.
For me, that beauty was manifest in the satsang, like a powerful light penetrating the darkness of recent events in the world.
a staff member in Shree Muktananda Ashram
This morning at 10:30 a.m., SYDA Foundation staff, visiting sevites, and members of the local community gathered at Anugraha for a satsang with Gurumayi, to offer prayers and blessings for the entire world.
We all sat quietly waiting for the satsang to begin as the Siddha Yoga mantra Om Namah Shivaya played softly in the background. Although I felt sad due to the events in Paris, I was also remembering the satsang with Gurumayi a few days ago on Bali Pratipada when Gurumayi brought our attention to the Siddha Yoga teaching that blessings are present under all conditions—in rain and in sunshine.
As I wondered how to see the blessings in situations like these, I recalled the events of September 11, 2001, in New York City and elsewhere, and how they became a catalyst to bring people together.
When Gurumayi spoke, she emphasized the oneness of all humanity, and I realized that situations like this do remind us that we are all one. Each heart feels the loss, each heart desires to support. After the satsang, we were invited to go to the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple to chant. I thought, “How fortunate we are on the Siddha Yoga path, that we have a powerful mantra that conveys blessings to the whole world.” I am so grateful that through the grace of the Siddha Yoga Gurus, by repeating this mantra wherever I am, I can offer blessings to everyone, everywhere.
We all sat quietly waiting for the satsang to begin as the Siddha Yoga mantra Om Namah Shivaya played softly in the background. Although I felt sad due to the events in Paris, I was also remembering the satsang with Gurumayi a few days ago on Bali Pratipada when Gurumayi brought our attention to the Siddha Yoga teaching that blessings are present under all conditions—in rain and in sunshine.
As I wondered how to see the blessings in situations like these, I recalled the events of September 11, 2001, in New York City and elsewhere, and how they became a catalyst to bring people together.
When Gurumayi spoke, she emphasized the oneness of all humanity, and I realized that situations like this do remind us that we are all one. Each heart feels the loss, each heart desires to support. After the satsang, we were invited to go to the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple to chant. I thought, “How fortunate we are on the Siddha Yoga path, that we have a powerful mantra that conveys blessings to the whole world.” I am so grateful that through the grace of the Siddha Yoga Gurus, by repeating this mantra wherever I am, I can offer blessings to everyone, everywhere.
a staff member in Shree Muktananda Ashram
Gurumayi spoke, in the Prayers and Blessings Satsang this morning, about the response of a sadhaka, of one committed to a spiritual path, in the face of situations like the one in Paris. She emphasized that it is our sadhana to become strong, to help others who need our support. This help is extended through prayers and blessings, through chant and intention, and through all the practical things we can do as well.
Participants shared that in Paris, people have been opening their doors to all those who were wandering the streets as a result of the disruptions caused by the attacks. Similarly, people in New York have been housing French travelers who were unable to get back home due to cancelled flights. Helping others proceeds on all fronts, and comes naturally in the recognition of shared vulnerability.
Participants shared that in Paris, people have been opening their doors to all those who were wandering the streets as a result of the disruptions caused by the attacks. Similarly, people in New York have been housing French travelers who were unable to get back home due to cancelled flights. Helping others proceeds on all fronts, and comes naturally in the recognition of shared vulnerability.
a staff member in Shree Muktananda Ashram
On the morning of November 14, we gathered in Anugraha for a satsang with Gurumayi, in response to recent tragic events in Paris and elsewhere in the world. For many of us, the familiarity of such a gathering carried its own significance: we have done this many times, under all-too-similar circumstances, over the years. Gurumayi implicitly acknowledged the global impact of such events in our time, saying that every country is now vulnerable; when such an event happens in one place, it happens everywhere. At the same time, the tragedy brings people together, unites the world, and creates a powerful solidarity that counters the forces of destruction. Gurumayi said we must make a concerted effort to hold on to the good and to help others who need our support.
I understood from Gurumayi’s words that clear-sighted recognition of global vulnerability and faith in survival, hope, peace, and togetherness go hand in hand; clear-sightedness gives the faith traction and depth and provides us with genuine consolation.
I understood from Gurumayi’s words that clear-sighted recognition of global vulnerability and faith in survival, hope, peace, and togetherness go hand in hand; clear-sightedness gives the faith traction and depth and provides us with genuine consolation.
a staff member in Shree Muktananda Ashram
I was so grateful to attend the Prayers and Blessings Satsang yesterday in the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple. Bade Baba, stately and resplendent, was dressed in shimmering gold. A Temple sevite, in a gold and yellow sari, had the appearance of an angel. Her movements were so graceful and tender as she tended the oil lamps in front of Bade Baba, keeping the flames bright.
As we began to chant Om Namah Shivaya, I felt immense love and bliss, which I envisioned flowing across the ocean to France. After singing Pasayadan, we were asked to shake handheld drums, which we were told are specifically intended for dispelling darkness. I felt as if the vibration of these drums was piercing my heart, like a flaming arrow. With this came an immense upwelling within me of power, strength, and courage, which seemed to merge with all of the powerful intentions of the others. Our voices had become a beacon of light for humanity. I felt such confidence that our prayers were strong and would create tangible results.
Gurumayi spoke of how important it is to have a steadfast mind during these times, to speak up if something is not right, to become an omen of goodness. I felt that this was our dharma. I understood Gurumayi to be telling us not to cry for ourselves, in our daily struggles. And if we do cry, we must let the tears of our hearts be for all of humanity.
I am grateful to Gurumayi for this beautiful teaching of dharma and experience of empowerment.
As we began to chant Om Namah Shivaya, I felt immense love and bliss, which I envisioned flowing across the ocean to France. After singing Pasayadan, we were asked to shake handheld drums, which we were told are specifically intended for dispelling darkness. I felt as if the vibration of these drums was piercing my heart, like a flaming arrow. With this came an immense upwelling within me of power, strength, and courage, which seemed to merge with all of the powerful intentions of the others. Our voices had become a beacon of light for humanity. I felt such confidence that our prayers were strong and would create tangible results.
Gurumayi spoke of how important it is to have a steadfast mind during these times, to speak up if something is not right, to become an omen of goodness. I felt that this was our dharma. I understood Gurumayi to be telling us not to cry for ourselves, in our daily struggles. And if we do cry, we must let the tears of our hearts be for all of humanity.
I am grateful to Gurumayi for this beautiful teaching of dharma and experience of empowerment.
Connecticut, United States