Gratitude—A Path to Beatitude
~ Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Gratitude—A Path to Beatitude
~ Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
कृतज्ञता—निःश्रेयस का एक मार्ग
~ गुरुमाई चिद्विलासानन्द
कृतज्ञता—निःश्रेयसचा एक मार्ग
~ गुरुमाई चिद्विलासानंद
કૃતજ્ઞતા — નિઃશ્રેયસનો એક માર્ગ
~ ગુરુમાઈ ચિદ્વિલાસાનંદ
La gratitud: un camino a la beatitud
~ Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Gratidão — Um Caminho para a Beatitude
~ Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
La gratitude – une voie vers la béatitude
~ Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Dankbarkeit – Ein Weg zur Seligkeit
~ Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Gratitudine: sentiero per la Beatitudine
~ Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
感謝――浄福への道
~ グルマーイ・チッドヴィラーサーナンダ
感恩—通往至福之路
~ 古魯瑪義捷維拉薩南達
Wdzięczność – Droga do Błogosławieństw
~ Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Design Concept by Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Designer: Karan Singh Bhullar
डिज़ाइन संकल्पना : गुरुमाई चिद्विलासानन्द
पठनकर्ता : चंदन छापरवाल
डिज़ाइनर : करण सिंह भुल्लर
डिज़ाइनर : करण सिंह भुल्लर
Design Concept by Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Designer: Karan Singh Bhullar
डिझाइन संकल्पना : गुरुमाई चिद्विलासानंद
डिझाइनर : करण सिंह भुल्लर
ડિઝાઇન સંકલ્પના : ગુરુમાઈ ચિદ્વિલાસાનંદ
ડિઝાઇનર : કરન સિંહ ભુલ્લર
Concepto del diseño de Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Diseño: Karan Singh Bhullar
Conceito do design de Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Designer: Karan Singh Bhullar
Conception graphique de Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Designer: Karan Singh Bhullar
Konzept und Design: Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Designer: Karan Singh Bhullar
Ideazione di Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Designer: Karan Singh Bhullar
デザインコンセプト： グルマーイ・チッドヴィラーサーナンダ
デザイン： Karan Singh Bhullar
設計理念：古魯瑪義 捷維喇薩南達
設計師：卡藍·辛格·布拉
Koncepcja projektu według Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Projektant: Karan Singh Bhullar
This scintillating garland of grace continues to enfold me; it cocoons me in golden memories and grace. With each reading another layer of subtlety emerges. There is such tenderness here; it underlies everything whenever I slow down to listen and feel it. It reminds me of the incredibly delicate, soothing delight I sometimes feel just in noticing my breath as it comes into my body and goes out.
I feel infinite gratitude for living on this beloved earth with my Guru. This poem is an effulgent, uplifting lifeline for me to study throughout each day.
I feel infinite gratitude for living on this beloved earth with my Guru. This poem is an effulgent, uplifting lifeline for me to study throughout each day.
New York, United States
I felt this poem from Gurumayi to be speaking directly to me—with all my “particles of selfishness, narrowmindedness, and cynicism”—throwing me a lifeline of inspiration, of hope, and assurance of my goodness. It reminded me that yes, I may forget this experience of gratitude, but I can pick myself up again, apply myself to my sadhana, and remember that there is always grace.
The grace in this poem has allowed me to experience the gratitude that Gurumayi writes about, the wonder, and the joy. My heart is revivified, and I am very grateful.
The grace in this poem has allowed me to experience the gratitude that Gurumayi writes about, the wonder, and the joy. My heart is revivified, and I am very grateful.
Sydney, Australia
What a joy it is to read this wonderful poem again and again! Today, as I contemplate my whole life, I feel deep in my heart what a blessing my life is, and has always been, no matter what challenges came to me since my very first breath. I would not change any part of it—for every single moment of this lifetime was meant to bring me to my Guru, to reunite me with her and with my own heart.
With folded hands I bow to Gurumayi ji, who has given me everything, with endless love and compassion.
With folded hands I bow to Gurumayi ji, who has given me everything, with endless love and compassion.
Quebec, Canada
This poem, for me, exemplifies an extraordinary way to be grateful for everything that I have. As I read each line aloud, I felt as though my heart was opening more and more fully. It was like someone was removing extra layers of corrosion that had been surrounding my heart. I experienced a great sense of relief as I read Gurumayi ji’s words.
I love to give thanks. I try to practice gratitude every day. I am especially grateful for all that I have received in my life from Gurumayi ji.
I love to give thanks. I try to practice gratitude every day. I am especially grateful for all that I have received in my life from Gurumayi ji.
Bhandara, India
It feels to me as if true gratitude has only recently begun to blossom in my life. While reading this poem, I tried to trace the origins of this more genuine gratitude. It seemed to me that the experience of greater gratitude first started to happen when I met my Guru and received shaktipat. This was when I began to realize that there is more to me and to the world than I had ever previously imagined. This recognition made me feel humbled and full of love.
Over the years, as I have practiced my sadhana, I have received so many gifts of wisdom and abundance from Gurumayi. My heart is blossoming in gratitude for the Guru’s presence in my life. I feel that this gratitude is taking root in my heart, shimmering in my mind, and shining throughout my entire being.
Over the years, as I have practiced my sadhana, I have received so many gifts of wisdom and abundance from Gurumayi. My heart is blossoming in gratitude for the Guru’s presence in my life. I feel that this gratitude is taking root in my heart, shimmering in my mind, and shining throughout my entire being.
Washington, United States
I was mesmerized by every image that Gurumayi portrayed in this exquisite expression of gratitude. Reading it, I felt inspired to excavate through the layers of protection that I have learned to summon in my life when things get hard. I realized that reaching out for these protective layers actually cuts me off from the ever-giving flow of love that emanates from my heart.
From the very first sentences of this poem, I felt as though I was in the presence of gratitude, the presence of the divine. Every word was like a cloth gently polishing my heart. I feel reestablished in my sacred core.
I experienced that Gurumayi’s love shines through the gift of this poem.
From the very first sentences of this poem, I felt as though I was in the presence of gratitude, the presence of the divine. Every word was like a cloth gently polishing my heart. I feel reestablished in my sacred core.
I experienced that Gurumayi’s love shines through the gift of this poem.
South Melbourne, Australia
As I continued to study this stunning, beautiful, and rich poem, I recognized it holds so much more than I experienced reading and hearing it for the first time, when I welcomed it as healing balm for a personal situation.
I now can see that this poem is brimming with good wishes, with redeeming power, with liberating advice. It could serve me as a lifelong guideline, as a lifeline, as medicine, as a “jumper cable” for making a new start into a new world and as a means for maintaining that new start.
Of course, for me to hear and read this most encouraging text is one thing; to assimilate it and to implement it present a high challenge—but one with the sweetest outcome if all goes well. This is my hope, my wish, my intention, my resolution.
I now can see that this poem is brimming with good wishes, with redeeming power, with liberating advice. It could serve me as a lifelong guideline, as a lifeline, as medicine, as a “jumper cable” for making a new start into a new world and as a means for maintaining that new start.
Of course, for me to hear and read this most encouraging text is one thing; to assimilate it and to implement it present a high challenge—but one with the sweetest outcome if all goes well. This is my hope, my wish, my intention, my resolution.
Hindelang, Germany
In the last stanza of the poem, Gurumayi addresses us as “my trusted good souls.” I felt so happy knowing that Gurumayi trusts in my goodness. I will remember Gurumayi’s words when I encounter negative thoughts about myself.
a Gurukula student in Gurudev Siddha Peeth
My heart is so full after receiving this sweet prasad from Shri Gurumayi! When I read this poem the first time, I experienced a gentle wave of bliss flowing through my body, mind, and heart. The poem feels like an acknowledgment of how my gratitude has been deepening exponentially over the years, as well as a reminder of the pitfalls to avoid. Gurumayi’s words, each sparkling like a gem on a long mala necklace, articulate my experience so perfectly. Each time I read it again, certain words jump out for me.
Today when I copied the words to reflect on further for an upcoming Sadhana Circle, my whole body was tingling with shakti. This sensation reminded me yet again of the power of our Guru’s words and their ability to enter me deeply when I take time to study them. For many years now, it has been my practice to give thanks daily at my puja for the grace of the Siddhas and for Gurumayi’s palpable presence in my daily life.
Today when I copied the words to reflect on further for an upcoming Sadhana Circle, my whole body was tingling with shakti. This sensation reminded me yet again of the power of our Guru’s words and their ability to enter me deeply when I take time to study them. For many years now, it has been my practice to give thanks daily at my puja for the grace of the Siddhas and for Gurumayi’s palpable presence in my daily life.
North Carolina, United States
This poem continues to make me so happy. I feel like it has changed something within me—there is now more lightheartedness. Yesterday before going to sleep, I recalled several experiences of grace throughout my life. Some of these experiences are so powerful that to think of them made my heart rejoice in awe. I realized how different my life would have been without all of these extraordinary supports. For this, I feel a deep, tender gratitude, along with a sense of nameless wonder.
Hindelang, Germany
After reading this poem by Shri Gurumayi three times, I observed that this poem depicts the conditions of my heart and mind when I am full of gratitude and when I am experiencing lack. I smiled when I read Gurumayi’s words “…your heart was never not perfect” and “The pure experience of your unblemished heart may temporarily slip out of sight, but it can never be lost.” I remembered Shri Guru’s grace and blessings.
The symbol between “Gratitude” and “A Path to Beatitude” in the title of the poem looks like the symbol of infinity in mathematics and reminds me of the infinite blessings I have received from my Guru.
The symbol between “Gratitude” and “A Path to Beatitude” in the title of the poem looks like the symbol of infinity in mathematics and reminds me of the infinite blessings I have received from my Guru.
Udaipur, India
The night before I read this exquisite poem, I dreamed of Gurumayi. In the dream, she was showing me how she was building a beautiful flower. She then left me to complete the creation of this mandala-like flower. The next morning I was filled with love when I woke up. Then I read Gurumayi’s poem. In the poem, she mentions an eternal flower. I immediately felt that she had helped me build this eternal flower of love inside. I am melting in gratitude for this divine gift of love.
New Mexico, United States
This poem from Gurumayi is especially important to me at this time when I am facing an important surgery. Gurumayi’s words guide me to focus on the blessing of this situation rather than my fears. I know I have lived in Gurumayi’s love and blessings for many years. I trust her grace to remain in my life as it always has.
Virginia, United States
I am very happy to read Gurumayi’s poem. It reminds me that being grateful to God makes my life more beautiful. When I eat even one piece of fruit or drink a glass of water, I feel thankful for this gift from God and enjoy it. Reading this poem made me more humble.
Mumbai, India
I was speechless when I read Gurumayi’s poem. I felt the jewels of her wisdom enter every cell of my being. I read the poem over and over.
With each stanza, it was as if Gurumayi were planting seeds of gratefulness inside of me, and one day they would grow and blossom into something remarkable.
It was so powerful, I felt my heart was going to burst with gratitude!
With each stanza, it was as if Gurumayi were planting seeds of gratefulness inside of me, and one day they would grow and blossom into something remarkable.
It was so powerful, I felt my heart was going to burst with gratitude!
Mersin, Turkey
It was raining while I read Gurumayi’s poem. It felt perfect. I recalled the previous few days—the rain had been coming down hard, yet my heart was bright. Times in my life when I had experienced “darkness” surfaced in my consciousness, and I saw that even then, the light of my heart was always pulsating. With these recollections, I felt grateful, gentle, humble.
And then I saw an amazing thing! In the middle of my little Christmas nativity scene, there was a heart I had never noticed before.
I felt blessed. I felt as if Gurumayi were giving me a heart. Now I will always look at it with love and gratitude.
And then I saw an amazing thing! In the middle of my little Christmas nativity scene, there was a heart I had never noticed before.
I felt blessed. I felt as if Gurumayi were giving me a heart. Now I will always look at it with love and gratitude.
San Giorgio a Cremano, Italy
As I was reading Gurumayi’s sublime poem over and over again, I found myself entering the path of beatitude. Her loving words brought me into deep meditation, where it felt like my “restored” heart was being gently wrapped in a meditation shawl woven with sacred threads and permeated with the exquisite fragrance of Gurumayi’s profound and unshakable devotion to each one of us.
Quebec, Canada
As I took my walk this morning, a dried leaf blew along beside me, tapping on the pavement several times as though it wanted to get my attention. It was as if this leaf had joined me on my walk to keep me company for a short time.
After returning home, I found Gurumayi’s poem on the Siddha Yoga path website. When I discovered her description of a leaf like the one I’d seen on my walk, I thought, “This is the part of the poem I should especially contemplate.”
The leaf blew along so freely with no expectations, with no attachments to “where it will land or what its ultimate destiny will be.” Yet it blew along with such resilience. I thought of verse 99 in Shri Guru Gita: “One should purify one’s mind by following the path shown by the Guru. Whatever transient things are ascribed to the Self should be discarded.”
I need to remember this teaching. Instead of becoming something, I need to just purely be.
After returning home, I found Gurumayi’s poem on the Siddha Yoga path website. When I discovered her description of a leaf like the one I’d seen on my walk, I thought, “This is the part of the poem I should especially contemplate.”
The leaf blew along so freely with no expectations, with no attachments to “where it will land or what its ultimate destiny will be.” Yet it blew along with such resilience. I thought of verse 99 in Shri Guru Gita: “One should purify one’s mind by following the path shown by the Guru. Whatever transient things are ascribed to the Self should be discarded.”
I need to remember this teaching. Instead of becoming something, I need to just purely be.
California, United States
After reading this poem, I felt elated to the core of my being. This divine prasad from Gurumayi has brought me sweet remembrance of my blessings.
To begin with, Gurumayi taught me the art of gratitude. I am thankful for being able to breathe freely, knowing that my Guru is always present in my heart. I appreciate having the understanding that I am always connected to my Guru through daily sadhana. In byzantine situations, I perceive Shri Guru’s hand over me as a symbol of her protection and presence, and I am grateful for it.
On a daily basis, I offer heartfelt gratitude to Gurumayi for the priceless gift of shaktipat diksha, which has changed my destiny. This simple yet profound practice affords me wisdom and tremendous contentment when making important decisions at work or in general. And Gurumayi’s teachings inspire me to value and adore nature as an integral part of my life.
To begin with, Gurumayi taught me the art of gratitude. I am thankful for being able to breathe freely, knowing that my Guru is always present in my heart. I appreciate having the understanding that I am always connected to my Guru through daily sadhana. In byzantine situations, I perceive Shri Guru’s hand over me as a symbol of her protection and presence, and I am grateful for it.
On a daily basis, I offer heartfelt gratitude to Gurumayi for the priceless gift of shaktipat diksha, which has changed my destiny. This simple yet profound practice affords me wisdom and tremendous contentment when making important decisions at work or in general. And Gurumayi’s teachings inspire me to value and adore nature as an integral part of my life.
The Houghton, South Africa
Gurumayi’s magnificent words of divine inspiration could not be more timely for me personally. It is as if she has lifted the curtain that hid the sunlight from me. I had forgotten the teachings about gratitude completely, and to have them represented to me by Gurumayi in words of such power and authority is the greatest grace.
I am always so amazed at how Gurumayi composes poetry and presents her teachings in such an original manner, with such beautiful words and images. There is nothing like this anywhere else. I thank God every day for my Guru.
I am always so amazed at how Gurumayi composes poetry and presents her teachings in such an original manner, with such beautiful words and images. There is nothing like this anywhere else. I thank God every day for my Guru.
Kilsby Rugby, United Kingdom
I was deeply touched by the power, beauty, and eloquence of this poem. Each word imprinted deeper gratitude in my heart; I still feel the words echoing in my being. Gurumayi’s love for us is so palpable, it brought me to tears, as did the beauty of her words.
I am so grateful to Gurumayi for this reminder to be our most authentic selves and to live through the heart with kindness and gratitude.
I am so grateful to Gurumayi for this reminder to be our most authentic selves and to live through the heart with kindness and gratitude.
Samara, Costa Rica
I found such truth and brilliance in this poem! As I read it, I wished that everyone on the planet could read it as well.
I suddenly am deeply aware of the profound privilege it is to be here reading this poem again now, and for my own heart to experience recognition in these words because of the effect of Gurumayi’s divine guidance and love. My gratitude for these gifts knows no bounds and cannot be forgotten or obscured by the small, ephemeral problems of life. Reading this poem made me shed joyful tears as my love and gratitude simply overflowed.
I suddenly am deeply aware of the profound privilege it is to be here reading this poem again now, and for my own heart to experience recognition in these words because of the effect of Gurumayi’s divine guidance and love. My gratitude for these gifts knows no bounds and cannot be forgotten or obscured by the small, ephemeral problems of life. Reading this poem made me shed joyful tears as my love and gratitude simply overflowed.
Georgia, United States
Reading Gurumayi’s words today was a blessing and a gift. My heart is brimming with gratitude, love, and deep surrender to my Guru, Gurumayi. It was almost as if the Guru had encompassed my past, present, and future within these words and phrases, as she carefully reminded, reiterated, cajoled, guided, and taught me about life’s truths.
The gems of wisdom and the nuggets of deep understanding shared by Gurumayi in this poem make me refresh my resolve to see the goodness in every situation of my life, and to feel gratitude for it.
The gems of wisdom and the nuggets of deep understanding shared by Gurumayi in this poem make me refresh my resolve to see the goodness in every situation of my life, and to feel gratitude for it.
Mumbai, India
When I read Gurumayi’s words “my trusted good souls,” I actually felt like one—like a “trusted good soul.” The next breath I took felt different—freer. In that same moment, I realized how much I have allowed negative internal messages to impact my life. To that tape-loop of negativity, I now say, “You have had your way long enough. You are now permanently dethroned by my Guru’s love.”
West Vancouver, Canada
This poem affected me strongly, bringing tears to my eyes again and again. For months I have been feeling this “thick, almost impermeable membrane” of guilt for having harmed Mother Earth deeply and irreversibly, and I felt this was “irredeemable.” I pray to find a way out, to be careful that this would never happen again, to stay on the right path.
When Gurumayi assures me that “your prayers have been heard unequivocally / and your heart has been restored to its original state of being,” I embrace the grace in these words, which is so huge that my system literally is too small to comprehend it. Yet my heart knows the immense power of the Guru’s words, and that they refer to “lifetimes of false being and behaving.” I feel that I would need to inflate my grateful heart to be as big as the universe to hold such grace!
When Gurumayi assures me that “your prayers have been heard unequivocally / and your heart has been restored to its original state of being,” I embrace the grace in these words, which is so huge that my system literally is too small to comprehend it. Yet my heart knows the immense power of the Guru’s words, and that they refer to “lifetimes of false being and behaving.” I feel that I would need to inflate my grateful heart to be as big as the universe to hold such grace!
Hindelang, Germany
This poem evokes in me inner contentment and immense gratitude to my beloved Guru for her guidance, full of love and truth. It inspires me to offer my gratitude for this amazing path. Following it, day after day, step by step, I have the opportunity day and night to experience more love, more compassion, more gentleness. Every day I can renew my wish to serve this world and all humanity so that we may all walk together to the light that is the final destination.
Turin, Italy
How deeply golden is this poem. After listening to it, I could feel my heart unfolding like the rose in the vase on my puja. This feast of layer upon layer of beautiful sounds carrying these sacred words from my beloved Guru arrived in my heart like pure, crystalline raindrops, seeping down until I could feel that my peacefulness and contentment were becoming deeper and even more golden.
I am having this most delicious vision that so many Siddha Yogis and their families will listen to this feast of delight, and it will drop nectar into every household and every heart.
I am having this most delicious vision that so many Siddha Yogis and their families will listen to this feast of delight, and it will drop nectar into every household and every heart.
New York, United States
I read Gurumayi’s poem, savoring each line. I could not help but smile ear to ear as I drank in her blessings.
In the poem, Gurumayi writes, “Praise the Lord for giving you a heart that is capable of forgiving…” This really resonated with me. In my life, forgiveness has cleared away so much emotional debris! It invariably gives me new eyes, allowing me to see the things before me with greater appreciation, celebration, and indeed gratitude.
In the poem, Gurumayi writes, “Praise the Lord for giving you a heart that is capable of forgiving…” This really resonated with me. In my life, forgiveness has cleared away so much emotional debris! It invariably gives me new eyes, allowing me to see the things before me with greater appreciation, celebration, and indeed gratitude.
Vancouver, Canada
What resonated with me as I read Gurumayi’s blessings is how she refers to the fleetingness of gratitude. How often have I felt so completely full with thanks for everything and everyone in my life—and then, in the next moment, been irritated with someone’s demeanor or action that doesn’t match my expectations.
In the same vein, I loved Gurumayi’s acknowledgment that we are human and we live day to day with the ebb and flow of our challenges and humanness, which, of course, affects our attitudes. I also completely related to the leaf that “knows not” where it is going. But I know that as I navigate my life, I can offer my heart and my love to others and make this world—my world—a better place.
In the same vein, I loved Gurumayi’s acknowledgment that we are human and we live day to day with the ebb and flow of our challenges and humanness, which, of course, affects our attitudes. I also completely related to the leaf that “knows not” where it is going. But I know that as I navigate my life, I can offer my heart and my love to others and make this world—my world—a better place.
Delaware, United States
Gurumayi’s exquisite gift filled every part of me with truth and gratitude for her guidance in this life and beyond. I will read this blessing again and again, aligning with my heart and dharma. I will share this blessing with my five young adult children, other family members, and friends.
Nora, Sweden
What a blessed moment it was as I was reading Gurumayi’s words. Each word was enhancing my world of thankfulness. I praise the Guru for everything that I have in abundance: it’s a zone of blessings, a zone of love.
I especially appreciated Gurumayi ji’s reminder to “make a practice of regularly remembering your sadhana.” Immediately I recalled the resolution I took at a retreat in Gurudev Siddha Peeth in 2017. My heart filled up with the fresh essence of Gurumayi’s poem that I can fulfill this resolution: I can achieve beatitude! Meditation will support me tangibly; it’s tremendously helpful for sustaining my interest in gratitude in many ways.
I especially appreciated Gurumayi ji’s reminder to “make a practice of regularly remembering your sadhana.” Immediately I recalled the resolution I took at a retreat in Gurudev Siddha Peeth in 2017. My heart filled up with the fresh essence of Gurumayi’s poem that I can fulfill this resolution: I can achieve beatitude! Meditation will support me tangibly; it’s tremendously helpful for sustaining my interest in gratitude in many ways.
Bhandara, India
Words of my Guru drenched in love
reached the holiest place of my soul.
Blessings she has distributed with both hands
filling the chambers of my heart.
Let me go into the great noisy city.
Let me join the masses of heavily burdened people
and then help me to open my heart wide.
All the twinkling stars of my Guru’s love and my love
spread freely in space and touch the hearts of all.
reached the holiest place of my soul.
Blessings she has distributed with both hands
filling the chambers of my heart.
Let me go into the great noisy city.
Let me join the masses of heavily burdened people
and then help me to open my heart wide.
All the twinkling stars of my Guru’s love and my love
spread freely in space and touch the hearts of all.
Unterlangenegg, Switzerland
This “trusted good soul” remembers walking away from a program with Gurumayi at the Shakti Mandap in Shree Muktananda Ashram and experiencing a sudden tsunami of gratitude for my parents and all they had done for my siblings and me.
The waves are only getting bigger. This inspired meditation in the shape of a poem is such a wave—of only love.
The waves are only getting bigger. This inspired meditation in the shape of a poem is such a wave—of only love.
Vermont, United States