I love the way Gurumayi puts great emphasis on practicing gratitude. I experience that practicing gratitude opens me to God’s grace. It makes me feel loved and worthy of wonderful things, and this helps me to see myself as my “own true friend”!
St. Laurent, Canada
I am very grateful for this precious guidance. When I first read “Cleansing, Refreshing, Kindling…,” I was awestruck and humbled by the understanding that Gurumayi knows the process I am experiencing. I love that this guidance was so reassuring and helped me to surrender, full of trust in this process.
I am so blessed to have this beautiful and powerful path in my life. I do love “who I am becoming by doing sadhana.”
Washington, United States
For me, this is such a profound teaching. Recently I felt it necessary to withdraw from a certain relationship. After doing so, I initially became very sad. But then I turned my focus to my inner Self and my
sadhana. When I did so, I experienced that my love was still there. It had not gone anywhere. Then, I was able to feel happy and free, and I could even also still experience my love for that person without sadness. I am so grateful for being able to “collaborate” with the process of my
sadhana, as Gurumayi teaches us.
Oslo, Norway
Sometimes I compare my s
adhana to other people’s
sadhana—usually because I feel my perceived progress is lacking in some way.
I love that Gurumayi says here that the process of
sadhana will “vary from seeker to seeker; no two people will undergo the same transformation.”
When I am able to get a little distance from my ego, I recognize that in my
sadhana, inner mountains have moved!
Oregon, United States
I have had a remarkable healing after being in an accident last fall. I am now almost fully recovered. Gurumayi’s teachings in “Cleansing, Refreshing, Kindling…” resonate with my experience of transformation. During the course of healing, blind spots—primarily in my relationships—and a predisposition to unkind judgments were revealed, providing me with a wonderful opportunity to learn, to grow, and to become a kinder, gentler person.
My heart is filled with gratitude for my great good fortune in this lifetime— that I am a student of the Siddha Yoga path. Because of this, I am a better person. Because of this, I love my life, and I am at peace.
West Vancouver, Canada
I pondered each word of Gurumayi’s teaching.
With the word “Cleansing,” I visualized a broom sweeping away unwanted physical, emotional, and mental clutter from deep within me.
With “Refreshing,” I imagined my body becoming empty. I felt the slow, steady breath coming in and going out, rejuvenating me, filling my being with respect and self-worth.
In “Kindling,” I felt Gurumayi’s abundant grace, her teachings reigniting the flame within me that seemed to have dimmed.
Each day I feel blessed that I am able to set aside time to meditate. And these teachings—this gift from Gurumayi—have rekindled my love for chanting and contemplation.
George, South Africa
I love how Gurumayi introduces the awareness of “heaviness” as essential to our ability to process the remnants of past belief. Throughout life, my foundation has been indeed shocked and my soul turned inside out.
Gurumayi has taught me to stay the course—to do
japa, to keep the body limber, its systems well-maintained, the gut clean. I practice these daily, striving to make the best choices. This helps my mind to remain balanced.
As a result of my efforts, I experience a state of well-being. I am better able to build my awareness of the heaviness within and without me. Understanding the rhythms of purification has been a metronome for me. It helps me keep my equipoise and to trust in my own worthiness.
New York, United States
For me, this teaching from Gurumayi feels like a map of
sadhana. I experience this map both intellectually and energetically. As I contemplate “dredging up silt” from my mind and the different aspects of my body that are cleansed and refined through
sadhana, I feel like a flashlight is illuminating experiences I’ve had in various phases of
sadhana. For instance, it seems clearer why, when my efforts slacken, I feel thoughts resurfacing that a deeper part of me knows to be untrue. It is also easier for me to grasp how, when I make a daily commitment to meditating, chanting, and studying the Guru’s teachings, I begin to experience that
sadhana is grace, that grace
is the Guru, and that the Guru
is my Self.
Gurumayi’s teaching feels replenishing to my soul. It makes me feel calm, grateful, and clear about what I am doing and where I am headed.
Pennsylvania, United States
This invaluable teaching from Gurumayi has helped me to understand more deeply what
sadhana is and what it means for me to do
sadhana. This teaching has illuminated dark inner areas where I had become lost, and it has shown me the way to true transformation. And besides that, it is giving me the strength and courage to make a commitment to myself and to remember Gurumayi’s words: “What is essential is your active participation in this process."
Caceres, Spain
This morning I walked downstairs, praying to Gurumayi, “I can’t do this alone.” I sensed that much inner cleansing was required! I had not been referring to the Siddha Yoga path website regularly—too many “commitments.” I knew with conviction that today was the day I would go to the website, so when I had issues connecting with the internet, I persevered.
My prize was discovering the very teaching from Gurumayi that describes my situation and gives a solution. I also discovered some immensely honest and helpful shares. I am full of gratitude for the Guru’s grace. She answered my prayer immediately. But I know I would not have experienced her grace without my own effort—and the combined efforts of my fellow seekers.
Reading Gurumayi’s teaching and the shares, I laughed and I cried. My paralyzing self-deprecation had turned into a mobilizing feeling of self-worth. I feel a weight lift from my shoulders as I trust my Guru, myself, and life’s divine synchronicities.
Beccles, United Kingdom
As I read and reread Gurumayi’s teaching, “Cleansing, Refreshing, Kindling…,” I noticed how my perception shifted. At one moment, I remembered how difficult
sadhana can be. Then, a little later, I recognized what an extraordinary privilege it is to be able to pursue the Siddha Yoga path.
When Gurumayi wrote about the “marvels and challenges” that are encountered during
sadhana, it really resonated with me, so much so that I began to tremble. I felt a surge of energy flowing through my entire body. This experience has inspired me to refresh and reignite my
sadhana. I will try to focus on feeling lucky, even in moments of discomfort, with the understanding that these discomforts are part of making progress on the spiritual path.
I am so thankful to Gurumayi for these divine and extremely practical teachings. I feel immense gratitude “for who I am becoming by doing
sadhana.”
San Giorgio a Cremano (NA), Italy
Recently I retired from paid work. Part of me was relieved, and yet another part was sad and unsettled. Reading Gurumayi’s teaching about the four bodies gave me some direction on how to process these conflicting feelings. I decided to pay attention to the sadness. Soon after, I had a vision in meditation of large, colored sheets being hung out to dry. I took this as a sign of inner cleaning and remembered that while inner cleaning is beneficial, it is not always comfortable.
As the emotions cleared, I understood that there was a deeper angst in my soul about how to serve God in the world at this stage in my life. As I pinpointed the source of my angst, my entire being relaxed and settled. While I don’t have the answers to my questions yet, I feel deeply reassured by Gurumayi’s words about the universe: “It ebbs and it flows. Above all, it is generous.” I trust that guidance and opportunities will undoubtedly come in time.
Burnaby, Canada
Recently I have been experiencing a challenging situation. As I reflected on how to address the situation, these words from Gurumayi came to me: “What is essential is your active participation in this process.” I realized that my usual tendency is to not get involved when it’s uncomfortable to stand up for myself. I held onto Gurumayi’s words and got involved to help myself. In doing so there was so much grace to support and protect me. I was successful in addressing the situation. I know now that I have it in me to stand up for myself.
New York, United States
As I read “Cleansing, Refreshing, Kindling...,” I felt my mind and body gently quieting into the stillness of meditation. Each time I study this teaching, I become more and more willing and able to give myself to my
sadhana, this sacred inner and outer work.
North Carolina, United States
Two years ago I had a minor fall, which unexpectedly overturned my life balance. In the process of receiving medical care for the injury, I learned that I had a rare health condition. The ground I trod was shaken; my life and my beliefs were tested. This challenging crack in my day-to-day life exposed my self-induced suffering and self-imposed limitations. Staying committed to my goal of healing has required effort, perseverance, and faith!
I have been supported by an amazing medical team, the love of friends and family, and above all, the ever-present benevolence of Shri Guru. And yes, my diligent engagement in the deep healing process has also been essential.
I am grateful for the opportunity this circumstance has given me to refresh my
sadhana and rekindle the light in my physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual bodies. It has been a humbling and also empowering experience.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
While reading this teaching, I experienced solace and relief in my heart. Feelings of hope, gratitude, and enthusiasm for continuing my
sadhana emerged from very deep inside.
Hermosillo, Mexico
I recently experienced what felt like a rekindling of my
shaktipat experience. I was meditating, and all of a sudden I was still me, but free, moving about with no attachment and no pain in my body. I realized I was experiencing myself as Consciousness in my very own heart.
I feel I am becoming more aware of my experiences as a result of being steadfast in my
sadhana by chanting, meditating, offering
dakshina, and reading the teachings of the Siddhas. The wings of self-effort and grace have allowed me to shed the thorns of my previous existence before
shaktipat.
New Hampshire, United States
Recently I have been awash with gratitude for Gurumayi’s teachings, which I have applied throughout my life. These teachings have not only helped me become aware of the light within, but also taught me how to access it, remember it, and experience profound gratitude for it. In remembering, I rediscover my light, and very importantly, in rediscovering my light, I am rekindling it and can share it with all around me.
South Melbourne, Australia
I had just completed two weeks of a physical cleansing when I read Gurumayi’s teaching. The cleansing seemed to reset my system and open up space within my body and mind. Now I am experiencing the courage to cultivate habits that support my well-being. I am experiencing Gurumayi’s words, “I feel light. I feel right. I feel my might.”
Washington, United States
The first paragraph in Gurumayi’s teaching was a mirror for me. It reflected exactly how I was feeling. I had just come through several months of great intensity, and I felt heavy and out of balance. The teaching gave me a path to lightness and clarity.
I was particularly interested in Gurumayi’s naming of the different bodies: the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual bodies. As the words settled within me, I became curious as to how I might focus my intentions to "cleanse, refresh, and kindle light" in each of these bodies. I asked myself: “What did my nervous system need? Was I being disciplined in my activities? How could I uplift my mind? What experiences would strengthen and soothe me? Which specific practices would fuel each of these “bodies”?”
As I explore these questions, I feel a fresh delight and energy. Gurumayi’s teachings ignite my inner investigation and propel me into renewed efforts in
sadhana, with sweetness and joy.
Rhode Island, United States
I am infinitely grateful for the person I am slowly but surely becoming by performing my
sadhana under Gurumayi’s compassionate guidance.
This teaching answers several questions I had about the evolution of my
sadhana. Learning that the process of "cleansing, refreshing, and kindling" acts differently on my physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual bodies comforts me and calms my worries.
At the end of the teaching, Gurumayi invites us to repeat several statements. When I do that, I am drawn into deep meditation. Sometimes in these meditations I feel gently anchored in my own light, aware of my divinity and the divinity present in all beings and all things. I bathe in an infinite sweetness of joy, love, peace, and silence. I feel blessed and deeply grateful.
Quebec, Canada
A few days ago I cleaned my
puja items as a way of welcoming spring. This is an activity I perform every year at springtime, out of love for these holy objects.
Later I read Gurumayi’s teaching “Cleansing, Refreshing, Kindling...” While contemplating this profound teaching on the process of
sadhana, I felt so blessed to be walking this beautiful path. I learned that there is more to say about
sadhana than what I had thought. I came out of my contemplation with a deep respect and reverence for anyone, including myself, who devotes themselves to this process.
In my own
sadhana, I am discovering with wonder that I
am my own “true friend.” And the more I participate in the process, the deeper my connection to my inner light becomes.
Joliette, Canada
When I first read this teaching, I felt the weight of the subtle toxicity I had unconsciously accumulated and nurtured. It was difficult to face. I could hardly keep reading. Yet such is the mysterious gift of grace—I could not stop rereading! I was longing for the openness and light I could feel in the words.
Sitting for meditation this morning, the words came alive, and I was unexpectedly given the experience of my own inner campfire. A warming comfort was rising up from within, a melting of my tired heart. An old frozen part of me that has long defied my attempts at cleansing shifted naturally. In the good company of this tiny kindled warmth, the ice block of my toxicity simply melted away, releasing its weight, making new space.
I realized I want to tend this fire carefully. I felt the Guru’s words are the good wood, the essential fuel. May the light and truth of this knowing guide me always. I am so grateful.
Washington, United States
Each time I read this teaching, it takes on new meaning—like a living, breathing manuscript that expands into chapters and volumes. As I reread Gurumayi’s words, my understanding continues to evolve and change. The teaching is a benevolent treasure chest providing me my daily sustenance.
What good fortune I must have to be receiving Gurumayi’s teachings! When I read her words, something within me awakens, like seeds that have lain dormant for eons. Gurumayi’s words give rise to a cornucopia of new understandings, perceptions, and hope.
California, United States
Every time I read this teaching, I feel empowered and full of hope.
These past few weeks have been emotionally draining for me. Now I realize it has been part of the cleansing process in my
sadhana. Those few weeks were the “thorns” on the “rose.” It is such a relief to know this!
St. Laurent, Canada
I am so moved by this amazing teaching—it is exactly what I needed right now. I am especially grateful for Gurumayi’s words at the end: “I feel grace. I feel light. I feel right.”
Often I have felt heavy or off in some way, and I carried this feeling around with me. Now with this affirmation, I intend to change this mental attitude and affirm from the start that ”I feel right.”
It is a subtle shift, but so powerful. I feel that with this sweet effort, I will also be affirming that “I feel grace.”
I do indeed feel blessed by doing
sadhana!
Montreal, Canada
My contemplation on Gurumayi’s teaching “Cleansing, Refreshing, Kindling…” invited me to a spring cleaning. To help me experience these words, I took a ladder and began to clean all the light bulbs in my home. And when I admired the newly shining bulbs, I felt joy in my heart. The exterior cleaning had an interior effect.
Meanwhile, I asked myself about the impurities that cover the Self. I have learned that they are of three basic kinds—a sense of separation, a sense of differences, and doership. The more I can dissolve these, the more I enjoy the light of my heart and improve my relationships with nature and humanity.
I like to view
sadhana as a ladder that lifts me to my heart. While connecting to the mantra during a meditation or a
japa walk, a pleasant coolness infuses my heart, brings light to my senses, and keeps me away from the distractions of the world. The time I take for spiritual practice has become my golden time.
Rodez, France
One sentence stood out for me in Gurumayi’s teaching: “As you develop a greater awareness of what’s happening within, as you become more and more willing to be a collaborator in this process, you will be awed by what you are discovering.”
This encourages me to become more discerning in assessing what is at play when I am in the throes of challenging emotions. Did I cause the heartache? If so, I turn my attention to taking responsibility and rectifying the situation. Have I unnecessarily taken on another’s concern? If so, I strive to let it go. If there is no external cause for my heartache, I recognize that an inner cleansing is underway. Increasingly, I am patient with myself during such a time. I acknowledge what a precious gift it is to have this dross burned away.
In awe, my gratitude for the Guru is boundless.
Michigan, United States
As I read the teaching, I felt that each of Gurumayi’s words made it possible for me to experience the transformative power and love that are present within them. The pure love I am experiencing is helping me to stabilize, revitalize, and protect my beloved heart, to offer heartfelt prayers, and to feel gratitude.
I am grateful to Shri Guru for her guidance in my life.
Bhubaneswar, India
I meditated on the words
at the end of the teaching that my Guru is inviting me to utter. Gurumayi’s words rocked me gently. My eyes closed. I slipped slowly into deep peace. Her sacred words, filled with grace, settled into my being, and they took on various divine forms. I saw them in these ways: a prayer—granted before it is even uttered, a perpetual blessing, a blessed shawl draped over my shoulders, an inner transformation—already completed and unfolding like a lotus before my astonished eyes.
These words flowed through me like a river. Like the sacred water of my Guru’s lotus feet, they engulfed me with her infinite love.
Quebec, Canada
This teaching reminds me that I have the inner tools to progress and continue my
sadhana—even when life is demanding my attention to outer tasks. When I take a break at work, I can stop what I’m doing and remember my connection to the Self, repeat the mantra, or look out the window and reflect on a teaching I’ve read. Sometimes, a simpler approach is what is necessary for me.
Florida, United States
As I repeated the sentences that Gurumayi gave us at the end of this teaching, I returned my attention to my heart. I am excited with this
prasad, and I wish to cherish it, to hold it close. In the last month I have felt troubled by my work and my extended family life. I have been wondering what changes to make, and sometimes I’ve been placing blame. After reading Gurumayi's words, I realized that I can offer myself to my
sadhana with commitment; I can work on myself instead of blaming outer situations. I am especially inspired by the story of the disciple and the 108 lamps. I feel there is a teaching in it for me, and I will continue to contemplate this story.
Warrnambool, Australia
More than half a century ago, I wrote a little book and gave it to a friend. She kept this book, and last year it was returned to me. Out of curiosity, I read the book quickly. I didn’t quite know what to make of it—or of the person I had once been.
I looked at a photograph of Gurumayi. What has happened to that “me”? An inner voice answered,
I transformed you. I made you light. I opened you and made you clean. For that I am exceedingly thankful.
Sydney, Australia
These profoundly refreshing teachings resonate in all of the bodies that comprise my worldly form. Three years ago, my world did turn inside out. Although my state contracted and I unraveled for a time, since then I have been experiencing a flowing expansion in a new chapter of
sadhana. I have felt cleansed and rekindled by every moment of often challenging self-effort and every gift of grace that has come. All along the way, the steadfast practice of gratitude has been a vitalizing commitment and beloved companion. Tears of blessed thanksgiving arise most days. I am, indeed, deeply “grateful for who I am becoming by doing
sadhana.”
Florida, United States
Each week, I am part of a team that offers
seva by cleaning at the Siddha Yoga Ashram in our city. I think that each member of this
seva team deeply feels the power of this offering to attract a splendid grace, which cleanses us and refreshes us. The mystery of this process is unfathomable: we are doing only menial tasks, yet without a doubt these simple actions are drawing enormous grace. I am beyond grateful for being able to offer this
seva that brings so much transformation. All I have to do is to turn up and perform some simple housekeeping task—and my heart is learning to love. Whatever cleaning happens on the outside, the real cleaning is occurring in the heart.
Clifton Hill, Australia
I am grateful for these compassionate words from Gurumayi. There was an issue in my life that I had avoided for decades. As I began to face this issue, I felt overwhelmed by distress and anxiety. Yet, I called upon grace and moved forward. As I did so, the heaviness in my body, mind, and feelings dissolved, and I experienced the sweetness of the heart with renewed courage and gratitude.
I found that I had let my discipline in
sadhana become way too relaxed. At first, I was very harsh with myself, and that felt terrible. I had to work on treating myself with loving kindness. Now, I have managed to restore my discipline, and at the same time, I am learning to let go of harshness and to steer my ship of
sadhana with love, devotion, and gratitude.
California, United States