The Generosity of the Guru’s Grace
by David Katz
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“The Generosity of the Guru’s Grace” is a speech given by David Katz during a Siddha Yoga Celebration Satsang in honor of Gurupurnima on the full-moon day of July 16, 2019, and streamed live via the Siddha Yoga path website.
David teaches about the immeasurable value of Guru’s grace in bringing about a profound transformation that reveals the presence of God within a student dedicated to practicing the Guru’s teachings. Out of gratitude for the Guru’s boundless grace, such a student naturally performs arpana, making offerings of love to the Guru.
The video recording and text of David’s speech are available for your study and contemplation.
What a reminder of the abundant grace and generous blessings of Shri Guru, and the immense gifts I have received from her! More gratitude sprang from my heart on reading this speech. It kept resonating within me all day yesterday and today. The five elements discussed are so powerful—anugraha, transformation, freedom, guru-bhakti, and arpana.
My bhava, my inner posture, was refreshed for my offering of seva at the lotus feet of our Shri Guru. My commitment to honor her grace has been fueled. I thank Gurumayi ji for her uncountable blessings to us all.
My bhava, my inner posture, was refreshed for my offering of seva at the lotus feet of our Shri Guru. My commitment to honor her grace has been fueled. I thank Gurumayi ji for her uncountable blessings to us all.
a Gurukula student in Gurudev Siddha Peeth
What a compelling speech! What stayed with me most after I listened to this speech are the five elements highlighted in it: the Guru’s grace, transformation, freedom, guru-bhakti, and offering. In my understanding, even the limited knowledge of all these that I currently possess is in itself the most powerful blessing. And it feels wonderful to think about freedom. The word carries a lightness within it. I have full faith that I am walking on the path to reach freedom.
For me, Gurupurnima month is the best time to remember and to reconnect with my Shri Guru, to refresh my gratitude toward my Shri Guru for her solid support, her abundant love, and her clear teachings, and for inspiring me to walk on this beautiful path of life. Like the author of this speech, I too “pay homage to our Shri Guru."
For me, Gurupurnima month is the best time to remember and to reconnect with my Shri Guru, to refresh my gratitude toward my Shri Guru for her solid support, her abundant love, and her clear teachings, and for inspiring me to walk on this beautiful path of life. Like the author of this speech, I too “pay homage to our Shri Guru."
Pune, India
I have been listening to this talk periodically with rapt attention, bearing in mind the transformation of my life since I received shaktipat from Gurumayi in 1989. The Guru’s teachings have nourished my soul on this mystical journey.
I am eternally grateful to our beloved Guru and all the Siddhas for dispelling the darkness in my heart with their illuminating teachings. My heart is brimming with gratitude as I reflect on my growth.
I am eternally grateful to our beloved Guru and all the Siddhas for dispelling the darkness in my heart with their illuminating teachings. My heart is brimming with gratitude as I reflect on my growth.
Florida, United States
This heartfelt speech by David Katz on the significance of Shri Guru’s presence in our lives reminded me of the importance of gratitude and steadfastness in sadhana. His simple words contain profound wisdom and motivate me to recall and honor the gift of inner transformation which Gurumayi bestowed on me when I received shaktipat initiation three decades ago. His speech is a potent reminder to turn within again and again, and to live with purity and integrity.
Sahibabad, India
I found profound wisdom in this speech. I was touched by the precise and clear way subtle aspects of Siddha Yoga sadhana were articulated.
As I listened to each word in Sanskrit explained here, I felt like I was touching a velvet lotus petal. Hearing about the transformation that comes to one’s life as a result of the touch of divine grace of the Sadguru has opened new dimensions of reflection on my own life journey on the Siddha Yoga path.
I am filled with a sense of auspicious responsibility as I read about my place in this universe and the role I can take in offering back to the universe, which, after all, is nothing less than the Guru’s world.
As I listened to each word in Sanskrit explained here, I felt like I was touching a velvet lotus petal. Hearing about the transformation that comes to one’s life as a result of the touch of divine grace of the Sadguru has opened new dimensions of reflection on my own life journey on the Siddha Yoga path.
I am filled with a sense of auspicious responsibility as I read about my place in this universe and the role I can take in offering back to the universe, which, after all, is nothing less than the Guru’s world.
Pune, India
This talk is so full of love! As I listen to it, I feel connected to the Guru’s light and can also feel this light reflected in myself.
My daily practice of arpana—offering—keeps me connected to this light. Every day, I place fresh flowers on my altar and I offer candles, and the light enchants me. Sometimes I offer fruit and fresh water, and I always offer a lot of gratitude.
The practice of making an offering with intention empowers me! It helps me find solutions to challenges, it frees me from old mental conditioning, and it fills me with gratitude for all that I have received. This gratitude transforms me. It makes me want to offer more and more love.
My daily practice of arpana—offering—keeps me connected to this light. Every day, I place fresh flowers on my altar and I offer candles, and the light enchants me. Sometimes I offer fruit and fresh water, and I always offer a lot of gratitude.
The practice of making an offering with intention empowers me! It helps me find solutions to challenges, it frees me from old mental conditioning, and it fills me with gratitude for all that I have received. This gratitude transforms me. It makes me want to offer more and more love.
Limasol, Cyprus
Every time I listen to this talk by David Katz, a new teaching is revealed to me. Today, after listening, I found myself in a deep state of meditation, filled with tranquility and bliss. AUM rang out within my being. Indeed, I felt free!
Washington, United States
I live in one of the most beautiful places on planet Earth. When I look out to the mountains, the lakes, the sky, I feel I am surrounded by the Guru’s grace and blessings.
Time and time again, my heart softens and my being fills with appreciation for all that I see and for all that I have become.
Without the transformation I have experienced through the years of following the Siddha Yoga path—a transformation highlighted in this powerful talk—I would not be able to see the world and myself in this way.
Time and time again, my heart softens and my being fills with appreciation for all that I see and for all that I have become.
Without the transformation I have experienced through the years of following the Siddha Yoga path—a transformation highlighted in this powerful talk—I would not be able to see the world and myself in this way.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Years ago, at the time I found the Siddha Yoga path, I did not know I was searching. But on some level I must have been searching, and Baba found me. Now, looking back, I can see how the Guru began to guide me. Circumstances and thoughts that were not beneficial began to slowly fall away. Clarity came to me on many things. I still have many obstacles to overcome, but my direction is clear. I continue to feel the hand of the Guru guiding me on my path. My love for my Guru and creation grows daily.
Barrie, Canada
What uplifting words! They were all so touching and went straight into my heart, making it rejoice. I feel so fortunate to have met a Siddha Guru. She gives me light to counter the darkness, and hope to counter despair. I bow forever to the lotus feet of Shri Guru.
Bergamo, Italy
These profound teachings and the bhav with which David Katz conveys them give my heart the nourishment of knowledge! These words ignite my longing to know the Guru, to know my true Self, to bathe in guru-bhakti, and to pay homage to the Sadguru! My heart is filled with gratitude for the Guru.
I am so excited for each day of this month of Gurupurnima, the month especially dedicated to honoring and worshipping Shri Guru.
I am so excited for each day of this month of Gurupurnima, the month especially dedicated to honoring and worshipping Shri Guru.
a Gurukula student in Gurudev Siddha Peeth
Many years ago as a college student, I came to the realization that I had no idea of who I really was. At the time, I wrote a letter to my brother expressing my desolation about this discovery. I told him the thing I wanted most in life was Self-knowledge. In his return letter, he cautioned me about not becoming a ship without a rudder, a ship that goes nowhere, just traveling in circles.
Listening to David’s talk once again today, I recognize how grateful I am for the amazing transformation in my life; I have had the grace of the Guru to receive shaktipat forty years ago and experience an enduring connection to the Heart. I have a rudder that always guides my life.
For me, dakshina is the golden thread that connects me to the heart of my beloved Guru.
Listening to David’s talk once again today, I recognize how grateful I am for the amazing transformation in my life; I have had the grace of the Guru to receive shaktipat forty years ago and experience an enduring connection to the Heart. I have a rudder that always guides my life.
For me, dakshina is the golden thread that connects me to the heart of my beloved Guru.
Florida, United States
I have been listening to this talk every morning after my meditation. It inspires me and reminds me of the unparalleled importance of the Guru’s grace in being able to experience inner transformation, that extraordinary inner transformation through the mysterious process of shaktipat. It has awakened me to my true nature and to the love within me.
I am ever so grateful to my Guru for this greatest gift, which has changed my life and the lives of so many other seekers. My vision has changed and continues to change, and always for the better.
I am ever so grateful to my Guru for this greatest gift, which has changed my life and the lives of so many other seekers. My vision has changed and continues to change, and always for the better.
Florida, United States
Thanks to this talk I became deeply aware of my profound transformation by the Guru’s grace.
Lifetime after lifetime, my soul has been longing for this transformation! This insight motivates me to engage in the Siddha Yoga practices more regularly, and in so doing, strengthen my inner connection to Gurumayi.
Lifetime after lifetime, my soul has been longing for this transformation! This insight motivates me to engage in the Siddha Yoga practices more regularly, and in so doing, strengthen my inner connection to Gurumayi.
Unterlangenegg, Switzerland
This talk is so powerful! I find in it so many layers and levels to be explored. I listened to it three times, and each time my understanding of the transformational power of the Guru’s grace deepens. What a great gift!
Queenstown, New Zealand
It is so wonderful to be reminded, through this talk, of the profound transformation the Guru has engendered in me through her magnificent grace. I am reminded, again and again, that “I am not the same” since receiving shaktipat and embarking on the Siddha Yoga path.
Gurupurnima is a divine occasion for me to remember that I too can give to the Guru by offering dakshina, though I am well aware that there will never be enough in what I offer to match what I have been given through Gurumayi’s unparalleled generosity.
Gurupurnima is a divine occasion for me to remember that I too can give to the Guru by offering dakshina, though I am well aware that there will never be enough in what I offer to match what I have been given through Gurumayi’s unparalleled generosity.
Virginia, United States
This talk is so very inspiring! Each time I hear this beautiful exposition on Guru’s grace, and the mysterious ways that its power transforms the life of a disciple, it is a revelation, as if I am experiencing and hearing this truth for the first time. The power and depth of the meanings expressed in this talk touch me deeply. It is as if I am a new seeker on the path once again, hearing and engaging with my Shri Guru’s teachings with reverence and incredible gratitude.
Milan, Italy
I now feel purified and lifted up in my understanding of transformation, freedom, devotion to the Guru, and the significance of making a dakshina offering to the Guru.
I am grateful for the benevolent grace of the Guru flowing through the wisdom in this talk. I am grateful for the Siddha Yoga path, which makes the teachings of the Guru available to me. I am grateful for my beloved Gurumayi whose shakti permeates my being.
I am grateful for the benevolent grace of the Guru flowing through the wisdom in this talk. I am grateful for the Siddha Yoga path, which makes the teachings of the Guru available to me. I am grateful for my beloved Gurumayi whose shakti permeates my being.
Virginia, United States
Listening to David Katz’s talk, I was fascinated by the meaning of the word chaitanya. I could feel the power of the Guru’s grace in every word, as if the words themselves were alive. This allowed them to sink deeply into my very being.
West Footscray, Australia
For several years, at the time of Gurupurnima, I have asked myself, “How will I honor Gurupurnima?” My husband and I offer dakshina regularly, so I renew my focus on the Guru-disciple relationship. Then I choose a way of offering unconditional love, gratitude, attention, some advice, or a helping hand to those around me. I do this in the belief that, through each person or situation to which I offer something, Gurumayi is receiving my offering.
This year, I practiced seeing that Gurumayi is in that person or that situation. And I contemplated how the inner freedom and unconditional love that permeate the Guru-disciple relationship can also be instilled in relationships of all forms.
I also honor Gurupurnima with the practice of opening myself to receive—and then, clear guidance for my own sadhana comes. In that way, I experience Gurumayi’s presence here where I live, and I feel I am sitting at her lotus feet.
This satsang with Gurumayi has enlivened and deepened what was happening in my heart and spirit. I am deeply grateful.
This year, I practiced seeing that Gurumayi is in that person or that situation. And I contemplated how the inner freedom and unconditional love that permeate the Guru-disciple relationship can also be instilled in relationships of all forms.
I also honor Gurupurnima with the practice of opening myself to receive—and then, clear guidance for my own sadhana comes. In that way, I experience Gurumayi’s presence here where I live, and I feel I am sitting at her lotus feet.
This satsang with Gurumayi has enlivened and deepened what was happening in my heart and spirit. I am deeply grateful.
Ramonville-Saint-Agne, France
I was particularly touched when Dr. Katz invited us to think, imagine, and feel “I am free.” As a fellow scientist, I felt that this exercise expressed even more clearly the power of the mind.
Montreal, Canada
What joy to find this speech here today. As I listened to the speech during the satsang, I so appreciated the lucid exposition and beautiful delivery. I was inspired by the scholarship and understanding shining so brightly and by the glow of deep transformation.
Bangalore, India
I was so pleased to see this speech by David Katz on the Siddha Yoga path website. There were certain words that jumped out at me as he gave this speech—transformation, free, journey—and now I can delve deeper into those words.
When we listened to this speech in the satsang, the image of Gurumayi cradling the sun in her hands captured for me the essence of the speech. I experience that Gurumayi holds the light of the world I live in. As I walk this path with her as my guide, I feel safe and can enjoy contentment and happiness.
When we listened to this speech in the satsang, the image of Gurumayi cradling the sun in her hands captured for me the essence of the speech. I experience that Gurumayi holds the light of the world I live in. As I walk this path with her as my guide, I feel safe and can enjoy contentment and happiness.
Hampton Hill, United Kingdom
While reflecting on the transformation I have experienced through the Guru’s grace, I had a dream in which I experienced myself as I was before shaktipat initiation. It felt difficult to be plunged into that old familiar state of anxiety and preoccupation with what others thought of me. In those days, I definitely believed I was only my body and nothing else.
This experience showed me clearly how I have transformed. Now I truly do love other people. I experience the vastness of my awareness, and I can access the core of myself and know that this is who I am. I sense a gentle vibration within and all around.
Yes, I can see that so much has changed for the better for me as a result of the generosity of Shri Guru’s grace.
This experience showed me clearly how I have transformed. Now I truly do love other people. I experience the vastness of my awareness, and I can access the core of myself and know that this is who I am. I sense a gentle vibration within and all around.
Yes, I can see that so much has changed for the better for me as a result of the generosity of Shri Guru’s grace.
Washington, United States
I felt empowered by this speech, especially by the explanation: “Arpana is an offering of our best—to God, to the Guru, to the one in whom we have placed our love and trust.”
Recently I was offered a new seva, which meant more commitment of my time and energy. I wanted to accept it, but I was not sure if I was up to the task. When I realized that seva is an opportunity to make an offering of my time and energy, all my doubts dissolved! I felt joyful, peaceful, immersed in love for Gurumayi, and grateful for the opportunity to make this arpana.
Recently I was offered a new seva, which meant more commitment of my time and energy. I wanted to accept it, but I was not sure if I was up to the task. When I realized that seva is an opportunity to make an offering of my time and energy, all my doubts dissolved! I felt joyful, peaceful, immersed in love for Gurumayi, and grateful for the opportunity to make this arpana.
Washington, United States
I began to read this remarkable speech without knowing the name of its author. As I followed this thorough analysis with attention and awe, I felt Gurumayi’s presence.
Near the end of the speech, when the writer explained the significance of the words Sadgurunath Maharaj ki Jay, I was reminded once again that the Guru dwells in my heart—the abode of love and freedom, and the place where Gurumayi leads me through the inner process of sadhana.
Near the end of the speech, when the writer explained the significance of the words Sadgurunath Maharaj ki Jay, I was reminded once again that the Guru dwells in my heart—the abode of love and freedom, and the place where Gurumayi leads me through the inner process of sadhana.
Rodez, France
I am so grateful for this profound exploration and articulation of the Guru-disciple relationship. The author’s words ushered me deeper and deeper into the Guru’s divine vision for her disciples and sensitized me to the significance of the transformation process I am undertaking as an awakened Siddha Yogi.
Drawn into this divine vision, I feel I am sitting in the seat of Gurumayi’s all-encompassing, grace-filled light and love with absolute trust.
Drawn into this divine vision, I feel I am sitting in the seat of Gurumayi’s all-encompassing, grace-filled light and love with absolute trust.
Maryland, United States
I am grateful for this sublime exposition.
What engrossed me most was how each aspect of arpana, offering, was so beautifully explained. The clear and detailed examples of offering made me aware that in so many small ways, I make offerings daily, without realizing that I do—simply by admiring a beautiful garden or a colorful butterfly. However, I learned that it is more significant to be aware and have the intention of arpana, making an offering, during the moments of sweet gratitude for the simple gifts bestowed on me.
What engrossed me most was how each aspect of arpana, offering, was so beautifully explained. The clear and detailed examples of offering made me aware that in so many small ways, I make offerings daily, without realizing that I do—simply by admiring a beautiful garden or a colorful butterfly. However, I learned that it is more significant to be aware and have the intention of arpana, making an offering, during the moments of sweet gratitude for the simple gifts bestowed on me.
New York, United States
I found this speech light, profound, and intimate. As I closed my eyes, I felt the speech resonate directly in my heart. I deeply appreciated the perfection of the Guru-disciple relationship.
Naples, Italy
I am so happy to find this profound, inspiring speech transcribed here. For me during the satsang, the speech was a guided journey to the realm of Consciousness and a tangible experience of love and gratitude for my beloved Gurumayi.
Alabama, United States
What a profound and beautiful speech! I loved the way David Katz shared about the Guru’s work of rending the veil of ignorance and illusion. I understand that my inner journey depends on my willingness to respect this cleansing and rending and to allow my inner being to mature with time. I can see how Gurumayi’s teachings and grace have worked on my limited patterns and taught me how to expand my awareness. This speech has given rise to the understanding that I must remember why Gurumayi is in my life and why I am on this path.
Thane West, India
Revived, once again,
By the divine light that is you,
O my beloved Shri Guru,
The all-pervading pure light of existence,
Of which nature reminds me through the light of the Guru’s full moon,
Keeps beckoning me.
The small me keeps thinking,
I am seeking and finding you,
Until, by your divine grace, once again,
The awareness pervades me,
You are wherever I look, for as soon as I remember,
Magically, there you are, everywhere and in everyone.
O my beloved Shri Guru,
Revived, once again, by the divine vision that is you,
The realization of union arises once again,
As entering into the one light of all of existence,
I pray with all my heart:
May everyone, everywhere live in irreversible union,
In total, perfect, divine freedom, within the one light that is you.
By the divine light that is you,
O my beloved Shri Guru,
The all-pervading pure light of existence,
Of which nature reminds me through the light of the Guru’s full moon,
Keeps beckoning me.
The small me keeps thinking,
I am seeking and finding you,
Until, by your divine grace, once again,
The awareness pervades me,
You are wherever I look, for as soon as I remember,
Magically, there you are, everywhere and in everyone.
O my beloved Shri Guru,
Revived, once again, by the divine vision that is you,
The realization of union arises once again,
As entering into the one light of all of existence,
I pray with all my heart:
May everyone, everywhere live in irreversible union,
In total, perfect, divine freedom, within the one light that is you.
California, United States
Thank you for these eloquent and beautiful words steeped in sacred knowledge and the experience of years of sadhana. I feel very blessed and lucky to be connected to everyone in the Siddha Yoga global sangham, where I continue to learn and grow and be amazed!
London, United Kingdom