Gladness of Spirit
Gladness of Spirit
चेतनतत्त्व का आह्लाद
शरीराचे आरोग्य
ચેતનતત્તત્તવનો આહ્લાદ
Gozo de espíritu
Alegria do espírito
Allégresse de l’âme
Mit freudigem Geist
Letizia dello spirito
精神の喜び
心曠神怡
Zadowolenie Ducha
Ликование Духа
Since the practice will be about thirty-five minutes in length, you may wish to do physical warm-ups before beginning. If you are unable to do one or more of the physical movements in this practice, you may do the practice (either in its entirety or specific parts of it) mentally, visualizing the movements that are described.
Since the practice will be about thirty-five minutes in length, you may wish to do physical warm-ups before beginning. If you are unable to do one or more of the physical movements in this practice, you may do the practice (either in its entirety or specific parts of it) mentally, visualizing the movements that are described.
चूँकि इस अभ्यास की अवधि लगभग पैंतीस मिनट की होगी, इसलिए आरम्भ करने के पूर्व आप चाहें तो अभ्यास करने हेतु शरीर को तैयार करने के लिए कुछ हलके व्यायाम कर सकते हैं। यदि आप इस अभ्यास में एक या एक से अधिक शारीरिक गतिविधियाँ नहीं कर सकते हैं तो इस अभ्यास का [चाहे पूरे अभ्यास का अथवा इसके कुछ विशिष्ट भागों का] मानस-चित्रण करते हुए, जिन गतिविधियों का यहाँ वर्णन किया गया है, उन्हें मानसिक रूप से कर सकते हैं।
हा अभ्यास पस्तीस मिनिटांचा असल्यामुळे, अभ्यासाला सुरुवात करण्यापूर्वी शरीराला तयार करण्याकरता, हवे असल्यास तुम्ही काही हलके व्यायाम करू शकता. तुम्ही जर या अभ्यासात एक किंवा एकापेक्षा जास्त शारीरिक हालचाली करू शकत नसाल, तर या अभ्यासाचे (पूर्ण अभ्यासाचे किंवा याच्या काही विशिष्ट भागांचे) मानसचित्रण करत, ज्या हालचालींचे वर्णन इथे केले गेले आहे, त्या मानसिक रूपाने करू शकता.
આ અભ્યાસ લગભગ પાંત્રીસ મિનિટ જેટલો લાંબો હોવાને કારણે તેને આરંભ કરતા પહેલાં તમે ઇચ્છો તો શરીરને તૈયાર કરવા માટે હળવા વ્યાયામ કરી શકો છો. જો તમે આ અભ્યાસની કોઈ એક કે એકથી વધારે શારીરિક ક્રિયાઓને ન કરી શકો, તો તમે આ અભ્યાસનું (આખા અભ્યાસનું અથવા તેના કોઈ વિશેષ ભાગનું) માનસચિત્રણ કરીને, જે ક્રિયાઓનું અહીં વર્ણન કરવામાં આવ્યું છે તેને માનસિકરૂપે કરી શકો છો.
Dado que la práctica durará unos treinta y cinco minutos, puedes optar por hacer calentamientos físicos antes de comenzar. Si no puedes hacer uno o más de los movimientos físicos en esta práctica, puedes hacerla mentalmente, (ya sea en su totalidad o partes específicas de ella) visualizando los movimientos que se describen.
Como esta prática deve durar cerca de 35 minutos, você pode optar por fazer alguns aquecimentos físicos antes de começar. Caso não consiga fazer um ou mais dos movimentos físicos nesta prática, você pode realizar a prática (seja na totalidade ou algumas partes específicas) mentalmente, visualizando os movimentos que são descritos.
Comme cette pratique dure environ trente-cinq minutes, vous souhaiterez peut-être faire quelques échauffements avant de commencer. Si vous ne pouvez pas faire l’un ou plusieurs des mouvements physiques de cette pratique, vous pouvez accomplir la pratique mentalement (soit entièrement, soit pour certaines séquences) en visualisant les mouvements qui sont décrits.
Da diese Übung etwa fünfunddreißig Minuten dauert, möchtest du vielleicht vorher körperliche Aufwärmübungen machen. Falls du nicht in der Lage bist, eine oder mehrere dieser Körperübungen auszuführen, kannst du die Übung (entweder als Ganzes oder in Teilen) innerlich machen, indem du dir die beschriebenen Bewegungen vorstellst.
Poiché la pratica durerà circa trentacinque minuti, puoi decidere di fare degli esercizi di riscaldamento prima di iniziare. Se non sei in grado di fare uno o più movimenti fisici di questa pratica, puoi eseguirla (tutta o in parte) mentalmente, visualizzando i movimenti descritti.
この修行は約 35 分の長さですので、始める前に準備運動を行ってもよいでしょう。この修行の
身体の動きの中で、できないものがある場合には、描写されている動きを （すべて、あるいは
一部分）心の中で思い描くことで、実践することができます。
【由於這項修煉大約需要三十五分鐘，你可選擇在開始前做熱身運動。如果你不能做這
項修煉的一個或多個動作，可以內觀描述的動作，用意念修煉全套或其中的部分。】
Ponieważ ta praktyka potrwa około 30 minut, możesz zrobić przed nią małą rozgrzewkę, jeśli chcesz. Jeśli nie jesteś w stanie zrobić jakiegoś wybranego lub kilku ruchów fizycznych tej praktyki, możesz wykonać je (w całości lub w jakiejś części) mentalnie, wyobrażając sobie opisane ruchy.
Ниже приводятся инструкции к практике, которую вам предлагается делать стоя, но если вам трудно стоять в течение долгого времени, то вы можете выполнять эту практику сидя. И, если у вас не получается выполнять какие-то движения, данные в этой практике, вы можете делать её мысленно (полностью или отдельные части), представляя описанные в ней движения.
Design Concept by Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Read by Isabelle Anderson
Mantras recited by Ami Bansal
Designer: Karan Singh Bhullar
Mantras recited by Ami Bansal
Designer: Karan Singh Bhullar
The image above is of a Tibetan mandala that represents the five elements.
डिज़ाइन
संकल्पना : गुरुमाई चिद्विलासानन्द
पठनकर्ता : राधा सातव
मन्त्रों
क़ा उच्च़ारण : अमी बन्सल
डिज़ाइनर : करण सिंह भुल्लर
ऊपर दिया गया चित्र तिब्बती मण्डल का है जो पंचतत्त्वों को दर्शाता है।
डिझाइन
संकल्पना : गुरुमाई चिद्विलासानंद
डिझाइनर :
करण सिंह भुल्लर
वरील चित्र तिबेटीयन मंडलाचे आहे, जे
पंचतत्त्वांना दर्शवते.
ડિઝાઇન સંકલ્પના
: ગુરુમાઈ ચિદ્વિલાસાનંદ
ડિઝાઇનર : કરન સિંહ ભુલ્લर
ઉપર આપવામાં આવેલું ચિત્ર તિબેટન મંડલનું છે જે પંચતત્ત્વોને દર્શાવે છે.
Design Concept by Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Read by Isabelle Anderson
Mantras recited by Ami Bansal
Designer: Karan Singh Bhullar
Mantras recited by Ami Bansal
Designer: Karan Singh Bhullar
The image above is of a Tibetan mandala that represents the five elements.
Concepto del diseño de Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Leído por Alexandra Aktories
Mantras recitados por Ami Bansal
Diseñador: Karan Singh Bhullar
Mantras recitados por Ami Bansal
Diseñador: Karan Singh Bhullar
La imagen que se muestra es un mandala tibetano que representa los cinco elementos.
Conceito do design de Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Designer: Karan Singh Bhullar
A imagem acima é de uma mandala tibetana que representa os cinco elementos.
Conception graphique de Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Lu par Anne-Marie Maithili Simon
Mantras récités par Ami Bansal
Designer: Karan Singh Bhullar
Mantras récités par Ami Bansal
Designer: Karan Singh Bhullar
L’illustration ci-dessus est celle d’un mandala tibétain qui représente les cinq éléments.
Konzept und Design: Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Designer: Karan Singh Bhullar
Das Bild oben zeigt ein tibetisches Mandala, das die fünf Elemente repräsentiert.
Ideazione di Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Letto da Ornella Borroni
Mantra recitati da Ami Bansal
Designer: Karan Singh Bhullar
Mantra recitati da Ami Bansal
Designer: Karan Singh Bhullar
L'immagine qui sopra è un mandala tibetano che rappresenta i cinque elementi.
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
デザイナー： Karan Singh Bhullar
上の画像にあるのは、五つの要素を表すチベットのマンダラです。
設計理念：古魯瑪義 捷維喇薩南達
設計師：卡藍·辛格·布拉
上圖是代表五大元素的西藏曼荼羅。
Koncepcja projektu według Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
Projektant: Karan Singh Bhullar
Powyższy obraz jest mandalą tybetańską, która przedstawia pięć elementów.
Концепция дизайна Гурумаи Чидвиласананды
Дизайнер: Каран Сингх Бхуллар
Образ выше – Тибетская мандала, которая символизирует пять элементов.
“Gurumayi’s Guidance” is such a priceless divine gift! Today I practiced chanting AUM while honoring the five elements. I was lying in bed feeling weak from illness. As I practiced “Gurumayi’s Guidance,” I experienced energy pulsating through my body. Everything seemed to expand in the sound of AUM, and I experienced myself merging into a heavenly space! I felt I was receiving healing from this practice.
Palzing, Germany
As I practice “Gladness of Spirit,” I feel my whole being imbued with serenity, stability, light, and energy. I experience the elements in my own body. During the practice, my breath moves within, and I connect to the virtues of benevolence, endurance, vitality, fluidity, sanctity, transformation, momentum, intuition, mystery, and infinitude.
These experiences support me in living a divine life. My simple food becomes ambrosia. My daily tasks and work as a school teacher go well. I wake up at the right time, eat at the right time, and sleep at the right time. I am so grateful.
These experiences support me in living a divine life. My simple food becomes ambrosia. My daily tasks and work as a school teacher go well. I wake up at the right time, eat at the right time, and sleep at the right time. I am so grateful.
Pune, India
It was just last week that I sat on the sand of Kauai’s north shore, gazing east over a mellow morning tide. In the distance the luscious Hawaiian land sloped up to the great volcanic crags silhouetted against the saffron sky. The air was sweet and moved softly across the shore; the cool sand embraced my bones and held me steady. The chatter of the waking birds and quiet lapping of the ocean tide were dawn’s gentle lullaby.
Since then, I have returned home, stepping back into a life that tends to conceal the natural romance of things. So when I decided to revisit “Gurumayi’s Guidance,” I chose one I thought I hadn’t practiced before—“Gladness of Spirit.” It sounded good to me! When I began, I was almost shocked to find myself transported right back to that beach I had just left! Quite literally, my morning experience day after day was reflected in this beautiful Guidance of Gurumayi’s. A great reminder that she must have been with me this whole time!
Since then, I have returned home, stepping back into a life that tends to conceal the natural romance of things. So when I decided to revisit “Gurumayi’s Guidance,” I chose one I thought I hadn’t practiced before—“Gladness of Spirit.” It sounded good to me! When I began, I was almost shocked to find myself transported right back to that beach I had just left! Quite literally, my morning experience day after day was reflected in this beautiful Guidance of Gurumayi’s. A great reminder that she must have been with me this whole time!
California, United States
The first time I practiced “Gurumayi’s Guidance: Gladness of Spirit,” I felt myself seated in front of a very powerful force. For a moment, some grief from my past surfaced, but in a split second it was replaced by joy and peacefulness, which lasted for a long time afterward.
I had never had this kind of experience before. I now participate in “Gladness of Spirit” every morning. Once, practicing the “ether” element, I saw in my inner vision a pitch-black sky filled with bright stars.
I had never had this kind of experience before. I now participate in “Gladness of Spirit” every morning. Once, practicing the “ether” element, I saw in my inner vision a pitch-black sky filled with bright stars.
Port Moody, Canada
The first time I practiced "Gurumayi’s Guidance: Gladness of Spirit," I experienced each element merging naturally into the next. By the end of the practice, I felt all five elements had merged into one Consciousness. I felt that I am that Consciousness! With this sudden realization I became so happy and joyful I started to laugh.
“Gladness of Spirit” has become a regular practice for me. Today, with each element following another, my mind became more subtle, more serene. When I reached the ether element, I felt touched by supreme Consciousness. It was so loving, so soft, so tender, I started to cry tears of joy.
These profound experiences are still alive within me.
“Gladness of Spirit” has become a regular practice for me. Today, with each element following another, my mind became more subtle, more serene. When I reached the ether element, I felt touched by supreme Consciousness. It was so loving, so soft, so tender, I started to cry tears of joy.
These profound experiences are still alive within me.
Pune, India
My Guru!
I have the best dance instructor
Following that guidance
I’m waltzing with the world
I have the best dance instructor
Following that guidance
I’m waltzing with the world
New York, United States
I have been practicing “Gurumayi’s Guidance: Gladness of Spirit” frequently. During my walks, I recall aspects of what we are guided to do during the practice.
I love this practice! I especially like that I can do it at any time. It gives me the feeling that the air is dancing around me, dancing in the trees, and caressing my face. Although I have never really felt the sense of ether before, this practice has helped me comprehend the ether in the space around everything. It enables me to feel light, free, and expansive. My mind becomes exceptionally quiet.
I am so grateful for this beautiful practice.
I love this practice! I especially like that I can do it at any time. It gives me the feeling that the air is dancing around me, dancing in the trees, and caressing my face. Although I have never really felt the sense of ether before, this practice has helped me comprehend the ether in the space around everything. It enables me to feel light, free, and expansive. My mind becomes exceptionally quiet.
I am so grateful for this beautiful practice.
Washington, United States
Practicing Gurumayi’s Guidance, I experience ebullient, light-hearted confidence and gratitude. Connecting the five elements with my breath has given me access to the very virtues I need to be able to meet the day with steadfastness.
This practice has brightened my heart and renewed my devotion at an even deeper level.
This practice has brightened my heart and renewed my devotion at an even deeper level.
California, United States
One day after practicing “Gladness of Spirit,” I took a walk along the shore of Lake Michigan in glorious weather. Remembering the tip about pausing to do just a part of the practice, I sat down on a bench and gazed out at the sparkling atmosphere before me. I recalled several of the mantras from the practice, and offered them in gratitude to the sands below my feet, to the blue waters stretching out to the horizon, to “the graceful breeze” swooshing all around me, and to the vast ether far above me.
When I saw a series of gulls—a few soaring high overhead on air thermals, one resting contentedly on the waters, others strutting proudly along the sandy beach—I imagined that they too must find a way to offer thanks to the elements that sustain their life. I am very grateful for learning this new way to be out in nature: not just appreciating its beauty and variety, but also honoring all its elements through these sacred mantras.
When I saw a series of gulls—a few soaring high overhead on air thermals, one resting contentedly on the waters, others strutting proudly along the sandy beach—I imagined that they too must find a way to offer thanks to the elements that sustain their life. I am very grateful for learning this new way to be out in nature: not just appreciating its beauty and variety, but also honoring all its elements through these sacred mantras.
Illinois, United States
This morning as I was gazing out my window at Lake Michigan, the sun was a beautiful golden yellow. It reflected on tiny ripples in the water, looking like white sparkling diamonds. The sky was a brilliant blue, and I felt pulled inside seeing this grandeur of nature. I began to listen to “Gurumayi’s Guidance,” and felt pulled in even deeper as the elements of earth, water, fire, air, and ether were celebrated. I felt so refreshed and full.
Afterwards it was time to go to Mass, and in moments, the entrance hymn began: it was the Canticle of the Sun, which gives praise to the sun, wind, rain, fire, and earth. I felt myself filled with joy and the pulsating energy of love for the world and for God.
Today I am twice blessed!
Afterwards it was time to go to Mass, and in moments, the entrance hymn began: it was the Canticle of the Sun, which gives praise to the sun, wind, rain, fire, and earth. I felt myself filled with joy and the pulsating energy of love for the world and for God.
Today I am twice blessed!
Wisconsin, United States
This morning I had the most divine experience listening to “Gladness of Spirit” on the beach. I did not have to imagine it—I was there!
As I felt the crisp sand spreading under my toes, the ocean waves washing my feet, and the cool breeze caressing my body, I sang the mantras to the sacred elements of earth, water, and air.
And when the sun showed its face over the horizon, painting the sky in orange, pink, and golden hues, the warm rays kissing my face, I sang the mantras to the sacred elements of fire and ether. I was so in awe of God’s creation!
After the practice, I felt energized with the power of the elements. I am ever so grateful to Mother Earth for giving me so much, so freely.
As I felt the crisp sand spreading under my toes, the ocean waves washing my feet, and the cool breeze caressing my body, I sang the mantras to the sacred elements of earth, water, and air.
And when the sun showed its face over the horizon, painting the sky in orange, pink, and golden hues, the warm rays kissing my face, I sang the mantras to the sacred elements of fire and ether. I was so in awe of God’s creation!
After the practice, I felt energized with the power of the elements. I am ever so grateful to Mother Earth for giving me so much, so freely.
Mumbai, India
As I allow my breath to assimilate all the numerous attributes of the elements, my heart and my being feel free and expanded. I feel free of my sense of smallness and limitedness. I feel my oneness with the power of the elements. This has been such a wonderful reminder of my true nature!
The more I practice “Gladness of Spirit,” the more I want to practice it, imbibe it, and expand within. The several powers of the five elements are the gems embedded in this guidance, and exploring them has been like a treasure hunt for me.
Each practice reveals another new vista for me to discover. And yet I have the assurance that it is all within me. There is nothing to be done, but simply to remain grounded in my true nature. I love having this lifeline!
The more I practice “Gladness of Spirit,” the more I want to practice it, imbibe it, and expand within. The several powers of the five elements are the gems embedded in this guidance, and exploring them has been like a treasure hunt for me.
Each practice reveals another new vista for me to discover. And yet I have the assurance that it is all within me. There is nothing to be done, but simply to remain grounded in my true nature. I love having this lifeline!
Lisbon, Portugal
I have always struggled to connect clearly with my breathing, as I find my breath to be subtle and shallow. Today, through practicing “Gladness of Spirit,” I connected with my breath very deeply and noticed that it felt like the Self was breathing for me. Afterwards, I felt alert and energized.
Eastbourne, United Kingdom
After joining all my senses and my body, mind, and heart in the practice of “Gladness of Spirit,” I feel that I became the earth, I took the form of the water, I was the light of the fire, I became as formless as the air, and I was the blanket of ether over my own being. During this time of practicing “Gurumayi’s Guidance,” I felt like I was the universe within myself.
I certainly experienced a journey beyond my mind’s previous view of this world; I came to think that it is all inside me, here and now. Being this light, I feel like I shared it with the earth in gratitude for all she provides us. I like being in this sacred space in which I found myself as I contributed to the planet through the energy I was emanating.
What a powerful, exquisite experience! I offer my gratitude to beloved Gurumayi for leading us into the safest sanctuary within. The silence of being at the ocean and being part of it continues to linger on.
I certainly experienced a journey beyond my mind’s previous view of this world; I came to think that it is all inside me, here and now. Being this light, I feel like I shared it with the earth in gratitude for all she provides us. I like being in this sacred space in which I found myself as I contributed to the planet through the energy I was emanating.
What a powerful, exquisite experience! I offer my gratitude to beloved Gurumayi for leading us into the safest sanctuary within. The silence of being at the ocean and being part of it continues to linger on.
South Melbourne, Australia
Digging a potato from the earth, I pray, Om pritivyai namah, and I know I can’t take it for granted. It comes to me by grace.
As water flows from my tap, I pray, Om jalaya namah, and I know I can’t take it for granted. It flows by grace.
Igniting a candle, I pray, Om agnaye namah, and I know I can’t take it for granted that my house is warm. It is by grace.
Taking a breath, I pray, Om vayave namah, and I know I can’t take fresh air for granted. It is there by grace.
Looking into the sky, I pray, Om akashaya namah, and I know there is a mystery I cannot grasp. It is in all the other elements, too. Grace might reveal it.
For all these gifts, I am grateful.
As water flows from my tap, I pray, Om jalaya namah, and I know I can’t take it for granted. It flows by grace.
Igniting a candle, I pray, Om agnaye namah, and I know I can’t take it for granted that my house is warm. It is by grace.
Taking a breath, I pray, Om vayave namah, and I know I can’t take fresh air for granted. It is there by grace.
Looking into the sky, I pray, Om akashaya namah, and I know there is a mystery I cannot grasp. It is in all the other elements, too. Grace might reveal it.
For all these gifts, I am grateful.
Hindelang, Germany
“Gladness of Spirit” was just what my body and spirit needed. I have been ill, and could not meditate; I yearned to be held in a nurturing embrace. When I saw this posted on the Siddha Yoga path website, I knew immediately that my yearning was being fulfilled. The sweetness of “Gurumayi’s Guidance” calmed me and then filled me with love. At the end I went into a deep meditation.
What a beautiful practice! I am very grateful for this wondrous gift.
What a beautiful practice! I am very grateful for this wondrous gift.
Massachusetts, United States
Each one in this series of “Gurumayi’s Guidance” that has appeared on the Siddha Yoga path website has made me leap with joy. I see each one as Gurumayi’s sweet and loving call to each and every one of us, and each practice is special and unique.
For me, “Gladness of Spirit” has been a voyage into the vastness of my own self through the five elements, each one a different and profound vessel. And the most precious and exciting aspect of this journey for me is that I feel that I am being taken by the hand and conducted into these wondrous experiences effortlessly. I feel cared for and nurtured, as the teachings are lovingly imparted to me so that I can move forward without fear. It is prasad, the gift of the Guru.
For me, “Gladness of Spirit” has been a voyage into the vastness of my own self through the five elements, each one a different and profound vessel. And the most precious and exciting aspect of this journey for me is that I feel that I am being taken by the hand and conducted into these wondrous experiences effortlessly. I feel cared for and nurtured, as the teachings are lovingly imparted to me so that I can move forward without fear. It is prasad, the gift of the Guru.
Milan, Italy
I have just listened to “Gladness of Spirit” and my heart is soaring—and at great peace.
At the very beginning I was imagining us all standing or sitting, ready to begin this exercise, wherever we were in the world—from east to west, from north to south. Some of us would be by a beach or lake; some near mountains, lakes, forests; some in cities. I was in my living room in the UK.
All of these were beautiful locations and yet—nothing as compared to the place Gurumayi guided us to, simply through our breath and her grace. She guided us to the place within that is so familiar by now—beyond all worldly glories. Thereby, she also drew us all together to the one true and eternal home, to our own inner divine Self.
At the very beginning I was imagining us all standing or sitting, ready to begin this exercise, wherever we were in the world—from east to west, from north to south. Some of us would be by a beach or lake; some near mountains, lakes, forests; some in cities. I was in my living room in the UK.
All of these were beautiful locations and yet—nothing as compared to the place Gurumayi guided us to, simply through our breath and her grace. She guided us to the place within that is so familiar by now—beyond all worldly glories. Thereby, she also drew us all together to the one true and eternal home, to our own inner divine Self.
Windsor, United Kingdom
I feel so loved and blessed. Day after day, “Gurumayi ‘s Guidance” takes me deeply into my heart, and into an ocean of love and contentment. After practicing this exquisite “Gladness of Spirit,” I lay down to relish this experience of oneness with the five elements. I could feel in my body their presence in my chakras: the earth, the water, the fire, the air, and the ether.
It is such a blessing to have the opportunity to memorize the five mantras and pay homage to our universe in this way. Through her guidance, I know that Gurumayi is walking the path with us, step by step, in the most loving way.
It is such a blessing to have the opportunity to memorize the five mantras and pay homage to our universe in this way. Through her guidance, I know that Gurumayi is walking the path with us, step by step, in the most loving way.
Quebec, Canada
My body is conscious of the space between my breaths. Is it? What was it that I noticed there? The deep silence. The blessed relief of deep silence. Rejuvenation. Replenishment. Reverence. Rest at last.
Sydney, Australia
The precious guidance in “Gladness of Spirit” is a wonderful gift from Gurumayi. I found this to be a most engrossing and enthralling practice. Paying homage to the five elements while singing AUM was so expansive. After the final visualization that accompanied the singing of AUM, I went into a deep meditation for a few seconds.
In the meditation, I had a vision that I was sitting by a campfire with several other people. While sitting by the fire, I heard a voice say over and over again, “Now you know your place in the universe.” When I opened my eyes, I felt rejuvenated and refreshed.
In the meditation, I had a vision that I was sitting by a campfire with several other people. While sitting by the fire, I heard a voice say over and over again, “Now you know your place in the universe.” When I opened my eyes, I felt rejuvenated and refreshed.
London, United Kingdom
Following the audio version of “Gladness of Spirit” zoomed me to my younger days when we often went to beach resorts for vacation. I used to deeply enjoy standing alone with outstretched hands looking up at the sky, breathing freely with my eyes closed, and having a private conversation with God—not yet knowing anything about the sacred five elements.
Now, learning and experiencing Gurumayi’s teachings about these elements have expanded my heart even further, filling me with love and reconnecting me to my childhood memories of freedom and joy. I once again stood with my arms stretched out looking up at the sky, in profound gratitude and love for my Guru.
Now, learning and experiencing Gurumayi’s teachings about these elements have expanded my heart even further, filling me with love and reconnecting me to my childhood memories of freedom and joy. I once again stood with my arms stretched out looking up at the sky, in profound gratitude and love for my Guru.
Nairobi, Kenya
The beautiful image in “Gladness of Spirit” of a stretch of ocean with a mountain in the distance reminded me of a place I visit—in fact, it’s the place where I was born and where I often long to go to rejuvenate my spirit. I have a photographic reproduction of this place in my bedroom; last weekend, when I received the small murti of Bade Baba that I had ordered from the Siddha Yoga Bookstore, I placed him on my puja, which faces this photograph on the opposite wall, and performed abhishek to him.
Before receiving “Gurumayi’s Guidance” yesterday, I had not slept well, then had to go to work in my job as a caretaker for elderly people. When I came home, I practiced “Gladness of Spirit”: the sand soothed my feet, the flames delighted my heart, and the breeze touched my face like a loving hand. After that, I was able to rest and felt more refreshed than I had in some days.
Before receiving “Gurumayi’s Guidance” yesterday, I had not slept well, then had to go to work in my job as a caretaker for elderly people. When I came home, I practiced “Gladness of Spirit”: the sand soothed my feet, the flames delighted my heart, and the breeze touched my face like a loving hand. After that, I was able to rest and felt more refreshed than I had in some days.
Thornbury, Australia
Ahhh, so this is the enlightened breath, the enlightened body. Yes, this is the wonder of Guru’s grace.
Soft gratitude flows up, up, up through me, dancing as lightly and freely as incense smoke. Gratitude returns, cascading down through and around me like succulent, rich honey.
I am mystified and completely alive. I sit as if inside peace itself—immersed in God, in my Guru’s presence.
Soft gratitude flows up, up, up through me, dancing as lightly and freely as incense smoke. Gratitude returns, cascading down through and around me like succulent, rich honey.
I am mystified and completely alive. I sit as if inside peace itself—immersed in God, in my Guru’s presence.
Oregon, United States
When I saw the beautiful yantra in the image for “Gladness of Spirit,” I immediately knew that I wanted to take a lot of time for this practice to enjoy the entirety of the new guidance. I was looking forward to this new experience all day long.
Then in the evening, carried by my breath, my mind, and my body, I moved through the five elements and experienced a gigantic expansion of my consciousness. I realized, “I am earth. I am water. I am fire. I am air. I am ether. I am pure. I am, I am.”
At the end of the practice, I opened my eyes and my body and mind felt vast, strong, solid, open, translucent, and filled with vibrating energy. I felt reborn.
Then in the evening, carried by my breath, my mind, and my body, I moved through the five elements and experienced a gigantic expansion of my consciousness. I realized, “I am earth. I am water. I am fire. I am air. I am ether. I am pure. I am, I am.”
At the end of the practice, I opened my eyes and my body and mind felt vast, strong, solid, open, translucent, and filled with vibrating energy. I felt reborn.
Unterlangenegg, Switzerland
What an exquisite practice! It felt so right to pay homage to the five elements, to take time to commune with each of them. I felt so connected to and part of the sand, the ocean, the flames, the breeze, and the ether as I allowed myself to be guided through this practice from Gurumayi. Love welled up in my heart, and my lungs and whole being felt happy!
Following this practice, I went on my daily walk in nature more attuned to each of these elements. Blessed with their divine qualities, I experienced a greater sense of “harmony in the atmosphere.” I found myself smiling as I recognized that I am not alone: I am part of the dance of Consciousness.
Following this practice, I went on my daily walk in nature more attuned to each of these elements. Blessed with their divine qualities, I experienced a greater sense of “harmony in the atmosphere.” I found myself smiling as I recognized that I am not alone: I am part of the dance of Consciousness.
Sydney, Australia
Many decades ago, I would often make a journey through bushland to a deserted beach some distance from the remote settlement I worked in. I would sleep there with my dog, next to a small fire. I would do this so I could wake before dawn and be part of what felt to me like the creation of a new and pristine world. I always felt that in some way I, too, was being created.
After practicing “Gladness of Spirit,“ I send blessings to the young woman I was then. And now, with this sacred practice I feel I am truly one with those elements that my soul was searching to know back then. This practice feels like a gift now, while it also takes me back through time—and into the future as I carry it with me.
I feel blessed.After practicing “Gladness of Spirit,“ I send blessings to the young woman I was then. And now, with this sacred practice I feel I am truly one with those elements that my soul was searching to know back then. This practice feels like a gift now, while it also takes me back through time—and into the future as I carry it with me.
Hampton, Australia
How ecstatic it has been to experience and honor the five elements with Gurumayi! I’m feeling blissful and still indrawn, relishing the immense beauty of each element. I feel extremely blessed and yes, I do feel “harmony in the atmosphere.”
Milan, Italy
I am filled with gratitude for all the blessings Gurumayi is showering upon us. As I embrace her guidance, I feel as if she is giving me a loving embrace back. Every time I follow her guidance, I receive exactly what I need for that moment.
Oregon, United States
This morning as I opened the Siddha Yoga path website, I saw “Gurumayi’s Guidance: Gladness of Spirit,” which I received as prasad. As I focused on the image for a few seconds, I became quiet, both physically and mentally. Then I started reading the guidance while listening to the audio version.
I was able to connect to each element, and to feel that element in my body; this experience was full of shakti. Now I am going to memorize the mantras for the five elements so that I can recite them.
The audio version was so clear and helpful for practicing this.
I was able to connect to each element, and to feel that element in my body; this experience was full of shakti. Now I am going to memorize the mantras for the five elements so that I can recite them.
The audio version was so clear and helpful for practicing this.
a Gurukula student in Gurudev Siddha Peeth
Embodying this "Gladness of Spirit" practice brings to the fore my joyful soul, the essence of my being—as well as deep gratitude for the Siddha Yoga path, which I follow with great love.
Georgia, United States
I love receiving Gurumayi’s encouragement every day through “Gurumayi’s Guidance.” I long for more time in nature and she has brought it to me in its fullness with “Gladness of Spirit.” It reminds me that we and everything in nature are made of divine Consciousness; there is no separation, and I can enjoy it wherever I am.
I am so grateful for this teaching.
I am so grateful for this teaching.
California, United States
I felt immersed in a river of deep compassion when I read “Gladness of Spirit.” After practicing it, I wrote down the mantras and committed them to memory. Later on this evening, I found myself looking at the natural world around me and honoring each element where I found it—water in the rainfall, earth in the mountains I live in, fire in the rays of the setting sun, air in the sweet fragrance of mint leaves, and ether in the vast dome of the sky. I feel truly protected and loved when I do this practice, as if the whole universe is my home.
Vancouver, Canada
“Gladness of Spirit” is such a magnificent practice and so transformative! With each element, I felt myself being drawn deeper and deeper into the beach scene I envisioned. Nothing else existed and I found myself competely immersed in beauty, profound rest, and the energetic qualities of each of them.
By the time I came to the final element, my whole self was able to experience it in a new way—as well as the totality of them all. I felt so uplifted! My appreciation for each of these elements was profound and joyful.
By the time I came to the final element, my whole self was able to experience it in a new way—as well as the totality of them all. I felt so uplifted! My appreciation for each of these elements was profound and joyful.
Donvale, Australia
Practicing “Gladness of Spirit” was a remarkable experience for me. Having just finished it, my being is vibrating sweetly. It is clear to me that by doing this powerful practice, I myself have been blessed and I have also offered my blessings to the world. What good fortune to be able to engage in “Gurumayi’s Guidance”!
California, United States