By Joan (Jayadevi) Bragar

My first time hearing the Guru Gita being chanted was overwhelming. 

How could anyone chant, no less memorize or understand, something that was one hundred and eighty-two verses long? This is what I thought the first time I heard the morning recital of the Guru Gita at Svaroopa^® Vidya Ashram. 

I asked a longtime member, “How did you memorize the verses?” She replied, “I’ve been doing it for a long time.” She and others clearly loved this chant. I was curious, but not convinced.

Fast forward one year, I was back at the Ashram for Gurudevi’s Blue Pearl Retreat. This time I was prepared with new resources that Gurudevi has painstakingly provided. Her new book, Yoga’s Sacred Songs, includes all of the Guru Gita verses in Sanskrit, along with the translations, rendered by her into English. Not only could I follow along, I could also understand what we were singing. 

Now, in my morning home practice, thanks to Gurudevi’s 2024 album, Mystical Song of the Guru, I listen to her English version. On her Honored Guru Gita album, I listen to the Sanskrit version. I alternate these versions of the chant throughout the days of the week. 

The English version teaches me the importance and value of revering the Guru as your Self. The Sanskrit version’s sonorous tones sink deeply into my heart — ever expanding me into Consciousness.

I am grateful for Gurudevi’s beautiful singing voice that brings us these ancient teachings in a delightful way. The Guru Gita gives us access to a spiritual tradition that moves me ever deeper into my Self.

Listen and enjoy!

By Joan (Jayadevi) Bragar

Back in January, when I first got Gurudevi’s 2024 Calendar Journal, I had no idea how I would use it. When I open it now, I read pages filled with insights and reflections on my yogic journey. 

This practice continuously deepens my connection to my Self as Shiva. For example, today’s quote from Gurudevi was:

“The trick in relationships is this: for a yogi, the friction is about changing you, not helping you get what you want from others.”

This teaching reminds me how to have something to give to my family over the holidays. I need to find it within myself first. Through meditation, especially daily meditation with Gurudevi in her Meditation Club, I am filled within. Thus, I am supported in having peaceful and loving relationships with my children and grandchildren.

Before we meditate, Gurudevi expands on the day’s Calendar quote. She reads the section of her teachings article from which the quote comes. I use the journal pages to take notes on it and to reflect on my experience after meditation. This journaling practice deepens my grasp of our mystical tradition.

Our new 2025 Living Mysticism Calendar Journal is now available in the Ashram store.  It has convenient references for every daily quote. These support you in going to the source articles to understand each quote more deeply. The 2025 pages are also slightly larger, so there is more room for writing what you are learning. I especially appreciate this for, in 2024, I often wrote sideways up the page to record all that I wanted to capture.

We have among us a living Master of the Shaktipat tradition — Gurudevi Nirmalananda. My appreciation for this blessing deepens as I use her Living Mysticism Calendar Journal. Through it, I deepen my connection with her.

By Lloyd (Dharma) Apirian

Interviewed by Lori (Priya) Kenney

My Swami Sunday experience is not just an hour and a half.  It’s a full day.  Almost every Sunday, I drive about two-and-a-half hours from home to Downingtown.  In my car, I have a puja with a Ganesha and photo of Gurudevi.  It’s right in front of the cupholders, so I see it while driving.  Sometimes I listen to Gurudevi’s chants, and sometimes it’s just quiet.

Arriving at 9:30-ish, I first set up my seat.  I like to bow to the Guru’s seat and my seat, and then sit and wait quietly. Soon Gurudevi is in her seat, and we’re chanting with her.  That always brings me inside and softens me.  Because her words are sacred, Gurudevi’s discourse engages my mind with sacred thoughts.  She’s expressing what I call great statements such as “I am Consciousness.”  Everything she says is blessed and is a blessing.  

Darshan with Gurudevi has changed for me.  I used to want to tell her things during darshan, but I don’t feel the need for that anymore.  I bow to honor her, and when I come up, I only want to voice our mantra.  I unwrap the prasad right away and let it melt in my mouth instead of my bag!  It honors the gift and Gurudevi.  

The time after the formal program is sweet.  We gather in the café area adjacent to the Meditation Hall.  We chat and enjoy more treats, which have been prepared by a sevite.  The whole experience reliably puts me in a lovely place within my own being.  And that lasts.