The guru mantra is the one that never fails me.

If I wake up in the middle of the night, unable to fall asleep, no mantra, herb, meditation or breathing can calm me, guru mantra never fails.

If I'm going through a tough day or time, nothing can alter my state, the guru mantra is always there.

As soon as I start repeating, the energy comes to me and starts transforming my state.

A true gem, a treasure, an unfailing connection to the Divine through Guru.

Shri Gurubhyo Namaha!

At the start of the internet there were Yahoo groups on meditation, shaktaism, and I learned alot. Especially from Shakti Sadhana, the group run by the author of the "Goddess and the Guru." I started chatting with Swami Amritananda. We covered many subjects including Buddhism.

I am insomniac. 6 AM one morning I decided to call Guruji. Amma answered. Gurji was bathing. I could wait?! I did. It took Guruji one second to come to the phone. I had the notion that if I knew the "secret syllable," then the guru would bestow the "Shodashi" mantra.

I was a bit star struck and kept repeating Shrim, the mantra. Guruji, calmed me down and gave me not Shodashi but Mahashodashi mantra. We emailed back and forth until I had it right. I didn't know what to do with it. I did japa for the next 19 years.

It's a very peaceful and pleasant mantra.

Guruji talked to me like a normal person. He also planned well and left a library of knowledge. He left me a path for when I would be able to have the knowledge to follow it.

I think of all the guru/businessmen who sell techniques. Then I think of a rare guru who bestows all knowledge for free. Who is not pretentious. That's when I know a rare guru.

This is a great parampara of most supreme knowledge. With many people contributing to educate people. Thank you all.