Gurumayi Chidvilasananda

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Gurumayi (born June 24, 1955) is an Indian Hindu guru. In 1982 she became the head of the Siddha Yoga meditation and philosophy path and as of 2007 still is. Her original name was Malti Shetty and she came from Mumbai. She was introduced to the guru Swami Muktananda at a very early age and became one of his devotees. Later, Swami Muktananda made her his official English translator, although she spoke little English at the time. She accompanied him on his tours all over the world and pursued her own spiritual practices while translating for Muktananda.

Gurumayi's formal name is Swami Chidvilasananda (literally, bliss of the play of consciousness). She acquired the title Swami when she was inducted as a monk into the Saraswati order and took the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience in 1982, before becoming the spiritual head of Siddha Yoga. At this time, Muktananda formally designated her as one of his successors in that role, along with her brother Swami Nityananda. Nityananda stepped down in 1985 and Gurumayi continued as the guru of Siddha Yoga.

Gurumayi has written several books expounding Siddha Yoga philosophy, including The Yoga of Discipline, My Lord Loves a Pure Heart, Inner Treasures, Kindle My Heart and Sadhana of the Heart.

[edit] Further reading

• Hinduism Today, "Your True Companion: The Self Within" by Gurumayi Chidvilasananda, April 1997 available online