Beloved Shiva,

I often observe how many seekers wander in search of a guru. Years may pass in this quest. Yet, even when a guru is found, mistrust clouds their minds, making true surrender difficult.

Caught in a cycle of “guru-hopping” — seeking, doubting, moving on — they waste time chasing the external. And decades may pass thus, with no real inner transformation.

In your infinite compassion, my Lord, you made the path of self-initiation available to all. You opened the gates to sacred mantras and timeless teachings, inviting seekers to turn inward — without needing to wait for anyone’s permission.

Had they embraced this path and committed to their own Sadhana, they might have discovered far more than what they sought.

I never went in search of a guru, my dear Shiva. Yet, by your grace, a Sri Vidya guide appeared, literally at my doorstep. As it turned out, he had been searching for me. Perhaps this was you reminding the world that when effort is sincere, the right guidance just arrives.

But when I share this truth and encourage others to cultivate spiritual merit through personal effort, I am often misunderstood — even dismissed.

Effort seems undervalued, while borrowed merits — what I can only describe as spiritual begging — are strangely glorified. Seekers have forgotten that being a mendicant (a beggar) is an attitude of humility, not a substitute for action.

Well, maybe this is why the wise say: The Yogi sees the world as a circus, while the world sees the Yogi as a weirdo.

When, my Lord, will people awaken to the power of effort? When will this planet be filled with true Yogis — not in appearance, but in essence? Or is that vision destined to remain a dream?

Love,
Sri Devi