xxii Currssacr Vitas: would pass into meditation for sometime and would say that he was reliving the experiences of his sadhana, vividly recollecting and even scsing the seme brilliant ights. It appeared as if the book were writing itself. ‘While describing his vision of the Divine Being, Gurudoy says, “At this time I am unable to write about this extra- ordinary miracle. My hand doce not move, my pen has stopped. It is difficult even to keep my eyes open. Only amy lips and tongue are moving. Perhaps Nityananda is moving them by force.” This book is a vibration of the supremely free Goddess Chiti, wha is embodied in the form of the Guru. It is a gift of Her grace. ‘Therefore it has been named Chitshakti Vilas, the Play of Con- sciousness. It is pervaded by Chiti and dedicated to Chitshakti, the Supreme Mother. This book will have a unique place in the literature of spiritual sadhana, Such a detailed and lucid account of Siddha Yoga based on the writer’s own experience 1s rare. Here Gurudev has revealed the mysteries of travelling to different worlds m the Blue Star, the vision of the Divine Being, varied inner lights and their significance, the process of becoming an urdhvareta and ts meaning, and the final realisation. The secrets of Maha Yoga, which until now had been handed down in the Siddha tradition from Guru to disciple in strictest seerecy, have been dis- closed here so thal sevkers may become familiar with this profound science of perfection. We are sure that earnest seckcrs will read this book again and again, ponder over its every word and pursue yoga with greater zeal and confidence. Those who have the slightest inclination towards spirituality will certainly be influenced by this work. Although it may not have conformed to the criteria of scholars and critics, it is a truc and simple account of a apiritual journey containing authentic experiences. This book is not a Tantric treatise, nor 2 philosophical worl, nor a coctarian text. It will therefore appeal to everyone. In fact, since the book narrates the true story of personal sadhana, it has turned into a spiritual autobiography, which is both interesting and instructive.Inmnopucrion xxiii While reading the book, the reader feels that Gurudev is not writing but talking to him affectionately. Gurudev modulates from one tone to another while narrating his own experiences in his uninhibited and intimate style. He reflects a wide range af human emotions. Sometimes he is smiling gently, sometimes laughing heartily; sometimes he is overwhelmed by compassion, other times fled with devotion to his Guru. He feels terrified by frightful visions, and astonished at the marvellous sights of dif- ferent worlds. He is overcome by sadness and depression; he also floats in the joy and enthusiasm bubbling up from within. His manner of instruetion is sometimes that of a story-teller, sometimes that of a philosopher. At times he writes like a sensitive poet, at times like a severe ascetic. He caresses like a loving mother, and he admonishes like a stern father or Guru. Gurudev's rich and versatile personality is fully xevealed in his style. or this reason each reader will find in the book something special that appeals to his own temperament, By composing this work Sri Gurudev has done an immense favour to present as well as future seckers, lis will snake (hem hts own forever, true heirs in Siddhaloka. Gurudev, who is Parabrahma, is Brahma because he creates for his Siddha students a new and wondrous world imbued with Chiti; He is Vishnu because he sustains and protects them in their divine life; He is Shiva because he annihilates their world of limited individuality. How can we ever repay the great debt we owe him for this wonderful work, this priceless gift of his grace? ‘The best way of expressing our gratitude to him is to follow his teachings with implicit faith in him and merge ourselves in pure consciousness wherein the Guru abides, Only then can we truly please him. May we become fully worthy of his boundless grace—this is the sincere prayer of Pratibha, his own divine effulgence, at the cared lotus feet of Sri’ Gurudev. February 10, 1970 Ana Shree Gurudev Ashram Ganeshpuri