ORIGINAL POST: June 27, 2009

Since I began my spiritual path, I yearned for a new name that was spiritual. That really identified with my soul. I knew one day I would be given a new name, but at 17 I did not know how or by whom.

After meeting Acharya Shree Yogeesh, I noticed that he gave several of his students spiritual names. I asked when I would receive mine, and he said on the day of diksha.

I would ask him over and over again, out of fun of course, for any hints to my new name. The only hint he gave me was that it was 8 letters.

After asking my soul what my name would be, not forcing but in a relaxed way, I got the knowing my name would start with an “S” and felt the ending had an “ee” sound.

One day I asked Acharya Shree if my name started with an “S” and I wouldn’t ask about my name again, if he answered. He replied, “Yes, it starts with an ‘S’.” …. I knew it!

As I promised, I waited until the day of my diksha, or spiritual initiation to become Acharya Shree Yogeesh’s disciple. When I heard my new name, my heart melted and my soul jumped. It was ME.

Sadhvi, is my title, which translates to “spiritual aspirant.” Those that take diksha, that are female, are given the title of Sadhvi. Other terms often used as titles for female monks are Samani and Swamini.

My name is Siddhali Shree. Siddhali Shree is a custom sanskrit name given by Acharya Shree. No one in history (world or universe) has ever had this name “Siddhali Shree.” It means, “Shining with the row of Liberated Souls.”

Siddha = Liberated Soul; Ali = Row; Shree = Shining

I was inspired to write about my name today, because I asked Acharya Shree earlier today, when he created my name. He simply answered, “I knew your name before you were even born.”

Question for You: If you could choose a spiritual name, what would it be and why?

Jai Siddhatma,

Sadhvi Siddhali Shree