bliss by Gurudev

Update-This is still what I use and it’s been 7 years since my review. I may forget every other app name on my phone but I always remember this name and I easily search and open it. It’s been very impactful in my life and although I’ve drifted from my daily practicing of meditation, this is already helping me to move forward in a positive direction. ——— I’ve had this app for almost 3 years. I now have the lifetime subscription and it was worth it. Mantras, meditations, music, live meditation groups. I’m more than happy. I have daily reminders with insightful quotes to inspire me and ability to share the life changing app. Thank you. I am beyond blessed and thankful for the mindfulness this has given me.

I’ve used many guided meditation apps like Headspace. For me the mantra techniques help strengthen my breath and get me to a meditative state rather than waiting for vague directions as my mind drifts. One thing I’d like to see is the mantras spelled out phonetically. It can be hard sometimes to really hear the proper pronunciations. Another thing I’d like to see is a better curation of programming. I like the daily suggestions but I find myself digging around for the perfect meditation too much. Other than that this one’s much more effective for me and worth the annual for sure if you meditate several times a week.

First and foremost, the feedback mechanism is not actually enabled; you can’t send the email once you have clicked on that link within the app. Second, they offer chants on the free version but then lock them away into the paid version with no warning (e.g., Hanuman Chalisa). This app is in the service of the holiest and purest Knowledge and Practice, which shouldn’t be commercialized anyway. The rationale is that charging for the app, which is not cheaply priced, supports AoL service projects throughout the world; but alms should be given with a pure motivation to serve others through Knowledge. It is one thing to restrict some content to paying users; but to restrict increasing amounts of content to paying users is to twist people’s arms into giving money “to a good cause” when really people will be paying to hold onto aspects of the app that supported them, as they are trying to get themselves into a good space spiritually — from which they will then be able to give funds in the spirit of loving generosity, not compulsory craving. Otherwise, the app is a blessing; I just hope the creators don’t keep taking away content and making it impossible to give them this feedback directly.