Swami Muktananda’s teachings shaped the inner lives of his followers primarily through the experience of spiritual awakening and disciplined practice. Central to this was shaktipat, the transmission of spiritual energy that many described as awakening the dormant kundalini. Followers reported powerful inner experiences—meditative absorption, visions, altered states of consciousness, and a shift of identity from the body–mind to an awareness of an inner Self or inherent divinity. His oft‑quoted emphasis on honoring and meditating on the Self encouraged disciples to recognize that “God dwells within you as you,” which fostered a sense of spiritual confidence and deeper self‑acceptance. For many, this recognition brought a renewed sense of meaning and purpose, as life came to be oriented around the discovery and expression of that inner reality.

Alongside these experiences, Muktananda’s insistence on regular sādhanā—meditation, mantra repetition, chanting, and scriptural study—led followers to reorganize their daily lives around spiritual discipline. Establishing steady meditation routines and mantra japa, such as the repetition of sacred formulas, was often associated with increased calm, clarity, and emotional stability. Many reported that this consistent practice helped them overcome addictive or self‑destructive habits, heal emotional wounds, and cultivate greater equanimity in the face of life’s challenges. Over time, this inner work translated into notable lifestyle changes: adopting more restrained and ethical ways of living, integrating spiritual remembrance into ordinary activities, and placing spiritual priorities above purely material ambitions.

Muktananda’s teaching on devotion to the guru and the ideal of surrender to the divine also had a profound psychological and relational impact. Seeing the guru as the visible form of the inner Self, disciples often experienced a deep sense of protection, love, and guidance, especially during periods of crisis or uncertainty. This devotion, combined with an emphasis on selfless service, encouraged many to engage in seva and charitable activity, thereby extending their practice into compassionate action. At the same time, the intensity of the guru–disciple bond could lead some to entrust major life decisions to perceived inner or outer guidance associated with the guru, reshaping careers, relationships, and long‑term aspirations in light of spiritual goals.

Finally, the communal dimension of Siddha Yoga became a defining feature of how these teachings took root in everyday life. Ashrams and centers around the world offered shared meditation, chanting, and study, creating a global network of practitioners whose social and spiritual lives were deeply intertwined. Within these communities, followers found a sense of belonging and shared purpose that transcended cultural and national boundaries. The combination of inner awakening, disciplined practice, devotional relationship, and communal support produced, for many, a far‑reaching transformation—one that touched not only their inner states but also their values, conduct, and sense of place in the world.