Ramesha mentioned that a friend had asked him why Ananda members weren’t out protesting. My first thought was that some members undoubtedly are! My second thought is how important it is to honor each individual’s inner guidance in these matters.
I remember when I attended Quaker meetings in San Francisco in the early 80’s. There was a lot of civil disobedience happening in protest of the nuclear arms race and many of my friends from the meeting were participating. I had conflicting feelings about it: Should I go? Should I let myself get arrested? Was there some other way to support the cause?
Well, I did go to one of the protests, though I did not get arrested. But ultimately I came to understand that I wasn’t “called” to serve in that way, although I had to fight my way through a lot of doubt, self-recrimination, and feelings of guilt before I arrived at that conclusion.
I had a similar struggle regarding my flute during that same period of time. There were so many issues around poverty and homelessness that at one point I shared in the meeting about feeling guilty for having an expensive flute when so many people didn’t even have enough money for food.
One of the wise elders of the meeting helped me see that my flute was a necessary part of expressing my God-given gift, and that I shouldn’t apologize for who and what I was.
Bottom line is that we all have to find our authentic way of showing up and helping to heal this world of ours, while trusting that others are finding their way as well.
Finally…I’ve noticed a number of people asking questions along the lines of “what’s Ananda’s position” when it comes to the issues of the day. So I’ve collected some videos and articles by various Ananda ministers and members, starting with Jyotish and Devi. This is by no means exhaustive; it’s what I could come up with in a quick search of the Ananda community websites and Facebook pages.
I hope it’s helpful… 💗
Jyotish & Devi, spiritual directors of Ananda Worldwide.
Acts of Violence & Racism: How Should We Respond? Read ARTICLE by Hriman & Padma, spiritual directors of Ananda Washington
Satsang with Hriman and Padma at the Camano Hermitage 🙏
Tonight we talk about racism in America: where we've been; where we are going. Finding your center amidst the furor.
See VIDEO of satsang
Dharmadas, spiritual director of Ananda Sacramento
Ananda LA blog: Compassion for All by Sherry Chow
Read BLOG POST
I leave you once again with the beautiful chant, They Have Heard Thy Name. May we all be soothed and healed in Heavenly Father/Divine Mother’s love! 🙏
Yah! Well spoken, Bhagavatiji. & Thanks for assembling these different talks. 👍🙏
You’re very welcome, Dambara! 🙂
Grateful being able to read your stories, your inner processing of current events, and particularly your sharing posts from others about their guidance on how to hold ourselves as warriors of Light.
Thank you Bhagavati for the model of your life as disciple, wife, artist, global majority citizen.