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Resolving Inner Conflict
The heart may be hindered and the mind disturbed. Everyone faces the confusion of the dual tendencies of life. They often seem to tear us asunder. What then is the solace of the Soul?
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on “Resolving Inner Conflict”
Sunday, January 12, 2020 at 11:00am
The heart may be hindered and the mind disturbed. Everyone faces the confusion of the dual tendencies of life. They often seem to tear us asunder. What then is the solace of the Soul?
A Spiritual Lesson Plan
As we ring in the new year, there is a feeling of beginning anew and starting fresh. We make plans and resolutions for the year ahead to change habits and attitudes for the better. We make promises and vows to be wiser, healthier and happier. With a look back at the lessons we learned in the year that has passed, we prepare ourselves for the next steps along the spiritual path.
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on "A Spiritual Lesson Plan”
Sunday, January 5, 2020 at 11:00am
As we ring in the new year, there is a feeling of beginning anew and starting fresh. We make plans and resolutions for the year ahead to change habits and attitudes for the better. We make promises and vows to be wiser, healthier and happier. With a look back at the lessons we learned in the year that has passed, we prepare ourselves for the next steps along the spiritual path.
During our worship service together on the first Sunday of the year we continue the tradition of sharing the profound teachings revealed in the Sermon on The Mount. Gandhi, himself, regarded its assertion of the law of love as eternal wisdom. He derived the same joy from the Sermon on the Mount as he did from the Bhagavad Gita.
I also bring to your attention that Swami KamalanandaJi has sent an important audio message addressed to us all “At the Gate of the Year.” We will listen to it together during the service.
Joy to the World
During this blessed holiday season we celebrate with hearts and minds full of joy. As seekers of enlightenment we feel the profound joy of spiritual awakening, symbolized so beautifully in our holiday traditions and manifested so wondrously in Nature. Truly, at this time of year, Heaven and Nature sing in response to the holy birth of Christ consciousness. We will consider the true origin of this Joy and how this helps us bring Joy to the World!
Steve Bauer
Speaks on “Joy to the World”
Sunday, December 29, 2019 at 11:00am
During this blessed holiday season we celebrate with hearts and minds full of joy. As seekers of enlightenment we feel the profound joy of spiritual awakening, symbolized so beautifully in our holiday traditions and manifested so wondrously in Nature. Truly, at this time of year, Heaven and Nature sing in response to the holy birth of Christ consciousness. We will consider the true origin of this Joy and how this helps us bring Joy to the World!
The Soul Felt its Worth
The beloved carols of this holy season give us pause to contemplate the most divine and sublime expressions. The traditions, old and new, give our hearts gladness as we “feel” the Soul awaken. With acts of kindness, charity and love we recall the story of the mystic birth. It is a message to every soul.
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on “The Soul Felt its Worth”
Sunday, December 22, 2019 at 11:00am
The beloved carols of this holy season give us pause to contemplate the most divine and sublime expressions. The traditions, old and new, give our hearts gladness as we “feel” the Soul awaken. With acts of kindness, charity and love we recall the story of the mystic birth. It is a message to every soul.
From a Distance
Sometimes we look at life as if from a great distance. We view the objects of creation as separate from ourselves. And in the process, our journey becomes one of struggle and turmoil. We begin to feel distant from God, from others and ourselves.
When the heart struggles, there is feeling of separation, of absence, of abandonment. Does absence make the heart grow fonder? If our soul is of identical nature with the God of the universe, where can we go where God is not?
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on “From a Distance”
Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 11:00am
Sometimes we look at life as if from a great distance. We view the objects of creation as separate from ourselves. And in the process, our journey becomes one of struggle and turmoil. We begin to feel distant from God, from others and ourselves.
When the heart struggles, there is feeling of separation, of absence, of abandonment. Does absence make the heart grow fonder? If our soul is of identical nature with the God of the universe, where can we go where God is not?
What Dedication!
We dedicate a prayer for one who is in need. We dedicate a poem or song to one whom we love. We dedicate ourselves to a passion, one to which we commit our full attention and energy. And all that dedication has something in common…What is it?
Examine, observe, and get to the heart of the matter. A life of dedication! What dedication! We know it when we see it but how do we achieve it?
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on “What Dedication!”
Sunday, December 8, 2019 at 11:00am
We dedicate a prayer for one who is in need. We dedicate a poem or song to one whom we love. We dedicate ourselves to a passion, one to which we commit our full attention and energy. And all that dedication has something in common…What is it?
Examine, observe, and get to the heart of the matter. A life of dedication! What dedication! We know it when we see it but how do we achieve it?
While Waiting...
One of the most difficult things we experience in life is the act of waiting…for an answer to our prayer, for a call from a loved one, for a problem to be solved, or for a pain to heal. Turning our thoughts of self-reflection to what it is we do while we wait may shed some light on our own quality of consciousness. Are we productive? Are we constructive? Are we positive? Or, do we become fearful and anxious about the outcome? Do we fritter away the time or do we spend that time in preparation? What do we do while waiting?
The season of Advent, a Latin term that means “coming”, gives us a special time to explore how we subjectively prepare and guide ourselves to receive the source of illumination and inspiration that awaits us.
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on “While Waiting…”
Sunday, December 1, 2019 at 11:00am
One of the most difficult things we experience in life is the act of waiting…for an answer to our prayer, for a call from a loved one, for a problem to be solved, or for a pain to heal. Turning our thoughts of self-reflection to what it is we do while we wait may shed some light on our own quality of consciousness. Are we productive? Are we constructive? Are we positive? Or, do we become fearful and anxious about the outcome? Do we fritter away the time or do we spend that time in preparation? What do we do while waiting?
The season of Advent, a Latin term that means “coming”, gives us a special time to explore how we subjectively prepare and guide ourselves to receive the source of illumination and inspiration that awaits us.
Thanks Be to God
Have you ever stopped to count your blessings? We have so much to be thankful for in this life: family, friends, bountiful and nourishing food, warm and safe homes – just to name a few. But let us always be most thankful to Him from whom all blessings flow. Thanks be to God!
Acharya Jeff Bauer
Speaks on “Thanks Be to God”
Sunday, November 24, 2019 at 11:00am
Have you ever stopped to count your blessings? We have so much to be thankful for in this life: family, friends, bountiful and nourishing food, warm and safe homes – just to name a few. But let us always be most thankful to Him from whom all blessings flow. Thanks be to God!
Spiritual Mapmaking
We often hear the words “moral compass” and we understand the meaning of this inner guidance. We look for direction in life. We discover realms of consciousness that transcend our worldly senses. These “other-worldly” maps help us to unfold along the path of life. They sharpen our attunement, deepen our connection and expand our love.
If we had to “map out” our spiritual progress, what landmarks would we include? What symbols would our map key offer? Do the lines of longitude and latitude reveal how to reach our destination? What is required in our spiritual mapmaking?
Srimati Karuna, Minister
Speaks on “Spiritual Mapmaking”
Sunday, November 17, 2019 at 11:00am
We often hear the words “moral compass” and we understand the meaning of this inner guidance. We look for direction in life. We discover realms of consciousness that transcend our worldly senses. These “other-worldly” maps help us to unfold along the path of life. They sharpen our attunement, deepen our connection and expand our love.
If we had to “map out” our spiritual progress, what landmarks would we include? What symbols would our map key offer? Do the lines of longitude and latitude reveal how to reach our destination? What is required in our spiritual mapmaking?
Deep Thoughts, Deep Breaths
Where do we find profound wisdom to guide us on the pilgrimage of life? How do we get to the top of the mountain when the altitude challenges us with every breath and we struggle to maintain the energy and equilibrium to continue? How do we dive to the very depth of the sea when both our body and mind try to carry us back to the surface?
From our first breath to our last the infinite mystery of the soul is imprinted upon our consciousness. It is always within our reach.
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on “Deep Thoughts, Deep Breaths”
Sunday, November 10, 2019 at 11:00am
Where do we find profound wisdom to guide us on the pilgrimage of life? How do we get to the top of the mountain when the altitude challenges us with every breath and we struggle to maintain the energy and equilibrium to continue? How do we dive to the very depth of the sea when both our body and mind try to carry us back to the surface?
From our first breath to our last the infinite mystery of the soul is imprinted upon our consciousness. It is always within our reach.
The Home within Us
Where do we set our sights in the spiritual life? Are we sailing out on the high seas of adventure to an unknown place? Or are we settling into a safe harbor? Do we seek a new dwelling place or reunite with a familiar one? Perhaps the experience is determined by the quality of our consciousness. If we are at home in the world of duality, can we find our way within the subjective realm?
Srimati Karuna, Minister
Speaks on “The Home within Us”
Sunday, November 3, 2019 at 11:00am
Where do we set our sights in the spiritual life? Are we sailing out on the high seas of adventure to an unknown place? Or are we settling into a safe harbor? Do we seek a new dwelling place or reunite with a familiar one? Perhaps the experience is determined by the quality of our consciousness. If we are at home in the world of duality, can we find our way within the subjective realm?
Out of Darkness, Light
As the colors of the leaves change and we approach Diwali, the festival of light, we might ask ourselves by what light do we see? Is it the consciousness of illumination or the senses of our worldly existence? Do we act from the vision of love or from the blindness of ego?
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on “Out of Darkness, Light”
Sunday, October 20, 2019 at 11:00am
As the colors of the leaves change and we approach Diwali, the festival of light, we might ask ourselves by what light do we see? Is it the consciousness of illumination or the senses of our worldly existence? Do we act from the vision of love or from the blindness of ego?
God's Care or Carefree?
Consider the words from the beautiful prayer of St. Francis. Is it our thought to be cared for or to offer care? Do we wish to be understood or do we try to understand? Do we desire to be loved or do we devotedly give love? After all, it is in the giving of ourselves that we receive.
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on “God’s Care or Carefree?”
Sunday, October 13, 2019 at 11:00am
Consider the words from the beautiful prayer of St. Francis. Is it our thought to be cared for or to offer care? Do we wish to be understood or do we try to understand? Do we desire to be loved or do we devotedly give love? After all, it is in the giving of ourselves that we receive.
Power of Good
The observance of Navaratri or Durga Puja is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. The divine Goddess Durga emerges victorious to help restore Dharma. The nine days of Navaratri are dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine avatars.
If the celebration of good over evil should be cause to celebrate, what it is the path to such restoration of Dharma? What is the power of good that it should extinguish darkness?
We not only wish to imagine the power of goodness, we desire to realize and embody it.
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on “Power of Good”
Sunday, October 6, 2019 at 11:00am
The observance of Navaratri or Durga Puja is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. The divine Goddess Durga emerges victorious to help restore Dharma. The nine days of Navaratri are dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine avatars.
If the celebration of good over evil should be cause to celebrate, what it is the path to such restoration of Dharma? What is the power of good that it should extinguish darkness?
We not only wish to imagine the power of goodness, we desire to realize and embody it.
Truth is God
Truth must incarnate in living expression. Mahatma Gandhi’s life was an experiment with living, not merely professing, the ideal of Advaita. The Advaitist realizes one existence. Such self-knowledge and self-liberation guides the individual to a life that is universal in awareness, compassionate toward all, and selfless in service.
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on “Truth is God”
Sunday, September 29, 2019 at 11:00am
Truth must incarnate in living expression. Mahatma Gandhi’s life was an experiment with living, not merely professing, the ideal of Advaita. The Advaitist realizes one existence. Such self-knowledge and self-liberation guides the individual to a life that is universal in awareness, compassionate toward all, and selfless in service.
Self-Reliance
“In God we trust” vs “self-reliance”: are these two ideals opposed to one another? Are they contradictory? Ralph Waldo Emerson and others of the so-called “New England Transcendentalists” were proponents of the ideal of “self-reliance” while the official motto of the United States is “In God We Trust.” In whom shall we place our trust and rely on for guidance, God or our self, or both?"
Acharya Jeff Bauer
Speaks on “Self-Reliance”
Sunday, September 22, 2019 at 11:00am
“In God we trust” vs “self-reliance”: are these two ideals opposed to one another? Are they contradictory? Ralph Waldo Emerson and others of the so-called “New England Transcendentalists” were proponents of the ideal of “self-reliance” while the official motto of the United States is “In God We Trust.” In whom shall we place our trust and rely on for guidance, God or our self, or both?"
And Lo! The Bird Is On The Wing
This expression is found in the poetry of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. It beautifully and subjectively refers to the transient nature of the construct of time and gives us pause to consider the eternal nature of the Soul. Living in the world of duality, do you choose to comprehend life through the window of time or through the sky of infinity? Why limit your consciousness to the observable conditions of time, space and causality?
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on “And Lo! The Bird Is On The Wing”
Sunday, September 15, 2019 at 11:00am
This expression is found in the poetry of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. It beautifully and subjectively refers to the transient nature of the construct of time and gives us pause to consider the eternal nature of the Soul. Living in the world of duality, do you choose to comprehend life through the window of time or through the sky of infinity? Why limit your consciousness to the observable conditions of time, space and causality?
Who is a Prophet?
What vision will take us beyond the physical domain? What voice will lead us in the wilderness? The rishis, sages and saints reach beyond the mundane world of sensory perception by the means of spiritual knowledge. But what inspiration brings one to truly “see” with the eye of inner vision?
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on “Who is a Prophet?”
Sunday, September 8, 2019 at 11:00am
What vision will take us beyond the physical domain? What voice will lead us in the wilderness? The rishis, sages and saints reach beyond the mundane world of sensory perception by the means of spiritual knowledge. But what inspiration brings one to truly “see” with the eye of inner vision?
Blessings of Soul
What are the blessings we count as the divine gifts of our life? Do we see only the good and the beautiful as blessings? What if we should regard every experience and encounter of life as a blessing of soul, a blessing from God? How then would we live?
With such pure and devoted consciousness we will offer thankfulness for every aspect of life. We will begin to realize our oneness with all of life. For this final Sunday worship service before our two month summer recess, we come together to share our prayers of devotion for the blessings of soul.
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on “Blessings of Soul”
Sunday, June 30, 2019 at 11:00am
What are the blessings we count as the divine gifts of our life? Do we see only the good and the beautiful as blessings? What if we should regard every experience and encounter of life as a blessing of soul, a blessing from God? How then would we live?
With such pure and devoted consciousness we will offer thankfulness for every aspect of life. We will begin to realize our oneness with all of life. For this final Sunday worship service before our two month summer recess, we come together to share our prayers of devotion for the blessings of soul.
Two Little Birds
“Two little birds, linked by mutual friendly bonds, reside in the selfsame tree; one of them is engrossed in the enjoyment of sweet fruit, while the other merely looks on with perfect serenity.” This verse is found in the Svetasvatara Upanishad, the Mundaka Upanishad and in the Rig Veda. The two little birds residing in the “selfsame” tree are symbols of our own dual nature: our sense identified limited self-consciousness, and our soul identified infinite Self-consciousness. Our spiritual journey may aptly be defined as the gradual sublimation of our finite self-consciousness into our infinite Self-consciousness.
Acharya Jeff Bauer
Speaks on “Two Little Birds”
Sunday, June 23, 2019 at 11:00am
“Two little birds, linked by mutual friendly bonds, reside in the selfsame tree; one of them is engrossed in the enjoyment of sweet fruit, while the other merely looks on with perfect serenity.” This verse is found in the Svetasvatara Upanishad, the Mundaka Upanishad and in the Rig Veda. The two little birds residing in the “selfsame” tree are symbols of our own dual nature: our sense identified limited self-consciousness, and our soul identified infinite Self-consciousness. Our spiritual journey may aptly be defined as the gradual sublimation of our finite self-consciousness into our infinite Self-consciousness.