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Songs of Praise
On the day known as “Palm Sunday” we remember the gathering in Jerusalem when those welcoming Christ with palm branches sang out “Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest…Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Yet we know that worship and songs of praise have no limitation, religious or cultural. The expression of devotion has no boundary. The mystic has this sublime realization.
The subject of this realization is faith, trust in the divine and holy attributes of the soul. The subtle and illuminating powers of the soul gently touch the world about us. Patience and persistence are required in such pursuit. Though our expression has an outward form, it is truly an inner path that gives rise to such a glorious exaltation.
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on "Songs of Praise"
Sunday, March 25, 2018 at 11:00am
On the day known as “Palm Sunday” we remember the gathering in Jerusalem when those welcoming Christ with palm branches sang out “Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest…Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Yet we know that worship and songs of praise have no limitation, religious or cultural. The expression of devotion has no boundary. The mystic has this sublime realization.
The subject of this realization is faith, trust in the divine and holy attributes of the soul. The subtle and illuminating powers of the soul gently touch the world about us. Patience and persistence are required in such pursuit. Though our expression has an outward form, it is truly an inner path that gives rise to such a glorious exaltation.
In the Name of God
“In the name of…” is a phrase that is commonly used to mean “by the sanction or authority of.” A few examples are: “in the name of the law”, “in the name of love” and “in the name of science.” At the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount it is said of Jesus that “the people were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one having authority". What was the source of that authority? In whose name did he act and speak? We may also ask, what authority guides our thoughts, word and deeds? Unfortunately, we often act in the name of ego. Let us ever aspire to live our lives “in the name of God.”
Achariya Jeffrey Bauer
Speaks on "In the Name of God"
Sunday, March 18, 2018 at 11:00am
“In the name of…” is a phrase that is commonly used to mean “by the sanction or authority of.” A few examples are: “in the name of the law”, “in the name of love” and “in the name of science.” At the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount it is said of Jesus that “the people were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one having authority". What was the source of that authority? In whose name did he act and speak? We may also ask, what authority guides our thoughts, word and deeds? Unfortunately, we often act in the name of ego. Let us ever aspire to live our lives “in the name of God.”
In the Beginning, God
In our meditation, we will reflect upon the story of creation from the standpoint of our own involution and evolution as spiritual beings. In addition, we will review the revelations of the truth contained in the symbology of this story as revealed in the Book of Genesis and the scriptures of mankind. We look forward to your attendance
Achariya George Adams
Speaks on "In the Beginning, God"
Sunday, March 11, 2018 at 11:00am
In our meditation, we will reflect upon the story of creation from the standpoint of our own involution and evolution as spiritual beings. In addition, we will review the revelations of the truth contained in the symbology of this story as revealed in the Book of Genesis and the scriptures of mankind. We look forward to your attendance.
Body, Mind and Spirit
As human beings we experience with great difficulty the weaknesses and limitations of the body and the mind. We desire to overcome the obstacles of our physical and mental frailties though they often seem insurmountable. But life is a process of self-discovery, and we seek a philosophy of living that will give us the strength to move forward with equanimity and inspiration.
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on "Body, Mind and Spirit"
Sunday, March 4, 2018 at 11:00am
As human beings we experience with great difficulty the weaknesses and limitations of the body and the mind. We desire to overcome the obstacles of our physical and mental frailties though they often seem insurmountable. But life is a process of self-discovery, and we seek a philosophy of living that will give us the strength to move forward with equanimity and inspiration.
How do we pass through the trials and tribulations? The journey is not always easy, but it is simply a process of integrating all aspects of our being: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Life is one undivided whole. It cannot be compartmentalized. Realization of this union is essential to a balanced life of happiness, peace and fulfillment.
Living with such consciousness, we will naturally become aware of the self within us and the reflection of the self around us.
The Power of One
What is that power of oneness that can transmute our lives and make, to quote from Kalidas, every day “the very life of life,” every yesterday “a dream of happiness” and every tomorrow “a vision of hope”?
Achariya Jeffrey Bauer
Spekas on "The Power of One"
Sunday, February 25, 2018 at 11:00am
“The Power of One,” I must confess, is the title of a book which I have not read. Yet, the title alone has captivated me. Absolute Oneness is our ideal but may seem to us to be too abstract a concept to have any bearing on our day-to-day lives. How can we practice Oneness in the here and now? What is that power of oneness that can transmute our lives and make, to quote from Kalidas, every day “the very life of life,” every yesterday “a dream of happiness” and every tomorrow “a vision of hope”?
The Nature of Time
Beyond the measurements of time and the physical processes of change, we also have our subjective experiences of time. As a child we may not have developed much patience and things seem to take way too long. As an adult time seems to “fly.” And we wonder where the time has gone. In these instances, time is relative to our perception. But is there an experience of time which we have not yet fully realized?
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on "The Nature of Time"
Sunday, February 18, 2018 at 11:00am
Look at a clock and we see the hands move. They count the seconds, minutes and hours. Look at a tree trunk with its inner rings exposed and we can learn the years of its lifespan. Look at a human being and we see that the physical attributes grow stronger and then weaker. Look at a mountain or a canyon and we see how time has left its trace upon the hills and valleys.
Beyond the measurements of time and the physical processes of change, we also have our subjective experiences of time. As a child we may not have developed much patience and things seem to take way too long. As an adult time seems to “fly.” And we wonder where the time has gone. In these instances, time is relative to our perception. But is there an experience of time which we have not yet fully realized?
What is the true nature of time?
Your Spiritual Valentine
God, the Supreme Self, has given each of us the inestimable gift of our soul, comprising divine love, life and wisdom. The Supreme Self is the “universal lover” that has presented each of us with the special valentine of divine love. With that Valentine, we are given the opportunity to grow and unfold love in our lives.
Achariya George Adams
Speaks on "Your Spiritual Valentine"
Sunday, February 11, 2018 at 11:00am
We are on the cusp of the celebration of that special day when millions of our fellow devotees will be presenting their loved ones with flowers and cards, symbols of their love and devotion to each other, ST. VALENTINE’S DAY!
This Sunday we will open our hearts and celebrate this special occasion with a special “Spiritual Valentine” addressed to our Spiritual Creator, the universal lover within. We will offer our Spiritual Valentine to the Supreme Self in the consciousness of love and devotion with the realization that at our inner core we are all one in soul. It is this oneness of soul which is the foundation of our love.
God, the Supreme Self, has given each of us the inestimable gift of our soul, comprising divine love, life and wisdom. The Supreme Self is the “universal lover” that has presented each of us with the special valentine of divine love. With that Valentine, we are given the opportunity to grow and unfold love in our lives.
In love we come to the realization that our true nature is love. We are love! When balanced with divine wisdom and life, this love becomes the basis for all happiness and joy. In the consciousness of this divine love we become one with the Supreme Self.
Dearly Beloved
How does the soul communicate?
Ralph Waldo Emerson expressed it beautifully. He said: “When it breathes through our intellect, it is genius; when it breathes through our will, it is virtue; when it flows through our affection, it is love.”
In life we so often fail to allow the soul to express through our wisdom, will and love. Our critical lens often distorts its light.
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on "Dearly Beloved"
Sunday, February 4, 2018 at 11:00am
How does the soul communicate?
Ralph Waldo Emerson expressed it beautifully. He said: “When it breathes through our intellect, it is genius; when it breathes through our will, it is virtue; when it flows through our affection, it is love.”
In life we so often fail to allow the soul to express through our wisdom, will and love. Our critical lens often distorts its light.
The Bauls, the mystic minstrels who travel the countryside of Bengal, have the expression of “Moner Manush” — person of the heart. It is an ideal that lives within every being. The ideal is quite simply to discover the heart, and as Gandhi said, “God is there in the tabernacle of the heart.”
What a simple and yet profound message that our goal in life is solely to discover the heart. This ideal is not meant to be a temporary discovery but one in which the heart and soul may be expressed through every act of life—that every action should be an act of devotion.
Lost in Translation
The Bhagavad Gita has been translated into some eighty different languages, including numerous translations into English. Which translations come closest to giving the meaning of the original Sanskrit? What is lost in translation? Even the original Sanskrit is a “translation” of deep truths that transcend the grasp of written language. All of manifestation is the sacred scripture of God. Through our lens of mental habits and experiences each of us “translates” that scripture into the language of our own unique understanding, life and expression. What is lost in translation? What is the true language of God?
Achariya Jeffrey Bauer
Speaks on "Lost in Translation"
Sunday, January 28, 2018 at 11:00am
The Bhagavad Gita has been translated into some eighty different languages, including numerous translations into English. Which translations come closest to giving the meaning of the original Sanskrit? What is lost in translation? Even the original Sanskrit is a “translation” of deep truths that transcend the grasp of written language. All of manifestation is the sacred scripture of God. Through our lens of mental habits and experiences each of us “translates” that scripture into the language of our own unique understanding, life and expression. What is lost in translation? What is the true language of God?
The Wisdom of Sankara
This Sunday we have chosen for our meditation the subject The Wisdom of Shankara. In our meditation, we will reflect upon the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, or Absolute Monism, and discover how this philosophy furnishes us with the foundation for the understanding of our nature and that of the universe.
In addition, we will review the life and contribution of this great soul in an effort to understand the philosophical truth that still baffles scholars and philosophers of East and West. We will also learn what it means to be a “Swami” as well as the philosophy and idealism of the Swami Order of Absolute Monism.
Achariya George Adams
Speaks on "The Wisdom of Sankara"
Sunday, January 21, 2018 at 11:00am
This Sunday we have chosen for our meditation the subject The Wisdom of Shankara. In our meditation, we will reflect upon the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, or Absolute Monism, and discover how this philosophy furnishes us with the foundation for the understanding of our nature and that of the universe.
In addition, we will review the life and contribution of this great soul in an effort to understand the philosophical truth that still baffles scholars and philosophers of East and West. We will also learn what it means to be a “Swami” as well as the philosophy and idealism of the Swami Order of Absolute Monism.
In All Things Give Thanks
St. Paul wrote in a letter to the Thessalonians, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God.”
If we think of God’s will in terms of divine law, such as the Eternal Law described by the Buddha, then giving thanks in all circumstances reminds us to move beyond the experiences of cold and heat, pleasure and pain, praise and criticism. No longer is our experience that of a temporary nature but of eternal truth.
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on "In All Things Give Thanks"
Sunday, January 14, 2018 at 11:00am
St. Paul wrote in a letter to the Thessalonians, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God.”
If we think of God’s will in terms of divine law, such as the Eternal Law described by the Buddha, then giving thanks in all circumstances reminds us to move beyond the experiences of cold and heat, pleasure and pain, praise and criticism. No longer is our experience that of a temporary nature but of eternal truth.
Words To Live By
Each year we share together the words of the “Sermon on the Mount” on the first Sunday of January. They are not merely sacred verses to recite but words to live by.
A student of religion may commit to memory and recite by heart the Qur’an, the Bible or the Gita. But to live by the words requires a different kind of commitment and the sometimes painful admission that we are not always up to the task.
With such dedication of body, mind, heart and soul we realize immediately and continuously how difficult is the path. Yet, it is our devotion to an ideal that keeps us moving ever forward.
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on "Words To Live By"
Sunday, January 7, 2018 at 11:00am
Each year we share together the words of the “Sermon on the Mount” on the first Sunday of January. They are not merely sacred verses to recite but words to live by.
A student of religion may commit to memory and recite by heart the Qur’an, the Bible or the Gita. But to live by the words requires a different kind of commitment and the sometimes painful admission that we are not always up to the task.
With such dedication of body, mind, heart and soul we realize immediately and continuously how difficult is the path. Yet, it is our devotion to an ideal that keeps us moving ever forward.
Sacred Verses
Our holy scriptures are a profound source of inspiration, illumination and guidance for all humankind. They are typically subdivided into chapters and verses, yet there is always a central truth that pervades the whole and binds these diverse chapters and verses together into a sublime message of unity and oneness. The light of the sun is one; its rays are many. What is it that can impart unity and harmony to the many and varied “verses” of our lives and make them sacred and holy?
Achariya Jeffrey Bauer
Speaks on "Sacred Verses"
Sunday, December 31, 2017 at 11:00am
Our holy scriptures are a profound source of inspiration, illumination and guidance for all humankind. They are typically subdivided into chapters and verses, yet there is always a central truth that pervades the whole and binds these diverse chapters and verses together into a sublime message of unity and oneness. The light of the sun is one; its rays are many. What is it that can impart unity and harmony to the many and varied “verses” of our lives and make them sacred and holy?
Mystic Birth
“If you're worried and you can't sleep, just count your blessings instead of sheep and you'll fall asleep, counting your blessings.”
A familiar expression… one can almost hear the gentle melody associated with these beautiful lyrics by Irving Berlin. The words remind us not to fear, not to worry, but to find comfort in the many blessings of life. They also call to mind this passage from the Bible: “And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. Just then, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy.'”
“Good news of great joy,” of course, refers to the Mystic Birth. The Mystic Birth is not only the birth of one being, in one place and one time. It is the eternal blessing of the life of Soul. The angel of the Lord pronounced, “Do not be afraid.” This wise counsel to the shepherds is also wisdom for us to heed. Life is the opportunity to know, guide and nourish the Soul in this world of creation. “Count your blessings.” The good news of great joy is ours to realize, today and everyday of our lives.
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on "Mystic Birth"
Sunday, December 24, 2017 at 11:00am
“If you're worried and you can't sleep, just count your blessings instead of sheep and you'll fall asleep, counting your blessings.”
A familiar expression… one can almost hear the gentle melody associated with these beautiful lyrics by Irving Berlin. The words remind us not to fear, not to worry, but to find comfort in the many blessings of life. They also call to mind this passage from the Bible: “And there were shepherds residing in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night. Just then, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy.'”
“Good news of great joy,” of course, refers to the Mystic Birth. The Mystic Birth is not only the birth of one being, in one place and one time. It is the eternal blessing of the life of Soul. The angel of the Lord pronounced, “Do not be afraid.” This wise counsel to the shepherds is also wisdom for us to heed. Life is the opportunity to know, guide and nourish the Soul in this world of creation. “Count your blessings.” The good news of great joy is ours to realize, today and everyday of our lives.
Adoration of Light
Have you ever gazed up at the stars at night and noticed that as your eyes adjust to the darkness you begin to see more and more stars? At first you see the brightest, the nearest, and the familiar. But if you continue to gaze upon the starry heavens more and more galaxies open up to you revealing an endless ocean of twinkling lights. One cannot help but think of the splendor of it all. As we still the senses and concentrate on the light of Soul, an infinite universe is revealed to us.
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on "Adoration of Light"
Sunday, December 17, 2017 at 11:00am
Have you ever gazed up at the stars at night and noticed that as your eyes adjust to the darkness you begin to see more and more stars? At first you see the brightest, the nearest, and the familiar. But if you continue to gaze upon the starry heavens more and more galaxies open up to you revealing an endless ocean of twinkling lights. One cannot help but think of the splendor of it all. As we still the senses and concentrate on the light of Soul, an infinite universe is revealed to us.
The Mystery of the Tao
This Sunday we have chosen the subject The Mystery of the Tao” for our reflection and meditation. Together we will explore the wisdom and message of the enlightened Master, Lao Tzu and what he referred to as “The Tao” (The Way). We will review Lao Tzu’s realization in the context of its universality and show the unity of our subject with the lives of all of the Messengers of Truth and how his message can assist each of us in our spiritual journey.
Achariya George Adams
Speaks on "The Mystery of the Tao"
Sunday, December 10, 2017 at 11:00am
This Sunday we have chosen the subject The Mystery of the Tao” for our reflection and meditation. Together we will explore the wisdom and message of the enlightened Master, Lao Tzu and what he referred to as “The Tao” (The Way). We will review Lao Tzu’s realization in the context of its universality and show the unity of our subject with the lives of all of the Messengers of Truth and how his message can assist each of us in our spiritual journey.
Waiting for God
With the beginning of Advent comes the anticipation of a holy season of light. It is a time of preparation. Let us remember that our preparation is an effort to inspire ourselves and those around us to the divinity of soul that abides within us. By holding a spiritual ideal, we hold the lantern that will guide our lives with the consciousness of God.
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on "Waiting for God"
Sunday, December 3, 2017 at 11:00am
With the beginning of Advent comes the anticipation of a holy season of light. It is a time of preparation. Let us remember that our preparation is an effort to inspire ourselves and those around us to the divinity of soul that abides within us. By holding a spiritual ideal, we hold the lantern that will guide our lives with the consciousness of God.
Pilgrim Soul
What is it that guides the pilgrim soul on its journey?
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on "Pilgrim Soul"
Sunday, November 26, 2017 at 11:00am
What is it that guides the pilgrim soul on its journey?
The Grace of God
Let us be eternally grateful for the gifts of love, light and life that God so freely and abundantly bestows upon all of creation through his divine grace. Let us, in turn, share those gifts with all beings. May we live always in the consciousness of God’s grace.
Achariya Jeff Bauer
Speaks on "The Grace of God"
Sunday, November 19 at 11:00am
Let us be eternally grateful for the gifts of love, light and life that God so freely and abundantly bestows upon all of creation through his divine grace. Let us, in turn, share those gifts with all beings. May we live always in the consciousness of God’s grace.
The Truth Centered Life
This Sunday we have chosen for our meditation the subject, "The Truth Centered Life." We will explore such questions as “What is Truth?” and “What is its role in our own quest for life’s meaning?” We will highlight our journey to spiritual enlightenment and the means to discover and implement that mission. We will also explore how we should view the lives of the "Messengers of Truth"—the Avatars, Mahatmas, Saviors and Savants of all times and in all lands? Finally, we will conclude with an understanding that ‘Truth is One, Men Call It by Various Names" and that Truth is an integral dimension of our journey to the Absolute.
Achariya George Adams
Speaks on "The Truth-Centered Life"
Sunday, November 12, 2017 at 11:00am
This Sunday we have chosen for our meditation the subject, "The Truth Centered Life." We will explore such questions as “What is Truth?” and “What is its role in our own quest for life’s meaning?” We will highlight our journey to spiritual enlightenment and the means to discover and implement that mission. We will also explore how we should view the lives of the "Messengers of Truth"—the Avatars, Mahatmas, Saviors and Savants of all times and in all lands? Finally, we will conclude with an understanding that ‘Truth is One, Men Call It by Various Names" and that Truth is an integral dimension of our journey to the Absolute.