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Personality and Self-Unfoldment
At every stage of life we are shaping and molding our personality by the habits we elect, by what we read, and by all we pursue. The 17th Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita offers us a prescription for self-examination in the light of all expressions of our personality. We may ask ourselves: Are my habits leading me to a richly inspired life? Are my decisions shaped by my emotions, by a restlessness or by self-direction? In this process of self-unfoldment, what guides me?
Srimati Karuna, Minister
Speaks on “Personality and Self-Unfoldment”
Sunday, October 14, 2018 at 11:00am
At every stage of life we are shaping and molding our personality by the habits we elect, by what we read, and by all we pursue.
The 17th Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita offers us a prescription for self-examination in the light of all expressions of our personality. We may ask ourselves: Are my habits leading me to a richly inspired life? Are my decisions shaped by my emotions, by a restlessness or by self-direction? In this process of self-unfoldment, what guides me?
Three Aspects of Karma
How utterly profound and complex is the law of karma. It proceeds as the constitution of all creation. All action is karma. Everything we do whether physical or mental is karma. Understanding the effects of our actions is the key to Karma Yoga. There are three aspects for us to know and appreciate about our karma. This awareness guides how we decide what we do and how we meditate.
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on “Three Aspects of Karma”
Sunday, October 7, 2018 at 11:00am
How utterly profound and complex is the law of karma. It proceeds as the constitution of all creation. All action is karma. Everything we do whether physical or mental is karma. Understanding the effects of our actions is the key to Karma Yoga.
There are three aspects for us to know and appreciate about our karma. This awareness guides how we decide what we do and how we meditate.
By Whom?
Why are we here? Where are we going? Where did we come from? These are the impelling questions of science, religion and life itself. In search for their roots, or source, many turn to DNA testing. Does knowing the historic progression and dispersion of our DNA answer the question of our origin? The ancient and profound Kena Upanishad (Kena means “by whom?”) asks: “Inspired by whom does the primordial life seek objective manifestation?”
Acharya Ajay Bauer
Speaks on “By Whom”
Sunday, September 30, 2018 at 11:00am
Why are we here? Where are we going? Where did we come from? These are the impelling questions of science, religion and life itself. In search for their roots, or source, many turn to DNA testing. Does knowing the historic progression and dispersion of our DNA answer the question of our origin? The ancient and profound Kena Upanishad (Kena means “by whom?”) asks: “Inspired by whom does the primordial life seek objective manifestation?”
Atone through Attunement
We all seek forgiveness at times—from ourselves, from others, from God. Why?
This week many participated in the fasting and prayer of Yom Kippur — The Day of Atonement, the last of the Ten Days of Awe. As we seek the perfection of God let us consider what is the ideal of perfection. With all our human failings how does a spiritual practice help us to arise in the consciousness of God?
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on “Atone through Attunement”
Sunday, September 23, 2018 at 11:00am
We all seek forgiveness at times—from ourselves, from others, from God. Why?
This week many participated in the fasting and prayer of Yom Kippur — The Day of Atonement, the last of the Ten Days of Awe. As we seek the perfection of God let us consider what is the ideal of perfection. With all our human failings how does a spiritual practice help us to arise in the consciousness of God?
When Sorrow Comes
When sorrow comes into our life it is as though we have entered a great darkness. We look for the light to come out of that darkness.
But where do we find that light? And how does that light bring us out of sorrow? What is the sorrow? We think we know what sorrow is but do we really?
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on “When Sorrow Comes”
Sunday, September 16, 2018 at 11:00am
When sorrow comes into our life it is as though we have entered a great darkness. We look for the light to come out of that darkness.
But where do we find that light? And how does that light bring us out of sorrow? What is the sorrow? We think we know what sorrow is but do we really?
Keep Calm And...
By the practice of Yoga the mind becomes calm. In this calm and serene state we realize the peace of Soul.
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on "Keep Calm And..."
Sunday, September 9, 2018 at 11:00am
We see this motto everywhere with a wide variety of endings, the original being: “Keep Calm and Carry On.” If you carry this thought in your mind… what does such a thought do for you?
When we see someone who is troubled and frantic with worry or fear… what do we say to them almost automatically? “Just calm down. It will be okay.”
When we take the time to calm ourselves before undertaking an action, we prepare ourselves with concentration and direct our mind.
By the practice of Yoga the mind becomes calm. In this calm and serene state we realize the peace of Soul.
Reading the Book Within
There is a book within that we read in the silence of our hearts. It is there that we come to know the Self. It is where our devotion and dedication reveal pure consciousness. Therein lies a treasury of awareness and experience that will guide us through all the obstacles of life.
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on "Reading the Book Within"
Sunday, September 2, 2018 at 11:00am
As summer draws to a close and we resume our weekly worship services let us consider our own thoughts and reading. Perhaps you had a summer filled with books for the purpose of relaxation or enjoyment, or maybe for new ideas to explore. Perhaps you are heading to school or college and had a reading list to prepare for your classes. Or maybe you were inclined to do some study for your own spiritual growth. Whatever reading you do, consider what it will do for you.
We think of all the books we have available to us now right at our fingertips. What truths do we desire to unveil? Do we look for examples of heroism and courage? Do we look for profound inspirations? Or do we turn our attention to the more objective knowledge of the conditions around us? Wherever we turn our thoughts, reading is certainly an inner process of revelation and realization.
But there is a book within that we read in the silence of our hearts. It is there that we come to know the Self. It is where our devotion and dedication reveal pure consciousness. Therein lies a treasury of awareness and experience that will guide us through all the obstacles of life.
Faith in a Seed
The great yogi, Henry David Thoreau, spent a vast amount of time observing, contemplating and writing about the transformations of nature. Even beyond his time at Walden he continued to study trees and plants and their interactions with the elements and animals. His descriptions provided a rich glimpse into the deeper consciousness of his being. Thoreau found “the very earth itself as a granary and a seminary.” He found “faith in a seed,” with a realization of its origin, path and destiny. Then he offered its story to inspire humanity.
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on "Faith in a Seed"
Sunday, June 24, 2018 at 11:00am
As our Church season draws to a close for our summer recess perhaps we can draw to worshipful reflection an ideal that will continually nourish us.
The great yogi, Henry David Thoreau, spent a vast amount of time observing, contemplating and writing about the transformations of nature. Even beyond his time at Walden he continued to study trees and plants and their interactions with the elements and animals. His descriptions provided a rich glimpse into the deeper consciousness of his being. Thoreau found “the very earth itself as a granary and a seminary.” He found “faith in a seed,” with a realization of its origin, path and destiny. Then he offered its story to inspire humanity.
His study of how entire forests spring forth is a study of the deep abiding faith of that synthesis of yoga. This synthesis of yoga is described by Sri Aurobindo as “sraddha” — faith — or “the soul’s belief in the Divine’s existence, wisdom, power, love and grace.” The inner soul knows the truth of its own destiny and mission. Faith is required at every step. Without faith there would be no progress.
Thy Will Be Done
Is our will separate from God’s will? Is the spiritual path that of renouncing our own will and submitting to God’s will? In truth, there is but one will, and that is God’s/our will. In human life that One pure will is often projected through the clouded lens of our acquired concepts of finitude (our sense identified ego) resulting in disturbing and negative expressions. Let us purify our minds and hearts so that the pure light of God’s/Our will may be expressed in all our thoughts, words and deeds.
Achariya Jeff Bauer
Speaks on "Thy Will Be Done"
Sunday, June 17, 2018 at 11:00am
Is our will separate from God’s will? Is the spiritual path that of renouncing our own will and submitting to God’s will? In truth, there is but one will, and that is God’s/our will. In human life that One pure will is often projected through the clouded lens of our acquired concepts of finitude (our sense identified ego) resulting in disturbing and negative expressions. Let us purify our minds and hearts so that the pure light of God’s/Our will may be expressed in all our thoughts, words and deeds.
The Crescent Moon
The natural symbols of sublime devotion become to us mirrors of the Self. They reflect not only our inner revelations but inspire and guide us on the inmost path. The symbol of the crescent moon is certainly an image of beauty and reflection to the poet and the philosopher in us all.
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on "The Crescent Moon"
Sunday, June 10, 2018 at 11:00am
The natural symbols of sublime devotion become to us mirrors of the Self. They reflect not only our inner revelations but inspire and guide us on the inmost path. The symbol of the crescent moon is certainly an image of beauty and reflection to the poet and the philosopher in us all.
Many traditions follow a lunar calendar rather than a solar calendar in which religious festivals and fasts are determined by the phases of the moon. At this time of year while millions of people observe the month of Ramadan, the conclusion of this period of prayer and self-reflection will occur upon the vision of the crescent moon, marking a new month.
Whether we draw upon the seasons, the cycles of the moon or the sun, or the rotation of the Earth, our life and that of creation around us constantly vibrates with the pure divine consciousness of the cosmic Creator. Every moment of our life may be infused with devotion and self-reflection.
That Which Liberates
There is a verse in the Vishnu Purana that includes the Sanskrit phrase: "Sa vidya ya vimuktaye”. It means: “knowledge is that which liberates.”
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on "That Which Liberates"
Sunday, June 3, 2018 at 11:00am
There is a verse in the Vishnu Purana that includes the Sanskrit phrase: "Sa vidya ya vimuktaye”. It means: “knowledge is that which liberates.”
The Vishnu Purana opens as a conversation between the sage Maitreya and his guru, Parashara. The sage asks the question, “What is the nature of this universe and everything that is in it?”
Consider another ancient philosophical text, the Dialogues of Plato, in which Plato presents philosophical discourses on a range of subjects (many through the voice of his teacher, Socrates).
In both cases, we encounter the question of the origin of the universe and the soul. The path of self-realization or self-liberation (moksha) involves a knowledge that liberates. But this knowledge is not merely an understanding of life around us, rather it is a knowledge of the source of life within us.
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 looks on with perfect serenity.” This verse is found in the Mundaka and SvetasvataraUpanishads and in the Rig Veda. The two birds symbolize our dual nature: soul and senses, subjectivity and objectivity. Which “bird” guides our lives? Is our goal to renounce the objective “bird” and identify solely with the serene transcendental “bird”? Can these “birds” exist within us in harmony and synchronicity?
Achariya Jeff Bauer
Speaks on "Two Little Birds"
Sunday, May 27, 2018 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 looks on with perfect serenity.” This verse is found in the Mundaka and SvetasvataraUpanishads and in the Rig Veda. The two birds symbolize our dual nature: soul and senses, subjectivity and objectivity. Which “bird” guides our lives? Is our goal to renounce the objective “bird” and identify solely with the serene transcendental “bird”? Can these “birds” exist within us in harmony and synchronicity?
Be Thou a Yogi
For the past seven weeks we have shared together in our Kriya meditation series the ideal and means of Kriya yoga. Perhaps now at the conclusion of this series, we may ask ourselves, “Am I a yogi? What does it truly mean to practice yoga? What is the path? How does one live a life of yoga? At what stage of life can one be a yogi?”
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on "Be Thou a Yogi"
Sunday, May 20, 2018 at 11:00am
For the past seven weeks we have shared together in our Kriya meditation series the ideal and means of Kriya yoga. Perhaps now at the conclusion of this series, we may ask ourselves, “Am I a yogi? What does it truly mean to practice yoga? What is the path? How does one live a life of yoga? At what stage of life can one be a yogi?”
We all need examples in our life to help guide us in our spiritual life. We have in the saints and sages of all times and all lands so many expressions of God-realization. Certainly, Shyamacharan Lahiri (who lived in India from 1828 to 1895) epitomized the ideal of yoga in a life dedicated to his family, friends and disciples. In his life we find an example of one who attained the highest state of self-enlightenment while living the normal home-life of love and service. He taught by his personal example that every individual has the power to gain the revelation of the Supreme Self, to be a yogi.
Full of Grace
In observance of Mother’s Day this Sunday we call to mind the sublime quality of grace attained in the soul’s unfoldment. It is a natural self-expression of divine love and inner beauty.
“Mother” is the standard by which we come to realize selfless and unconditional love, patience, understanding, and forgiveness. Such virtues awaken us to the grace of God. That grace blesses and guides our life’s journey.
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on "Full of Grace"
Sunday, May 13, 2018 at 11:00am
In observance of Mother’s Day this Sunday we call to mind the sublime quality of grace attained in the soul’s unfoldment. It is a natural self-expression of divine love and inner beauty.
“Mother” is the standard by which we come to realize selfless and unconditional love, patience, understanding, and forgiveness. Such virtues awaken us to the grace of God. That grace blesses and guides our life’s journey.
Make My Life Simple
The beautiful expression of Rabindranath Tagore to sit before the master poet and ask only that he may “make his life simple and straight, like a flute of reed to fill with music” offers us a sublime meditation on the nature of our own lives.
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on "Make My Life Simple"
Sunday, May 6, 2018 at 11:00am
The beautiful expression of Rabindranath Tagore to sit before the master poet and ask only that he may “make his life simple and straight, like a flute of reed to fill with music” offers us a sublime meditation on the nature of our own lives.
Do we lead lives of “quiet desperation”? Or do we make our lives simple and straight that they may be filled with divine music?
The great poets, sages and saints have all called for the simple life, unfettered by the trappings of the ego and desire. How do we make our lives simple?
Salutation Unto Thee!
In the 11th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita are given the words “Salutation unto thee, a thousand times salutation unto thee, and again and again salutation unto thee.” These are the words uttered by Arjuna after witnessing the divine universal form of God in its entire multifarious splendor. His mind and devotion are not shattered into a thousand perceptions and appreciations by this experience but are inexorably drawn to God, the One who is the source and essence of all. This is the path of yoga, of oneness. In all the experiences of our pilgrimage through this vast munificent emporium of God’s manifestation let us always and forever more seek and find the essence of the One. Salutations unto thee, a thousand times salutation unto thee!
Achariya Jeff Bauer, Associate Minister
Speaks on "Salutation Unto Thee!"
Sunday, April 29, 2018 at 11:00am
In the 11th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita are given the words “Salutation unto thee, a thousand times salutation unto thee, and again and again salutation unto thee.” These are the words uttered by Arjuna after witnessing the divine universal form of God in its entire multifarious splendor. His mind and devotion are not shattered into a thousand perceptions and appreciations by this experience but are inexorably drawn to God, the One who is the source and essence of all. This is the path of yoga, of oneness. In all the experiences of our pilgrimage through this vast munificent emporium of God’s manifestation let us always and forever more seek and find the essence of the One. Salutations unto thee, a thousand times salutation unto thee!
Acts of Compassion
After his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, Gautama the Buddha arrived in Sarnath, also known as Deer Park. It was there that he offered his first sermon regarding the noble path.
The path of self-realization is riddled with challenges on all sides. But one who lives this earthly life in the consciousness of the true nature of the Soul progresses through all the vicissitudes of space, causality, and time, without being overpowered by them.
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on "Acts of Compassion"
Sunday, April 22, 2018 at 11:00am
After his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, Gautama the Buddha arrived in Sarnath, also known as Deer Park. It was there that he offered his first sermon regarding the noble path.
The path of self-realization is riddled with challenges on all sides. But one who lives this earthly life in the consciousness of the true nature of the Soul progresses through all the vicissitudes of space, causality, and time, without being overpowered by them.
What are the powers of the soul that guide us through all the vicissitudes of life? What is the influence of an illumined mind?
Living Spirit
In the evolution of human thought and expression, we have journeyed through the contributions of enlightened minds who have brought clarity and understanding of the principles and laws of nature. Yet it is in the unfoldment of soul that we awaken to freedom from all limitation and attain the peace which passeth all understanding.
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on "Living Spirit"
Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 11:00am
The divine consciousness of the spirit of all creation is that which guides our lives with countless blessed gifts. Without this realization life becomes harsh and frightening. With this illumined understanding life is beautiful and inspiring.
In the evolution of human thought and expression, we have journeyed through the contributions of enlightened minds who have brought clarity and understanding of the principles and laws of nature. Yet it is in the unfoldment of soul that we awaken to freedom from all limitation and attain the peace which passeth all understanding.
What is it that links purusha (spirit) and prakriti (nature)? How does the universal principle guide and inform all activity of self-manifestation?
Where Oceans Meet
Dara Shikoh was the eldest son of Emperor Shah Jehan of India who built the Taj Mahal. In his treatise entitled: “Majma-ul-Bharayn” (the merging of two oceans), Dara Shikoh explored the confluence of mystical thought of the Qur’an and the Upanishads, merging the currents of two traditions. While he reflected upon the monist message of Advaita Vedanta and the truth of tawhid (the oneness of God) in his reflections, we may gather from this expression a deeper ocean of realization.
Srimati Karuna
Speaks on "Where Oceans Meet"
Sunday, April 8, 2018 at 11:00am
Dara Shikoh was the eldest son of Emperor Shah Jehan of India who built the Taj Mahal. In his treatise entitled: “Majma-ul-Bharayn” (the merging of two oceans), Dara Shikoh explored the confluence of mystical thought of the Qur’an and the Upanishads, merging the currents of two traditions. While he reflected upon the monist message of Advaita Vedanta and the truth of tawhid (the oneness of God) in his reflections, we may gather from this expression a deeper ocean of realization.
Path to Resurrection
The noblest path we can pursue is not the one which is the easiest or the most popular. It is the path that will take us toward the greatest wisdom and joy of our soul. In this pursuit we will strive to resurrect every aspect of our being with consciousness lifted to that Supreme Soul of all. We meditate, pray, work, play, eat and rest — all with the ultimate goal of self-liberation. What is the path and how shall we know it?
Swami Kamalananda and Srimati Karuna
Easter Sunday Service: "Path to Resurrection"
Sunday, April 1, 2018 at 11:00am
The noblest path we can pursue is not the one which is the easiest or the most popular. It is the path that will take us toward the greatest wisdom and joy of our soul. In this pursuit we will strive to resurrect every aspect of our being with consciousness lifted to that Supreme Soul of all. We meditate, pray, work, play, eat and rest — all with the ultimate goal of self-liberation. What is the path and how shall we know it?