Since I tend to tighten up when stressed, I have learned that remembering to breathe is important.  Now I am learning that remembering to honor is as important.  Supporting the Ashram with a monthly financial gift enables me to honor the gifts that I have received.  I also honor the giver of those gifts — Gurudevi Nirmalananda.  

Having the stability of monthly donations enables the Ashram to plan and to cover its continuing expenses.  My additional gift during this fundraiser is an investment in my own Self.  It’s an acknowledgment that the gift of the Self needs to be made available to others.

Our spring fundraising theme is Namah — to bow, to honor.  Namah is a beautiful Sanskrit word.  It is part of the Ashram’s mantra.  It is part of our tradition’s meditation mantra.  Namah means to honor, to bow to.  

Yoga says to honor the One that you are so that you become that One.  When you bow, you become one with that to which you are bowing.

Does that you mean that you become the other person?  No.  You are bowing to the One that is being the other person, while also being you.

I am grateful for all the ways that Gurudevi teaches for becoming present to Self.  I have found that simply bowing with my hands in anjali mudra (prayer position) quiets my mind.  This bowing steadies it, and allows me to rest in silence.  Mantra extends and deepens the peace that arises.  Supported from within, I return to my daily responsibilities refreshed.  Of course, my mind is such that I need to rinse and repeat frequently!

How do you honor your own Self?  Please join me in honoring your own Self by donating to the Ashram during our spring fundraiser. 

Your donation honors you and Gurudevi, the giver of the gift of your Self.  Direct your gift to:

• Honor your teacher

• Honor the Ashram

• Honor the free teachings

Donate on our website or call us at (610) 644-7555.  Or you can send your check to Svaroopa Vidya Ashram, 116 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, PA 19335.  Thank You.