By Dhairyavati (Kristine) Freeman

Happy Birthday to Svaroopa^® Vidya Ashram! I’m so grateful you were born.

Gurudevi says, “The birth of a person is into limitation, the exploration of individual identity.” Shree Guru Gita says it this way:

Birth is into not-knowingness,
spellbound by Maayaa’s worldly dance.
Giver of the upwelling light
of your own Self is called Guru.

But the birth of an Ashram begins the liberation process that benefits more than merely one individual. Thus, our Ashram exists to support all who yearn to know the highest. For this reason, our Ashram’s birthday is deeply meaningful.

I remember when our Ashram was born.  Swami Nirmalananda (now called Gurudevi) was newly initiated as a sannyasi and authorized to serve as Guru. When she founded Svaroopa^® Vidya Ashram on September 28, 2009, I was excited to see the Ashram doors open.

I was longing to explore meditation and yoga philosophy deeply.  The Ashram offered a precious opportunity to study directly with Gurudevi. I quickly enrolled in Gurudevi’s first “Year-Long Programme.” I was already a Certified Svaroopa^® Yoga Teacher. Later, I became certified as a Svaroopa^® Vidya Meditation Teacher.

This September, our Ashram turns 16 ― a milestone birthday. I associate my own 16^th birthday with the freedom of getting a driver’s license. No longer merely along for the ride, I was finally in the driver’s seat. I loved the freedom to explore the world on my own. My state was described by a verse in Snow Patrol’s song “Chasing Cars:” “I need your Grace, to remind me to find my own.”

Now I’m blessed to be the beneficiary of 16 years of Ashram Grace, personified by Gurudevi. As Gurudevi so generously shared her state, I’ve ridden the waves of Grace to explore inward. With Shaktipat, and so much more, Gurudevi has given me the experience of inner freedom.

Through her Ashram programs — Meditation Club, Swami Sunday, a Vowed Order — she supports us seekers in continuing to explore the deeper dimensions of being. What a gift! With any of your chosen practices and programs, you focus on, find and experience the Divine within you ― which is you, your own Self.

Reflecting on this auspicious birthday, Gurudevi says,

Today we celebrate the organization that serves thousands of yogis, making a difference by developing their inner experience and carrying it into the world.

This year, the Ashram’s September 28^th Birthday falls on a Sunday. What a wonderful time to attend Swami Sunday! Profoundly auspicious, Swami Sunday on October 5^th is Gurudevi’s formal celebration of Baba Muktananda’s Punyatithi as well as our Ashram’s birthday.

What an opportunity to celebrate by attending on either On-Site or Online. It is also the culmination of a Shaktipat Retreat, so you are sure to be infused!