By Beth (Bhanumati) Cunningham

Please join me in offering financial support to our Ashram during this season’s fundraiser, titled “Unmilana — Blossoming Forth.”

The Sanskrit word unmilana names the act of opening, expanding or unfolding. It’s commonly used to describe the blooming of a flower or the opening of eyes.

It reminds me of my aunt, who possesses a great generosity. I believe she gets it from her “blossoming sessions.” With cup a of tea, my aunt watches flowers bloom on her front deck.

Afterwards, her face is softer, her eyes wider and brighter, her voice rich and open. She blossoms forth with her flowers. Then she goes into the world and gives whatever she can, wherever she can. It is her joy.

This is unmilana — the blossoming forth. Consciousness blossoms forth with unceasing generosity in you, as you. Generosity is your very nature. The Self gives. It only gives. When you give, you are more you.

To give is your very nature. In giving to the Ashram this season, you are giving back to your own Self. You support the teachings and the Teacher who has given you your Self.

Gurudevi is the perfect model of unmilana and its generosity. As a Shaktipat Master, she pours herself tirelessly into supporting our progress toward enlightenment. She bathes us in the light of the Self, like the sun bathes the rose. She saturates us with Grace, like the rain soaks the garden. Her teachings nourish us like the rich earth.

Our blossoming sessions come in meditation, using the mantra she has given us. Instead of watching flowers, we watch our very own Self bloom inside. We blossom forth, inwardly to our Self and outwardly into the world. Our very nature comes to bloom, and we cannot help but give.

Supporting the Ashram financially is its own special kind of blossoming. It is incredibly powerful because it is so palpable. It supports the blossoming forth in others. So, I invite you to give to this season’s fundraiser and watch your gift bloom.

Donate online or call us at (610) 644-7555. Or send your check to Svaroopa^® Vidya Ashram, PO Box 143, Downingtown PA 19335. Thank you again and again!