Dear Friends of Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville:
Hari OM.
We are horrified and saddened over the recent acts of violence against the black community, including the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and many others in our nation’s long history of racial oppression and violence.
We stand together with the black community in declaring that black lives matter.
Yogaville was founded on the principle of embracing all people and recognizing the underlying Spirit that connects us all. Our founder, Sri Swami Satchidananda, inspires us by stating, “Show the same love to one and all. Let nothing get harmed, hurt, or pained, even by your thoughts. Love everything and everybody as God would love: unconditionally.” We recognize that for this to be realized for all, it must be realized for black people and all people of color.
This violence demands a response from all of us. We are called to honor their lost lives, and all black lives, by closely looking at ourselves, listening and learning from voices of color, and reflecting on how we are contributing to the world—to both its failures and its growth. Our commitment to individual and global peace calls us to learn how to effectively engage in change and encourage truth, justice, and love in the world.
For three months, the Ashram has been praying for those suffering from the pandemic. We will continue to do so as we also keep in our prayers all those suffering from racial injustice. May each and every one of us look within our own hearts and see that the changes we wish to see outside are being fulfilled within ourselves as well. May God bless the efforts of all those who are coming forward now, even at the risk of their own health and safety, to pave the way for substantive, transformative change. May peace, peace, peace prevail in our hearts and be realized throughout the world.
Please contact us with any comments or questions at inclusion@yogaville.org.
Om Shanthi. With Love and Prayers,
Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville