Hari Om Sangha!
“Hating is worse than fighting. When you hate, you keep on hating. We are not going to stop everything in nature. But if you can do something instead of hating the fighting, do it…[I]f you hate, you lose the capacity to do something to stop the fighting.”—Sri Gurudev
I want to take a moment to address the horrific events that occurred in Charlottesville [on August 12th]. Our entire community was stunned by what has happened so close to our home, and we are greatly concerned for our neighbors, friends, sangha, and family in Charlottesville and beyond. As you know, Yogaville’s ideology is to bring peace and love into the world, and when events like this happen, it is important to reach out and offer our compassion, love, and support. Please know we are offering prayers and vibrations of love and healing to those who have been affected by this tragedy.
As we reflect on the violence and hate that descended on Charlottesville, many may find it difficult to fathom these types of behaviors. However, we are fortunate to have Gurudev’s guidance to fall back on as we navigate these challenging issues. Sri Gurudev taught us to aspire to “Love All and Serve All”.
In this time of tragedy and suffering, I understand that the human tendency may be to respond to such hatred with anger or hatred in return. However, Sri Gurudev taught us to take a different path under these circumstances. Let us all acknowledge those feelings within our hearts; this is the fuel that can transform your love into action. Consider: What can you do to serve those who are in need and create change in the world.
Yogaville joins with thousands of other religious and spiritual groups who are praying, serving, and working to overcome hatred, bigotry, and oppression in our world. Please consider joining us each day at 12:00 noon EST as we meditate and pray for world peace.
For those close by who have been affected by this tragedy, please feel free to come to Satchidananda Ashram for meditation in the Lotus Shrine or to sit in the quiet healing space of Yogaville. There are also many services and support group opportunities that are available in Charlottesville for those needing healing and assistance.
One such opportunity that has been offered up is a free Community Support group, lead by our own Anandaprema Janice Gillmore and her employer, Counseling Alliance of VA. The free Charlottesville Community Support Group is being held on Tuesday nights, Aug. 22nd through Sept. 12th, from 6:00 – 7:30pm.
The location is:
CAVA (Counseling Alliance of VA)
335 Greenbrier Drive, Suite 206
Charlottesville, VA, 22901
Office phone: 434-220-0333
Cell phone: 757-705-5635
In closing, I want to leave you with an excerpt of the prayer that we say here each and every day:
The whole creation is my family, The entire universe is my home.
May the entire universe be filled with Peace and Joy, Love and Light.
Jai Sri Satguru Maharaj Ki!
Siva Moore
Executive Director
Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville