Gratitude

I have so much gratitude for Swami Radhananda’s kindness to me. Once I sent her a letter and told her how difficult things were for me living in Toronto. I told her that I only had $20 in my bank account and that I wasn’t sure how I was going to pay the rent. A little while later an encouraging letter arrived from her and inside was $20 and the advice to play my clarinet to blow away all those emotions.She was the first person to pronounce that I was a musician which was so validating for me at the time. On my dresser I have a heart shaped box she gave me with a poppy seed capsule inside. It is one of the most precious things to me and a reminder to nurture love and light within me. I realize how fortunate I am that my life was touched by hers.

Thank you Swami Radhananda…

Swami Radhananda has been a presence in my life since the first time I came to the ashram. I remember her speaking and being overcome with feelings of love. Her heart, clarity and presence have been a source of inspiration over the years. She taught me to listen and how much work it takes to be quiet inside of my mind – to be able to listen with my heart. She taught me to balance, having the two worlds meet inside while keeping both feet on the ground. And she reminded me that we are all people.

The memory of her is cherished inside my heart. Her example teaches it is possible to be on the path with children and while being married. They can come together in beautiful and intricate ways. Patience, practice and perseverance bring about feelings of deep peace. To keep on going.

It came up recently that as a teacher she held a simplicity and depth that infused her classes. I wish to bring these qualities forward in my life too…

With Love and Gratitude,

Tribute

Dear Radhananda;
You were my Spiritual Mother, and Spiritual Mother to many others who came to you. I loved you as my mother, as you were loved by many others.
I miss you, but am glad that you are now at a peaceful place.
Namaste

Immense Gratitude

Thank you for being an example of courageous humility and inner Light—and for opening your home to me. I will be forever grateful for this path, which I hope will cross yours again one day.

Honouring the Great Life of Swami Radhananda

Honouring Swami Radhananda
When my eyes first met yours, time stood still, embraced as I was by your presence. It was the 1997 YDC, I was new to the ashram and felt bewildered and lost. In those days we gathered in the atrium before meals and would all do a practice together before eating. The Divine Mother Prayer was being recited. I did not know the words and I watched you intently as you spoke the prayer. You were living the prayer. I was transfixed. You lifted your eyes to meet mine and my heart melted. I finally arrived.
Silence was your language
Presence spoke your words
Devotion was your signpost
Compassion was your path
Because of you, I found my heart
You live forever there
You are so ever present
In all my thoughts and prayers.

Thank you Hari Om

In Gratitude

You showed me the power of speech and silence. For that and more I am eternally grateful.

LOVE

I’m reviewing my diaries of 30 years. Swami Radhananda has been with me through it all.
I have never known such Love.

With Deepest Gratitude

Gratitude

Thank you Swami Radhananda for seeing the bigger picture and for encouraging me to observe the smaller details; for affirming directions and decisions by simply asking me, “why not?” with a laugher that banished fear; for showing me how to observe the humming birds quietly quietly, and for encouraging me to take risks, and for opening up for me and so many others, the wonders of life. Thank you for the many, many books and for the leadership you gave.

with profound gratitude

While I met Swami Radhananda some time ago, I have known her principally from her writing and through participating in classes she facilitated. Swami Radhananda facilitated rather than taught classes, holding us and encouraging us, teaching often with her silence. This is a great gift and discipline, to have knowledge but to let others find it for themselves in their own way, in their own time.

Swami Radhananda was an ordinary woman who led an extraordinary life, truly practicing and modelling the art of selfless service. Her life is a gift to me as well as a gift to the world. This gift continues in so many ways.

Remembering Swami Radhananda

Hari Om, tonight we gathered over zoom to remember and celebrate Swami Rahananda. We were remembering the wonderful time we shared here in Wollongong, Australia with Swami Rahananda when she visited with Swami Lalitananda in 2010. What a treat it was to share this special time. Swimming in Erowal Bay, chanting by the water, meeting Kangaroos on the street, sharing the light at Mount Keira and gathering with beautiful food and friends. We hold these memories dearly and remember her, and all our friends at the Ashram on this special day and always. Much love and Light.