Gratitude and Light

The first time I came to the ashram, 1996, I was drawn to these teachings like a bee to a flower. It was your complete dedication to your guru along with an unshakable commitment to the teachings that I admired. I never really got to know you but there were so many times when you would just give me a motion of your hands, a look and a few words of encouragement that would open a door deep within and I could grasp an understanding of something in a new way. I remember one time I had questions about a teacher or guru and you took me to the garden in Many Mansions and showed me how the smaller younger trees were supported by the older more mature trees. You said we are all sisters on the path and we help each other. You were so humble and easy to talk to. I am filled with deep gratitude for this place and for your dedication in making the teachings available and the ashram thriving. Thank you Swami Radhananda for all I have received. Om Tat Sat

A Beacon of Inspiration

I know Swami Radhananda mostly through her books and video talks. But also, and perhaps more importantly, during the years I’ve studied and trained at the Ashram, I’ve gradually come to understand the enormous contribution she made in continuing to develop the teachings and how they are offered, building on the work of Swami Radha and carrying forward that vision. I have benefitted immeasurably from the dedication and commitment of Swami Radhananda, and I am so very grateful to her. Like Swami Radha, she has been and continues to be, a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating through her life what it means to keep moving forward, keep developing, keep going with inner work, meeting the obstacles, asking the questions, and treasuring the blessings of teachers, teachings and companions on the path. Hari Om

Swami Radhananda lifts me up

One time I was really upset about something and I wrote to Swami Radhananda. She responded almost immediately saying that she would put me in the Light. Her quick response dissipated the turmoil that I had been feeling. A few days later, I was giving a sermon based on the biblical story of Jesus walking on the water. Peter asks if he too can walk on the water and Jesus says ‘yes’. As soon as Peter gets out of the boat, he begins to sink. When he calls Jesus for help, Jesus stretches out his hand and lifts him up. I forget what my prepared interpretation of that passage was, but as I was speaking, I realized that Swami Radhananda had lifted me up too.

Your Promise – A Gift to So Many

In the early 1990’s, I remember making a quick stop on my way to Nelson to see the Temple just before the wool carpet was to be laid. Swami Satyananda, Aarnon at that time, gave me a tour. A light snow was falling. Being in that still, sacred space brought tears to my eyes, stirring something in me.

It was through your time/presence at the Ashram that I sensed a shift in opening the Ashram to the wider community, to the world. Your promise to Swami Radha has brought so many to the Teachings. You made them accessible. You drew me in, like so many others, so that we might know the gift of the Teachings and share it with others too.

A memory from YDC was seeing you running, like a gazelle, through a path in the woods. Such grace in all your actions.

Your Light continues to shine. Your presence continues to be felt. You are as near to us as a thought or a dream.

Blessings

Dance with Swami Radhananda

Dance with Swami Radhananda
composed by purnimafaith with love and Light
August 10, 2021

There is a special place in my heart
Where i go when I feel
i have no purpose
There, i am filled with love and Light
and i remember

i remember Swami Radhananda
when we were together

Sitting on her chesterfield in Many Mansions
Quietly, each in our own presence
for me feeling so blessed that i could be
right there at Yasodhara Ashram
with Swami Radhananda

Walking with her on the beach,
in the woods, up the road, in the garden
i would feel light and joyful
being with my friend and teacher

Swami Radhananda was wise, clear, intent and in subtle ways
she would gently show me a new, fresh way to think,
to relax into who i really was,
In the Light

Other times she firmly challenged me to explore new ways
to think and listen deeply
to take a leap of faith
and free myself from being stuck in the past

Swami Radhananda is not gone
i can be with her everywhere
and anytime i choose
i remember my friend and teacher
Swami Radhananda

Practice of Love

Reading Swami Radhananda’s writings and practicing Yoga in her image, I must say, that following her example is life changing for me. It is the strength in her grace and compassion that brings everything home to the heart, where it can take root and grow into a life long heartfelt practice of love.

Bill Monette

Swami Radhananda

Swami Radhananda had a huge influence on my life. I loved her very much. She was gentle, caring and straight, and loved walking and enjoying all of nature’s beauty. She was an extraordinary person because of her dedication to teaching us how to connect to our own wisdom and the Divine. Swami Radhananda had a tough job of leading the Ashram and keeping us moving towards the light. But, even with all the challenges, she kept getting lighter and stronger. I feel privileged to have known her and feel gratitude for all that she taught me. She was an amazing human being.

I Won’t Pretend to Know Her

She knew me
She asked questions
Through their exploration
Taught me about myself
What do I know?
What is my purpose?
Why do I keep myself separate?

I won’t pretend to know her
She could really see me
Taught me how to see myself
In her reflection
In my own
Maybe this (she and the ashram) is why
I can be fully authentic now
I was not when we first met
Hiding, so much hiding

A singer without a voice
Until she asked me
“Do you know how to sing?”
Followed by a trinity of days
Writing, reading, listening and singing
Singing after almost a year of being mute
“I DO know how to sing!”
Awe and overflowing joy
Decades of training and practise and money
Ended in silence
Swami Radhananda’s question
Lead to Freedom, joy and connection

Maybe I did know her.
Gratitude

In the Garden

In the Garden
I noticed
An ancient figure
Stooping toward
An open flower.
My heart sprang open
That must be her!
I tried to follow
But my work
Called me back.
Later, on the path
I met her radiance
Our hearts sprang
Open together
I love this place!
I am glad
You came

The Yard

The yard in front of Many Mansions has many worlds within it. I love how Mary Ann slowly converted the manicured yard into a semi wild space, introducing moss and letting nature flourish. Some of my favourite memories of Mary Ann are just being, sitting, listening, next to the pond, under that amazing laburnum with waterfalls of flowers. Long summer lunches on the deck. Gently tending the wild garden and the fruit trees. Her words were awakening. Her silence and knowing eyes were powerful. I miss you Mary Ann.