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rchintala

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1 reviews

Review for Self Enquiry Life Fellowship, Penn Valley, CA, USA

Rating: 5 stars  

The Self Enquiry Life Fellowship (S.E.L.F or Svamahiman) has transformed the lives of many, and I am no exception. I signed up as a volunteer in March of 2007. His Holiness Swami Vidyadhishananda Giri accepted me as his disciple and initiated me into the Kriya Laya meditation technique. It is difficult to express my gratitude for the rare spiritual instruction, tender loving care, patience, and mercy that Swami has showered upon me---words simply fail me.

The broad vision of the non-profit is a testament to the universality of the ancient Sanskrit-based Vedic heritage. The beautifully planned mission to preserve authentic Vedic knowledge streams and the meditative arts, and the careful attention to detail with which it is being executed, reflects an astounding level of foresight and deep concern for the welfare of all. I am inspired by the humility, integrity, and dedication shown by those whom I have the privilege of knowing. It is indeed our great fortune that an organization of such rare caliber has chosen to establish a legacy in the United States.

The teachings emphasize making right lifestyle choices (to promote harmony), serving (to cleanse the heart), meditating (to quiet the mind's chatter), inculcating knowledge (to remove ignorance) and praying (to invoke the grace of the Lord). To be mindful is to be aware of the inherent divinity in all of the Lord's creation. Swami teaches that the earth is not an inert element but a divine being. Conscious living means to act mindfully at the thought, speech and body levels. This practical philosophy is highly relevant in today's world. It helps one cultivate "devotional intelligence" which eventually matures into service. As such, by converting service to the world into service to God, we perform the highest kind of service---"devotional service", which ultimately leads us closer to the Lord. This spirit is beautifully expressed in the call to action of the founding trinity of Svamahiman:

There is no way to love, love is the way
There is no way to truth, truthfulness is the way
There is no way to serve, service is the way

It is my humble privilege and a high honor to post this review. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to reach out to other seekers, servers, and devotees.

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

Help to spread the word to make people more aware Raise funds to support projects

Would you volunteer for this group again?

Definitely

For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?

Life-changing

Did the organization use your time wisely?

Very Well

Would you recommend this group to a friend?

Definitely

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2013

Role:  Volunteer