My Nonprofit Reviews

I came in contact with Self Enquiry Life Fellowship(SELF) in July of 2015. I was a student of Swami Vidyadhishanada many years ago, before he established this extraordinary Non-Profit Organization. For various life reasons I lost contact with him. Swami V, as I was used to calling him, has aways been an extraordinary teacher, spiritual guide and loving mentor. When I found out that he based himself in Santa Barbara and set up a Non profit organization I was thrilled and anxious to see what it was all about. I decided to go there and reconnect with him and learn more about teh work he was doing through his organization.
I can't even begin to describe all that I learned about what SELF is doing, I was blown away and immediately inspired to be connected in some way with their truly outstanding efforts to educate, contribute,provide,serve, and preserve not just for individuals but on a global level at large.
When I arrived I was greeted with great warmth by the many volunteers that were working arduously late into a Saturday evening preparing for one of the retreats that was to occur in a few days.Not only was a private meeting with my beloved teacher specially arranged,at a busy time, but I was given help to find affordable lodging, and was fed a delicious home cooked aryuvedic meal just for being with them. I felt as though I was invited into a very special family, and after spending a few days in the presence of His Holiness and the wonderful group of dedicated people working together with Swamiji, I discovered that SELF was much more than just a place to learn a little about meditation and yoga.
Everything they do ,they do with the true spirit of service to help all.
What this organization has to offer goes well beyond what anyone could imagine to learn in one lifetime , in one place, to enhance their all around development.
One of SELF's primary goals is to disseminate Ancient Vedic Wisdom in a non judgmental way for anyone who comes sincerely to learn and grow. I witnessed Swami Vidyadishananda patiently initiating person after person selflessly and lovingly to all that knelt before him.
The knowledge he is passing down,is as it was in ancient times, directly from this magnificent adept and true master of this unbroken Vedic heritage. There is no place that I have found nationally or internationally that quite teaches in the way that Swami Vidyadhishanada is teaching. And he makes the knowledge accessible through live stream, reaching out into the community, cd's and dvd's, public lectures and more.....
It is a rare opportunity to be in His presence and to experience learning in this authentic way from this Ancient tradition.
SELF is not only offering to teach through their many retreats, lectures,workshops,and seminars this ancient wisdom but they are showing both seekers and the community how to apply it to practical life.
There are various aspects of the teachings which address spiritual growth through unique and esoteric meditation practices. there are other aspects of the teachings that deal with addressing physical, mental and emotional well being through Aruvedic wellness practices. They also uniquely spread the message of mindfulness and conscious living through promotion of their volunteer based projects in their community with local farmers and other non profits, promoting stewardship to all sentient beings, our environment, our own bodies, our planet and ultimately the Universe we are all a part of.
The path revealed for those who come in contact with this organization and His Holiness, is truly a unique one that is invaluable.With continued support and the ability to grow to it's fullest potential, I can only foresee that this Organization will undoubtedly impact profoundly, not only the lives of the individuals who participate directly but also for the lives that will be touched indirectly by the effects of SELF's efforts and vision.
On a personal note, I could not have gone through the most difficult year of my life, 2015, without the teachings and support of Swami Vidyadishananda and SELF. I hope that their noble cause will be sustained, so that their efforts can continue to enrich all that they touch.