Members of the Radha community worldwide reflect on their diverse experiences of creating a local community.
The Global Radha Community Part 2 – Creating a Local Community
Lightwaves asked members of the Radha community worldwide about their experience of creating a local community.
Angela reflected on her experience in Australia through the Teachings of Swami Radha:
Our group here is 9 years old and is growing in commitment to regular attendance at classes. Some of the first students from 1999 have started to re-enrol after many years break. We have developed valuable friendships where the Teachings are naturally part of our conversations. The children of parents attending the classes have also, in some cases, started to want their own classes. Hopefully this need will be met when the time is ripe.
The power of Hari Om mantra brings to students in their home environments a constant reminder of the availability of Her sustenance and protection. One mother had Hari Om playing as she gave birth to her little girl. This child is now nearly 4 years old and she still hears the mantra before going to sleep. Another mother has told me she practises the Divine Light Invocation for her family every day. Another student has subscribed to Ascent. Twice she has submitted stories for the Ascent writing competition. Another woman has until her retirement from her University job had Hari Om playing quietly in her office. These are all part of our little community here in Wollongong.
From New Zealand Sarah writes of slow but sure expansion;
After two large workshop groups, the monthly classes running in Auckland have a few regular attendees. Once a month on a Saturday morning, I run a 2 hour Hidden Language class, including Mantra and the Divine Light Invocation. The response is positive. Having a Hidden Language book available for loan is helpful. (Timeless Books have to be ordered from overseas at quite an expense). I’m gradually discovering that offering one-off workshops works well here. Ongoing regular classes have a lot of competition. The Teachings speak for themselves and I need to remember to trust in the Divine. The community is growing… one class at a time.
Tara’s sees her local community in Trinidad as a work in progress:
I have started by focussing on the basics, with Hatha, as this is where people are, their point of entry. It is a long, patient process to take participants further, to get them to think more deeply about their lives. Trinidad has a diverse population. Almost half are Hindu. There is a tradition of ritual and lecture-type discourses on sacred texts. I focus on the practical, because Swami Radha’s Teachings are to be lived in a real and day-to-day way. This is different to what people expect. Some have begun to see the value of these Teachings as they apply them and see results. Sincerity of intention and caring are two important qualities I am trying to cultivate. These draw people to the Teachings.
Jayne commented:
It is much easier to feel part of the global community in a city like London than it is to establish a local community. I have some students who have been with me since the centre began in 1999 but most students come from other parts of Europe, or like Belinda McCullouch and Sarah Spence, ‘from down under’. People stay for a short while then move on. This makes for a very fluid London community.
Meanwhile, the global Radha community continues to expand. Frances is beginning to offer the Teachings in Belgium:
I have learned that those who are interested will come. My deep feelings and living of the Teachings are what I have trusted in my experience and now in a new and different situation I am doing the same. I am looking forward to seeing what will manifest. “In the will of the Most High I am free.”
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