Carried by a Promise

New Zealand — A taste of things uniquely kiwi

admin — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 19:33:18 +0000

In mid-November, Swami Radhananda and Swami Lalitananda made their first trip to New Zealand and inspired many who were new to Swami Radha’s teachings. We were blessed to have two short workshops, book launch and satsang in Auckland. It was a musical time with kirtan (bhajans) at the book launch and a combined satsang in the style of both Yasodhara Ashram and the Divine Life Society. Many attendees were disciples of Swami Sivananda or Swami Satyananda (a gurubhai of Swami Radha) alongside two people who had previously experienced the teachings at the ashram. It was very special to be able to welcome these special teachers as it had been 4 years since I have been to the ashram and it has motivated me to offer Hidden Language classes again in the New Year. There are several people considering making the trip to Yasodhara Ashram, inspired by the invitation to visit in 2013 for the 50th anniversary.

The Swamis had a taste of things uniquely kiwi, experiencing the wild black sand beaches and unique native bush (forest) as well as peering into the crater of one of many of Auckland’s extinct volcanos. They also met Swami Venkatesananda — a concrete glazed life-sized statue!

All of us here are grateful for the time spent with Swami Radhananda and Swami Lalitananda. Thank you to all that helped the book tour manifest the long trip across the Pacific to allow us the opportunity to experience the teachings here.

Hari Om
Sarah

Uniquely Australian Tour

admin — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 22:29:17 +0000

What a week we had with Swami Radhananda and Swami Lalitananda! It was so rich in teaching and learning, walking the path of self discovery as well as such good fun and a shared journey that will enrich our lives forever.

We explored just a little of what is uniquely Australian with the Swamis – met some of the local fauna, trod the ground of the ancient, saw the iconic architecture and natural beauty, sheltered from the harsh summer sun and ate the local delicacies (minus the witchety grubs)!

For me personally however, it was the warm embrace of these beautiful women who entered our lives so naturally and personally, challenging us, teaching us, learning with us, sharing their journeys of transformation and growth. The opportunity to retreat together for the weekend with a rich diversity of women and one young man, was a taster, for many, of the value of taking time to further discover our Essence, to grow our self awareness and to enjoy the Divine within us all.

I think there are a few seriously considering the enormous value of crossing the Pacific divide and spending time at Yasodhara Ashram. We are privileged that Swamis Radhananda and Lalitananda brought the Ashram to us Downunder; the week filled our lives with Light.

Namaste,
Julie Pinazza
Australia

Vancouver Lights Up

admin — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 22:37:22 +0000

Vancouver yoginis and yogis were happy to welcome Swami Radhananda and Swami Lalitananda here on October 22 & 23. There was a great turn out for both workshops — an encouraging mixture of long time teachers, many traveling from Vancouver Island for the weekend; a group of students new to RADHA who wanted to go deeper and expand their experience and understanding of our teachings; and a number of long time RADHA students taking the opportunity to once again connect with their own inner wisdom. .

Swami Lalitananda invited students to enter into the Inner Life of Asanas and listen to the intelligence of the body in a day of breath, relaxation and listening to the messages of the yoga asanas. There was lots of space to explore and experience the feeling of joy that was emerging by the end of the day.

Swami Radhananda helped us to light up our lives as we focused and concentrated on the Divine Light Invocation, experiencing the power of breath, tension, relaxation and our ability to imagine the Light. As the day progressed we moved more fully into an experience of Light that revealed and sustained and showed how we can continually bring this beautiful practice into daily life.

It was a fulfilling time together — a time to connect with old friends and new and to know the feeling of community that arises when we practice together.

Hari Om
Swami Jyotihananda

Cranbrook tour

admin — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:33:22 +0000

On the first weekend of October we had the pleasure of hosting Swami Radhananda for a book reading at Lotus Books, a satsang and a 3 hour workshop, “Yogic Tools for Transformation.” Approximately 20 people were present to hear her read from her inspiring story of personal change, commitment and devotion to her teacher, Swami Radha. I personally enjoyed learning about her process of reviewing her journals and seeing the ‘threads’ that were there all along. She encouraged all of us to keep a journal of our own stories. Without journaling, this book would not have been possible! The workshop took us on a personal journey that was truly amazing in its simplicity yet profoundness. It was such a pleasure to have her in our presence, guiding us in using the yogic tools that transformed her into Swami Radhananda.

Joanne Bellanger

Swami Radhananda’s Fall Tour

admin — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 21:40:49 +0000

23 October
Light up your Life, Workshop with Swami Radhananda
Radha, Vancouver 10am — 4 pm

12–13 November
Carried by a Promise Workshop with Swami Radhananda
Erowal Bay, NSW, Australia

14 November
Hidden Language Workshop led by Swami Lalitananda
Community Centre, NSW, Australia

14 November
Reading Carried by a Promise
Thirroul Public Library, Lawrence Hargrave Drive, NSW, Australia

19 November
Yogic Tools for Transformation, Workshop
Manipura Yoga Centre, Formby Ave, Point Chevalier, Auckland, NZ

20 November
Reading Carried by a Promise
Goodeys Bookstore, Crowhurst St, Newmarket, Auckland, NZ

welcoming members to the Yasodhara Ashram

admin — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 01:06:03 +0000

Opening Questions

admin — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 22:12:03 +0000

Swami Radhananda speaks to the power of asking honest questions and leaving space for the answers to arise. This was recorded during her book tour at a reading in Spokane.

Radio interview podcast

admin — Mon, 30 May 2011 18:58:56 +0000

Swami Radhananda was interviewed on Dristi Point, a community-based, volunteer organization that broadcasts a weekly radio show. Listen to Radhananda talking about her relationship to her Guru, Swami Radha, her experiences with the Light and the new life that opened as she grew in her commitment to a spiritual life. Swami Radhananda also speaks about mantra, initiation, and what it means to welcome Divine Light into your life.

Download the audio

Tenzin Palmo

admin — Sun, 15 May 2011 23:57:30 +0000

Carried by a Promise is the moving account by Swami Radhananda of her devoted relationship with her Guru, Swami Sivananda Radha, spanning many years. Apart from her inner spiritual experiences along the way, she also chronicles learning how to deal skilfully with the power politics at play within almost every organisation, secular or spiritual. An important aspect of any path is this ability to transform challenges into opportunities for learning and practice.

Ultimately it is a story of dedicated love and surrender to the Divine Light. Swami Radhananda’s absolute devotion to Swami Radha shines throughout the pages and is an inspiration for us all.

Joan Halifax

admin — Sat, 14 May 2011 21:25:11 +0000

Swami Radha touched the lives of many thousands of people. This extraordinary account brings us close to her vision and great heart through her profound relationship with Swami Radhananda, the author of this inspiring book. May the teachings of both these women nourish the world.