News from the Centre – April 2015
Hello everyone,
Although eastern Canada is still snowed in, it is officially spring. With apologies to our friends on the east coast, here is a lovely photo of spring at the Centre.
Program Season begins
This month marks the beginning of our program season. The first Yoga Getaway of the year toward the end of April is fully booked, but there are more coming, so check our online schedule.
Ongoing events include Sunday satsang, Wednesday evening kirtan and daily chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa.
New Beginnings
April is a month of new beginnings in our community. Several people who were here last year are returning and new additions will arrive in the not too distant future, joining those of us who have been here through the winter season. Also we are delighted that Amaresh, with his years of experience and knowledge, is now coming to the Centre regularly to help in maintenance.
Annual General Meeting 2015
In a month’s time, on the afternoon of Saturday, May 2, the Dharma Sara Satsang Society (DSSS) will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Centre. Dharma Sara has many projects on the go, the biggest by far being the Salt Spring Centre of Yoga. We welcome all who are interested in learning more to become a member by simply clicking ‘join’ near the bottom of the homepage of our website and following the prompts. More details about the AGM will be sent to DSSS members, and we hope to see you here.
This month’s newsletter Offerings
Continuing the tradition of sharing the stories of our Centre community, this month we introduce you to Growing up at the Centre by Meera Bennett. Meera grew up as part of the Centre community and a student at the Salt Spring Centre School. I have many memories of Meera in her earlier days, many of them involving her endless reading and and her serious questions, but also her playful side and her great giggle. Having spent so much time here as a child, Meera now comes to the annual community yoga retreat with her husband and little boy.
Kenzie has again contributed another probing book review on a subject that would not have occurred to me – Yoga Fiction. Kenzie finds gems wherever she looks. She is a seeker of truth, finding inspiration all around her.
An additional gem this month is Chandra Rose’s article, Honouring the Return, the path of re-entering the world after a transformative experience. Chandra describes what Angeles Arrien, a cultural anthropologist and exceptional teacher, calls “tracking the four rivers”, a way to take time to reflect on our experiences to absorb their meaning.
A request from the Dharma Sara Satsang Society
The Centre is built on the foundation of Karma Yoga, and has been sustained for decades by hundreds of volunteers. We are grateful to the DSSS members and wider satsang community who have supported and continue to support the Centre. The following is a request from the DSSS Board.
The Salt Spring Centre of Yoga is run by a team of dedicated volunteers, karma yogis and senior students. We do not receive any funding from government. The Centre has been viable since its inception in 1981 because of donations of time and skills by many volunteers to run our programs and care for the facilities. Financial donations are also needed. For SSCY to continue to host weekly satsang and kirtan gatherings and to provide excellent programs and classes, we need to generate a portion of our income through fundraising efforts to help pay for basic operating costs.
It is easy to help!
· Leave a donation cheque written to Dharma Sara Satsang Society in the box provided in the lobby.
· Place a cash donation in box provided.
· Come to the office and make a donation by credit card, cash or cheque.
· Go to www.saltspringcentre.com, scroll to bottom of page and hit the DONATE button.
Your contributions make a positive difference to the ongoing health and viability of the Centre. Thank you for the many ways in which you offer your time and skills as well as financial contributions. Your support of the Centre is greatly appreciated.
“Peace of mind, peace on Earth” – Baba Hari Dass
We look forward to seeing many of you in the upcoming months.
May we be filled with loving kindness,
May we be well,
May we be peaceful and at ease,
May we be happy.
Love,
Sharada