In Gratitude

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

 

I want to express my deep gratitude to Jay for bringing us all together in

this listserv. The posts given by everyone have deepened my understanding

and appreciation of Vedanta. I bought the " Astavakra Samhita " and it is my

bedtime story now. I feel that Swamiji has brought us all together and even

though we do not agree on everything, there is still a wonderful unity among

us.

 

I wanted to share a little about myself. I am a professional storyteller. I

perform at schools, universities, health spas, museums, etc., and have had a

series of radio shows. At this time, I am giving a storytelling workshop

which will culminate in a storytelling festival.

 

Stories are a wonderful device for transmitting spiritual teachings. My

primary purpose in telling stories is to bring people together at the level

of the heart, so that we can honour and transcend our cultural differences.

I feel blessed to be able to do the wonderful work that I do.

 

I have a 27-year old daughter who lives in Los Angeles. I live in the desert

in Redlands, California. The town in which I live is very quiet and

beautiful. I love the quiet and solitude.

 

Over my computer are pictures of Swamiji, Ramakrishna, and Jesus in the lotus

posture. People have said my home is like an ashram and they often ask if

they can stay here overnight when they need to de-stress.

 

I moved here three years ago and once when I ordered a book from the Vedanta

Society bookstore the clerk told me that Swami Vivekananda visited Redlands

and that he loved it. I like that. I'm originally from New York and have

lived in Massachusetts, Santa Fe NM and now Southern California. California

is the most beautiful state in this country. Everything grows here.

Southern California has a mediterranean climate. Swamiji said that

California is the home of Vedanta in the West.

 

I have studied under many teachers, but twenty years ago I found Swamiji and

Vedanta and I knew I was home. He lit my heart on fire and my love for the

path and for him continues to grow and deepen. I EXPERIENCED TRUTH in his

words and I can never get enough. I know you all understand when I say that

my hunger for Truth is insatiable.

 

I love all of you very much and would enjoy hearing about who you are and

about your lives. You have all touched me so deeply. To be able to

communicate with other Vedantists is nothing short of a miracle to me since I

live far from any temple.

 

Thank you all for being in my lives in the way that you are. And, Jay, thank

you again for inviting me to participate in this group. I know I speak for

others also.

 

Love,

Jody Hoelle (Premadevi)