Spiritual Unfolding

by Atmavrata Puri

The author (formerly Alvira Grace) is a long-time devotee who has taken Sannyas (vows of renunciation and spiritual comitment), In this article she tells about life in a spiritual community on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia. Her ordination took place at the Sri Saradeswari Ashram (Gauri Ma Ashram) in Kolkata, India. Traditional Hinduism identifies Sannyas as the final stage in life.

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The Mahapurush Forest of Peace Monastery and Community, is a non-affiliated spiritual community founded on the spiritual vision and goal of its members—that of offering ourselves to the quest of inner transformation and union with the Divine.

Over twenty-five years ago, Sam Graci, Purnavrata (formerly Gail Pearpoint), and I shared a vision of living in spiritual community. Our common inspiration and Vedanta tradition is that of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda. Five years ago we joined together on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia to lay the spiritual foundation of what is now called the Mahapurush Forest of Peace Monastery and Community.

Sam operates a small business that financially supports the community. We are situated
on 12 acres in a serene and beautiful natural setting surrounded by forest and meditative paths. The property has been divided into two compounds. One is the residence of our community brother, Sam. The other the monastic setting where both Purnavrata and I reside and where rooms are made available to those on retreat.

The Community has expanded to include outside members who share the observances and daily recall of our Community precepts. Our shared practices and observances also include prayer, meditation, silent periods, and study, balanced with work, outreach activities, exercise,======= and “creative leisure.” Each Monday is a designated day of silence and at the end of each month we observe three days of silence. The primary outreach services we provide to others are the setting, space and support for weekly scheduled meditations, prayer and study (people of all traditions and faiths are welcome), Tai Chi classes, and retreats.

One of the main practices of our small community has been that of developing awareness, appreciation, seeing each other in the highest light while “working” individually and collectively on our shortcomings and divisions.

Taking into account our own particular yearnings and spiritual vision, along with factors of life experiences, etc., the formation of the Community has been a creative exploration requiring earnest prayer, discernment, and thoughtful considerations of moderation and balance. Through Mother’s Grace, the community is deepening and maturing as we continually open to her Will, Mercy, and Love.

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