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www.CSEcenter.org
interested in exploring the mystical path of Self- and God-realization. Meditation
is practiced as a way of awakening to spiritual Truth, to that which is beyond
thought, opinion, or dogma.
Our message emphasizes the potential for all people to awaken, and the impor-
tance of living a spiritually-conscious life by following the universal precepts of
the world’s wisdom traditions, such as harmlessness, truthfulness, and right use
of our life energy. We are all here to awaken to the truth that this life is God’s
life. We come from a common Source, live and move and have our being in that
Source, and return to it. Awakening to the unity of life brings new joy in living
and a clear sense of how we can each contribute to the well-being of all.
In 1998, we moved into our current location on University Avenue. As the
spiritual director, I asked in prayer to know if the move would be right for this
ministry. The words that came to me were, Many souls will come to God there. And
so it is. On any day of the week it is possible to see people wholly engaged in some
form of spiritual practice, reflecting on universal human values and the unity of all
religions: attending a worship service or morning meditation, prayerfully working
in the garden, walking the labyrinth, stretching mind and body through hatha
yoga, studying scripture, exploring how to live spiritual teachings in small group
meetings, or sharing with the children. The call of the mystic poet, Rumi, can be
felt throughout the Center:
Come, come, whoever you are. Wanderer,
worshipper, lover of leaving—come. Ours is not a caravan of
despair. It doesn’t matter if you have broken your vow a thousand
times. Still come, and yet again, come.
Every day presents us with a new opportunity to see with the eyes of faith and
live in the highest way. I am grateful to all who have come over the years—those
who have served, those who have offered their resources and their prayers, and
those who have stayed to build a spiritual community from the seed of a divine
vision. A beautiful community has blossomed over time. Many capable teachers,
leaders, and ministers have been inspired and trained to teach and serve. They
are extending the teachings near and far—here at headquarters, in our outreach
meditation groups and satellite centers, and in many sectors of society. The
ministry is thriving—real needs are being met and lives are being transformed.
I am grateful to Roy Eugene Davis who offered the teachings so freely and
opened the door of possibility for CSE. For the divine love that guides each and
every one, constantly turning us in the direction of awakening to truth, I offer
praise and thanks. Thirty-five years of praises only just begun.
Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian is the Spiritual Director of the CSE.