Building a Spiritual Community in the Modern World:
A Call to Connection
In these turbulent times, where the world around us is changing at a rapid pace, it’s becoming increasingly essential for people of similar values and beliefs to come together. At Shivoham, we are stepping into a new phase of community building. But as with any auspicious beginning, we start this new journey with a prayer, invoking the blessings of Lord Ganesh, the remover of obstacles.
“Vakratunda Mahakaya, Surya Koti Sama Prabha, Nirvighnam Kurumedeva Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada.”
— May Lord Ganesh, the one with the curved trunk and mighty form, whose brilliance is equal to the sun, remove all obstacles from our path.
As we take this important step in building our online community, we call upon Ganesh to bless us with the strength and clarity needed to nurture a space where all of us can come together, learn, and grow. This space is more than just a digital platform; it’s a gathering place for our Sangha—a place where we can hold hands, walk together, and feel supported as we journey through life and spirituality.
Why Now?
The world is going through a massive transformation. We’ve all witnessed how quickly the environment, society, and humanity are being tested. From extreme weather changes to shifts in the collective consciousness, it’s clear that we are living in a time of great flux. This period, often referred to as Kali Yuga, is a time of challenges, but also of opportunity.
It’s during such times that the need for spiritual connection becomes most crucial. In the face of uncertainty, we must strengthen our bonds with those who share our beliefs and values. We need a community where we can lean on each other, grow together, and help uplift others as we navigate these turbulent waters. This is why we’ve created this new portal for Shivoham—a space designed to help us support one another and nurture our spiritual path.
What You Can Expect
In this community, you won’t just find teachings—you’ll find connection. We will share mythological stories that not only entertain but also offer moral lessons that inspire us to reflect on our own strengths and limitations. The goal isn’t to dwell on our weaknesses but to recognize our strengths, using them as a foundation for personal and spiritual growth.
Additionally, we will offer teachings on Sanskrit, the language of Tantra. Many of you are already on deep sadhana journeys, exploring the depths of Tantra and its transformative power. But to fully immerse yourself in the teachings, it’s essential to understand the language. We’ll start with the basics—learning the sounds and symbols, reciting shlokas with correct pronunciation, and understanding their meanings. It’s a slow and steady process, one that requires patience, but it’s also a deeply rewarding journey that will eventually allow you to access these ancient texts and teachings more fully.
I’m not a professional Sanskrit teacher, nor do I claim to be, but I can guide you through the baby steps. We’ll take it slow, and who knows—perhaps some of you will be inspired to continue your studies with more advanced teachers. For now, let’s start this journey together, taking small steps towards understanding the profound language of Tantra.
Coming Together as a Sangha
This online community is not just a space for Guruji and me to share our teachings. It’s a place for all of us. Each member of our Sangha brings unique strengths, and by sharing these with one another, we become a more complete and powerful community. No one person holds all the answers or all the teachings. By opening ourselves up to the knowledge and experiences of others, we gain a broader perspective, allowing us to grow not only individually but as a collective.
Guruji’s teachings often involve powerful processes that many of you have witnessed during your time at the ashram. However, this platform will offer a more peaceful, satwik environment where we can discuss the ethics and principles that guide our Sangha. What are the values we hold dear? How can we integrate Shiva’s teachings into our daily lives to overcome our egos, fears, and insecurities? These are the kinds of discussions we’ll have, helping us cultivate kindness toward ourselves and others.
A Platform for Everyone
Remember, this space is not just for me or Guruji. It’s for everyone in our community who has something to share. We all have limitations, but together, we can overcome them. Each of us brings something unique to the table, and when we come together as a Sangha, we become more than the sum of our parts. Listening to different perspectives and learning from one another is how we grow stronger, more united, and more complete.
So, join us in this new venture. Let’s build a space where we can connect, share, and grow together. Whether you’re here to learn, to teach, or simply to connect, there’s a place for you in this Sangha. Together, we can navigate these changing times with grace, wisdom, and, most importantly, with love.
Let’s walk this path together.