One World Community

As noted in the Overview, one of our goals is to develop spiritually focused communities for those who practice meditation and yoga. One might ask, “Why are spiritual communities important?” Here’s one answer. To quote a simple but profound statement by Paramhansa Yogananda, it’s because “Environment is stronger then will power.”

If we are serious about our effort to develop spiritually, we must realize the great pull of the world to maintain a materialistic and unspiritual lifestyle. By living together in an uplifting and sattvic environment we enhance and support our effort for a more spiritually focused life. This is not mere wishful thinking. Spiritual communities do in fact provide an important lifestyle for the spiritual seeker. One need only look at the example of the numerous Yogananda inspired Ananda communities in California, Oregon, Washington and throughout the world, to bear witness to their success.

The One World Communities, however, offer a significant difference. Whereas the Ananda communities are created specifically for the benefit of disciples of Paramhansa Yogananda, the One World Communities are intended for a broader group of truth seekers, seeking as the only common theme, the frequent practice of yoga and meditation and a serious longing for spiritual growth.

When Yogananda first mentioned the idea of what he called ” World Brotherhood Colonies,” he said it would be a place where “high thinking and simple living” are predominant. Among the benefits of living at a One World Community include separate yoga and meditation rooms, daily yoga classes, optional group meals, a community garden, and community wide projects and special events.

NEEDED NOW

1.  Financial assistance (investments and loans) to purchase suitable property. (The organizational structure of One World Communities will probably be a privately held Limited Liability Company [LLC], structured similarly to a condominium project, and under the auspices of Rajarshi Social Enterprises (RSE), a for profit corporation. For further information about RSE see the section entitled A Community of Yoga.)

2. Interest from those who may wish to be residents.