Spirit Speaks in Mysterious Ways
I was alone in the studio after the noon class had let out. As usual, I had bid farewell to students and teachers, was tidying up, watering flowers, blowing out candles, and preparing to leave for the day. In my years of directing the operations of our dear Samadhi, I have always been grateful for the inherent feeling of peace and safety within our walls. We are careful yet I have even, in my woo-woo ways, felt the space is energetically protected.
On this day, when a woman of slight build wearing a hoodie and surgical mask entered, I immediately felt uneasy. I sensed she had not come for yoga or the incense she began to look over.
I attempted small talk and, nervously, gathered my belongings. After a minute, she suddenly went straight to our Diwa Lakshmi, the one who welcomes us and has come to receive offerings in turn.
You’ve likely noticed this particular deity. In years past, she graced the altar of our Golden Triangle studio. She’s majestic. She holds a candle, appropriately so, since she actually holds a diwa, a light. Often friends will leave a piece of fruit, a flower, whatever they feel called to offer.
This giving evolved organically. We happily give out Samadhi stickers, and one can leave a dollar if they please. Other times, the dollar is the offering. These funds are then spent on flowers for the altars, or treats here and there. It’s not a lot of money, but it is a sweet reciprocation of generosity.
Diwa Laskhmi holds a light and welcomes guests, bestowing grace and mercy upon all.
The woman snatched the money, hurried out the door and up the avenue. I didn’t think of chasing her, making a scene, or filing a report. I stepped out, watched her run away and called after her: “I hope life brings you everything you need!”
I was a bit shocked; couldn’t recall witnessing anything so brazen, let alone in our sacred space. But I wasn’t angry. My words were sincere.
Lakshmi is the goddess of abundance, not just materially; she symbolizes plentiful spirit, grace, wisdom and mercy. In our smaller, brighter studio room a mural of the goddess adorns the wall. We like to believe that intention toward Lakshmi’s archetype can generate within us liberation of spirit, generosity of heart, and peace of mind. And, we hope that embodying these qualities, along with discipline, might lead to affluence. We can look to her generous nature as inspiration.
The Sanskrit word for an unreciprocated gift to a person in need is dāna. In Hebrew, tzedakah means justice or righteousness; that giving to the poor helps reestablish the right order. In fact, all religions and spiritual paths call for giving to those less fortunate, even as a moral obligation.
So, is the lesson here simply to be more guarded and keep cash out of sight? That’s not all that came to me.
We are rightfully protective of our safety and surroundings and must look out for ourselves and each other, yes. Yet, the greater message for me, as I’ve continued to reflect on this experience, was that our proverbial “cup runneth over” in our Sangha. We are blessed (excuse the #cliché) with a beautiful, welcoming yoga hOMe where like-minded people congregate, together seeking higher truths and betterment.
We commonly chant for the happiness and freedom of all beings.
So, let us be cautious AND let us give more.
We are considering ways to share abundance with neighbors in need, including intentionally giving the dollars that are collected in Lakshmi’s diwa. Reach out with your ideas.
May all beings be happy and free
And may my thoughts, words and actions
contribute to the happiness and freedom of all.
Gratefully,
~Emelia