Miami, February 26, 2002

Happy first anniversary to all our little Love Sailors!

I think of you and pray for you all with deepest love and devotion. Exactly one year ago, a seed was planted in the fertile land of Brazil—the idea of the Ark of Love, where Kriya students would come together with love and search for ways to expand their spiritual practice by serving God's abandoned children.

Our beginnings were very careful and modest, but have already started to bear many beautiful fruits and branching out in Sao Paolo, Brasilia and San Juan de Puerto Rico. Other groups are in the process of researching a way to join the Ark family, notably in Bogota and Lima.

Along with our first works, we also met our first difficulties, and our first discouragements. "Very good!" as Baba would explain, "because without obstacles, there is no possibility of God-realization."
The main problem that I hear about is the decreasing number of participants, sometimes very drastically. This happens in every noble work, my dears. Let it not disturb you. St Francis of Assisi started all alone, naked, clothed with his unshakable faith in God and his mission. Our own Gurudev, a living prophet, and one of the rarest beings in this world, is still surrounded by only a half a dozen of students here in Miami. Numbers do not matter in works of the Spirit. The heart is what counts. A single, pure heart can move mountains.

Another challenge is lack of funds, and lack of an official structure to be able to receive funding. This is gradually being addressed. It is good to start slowly, and expand very gradually. Too much money or outside help can quickly destroy a voluntary organization. Remember that you are the source of infinite means. As Lord Jesus proclaimed, "I and the Father are one." He who knows His Father never lacks anything to perform his mission.

Serving God's children is not so difficult. Our ego makes us focus on obstacles and reasons why it cannot be done. But our soul knows the secret—that He is the Father, Mother, Protector of all. Any activity, thought or word is performed by Him only.

Let me tell you a simple little story to illustrate this point. A man was at his desk, writing to a dear friend he had not seen in many years. All of a sudden the door of his office opens, in comes the very friend he was writing too. But the first man was so absorbed in his writing and his memories, that he did not notice the new arrival. So the other friend took a seat and waited patiently. After the man finished his letter and looked up, he jumped with joy when he saw his dear old friend sitting there. And he immediately reproached him for not telling him know he was there. But the friend responded, "No, no, my dear. You seem so captivated by what you were doing, I did not want to interrupt your pleasure…."

This is the relationship with have with the Beloved. He is always there with us, patiently waiting for us to lift up our gaze from our preoccupations with forms, memories and emotions, and acknowledge His presence. As long as we are engrossed with material pleasures, He lets us play. And waits.

In His service, we simply need to convey this simple truth to all his estranged children—young or adults. We are fortunate to have been called to serve His littlest ones, because they have not learned how to ignore Him completely yet!

So my beloved, keep the flame of love and faith burning bright in your heart. Noble works always bear fruit, even if we cannot measure it to our satisfaction.

Now for some practical considerations:

1. After a Kriya Yoga program, it is good to make a presentation to all the new students and the old students, about what is the Ark of Love, how its goals fits in the Hariharananda Mission, and how serving others is an integral part of one's spiritual development. A few people may be interested to join our work, and some old students may also be inspired this time.

2. It is also a good idea to have regular support meetings. Yes, in the beginning stage, trying to provide service to the needy on top of our busy lives can feel overwhelming, confusing, intimidating even. This is a growing phase, and by coming together as a group on a regular basis (at least once a month I would suggest) to share our experience, our fears and our joys, our hopes and our disappointments, we can overcome the ego's attempt to discourage us and belittle our work.

3. I would be very happy to speak on the phone with you at each of your monthly support gathering, if you can organize to have them all on the same day and at the same hour. Please coordinate with each group and see if you can arrange it.

4. Try to maintain some contact with the other Ark of Love groups in the different cities (Brasilia and São Paulo already have regular activities; Bogota and Lima are still in the planning and research stage.) Each little drop of love counts in God's Ocean of Mercy, and we can gain great insight and inspiration from sharing and hearing what others groups are doing. I had suggested a simple little newsletter, maybe, to be mailed to all Love Sailors once a month or every three months… Please see if you can organize it.

5. Remember to check our website at www.hariharananda.org from time to time. Next week, I will post on our website a few new reports and photos from São Paulo and Brasilia.

Thank you. Baba and the Masters are blessing your noble efforts. Remember Him in every breath, and your work will succeed. I bow to you forever.

Humble,
Swami Sarveshwarananda