If you want to rise above karma, try to realize these three truths: (1) When the mind is strong and the heart is pure, you are free. It is the mind that connects you with pain in the body. When you think pure thoughts and are mentally strong, you cannot suffer the painful effects of evil karma. This is something very cheerful I have found. (2) In subconscious sleep, you are free. (3) When you are in ecstasy, identified with God, you have no karma. This is why the saints say, "Pray unceasingly." When you continuously pray and meditate, you go into the land of superconsciousness, where no troubles can reach you.

You can be free of karma right now, by these methods. Whenever karmic troubles plague you, go to sleep. Or, think pure thoughts and make the mind like steel, saying to yourself: "I am above it all." Or, best of all, in deep meditation go into the divine state of superconsciousness. The bliss of that consciousness is the natural state of your soul, but you have forgotten your real nature by being so long identified with the body. That untroubled, blissful state of the soul has to be reacquired.

Paramahansa Yogananda

The Divine Romance (Chapter: If God is Free From Karma, Why Aren't We?), p. 206

Dear Jackie,

We are looking forward to having elections for the Managing Council, Readers, Sunday School Teachers, and Assistants next month. All other non-elected volunteering positions will NOT be affected at all. Please click on the link and let us know if you are able to serve in these elected positions. Please fill out the election form even if you are not able to serve this year and just say "unable to serve". It is very helpful for our small nomination team to get your response. The DC Center is short of volunteers, and your response (whether yes or no) will save a lot of time and effort.

Also, Sister Brahmani and other Greenfield monastics will be leading our service on Sunday, February 9. There will be a potluck social after the service. All are welcome to join us.

Gauri Prakash-Canjels

Coordinator

Flower Arranging Workshop

The DC Center Flower Team would like to show you how to make a flower arrangement for your altar, loved one, or simply for yourself to enjoy. You are cordially invited to a free workshop at our Center on Saturday, February 1, from 10:00-12:00. Simply bring a small bouquet of mixed flowers from your grocery store, and you will learn how to transform them. 

Greenfield Monastics to Lead Our Services

and Attend Potluck Social

The nuns from the SRF Greenfield retreat center in Front Royal, Virginia, will lead our morning services on February 9. All are warmly invited to attend, and to stay for this month's potluck social immediately afterward. Please bring a vegetarian entree, fruit juice, or dessert if you plan to attend.

SRF Greenfield Women's One-Day Retreat

The Greenfield SRF Retreat Center will hold a one-day women's retreat on March 1 at the 4H Educational Center in Front Royal, Virginia. The last day to register is February 23; please click here for registration information.

Service Readings This Month

February 2: Vol.2 #5: Unite Your Will with the Infinite

February 9: Vol.2 #6: Satan the Cosmic Magician

February 16: Vol.2 #7: The Inner Meaning of Self-Realization

February 23: Vol.2 #8: Curing Psychological Intoxication

Weekly Services

Thursdays

Inspirational Service: 7:30-9:00 pm

Sundays

Bhagavad Gita Study: 8:30 - 9:30 am

Meditation Service: 10:00 - 10:50 am

Reading Service: 11:00 - 12:00

Special Events This Month

Flower Arranging Workshop

February 1, 10:00 - 12:00

3-Hour Meditation

February 8, 6:00 - 9:00 pm

SRF Nuns Lead Morning Services

February 9

Potluck Social

February 9

4-Hour Meditation

February 22, 10 am - 2 pm