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Pilgrim Vow Initiation – Sunday, June 19
Exploring The Pilgrim Vow
Do you ‘know from within that there is a higher way of life. Do you want to demonstrate clearly in some outward manner that there is a more valid goal than mere absorption in materialism and ego-consciousness?’
The Pilgrim Vow is the first step in the Nayaswami Order founded by Swami Kriyananda in the winter of 2009. “The order is based on renouncing the ego rather than renouncing the world, and is intended for people everywhere who are committed to finding God.”
After Sunday Service on June 19th Nayaswamis Jaya and Sadhana Devi will conduct an initiation into The Pilgrim Vow. This vow is available not only for Ananda members, but also for others who feel a resonance with it, and wish to embrace its deep meaning for their life.
If you would like to know more about this vow, read below and also you may read Swami’s book online at Nayaswami.org or order a copy through the Ananda Center. Please contact us for more information, or if you would like to discuss the vow or take the vow. AnandaRhodeIsland@gmail.com
What Pilgrims have been saying about the Pilgrim Vow
When I learned of the new Renunciate Order, I thought, “Well, that’s what I’m working on already. What difference will it make if I take formal vows?”
But I felt encouraged in meditation to take initiation, and I’ve been deeply touched by how much help I’ve received as a direct result of joining the Nayaswami order. I know it is because this is an important part of Yogananda’s work, to establish a new tradition of renunciation, not based on “sack cloth and ashes,” but “choosing happiness.”
—Rambhakta Beinhorn
___________
I have only just begun the vow of the Pilgrim, and I know that as time goes on, I will understand this vow more deeply. But the effect it has already had in my life is extremely moving.
After every meditation, I read this vow. I feel as though the words, though very simple, are becoming actions. Their power is taking charge already. At work, words flow into my mind to remind me, “Direct all your thoughts and actions toward that end.”
I feel such a personal connection with God through this simple vow, because I know now that He and I are in this together.
—Melody West
The Pilgrim Vow of Intention
I understand, and intend from now on to live by my understanding, that life is a pilgrimage, of which the final goal is to find and merge back into God.
I will endeavor resolutely, therefore, to direct all my thoughts and actions toward that end.
I will offer up all material desires for purification in the fire of divine bliss.
I will offer up all attachments for purification in that cosmic fire.
I will search my heart daily for any lingering desires and attachments, and will offer them to Thee, my Cosmic Beloved.
I will strive to be an example to others of a pure, discriminating, and noble life.
I will offer the fruit of all my actions and labors to Thee alone.
Bless me, and direct my footsteps ever to the summit of Thy holy mountain.