Temple of Divine Light
(Oct 2002)

The cover photo is of the Yasodhara Ashram’s Temple of Divine Light. The Temple, which overlooks Kootenay Lake has eight sides each representing a major world religion. Swami Sivananda Rahda started Yasodhara Ashram in 163 and it was her vision to build a spiritual community that honours the Light in each individual an d in all religions. The Temple is now ten ears old, is a manifestation of that vision. The Ashram offers yoga courses and retreats year round. Everyone is welcome to come and experience the Divine in his or her own unique way. www.yasodhara.orgWhat an incredible sight and feeling the Yasodhara Ashram offers. It is near Nelson, and we feature it on this month’s front cover. It is one of my favorite places-it is beautiful, serene, affordable and has a peaceful feeling that is almost palpable. Swami Radha was a visionary guided by the voice of God. The seeds she planted bore much fruit, and although she has passed to other planes, her love still Iives through her initiates at the ashram. For details read page 7.

What an incredible sight and feeling the Yasodhara Ashram offers. It is near Nelson, and we feature it on this month’s front cover. It is one of my favorite places-it is beautiful, serene, affordable am has a peaceful feeling that is almost palpable. Swami Radha was a visionary guided by the voice of God. The seeds she planted bore much fruit, and although she has passed to other planes, her love still lives through her initiates at the
ashram. For details read page 7.

A lady came into my office just before the Wise Woman Weekend; she hinted that the name of my magazine sounded bland and suggested that I rename it. I decided to look up the meaning in the dictionary and we were both impressed with what it meant. I had never thought about the actual meaning as I kind of knew what it meant and since it was ‘the voice’ in my head which gave me the title, I didn’t question it. Here are the formal definitions: 1) to send out; put forth, as in the government issues new stamps 2) come out; go out; proceed, as in Smoke issues from a chimney 3) put into public circulation; 4) discharge, emit 5) emerge 6) result (from) as in The game issued in a tie and lastly 7) to be born. It is probably time that I looked it up since it has been twelve years since my first issue of Issues. In the early years of publishing, I made reference to feeling like I was in kindergarten, for I was busy learning how to type, write, sell ads and figure out the best spots to leave the magazine.

After six years of producing it by myself, five times a year, from my apartment, I moved downtown. Jan became my business partner and we started publishing ten times a year to pay for the increased rent and wages. A few years later Marcel joined us, and we moved to the new building for we needed more space. I felt like I had passed into high school. After four more years of busyness and deciding to publish only six times a year, we down-sized back to our original location with some alterations. Now that I have met the man of my dreams, I would like to start the process of graduating from high school to the next level of learning. Richard owns a retreat center in Johnson’s Landing where he would like to start an intentional community, something I have wanted to do for some time.

The idea has come to me that it will take about a year to phase myself out. I would like to have the buildings used for metaphysical/holistic businesses, and since I feel I was chosen as steward of this land, I figure the universe will give guidance as to who will next take over. I have the personality of a pioneer and when the paperwork processing becomes more than I can handle, it is time to let someone else do it. Marcel and Samarpan did a great job of running the office without me for half the summer, and as we convert to a Mac computer, the putting together of the magazine should get easier. The magazine will be easy to move if need be … we’ll see how long Marcel and Samarpan want to be here. The Rainbow Connection Gift Shop needs more looking after than I can give it, so it will be good to have someone else take over.

The last adjustment will be letting go of my yoga classes. I am here until next June and would love for someone to take over for the summer and beyond if possible. I will return twice a year to facilitate the Spring Festival and the Wise Woman Weekends. I have enjoyed the many learning opportunities and wonderful weather of the Okanagan and I shall continue doing the distribution as long as I enjoy the travelling and seeing what is happening in the various communities.