Spiritual Community
Everyone loves to feel included – to be part of a community.
It can have a positive effect on our mental health, it gives us a sense of belonging and it helps us understand different points of view.
A spiritual community, sometimes called a sangha or brotherhood, is especially important. It provides all of these things, but it also unites people in a common purpose.
Dr. George King was speaking about brotherhood in 1979 and he used a cricket team as an example:
“But as far as an amateur sportsman is concerned, a team member – especially where he has to work as a part of a team – he is taking a definite step towards brotherhood because he must be a part of that team in order to be successful.
In order to get that team to win he must be a part of it. Not the team; not one individual among eleven; but a part of the eleven. And the more definite sportsmanship that is demonstrated by the cricket eleven, the better chance they have of winning the game. And it’s the same with life.
The more you allow the seeds of brotherhood to grow in your heart, and the more carefully that you attend to these and nurture them, the more chance you have of winning the game. And I’m talking about now the only game that really counts – that’s the spiritual game, the spiritual progression of man.”
When we go through troubles in our lives, our spiritual community can help us see the bigger picture and give us strength and guidance to get through it.
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I have been very fortunate in that I have been able to travel and live near many centers of The Aetherius Society.
When I was moving from Michigan to New Zealand, I was often asked if I was afraid of moving so far away while only knowing one person there.
It was a fair enough question but I have to say that I didn’t feel afraid at all, and it was because I had a community waiting for me there.
Because there was a Branch of The Aetherius Society where I was moving, I knew that I would be well looked after. I knew that I would have immediate friends.
Our relationship with God is the most important relationship we can have. I knew that these people had decided to work on their relationship in the same way I had. Therefore, we had the most important attribute in common.
This comfort dispelled any fear I may have had. And with each move the support of the community brought this comfort.
Something you can try
As well as an in-person community, The Aetherius Society has an online community too. It is free to join and is called “Awakening Through King Yoga.”
This interactive group is supporting hundreds of people to develop spiritually in many ways. There are regular chats, classes and programs to help everyone feel connected and supported.
Have you had an experience where being part of a community helped you in your spiritual journey? I’d love to hear about it.