Edward Viljoen: A Celebration of Renewal and Awakening: Our Sunday, March 31st Celebration Service. Dr. Edward Viljoen

Saturday, March 30, 2024

A Celebration of Renewal and Awakening: Our Sunday, March 31st Celebration Service. Dr. Edward Viljoen

By: Edward Viljoen on Saturday, March 30, 2024

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This Sunday, we will reflect on the season we find ourselves in. As the natural world around us awakens with new life, we, too, are invited to step into a space of renewal and growth. This past Wednesday evening, we gathered for our spring equinox community potluck, celebrating the beginning of spring and the promise of new beginnings. On March 24th, the Festival of Colors, Holi reminded us of the joy of embracing our true colors and the emergence of our best selves. Amidst the observance of Ramadan, we are reminded of the virtues of patience, kindness, and strengthening our connection with the Divine through fasting and charity. And though this year Passover will be observed a bit later, on April 22, it too calls us to remember the themes of liberation and renewal that spring brings.

Easter Sunday, we come together to celebrate the continuity and renewal of all life.

The lyrics of the song we will enjoy touch upon themes of liberation, rebirth, and the profound peace that comes with embracing our true essence:

"Now is the time when I let go of my fears, inhibitions, and sense of dread, When I give up control and let you hold me with no resistance in my soul, This is the day that I throw it all away to the fire of the all-loving one, Now, I have just what I need to be free to be who I really am, Here is the place where I fall into grace and release into the sweetness of your love, I surrender, I remember the light and the beauty that I am."

These words capture the essence of spiritual living—moving through moments of fear and doubt with the courage to let go and trust in the Divine presence within us.

Our journey to freedom and self-discovery is often marked by challenges and moments of uncertainty. Yet, in these moments, we are called to remember the peace that rests quietly within our consciousness, undisturbed by the storms that rage around us. Like the disciples in the boat during the storm, we, too, may forget the power of inner peace when faced with adversity. However, there is always a presence within us, calm and at rest, ready to say, "Peace, be still," and bring us back to tranquility.

This season, we are reminded that the Self within is beyond the reach of any storm or challenge we may face. It invites us to tune into its renewing presence in our lives and remain centered even when tempted to forget.

As we navigate personal and global challenges, let us remember to pause and ask ourselves where our attention is. If necessary, let us reroute our focus toward peace, especially when life feels overwhelming. It is not about denying our feelings or becoming actionless but about taking a moment to reconnect with the transformative energy of the Divine presence, allowing it to guide us toward love, understanding, and new beginnings.

This Easter, let us embrace the spirit of resurrection within each of us. Let us be reminded of the perpetual cycle of renewal, the power of forgiveness, and the courage to begin again.

I invite you to join us this Sunday, March 31st, for our Celebration Service at 9 or 11 am, in person or online. Together, let us embrace the new life that spring brings, awakening to our potential every day, and living in the joy of perpetual rebirth.

Peace, peace, peace. Amen.

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Bhagavad-Gita For Beginners

The Bhagavad Gita: The Song of God Retold in Simplified English is the latest title in the Essential Wisdom Library. This unique edition of the timeless epic is designed to be accessible for readers without any prior experience of Hinduism. Not merely a translation of the original, Viljoen has simplified and restated the Gita’s complex ideas, so that a first-time reader can fully appreciate the scope and beauty of this magnificent Indian classic. Written in concise, modern language, the retelling vividly captures the power and depth of the original work.

Reviews

“While goodness, kindness, compassion, and faith might seem like ordinary concepts, when it comes to actually living them in the face of life’s daily challenges, it’s easy to get stuck. Edward Viljoen has given us a gentle, illuminating, compassionate guidebook to living from the goodness that lies at the heart of who we really are.”
—Alan Seale, founder of the Center for Transformational Presence, and author of Create A World That Works and Intuitive Living

“Ordinary Goodness reminds me I can see goodness and kindness every day. Edward reminds all of us, that despite our failings, we really can be both good and kind. Brew a cup of tea and curl up with this insightful and achingly beautiful account of the mystery, paradox, and wonder of your life. You’ll be glad you did!”
—Petra Weldes, author of Joyous Living Journal

“If kindness were a country, Ordinary Goodness would be its travel guide. In this book, Edward Viljoen delves into a perfectly ordinary yet arguably neglected virtue—kindness—and reveals its source, its rewards, and a well-defined approach for integrating kindness into your very bones. Combining his personal history with his decades of experience as a minister, Viljoen is eminently qualified to teach us that the ordinariness of kindness may actually be the most dazzling quality we might possess.”
—Randall Friesen, publisher of Newt List Books

Edward Viljoen was a recent guest to my radio show, "In The Spirit." I had read his book, "Ordinary Goodness" and was happy to talk with him about it. I like the way he inserts stories from his own life to illustrate various points. In this cynical age, this book is a tonic a guide to live a good life by being good to others. We cannot be truly happy until we do. Thank you, Edward for bringing a much needed topic to our attention.

—Gary Goldberg, host of In The Spirit

The Power of Meditation

“Edward Viljoen’s new book, The Power of Meditation, is a gift. It serves as a practical guidebook for those who are new at spiritual practice, as well as a beautiful reminder of simplicity and essence for those who have been engaged in spiritual practice for a lifetime. Edward helps us find the strength we need to be present with whatever life brings. He takes the reader by the hand, dispels the mysteries, and makes this elusive thing called meditation very real and doable.” —Alan Seal, author of Create a World That Works