Darshan Center for Spiritual Evolution
August 29, 2024
Dear Darshan Family
It is with mixed emotions that we share with you our plans for the Darshan Center for Spiritual Evolution. We opened the Darshan Center at a Healing Space in April of 2013 in Wilton Manors. Over a decade later, we look back on our two unique locations that provided a powerful sacred space for rich programming spanning 11 years; with sacred celebrations of spirit, kirtan concerts, darshan café, movie nights, book studies, reiki, yoga, holiday parties, appreciation picnics, interfaith seders, weddings, baby blessings, funerals, memorials, and have hosted all Sacred Journey Interfaith Seminary classes and programming. One of our biggest accomplishments over the years was the way in which we provided ongoing spiritual programming throughout the Covid pandemic. We never missed a beat with Sacred Celebrations being hosted weekly through the zoom platform and livestreamed onto Facebook and then later YouTube. During the pandemic, we made staying in touch through zoom sessions and fostering community a number one priority. In these past ten years, we have cultivated a small but mighty spiritual tribe. As we have been sharing with you in the last few months, the Darshan Center lease is now in its final stages. After much prayer and discernment, we have decided that it is time for our ministry to move to another level and end this chapter here in South Florida.
We will reopen for two important events that we hope you will make a priority to attend;
Sunday September 29th SCOS featuring MIT Val Jennings
October 27th Saints & Sages Masquerade and Farewell Finale SCOS 630PM followed by a reception.
Sister Kris and I have relocated to the Gainesville area and have acquired a beautiful and magical 5 acre ranch where the potential for healing, restoration, and the birthing of new creations , projects, and possibilities will have the fertile ground and sacred space that is needed to grow and flourish.
Being with the expansive land and caring for horses, donkeys, and lots of dogs is the medicine that we so desperately need. We plan to livestream a regular podcast and will continue to send out the newsletter so that you can all stay current on how this new chapter of our ministry and our lives are enfolding. The Divine Plan now is under way, and we are ready to step into our future with gratitude for the past and hope for the future.
We understand that this news may come as a shock and may evoke a range of emotions among our regular members who attend, whether it be in person or virtually on YouTube. Please know that this decision was made with deep consideration for the well-being of our community and with the intention of honoring the spirit and values that have guided us throughout our journey together. The decision also comes from a place of completion for this era of ministry here in South Florida. I was ordained in 2011 and have been doing congregational work since then. First at Shepherds Bridge in Davie, then the Oneness Temple in Hallandale, and finally the Darshan Center for Spiritual Evolution in 2013.
As Spiritual Leaders there is a tendency for burnout and fatigue. Sister Kris and I welcome this next phase and era that will afford us time and space for reflection, respite, and most importantly, a return to a part of our spirit that has been lost in the logistics of ministry, which comes with the territory of pastoring a spiritual community.
We want to thank all of the clergy that have served and volunteered their time and talent over the years at the Darshan Center, with particular gratitude to Rev. Mary Walker and Rev. Max Hanni who have helped hold space and serve as Clergy Guardians the longest. We are also deeply grateful to our board, advisors, financial benefactors and strong supporters who have kept us going all these years. Thank you to all who volunteered their time, talent, and treasures to this ministry for over a decade.
We want to express our profound gratitude to all of you who have been a part of this spiritual community. Your dedication, support, and contributions have been the foundation upon which we have built our community. Though the physical doors of Darshan Center at A Healing Space may be closing in Oakland Park, the spirit of our community will continue to live on in the hearts and memories of all who have been touched by our shared experiences. We are confident that each of us will carry the lessons, love, and light of our time together into the next chapter of our spiritual journeys.
We would encourage you to take all the gifts you have received from your experience of Darshan and share it with the world!
Blessings for a new Era!
NOTE: Our VENMO and CASH APP is displayed below and we are grateful to continue to receive donations and contributions to help us bring Darshan to the next level. We are praying and discerning for the best medium , modality, and ministerial direction for the Darshan Center for Spiritual Evolution that highlights all of our talents and our new environment.
Rev. G. & Sister Kris
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All donations to the Darshan Center are tax deductible as Darshan Center for Spiritual Evolution
is a State and Federally recognized House of Worship and a Non Profit Organization
501c3 170(b) (1) (A) (i)
is a State and Federally recognized House of Worship and a Non Profit Organization
501c3 170(b) (1) (A) (i)
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The Adventures of the Three Gunas Series
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Within the Hindu scripture The Bhagavad Gita there is insightful discussion on the qualities of forces that make up nature and creation. These three gunas are tamas (darkness), rajas (activity), and sattva (pure beingness).
The Adventures of the Three Gunas Series © 2015 DARSHAN CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL EVOLUTION @ A Healing Space Rev. Dr. Grace Telesco/Swami Sharadananda. |
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Reaffirming this proclamation signed by the Darshan Center for Spiritual Evolution as part of the
PROCLAMATION OF MCCJ CLERGY DIALOGUE on December 10, 2015
“Not here, Not now, Not us! We say no to the current political discourse that would have citizens and residents of the United States of America acquiesce to a policy of discrimination based upon one’s religious affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, racial or ethnic identity, and any other identity used to marginalize others.”
miamiccj.org/articles-media-res/
PROCLAMATION OF MCCJ CLERGY DIALOGUE on December 10, 2015
“Not here, Not now, Not us! We say no to the current political discourse that would have citizens and residents of the United States of America acquiesce to a policy of discrimination based upon one’s religious affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, racial or ethnic identity, and any other identity used to marginalize others.”
miamiccj.org/articles-media-res/