Several years ago, my husband and I were blessed with the opportunity to visit Ananda. We were moved by its beauty and by the lovely spirit of the community. We learned about meditation and began to practice. Through meditation the seedling of a concept came to us. We would attempt to shine a light on all those around us who were living their lives by giving to others. We wanted to celebrate people who “act from the heart.” We sought focus and guidance through our meditation, and the Sullivan Ballou Fund came to fruition--a non-profit foundation aimed at honoring those who serve with heart energy. The fund is named after a civil war soldier whose sweet heart is immortalized in a letter to his wife found after his death. It has been a thrilling journey and meaningful for us to spend time celebrating and meeting people who have worked to improve the lives of others.
Seva, you are exactly the kind of person whom the Sullivan Ballou Fund seeks to recognize and affirm. We have learned that for over 30 years you have been an example of selfless service and unwavering devotion and dedication to the Ananda community, as well as a source of wise counsel. Even before Ananda was founded, you were one of Swami Kriyananda’s earliest students, contributing financially to the beginnings of Ananda, and typesetting his first books.
We have heard that after you moved to the Village in about 1969, you took over managing the finances of the new community, and more important you modeled the idea of responsible and dedicated service to many new members. We understand that it was around that time that Swami gave you the name Seva: “selfless service.” Since that time you have performed truly selfless service for the community in many ways--managing the monastery and modeling the life of impersonal, loving and dedicated service for the renunciates, helping pioneer new communities in Assisi, Italy; Portland, Oregon; and New Delhi, India, and most recently managing the finances for Crystal Clarity Publishers and serving at The Expanding Light guest retreat.
We know that you have done all these things straight from your heart, not because of any personal agenda or hope of gain. And at the Sullivan Ballou Fund we believe that this kind of heart energy is what truly changes things for the better in this world. We want to affirm you in your life’s work, and we also want others to know about and learn from your example. Thank you for the inspiration you have given us.
Ananda has been very important to us. Thank you also for the role you have played in establishing this remarkable place and making its teachings and spirit available to so many others like us.
Congratulations!
Elissa and Bruce Peterson, Founding Members