Similarly, Radha-Krishna evolved out of the Vedic concept of God in dialogue with other concepts, both indigenous to the Indian subcontinent and imported. A long process led up to the revelation of Chaitanya and his followers, which I consider to be a sublime achievement of mythology and theology. I am universalizing these teachings–freeing them from the Indian context in which they were born and making them more accessible to persons of different backgrounds.

Religions with a more limited scope of realization may make claims that their God is better or their way is the only way. I say their God is too small. God-dess has no rival, and indeed is all-in-all. Everyone realizes God-dess according to their nature. Therefore, God-dess is known as Radha-Krishna, Parvati Shiva, Brahman, Paramatman, Yahweh, Father, Allah, Great Spirit, Holy Spirit, Cosmic Christ, Ground of Being, Cause of all Causes, the Great Mystery, the Higher Power and many other names which are virtually limitless.

We are universalist in our views, meaning we see all faiths as steps or stages of God-dess realization according to the level of consciousness of persons in different times and circumstances. Universalist Radha-Krishnaism is a living, evolving process of God-dess realization that takes the best of past teachings from varied sources and updates them so they are relevant in today’s context. We do not seek to convert members of other faiths, but offer a sweet, natural and easy alternative for essence seekers who want more than they find elsewhere.

I live in a relativistic, pluralistic world that is open to truth in all forms. I feel it is our unique opportunity at this time to be able to take the best teachings and practices of all paths and integrate them into a multifaceted whole which gives a more complete picture of Truth than any one path could do alone.

It is a form of Sufi dancing adapted for Westerners by Samuel L. Lewis (Sufi Sam) who started them in the 1960s. I first danced with him in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, in 1966 or ’67, and I have been dancing since. It is very universalist with dances and chants from various traditions. Tonight will have an Easter theme.

Amara Wahaba Karuna, who leads the dances along with other leaders, says:

        “Dress in finest and brightest garb, come join in an evening of playful interfaith song and dance!

        “Dances of Universal Peace (Sufi dances) are easily learned spiritual folk dances from all traditions, with gentle movements that even “non-dancers” can greatly enjoy. Singing sacred, ancient phrases creates a full body healing vibration, and when conscious movement is added, these become powerful spiritual practices. Each dance will be fully taught, no experience is necessary.  These are interactive and participatory, not a performance.”

The dances are very experiential and provide a way to profoundly interact with others on a deep spiritual level. They help us see the God-dess in all. They are found throughout the world and may be available in your area. I highly recommend them for those seeking a universalist spiritual community. Aloha.