A historic meeting of unity and light

In the autumn breeze that made the leaves dance, Mount Shasta towered high and majestic, its snow-capped peak reflecting the radiant morning sun. It was here on this sacred ground that the Fraternal Forum was honored to host PADME's 35th International Consultative Assembly from September 30 to October 2, 2022.

The dates of September 28 to October 5 also marked the first Congress of the Fraternal Forum in the USA, which bore the theme “Living in Unity: A Spiritual Path for our Times.”

For over sixty participants from five continents, and for many more who joined the PADME assembly by Zoom, the events held at Mount Shasta were a tribute to Master Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov who had spent three months in the area in Shasta County, close to Redding, California. The Master had contemplated the magnificent mountain from his window and spoke freely of the special aura that surrounded it.

One participant epitomized the essence of the gathering by proclaiming: “The energy here is so vibrant and alive. It's as if we're all part of one big family, bound by a common purpose and a shared sense of belonging.” Truly, the congress was a feast for newcomers as well as for seasoned brothers and sisters.

All were captivated by the myriad activities, many of which were held in the traditional form of Brotherhood meetings like in all fraternal centers worldwide.

The program brimmed with events, such as sunrise meditations, singing practices, Paneurhythmy, nature excursions, collective work, and endless mirth and gaiety.

It was a time of renewal, of establishing new friendships and strengthening existing bonds.

Several evening sessions around herbal tea were a highlight of the congress, where brothers and sisters shared true-life stories about their experiences meeting the Master or discovering the Teaching.

Another highlight was several hours of singing and praying around a fire on Michaelmas.

Not to mention the small presents for all participants consisting of almonds, olive oil and a bag of lavender, all from the Bonfin.

Above all, the PADME assembly and Fraternal Forum congress was a testimony to the power of the Teaching and the human connection. Although we came from diverse parts of the world, spoke different languages and represented different cultures, at our core we were all united by a yearning for peace, harmony and light.

The meeting room had two large posters of the Master and a bookstand for Prosveta USA, fulfilling the Master’s wish for his books to spread in America. He believed that his teachings were better suited for Westerners and predicted that once Americans became aware of it, they would abandon other movements and teachings. “If only my books could spread in America, it would be great… And since everything comes from America, all the other countries follow the Americans... when the books are propagated, when American become aware of these new methods, of this simplicity, of this clarity, they will be so amazed that they will abandon everything else...”.1

As the congress drew to a close, the Fraternal Forum organizing team expressed their profound gratitude to PADME for their unwavering support. Without PADME, this historic event and the joy and harmony that permeated the atmosphere would have remained a distant dream. It was by joining our efforts and giving our best that the spirit of light, love and life can continue to radiate.

Indeed, “when a certain number of people come together around an idea, their thoughts and desires alone create a living reality. We call this collective entity an egregor. The Universal White Brotherhood also has its egregor, and all its members, the brothers and sisters who gather together with the same ideal of peace and light, never stop nourishing and strengthening it.”2

May the spirit and egregor of this Assembly and Congress continue to inspire and uplift us all as we embark on the path towards greater peace, light and unity.

The Fraternal Forum organizing team.

1 Talk given on September 28, 1975. 30 min. 2 Abbreviated Daily Meditation, September 29, 2017.