At the most recent SRV Seattle Retreat, along with the sublime teachings received, the SRV Sangha welcomed a new Sangha sister. Susan Bambara of Hawaii received initiation and was blessed with the name Nivedita, which means “Assurance of Wisdom/Promise of the Vedas.” This, of course, was also the name of one of Swami Vivekananda’s foremost, loyal, and inspiring female disciples.
Nivedita was born and raised in Southern California in the midst of the film industry. Herself a larger-than-life personality, she was drawn to work in film, serving in numerous capacities including script supervisor and dialogue coach.
Nivedita received a relatively early introduction to spirituality. A rather remarkable elementary school teacher she had at the age of eight was teaching about electricity and the discoveries of Nikolai Tesla. This led to stories about Tesla’s contemporary, Swami Vivekananda, and his great impact at the Parliament of Religions. This interest in Swamiji continued throughout her life, particularly with a visit to the Los Angeles Vedanta Center in her 20’s.
Eventually this interest turned into a deep yearning which led to her finding the SRV Facebook page. She made an inquiry which was answered by Sanatanand who was to eventually become her husband. This inquiry led to further written correspondence, leading to Skype calls and finally her first retreat in 2010. She loved this retreat. She knew the teachings expressed the highest truths, and next to this nothing else really compared.
In relation to Sanatanand, the thought crossed her mind “the family that prays together stays together.” They soon married and Nivedita pulled up stakes and moved to the Big Island to join Sanatanand. Together they hold a dharmic household at their beautiful solar powered home.
During the retreat Nivedita had been reading a book by Sister Nivedita. On the eve of her initiation she inwardly asked Swamiji for a sign that she was on the right path. The name of Nivedita, which Babaji bestowed upon her, was like a direct answer that she was on the right path. Upon that moment she knew that all was right. Her heart came to a deep sense of peace along with the resolve and determination to deepen her practice.
We welcome our dynamic new sister!