Lokenath Divine Life Mission: From self help to helping your community

Around the globe, Lokenath Divine Life Mission founder Baba Shuddhaahahdaa Brahmachari, an economist-turned-monk, awakens and stimulates the feeling heart in those lives he touches as he describes his simple, yet profound philosophy of self help. LDLM Programs, located in West Bengal, India, are designed so that those served will discover the magnitude of their own strength, character and capacity to make a difference, not only in their own lives, but in the lives of others and that of their community. Baba does not believe in traditional charity. He prefers to support people in liberating themselves rather than do anything to reinforce their sense of powerlessness.

His Lokenath Divine Life Mission in India has served millions of people since its inception in 1985. Baba’s Missions programs range from street schools and mobile health clinics in the slums of Calcutta to Self Help Groups for women in rural areas of India.

Currently over 1300 women’s Self Help Groups have served 14,000 rural women. Approximately 700 of the SHGs that have “graduated” to function independently of LDLM management continue to serve as forces for change in their communities. Group members make small mandatory monthly contributions to strengthen the saving habit and create a corpus which is used to extend soft loans to members, thereby eliminating exploitation by usurious moneylenders. Group members are educated in use of the banking system and assume collective responsibility for repayment of bank loans. Local banks extend larger loans to the SHG group; all loan decisions are made by consensus of the group through a completely democratic process. There is a 100% bank loan recovery rate.

Growing in the difference they can make in their own and one another’s lives, group members naturally evolve individually and collectively in leadership. They address important issues arising in their community, and take strong collective stands in breaking down outmoded and harmful taboos and practices. Baba invites you to be an integral part of a community that actively seeks to participate and experience the missions work in India.

Please visit our website at www.feelinghearts.org for more information on Lokenath Divine Life Mission programs and how you can help.

Contact: susan@feelinghearts.org