Shasta Interfaith

10/23/2026

A Call for more Global Prayers for Tibet!

On the evening of October 22, 2026, a powerful magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Baqing County in Nagqu, Tibet! At an altitude of 4,800 meters on the freezing snowy plateau, homes have been damaged, and lives are struggling amidst the ruins and the bitter cold. The giant wave of impermanence has shattered peaceful homes in an instant.

Disasters are merciless, but the hearts of practitioners are filled with compassion! Right now, though we cannot physically rush to the plateau for rescue, we possess the most powerful force in the universe—the collective power of vows and the Buddha's name!

This is an emergency! We earnestly invite all fellow practitioners and kind souls worldwide, wherever you are, to put down your tasks immediately and join us in this cross-dimensional collective prayer!

🙏🏻 Please join in this:

1. Calm your mind and join your palms: Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and connect your heart with the suffering land of Tibet.

2. Visualize the infinite light of Amitabha Buddha or whatever your faith tradition envisions for the Sacred or spirituality inspires you to do, transforming the concerted effort into a warm armor covering the entire snowy plateau, dispelling the freezing cold and fear.

3. Let the minds of thousands converge united in prayer and good will create a powerful stream of Dharma or right action unfolding, dedicating it to the disaster area!

🪔 Shared Dedication:

•May the deceased hear the Buddha's name, be free from suffering, and be reborn in the Pure Land.

•May the injured receive treatment, escape danger, and find physical and mental peace.

•May the missing survive miraculously and reunite with their families soon.

•May all rescue workers be safe and successful, unharmed by the cold and aftershocks.

•May the land of the snowy plateau be stable, and may the disaster cease immediately!

In the face of disaster, only love and faith can hold up hope. Please share this so more people can join this life-saving prayer.

🪔🙏🏻🪔

From the Buddhist tradition:
NAMI Amitabha!

From the Christian tradition:
May the Presence of God be there to comfort and support all.

From the human heart:
May there be healing, support and compassion present in all that transpires.

Whatever your faith tradition please share your prayers for Tibet!

10/21/2026

The Anti Racism Task Force presents Two Movies. Please see the flyers for details

10/21/2026

Monsignor Terra, well-known, respected and co-founder of Northern Valley Catholic Social Services recently passed. Condolences to his family, friends and all the parishes impacted by his passing.

A reflection from the Principal, Joshua Schwerdt, St Joseph Catholic Church School:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A4XFz28TkaUNZCl9lua5VlnJlbY-CUYM/view?usp=sharing
And He will raise you up on eagles' wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand
-On Eagle's Wings (1976) Michael Joncas

10/11/2026

This exceptional event invites the community to experience diversity as various faith leaders in Shasta County offer thanks!

10/11/2026

Pope Leo XIV has asked for our prayers as he prepares to undergo surgery this week. Let us unite in prayer for a successful procedure and a swift recovery.

10/10/2026

On October 2, 2026, Self-Realization Fellowship hosted the Indian Consulate General and delegates at Lake Shrine to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The ceremony began with a floral garlanding of the sarcophagus containing Gandhi’s ashes, followed by a period of silent prayer. Heartfelt messages from Consul General Dr. K. J. Srinivasa and Brothers Vishwananda and Satyananda offered a united tribute to the enduring legacies of both Mahatma Gandhi and Paramahansa Yogananda.

Following the ceremony, the delegates and guests participated in a procession along the Lake Path before gathering for an Indian-style reception in the Court of Religions. Lake Shrine thanks the Indian Consulate in Los Angeles for sharing this commemorative event. The Consulate sent a gracious letter of thanks, quoted here in part:

"The serene setting of the Gandhi World Peace Memorial and the thoughtfully organized program provided a fitting tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. We deeply appreciate the warm hospitality extended to our delegation and guests throughout the event. We are grateful for the support and dedication of everyone at SRF who contributed to making the event both memorable and inspiring.

"We value the association between the Consulate and Self-Realization Fellowship and look forward to continued collaboration and engagement with SRF Lake Shrine in the years ahead."

Enjoy our photo tribute! Jai Guru!

10/04/2026

Paramahansa Yogananda pictured with Mahatma Gandhi in Wardha, India, 1935. As part of a yearlong journey to his beloved motherland, Yogananda traveled to see Gandhi at his ashram. This picture was taken on a Monday, Gandhi’s day of silence, and Yogananda is shown reading a note Gandhi had just written. Their interactions during Yogananda’s visit, including Gandhi’s request for initiation in Kriya Yoga, are chronicled in a chapter of “Autobiography of a Yogi.”

In 1925 (the year Yogananda established his international headquarters in Los Angeles to spread the teachings of Kriya Yoga worldwide), Gandhi visited Yogananda’s Yogoda Satsanga school for boys in Ranchi. Expressing keen interest in the balanced curriculum of the Yogoda program, he inscribed in the guest book a gracious tribute.

Today, October 2, is the anniversary of Gandhi’s birth, and we honor Gandhi’s great contribution to the betterment of our world with the following words of Yogananda from his autobiography: “The nonviolent voice of Gandhi appeals to man’s highest conscience. Let nations ally themselves no longer with death, but with life; not with destruction, but with construction; not with hate, but with the creative miracles of love.”

09/26/2026

Peace Pole Dedication, Sept 24, 2026, at the Sundial Bridge, Redding, CA, was funded by a grant from the Community Foundation of The North State. The project was the inspiration of Lynn E Fritz, Licensed Marriage Family Therapist, LMFT 45877, Karuk Tribal Descendant, Ordained Minister. Co- sponsors: Shasta Interfaith, Shasta County Citizens Advocating Respect, Shasta Beloved Community, Reciproka, and the Anti-Racism Task Force.

Supporters: Mercy Foundation North, Children’s Legacy Center, One Safe Place, Redding Rancheria,  Turtle Bay Exploration Park and the McConnell Foundation.

7 languages express the phrase “May Peace Prevail on Earth”. Those languages are: Wintu, English, Hebrew, Spanish, Lao, Punjabi and Mien. The eighth side of the pole has the phrase.”May Peace Prevail in our Communities.”

The dedication of this Peace Pole joins 200,000 poles that are featured on every continent globally. 

Dozens of people gathered near the south entrance of the Sundial Br...

09/26/2026

09/26/2026

The Peace Pole Project was funded by a grant from the Community Foundation of the North State. Shasta County Citizens Advocating Respect, served as a fiscal agent, which made this project possible. In March 2025, Lynn E Fritz, began the project with immediate support by co-sponsors Shasta Interfaith, Shasta Beloved Community, Shasta County Citizens Advocating Respect, Reciproka and the Anti Racism Task Force.

Art Garcia, gave a Wintu Native American Prayer, Joey Carroll played Native American Flute as Lynn E Fritz did a Land Acknowledgement. Holly Day played music and 20 lantern bearers from diverse cultural, religious and community backgrounds held peace lanterns along the sidewalk near the peace pole to welcome those attending the event.

The pole has “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in 7 languages. Languages featured are: Wintu, English, Hebrew, Spanish, Mien, Lao, Punjabi. The 8th side of the pole has the phrase “May Peace Prevail in Our Communities.

Volunteers helped facilitate the presentation of the event. Jill Matthews served as the
Photographer. Dave & Lorie Forseth and Sadie Roy Krueger coordinated the lantern presentation. Lauri Rizzi facilitated the refreshments.

Additional supporters of the event included: Turtle Bay Exploration Park, McConnell Foundation, Redding Rancheria, Children’s Legacy Center, One Safe Place, Frank Nigro,  and Mercy Foundation North.