devidasa
FOR MEN
To provide a path for men to find real purpose in their lives, which may currently be lacking. Viola Devi will train men to become sincere, evolved male Gynarchists who practice selfless service (Seva) and find both pleasure and profound meaning on this path.
FOr WOMEN
For Women to feel safe and cared for, even in the presence of men. Viola Devi creates physical spaces where women can be around men, served well by men, and feel entirely safe and sincerely respected (and even worshipped) by men.
For ALL
To offer an alternative to Abrahamic religions while fostering community and connection. Through education and satsang, Viola Devi will free more and more people from the damage of a patriarchal “god,” and show them that their Mother exists and opens Her arms to them that they may return home.
C
O
M
E
H
O
M
E
D
e
f
i
n
i
t
i
o
n
s
Gynarchy
An organization of society that centers women, with men playing a supporting role.
From the Pillars of Gynarchy: “Gynarchy is a way of life that encompasses personal, political, and social relationships. It is the radical claim that women are natural leaders and rulers, and men can find unmatched fulfillment in supporting, serving, and pleasing them. It’s based on eight pillars: Consent, Bodily Autonomy, Abundance, Collaboration, Network, the Hive, Conflict Resolution, and the Feminine as Divine.” (see the Devi Doctrine)
Devi
The Divine Feminine, which, contrary to popular belief, has no equal opposite. The very energy that animates the whole of existence, aka, Shakti. All things are energy or vibration, and Devi is that vibration. She causes life to come into being from silent potential (aka, Siva).
Devi is also the honorific title for a Living Goddess.
Hive
A group, household, or community (in person or on-line) of people who formally practice Sacred Gynarchy and believe in the Devi Doctrine.
Living Goddess
A living embodiment of Devi who exists to be honored, revered and worshipped in order to help the worshipper quiet the ego and have the experience of heart-opening devotion. Her purpose is to receive devotion and inspire love in the heart of the dasa, and to guide the direction of a Hive and its members. There are iconic Goddesses such as those found in polytheistic religions and in myths, such as Eurynome, Inanna, Aphrodite, Durga, Kali, Hecate, and others, which we honor and revere within the Sacred Gynarchy. The Living Goddess, however, offers a direct and intimate connection to source in human form. She is both totally human and totally divine, and this duality is necessary for her role.
Dasa
Sometimes translated as "slave." A member of a Hive, typically male, who worships, serves, and devotes himself entirely to a particular Living Goddess and vows to put Her needs and desires above his own.
Devotee
Anyone who follows the principles of Sacred Gynarchy and is devoted to serving women. The devotee may or may not have chosen to worship and serve a particular Living Goddess.
Servitor
A male servant of women (or one woman). He may or may not be a dasa or devotee.
Oracles
A group of women who collectively make decisions for a Hive.
SatsanG
Similar to a sermon, it is the sharing of knowledge in the form of writing, discussion, chant/song, or presentation by a Living Goddess.
Darshan
A Sanskrit word meaning “vision” or “appearance” or “divine sight.” It is simply looking upon a deity or holy person, either in person or through images. In Sacred Gynarchy, it is gazing upon the image of an Iconic Goddess or Living Goddess or seeing a Living Goddess in person. Even just gazing upon the Living Goddess is an exchange of energy which serves to open the heart to deeper devotion.
Seva
Selfless service. This is service performed in a religious context with absolutely no expectation of anything in return. No thought of reward, nor praise; no transactional thinking.
SurRender
The ability to let go of expectations, desires, and individual will in order to experience the bliss of the Desire of Devi. It is an ecstatic release of ego.
Ego
Ego is that which allows us to have an individual sense of self. We all need some ego to remain separate and distinct and experience life from our particular and unique perspective rather than completely dissolving into oneness. However, we only need it in limited doses. When challenged, the ego becomes defensive and will fight to protect itself. The Living Goddess can help liberate you from a defensive or overactive ego.
Deconstruction
Disentangling yourself from the beliefs, doctrines, and covenants you were coerced or indoctrinated into in the past. Taking apart the religious ideas of your childhood or past that no longer make sense to you or feel relevant to your life.
PAra Vidya
Higher learning. Knowledge of the self and of truth.
Lila
Divine play. We are all just Devi playing with Herself, with the ultimate goal of experimenting to see what infinite varieties can be created. We are all spontaneously created in every moment as a part of Devi’s playful power.
Rhizome
The interconnected, non-hierarchical organizational structure of nature. Rhizomes are the strongest organizational structure that can exist, as they are nearly indestructible. Rhizomes are made of a series of networked nodes with connections extending in all directions. Neuroconnections and the internet are both examples of Rhizomes.
DeviBot
The Devidasa Sacred Gynarchy’s specially trained AI who can answer all of your questions about our faith. DeviBot has knowledge of all the texts and materials regarding our religion and can help you discover new insights. Click on the bee in the upper right-hand corner to ask Her anything.