Over the years we have become accustomed to using the word, community, rather loosely. Developers promise us a community when we sign on the dotted line to buy their property. What we actually get is the building. There is no guarantee that those who live near us will share any part of our life. In the church, the congregation should rightfully constitute a community, “a community of saints,” but even there the word is far from the truth. People are not necessarily social because they attend the same church. Community cannot be forced on anyone. It comes about through a tacit agreement between people. When it works, it is beautiful to behold but even more beautiful to be a part of. On-line communities can present an even greater challenge than most because the participants can be anonymous. Even though there is a connection between servers, it is no indication of a connection between souls. However, driven by a higher intent and a love of that larger community, humanity, something genuine can emerge. Siona Van Dijk , a representative of the Gaia On-line Community joined me in a discussion of that very subject Gaia is also dedicated to providing a home for those who seek to expand their spiritual horizon.

INTRODUCTION BY Roshi Kitabu Turner
WE ALL NEED SOMEBODY SOMETIMES