Why We Do What We Do

Each person reading this is human. You were born and you will die. 

Yet, throughout the many cultural and religious traditions, we are also something more. 

We are...

The Image of God

Divine Souls

Thou are That 

The Buddha Nature

Made of Stars

The Divine Light Within

Expressions of the Tao

This implies that humans are inherently good, in fact, more than good. Then why do we suffer? 

I am not writing this to answer that question, but to express why Madhukara exists and why we do what we do. 

We are group of amazing souls who are not seeking refuge from being human. We are not trying to escape the human condition by thinking that we are God.

Madhukara President Melissa, VP Beth, Keri, and Rudra Das serving hot soup on a cold day

We are not partakers of any one religion or dogma.  All are one!  We believe that each of us is connected and that we reflect that inner luminosity to each other.  Every interaction, through our words or our deeds, is an opportunity to share love and create feedback loops of gratitude. 

We recognize that life on Earth is challenging. There is much suffering. It is difficult to see the buddha nature in each other as we have experienced so much heartbreak.  

Can we heal this heartbreak? Yes, there are ancient formulas and practices for healing, and we do offer this at Madhukara.  But all the healing techniques are impotent without action in the world.

The most powerful healing technique of all is service to humanity.  Feed the poor, attend to the sick, visit the lonely but do not dismiss the simple ways that can quickly dispel negativity and make it irrelevant - the smile, the kind word, expressions of hope and not darkness, faith and not fear. 

These opportunities are everywhere within every moment of our daily lives - at home with our family, at work with our colleagues, at the grocery store, at your child’s soccer game, our interactions on social media, and yes, even in while in our cars stuck in rush hour traffic.  

At each moment, we make a choice, love or fear? 

Gratitude is the language of the soul and it is feedback loops of gratitude that will ultimately transform the world out of darkness and despair and into universal love. One small act at a time, with selflessness and surrender. 

Madhukara is a Sanskrit word that means “Honey Maker”.  Our mission is to “make life sweet” for all that we encounter. 

We follow a path of love and it moves us to do small things and perform small kindnesses. We know that creating feedback loops of gratitude has the power to transform our world. 

We are guided by the great saints who came before us and walked this earth in service to humanity. Not because they were great but because they were so small and filled with God’s love that miracles flowed.  

Our symbol, the honeybee, does not create sweetness from nothing — it seeks it, finds it, and gathers it.

We are calling all honey makers to join our hive!  

Help us FEED EVERYONE— Join our Madhukara on The Move Team to deliver food directly to those in need on our streets or shop and deliver groceries for the sick and homebound. 

Madhukara's Heather D, Jenna, and Beth distributing Terita's Pizza on the streets of Columbus, OH.

Volunteer to help us prepare and serve food at a local shelter. 

Gather with our community for Sacred Fire Ceremonies, where we enter into the ancient healing medicine of fire—allowing its presence to draw us out of the busy mind and into the loving wisdom of the soul.

Sign up for Sacred Study, a space of reflection and dialogue where we contemplate the lives and teachings of the saints, drawing inspiration to embody their wisdom in our own daily lives.

Join our new group, Pause & Plan, as we root ourselves in ancient teachings and consciously enter into the spiritual retreat that is our lives. With each New Moon cycle, we begin a new chapter of focus and reflection—clarifying our intentions and stepping forward with purposeful action in the world.

A Sacred Fire Ceremony at Madhukara

If this speaks to you, we invite you to explore more on our website. You’ll find details about ways to serve others, upcoming gatherings, and simple next steps for staying connected.

Take a moment to see what resonates — we would be honored to welcome you to Madhukara.  

Please visit our EVENTS page on our website to learn more.