Sidny Bryson Dyal

Interview by Marilyn Begley

Sidny started her search for a spiritual path in 1986. Mired in a hard place in her life, she was lacking purpose, questioning how the universe operated, and still caught too much in the ways of the world. Then she read a parable that changed her life.

God was discussing creation with the angels. God suggested that He should remain hidden from man. One angel suggested that God hide in the depths of the sea. But God knew man would reach the depths of the sea some day. The top of the highest mountain, too, could be attained in time. Then God said, "I will hide Myself in the depths of man’s inner self." And the angels nodded quietly. Yes. That is the place to hide God.

As Sidny read this parable, a revelation of its truth occurred deep within her. Her revelation opened an inner flood of love, knowledge and energy. She felt in her heightened awareness a connection between Eastern and Western civilization and thought. Sidny was blessed with several months of heightened energy and awareness that she used to continue her spiritual search.

She discovered Ananda through a Salt Lake City meditation group, where she met Barbara Rabin as well as several people from Ananda Village. She often visited the Village, and considered moving there. She started preparations for the move a couple of times, but then the energy would become diluted through endless distractions.

When at last she came to visit Barbara at Ananda Community, she knew immediately that the Community was where she wanted to be. This time her preparations flowed smoothly, her dream for a job transfer was granted, relationships opened their grasps, giving her the gift of freedom.

Since moving to the Community five years ago, Sidny has been sustaining a variety of interests. She cares for a woman who is 101 years old and who had fought for, then escaped from Stalin’s revolution. Sidny also teaches yoga at EastWest Bookstore and the Spa of Los Altos. She is embarking on the study of Astrology, focusing on its medical aspects. This will add an important dimension to her deep interest in Ayurvedic practice and philosophy.

Sidny has already completed an in-depth program of study at the California College of Ayurveda, and is now an Ayurvedic practitioner. She has taught an Ayurvedic class at the Teaching Center, and will be teaching another one in April. She is deeply drawn to teaching Ayurveda and dreams of sharing it with others, in an ever-expanding circle of people, knowledge and energy.