Aum Namah Shivaya! Hello Friends! Many of you have learned that our beloved sister, Shantaya Boneja, is moving back to her native Germany. It's a hard move that she feels she has to make. Simply stated, she has not been able to afford a life here in the states, though she struggled hard to make it work. Sadly, it hasn't. Though she has committed to the move, she has expenses that must be met before she leaves, and she has other expenses that will help her establish herself and her career back in Germany. We have all enjoyed her beautiful gift for singing kirtan and bhajans. She has given her heart and soul to her performances. Now, it's our turn to give Shantaya a helping hand. All amounts are gratefully accepted. There is no amount that is too small. Here is the appeal that Shantaya wrote for you:

Please Help me Get Home to Germany

Dear friends,

As many of you know, I’m preparing for a big and emotional transition: returning home to Germany—together with my beloved cat Hazel. This move carries not only deep meaning for me spiritually and personally, but also many unexpected and overwhelming costs. I have nothing to start anew in Germany — especially after the passing of my father, which brought many bills to settle on his behalf. I no longer have anyone I can turn to for financial support.

Here are my financial needs, in order of priority:

• Shipping my harmonium, which I’ve played for Amma and has been part of many sacred moments: $600

• A basic used car in Germany to help me get around and build a new life: $6000

Standard Costs

• Vehicle registration (Zulassung): $80

• License plates: $45 for a pair

• Environmental badge (Feinstaubplakette): $10

• Registration document fee (if lost or new version): $11

Additional Costs

• Third-party liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung): Required before registration: $80

• Documents to restore my identity: passport, ID, and birth certificate minimum: $280

One of my deepest wishes is to buy an instrument again once I arrive in Germany, so I can continue sharing and teaching music.

Grand pianos there are incredibly expensive — nothing like the unexpected gems you can find in America. I’m hoping to raise $4,000 to help make this dream possible. Music has always been my way of giving back, and having an instrument again would mean the world to me. It is also a way I earn my living.

I wish I could manage this all alone, but the truth is that I can’t right now. I’m doing everything I can—but I need a little help. Your support—no matter how big or small—will go directly to making this transition smoother and more grounded.

Leaving here is bittersweet. I will miss you all so much. Just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes. But I know in my heart that this is the right step, and that our paths will cross again.

From the deepest place in my soul—thank you for being part of my journey.

With so much love and gratitude,

Shantaya & Hazel ❤️