Rev. Mandira Simental

How did you first get interested in New Thought/ Religious Science?
I was living in Tulsa, OK and in 1973, we had a number of paranormal experiences. This led me to want to know more. I moved to Los Angeles and begin my studies in many different New Thought groups. I was introduced to Church of Religious Science in Redondo Beach. For a while, I worked for Astara, a Unity Church which sends lessons worldwide. I than became a follower of OSHO and moved to Geetam Rajneesh Sannyas Ashram in Lucerne Valley, CA and eventually went to India to study. When I got back, I lived on a ranch in Malibu where I briefly had an OSHO ashram. In 1988, I had become a cocaine addict and had an 8-year-old child. It seemed like we would be best served by Church of Religious Science in Redondo Beach. I started the classes and got sober in my Practitioner Class. I then completed the ministerial class. When it became time to be ordained, I was very attracted to City of Angels Science of Mind Center so I became licensed as a practitioner and ordained there. I went to Church of Religious Science in Redondo Beach to save my life and to become a better mother to my child.

Since 1998, I have been on a very spiritual path with great concern for the planet and the growing spirituality that was developing. I became involved in several e-groups and had a business called Angel Talk that failed miserably. Since then, I have traveled a lot, attending various spiritual
conferences. I have written five books which I sell at these conferences. In 2005, I became very attracted to peace and became involved with the peace ministry at CLF. I feel it is extremely important that we all work on peace and create a planet that is at peace where we are all operating out of enlightened consciousness. Give the gift of peace by stopping at the peace table and picking up a water bottle, a baby peace pole or some other expression of peace to bless someone you love.

Who are some of your most significant teachers/mentors?
The Astara classes were very wonderful. Then I took Science of Mind classes from Drs. Anita and Frank Richelieu. Dr. O.C. Smith was also instumental as I was a minister in his church. I found Dr. William Hubbard Knight at Rev. Della Reese-Lett's Understanding Principles for Better Living Church to also be a great teacher.

Do you have an area that you are drawn to?
At Dr. O.C. Smith's Church, I was the Addictions Minister, serving those with drug and alcohol problems, mental illness and relationship problems. I was the trusted servant for an AA Meeting, Angels in Recovery, at that church.

Lately, I have become very involved in creating peace, as a class at CLF, as an expression in the world, and at the government level. It is my goal to have an ongoing series of peace concerts and events at CLF to have raise our consciousness about peace.

Do you prefer to work face-to-face, over the phone or other ways?
It doesn't make a lot of difference how I work. However, those who come to my house, which is a center of positive vibrations and healing, get the fullest effect. I also do a lot of work by e-mail.

How long have you been a Practitioner?
I completed SOM III in June, 1988. At that time, you had to serve a church for several years as your internship. I was licensed as a Practitioner in September, 1993 and ordained as a Minister in February, 1997. I had previously been a Universal Life Church Minister since 1975.

Are you a native of Arizona?
I come from Iowa and lived in Missouri, Tennessee and Oklahoma, then moved to Los Angeles, where I lived for 29 years. I came to Phoenix in April, 2003.

Did you start in another religion?
My family of origin was not very religious, but they were Methodist. I began attending different churches in my college days and became a Unitarian in graduate school and for several years afterward.

What is your greatest joy about being a Practitioner?
I like it when the client has huge and wonderful demonstrations such as getting a good job, or having a healing of cancer or something else that is very seirous. I also like it when the client develops a closer relationship with God and a greater spiritual understanding.