The Pro’s and Con’s of Meditation: Part 1 of 2

Psychoanalysts "have this cute little god called Freud and a very well-paid priesthood and the faithful go weekly to worship on couches." (from "Glittering Images," a novel by Susan Howatcvh)

Those wishing to maintain balance in the physical realm only, go to psychoanalysts (therapists, counselors, etc.), but those wishing to maintain balance in the physical realm AND progress spiritually to the point of ascension into the kingdom of God/Heaven, MEDITATE!

His disciples said to him. “ … When will the new world come?” He said to them, “What you are looking forward to has come, but you don’t know it” Gospel of Thomas, Verse 51

The Pharisees asked him, ‘When will the kingdom of God come?’ He said: ‘You cannot tell by observation when the kingdom of God comes. There will be no saying, “Look, here it is!” or “there it is!”; for in fact the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20-21

Jesus’ disciples said unto him: “When will the kingdom come?” Jesus answered, “It will not come by waiting for it. People will not say, ‘Look! Here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ But the kingdom of the Creator (Father) is spread out upon the earth and people do not see it.” Gospel of Thomas, Verse 113

And he said, “It has been granted to you to know the secrets of the kingdom of God …” Luke 8:10 “… it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven …” Matthew 13:11

Meditation is an ancient Spiritually-based modality, which utilizes Vibratory Spiritual Energy (Universal Life Energy, Prana, Chi, Ki, Holy Spirit, Spirit Within, etc.), and provides a pathway for opening perceptions to higher planes of consciousness (Christ Consciousness, Union with the Creator/God) . It is a Spiritual practice which helps one connect more fully with the Source of Life.

Meditation is a process and may/may not happen with only one “practice” session; it may take a considerable amount of time and sessions to regain health/wholeness/holiness.

The founders of the now infamous Alcoholic Anonymous Program, were aware that meditation was an important step which must be taken, if one wished to advance spiritually.

“Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message … and to practice these principles in all our affairs.” (the 11th and 12th steps of Alcoholics Anonymous; also found in other 12 Step Programs)

While it is true that Spiritual Awakenings can and do happen suddenly, they are the exception, rather than the rule. In most cases, a “true” Spiritual Awakening, one in which profound personality changes occur, takes time and conscious effort.

To make progress spiritually, is to learn through daily meditation, to transcend the physical SELF; that is to say, the SELFish ego, which consists of SELF-delusions, SELF-seeking attitudes and behaviors, SELF-pity, SELF-grandeur, SELF-will, and SELF-centeredness.

Issues concerning diet, physical/mental health, mindset, attitude, support system, repressed memories/emotions, and/or other environmental factors usually rise to the surface of one’s consciousness; this is all part of the process. Any/ALL identified issues need to be worked through, as they surface, before one’s soul is “fully” liberated.

“Meditate upon these things: give yourself wholly to them, so that your progress will be plain to all. Persevere in them, keep close watch on yourself and your teaching; by doing so you will further the salvation of yourself and your hearers. 1 Timothy 4:14-16

Matthew said: “Lord, I wish to see that place of life … where there is no wickedness but only pure light.” The Lord said, “Brother Matthew, you will not be able to see it as long as you bear flesh.” Matthew said: “Lord, even if I will not be able to see it, let me know it. The Lord said, “Those who have known themselves have seen it.” The Complete Gospels: Annotated Scholars Version 14:1-4

“The kingdom of heaven is within you and it is outside of you. If you will know yourselves, then you will be known, and you will realize that you are children of the living Creator (Father). But if you do not know yourselves, then you dwell in poverty and you are poverty.” Gospel of Thomas, Verse 3

May we take time to “practice” daily meditation; may we continue to be humble enough to confide in (share) and seek assistance from spiritually knowledgeable teachers who can help us process visions and/or insights gained during our meditations, and help us overcome any/all stumbling blocks along the way, so that we may transcend the SELFish ego of our physical SELFves, and progress spiritually to the point of ascension into the kingdom of God/Heaven.

“Listen to my words, Creator (O LORD), consider my meditation.” Psalms 5:1 “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight …” Psalms 19:14 “May my meditation please the Creator (LORD), as I show my joy in him!” Psalms 104:34


AMEN