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

Straying off the Spiritual Path

Straying off the Spiritual Path

As stated last week, ample opportunities, are provided for each of us, on a daily basis, to choose whether we want to serve the Earthly Realm or the Spiritual Realm.  Regardless of what drama/temptation/situation presents itself to us, when we allow ourselves to display ANY Attitude/Behavior indicative of the Earthly Realm, we consciously or unconsciously separate ourselves from the Spiritual Realm.

Some Attitudes/behaviors indicative of the Spiritual Realm:

• gentleness
• calmness
• a love of truth
• meek
• peaceful
• teachable
• merciful
• sincere
• tender-hearted
• sensitive
• honest
• forgiving
• patient
• loving
• open
• steadfast
• unwavering consistency
• vigilant
• faithful
• trusting
• modest
• humble
• courteous 

Some Attitudes/behaviors indicative of the Earthly Realm:

• strife
• contention
• self-conceit
• subtle and skilful argumentation
• shrewdness
• bigotry
• bitterness
• racist
• angry
• bullying
• abrasive (in words or actions)
• abusive (physically/mentally/emotionally and/or spiritually)
• disrespectful
• lustful dysfunctional gratification of the passions
• envious
• stubborn
• selfish
• quarrelsome
• malicious
• deceitful
• cunning
• secretive
• crafty
• proud
• haughty
• overbearing
• condescending
• arrogant

It is easy to lose our spiritual focus and our way.  As a matter of fact, it is so easy to do, that we often do not even realize that we are no longer on our spiritual path.  We may be off it for only but a moment or two, or we may stray so far off the spiritual path, that we can not see our way back.  

As you all know, I, like all of you, am a Spiritual Being having a HUMAN Experience; therefore, I, also come face to face with human dramas/temptations/situations which present themselves, on a daily basis.  Depending on how I consciously, or unconsciously, “choose” to navigate these regularly occurring human experiences, I “allow” myself to either stay strong on my spiritual path, or I “allow” myself to be lured off it. 

Case in Point:  This week, I unconsciously allowed myself to temporarily step out of the Spiritual Realm and enter into the Earthly realm.  I behaved in a selfish way; my behavior dishonored a beloved Sister’s Spirit, and temporarily dimmed the light of both of our spirits. 

For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.  James 3:15

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit; Instead, humbly think of others as being more significant than yourselves.  Philippians 2:3 

Can we prevent earthly traits/inclinations, from luring us away from our spiritual path?   … If so, How?

It is written:  I shall make you have insight and instruct you in the way you should go.  I will give advice with my eyes upon you.  Psalms 32:8

How do we gain this insight? … Where do we get this instruction? 

Vigilance in our spiritual studies, prayers, meditations, and regular association with “like-minded” people provide opportunities for us to gain insight and direction, as we navigate the Earthly Realm.  

  

With continued vigilance, we learn to see what is in our own hearts; we see what the Creator/God and the Divine Light/Jesus sees.  We become conscious of the Earthly traits/inclinations which often lead us out of the Spiritual Realm.  The sooner we realize that we are not thinking/acting in a way that is indicative of the Spiritual Realm, the sooner we can correct our thoughts/actions and return to it
. 

If we take the time to process “how” we were lured off the path and “what” we have learned from the experience, we will grow both personally and spiritually (which by the way, is the overall goal of the Church of Ultra Light Consciousness.). 

Self is not ever to be in the forefront; the only true correction for selfishness is true humility.  Humility does not mean that we are obliged to believe or do everything others say, right or wrong; we are not blind to the Earthly traits/inclinations of others; however, honor and esteem are due to each and all.

True humility is having the willingness to view our own importance (needs/desires/opinions/etc.) as being less important than someone else’s importance, in spite of their Earthly traits/inclinations.   When we treat each other with honor and respect in our everyday common conversations and actions … building each other up, both in the Earthly and the Spiritual Realms … not waiting until respect is shown on one side to return it again. … we lead the way, serving as a guide in showing the honor and esteem due to each and all (which incidentally, is one of the spiritual responsibilities of all Church of Ultra Light Consciousness Ministers.). 

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Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.  Romans 12:10     

Submit to one another out of respect for Christ.   Ephesians 5:21 

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers and sisters, be compassionate and keep a humble attitude.    1 Peter 3:8  

This is a hard lesson, and very few persons learn it thoroughly.  The Creator/God and the Divine Light/Jesus are served with our spirit, not with our minds.  It is in our spiritual best interest to make a conscious effort to listen with our hearts so that we may agree in spiritual truth; when we fall short of that, it will serve us well if we agree to disagree, in spiritual love and affection.  

When we are able to apply this lesson, we willingly perform humble tasks, without resentment, which may be of benefit to others.  This does not harm relationships; instead, it makes every yoke lighter.  When we genuinely prefer someone else’s experience, light and knowledge to our own - contentment, peace, harmony, love, order and unity are preserved in our relationships.

So it is, sealed in trust, faith and truth, in the Sacred Divine Light. Amen