Today I listened to a very good presentation on prosperity, by Edwene Gaines. I've linked to her book, below. What she covered were four laws that she believes are required to attaining something:
I. Tithing
II. Forgiveness
III. Set Goals
IV. Divine Purpose
Regarding Tithing, she spoke to giving the traditional 10% to wherever our spiritual source is coming from. Be it one group or more than one. She separates tithing from charity. She separates tithing from time giving. What she teaches is very difficult.
Someone in the audience asked "why 10%? what's so special with that number?" she didn't have a specific answer. But she did point to where it first came up in the Bible. In Kabbalah (via the Kabbalah Center) they have a specific answer. The Kabbalah Center teaches that in the tree of life concept - you have 10 sepherot, or planes of existence. The lowest plane is the Physical plane. This 1/10th of creation is given back in the Tithe, and is sacrified, to become Holy and Purified.
Regarding Goals, she listed 10 things to assist with this:
1. write down 'fun' things you'd like to do
2. Choose 12 or so goals that are my goals - make them very specific (i.e. i want a 2007 ford torus)
3. be open and receptive to change. pray daily 'what must i change in myself so that i can achieve my goals.'
4. Determine the date you need to achieve these goals. set the date to make the time you need for change you need to do to achieve your goal.
*if the goal isn't met by deadline, go back to step 3, adn make sure you did what you need to do. look into seeing what you'd need to change.*
5. Read these goals every day
6. visualize these goals every day (see yourself in the goal)
7. accept your success now. act as if you have already achieved it. take positive action in faith towards your goals. (i.e. if you want to go to europe, you could get your passport, get luggage, etc.)
8. Keep your goals private (unless you work with a support group)
9. Cross off your goals as they manifest and add new ones.
10. love - love yourself
I also noticed she has several audio works on iTunes.
But the book can be purchased via the link:
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
About Material Concerns and Worries
The other day, I heard something disturbing at where I work. I talked to a co-worker of mine (Vijay) and I mentioned my concern. He gave me pearls of wisdom:
“Don’t worry. Whatever happens Brian is here.”
It’s funny. But then, if you think about it, it’s profound. Whatever happens Brian is HERE. NOW. Don’t think about the past or future. I am HERE.
How cool is that?
Thanks Vijay!
“Don’t worry. Whatever happens Brian is here.”
It’s funny. But then, if you think about it, it’s profound. Whatever happens Brian is HERE. NOW. Don’t think about the past or future. I am HERE.
How cool is that?
Thanks Vijay!
Serving the Golden Dawn: My Ego
Many years ago – around 2005 or 2006, I had joined a group of spiritualists who followed a Western Form of Mysticism. This type of mystical system is often called the “Western Mysteries.” This particular group was a modern day version of the older “Golden Dawn.” These people called themselves the Esoteric Order of the Golden Dawn.
Early on, I was very engaged with the study material. I had some amazing results. Some amazing things occurred and happened. I became a very attentive student. Attending each class and lesson. Then, one day, I was asked if I’d like to become an officer of the temple.
Becoming an officer is a great honor, so I gladly accepted with some questions. I had asked how hard it would be… and I was told it’s pretty much what I’m doing now (serving in the temple), so I was fine with it.
After becoming a temple officer of the Esoteric Order of the Golden Dawn, I was promptly given instructions. I was told to do various things… I was given chores. Each time before a ceremony, I would work with other officers to clean the floors, ceilings, toilet, sink, wash the walls, clean the windows. I was someone dumbfounded. I thought to myself, “I came here for spiritual work, not chores!”
I had complained about this, and the leader of this particular temple said to me, “I’m sorry but this is required for the office. Please hang in there, as it’s a great reward at the end.”
What I began to do, is look at the long time members. I began to judge them. I said to myself, “Look at them. They all live broken lives. One man has no house and lives most of his days and nights at the temple. Another has nothing but broken relationships with women. Another has broken a vow with her fiancé…” I went on and on and said, “well if they got this as their reward for faithful service, and considering how painful these chores are for me to do… this isn’t for me.”
There were perhaps other reasons I walked away. But I can’t turn a blind eye that this was a big reason for my walking out. I often felt like a servant. Even a slave. I volunteered my time… sometimes was treated with content by others, bossed around and did chores I hated. Sometimes I was the only one doing the chores. It really burned me. I repeated to myself that I came here to learn spiritual lessons, not how to wash a wall.
What I didn’t realize, till now, is that those were spiritual lessons.
I happened to read a book called, “Living with the Himalayan Masters,” within one of the chapters (one regarding Ego) the author writes:
“The master said, ‘You should know the role of a student as well as the role of a master.’
“The man asked, ‘Sir, what are the duties of a student?’
“The master explained, ‘A student cleans, serves, washes dishes, cooks food, prepares and purifies himself, and serves his master.’
“Then the man asked, ‘And what does a master do, sir?’
“’A master teaches – he doesn’t do any of the menial work.’
“’Why can’t I become a master without doing all of this?’ asked the man. ‘The menial work has nothing to do with my learning how to teach.’
“The master said, ‘No, you will be hurting yourself and hurting others. You have to understand from the very beginning that the spiritual path can tolerate everything but ego.’”
Now, many years later… I understand and regret my decision. I was a victim of Ego. My Ego prevented me from doing the “chores” and wanting the “spiritual” nectar of meditation, ritual, ceremony and the results thereof. I didn’t like being bossed around, treated like a servant and told to do things (like clean the toilet.)
So strong was my resentment that one time, the leader of our temple, came into the temple room proper before a ceremony… and he said, “Oh my someone here has a lot of anger.” He felt my rage. My resentment. While I smiled and bowed my head and thought I covered my feelings – they were strong to him. He was very gifted.
But what I didn’t get, even while studying the necessity of removing the ego, these past few years, I now see my reasons for leaving the Golden Dawn where all related to Ego.
Today it’s not so easy to go and be a servant. I’m not a husband, and father to be. I don’t have the time I had back then. In my youth I squandered a great gift, of serving a Temple. Let that be a lesson to others, don’t miss out on your opportunities to serve your spiritual communities.
Early on, I was very engaged with the study material. I had some amazing results. Some amazing things occurred and happened. I became a very attentive student. Attending each class and lesson. Then, one day, I was asked if I’d like to become an officer of the temple.
Becoming an officer is a great honor, so I gladly accepted with some questions. I had asked how hard it would be… and I was told it’s pretty much what I’m doing now (serving in the temple), so I was fine with it.
After becoming a temple officer of the Esoteric Order of the Golden Dawn, I was promptly given instructions. I was told to do various things… I was given chores. Each time before a ceremony, I would work with other officers to clean the floors, ceilings, toilet, sink, wash the walls, clean the windows. I was someone dumbfounded. I thought to myself, “I came here for spiritual work, not chores!”
I had complained about this, and the leader of this particular temple said to me, “I’m sorry but this is required for the office. Please hang in there, as it’s a great reward at the end.”
What I began to do, is look at the long time members. I began to judge them. I said to myself, “Look at them. They all live broken lives. One man has no house and lives most of his days and nights at the temple. Another has nothing but broken relationships with women. Another has broken a vow with her fiancé…” I went on and on and said, “well if they got this as their reward for faithful service, and considering how painful these chores are for me to do… this isn’t for me.”
There were perhaps other reasons I walked away. But I can’t turn a blind eye that this was a big reason for my walking out. I often felt like a servant. Even a slave. I volunteered my time… sometimes was treated with content by others, bossed around and did chores I hated. Sometimes I was the only one doing the chores. It really burned me. I repeated to myself that I came here to learn spiritual lessons, not how to wash a wall.
What I didn’t realize, till now, is that those were spiritual lessons.
I happened to read a book called, “Living with the Himalayan Masters,” within one of the chapters (one regarding Ego) the author writes:
“The master said, ‘You should know the role of a student as well as the role of a master.’
“The man asked, ‘Sir, what are the duties of a student?’
“The master explained, ‘A student cleans, serves, washes dishes, cooks food, prepares and purifies himself, and serves his master.’
“Then the man asked, ‘And what does a master do, sir?’
“’A master teaches – he doesn’t do any of the menial work.’
“’Why can’t I become a master without doing all of this?’ asked the man. ‘The menial work has nothing to do with my learning how to teach.’
“The master said, ‘No, you will be hurting yourself and hurting others. You have to understand from the very beginning that the spiritual path can tolerate everything but ego.’”
Now, many years later… I understand and regret my decision. I was a victim of Ego. My Ego prevented me from doing the “chores” and wanting the “spiritual” nectar of meditation, ritual, ceremony and the results thereof. I didn’t like being bossed around, treated like a servant and told to do things (like clean the toilet.)
So strong was my resentment that one time, the leader of our temple, came into the temple room proper before a ceremony… and he said, “Oh my someone here has a lot of anger.” He felt my rage. My resentment. While I smiled and bowed my head and thought I covered my feelings – they were strong to him. He was very gifted.
But what I didn’t get, even while studying the necessity of removing the ego, these past few years, I now see my reasons for leaving the Golden Dawn where all related to Ego.
Today it’s not so easy to go and be a servant. I’m not a husband, and father to be. I don’t have the time I had back then. In my youth I squandered a great gift, of serving a Temple. Let that be a lesson to others, don’t miss out on your opportunities to serve your spiritual communities.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Ananda: Karma is an Expression of Divine Love
Nayaswamis Bharat and Anandi from Ananda (A Yogananda based spiritual center, which can be found at www.ananda.org) provided a meditation/visualization to help deal with hard situations. Below is Nayaswamis Bharat and Anandi's meditation/visualization - more can be found at www.ananda.org:
"Karma is an expression of divine love.
Everything that comes to us is made especially for us by God—to free us from all limitation.
Visualize God as the Divine Mother, standing before you.
(You can visualize Yogananda or another saint if you prefer.)
See Her eyes gazing deeply into your own, filling you with Her love.
Know that She is with you, always.
Think now of a karma that is challenging for you.
See Divine Mother holding before you this karmic test. See Her smile as she reaches out and offers this test to you with loving kindness.
Reach out your arms and take hold of this karma.
Bring this karmic challenge into your heart.
Accept this precious gift—sent from the Wisdom of the Universe.
Know that it is a perfect gift, sent by Divine Mother, to help your soul become free.
In your heart embrace this karmic test fully, with gratitude and trust.
This karma can help you raise your energy level and consciousness to where your Godly nature resides.
Focus now at the point between the eyebrows.
See yourself rising to meet this karmic test and transcending its limitations.
See yourself becoming free in God.
Feel the bliss of being united with Spirit."
"Karma is an expression of divine love.
Everything that comes to us is made especially for us by God—to free us from all limitation.
Visualize God as the Divine Mother, standing before you.
(You can visualize Yogananda or another saint if you prefer.)
See Her eyes gazing deeply into your own, filling you with Her love.
Know that She is with you, always.
Think now of a karma that is challenging for you.
See Divine Mother holding before you this karmic test. See Her smile as she reaches out and offers this test to you with loving kindness.
Reach out your arms and take hold of this karma.
Bring this karmic challenge into your heart.
Accept this precious gift—sent from the Wisdom of the Universe.
Know that it is a perfect gift, sent by Divine Mother, to help your soul become free.
In your heart embrace this karmic test fully, with gratitude and trust.
This karma can help you raise your energy level and consciousness to where your Godly nature resides.
Focus now at the point between the eyebrows.
See yourself rising to meet this karmic test and transcending its limitations.
See yourself becoming free in God.
Feel the bliss of being united with Spirit."
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Excerpt from "The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita"
Page 163, "To drive a dark mood out of the mind, for example, try this simple method: Focus your energy and attention strongly at the point between the eyebrows. The magnetism you generate there will life you out of the fogs of gloom to a higher, more spiritual atmosphere where peace, joy and complete acceptance reign.
Again, if sex temptation assails you, bring the energy up from the lower chakras (especially from the swadisthana, or sacral) to the heart by breathing deeply a few times. Then sit still, as has been suggested above, and focus deeply on the Kutastha between the eyebrows."
Again, if sex temptation assails you, bring the energy up from the lower chakras (especially from the swadisthana, or sacral) to the heart by breathing deeply a few times. Then sit still, as has been suggested above, and focus deeply on the Kutastha between the eyebrows."
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Expanding or Contracting desire
I was listening to Swami Kriyananda tonight. He was talking about desire. He made an interesting point that got me thinking. He said that a desire to do something that has a root motivator of expanding ourselves (meaning to share or uplift others) then it's a good thing. But when we have desires to benefit ourselves, our ego, then it's not a positive thing.
The example he gave was wanting more money to share with others vs. wanting more money to be a selfish hoarder of possessions and wealth.
After listening to this I thought about my artwork. I've been so into my artwork. I've used tools to do this work, but for what reason? to share with others? To uplift others? No. My deep root motivation was in the attention I can get from others. That's ego. My desire was wrong.
I need to transfer my art to something that is a shareable aspect. Something that gives back to others.
All my desires should be towards that end - uplifting others.
The example he gave was wanting more money to share with others vs. wanting more money to be a selfish hoarder of possessions and wealth.
After listening to this I thought about my artwork. I've been so into my artwork. I've used tools to do this work, but for what reason? to share with others? To uplift others? No. My deep root motivation was in the attention I can get from others. That's ego. My desire was wrong.
I need to transfer my art to something that is a shareable aspect. Something that gives back to others.
All my desires should be towards that end - uplifting others.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Present moment lost, anger ensues
I got angry at my wife tonight. I was cooking dinner and she had taken away all the oven mitts. So I couldn't take the food out of the oven and it started to over cook. I got upset with her.
But really, I was locked into the immediate past. If I stayed in the present moment, I would have realized I was not able to pull this out of the oven. I would have stayed in the moment and gotten an alternative to the oven mitts. But, I failed. I got caught in the past... I wanted my wife to hear me repeat over and over how we need to have oven mitts in the kitchen.
The lesson here tonight was: Stay in the moment. Don't get wrapped up in judgement, or the past.
But really, I was locked into the immediate past. If I stayed in the present moment, I would have realized I was not able to pull this out of the oven. I would have stayed in the moment and gotten an alternative to the oven mitts. But, I failed. I got caught in the past... I wanted my wife to hear me repeat over and over how we need to have oven mitts in the kitchen.
The lesson here tonight was: Stay in the moment. Don't get wrapped up in judgement, or the past.
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