The experience of not forgetting consciousness alone is the state of
devotion which is the relationship of unfading real love, because the
real knowledge of Self, which shines as the undivided supreme bliss
itself, surges up as the nature of love.
Love itself is the actual form of God. That is pure bliss. Call it
pure bliss, God, Self, or what you will. That is devotion, that is
realization and that is everything."
- Sri Ramana
Truth has no resistance...
"Remember the principle I mentioned last night. It's been known for hundreds of years but it's so easily forgotten. It's a funny thing. The truer something is, the more easily it is forgotten. The more false something is, the more difficult it is to forget it. It's just the opposite of the way you think it would work. But its really simple because truth has no resistance. Truth has no resistance to the forgetting of truth. But illusion is resistance. So it has a tremendous resistance to forgetting it, to seeing around it. I imagine everyone in this room has at some point heard that 'what you resist persists.' And if you haven't then it's high time you do. What we resist is what persists. You even can hear about the Oneness of things, your true nature and if your not careful, you can start to resist yourself. You can resist misperceiving yourself. The best way to stay in illusion is to resist illusion. It's a guarantee that you'll stay in illusion. Awakening never happens when we are resisting illusion."
From Session 1, Omega Retreat, Monday
From Session 1, Omega Retreat, Monday
Wholeness...
Through allowing, you become what you are; vast, spacious. You become whole. You are not a fragment anymore, which is how the ego perceives itself. Your true nature emerges, which is one with the nature of God
Eckhart Tolle
Eckhart Tolle
Only One...
There is only one God and He is God to all; therefore it is important
that everyone is seen as equal before God. Iíve always said we should
help a Hindu become a better Hindu, a Muslim become a better Muslim, a
Catholic become a better Catholic. We believe our work should be our
example to people. We have among us 475 souls - 30 families are
Catholics and the rest are all Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs -- all different
religions. But they all come to our prayers...........Mother Theresa
that everyone is seen as equal before God. Iíve always said we should
help a Hindu become a better Hindu, a Muslim become a better Muslim, a
Catholic become a better Catholic. We believe our work should be our
example to people. We have among us 475 souls - 30 families are
Catholics and the rest are all Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs -- all different
religions. But they all come to our prayers...........Mother Theresa
Idea-Lessness...
Some teachers of concentration instructed their disciples to keep a watch on
their minds
and secure tranquillity by the cessation of all thought, and henceforth their
disciples gave
all effort to concentrate the mind and ignorant persons who did not understand
the
distinction became insane from trying to carry out the instruction literally.
Such cases are
not rare and it is a great mistake to teach the practice.
It has been the tradition of our school to make "non-objectivity" as our
basis, "idea-
lessness" as our object, and "non-attachment" as our fundamental principle.
"Non-
objectivity" means, not to be absorbed in objects when in contact with objects;
"idea-
lessness" means, not to be carried away by any particular idea in our exercise
of the
mental faculty; "non-attachment" means, not to cherish any desire for or
aversion to any
particular thing or idea. "Non-attachment" is the characteristic of
Mind-essence.
We should treat all things--good or bad, beautiful or ugly--as void (of any
self-
substance). Even in time of dispute and quarrel, we should treat intimates and
enemies
alike and never think of retaliation. In the thinking faculty, let the past be
dead. If we allow
our thoughts, past, present and future, to become linked up into a series, we
put ourselves
under restraint. On the other hand, if we never let our mind become attached at
any time
to any thing, we gain emancipation. For this reason we make "non-attachment" our
fundamental principle.To free ourselves from dependence upon externals is
called, "non-
objectivity." In as far as we are in position to do this, the path of the Dharma
is free. That
is why we make "non-objectivity" our basis.
To keep our mind free from defilement under all circumstances is called
"idea-lessness."
Our mind should always stand aloof and on no account should we allow
circumstances to
influence the functioning of the mind. It is a great mistake to suppress all
thinking. Even if
we succeed, and die immediately thereafter, still, there is reincarnation. Mark
this,
pilgrims of the Path! It is bad enough for a man to commit blunders by
cherishing false
ideas of the Dharma, how much worse to teach others. Being deluded, he is blind
himself,
and in addition he misrepresents and puts to shame the Buddhist scriptures.
Therefore we
make "idea-lessness" our object."........Hui-neng
their minds
and secure tranquillity by the cessation of all thought, and henceforth their
disciples gave
all effort to concentrate the mind and ignorant persons who did not understand
the
distinction became insane from trying to carry out the instruction literally.
Such cases are
not rare and it is a great mistake to teach the practice.
It has been the tradition of our school to make "non-objectivity" as our
basis, "idea-
lessness" as our object, and "non-attachment" as our fundamental principle.
"Non-
objectivity" means, not to be absorbed in objects when in contact with objects;
"idea-
lessness" means, not to be carried away by any particular idea in our exercise
of the
mental faculty; "non-attachment" means, not to cherish any desire for or
aversion to any
particular thing or idea. "Non-attachment" is the characteristic of
Mind-essence.
We should treat all things--good or bad, beautiful or ugly--as void (of any
self-
substance). Even in time of dispute and quarrel, we should treat intimates and
enemies
alike and never think of retaliation. In the thinking faculty, let the past be
dead. If we allow
our thoughts, past, present and future, to become linked up into a series, we
put ourselves
under restraint. On the other hand, if we never let our mind become attached at
any time
to any thing, we gain emancipation. For this reason we make "non-attachment" our
fundamental principle.To free ourselves from dependence upon externals is
called, "non-
objectivity." In as far as we are in position to do this, the path of the Dharma
is free. That
is why we make "non-objectivity" our basis.
To keep our mind free from defilement under all circumstances is called
"idea-lessness."
Our mind should always stand aloof and on no account should we allow
circumstances to
influence the functioning of the mind. It is a great mistake to suppress all
thinking. Even if
we succeed, and die immediately thereafter, still, there is reincarnation. Mark
this,
pilgrims of the Path! It is bad enough for a man to commit blunders by
cherishing false
ideas of the Dharma, how much worse to teach others. Being deluded, he is blind
himself,
and in addition he misrepresents and puts to shame the Buddhist scriptures.
Therefore we
make "idea-lessness" our object."........Hui-neng
Cultivation of the Heart...
Man mistakes when he begins to cultivate the heart by wanting to sow
the seed himself, instead of leaving the sowing to God.
Bowl of Saki, by Hazrat Inayat Khan
Commentary by Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan:
The Sufis have learned the lesson of love, of devotion, of sympathy,
and have called it the cultivation of the heart. It is known by the
word suluk, which means the loving manner. What we call refined
manner is only a manner behind which there is no life. When manner is
directed by the heart quality then it becomes loving manner, the
manner that comes from love, and all such attributes as kindness,
gentleness, tolerance, forgiveness, mercy and compassion -- they all
spring from this loving manner. ... One may ask: How to cultivate the
heart quality? There is only one way: to become selfless at each step
one takes forward on this path, for what prevents one from
cultivating the loving quality is the thought of self.
The question may be asked: Is any effort required for realizing the
truth? The answer is yes. There is a work that one can do, which is
as the work of a farmer, it is to cultivate the heart. But where man
makes a mistake is that when he cultivates the heart he wishes to sow
the seed himself instead of leaving the sowing of the seed to God. As
to the way how to cultivate the heart, the first condition is
explained in a story. A young man went to a great seer in Persia and
asked him for guidance on the spiritual path. The seer asked
him, 'Have you loved in your life?' 'No' he said, 'not yet.' The seer
answered, 'Go and love, and know what love is. Then come to me.'
the seed himself, instead of leaving the sowing to God.
Bowl of Saki, by Hazrat Inayat Khan
Commentary by Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan:
The Sufis have learned the lesson of love, of devotion, of sympathy,
and have called it the cultivation of the heart. It is known by the
word suluk, which means the loving manner. What we call refined
manner is only a manner behind which there is no life. When manner is
directed by the heart quality then it becomes loving manner, the
manner that comes from love, and all such attributes as kindness,
gentleness, tolerance, forgiveness, mercy and compassion -- they all
spring from this loving manner. ... One may ask: How to cultivate the
heart quality? There is only one way: to become selfless at each step
one takes forward on this path, for what prevents one from
cultivating the loving quality is the thought of self.
The question may be asked: Is any effort required for realizing the
truth? The answer is yes. There is a work that one can do, which is
as the work of a farmer, it is to cultivate the heart. But where man
makes a mistake is that when he cultivates the heart he wishes to sow
the seed himself instead of leaving the sowing of the seed to God. As
to the way how to cultivate the heart, the first condition is
explained in a story. A young man went to a great seer in Persia and
asked him for guidance on the spiritual path. The seer asked
him, 'Have you loved in your life?' 'No' he said, 'not yet.' The seer
answered, 'Go and love, and know what love is. Then come to me.'
Misunderstanding...
The person is merely the result of a misunderstanding. In reality, there is no such thing. Feelings, thoughts and actions race before the watcher in endless succession, leaving traces in the brain and creating an illusion of continuity. A reflection of the watcher in the mind creates the sense of "I" and the person acquires an apparently independent existence. In reality there is no person, only the watcher identifying himself with the "I" and the "mine".........Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
Psychic Shock...
"Psychic shock consists of the difference between reality and
illusion, between the conscious and the unconscious. The man
who lives totally from reality is shockless. He will observe
a shocking human condition, such as war, but will experience no
inner shock, for he has cleared his own mind of unconscious war.
He is the true man who can help those who really want help.".........Vernon Howard
illusion, between the conscious and the unconscious. The man
who lives totally from reality is shockless. He will observe
a shocking human condition, such as war, but will experience no
inner shock, for he has cleared his own mind of unconscious war.
He is the true man who can help those who really want help.".........Vernon Howard
Enlightenment...
In enlightenment basically, whether it happens through understanding
or through devotional surrender or whether it happens through good
deeds being done in such a way that there is no "me" doing them, there
is just one common thing. The common factor is that there is no "me".
A Net of Jewels
Ramesh S. Balsekar
http://www.advaita.org
or through devotional surrender or whether it happens through good
deeds being done in such a way that there is no "me" doing them, there
is just one common thing. The common factor is that there is no "me".
A Net of Jewels
Ramesh S. Balsekar
http://www.advaita.org
Ultimately One...
Internal and external are ultimately one. When you no longer perceive the world as hostile, there is no more fear, and when there is no more fear, you think, speak and act differently. Love and compassion arise, and they affect the world.
from Eckhart Tolle interviews
from Eckhart Tolle interviews
Redemption...
The human being will bring about its own redemption, if only we would allow it to do so. But instead we
hypnotize the mind with ideas that may suit other persons but are unsuited to us, we practise techniques
that warp our proper development, we follow leaders who know only the way they have themselves walked and
who insist on crowding all seekers on it regardless of suitability, and we join groups which obstruct our
special line of natural growth...............Paul Brunton
hypnotize the mind with ideas that may suit other persons but are unsuited to us, we practise techniques
that warp our proper development, we follow leaders who know only the way they have themselves walked and
who insist on crowding all seekers on it regardless of suitability, and we join groups which obstruct our
special line of natural growth...............Paul Brunton
The Stopping of the Mind...
This stopping of the mind is one of the universal hallmarks of grace. Whatever realizations occur. the stopping of the flow of thoughts is essential. Otherwise, you conceptualize realizations as soon as the moment passes. If you are practicing the supreme yoga of rest, after grace stops the mind you are vigilant in not picking up the next thought. You see thought start to rise like a bubble out of emptiness, but you don't touch it no matter how great the temptation. This is your response to grace.
If you meet grace with an open clear vigilance that does not touch any thought at all, then silence deepens beyond measure, and you experience a deeper union as the mind is reabsorbed back into the soul, the soul reabsorbed back into its source. Silence then reveals the deeper realms of emptiness hidden by the veils of the mind
p.117
Sudden Awakening
Eli Jaxon-Bear.
If you meet grace with an open clear vigilance that does not touch any thought at all, then silence deepens beyond measure, and you experience a deeper union as the mind is reabsorbed back into the soul, the soul reabsorbed back into its source. Silence then reveals the deeper realms of emptiness hidden by the veils of the mind
p.117
Sudden Awakening
Eli Jaxon-Bear.
The Truth Is...
Self is what you are, You are That
Fathomlessness in which experience and concepts appear.
Self is the Moment which has no coming or going.
It is the Heart, Atman, Emptiness.
It shines to Itself, by Itself, in Itself.
Self is what gives breath to life,
you need not search for It, It is Here.
You are That through which you would search.
You are what you are looking for!
And That is all it is.
Only Self is.
You were never born, and though only desire takes birth,
Nothing has ever happened, Nothing has ever existed!
This Nothingness you are, and this is the Ultimate Truth.
You are totally alone because Beauty alone is.
Only Self is.
You simply cannot deny that you are Consciousness.
You dwell in the Lotus of the Heart as Joy in Bliss.
Keep Quiet and you will reveal your Self to your Self.
Self Knowledge is that which is worth sacrificing anything for,
because everything else is just a mirage rising out of Consciousness.
Self is the indweller of all Beings,
so love of others is Love of Self, your Self.
Self is the greatest Love and the dearest of all lovers.
Love is the attraction of Self to Self in Self.
There is nothing besides this Love, this source of Joy.
See your own beauty and you are this Indweller, this Love
and the beauty itself.
Neti, Neti; but what you Are cannot be rejected.
It is Now only; waking or sleeping or dreaming,
It is still the Now which only Is.
Only Self is.
This present Moment is Light, is Self.
This Moment is not bondage or freedom.
It is most precious beyond ideation.
This Moment is the screen on which all projects.
It is always Still and Untouched and it is out of time.
There is no difference between the Ultimate and this Presence.
To be in this Moment abandon all desires,
including the desire to be in it.
That which has no name or form
has millions of names:
Being, Awareness, Bliss, Isness, Atman, Truth, self,
Auspiciousness, Beauty, Freedom, Divine Love,
Fullness, Emptiness, Consciousness, Nowness,
Effortlessness, Hereness, Silence, Brahman.
As the tongue speaks the word 'tongue'
so you speak these names.
To avoid the veiling of your nature with preconceptions,
Buddha spoke of self in negative terms
like Anata, Untouched, Unmanifest, Unseen,
Unapproachable, Unknowable, and Unstained.
Before notions and creations you exist,
so there are no words
for That beyond words and language.
Self doesn't need to understand Itself,
Freedom is before the concept of freedom.
You are what remains
when the concepts of 'I', mind and past disappear.
Nothingness is no concept.
Identify as Peace-Beauty-Love, do not experience it.
Know, 'I am inactive, the activity takes place in me,
I am That, I am the screen, I never come and I never go'.
Identify as Consciousness Itself.
If you do not forget who you are,
this appearance of activity is the Cosmic Dance.
..............Sri H.W.L. Poonja,
Fathomlessness in which experience and concepts appear.
Self is the Moment which has no coming or going.
It is the Heart, Atman, Emptiness.
It shines to Itself, by Itself, in Itself.
Self is what gives breath to life,
you need not search for It, It is Here.
You are That through which you would search.
You are what you are looking for!
And That is all it is.
Only Self is.
You were never born, and though only desire takes birth,
Nothing has ever happened, Nothing has ever existed!
This Nothingness you are, and this is the Ultimate Truth.
You are totally alone because Beauty alone is.
Only Self is.
You simply cannot deny that you are Consciousness.
You dwell in the Lotus of the Heart as Joy in Bliss.
Keep Quiet and you will reveal your Self to your Self.
Self Knowledge is that which is worth sacrificing anything for,
because everything else is just a mirage rising out of Consciousness.
Self is the indweller of all Beings,
so love of others is Love of Self, your Self.
Self is the greatest Love and the dearest of all lovers.
Love is the attraction of Self to Self in Self.
There is nothing besides this Love, this source of Joy.
See your own beauty and you are this Indweller, this Love
and the beauty itself.
Neti, Neti; but what you Are cannot be rejected.
It is Now only; waking or sleeping or dreaming,
It is still the Now which only Is.
Only Self is.
This present Moment is Light, is Self.
This Moment is not bondage or freedom.
It is most precious beyond ideation.
This Moment is the screen on which all projects.
It is always Still and Untouched and it is out of time.
There is no difference between the Ultimate and this Presence.
To be in this Moment abandon all desires,
including the desire to be in it.
That which has no name or form
has millions of names:
Being, Awareness, Bliss, Isness, Atman, Truth, self,
Auspiciousness, Beauty, Freedom, Divine Love,
Fullness, Emptiness, Consciousness, Nowness,
Effortlessness, Hereness, Silence, Brahman.
As the tongue speaks the word 'tongue'
so you speak these names.
To avoid the veiling of your nature with preconceptions,
Buddha spoke of self in negative terms
like Anata, Untouched, Unmanifest, Unseen,
Unapproachable, Unknowable, and Unstained.
Before notions and creations you exist,
so there are no words
for That beyond words and language.
Self doesn't need to understand Itself,
Freedom is before the concept of freedom.
You are what remains
when the concepts of 'I', mind and past disappear.
Nothingness is no concept.
Identify as Peace-Beauty-Love, do not experience it.
Know, 'I am inactive, the activity takes place in me,
I am That, I am the screen, I never come and I never go'.
Identify as Consciousness Itself.
If you do not forget who you are,
this appearance of activity is the Cosmic Dance.
..............Sri H.W.L. Poonja,
Why Are We Here...
We have volunteered to place our Consciousness within the
illusion of this body so that we can use it as a vehicle on the
physical plane for learning.. What we learn is the fact that, the
deeper you fall into the frequencies, the more pain there is, both for
the body and mind.. This is the nudge that is given to you, to look
deeper into the condition of this plane of existence and seek a higher
state of being that comes with no pain and only happiness.. This is the
path of the Mystic.. To conquer pain and achieve happiness in the Now
and in the Future Now................namaste, thomas
illusion of this body so that we can use it as a vehicle on the
physical plane for learning.. What we learn is the fact that, the
deeper you fall into the frequencies, the more pain there is, both for
the body and mind.. This is the nudge that is given to you, to look
deeper into the condition of this plane of existence and seek a higher
state of being that comes with no pain and only happiness.. This is the
path of the Mystic.. To conquer pain and achieve happiness in the Now
and in the Future Now................namaste, thomas
Race and Creed...
Beyond the narrow barriers of race and creed we can all unite,
because we all belong to one God.
Bowl of Saki, by Hazrat Inayat Khan
Commentary by Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan:
The soul is the Spirit of God, and the Spirit of God lives within the
shrine of the heart; this shrine can be closed or it can be open.
There are some things in life that open it and some that close it.
The things that close the heart are those which are contrary to love,
tolerance and forgiveness, such as coldness, bitterness and ill-will,
and a strong element of duality. The world is more upset today than
ever before; in many ways man seems to go from bad to worse, and yet
he thinks that he is progressing. It is not lack of organization or
of civilization; both these things he has. What he lacks is the
expression of the soul. He closes his door to his fellow man, he
closes the shrine of the heart and by doing so he is keeping God away
from himself and others. Nation is set against nation, race against
race, religion against religion. Therefore today more than ever
before there is a need for the realization of this philosophy. What
we need is not that all religions should become one nor all races;
that can never be. But what is needed is undivided progress, and
making ourselves examples of love and tolerance.
By talking about it, by discussing and arguing it will not come, but
by self-realization, by making ourselves the examples of what should
be, by giving love, taking love, and showing in our action
gentleness, consideration and the desire for service for the sake of
God in whom we can all unite beyond the narrow barriers of race and
creed.
because we all belong to one God.
Bowl of Saki, by Hazrat Inayat Khan
Commentary by Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan:
The soul is the Spirit of God, and the Spirit of God lives within the
shrine of the heart; this shrine can be closed or it can be open.
There are some things in life that open it and some that close it.
The things that close the heart are those which are contrary to love,
tolerance and forgiveness, such as coldness, bitterness and ill-will,
and a strong element of duality. The world is more upset today than
ever before; in many ways man seems to go from bad to worse, and yet
he thinks that he is progressing. It is not lack of organization or
of civilization; both these things he has. What he lacks is the
expression of the soul. He closes his door to his fellow man, he
closes the shrine of the heart and by doing so he is keeping God away
from himself and others. Nation is set against nation, race against
race, religion against religion. Therefore today more than ever
before there is a need for the realization of this philosophy. What
we need is not that all religions should become one nor all races;
that can never be. But what is needed is undivided progress, and
making ourselves examples of love and tolerance.
By talking about it, by discussing and arguing it will not come, but
by self-realization, by making ourselves the examples of what should
be, by giving love, taking love, and showing in our action
gentleness, consideration and the desire for service for the sake of
God in whom we can all unite beyond the narrow barriers of race and
creed.
Rabia...
One day Rabia said, "Who shall lead us to our Beloved?" and her servant
answered, "Our Beloved is with us, but this world cuts us off from Him."
Rabia was asked, "Do you love God?"
She answered, "Yes."
"Do you hate the devil?"
She answered, "No, my love of God leaves me no time to hate the devil."
as collected by James Fadiman & Robert Frager
answered, "Our Beloved is with us, but this world cuts us off from Him."
Rabia was asked, "Do you love God?"
She answered, "Yes."
"Do you hate the devil?"
She answered, "No, my love of God leaves me no time to hate the devil."
as collected by James Fadiman & Robert Frager
Avatars...
Men are what they are. We have only to look around and see how the great Avatars have not much saved the human species. It is still more or less what it was thousands of years ago. If those men of light and power could not change the masses, how can others do so? Is this a doctrine of hopelessness? No! Men will have to change despite themselves, but it will be under the inexorable pressure of the World-Idea, which will be their teacher, their guide, and their enlightener, because it is the expression of the World-Mind........Paul Brunton
Fear of Death...
Perhaps the deepest reason why we are afraid of death is because we do not know who we are. We believe in a personal, unique, and separate identity--but if we dare to examine it, we find that this identity depends entirely on an endless collection of things to prop it up: our name, our "biography," our partners, family, home, job, friends, credit cards. . . It is on their fragile and transient support that we rely for our security. So when they are all taken away, will we have any idea of who we really are? Without our familiar props, we are faced with just ourselves, a person we do not know, an unnerving stranger with whom we have been living all the time but we never really wanted to meet. Isn't that why we have tried to fill every moment of time with noise and activity, however boring or trivial, to ensure that we are never left in silence with this stranger on our own?
--Sogyal Rinpoche
from Nonduality Highlights
--Sogyal Rinpoche
from Nonduality Highlights
Authentic Peace...
"A student said, 'I know that words have limited ability to
describe an inner state, but will you please say a few words
about peace - authentic peace.' Response: 'Peace exists when
you have nothing to prove, or stated differently, when you
have no self to prove. Did you get upset today because of a
need to prove yourself right in some way? What if you realized
the nonexistence of this self, which is really nothing but a
bundle of memorized experiences? Who would have to prove any-
thing? That is authentic peace.'"
Esoteric Mind Power, p. 99......Vernon Howard
describe an inner state, but will you please say a few words
about peace - authentic peace.' Response: 'Peace exists when
you have nothing to prove, or stated differently, when you
have no self to prove. Did you get upset today because of a
need to prove yourself right in some way? What if you realized
the nonexistence of this self, which is really nothing but a
bundle of memorized experiences? Who would have to prove any-
thing? That is authentic peace.'"
Esoteric Mind Power, p. 99......Vernon Howard
The Gospel of Thomas...
Jesus said, "This heaven will pass away, and the one above it will pass away.
The dead are not alive, and the living will not die. During the days when you ate what is dead, you made it come alive. When you dwell in the light, what will you do? On the day when you were one, you became two. But when you become two, what will you do?"
The dead are not alive, and the living will not die. During the days when you ate what is dead, you made it come alive. When you dwell in the light, what will you do? On the day when you were one, you became two. But when you become two, what will you do?"
Tranquility...
Inner strength, divine joy, deep understanding, and unspeakable tranquillity will pervade him always and not be limited to the hours of solitary meditation. This is so because the Overself whence these things come is always with all men. Only, they know it not, whereas he has awakened to its abiding presence..........Paul Brunton
Peace of Mind...
When the mind is at peace,
the world too is at peace.
Nothing real, nothing absent.
Not holding on to reality,
not getting stuck in the void,
you are neither holy or wise, just
an ordinary fellow who has completed his work.
- Layman Pang-yun (740-808)
The Enlightened Heart, Edited by Stephen Mitchell, p. 34
the world too is at peace.
Nothing real, nothing absent.
Not holding on to reality,
not getting stuck in the void,
you are neither holy or wise, just
an ordinary fellow who has completed his work.
- Layman Pang-yun (740-808)
The Enlightened Heart, Edited by Stephen Mitchell, p. 34
The Ego Hides...
"The ego is always in hiding and often in disguise. It is a cunning creature never showing its own face, so that even the man who wants to destroy its rule is easily tricked into attacking everything else but the ego! Therefore, the first (as well as the final) essential piece of knowledge needed to track it down to its secret lair is how to recognize and identify it..........- Anthony Damiani
Mysticism is both Science and Religion...
Mysticism to the mystic is both science and religion.
Bowl of Saki, by Hazrat Inayat Khan
Commentary by Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan:
What we generally know as the breath is that little inhaling and
exhaling which we feel through the nostrils. We think that is breath
and attach little importance to it, while in reality, breath is a
life-current running through the innermost part of man's being
towards the surface. It would be no exaggeration, according to the
mystical point of view, to say that the breath connects heaven and
earth. ...
For the mystic, breath is not only a science, but the knowledge of
breath is mysticism, and mysticism to the thinker is both science and
religion. The mystery of breath is not a thing that can be
comprehended by the brain only. The principles of mysticism rise from
the heart of man. They are learned by intuition and proved by
reason. ...
If we consider the conditions of life today, we see that, however
much man thinks he has progressed, certain aspects of life are
neglected in the way of health, repose, balanced thinking, and in the
way of kindness and love to one another. All these things are
lacking, and the spirit of the present time seems to be going in
quite the opposite direction.
Selfishness seems to be so much on the increase. Real religion, the
spirit of forgiveness, generous giving, regard for old age,
refinement, culture -- all seem to be disappearing. Man in general,
does not know even if there is a God or Truth. If this is the spirit,
how can we expect to find that harmony, peace and love, which make
heaven on earth?
It is useless to discuss the peace of the world. What is necessary
just now is to create peace in ourselves that we, ourselves, become
examples of love, harmony and peace. That is the only way of saving
the world and ourselves.
Bowl of Saki, by Hazrat Inayat Khan
Commentary by Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan:
What we generally know as the breath is that little inhaling and
exhaling which we feel through the nostrils. We think that is breath
and attach little importance to it, while in reality, breath is a
life-current running through the innermost part of man's being
towards the surface. It would be no exaggeration, according to the
mystical point of view, to say that the breath connects heaven and
earth. ...
For the mystic, breath is not only a science, but the knowledge of
breath is mysticism, and mysticism to the thinker is both science and
religion. The mystery of breath is not a thing that can be
comprehended by the brain only. The principles of mysticism rise from
the heart of man. They are learned by intuition and proved by
reason. ...
If we consider the conditions of life today, we see that, however
much man thinks he has progressed, certain aspects of life are
neglected in the way of health, repose, balanced thinking, and in the
way of kindness and love to one another. All these things are
lacking, and the spirit of the present time seems to be going in
quite the opposite direction.
Selfishness seems to be so much on the increase. Real religion, the
spirit of forgiveness, generous giving, regard for old age,
refinement, culture -- all seem to be disappearing. Man in general,
does not know even if there is a God or Truth. If this is the spirit,
how can we expect to find that harmony, peace and love, which make
heaven on earth?
It is useless to discuss the peace of the world. What is necessary
just now is to create peace in ourselves that we, ourselves, become
examples of love, harmony and peace. That is the only way of saving
the world and ourselves.
Bhagavad Gita...
The Supreme Reality stands revealed in the consciousness of those who have conquered themselves. They live in peace, alike in cold and heat, pleasure and pain, praise and blame.
They are completely filled by spiritual wisdom and have realized the Self. Having conquered their senses, they have climbed to the summit of human consciousness. To such people a clod of dirt, a stone, and gold are the same. They are equally disposed to family, enemies, and friends, to those who support them and those who are hostile, to the good and the evil alike. Because they are impartial, they rise to great heights.
They are completely filled by spiritual wisdom and have realized the Self. Having conquered their senses, they have climbed to the summit of human consciousness. To such people a clod of dirt, a stone, and gold are the same. They are equally disposed to family, enemies, and friends, to those who support them and those who are hostile, to the good and the evil alike. Because they are impartial, they rise to great heights.
Without Body...
If I have no physical body, if I have obtained the Way and become naturally so, I shall lightly lift myself and raise into the clouds. Coming and going between empty space, I become one in spirit with the Way. What trouble could I have?............Ho Shang Gong, Daoism
The Gospel of Thomas...
21 Mary said to Jesus, "What are your disciples like?"
He said, They are like little children living in a field that is not theirs. when the owners of the field come, they will say, "Give us back our field." They take off their clothes in front of them in order to give it back to them, and they return their field to them. For this reason I say, if the owners of a house know that a thief is coming, they will be on guard before the thief arrives and will not let the thief break into their house (their domain) and steal their possessions. As for you, then, be on guard against the world. Prepare yourselves with great strength, so the robbers can't find a way to get to you, for the trouble you expect will come. Let there be among you a person who understands. When the crop ripened, he came quickly carrying a sickle and harvested it. Anyone here with two good ears had better listen!
He said, They are like little children living in a field that is not theirs. when the owners of the field come, they will say, "Give us back our field." They take off their clothes in front of them in order to give it back to them, and they return their field to them. For this reason I say, if the owners of a house know that a thief is coming, they will be on guard before the thief arrives and will not let the thief break into their house (their domain) and steal their possessions. As for you, then, be on guard against the world. Prepare yourselves with great strength, so the robbers can't find a way to get to you, for the trouble you expect will come. Let there be among you a person who understands. When the crop ripened, he came quickly carrying a sickle and harvested it. Anyone here with two good ears had better listen!
Unhappiness...
"If there is unhappiness in you, first you need to acknowledge that it is there. But don't say, "I'm unhappy." Unhappiness has nothing to do with who you are. Say: "There is unhappiness in me." Then investigate it.
A situation you find yourself in may have something to do with it. Action may be required to change the situation or remove yourself from it. If there is nothing you can do, face what is and say, "Well, right now, this is how it is. I can either accept it, or make myself miserable."
The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it. Be aware of the thoughts you are thinking. Separate them from the situation, which is always neutral, which always is as it is. There is the situation or the fact, and here are my thoughts about it.
Instead of making up stories, stay with the facts. For example, "I am ruined" is a story. It limits you and prevents you from taking effective action. "I have fifty cents left in my bank account" is a fact.
Facing facts is always empowering. Be aware that what you think, to a large extent, creates the emotions that you feel. See the link between your thinking and your emotions. Rather than being your thoughts and emotions, be the awareness behind them.
Don't seek happiness. If you seek it, you won't find it, because seeing is the antithesis of happiness. Happiness is ever elusive, but freedom from unhappiness is attainable now, by facing what is rather than making up stories about it.
Unhappiness covers up your natural state of well-being and inner peace, the source of true happiness."
~ Eckhart Tolle
A situation you find yourself in may have something to do with it. Action may be required to change the situation or remove yourself from it. If there is nothing you can do, face what is and say, "Well, right now, this is how it is. I can either accept it, or make myself miserable."
The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it. Be aware of the thoughts you are thinking. Separate them from the situation, which is always neutral, which always is as it is. There is the situation or the fact, and here are my thoughts about it.
Instead of making up stories, stay with the facts. For example, "I am ruined" is a story. It limits you and prevents you from taking effective action. "I have fifty cents left in my bank account" is a fact.
Facing facts is always empowering. Be aware that what you think, to a large extent, creates the emotions that you feel. See the link between your thinking and your emotions. Rather than being your thoughts and emotions, be the awareness behind them.
Don't seek happiness. If you seek it, you won't find it, because seeing is the antithesis of happiness. Happiness is ever elusive, but freedom from unhappiness is attainable now, by facing what is rather than making up stories about it.
Unhappiness covers up your natural state of well-being and inner peace, the source of true happiness."
~ Eckhart Tolle
What is Sufism according to the Sufi Order?
"Sufism has never been owned by any race or religion for differences and distinctions are the very delusions from which Sufis purify themselves. It might appear that Sufism must have been formed of the different elements of various religions which are prominent today, but it is not so, for Sufism itself is the essence of all the religions as well as the spirit of Islam.
Sufism reveals all the shades and colors which represent the various religions of the world, having no particular color itself. All prophets, saints, sages, and mystics are practically owned by their followers, as Christ by the Christians and Moses by the Jews. Yet Christ was not a Christian nor Moses a Jew, all being Sufis, pure from earthly distinctions. The Beloved Ones of God are even as God, impervious to religious dogmas and principles.
Sufism is not a religion or a philosophy, it is neither deism nor atheism, nor is it a moral, nor a special kind of mysticism, being free from the usual religious sectarianism. If ever it could be called a religion, it would only be as a religion of love, harmony, and beauty. If it be called a philosophy it is beyond that because a Sufi, through the study of metaphysics, escapes the selfishness produced by philosophy and kindles the fire of devotion with one's eyes open to reason and logic. The Sufi prays to Allah every moment in one's life, invoking God's Name and realizing at the same time that the self is no other than God. For to a Sufi God is not a personal being but a mighty healer to awaken the soul from its delusion of earthly individuality, and a guide to lead it to self-realization, the only aim in life."
— Hazrat Inayat Khan
To call the Sufi Path an "ism" is a misnomer, since it is not based upon belief or premises to which one is expected to subscribe. It is the path of the awakened human heart, recognizing its unity with the Divine. The Sufi is one who finds that place of freedom where the inner condition is not determined by outer circumstances.
3. Is Sufism a new religion?
Then what is the purpose of the Sufi Movement? To make a new religion? No, it is to bring together the different organs of one body which are meant to be united and not thrown apart. And what is our method, how do we work to bring about such a reconciliation? By realizing for ourselves that the essence of all religions is one, and that that essence is wisdom; by considering that wisdom to be our religion, whatever be our own form. The Sufi Movement has members belonging to many different faiths and who have not given up their own religion. On the contrary, they are firmer in their own faith through understanding the faiths of others. From the narrow point of view people may find fault with them because they do not hate, mistrust, and criticize the religion of others. They have respect for the scriptures which millions of people have held to be sacred, though these scriptures do not belong to their own religion. They desire to study and appreciate other scriptures, and to find confirmation of the fact that all wisdom comes from one source, both the wisdom of the East and of the West. The Sufi Movement, therefore, is not a sect; it can be anything but a sect; and if it ever became one it would be quite contrary to the ideal with which it was begun. For its main ideal is to remove differences and distinctions which divide (hu)mankind, and this ideal is attained by the realization of the one source of all human beings, and also the goal, both of which we call God.
— Hazrat Inayat Khan
Sufism reveals all the shades and colors which represent the various religions of the world, having no particular color itself. All prophets, saints, sages, and mystics are practically owned by their followers, as Christ by the Christians and Moses by the Jews. Yet Christ was not a Christian nor Moses a Jew, all being Sufis, pure from earthly distinctions. The Beloved Ones of God are even as God, impervious to religious dogmas and principles.
Sufism is not a religion or a philosophy, it is neither deism nor atheism, nor is it a moral, nor a special kind of mysticism, being free from the usual religious sectarianism. If ever it could be called a religion, it would only be as a religion of love, harmony, and beauty. If it be called a philosophy it is beyond that because a Sufi, through the study of metaphysics, escapes the selfishness produced by philosophy and kindles the fire of devotion with one's eyes open to reason and logic. The Sufi prays to Allah every moment in one's life, invoking God's Name and realizing at the same time that the self is no other than God. For to a Sufi God is not a personal being but a mighty healer to awaken the soul from its delusion of earthly individuality, and a guide to lead it to self-realization, the only aim in life."
— Hazrat Inayat Khan
To call the Sufi Path an "ism" is a misnomer, since it is not based upon belief or premises to which one is expected to subscribe. It is the path of the awakened human heart, recognizing its unity with the Divine. The Sufi is one who finds that place of freedom where the inner condition is not determined by outer circumstances.
3. Is Sufism a new religion?
Then what is the purpose of the Sufi Movement? To make a new religion? No, it is to bring together the different organs of one body which are meant to be united and not thrown apart. And what is our method, how do we work to bring about such a reconciliation? By realizing for ourselves that the essence of all religions is one, and that that essence is wisdom; by considering that wisdom to be our religion, whatever be our own form. The Sufi Movement has members belonging to many different faiths and who have not given up their own religion. On the contrary, they are firmer in their own faith through understanding the faiths of others. From the narrow point of view people may find fault with them because they do not hate, mistrust, and criticize the religion of others. They have respect for the scriptures which millions of people have held to be sacred, though these scriptures do not belong to their own religion. They desire to study and appreciate other scriptures, and to find confirmation of the fact that all wisdom comes from one source, both the wisdom of the East and of the West. The Sufi Movement, therefore, is not a sect; it can be anything but a sect; and if it ever became one it would be quite contrary to the ideal with which it was begun. For its main ideal is to remove differences and distinctions which divide (hu)mankind, and this ideal is attained by the realization of the one source of all human beings, and also the goal, both of which we call God.
— Hazrat Inayat Khan
The Void...
If there is no such entity as a "me," an ego, you are entitled to ask who then has this enlightenment? And the answer is the only possible one: it is the Void having the experience of itself: or rediscovering itself as it does in each person who attains this level........Paul Brunton
To Wonder...
People travel to wonder at the height of the mountains, at the huge waves of the seas, at the long course of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars, and yet they pass by themselves without wondering.
- St. Augustine, posted to truevision
from Nondual Highlights
- St. Augustine, posted to truevision
from Nondual Highlights
learn to see the beauty ...
If you seek the good in every soul, you will always find it, for God
is in all things; still more He is in all beings.
Bowl of Saki, by Hazrat Inayat Khan
Commentary by Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan:
We must learn to see the beauty, it is not everyone who sees it,
often the critical spirit is occupied in gazing at the object which
lacks beauty, the more you look for beauty, the more you see it as a
whole. It is seeing the vision in part that deludes, you look at the
side of a man's nature that may not be attractive, but if you will
seek for good in everything, you will always find it, for God is in
all things, and still more He is in all beings.
One day I was walking in a city and met a dervish with a wonderful
personality. He was dressed in a patched robe, but his speech, his
voice, his thought, his movement, his atmosphere, were all most
winning. At that time I was very young in the pursuit of philosophy.
Youth is a time when pride has full play. So as we were walking
along, and he called me 'Murshid', I was very glad. He addressed me
as Murshid every time he spoke to me! Presently we met another
person, who seemed to be without any education, without any knowledge
of philosophy or religion or anything out of the way, but he called
him 'Murshid' too. My pride was hurt, especially when next he came
across a policeman whom he also called 'Murshid'. So then I asked my
teacher what could be the meaning of all this, and he said, 'Your
dervish showed you the first step towards recognizing God: to
recognize all beings as your teacher. A foolish person can teach you,
a wise person, a learned person, a student, a pious or wicked person,
even a little child; everyone can teach you something. Therefore have
this attitude towards everybody, then it may be said that you
recognize God.'
is in all things; still more He is in all beings.
Bowl of Saki, by Hazrat Inayat Khan
Commentary by Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan:
We must learn to see the beauty, it is not everyone who sees it,
often the critical spirit is occupied in gazing at the object which
lacks beauty, the more you look for beauty, the more you see it as a
whole. It is seeing the vision in part that deludes, you look at the
side of a man's nature that may not be attractive, but if you will
seek for good in everything, you will always find it, for God is in
all things, and still more He is in all beings.
One day I was walking in a city and met a dervish with a wonderful
personality. He was dressed in a patched robe, but his speech, his
voice, his thought, his movement, his atmosphere, were all most
winning. At that time I was very young in the pursuit of philosophy.
Youth is a time when pride has full play. So as we were walking
along, and he called me 'Murshid', I was very glad. He addressed me
as Murshid every time he spoke to me! Presently we met another
person, who seemed to be without any education, without any knowledge
of philosophy or religion or anything out of the way, but he called
him 'Murshid' too. My pride was hurt, especially when next he came
across a policeman whom he also called 'Murshid'. So then I asked my
teacher what could be the meaning of all this, and he said, 'Your
dervish showed you the first step towards recognizing God: to
recognize all beings as your teacher. A foolish person can teach you,
a wise person, a learned person, a student, a pious or wicked person,
even a little child; everyone can teach you something. Therefore have
this attitude towards everybody, then it may be said that you
recognize God.'
Experience your Self...
The sight of someone eating will not appease your hunger. The
spiritual experiences of others cannot satisfy your yearning.
Traditional
as collected by James Fadiman & Robert Frager
spiritual experiences of others cannot satisfy your yearning.
Traditional
as collected by James Fadiman & Robert Frager
One Presence...
Everything in nature is an individualization of one coordinating Life~ one Law of being and one Presence. The mind has become so filled with that which contradicts this that even the Truth has to await our recognition. You must learn to become consciously aware of the Divine Presence and the Divine Power, the wholeness of Truth, of Love, of Wisdom~ the eternal Good. Instead of dwelling on negative thoughts, cause your mind to dwell on peace and joy. Know that the Power of the invisible Spirit is working in and through you now, at this very moment. Lay hold of this realization with complete certainty.
~ Ernest Holmes
~ Ernest Holmes
The idol...
"Until it is brought to his attention, he may not know that the idol at whose feet he is continually worshipping is the ego. If he could give to God the same amount of remembrance that he gives to his ego, he could quite soon attain, and become established in, that enlightenment to which other men devote lifetimes of arduous effort..........Paul Brunton
Pure-Minded...
A man who has gone through all experiences and has held his spirit
high, not allowing it to be stained, such a man may be said to be pure-
minded. The person who could be called pure because he had no knowledge
of either good or evil would in reality be merely a simpleton. To go
through all that takes away the original purity and yet to rise above
everything that seeks to overwhelm it and drag it down, that is
spirituality; the light of the spirit held high and burning clear and
pure.
From the Teachings of
HAZRAT INAYAT KHAN
Selected & arranged by
HAZRAT PIR VILAYAT KHAN
high, not allowing it to be stained, such a man may be said to be pure-
minded. The person who could be called pure because he had no knowledge
of either good or evil would in reality be merely a simpleton. To go
through all that takes away the original purity and yet to rise above
everything that seeks to overwhelm it and drag it down, that is
spirituality; the light of the spirit held high and burning clear and
pure.
From the Teachings of
HAZRAT INAYAT KHAN
Selected & arranged by
HAZRAT PIR VILAYAT KHAN
My Peace...
We who have found the deep silence - My peace,
have learned that it is true, 'We cannot meet a problem
on the level of the problem," we meet it with Peace,
His Peace, when it permeates our Consciousness.
Who would have imagined that the greatest weapon
the world has ever known is a small little pebble
of silent peace?
One day we will be, just simply, that walking peace,
and then we can say Christ liveth my life.
...........Bill Skiles
have learned that it is true, 'We cannot meet a problem
on the level of the problem," we meet it with Peace,
His Peace, when it permeates our Consciousness.
Who would have imagined that the greatest weapon
the world has ever known is a small little pebble
of silent peace?
One day we will be, just simply, that walking peace,
and then we can say Christ liveth my life.
...........Bill Skiles
Worship...
O my Lord, if I worship You from fear of Hell, burn me in Hell; and if
I worship You from hope of Paradise, exclude me from Paradise. But if
I worship You for Your own sake, do not withhold from me Your Eternal
Beauty.
Rabia
as collected by James Fadiman & Roger Frager
I worship You from hope of Paradise, exclude me from Paradise. But if
I worship You for Your own sake, do not withhold from me Your Eternal
Beauty.
Rabia
as collected by James Fadiman & Roger Frager
Ideas...
The ideas in a man's mind are hidden and secret until he expresses
them through actions, or as speech, or as the visible creations and
productions of his hands, or in behaviour generally. Those ideas are
neither lost nor destroyed. They are a permanent part of the man's
memory and character and consciousness and subconsciousness, where
they have been recorded as automatically and as durably as a master
phonograph disc records music. Just as a wax copy may be burnt but the
music will still live on in the master disc, so the cosmos may be
annihilated or disintegrate completely but the creative idea of it
will still live on in the World-Mind. More, in the same way a man's
body may die and disintegrate but the creative idea of him will still
live on in the World-Mind. More, in the same way a man's body may die
and disintegrate, but the creative idea of him will still remain in
the World-Mind as his Soul. It will not die. It's his real Self, his
perfect Self. It is the true Idea of him which is forever calling to
be realized. It is the unmanifest image of God in which man is made
and which he has yet to bring into manifestation in his everyday
consciousness................Paul Brunton
them through actions, or as speech, or as the visible creations and
productions of his hands, or in behaviour generally. Those ideas are
neither lost nor destroyed. They are a permanent part of the man's
memory and character and consciousness and subconsciousness, where
they have been recorded as automatically and as durably as a master
phonograph disc records music. Just as a wax copy may be burnt but the
music will still live on in the master disc, so the cosmos may be
annihilated or disintegrate completely but the creative idea of it
will still live on in the World-Mind. More, in the same way a man's
body may die and disintegrate but the creative idea of him will still
live on in the World-Mind. More, in the same way a man's body may die
and disintegrate, but the creative idea of him will still remain in
the World-Mind as his Soul. It will not die. It's his real Self, his
perfect Self. It is the true Idea of him which is forever calling to
be realized. It is the unmanifest image of God in which man is made
and which he has yet to bring into manifestation in his everyday
consciousness................Paul Brunton
Self and Thought...
"When your sense of self is no longer tied to thought, is no longer conceptual, there is a depth of feeling, of sensing, of compassion, of loving, that was not there when you were trapped in mental concepts. You are that depth."
- Eckhart Tolle
- Eckhart Tolle
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