1st November 2006
The Cross and The Lotus Publishing
Seattle, Washington
My dear friends,
All Saints Day
It seems fitting to write to you on All Saints Day, a traditional
Catholic Holiday, previous to it being a Christian holiday it has been a
Thanksgiving Day for the Celts. It is always a good day to honor the
saints of this world, past and present, of the East and West, to take a
day for reflection and meditation for the influence of saints upon this
world. Indeed, it is impossible to think of this world without saints.
Saints are those who have significantly risen on the path of realization
and have dedicated their lives to realizing God and serving Him.
By others going before us we are immeasurably benefited. We do not have
to reinvent the wheel
individually on our spiritual path, but we can take the shortcut of
following those who have already discovered the way. The more souls
treading the way the easier it becomes for those who follow after for
spiritual power is left by those who have gone before in addition to
their practical teachings giving direction as to how to proceed.
Ultimately we must choose to take step after step in following, but how
important it is to all to mindfully walk along in their Light.
It is common amongst some circles to think that individuals must find
their own way to God, beholden to none, as if their way is somehow
unique. While it is true there is uniqueness in each one’s journey, no
two are perfectly alike, it is also true that none would be able to get
their realization out of their own whole cloth; without regard to those
whose shoulders they stand upon. It takes humility to acknowledge the
debt we who to those great ones who have been way-showers and to
gratefully follow in their steps.
This is the way I feel toward those great ones who have shown us the way
through their life example and teachings. I have had only increasing
admiration for my own Guru and her state of perfect Realization. It is
rare indeed to meet someone of her distinction, much less that she would
have chosen me as a disciple.
How lovingly, patiently and powerfully she interacted with all who
followed her in order to awaken the sleeping divinity within! While I
tried from the beginning to honor her, I feel there is so much more I
should have done. My heart melts in love and gratitude at her feet for
all that she tirelessly did for me and for all the world. And through
her I send that same love and gratitude for all the saints and realized
Masters for their unwavering support in awakening the Light of
Realization for all Beings of this world and beyond.
Current News
I have been quite busy these days, a combination of inner and outer
activities engage me throughout the day and night. How perfect it is
when your work in the world matches what you love most! In my case this
is exactly true; serving God in all forms is allowing love to flow to
one and all. I thank you for your ongoing support. Due to your
generosity I am able to work without regard to whether someone can pay
for a service or any of the materials we publish. I travel to the
Centers and serve the Kriyabans (Kriya Initiates) and all others who
have sought out support and help in their journey; for all are equal in
the eyes of the Infinite. All this I can do without thought of
reimbursement because of your generosity. Also we now have a home
dedicated as a Dharmashala (a center dedicated to right activity). All
should feel that this is your home and center. Whenever possible you are
welcome to come and take retreat time here and receive support and
guidance in your journey. This is the very reason why it is here.
It is interesting that God is calling me back to India once again and to
Anandashram in particular. Each time I have gone to India there are
multiple purposes fulfilled in going, and each time a strong central
theme. The first trip (sponsored by Phyllis Victory) was for getting the
benefit of the pilgrimage spots surcharged by different Saints and for
deepened sadhana with Swami Satchidananda at Anandashram. The second
trip (supported by a wedding gift from Al and Elaine Cone) was for Carla
to enter into the mystical crucifixion, the rare and life changing
experiences that ultimately lead to Realization. The last pilgrimage
(supported by Ruth Lamb) was for the meeting and the purification of a
dark force in the Himalayas.
This coming trip, January 9 to February 28 (supported by Christine and
George Baldigara) will be of some new service. There are others who are
planning to take pilgrimage to Anandashram at the same time. George and
Christine, Chad Hickenbottom, Bruce and Janice Stevenson, Corliss
Harmer, Adam Schinn, Tom and Jonni Knott, Phyllis Victory, possibly
Larry and Cate Koler as well as Carla and myself. Pilgrimage is taken
with spiritual intention: to get the benefit of spiritually charged
places and to focus one’s whole attention upon deriving the fullest
progress to Realization.
We have several events planned for the next couple of months, all with
the view in mind of keeping the mind on God and making spiritual
progress, and some fun and laughter along the way as well! I have wanted
to write you for some time now, it seems that this All Saints Day was
the right time.
May you be well in body, mind and Spirit, May God and the Masters ever
bless you and keep in the Light.
In the Divine Presence,
David
Yogacharya David R. Hickenbottom
| Site Index | What's New | Yogacharya
Hickenbottom | Home Page |
|
