Honors Gained

Yogacharya David
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King Krishna playing the part of humble cow herder–picture by our dear Gargi (Lakshmi)

There is a saying in the world, “Having some skin in the game.” That is, you are intimately connected to the outcomes of an endeavor, an active participant not a critic sitting on the sidelines. This spiritual journey we are on is only for those who have “skin in the game,” it is not for intellectual curiosity alone, although curiosity is a precursor to wonder, and it is not for those who simply seek comfort, even though bliss is the greatest pleasure a soul may experience. This path, this journey is only for those who have complete commitment, even unto death, death of the ego.

Where does such commitment come from? In worldly endeavors rewards sought include wealth, fame, prestige and honors. For many who join spiritual organizations there is rising up in the organizational ladder, having authority, perhaps wealth and power. But, we have no organization, grand buildings or grounds, fortune is not to be made, we operate quietly and without fanfare. So, what is the motivation for our dedication and fidelity?

The outcomes we seek are not the same as the worldly, or the even more subtle spiritual materialism that catches many an unwary soul in large organizations, but it can only come from the internal results from our practice. Mother designed it this way so that the traps of this world were, as much as possible, avoided. So, we are souls who are dedicated to spiritual advancement up the spine, not advancement up the organizational ladder, we seek out the “President of the universe,” not to become its ruler, we have no board of directors or leader of committees. In a worldly sense this path is filled with costs, few benefits. And spiritually, this path is also front loaded with costs, the cost of effort for disciplined meditation, service to your fellow man, total striving for access into higher states of consciousness; there are many costs within and without, with a promise of something greater, even if that greatness is invisible to the world.

That something greater is so much more than anything this world can offer, it is the shining city upon the hill, a new Jerusalem of divine consciousness, the eternal salvation of the soul through illumined consciousness; it is the total transformation of the individual from the human to the divine. Surely the individual can be tempted by name and fame, but those allurements get little purchase on this path.

I think of Jesus walking the road with disciples, living simply and begging for food from town to town. Yet, even being in the company with this living avatar, being handpicked by their spiritual preceptor, his disciples got into conversations with one another about who would be the greatest among them, and I am sure there may have been thoughts of when Israel found its new king in Jesus, what position they would occupy of importance? Jesus knowing these hidden, or not so hidden desires taught them, “He that is greatest among you, shall be your servant.” The servant is opposite of ruler, is not at the top of the organizational ladder, the wealthiest, or most honored. Where does the ego find a place of honor as a servant?

Yet, even competition for humility can take place. I noticed one devotee at the ashram who worked every day to be last in line for the flower ceremony. Very self consciously this devotee always took pains to be at the end, with the idea of being humble. However, the very act of trying to be humble engendered ego. You see how tricky desire nature is?

There is a magnificent quote from Krishna:

Whoso is fixed in holiness, self-ruled,
Pure-hearted, lord of senses and of self,
Lost in the common life of all which lives —
A “Yogayukt” — he is a Saint who wends
Straightway to Brahm. Such an one is not touched
By taint of deeds. “Nought of myself I do!”
Thus will he think — who holds the truth of truths —
In seeing, hearing, touching, smelling; when
He eats, or goes, or breathes; slumbers or talks,
Holds fast or loosens, opens his eyes or shuts;
Always assured “This is the sense-world plays
With senses.” He that acts in thought of Brahm,
Detaching end from act, with act content,
The world of sense can no more stain his soul
Than waters mar th’ enamelled lotus-leaf.
With life, with heart, with mind,-nay, with the help
Of all five senses — letting selfhood go —
Yogins toil ever towards their souls’ release.
Such votaries, renouncing fruit of deeds,
Gain endless peace.”

“Lost in the common life of all which lives,” “detaching end from act, with act content, the world can no more stain his soul than waters mar th’ enamelled lotus-leaf,” are just some of the statements from the above quote that deserves special note. Actually, this entire quote has long been a favorite of mine, and encapsulates such great truth–truth we can spend an entire lifetime growing into, coming to realize its beauty. If there is honor to be sought on this path, it is the “honor” of being the invisible servant of God in all whom we meet, dissolving the self into the ocean of Being, merging into the vast, beginningless, endless bliss of God, and becoming One, without a second. In this realization, how can one stand out when there is no other? Where can there be pride, when there is no longer a head upon which to place a crown?

Unbounded Love

Yogacharya David

 

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God loving God

 

We have happily returned to the Northwest. How wonderful it is to see spiritual family and prepare for Service and time with dear Ram’s in human form. One outstanding feature of a spiritually awakened life is the Divine Love that flows through the heart. It was many years ago now that my heart center was first opened, but the lasting consequence has been so momentous that it never ceases to amaze and inform me.

The sudden and powerful expansion of my heart was like opening doors that had been hanging on rusty creaky hinges. Those doors did not open easily, nor without pain. But open they did, and once opened they have remained so. Divine Love is unlike human love that is limited and oftentimes exists in a quid pro quo—if you love me well then I will love you. Nor is Prem, pure love, sentimental, which can also vacillate—running hot and cold. True Divine Love flows through the heart and is no respecter of whether someone deserves that love, it simply flows.

It has been affirmed by all the great saints down through time that God is love, and love is God. Jesus himself was a supreme bhakta, a lover of God and God in humanity. He demonstrated his love through his careful training of disciples, his healing of those in suffering, teaching forgiveness and universal compassion, and his total surrender to his heavenly Father, even unto death. Mother oftentimes exhorted us to love God, and at first I did not really understand what that meant. With the opening of my heart center I began to comprehend its meaning—in part, loving God was opening my heart to Him, allowing Divine Love full and unfettered access to the deepest recesses of my Being. As God pours His love through my heart, He loves all creation through me, He also loves me, and in that great outpouring love comes full circle and I love God even more greatly.

To love God is not simply a duty—something you must do. It is the greatest thing you can do for yourself and for the world! Opening your heart to God is a choice, but in the beginning it is not an easy one. We have all been hurt and met with disappointment when it comes to loving others; however in loving God we have a beloved who will never hurt or betray us, but is as steady and constant as we are to Him—not that God ever turns away from you, but He will never intrude upon you if the door of your heart is closed.

Therefore, you must choose, you must allow Him to open those stubborn doors, to love the world through you, and for the love of God to shine through your actions toward all. It is only then that you will have unbounded love passing through you, that you may bathe in a vast ocean of peaceful love, making you complete—for the first time you are truly whole.

Keys In Your Hands

Yogacharya David
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Ganesha: god of wisdom and remover of obstacles

It continues to amaze me how we can be on the east coast in sun drenched 85 degree weather, and five hours later we have crossed three time zones, flying nearly 600 miles per hour at 30,000 feet–returning the Boeing 737/900 back to where it was created–and enter into the oceanic climate zone where it is 60 degrees and cloudy. Having been immersed in colonial history in Savannah, Virginia and Washington D.C., the thought came to me of what those early settlers would think of these transportational and technological wonders. Surely even the most outlandish creative mind of the era could not have dreamed of such marvels. Thomas Jefferson was in awe of the first hot air balloon that lifted off from the ground while he was in France; we have been witness to truly amazing progress since.

Yet, biologically the person rocketing in the stratosphere is not so different from the one riding on a horse drawn carriage from the past–they too had hopes and dreams for happiness. A smartphone does not make a person wise–quite often it seems it has the opposite effect (a sign we saw while on the road read something like–go to church if you love Jesus, text while you are driving if you want to meet him now!). While having the necessities of life–food, shelter and clothing–are important, still in and of themselves they do not have the power to make us happy. Many of the things colonists thought about are with us still, topics of health, wealth, reputation and  happiness in relationships are defining features for our sense of well-being. Underneath all these complicating factors competing for our attention is our essential existential health–our spiritually happiness.  

A towering intellect, someone with substantial wealth, fame, or position can certainly be miserable, lonely and depressed–none of the above are guarantors for satisfaction in life. Whereas someone in the simplest of life’s situations may radiate joy–be a Light unto this world. All through history the source of real happiness has not changed: real happiness consists of being in alignment of thought and action with one’s innermost being. Proper alignment equals joy, misalignment produces suffering.

We have been given the keys to the kingdom of heavenly happiness. We have also been given the choice as to whether to use those keys, or to carry on with old patterns of misery-producing habits. There is no superior being judging us on our performance, it is simply that we are a product of the choices we make in life. There are always reasons for finding fault with the world and for putting ourselves under stress; money worries, illness, feeling powerless and not having the love and admiration of others can be voracious wolves howling in the night and stalking the halls of our dreams.    

The lila between Lahiri Mahasaya and Sri Yukteswar is so instructive. Recovering from a deathly illness Sri Yukteswar relapsed when his guru commented that though he looked better today, who knows what tomorrow might bring! Then Sri Yukteswar rebounded when Lahiri Mahasaya next suggested that he thought he should recover; back and forth went his recovery and relapse with each alternating comment by his guru over several days. Finally Sri Yukteswarji understood that Lahiri Mahasaya wanted him to go beyond polarized thinking–even suggestions from his beloved guru–and anchor himself directly and permanently to perfect health through God-tuned thought.  

You hold the keys in your own hands for finding the eternal lightness of Being radiating in  the deepest recesses of your Self. However, only if you mindfully use those keys will you find the source of eternal life. It will not come from the fabled “Fountain of Youth” associated with Herodotus, Alexander the Great and Ponce de Leon. Living Waters come not from a hidden source in the jungles, desert or mountains, but in the spine and brain. Those Living Waters make you know that eternal life is the true nature of your Soul, and is discovered through intensified prayer and meditation. These vital energies may also lead to long life and youthfulness of the body as well, but what of that if Self-realization is not attained?

Worldly cares can sap youthfulness right out of your being, God can just as easily pour Himself in and fill you with light and joy overflowing. Yes, this world alternates between highs and lows–it ever has, and it will ever be so. However, in your oneness with the Infinite you are His evermore–knowing this is the key to lasting happiness.

It is good to be in the Pacific Northwest, it is heartwarming to see friends, finding joy in all the nooks and crannies of life here. Yesterday an MRI of the brain (an interesting and somewhat invasive effect those magnetic forces have on a sensitized nervous system), other days that will bring other tests, then Service on Sunday and Loon Lake next week and a new Journal in the making; a busy schedule, all to be filled with the bliss of Living Waters.   

Picture: Delightful elephant card I received with birdsong of praise

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I Bow to the Divine Mother

Yogacharya David
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Mother with children: Billie-Gari-Barbara

As we continue to tour Washington D.C. we have been privy to some remarkable sites. The Congressional Library may not conjure up an image of someplace that is on the “must see” list, but that is deceptive. The art and architecture, let alone the rare books and interesting exhibits are more than worth the effort (a wonderful feature to so many of these public buildings and Smithsonian museums is that they are free of charge, so physical effort to get there is all that is needed). Truly, pictures do not do justice to the rotunda of the library, as the overall effect of space and art takes one’s breath away. Another of the many worthy sites is Washington’s Memorial, an obelisk that was the tallest structure in the world when built–it seems to reach all the way to the sky when looking up from its base.

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Congressional Library Rotunda

Taking the train out of Washington the driver announces the next stop, along with a litany of added reminders. Most drivers rattle these off so slurred as not to be understood, however this female driver had a wonderfully clear lilt–she puts delight into hearing it. At the end of the run she added (a day early), “And have a wonderful Mother’s Day!” On the train we had watched a mother and child playing, they giggled and laughed in the most delightful way, making us both smile in appreciation at their loving noises. In general, it is so fascinating when seeing all people as expressions of God, removing all false barriers of separation, and rather than judging this one and that, or having a wall of defense or a cone of indifference enshrouding you, instead of all that, I feel an intimacy of connection that makes all a part of me, and I am a part of all. It is the most wonderful way to travel upon this earth.

These travel observations brings me back to the train driver’s, “Have a wonderful Mother’s Day!” This morning as I was thinking of God, the thought of Mother’s Day circulated through. Mother used to say that when a mother gave birth she went into the jaws of death in order to do so. I was breech born and the doctor was up to his elbows getting me turned. My mother was sutured afterwards, for she had gone into the jaws of death and came out a little worse for the wear; she needed help for the next couple of weeks to prevent the opening of wounds. There was a time when it was common for mothers to die when giving birth, today those odds have been greatly decreased, however there is always risk, and there is the pain that must be gone through–for some reason God made it a most difficult process. So much gratitude to all mothers who have paid the price, not just at birth, but for the many years of raising children and all that entails.

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Washington Monument-touching the sky

As I continued to think over Mother’s Day my mind naturally brought up my spiritual mother. A mother will draw the soul that is destined for her through her magnetism of karma, and a spiritual teacher will draw her students to her through her pure spiritual magnetism. It was for the purpose of meeting Mother that I came into this incarnation, and like a powerful magnet Mother drew me to herself. When I first met Mother, she created an invisible umbilical cord of spiritual connection, a cord that went wherever I did.

An early reminder of this connection was demonstrated when I was in the Sahara Desert. After travelling some days through sand dunes and rocky terrain I stood while we took a break from riding in the back of a truck. I was looking out over the dunes and suddenly I smelled Mother’s perfume (White Lilac) so strongly that I looked around, but of course there was no accounting for the smell from anyone or thing around me (we had been travelling for days without water for washing so there was no doubt that none of us smelled so nice!). With that fragrance came Mother’s presence, as if surrounded in a spiritual womb of comfort and connection.

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Riding in truck across Sahara-1975

Indeed, Mother went into the jaws of death many times in order for us to gain eternal life. Whatever a mother goes through in a human sense is multiplied many times over by what a spiritual guru goes through in order to help those striving for highest realization. There was nothing Mother would not do to bring about the second birth for all of her spiritual children. Mother one time said that, If you worked just one tenth as hard for your realization as I work so that you might have it, you would have God in a hurry!

I continued to muse on this subject and thought of all the years past–having Service on Sunday guaranteed we would gather on Mother’s Day. It feels strange not to be with you on this special day, however the strong feeling comes over me of the closeness I experience whenever I closed Service with handing out roses to all the lady’s, affirming, “I bow to the Divine Mother in you.” I feel that same spiritual current going out from me now as I inwardly hand the rose to you, bowing to the Divine Mother. I pray in return, that you feel honored and this divine connection. Blessings for the human sacrifices made by all mothers, and may you know the absolute purity of the Divine Mother within you. Om, Amen.

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I bow to the Divine Mother in you

 

 

 

Guiding Lights

Yogacharya David
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George Washington statue in Capitol Bldg Rotunda

I have looked forward to seeing these sights that have historical interest, as our past has always captured my imagination. I have been the fortunate recipient of excellent history teachers and professors and at times have been an avid reader of distant times brought to life–all good history teachers are good story tellers.

One of these was my eighth grade U.S. history teacher, Mrs. H. She was not much over five feet tall, silver haired, a tough grader but excellent at making the lives of others seem relevant. One day she had a display of W.W. II paraphernalia laid out. My first inclination was to touch the German helmet, Japanese sword, etc. A fellow student, David R., said over my shoulder that we were not supposed to touch these articles, but that did not stop me. Suddenly I heard a high pitched samurai scream from behind and I turned to see this diminutive lady wearing a German helmet, holding a Japanese sword over her head coming in my direction! She backed me into a corner and Mrs. H. made it clear I was not to touch these historical artifacts. She succeeded in getting my attention, eliciting laughter from everyone in the class, but me.

The names of Washington, Jefferson, Madison and Adams had long been in my memory, so to see Monticello, Mt. Vernon, and Washington D.C. have made those names take on a greater three dimensional meaning. We had applied earlier to the office of our Congressman for any tours available at the capital. One they provided was for the Capitol building; legislative home of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Although God kept me indrawn on Monday, Tuesday found me ready to proceed.

We took the train into the city from our Greenbelt Campground, a lovely forested spot. Through miles of tunnels we emerged on “The Hill,” just blocks from The Rayburn building where our Congressman has his office. Two young men, extremely knowledgeable of history and the Capitol building gave Carla and I a most excellent tour for the next several hours. We made our way through a tunnel between buildings and literally made our way from the foundations up. We witnessed the first Supreme Court room, now kept as a museum, the House of Representatives room where the Joint Session of Congress meets to hear the president and other notables address them, and the extremely impressive Rotunda–with artwork, architecture and sculptures all on an impressive scale. Our two guides sorted fact from urban legend and gave us most interesting commentary on notable events and places. We crossed a threshold that was the only leave-over from the old capitol that was burned to the ground in the war of 1812–the only reason it was left standing was because this was the exit for the British soldiers at they left the fiery ruins.

The next day we ventured to Mt. Vernon, home of the indispensable man,” George Washington. His house sits on a lovely hill overlooking the Potomac River, with quotes from him saying he thought it is the most perfect place in the world. He loved being a farmer, studying the  developments in crop rotation, seed production, etc. It made it poignantly clear what a sacrifice he made in being gone over six long years in a war that was against all the odds, and then another eight years as president with all the wrangling and posturing that politics brings. He had but two years of being home with his loving wife Martha before he suddenly succumbed to a bacterial infection and Hypovolemia.

And how do these historical and political visitations relate to a spiritual pilgrimage–other than the sense that God is all in all? I do think that this country’s origins has spiritual inspiration behind it. When we look at the number of despotic tyrannies that crowd our history books, it is a reminder what a unique moment in time it was when guarantees of  freedom were stated and put into law.

When in Colonial Williamsburg we learned that all citizens had to pay taxes to the Anglican Church, whether you were a member or not. That to be a church you had to be approved of by the government–for instance Quakers were whipped and driven out of communities for their beliefs. These were just some reminders of what life was like before the revolution. A free thinker about religion, such as Jefferson and others of the “enlightenment era,” could be in danger of various retributions if their beliefs became public. The Western World waited for the collapse of the fledgling United States, believing that a nation could not survive without a monarch. It was tenuous at times whether it would survive at all after the revolution, but through courage, sacrifice and perseverance survive it did, and the world has been its beneficiary. Master one time stated that the overall karma of America is very good–this from a man who faced some of the ugly cultural undercurrents of the times.

Today it seems there is a rush to highlight any blemish under the guise of truth, but fact without context is not truth when it is used simply as a bludgeon. If it is national pride only that arises from seeing these historical treasures, then it has value limited to those of that nation. But, when there are universal principles embodied in the formation and development of this country, then it’s light extends beyond its borders and is an inspiration for all, for this world still has its despotic regimes, individuals or minority communities can be persecuted for their beliefs or way of life, and the rights of habeas corpus and a trial by jury of one’s peers is far from universal.

Jesus affirmed the most universal law of the land: [Matt 22:] “34 But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. 35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, 36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Until this is the ubiquitous observance in all the lands, then I suppose we will need just governments and laws to enforce good behavior, however none will ever surpass or replace this maxim as the most superior of guiding lights.

Picture: Mt. Vernon–home of George & Martha Washington

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Reflections From a Battlefield

Yogacharya David
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Site of Washington’s Headquarters near Yorktown & our campground

The wind is rushing past as we ride our bicycles on a dirt path through thick woods and emerge into an oval glade–a sign informs us that this is the spot General Washington had his field headquarters in the battle for Yorktown. On our way here we rode past Civil War embankments where soldiers from the North and the South lined up against one another. The birds sing, we feel perfectly safe to pass through these hotly contested parcels of land from another time and era. Today we toured very expensive museums displaying acts of war. One film has special effects when viewing a 90 degree screen–a sea battle is shown and a cool wind blows in the theater, bombs explode and “smoke” comes in through vents, the seats shake underneath and flashes of light display all around to make you feel you are in the midst of action. Of course we are perfectly safe from explosions, we are not really on rolling seas and the concussions of bombs do not threaten to demolish the building we are in, but they are stunning effects.

And what are we to think of these intense battlefields of the past, where courage and fear run hand in hand, where germs killed many more than bullets, yet metal projectiles did their terrible damage? Throughout my adult life I have striven to peacefully resolve conflicts, whether they are of the mind, in families, neighborhoods or in organizations–as a minister, counselor and mediator. It has been my purpose in this life to establish peace through reason, not violence. I even go to some lengths to coax a fly to leave indoors–after their initial wildness of finding themselves trapped a fly will often land on my arm as I escort him to outdoor freedom, or it will take my encouragement and fly out on its own.

And what of our admirable example of Mahatma Gandhi, his example of non-violent assertion of power? Was his not a more noble way to separate from England than America’s violent revolution? Paramhansa Yogananda felt there was a karmic connection between America and India; Columbus was searching for India when he bumped into the inconvenient North American continent. America of violent separation from England, India through non-violent means–a mirrored reflection? Does not India show the better way? Yet, though the Mahatma himself promoted non-violence through word and deed, yet the very real threat of his fasting, at least for the British, was that there would be massive violence on the streets if the Mahatma died from voluntary starvation. And then, as part of successfully quitting the British Empire there was the awful violence that occurred on the Pakistan/India border. This was something that, of course, deeply disturbed Mahatma Gandhi, but was not unanticipated. The point is: even with peaceful means of separation, many many more died in India of violence in their separation from England than in America’s war of independence–it is so difficult to be a purist in these things. It is also interesting that Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite scripture was the Bhagavad Gita, an exposition that takes place on a battlefield in which God, in the form of Krishna, is urging Arjuna to take up arms and fight!    

Each of us are called to obey his or her conscience of what to do and how to do it. A hero or a villain is not defined by whether one picks up a gun or stands aside, but whether the individual adheres to the highest light he or she knows. Mother once asked me in front of a group, if the only way to stop someone from blowing up a hundred people would be to kill him, would I do it? In the end I said I would kill the one perpetrator to save a hundred innocents. It is a thought experiment, but it does make you face a most difficult decision, and helps bring out a principle. Papa, Master and Mother were all non-violent advocates, yet none were in complete agreement with Mahatma Gandhi’s absolutist view–there are times and places where self-defense, or in defense of others, violence and war may be the right solution.

As I walk these battlefields I am sure there were those on both sides who performed right action to the best of their ability. However, I, and many many millions have been the great beneficiaries of the courage shown by those colonists who believed in the ideals of freedom, desired to have a representative government and a guarantee of individual rights. I honor those who lived up to the highest light of their times, and take inspiration that I, and all of us, should be courageous in being examples of manifesting the great Light of God, within and without in whatever way He directs.   

Picture: Just for fun! In Continental Army jacket

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To Be On God’s Side

Yogacharya David
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“Susan Constant”–Largest of three sailing ships from England to Jamestown; five months voyage

We are currently encamped at Newport News City Campground east of Richmond, Virginia. I am sitting amongst thickly forested evergreens and fully leafed deciduous trees. What makes this place remarkable is that we are a bike ride away from George Washington’s headquarters and very near Yorktown, the scene of the last major battle of the Revolutionary War in which the British army surrendered to American/French armies and navies ending a six year war. Also nearby, is the oldest English settlement in North America, Jamestown, and the restored capital city of Colonial Williamsburg.
Colonial Williamsburg is a remarkable story. Reverend W.A.R. Goodwin became pastor for the Bruton Parish Church turn of the century, 1900s. The church was the original place where George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and others worshipped when they were in the Virginia Burgess (the colonial house of representatives). The good reverend had a vision of not only restoring the vintage church, but the entire area that includes the old capitol building and the governor’s palace. Through tireless petitioning, he interested John D. Rockefeller, who gradually committed to the restoration of the whole township.

Today Colonial Williamsburg, the first settlement of Jamestown, and Yorktown make up the Historic Triangle of Virginia, all connected by the Colonial Parkway following a route through forested trees and is exposed to both the wide James and York rivers. Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown are both “living museums,” that is you can wander about historic towns and character actors will tell you about the life and times they represent. Our plan has been to be here before school lets out and the weather is mild–as a result there have been far fewer visitors than peak times, and the weather has been perfect, not too warm or humid.

The revolutionary war and the ideals that drove it have always been an interest of mine. There were many factors figuring into the daring stand of the colonists separating from England, who incidentally had the most formidable army and navy in the world (while the colonists started with none). Primarily, it was a desire for personal freedom and the bold vision of the world’s first purely representative elected government. It set forth ideals that were not fully embodied at the time through the exclusion of women, slaves, and native nations from equal rights, however those ideals have stood the test of time, and they continue to be a guiding star for a “more perfect union.”

Speaking with one of the wonderful character actors playing Patrick Henry, I suggested that revolution was such a bold and a very risky proposition–he would have been hanged for treason. He replied, “But God is with us!” And this was very much part of the revolution, that God was with those who asserted that all men were born equal and had certain inalienable rights. The clergy were central to the revolutionary fervor, and it was felt at the time that this was a sacred cause.

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“Patrick Henry” at Colonial  Williamsburg–“Give me liberty, or give me death!”

It has been an imperfect implementation of these ideals, over sixty years later a most terrible civil war was fought, and at the heart of the issue was slavery; in 1920 women finally gained the equal right to vote. However, the fundamental words of those revolutionary ideals have not changed, only its fuller realization (both Washington and Jefferson were uncomfortable with slavery and both saw its eventual extinction).

The other genius of the time was the check and balance of a limited government. By dividing the executive, legislative and judiciary, the tendency of centralized government to  garner more and more power to itself was slowed. Compare that with the disaster of the French revolution that had a single ruling body that eventually collapsed into dictatorship, or in more recent times the costly failure of communism without free elections or an effective bill of rights–it all gains an increased appreciation for the foresight and integrity of the founding generation.

Abraham Lincoln, among others in succeeding generations, saw the creation of the United States as Divinely inspired, and its role in the world crucial to the coming of a new age of government and individual rights. However, with great wisdom he said, “Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.” Due to human fallibility there may be those who doubt divine inspiration for this country, but that has always been the case with sacred ideals–as God proposes it is up to human beings to fulfill His high ideals. Imperfect implementation does not mean that it does not come from the most perfect One; only that we need to work harder to be by God’s side.

Like all great principles, they are not the property of any one person, religion, or nation–they are universal and equally true for one and for all. We can draw inspiration from the idealism and courage of those who succeeded against all the odds in bringing forward a nation based on the ideals, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

Picture: Firing of the canon–Colonial Williamsburg

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