Marriage-The Great Fulfillment

Yogacharya David
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Ram and Sita-one of the great love stories of all time

Marriage is one of the great foundational structures in society that serves many purposes. Marriage fulfills our desire for a loving partnership between husband and wife, it provides a nurturing home for children, it has both shared and divided tasks by husband and wife and extended family that makes life easier and brings balance, it is a way to build prosperity and endure adversity when it comes. So many benefits that come with a working marriage.

However, all this must be tempered with the reality of a life lived together. As a mediator I worked with many couples, most were in trouble. We have all grown up with the children’s stories that end with, “And then they lived happily ever after.” And so ends the fairy tale after strife, struggle and overcoming great odds for the two to come together. If this is part of the anticipation in marriage, that coming together as man and wife is the end of difficulties and a vague “happily ever after” vision, then there will be great disappointment on the horizon.

It is oftentimes assumed that a married couple, once they have confirmed their vows should know how to be married. However, what experience shows is that marriage holds all the pleasure and all the pain that all life brings to us. Knowing how to maintain intimacy, handle financial challenges, stresses of work, raising children, keeping home and cars and all the business of life requires a great learning curve. Marriage unfolds as we grow older, and rarely is it everything one or both in a couple thinks it will be. For some it seems a betrayal that differences come into play, that there is anxiousness around money, intimacy, children, remaining monogamous and more-it all seems to separate husband and wife, not support them.

One of the themes that I see repeated in struggling marriages is being able to hold respect for one another. It is easy to vent stress upon a partner, the one closest to you. Having travelled to campgrounds with RVs, it is interesting to observe couples managing backing a trailer or motorhome into a campsite. For many, it is not a familiar or comfortable situation, and communication can quickly devolve into anger and blame when it is not going well. For some raising a voice and finding fault comes as a matter of habit. I have thought that if some were to be videotaped during such interractions–one or both would be embarrassed as to how they sound, tone of voice, words used like weapons, meant to hurt and do damage.

Finding a place of respect for one another is one of the great secrets in a successful marriage. I love to hear one partner speaking in praise of another when the other in not in the room. To be over familiar, discounting, constantly blaming poisons the atmosphere. Master once told the story of when he went back to India. One of his cousins had married a woman that Master’s family had tried to arrange for him. She treated her husband terribly, verbally abusing him while in his presence and when he was not in the room. Master took her aside and said that since they had once been intended for each other he felt he could tell her that the way she treated her husband was not correct. That if she wanted happiness, she must change.   

What is perhaps the strongest bond in a marriage and represents the greatest potential is the spiritual bond that goes beyond personality, situation, or worldly pressures. One key is a mutual understanding that God has brought you together, faith that you are meant to be a couple, and by remaining spiritually aligned God can work out the kinks and make things even better between you; that your attunement with God brings out more love, tolerance, patience, and being able to see the divinity in one another (what greater intimacy is there than that!). When a couple seeks to serve God in one another there are no limits to the fulfillment that can come about as a result.  

Marriage cannot be a simple “Happily ever after,” but that does not mean it cannot be the most meaningful and loving relationship you can have on a human basis. It is the working out of life that can either draw you closer together to solve the many problems faced, or it can tear you apart. To be connected to God within, letting Him guide you, awaken love in you, give you the courage to open yourself fully in the presence of another is the greatest ally you have in bringing out the best in a marriage. In the end, marriage is your practice ground for your oneness with the Infinite Beloved, and being one with Him in all of what life brings to your doorstep, “For better, for worse, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, in prosperity and in adversity.”  Amen!

Transitions-All is Well

Yogacharya David
052 Rainbow led us for an hour-after Dr. Appointment
Rainbows in the Desert of Utah-after doctor’s appointment

Endings and beginnings always dovetail one to another—a birth leads to an end, and a closure opens a new door.  When we began this North American Pilgrimage we had a skeletal plan as to the course of our circumambulation of the continent. We were directed by God to seek out Nature’s Cathedrals, be led to places of saints and holy sites, look upon all people and situations as expressions of God, and explore the spiritual roots of the creation of this great American experiment proclaiming the rights of the individual and the audacious idea of popularly elected leaders.

A great wealth of this North American continent is her natural wonders. Pristine landscapes hold special meaning for each one: for the sightseer it is the rugged beauty of magnificent outdoors, for an artist it is a canvas of inspiration, for the mystic it is a profound feeling-vibration of a place and unveiled depths of realization—these being unrivaled by any other experience. We have journeyed from Utah’s Bryce and Zion Canyons, Nevada’s Valley of Fire to Glacier, Black Hills, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Redwoods, Joshua Tree, Palm Canyon, Borrego Springs Desert, New Mexico’s Gila Cliff Dwellings, Florida’s Suwanee River, Georgia’s Skidaway Island and Tallulah Falls, South Carolina’s James Island, North Carolina’s and north on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Greenbelt National Park in D.C., Maine’s Acadia National Park, Pemaquid Point Lighthouse and Bass Harbor, Michigan’s Mackinac Island, and Alberta’s Banff and Lake Louise. Though this reads on this page as a simple list, each of these places holds an experience for us—highlights in the body of God—genuine spiritual upliftment was felt at these wonderful Natural Cathedrals.

Besides these Natural Cathedrals we were privileged to have the darshan of man’s cathedrals and places of worship: Idaho’s Old Mission, Utah’s Mormon Tabernacle, Master’s retreat in Encinitas, Tucson’s Native Pow Wow and Mission San Xavier del Bac, San Antonio’s St. Joseph Church, Savannah’s St. John the Divine Cathedral and the Congregation Mickve Israel Synagogue, Daufuskie Island First Union African Baptist Church, The National Cathedral, Quebec City’s St. Anne’s Basilica, Montreal’s St. Mary’s and Brother (Saint) Andre’s St. Joseph Oratory. We found the vibration of God in these and many other places of worship powerful and uplifting.

For inspiration on spiritual roots of the making of a nation we had the opportunity of taking in the sites of Mt. Rushmore, the Little Big Horn, Huston Space Center, Forts Sumpter and Polaski, Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown battlefield, Monticello and Mount Vernon, Washington D.C. and the Smithsonian Museums and the Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, Pennsylvania’s Gettysburg, Massachusetts’s Concord and Connecticut’s Mystic Seaport.

I am such great gratitude for the opportunity for Carla and me to take this pilgrimage around this great continent and to take you with us in spirit and through these writings. Of course for all the places we went there are so many more that could be explored, but these are the places that God took us to, and are therefore perfect. Arriving back to Camano Island came in the natural course of our travels, but we both felt we could continue the life of nomadic pilgrims, always enjoying the starting of the engine after a stay somewhere, feeling the awakened interest, what will come in the course of our travels today? However, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.” A time for pilgrimage, its completion, and a time for home.

Upon arriving we are once again in the saddle of service, a meeting in person with all those in our “virtual office,” those helping with putting Mother’s talks and transcripts into usable form and eventual books. Jerry and Lois are hosting a welcome home Service and potluck Sunday, and Monday we will say goodbye to our dear friend Win at a graveside service, then time with Kathy and family and hot fudge sundaes on the same day as a full solar eclipse (the last one was on my birthday in 1979 when Larry and I went to Eastern Washington to get a full view and experience of it). Then there is getting caught up on correspondence, the business of life, and spending time with Mother’s words preparing them for publishing, and whatever else God has slated–as I know He will fill the days and nights not only with His Divine Presence, but seva (service) to Him in all forms.

In any transition there are many things to do, sometimes there is a grinding of gears while shifting from one mode to another. It is good to be mindful of transitions in life, both small and big. Leaving or arriving home from work is a transition, going on vacation (there are many circumstances of those going on vacation getting sick, as if they can let down, and somehow that translates into the immune system letting down as well), there are those larger life transitions, sickness and death that cause even greater ripples and sometimes tsunamis in life. Through it all: to breathe, to be mindful, and to stay connected with God so that we are ever anchored to our true Self, not swept away in the many changes that life is constantly offering us. If we were very mindful, we will notice that even the tide of breath from in to out, and out to in is a transition. May you ever move into life’s new situations with a calm, knowing oneness with your Heavenly Father, Divine Mother ever with you, guiding you, and giving you inner assurance that no matter the changes, all is well, all is well.

Picture: Glacier National Park

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Twisp, Forest Fires, Win & Come to Me!

Yogacharya David
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Methow –River Valley of Peace

While in Banff, Lake Louise and while heading west and south we have been party to an abundance of smoky skies, depending on the winds sometimes thick with smoke, sometimes clear blue skies. It is said that this is the worst year for forest fires in over half a century. Going down a canyon road we drive by a hill with multiple fires on the hill next to us; helicopters flying overhead with large dangling buckets of water going to their appointed tasks of dampening spreading flames; brave hardworking forest firefighters taking a break next to the road with smoke blackened faces.

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A Forest on fire

Up at Williams Lake Dianne D. is performing seva (even while their own home may be threatened) by issuing vouchers to those who escaped from fast running fires, leaving their threatened homes, some with nothing but the clothes on their backs. For the forest’s sake it can be beneficial for the lightning induced fires to burn what they will, renewing the forest in its wake–surprisingly few animals are killed in a forest fire as they flee or find shelter. But it is a hard thing for those who have homes and property in the forest, to lose all according to the whims Agni, god of fire, that consumes one tree and leaves another next to it untouched. Our hearts and prayers go out to those affected by the fires, and for the safety of the firefighters.

As we motor further south the smoke filtered skies go with us–stretching across British Columbia, Washington and Oregon. From Osoyoos through the Okanagon and finally to Twisp, to one degree or another the gray residue of burning forests continues. Just 20 miles away from Winthrop/Twisp there is a fire growing in a wilderness area and we see the residue flowing in, then thinning to blue skies, only to darken once again depending on the wind direction.

Such is this creation, that preservation and destruction are intrical parts of the whole. When a little girl asked Meher Baba, “Why are there wars?” He asked her in return, “Why do you make stinky?” Not that wars are necessary to life, but when humankind lives out of harmony with natural and spiritual law then it is a predictable outcome. In a golden age when natural and spiritual law are observed and lived, then many things out of balance now will be brought into harmony. When a creation becomes so attuned to higher thought and vibrational living then a material world may simply transmute into pure spiritual Being–such things are possible and do happen. However, we are far from such harmony today–though we cannot discount that, like a rising flood, God’s power can sweep over this earth and make it new. How my heart yearns for such a lifting up of one and of all.

The constant rolling of wheels underneath us for the past weeks are currently silent. The river flows by and the earth hums quietly, bringing peace in earth’s flowing currents. It is a time to restore before making the last part of the journey. God has me in His all-powerful, blissful grip and is whispering to me, “Tell one and all to enter into their silent caves of meditation and feel My uplifting power. I yearn to give My devotees all they need to fulfill their heart’s desires, for it is in My power to do so. Tell all, ‘Come to me!’”

Win: While we are here in the Methow Valley Win Smith breathed his last breath. His heart has been pumping less and less life-giving blood. Win talked of living to 120, but his years fell short of that goal. Win has been a wonderful example of staying focused on the Guru through these past 65 years. He often said that Mother was the greatest person he had ever met, and never wavered in his faith in her. He has been generous to this work, giving regularly and generously. In the early 1980s I was injured at work and off of work for a year while I went back to school to finish my degree. One day Win came by with two large boxes of canned vegetables in thoughtful support at the time–I know he and Kathy have helped others as well. In kirtans Win sang with all his heart, he gave bone crushing hugs, and always had some witticism to offer, or a time-tested saying at the ready, and wished everyone well. I know that he is with Mother, and Mother is with him–a joy-filled, heart-filled reunion. I will miss him. It resounds in my mind his wish to all, as he smiles his smile, “Have a cheery day!”

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Our dear friend Win

 

 

 

Banff

Yogacharya David
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My Mystic Mountain Friend in morning reverie

Travel Note: It proved unexpectedly quite difficult getting internet connection while in Canada, so I was not able to send this out last week. Currently we have entered back into the States and we are pointing our noses back toward Camano Island–should be there by Monday. All through Canada we were pressing forward to meet Carla’s sister and grand nephew on time, so we are taking a few days next to the Methow River, enjoying not being in motion–it feels very restorative. We are also getting caught up on email and various tasks easily done here, but not before. So it is with great joy that I am able to connect with you once again and get caught up on our North American Pilgrimage.

Banff: Our pilgrimage has brought us west to the Canadian Rockies, rugged stones piled ten thousand plus feet high–peaks standing amongst the clouds–rivers ribboning through valleys–lakes mirroring the peaks and sky above. Banff and Lake Louise much deserve to be known as reputed beauties and the area famous for its outdoor life. We have picked up Carla’s sister and eleven year old grand-nephew flown in from Georgia for a week in these glorious mountains.

As part of nature’s outdoor cathedrals it is one thing to admire its many beauties, but what stands out to me are a couple of peaks that soar above us and shed their great presence each morning and throughout the day. It has been my experience that mountains, trees, rivers, lakes and the land itself emanates life-energy consciousness–there is no such place that is lifeless. Particular places bear greater vibrational weight, they radiate more life and have a presence that is undeniable. While out in nature a hunter will see game as something to shoot; a lumberjack will measure trees to topple; a photographer will frame an image to capture; a loner will find space to breathe; and a mystic will be receptive to the inner life of nature’s wonders. One peak I see every morning and I feel its power and majesty–it has become a friend. In the life of a mountain, measured in multi-millions of years my time with it is less than a blink, yet we sit in silent communion one with another. It is wonderful to commune with nature and not only see its beauty but sense its spirit as well: pitch dark Ravens, Black Billed Magpies with florescent green tail feathers, and Columbian Ground Squirrels come to visit daily and scamper under feet.  

Throughout the world and down through time we find that every race and ethnicity has its own specialities, its particular genius. Many of the native tribes of North America have had a close relationship with nature, perceiving spirits in various animals and the overarching Great Spirit–both immanent and transcendent. To perceive the Great Spirit as all-pervasive is an astounding gift for any who knows it. Although we use the gifts of nature for our food, habitation and depend on it for life itself, it deepens our life-experience to see nature as something more than something to exploit, kill or tame. The creation of large national parks as a means for keeping portions of the earth in a more natural state is a remarkable idea that has found fruition here and many other places around the continent. After seeing so much of Europe and the East Coast lose its pristine forests and natural settings there was a determined effort to preserve a substantial amount of land in the West–keeping it fresh for future generations. We are all the beneficiaries of this marvelous idea and Banff National Park stands out as a wonderful example of this principle. May generations to come find they can rest in, enjoy and find spiritual nurturance from pristine nature–cathedrals made of stone, tall trees, flowing rivers and cool lakes.

Morning Thoughts on Pilgrimage and Choices: We will be soon making our way west and south, completing our pilgrimage of these past seven months. What will come next? God knows. Each day of this pilgrimage brings its wonders and its challenges; in that sense it is no different than any other time of life. Travel has not left the time I would like for working on Mother’s writings, and this work I feel is coming closer as we make the transition to being home-based without wheels underneath–at least for a while! Even as we have travelled this pilgrimage without an itinerary it is little different than how my journey in life has been in general. It is a matter of what God wishes from moment to moment.

You may say, “Well, I do not have that freedom.” In a sense that may be true. But in another way of thinking we are the sum total of all that we have done, and that has led to this moment in life–it is here that our choices have brought us. In that sense, you too choose to be where you are, doing what you are doing, and being who you wish to be. Some may think, “This is not the life I would like,” but is it not true that in any journey you make there are times you regret the road you are on? Deep analysis of your situation reveals that your life is the sum total of choices that you have made, perhaps some of those decisions are from a very distant past, but that ultimately this life is perfectly designed for you. Within the context of your life you may choose happiness or unhappiness, to act in harmony or disharmony, to put your mind on God or the delusion of this world. You know what I would have for you: to be happy, harmonious, and filled with the light and the bliss of God. The question always is, “What do you choose?”  

Picture: Columbian Ground Squirrel who came out of his hole each morning to sit by my feet.

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Medicine Hat–A Timeless Story

Yogacharya David
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Medicine Hat Legend on wall relief City Hall

After some long continuous travel days we arrived in the Province of Alberta. We are encamped in a peaceful coulee, a wide ravine with a river running through it here in the city of Medicine Hat. It has been warm and, now with the low humidity of the interior, it is a reminder of the summers where I grew up.

The name Medicine Hat has a very interesting origin. The Blackfoot nation tells of an event that happened a long time ago. It was a bitter winter with starvation howling at the door. The Council of Elders gathered to discuss the matter. They decided a brave young man should be sent to a special place known as the “breathing hole;” an opening in the ice of the Saskachewan River where the Great Spirit was known to be present. After many days of arduous travel the young man finally arrived here. He made camp and settled into fasting and prayer in order to summon the spirits. After intense prayer the Great Spirit appeared as a serpent. The serpent told the young man to spend the night on a small island (Strathcona). He was told, “In the morning when the sun lights the cut-banks, go to the base of the great cliffs and there you will find a bag containing medicines and a saamis (holy bohnet).” It was a hat to be worn only during battle and it would ensure victory. Aided by the saamis the young man found food to save his starving people–he became a great Medicine Man.

This story has many interesting symbols and I see in it a tale that contains tremendous inner meaning for the mystic. For the seeker of truth the dark winter and starvation is the darkness of ignorance–not having joy and enlightenment which feeds the soul. The Council of Elders is inner direction, and the young warrior represents a newly formed intention. The breathing hole is pranayama, or a breathing exercise done in prayer and meditation. Pranayam kriya breaths and deepened meditation awaken the Great Spirit in the form of a serpent, the transformational kundalini force in the spine. The arising of the serpent force makes it possible to see the morning light–the great light seen in the ajna or point between the eyebrows. The “bag of medicines” are the powerful spiritual uplifting energies coursing through the body and healing it of spiritual sickness–ignnorance. The bonnet of feathers or a hat is the consicousness lifted up to the top of the head, or what in yoga is called the sahaswara, the thousand petalled lotus (such “hats” are used to symbolize uplited consciousness such as the tall hat of the pope or the crown worn by a king). This medicine hat given by the serpent assures the warrior victory, the spiritual aspirant power to overcome ignorance of separation from the Great Spirit in the “battle” of spiritual practice. All the people are then fed by the continuous flow of dynamic spiritual energy and consciousness flowing throughout the entire system–feeding all the people. Thus, I find encoded in this ancient story a clear trail leading to spiritual illumination for a Medicine Man or a spiritual adept.   

Truth is universal, and is it fascinating and inspiring to know that it is, and has been available to those who sincerely seek it in all parts of the world. Stories around the globe are adapted to the physical and social environment of the aspirant, but truth is one.

A Ram Nam Note: as we have circumambulated this remarkable North American Continent we have chanted God’s Name as part of this spiritual pilgrimage. While moving down the road I feel the spiritual aura radiating out through the power of the name (Nam) as a gift from the Infinite–awakening and resonating with the Divine vibration underliying all creation. God alone knows the full purpose in our pilgrimage, but the power of God’s Name is definitely a part of it. Since my earliest days with Mother, in fact the first time I met her, she instilled in me the holy mantra “Om Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram.” She received this chant directly from Papa Ramdas and it is embued with an all-powerful uplifting Grace. Not only did Papa use the chant to gain full realization of God, but others have done so before and after him with God’s name ever being chanted. The transformed consciousness of those who attain spiritual heights through the Nam further surcharges it with ever greater and greater power to help others do the same. Imagine the vibration of so many devotees chanting this holy mantra in full devotion for the Infinite–helping to raise the consciousness of this world and all its inhabitants. The Lord knows this world is in need of upliftment, and though we may be in disparate places, we are all in union with our infinite Beloved through chanting and harmonizing with His Holy Nam.

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Mother & Father Hamilton with Papa circa 1957

Babaji Remembrance Day

Yogacharya David

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We pay special tribute to Babaji on July 25 as co-founder of our Guru-lineage. Master said that it was Jesus who requested Babaji to send someone armed with the science of yoga (union with God) to the West to re-awaken original Christianity. In the early formative years of Jesus ministry, and that of his disciples, it was well acknowledged that God and the kingdom of heaven were to be found within. Over the years succeeding religious institutions were granted enormous worldly power and due to the influence of the Kali Yuga a formulae developed in which acceptance of a creed was thought sufficient to be saved.

To be born again is far more than intellectual agreement to a dogma, being sprinkled with, or dunked in water, and even more than an initiatory experience such as feeling the power of the Holy Ghost in a Spirit-filled church. Follow in the steps of Jesus as he is baptized by his guru from a previous life, during which he sees the power of the Holy Ghost descending , he then goes out to the wilderness where he is tested. In fact there are many steps to be taken that eventually lead to the hill of Golgotha, the hill of the skull. We learn that the spiritual journey of many steps leads to our skull, our own brain where the Holy Ghost, Christ-Consciousness and God the Father are all to be found through actual experience. This interior experience of the Mystical Crucifixion has been known by saints and realized masters around the world, yet the world at large is either indifferent to divine pursuits, or is drawn to the idea of belief through simple faith, sans the inner experience of following the Christ all the way to the resurrection of Divine Consciousness.

Great Masters such as Jesus and Babaji are ever anxious that all should enjoy the inner kingdom of heaven, so Jesus asked Babaji to send the liberating methods of Kriya Yoga to the West. Babaji had his great disciple, Lahiri Mahasaya, through whom he had already started a spiritual revolution in India through diksha, initiation into Kriya Yoga; a technique of breath and mind control that awakens the spine and brain to the higher frequencies of innate divinity. Lahiri Mahasaya had a very advanced disciple in Priyanath Kerar, later Swami Sri Yukteswarji, who perceived the underlying truth behind both the Bhagavad Gita and Biblical scriptures. Babaji then guided young Mukunda, later Swami Yogananda, to his guru Sri Yukteswarji, where he was grounded in the insights of both Lahiri Mahasaya and Sri Yukteswarji in regards to the scriptures, both East and West. Of course the work could not be carried on through intellectual conversion only, but Yoganandaji walked in the steps of realization, even as Jesus and Babaji, and discovered directly the great truths that all saints perceive in the vision of God.

Babaji prompted Yoganandaji to travel and then live in America to introduce the science of Kriya Yoga. Babaji felt the desire of certain devotees in the West were ready for these teachings–his intuitive compassion reached across time and space and he knew that such souls as Rajasi Janakananda (James J. Lynn), Sister Gyanamata, Mother Hamilton and others would take advantage of these teachings–a few bringing them to full fruition. It would be Mother Hamilton, Paramhansa Yogananda’s great disciple, who would be destined to experience and further elucidate original Christianity and the inner meanings of the Mystical Crucifixion based on her own experiences. Babaji’s awareness stretched further down through time and he knew that succeeding generations of disciples would also find those who would go the whole way to full God-realization. Of course he also knew there would be the tendency to institutionalize these teachings, and much would be lost along the way. But, implicit is the opportunity for truly realized souls to keep the flame of realization alive, and that in time it may grow beyond a cultural revolution, as we have already witnessed by the influence of the Autobiography of A Yogi, and that it may bloom into fields of realized souls scattered across the globe.

Babaji has ever been interested in the long term evolutionary needs of the world, and it is for this reason only that he has maintained a physical body for so long. He continues his influence primarily through the inner attunement of advanced devotees. It can be a tricky thing to say that Babaji said this, or appeared here or there; as the ego-mind is at work until it is completely transcended and can cause delusions. There have been many books now written about Babaji since Master penned his spiritual classic Autobiography of a Yogi. However, due discrimination must be used in this regard. Even as in social circles there may be name dropping to enhance one’s own status, so those with a spiritual interest will drop names to lend a halo of credibility to the incredible. Going to God is not a circus–it is attained by dedicated souls sincerely making effort to change their lives and attune themselves to the highest Light. We all enjoy tales of the remarkable, however God-realization is much closer to home–know it to be right in the heart and soul of the seeker.

I am prompted to relate on remarkable experience I had with Babaji. It occurred when I had first left my profession and Phyllis had generously offered me a cottage on Hornby Island. Late one night I was walking in Helliwell Park. Suddenly I was enveloped in a powerful spiritual field, I felt my footsteps guided as I made my way through the dark woods onto a small beach on the ocean side. The night sky and stars seemed to grow close, or I seemed to grow large, and it felt I could reach out and touch the twinkling lights. The thought, “Babaji could come down to me as one of those lights,” came to my mind. However, Babaji has never acceded to my desire for outward remarkability, he only draws my mind inward. Just then I saw the wonderful five pointed star radiantly glowing. Entering the vast ocean of Spirit I was swam in God’s ocean of Bliss. Through my open eyes I saw that it was Babaji as Spirit permeating all creation. Through his Grace I pierced the personal and entered the impersonal–I describe here in words what cannot be described, but it seems right to do so anyway.

On this day of Babaji Remembrance, it is good to think on him and to read about him in the Autobiography; and better than all is to be inwardly attuned with him and open to his Grace. Of course we seek out God Omnipresent beyond form, and on the way up we are inspired by realized masters and saints, and rightfully so. Going beyond all form we find God is all-pervasive, everywhere present. In the universal vison we find His voice being spoken through all: in a child, someone in ignorance, and most lovingly from His perfected ones. Babaji’s words soaked in love and bliss are an encouragement to all to rise above the thralldom of everyday concerns–know the Supreme One, the One who is ever-present within you.

Travel Update: We have continued our westward march and find ourselves encamped at a pretty spot just outside Winnipeg, Manitoba–Birds Hill Campground. Well known Canadian writer Gabrielle Roy (1909-1983) called Birds Hill, near where she grew up, her most sacred memory of Manitoba. It has a wonderful feeling here. We are taking a day’s rest after several days of uninterrupted travel. As soon as we arrived here God took me upstairs and has largely kept me there. In writing about Babaji today he seemed so close, guiding my choice of words and making his will known to my receptive mind. Tomorrow, the 25, we will caravan further west, and will be in thought of Babaji and of you. 

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Only You

Yogacharya David
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Mackinac Island–Natural Arch with aqua blue water

We have left the eastern cities and toured west, even dipping into the States for a campground in Sault (pronounced Sue) Ste. Marie. While there we thought to take an excursion to Mackinac (pronounced Mackinaw) Island. Today the island is reached by a 15-minute ferry, the island has no motor transportation, but it is bicycle, ped power or horse drawn carriages only. We brought our bikes and took the 8.2-mile ride along the stunning coastline. We also sprang for a posh lunch at the classic Grand Hotel, where the movie Somewhere in Time was filmed.

One thing of note about the island, we consistently felt a quiet calm on the island, even though it is a tourist destination. Even the lunch we enjoyed, a room of a thousand dinners seemed tranquil. As we rode around the island there were signs with the history of the island, the story being told one sign every mile or so. This island was called Michidimackinac (Land of the Great Turtle) by the Ojibwas and Odawa People and is considered sacred, the turtle having a mystical meaning. The waters on the great Lake Huron were a wonderful color of aqua to deep blue, the sun shining—a perfect day.

Continuing back up into Canada we have travelled to Thunder Bay along the coast of Lake Superior (the Ojibwas called it Gitche Gumee: The Shining-Big-Sea water). It is wonderful to chant Ram Nam as we move along the highways, some rough, some smooth, a lot of summertime road work in an area where winters are rough on all the infrastructure. There have been wonderful vistas along the way of these great lakes. Nature’s Cathedrals are in great abundance here, and what stands out is that God is present in all the places we have travelled, seen in all people—enough to represent all the races and many of the nations of the world.

“Oh Lord, You are the all in all. You have taken your pilgrims upon this journey so that we might know that Your Spirit is to be found in all places, all people. This vast creation is Your playground, and while it can be rough play, nevertheless You are ever-present—a Guide, Comfort and Protector for Your devotees. Certainly, life can take a deleterious turn from a human standpoint, but when seen correctly, it is only You, only You. Oh Beloved, take the scales from your eyes, unstop our ears, and open our hearts so that we may see only You, hear only You, love only You.”

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Riding the tranquil roads of Mackinac–no motor vehicles allowed 

 

Our Visit with the Holy Family

Yogacharya David
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Montreal Notre-Dame 

I have been looking forward to our time in Quebec City and Montreal for pilgrimage to the holy sites of St. Anne’s Basilica, Montreal’s Notre-Dame and Brother Andre’s Saint Joseph’s Oratory (prayer) Basilica. Our first stop outside of Quebec City is Saint Anne’s, holy mother of Mary. We drove to a little village that sprouted an immense Basilica out of the ground. It has two bell towers and is a remarkable work of architectural art. In fact, we have been treated to the most beautiful Basilica’s across North America; they simply, from an architectural and artistic point of view, must rank amongst the world’s great treasures. St. Anne’s is not only beautiful inside and out, but radiates a blessing of a holy site, worthy of pilgrimage.

It is interesting to consider Anne, mother of Mary. Said to have immaculately conceived the holy Mother, she is a personage of great spiritual worth. As Jesus’ grandmother, she must have held his little body in her arms; being spiritual sensitive there could be no doubt that she felt something wonderful holding this incarnation of God. It has been said that the Essenes prepared for this birth for generations, each successive generation making themselves spiritually pure for the potential to bring a perfect incarnation into earthly existence. Who could have known what those spiritual seeds would become, seeds that were planted in an obscure part of the world–not in the worldly capitol of Rome, nor in the intellectual capitol of Alexandria, but a village of no account to a humble family. In the caste system of Judaism of the time Mary and Joseph would have been from similar family backgrounds; Joseph a carpenter–a respectable, but hardly of a higher caste. Anne then, would have been from a respectable family, and she bore in her body a pure spiritual being who was destined to be mother of a great savior. Surely, she is venerable herself, and has been the inspiration for this great Basilica. We stayed for Mass that was half in French and half English. The priest spoke very lovingly of sacrifice. The woman who led the singing sang as with the voice of angels. As we left the sun was setting, but a glow kept growing inside of us from this sacred visit.

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St. Anne holding baby Mary

After spending a day in old Quebec City, where my high school French from so many years ago was not of any use at all, we caravanned on to Montreal. Having seen the pictures of the Basilica of Notre-Dame, dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus, I was curious to see what could only be described as wondrous pictures of unearthly beauty inside the Basilica. We drove to the center of the city and found the Basilica there amongst narrow streets that could have come from a European set design. Upon walking in I was even more wonder struck being there in person. The color of Mary is a beautiful deep blue, this is contrasted the 23 karat gold-leaf stars on the ceiling. The neo-gothic wooden structure has intricately painted columns, gold statuary, master paintings and unusual wood carvings that appear to be a city in profile in the front; it all combines to transport one more to a heavenly astral world than this material one. The building’s architect was American-Irish, and a Protestant–for this very French Catholic Basilica! The guide was relieved to tell us though, that at the end of his life he converted to Catholicism—all God’s fun!  This is a very fitting house of worship dedicated to the divine mother of Jesus and carries a beautiful vibration to it, though it is a tourist center, complete with a cover charge.

In the afternoon we traveled across town to our Brother Andre’s Basilica. Unlike many cathedral’s later turned Basilica by decree of the Pope, this church was designated a Basilica from its first foundation stone. Brother Andre, if you will remember from an earlier edition of the Cross and Lotus Journal, was orphaned at a young age and taken in by a priest named Andre, whose name he later adopted when he took vows. After travelling to the states for work after the American Civil War, he returned to Montreal and desired to become a monk. He was uneducated, could barely spell his name, and it was a question of how he could serve. It was decided he couldn’t cause too much trouble being the doorman of the Montreal Notre-Dame College; checking in students and visitors. With a life-long Dedication to St. Joseph, father of Jesus, Andre amazed local people when healing happened for those whom he prayed. More people came for his divine healing, and he moved his ministry to a nearby train station to avoid crowds at the college. He used the money he collected for giving haircuts, $300.00 in all, to build a little chapel on the hill to carry on his work for God.

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Dear Brother Andre–little man with a big heart

A local doctor, perhaps jealous of his prerogatives, protested that an uneducated Andre should not be healing people of their maladies, he didn’t have the right background! One of Andre’s superiors asked if Andre would stop this work if asked, he was assured that Andre had taken vows of obedience and would. The director said the work could continue for the present. Crutches abound in the little chapel, that was also home for this little man (five feet tall) with a big heart. What a wonderful feeling at the altar in this small chapel, and upstairs we saw his apartment just as he had kept it. The largest Basilica in North America now towers over the little chapel, and also sports numbers of crutches from those healed, no longer needed. The interior of the Basilica is modern, not to my liking, but Saint Brother Andre had nothing to do with that. However, the feeling in the little chapel, and the chapel deep under the Basilica is very wonderful.

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St. Joseph holding baby Jesus

We feel so blessed to have come to these holy sites, each dedicated to a family member of Jesus. In truth, it was for this purpose we have come at all. In all these places, we prayed deeply to the Holy family of Jesus for those who are having physical problems, among those are Micheline with tumors, Dianne T. for dangerous bone spurs in the neck, Barbara L. for stroke symptoms and tumors, Win S. for heart problems, and others held in my heart who are all in definite need. All three of these sites are charged spiritual centers–the prayers made there were deep and sincere.

“Oh Lord, you see to it that the highest good of all be fulfilled. You are the miraculous healing power that regenerates a cut into repaired skin, brain damage into renewed wholeness, a weakened heart to become a vigorous pump once again; so many conditions and You are the sole source of healing in little things and large. You are the immense power that explodes as this universe, You are the regenerative ability for rapid, complete and most perfect healing, You make what many call miracles without a pause or difficulty. Oh my most beloved One, miracles abound all about us every day when the sun rises or in the blush of an unfolding flower–exercise Your ability to bring about healing for those who suffer, comfort for those in need, and most of all Your supreme bliss for Your awakened souls who desire You above all other things. We pray in the name of Your Infinite Self, the masters Jesus and Babaji, Lahiri Mahasaya, Sri Yukteswarji, Master, Mother, realized masters and saints around this world who You use to carry out Your will here on earth. Be it so—Aum Amen.

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Lighting candles for our dear one’s in need

Confirmed Maine-iacs

Yogacharya David
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Divine Mother’s Purity

We have been travelling along the coast of Maine upon the recommendation of many travelers we have met along the way, and we are pleased to say we have become Maine-iacs—lovers of Maine. This northeastern state is comparable to Washington State in latitude, however Acadia National Park (a bit south latitude of Salem Oregon) accumulated 71 inches of snow this year and becomes terribly cold. The Northwest on the other hand has the inflow of the Japanese Currents, much as England has the Gulf Currents, that brings moist warm air. However, we are here at a different time of year (by design!), with New England shaking off a record cold year that lasted late into the season, but has now put on its summer clothes for the year. Temperatures with highs in the 70s and 80s with coastal breezes made this an ideal time to be here.

The coastal villages are around every corner, with charming harbors and homes that bespeaks the wonderful designs of the seventeen, eighteen and early nineteen hundreds. From Cape Cod to Victorian and Georgian designs these houses are immaculate–clustering around the harbors known for their lobsters. We have driven, hiked and biked along the coasts and enjoyed every moment. John Rockefeller obviously enjoyed this area, on Mt. Desert Island he bought half an island that is walking distance on low tide, and built 75 miles of carriage roads on the big island—all for public use. Those carriage roads are now bike and walking paths and the bridges made of granite blocks from the island were designed to match the needs of the environment, Rockefeller knew all the names of the workmen and are of a quality that would make ancient Roman builders proud.

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Rockefeller Carriage Bridge

We found several spots that are Nature’s Cathedrals. One spot we felt we could stay and never leave we discovered when riding our bikes. We explored a river running under one of those magnificent bridges. Just upstream there were a series of small waterfalls—the feeling was one of purity itself. Such is Nature’s design that She gives us Herself in all Her original state in naturally sacred spots. When we are attuned to the inner Quiet, then the resonance of Spirit easily transfers itself to the open heart–God is everywhere speaking His truth, love and kindness. However, it is only those who have eyes to see, and ears to hear that such wonders reveal themselves. It is not difficult to perceive this sacred essence, it only takes a keen desire to know Spirit, within and without—to give up prejudice of presupposition and stand in wonderment and awe in one’s own prime simplicity that leads such receptivity. Such willingness is not hard, but seems to be rare for some unfathomable reason—for being blind and deaf to this miracle is a banishment that is hard for the soul to endure. Attunement to God and cannot be made up for by the constant bombardment on the brain of playing music, television, movies, alcohol or drugs, all these things leaving the soul even more thirsty for the Living Waters of pure Spirit.

Later that same day Carla had decided that for Guru Purnima Day she wanted to do something special for me. She arranged for us to take a sail out on the bay for the afternoon. The weather could not have been more perfect, a sunny mid-eighties with ten mile an hour winds. Perhaps due to my Pisces sign the water has always had a salubrious effect—this day was no exception. It was another wonder-filled day. There is no day that God does not have this body under some tremendous stress through the day in doing work for Him, however this seemed to be an exception to the rule, and it was pure joy. I thought of you, those who were having Service, those who sent loving notes, those who silently sat in meditation with inner attunement, and all felt close, near and dear to me on this most special of days.

This is a tremendous life God has given us. Surely there are times when life tests us hard, straining us to the limit of human endurance; there are other times when things seem to go so smoothly—both can be tests for our loyalty to God. Do we forget Him? Do emotions becloud our judgement and obscure Him? When life is hard, do we seek out His power, wisdom and comfort, or feel sorry for ourselves and have a pity party of one? Or if things go wonderfully smoothly do we bow in wonder and awe at what He has brought about, or do we feel we can do without God–ego thinks, I am the clever one, I am riding high and do not need attunement with anything or anyone, much less with God?

Just as in marriage: in good times and bad, sickness and in health, in prosperity or adversity, beloved I am ever yours. That is our vow, our commitment, and we keep it unconditionally in our marriage with God. He is our eternal Beloved, and though He might be able to do without us, we could not exist for even a nano-second without Him. I have loved Maine because I have found God there, even as I have found Him in all the places I have travelled—for He is in me, and I am in Him, and He is all in all. Even though He is equally present everywhere, He seems to be more equally present in some places and people than others. He has certainly outdone Himself in revealing Himself in our tour of Maine, making us firm Maine-iacs.

Travel Note: We have traveled north through Maine and entered Canada, currently camped near Quebec City. Our internet is very limited here, we have a plan for having a device that will give us good coverage while here but it has not yet arrived. As a result, I do not have an ability for receiving or sending email or texts, but both may be possible soon. Also, neither Carla nor I will have phone coverage for the time we are in Canada, the next month or more. Feel free to contact me by email, and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Pronams, David

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Beautiful Dragon Fly on Sacred Stream

Behold the Light-Guru Purnima Day

Yogacharya David
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Dearest Beloved Gurudev–Our Light in the Darkenss

Guru Purnima falls on the full moon in July–a day for honoring one’s guru. Sage Vyasa is author of some of India’s greatest scriptures and was the first to be honored on this day. Also, on this day in history Shiva gave the cream of his teachings to seven sages who had the capacity to receive it, and it is the anniversary of when the Buddha gave his first sermon for spiritual emancipation at Deer Park in Sarnath.

The term guru has been bandied about much in the west: we have wall-street gurus, if someone is a specialist in any area he may be called a guru in his field. In India a professor or any teacher may have this broad distinction of being one’s guru. Gu meaning darkness, ru is light or interpreted to mean the remover of darkness; therefore guru may be anyone who enlightens you, lifting you out of ignorance. In addition to this generic usage, there is the specialized knowledge of Self-realization; one who imparts wisdom or knowledge in this area is known as a guru, the meaning now takes on greater gravitas. Just as you might go beyond undergraduate university classes to a master’s or doctorate degree, one is given a special advisor in graduate school who guides the advanced student into higher, more specific knowledge. When this occurs spiritually, and the aspirant is ready for the last mile of God-realization, then a Sat Guru comes into the devotee’s life.

A Sat Guru has become a spiritual master himself, or else he or she could not guide another. One may have many teachers in life, however God sends a specific teacher to take one all the way to Himself. Here in the West we pride ourselves on individuality, but in the area of Self-realization the true guru is absolutely needed to guide one surely, and has the power to awaken an aspirant with his own superconsciousness–imparting a spiritual seed that matures into fruition of full realization. I have taken university classes in which the intelligence of the professor conveyed, not only in words but through who they are, that created an excitement of life-energy in the brain, feeling new territory being opened up as to an explorer just setting foot in newly found lands. The occasional professor who inspires students like this serves the mind of the student as a guru. The spiritual guru does this and much more for the awakening soul.

When I first met my Gurudev, Mother Hamilton, she transmitted a spiritual power that lifted me far beyond what anything or anyone had done before. She taught me the methods for liberating my soul from darkness of separation, she was the example in thought, word and deed of what I was striving for in my own life. She did not ask for, nor would it had been useful, for me to become a carbon copy of herself–she wanted me to stand on my own two feet. Yet, I was in need of learning fundamental principles she taught; more than that I gradually attuned myself to her superconscious mind. This is the kind of power and subtlety that requires a true guru. For, if ego is in charge of the guru, how can following such a one make you transcend ego? A guru can only be an open door to God-realization if they have that realization themselves–not just occasionally have a spiritual experience, but to be a real guru one needs to be established in his oneness with God. This requires a rarity in this world; a fully realized soul.

When I look up the ladder of our guru-lineage I am in awe of what I see. My own dear Mother, Master–Paramhansa Yogananda, Sri Yukteswarji, Lahiri Mahasaya, Babaji and Jesus–it is a blindingly blessed lineage of realized Beings that have gone before us to blaze an unmistakable path to the Infinite. Mother was also the recipient of another fully realized Being, Papa Ramdas. And for me Swami Satchidanandaji played a pivotal role in realizing God. What gratitude comes to me in thinking of these divinely illumined souls; it humbles me to dust.

The supreme Master Jesus was the example for all of us to follow:

12 So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16 Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. (John 13)

We are not here to rise up in hierarchies, to attain name and fame for ego’s sake–we are here to serve one another. We are the products of humble servants of God. In order to honor them on this special Guru Purnima Day we may emulate those who have gone before us to the full. Even as Babaji demonstrated for Lahiri Mahasaya:

“No sooner had I passed the ascetic than my astounded eye fell on Babaji. He was kneeling in front of a matted-haired anchorite.
“‘Guruji!’ I hastened to his side. ‘Sir, what are you doing here?’
“‘I am washing the feet of this renunciate, and then I shall clean his cooking utensils.’ Babaji smiled at me like a little child; I knew he was intimating that he wanted me to criticize no one, but to see the Lord as residing equally in all body-temples, whether of superior or inferior men. The great guru added, ‘By serving wise and ignorant sadhus, I am learning the greatest of virtues, pleasing to God above all others—humility.’”

We may not be prompted to literally wash the feet of others, not because we are afraid of what they would think or due to our own pride, but God does not need us to be so literal. However, we may look to serve others with equal humility and surrender, just as Jesus or Babaji. We have been given a gift beyond measure in having living examples in our guru-lineage, and saints from around the world. We have been given the very highest methods for realizing God, and we have been shown examples of who and what we should be in God. We need those examples, and along the way we need encouragement. We may find both in the exchange between our beloved Param Para-Gurus:       

“Angelic guru, as you have already favored mankind by resurrecting the lost Kriya art, will you not increase that benefit by relaxing the strict requirements for discipleship?’ I gazed beseechingly at Babaji. ‘I pray that you permit me to communicate Kriya to all seekers, even though at first they cannot vow themselves to complete inner renunciation. The tortured men and women of the world, pursued by the threefold suffering, need special encouragement. They may never attempt the road to freedom if Kriya initiation be withheld from them.’
“‘Be it so. The divine wish has been expressed through you.’ With these simple words, the merciful guru banished the rigorous safeguards that for ages had hidden Kriya from the world. ‘Give Kriya freely to all who humbly ask for help.’
“After a silence, Babaji added, ‘Repeat to each of your disciples this majestic promise from the Bhagavad Gita: “Swalpamasya dharmasya, trayata mahato bhoyat”—“Even a little bit of the practice of this religion will save you from dire fears and colossal sufferings.”’

What we may have done to deserve such grace from these truly great spiritual masters one cannot say? It is said that grace is by definition is undeserved. Perhaps that is true. Surely the love and constancy I received from my Guru was more than I could give to her at the time; therefore you would have to say that all she gave me was definitely undeserved. The greatest gift we can give our beautiful lineage, as well as the inspiration and grace we have received from so many saints the world over, is to strive with all of our hearts, our strength, minds and souls for attaining that most blessed state of consciousness wherein we know we are no longer separate individuals living in darkness, but that we have boldly stepped into the light, and find the same light radiating in us that is so clearly seen in our guru-lineage. This is the greatest way to honor Guru Purnima Day.

May the great blessings of God and Gurus on this special day ever grace you with a deep seated desire to realize God, and fulfill their greatest wish for you, that you know God and be immersed in the infinite Divine Consciousness–now and always. Have a blessed day.

Picture: Full moon of Guru Purnima Day, tree of life and birds of heaven.

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Declare Freedom

Yogacharya David
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Independence Hall

Today, July 4th we are in Freeport Maine and it is a special day in these United States, it was the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted; signed by those with the knowledge it could be a death sentence. The Congress had actually voted for independence on the second of July, and it was on this day John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail,

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.

He was off by two days, as the declaration was finalized and read out to the public on the fourth, but he was amazingly precient about the celebrations, and his advocation for this to be a day of devotion to God Almighty, indicates he believed it to be a spiritual revolution, as the vast majority of those involved with the revolution believed it to be. If it was a war over property, money (taxes), and personal pride only then it could not rise up to that caliber of being called spiritual. However, we know from the speeches and writings of those participants that it was foremost in their minds that Divine Providence was the author of this movement–it was to be far more than a political movement, it was to be a spiritual revolution.

Part of this North American Pilgrimage has been our standing upon some of the historical sites where pivotal actions and words made up the spiritual foundations of America. We travelled to Philadelphia and Independence Hall where the rights of citizens were debated. It was this very place the final dissolution from a parliament and king who were tone deaf to the petitions from its distant citizens resulted in the colonists declaring for independence.

If it is national pride only that spurs me on, then it would be relevant only to those of the United States. However, these actions and thoughts carry a more universal meaning. The urge for freedom of thought and action, the rule of law, a check and balance among governmental entities to prevent abuse, the affirmation that fundamental rights are derived from God and not the caprice of  a king, despot or even an elected government, that citizens elect their leaders and may depose them if they misbehave or abuse their power, that there are certain fundamentals that may not be tampered with combined with a flexibility for change in law–these were revolutionary ideas of the time–never been tried before–many, most, around the world thought it would fail–and it is a revolution of basic rights and protections that a large portion of humanity still do not have today.

We recently stood at the North Bridge near Concord, where Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote some years after the fact in the poem Concord Hymn,

By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.

A citizen’s militia called Minutemen, they could be ready in a minute, were ordered to fire back at British Regular Troops who had come to confiscate their guns; it was the first act of resistance ordered by a militia commander; it was a shot heard round the world affirming the rights of colonial Englishmen and ultimately all humanity. Emerson’s grandfather’s house was but 300 feet from North Bridge; the Reverend Emerson was an advocate for the rights of individuals, the revolution and became chaplain to the Continental Army–he died of camp fever while with the army. From their house the Reverend Emerson and family watched as the British Regulars marched across the bridge, heard the gunfire of the opposing sides, and watched as the Regulars left as a scattered group back to Concord.     

Some of America’s great writers lived in the vicinity of the North Bridge, one of those was Henry David Thoreau. Thoreau brought the revolutionary ideals to the next level when he wrote: “Do we call this the land of the free? What is it to be free of King George and continue to be slaves of King Prejudice? What is it to be born free and not to live free? What is the value of any political freedom, but as a means to moral freedom.” [Life Without Principle] Moral freedom, spiritual freedom must then be the natural consequence to the great gift of liberties gained through self-government and from those who sacrificed so much. To squander our freedom on licentious behavior that results in a tyranny of bad habits shows disrespect for our Creator who has endowed us a far ranging freedom of Soul.

We can all declare our freedom from ignorance, the Maya of delusion of separation from our oneness with Divinity. Then we must act upon that declaration of freedom, to break the chains of king attachment. We truly are endowed with ultimate freedom from our infinite Beloved, however we have bound ourselves to endless rapacious desires which makes us a captive soul. Yes to declaring our freedom! Let us soar on wings like eagles and to experience the Soul’s joy born of deepened meditation and love of God.

Picture, Minuteman near North Bridge Concord-this is an early sculpture is Daniel Chester French, sculpter of Abraham Lincoln at Lincoln Memorial. We were told by a lady out for her walk across North Bridge that French had lived nearby and was encouraged to sculpt by May Alcott after she saw him carving vegetables!

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Into the Chamber of the Infinite Eternal

Yogacharya David
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Papa radiating blissful joy during early sadhana days

Travel Note: We have migrated north of Boston at a wooded campground near Concord, where British troops had march in April of 1775 to take a stash of guns from the colonists. The colonial militia here were known as Minutemen (the militia could be ready for action in one minute). The malitia resisted the British troops, and it was the first shot of what became a revolutionary war, the shot that was heard round the world. We had not planned to come to Concord, but Ram herded us here quite unexpectedly. And I might say, we are delighted to be here. for not only is this an historical revolutionary site, but it also the home of Ralph Waldo Emerson (a fully realized sage), another transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau (Walden Pond is nearby), Nathaniel Hawthorne, Bronson Alcott and Louisa May Alcott. Concord was originally known as Musketaquid, an Algonquian name for grassy plain, a prayag where the Sudbury and Assabet rivers join. Ram is ever kind in his direction for His pilgrims as they wander without any fast plans; only by His direction.

The World Is God is the title of one of Swami Ramdas’ books, a description of his travel around the world and finding his beloved Ram wherever he went, in whomever he met; including his first meeting with Mother Hamilton in Seattle. For Papa, Swami Ramdas, during his sadhana days the world had taken on a wonderful transformation in which he came to see that the world truly is God. He describes his awakening to this great Reality in this way:

In this cave he lived for nearly a month in deep meditation of Ram [God]. This was the first time he was taken by Ram into solitude for His Bhajan. Now, he felt most blissful sensations since he could here hold undisturbed communion with Ram. He was actually rolling in a sea of indescribable happiness. To fix the mind on that fountain of bliss – Ram, means to experience pure joy!
Once, during the day, when he was lost in the madness of Ram’s meditation, he came out of the cave and found a man standing a little away from the mouth of the cave. Unconsciously, he ran up to him and locked him up in a fast embrace. This action on the part of Ramdas thoroughly frightened the friend who thought that it was a mad man who was behaving in this manner and so was afraid of harm from him. It was true, he was mad – yes, he was mad of Ram, but it was a harmless madness which fact the visitor realised later. The irresistible attraction felt by him towards this friend was due to the perception of Ram in him. “O Ram, Thou art come, Thou art come!” – with this thought Ramdas had run up to him. At times, he would feel driven to clasp in his arms the very trees and plants growing in the vicinity of the cave. Ram was attracting him from all directions. Oh, the mad and loving attraction of Ram! O Ram, Thou art Love, Light and Bliss. Thus passed his days in that cave. (In Quest of God; Chapter X: This and a number of Ashram books are now available for download at no cost at: www.anandashram.org)

Such a transformation of experiencing God as pure joy and seeing Him in all creation is not unique to Papa, or just a favored few, but to all who would strive for this universal vision.

We read in the Bible that we are all made up of God-stuff! Genesis 1:26: Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.” Our Soul is in inseparable union with God as His likeness–this union is pure bliss, unalloyed joy, conscious realization of our oneness with the infinite, eternal Reality. We do spiritual practice in order to re-member, bring back together that which is seemingly separate. The ultimate truth is that humankind is, and ever has been, an expression of God, we are made in His image. However, we have a veil of ignorance, drawn like a curtain, that makes us believe we are forever separate.

Union, yoga, with God is our natural state, and our spiritual practice brings to conscious awareness this pre-existent fact. During my sadhana I was taken through a state of awakening in which such divine love flowed through my heart; this,combined with the experience of being immersed in an ocean of love that permeated all the world. Divinity was in the plants, trees, the air I breathed and in the ground upon which I stood.

As I write this the thin bubble of individuality dissolves and consciousness spreads out in all directions, the sound of Aum reverberates throughout, creation trembles with the power of the Holy Ghost and nature’s blueprints stand revealed as thought-creations of an infinitely wise and loving Creator. Beyond this creation is pure Spirit, unadorned, unchangeable–ever as it has been–beautiful beyond words, perfect, pure and pristine. These three aspects of God, creation, thought-forms of the Creator, and changeless Spirit beyond duality is the trinity–One as three and three in One–Father, Son and Holy Ghost. For, the same perfection permeates all three, making them one, whole and complete. God loves to express Himself, and thus gives rise to the idea of seeming separateness, but only so that pure Spirit may enjoy the play, the lila–and for no other reason. But enough talk! I am dissolving once again into that chamber of the infinite and eternal–let us plunge together into the sea of Pure Being, Consciousness, and Bliss–it is what an aspirant must do, so why wait another moment!

 

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Ralph Waldo Emerson–America’s fully realized sage
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