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Good morning to you...it's a spectacular day..the sky is the most beautiful blue, there's a slight breeze, and the sun is absolutely brilliant...and the kicker is no hunmidity! Everything seems to be gleaming. Even the depth of the green of the trees stand in sharp contrast to the sky..it's as if everything is outlined against the spanse of the sky.

Just as I was writing this, the shop phone rang and it was my friends daughter. She's been here just days prior to her fathers' death and has stayed on the settle the estate. I shared with her Hadi what you had written to me and she wants a copy, which I will give her. She explained to me that it's getting time for her to leave and she's getting emotional with the separation. She also shared with me that when she feels as if the tears are all shed, there's more when she least expects it. I explained that that is simply part of the mourning process. I then decided to tell her about the ritual that was suggested..throwing the tobacco into the 4 directions in the wind and then burning the sage. I said to her since there was no formal closure regarding her fathers death, perhaps she and I could do the ritual together...and she was very receptive. I have this sense of comfort that is so peaceful...and because the day is so beautiful, we may do it this evening at the beach...

Hadi your words were so perfect for the time...When I read to her your last line...'enjoy what you have gained through this relationship, not what you have lost...For there was no loss...Energy can never be lost, it simply changes form. She felt so comforted by your words, (as well as myself)...she still has his ashes...and I tried to explain to her that the ashes were his physical body..not his soul, or his incredible spirit...he lives within us at all times, every minute of the day...so much of what you wrote to me Hadi, pertained also to her and what she is feeling...I can't thank you enough for your spirit and your sharing...it has helped immensely. I wish I could write more, but I have a custome in the store...I'll be in touch..thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all your love. x

Thanks again Bernadette. You bring up a good "point" actually.

That "point" being the "duality" of the "thinking mind" (ego).

I've discovered that "who"-ever says ANYTHING is right.

It may be bullshit from "where" I'm "at", but for them, it's "real".

Now.......if I "classify" them in my subconscious as full of shit I will miss any relative thoughts (info) that I need for my journery.

I might add in here that ANY thoughts I have about God's world being "bad" only keep ME stuck. Sure, "there are wars, and rumors of wars" (of all types), but by ignoring (denying) these situations exist, I'm denying "my"-self.

That old saying, "I have met the enemy, and it's me" (or something like that).

As "I" personally "manifest" in the world, yes, shit happens. Many "Masters" have spoken to this phenomenon and that's just the way it "is". The "secret" is to not take it personally.

"I" digress.

Ram Dass uses the phrase "standing" a lot, and he is referring to "setting in stone" (sub-consciousness mind) an opinion, a concept, a judgment, etc., that then becomes another "block" in our "Consciousness" that separates us from "God" (that "Place" within).

Sure, manifesting as the "I", personally, "I" must "stand" somewhere on how "I" will conduct my-self in the physical world.

To love unconditionally is a risk that does involve possible negative affects at times, but in the BIGGER picture, it's really what "IT'S" all about.

Hope everyone is having a beautiful day.

Namaste'

Peace be with you, Phoenix.

Namaste'

posted to: Deepak's Board
poster: Deepak Chopra
date: 6/21/00 9:25:30 PM

-------------------------------------------------

Question: Do all human souls make it back to God?

Answer: Yes.

www.howtoknowgod.com

((( Phoenix )))

Namaste'.

{{{{phoenix}}}}

I am sorry to hear about your friend. I think all of us who have participated here over the past months have come to recognise the deep love and affection you had for him.

Sometimes the purpose is the experience itself. Some people come into our lives simply to awaken these feelings. To awaken that very deep level of love which is compassion and, through that love itself, we focus our "attention" and we are sometimes able to see divinity in another human being. When we find God in another being, we begin to see God in ourselves. For that Love is coming from within and not from without. Then there is the possibility to realise that they were a part of YOU all along. That your relationship was only an "awakening" to these "feelings" that are actually within us and part of our own potential. Finding it in ourselves, we realise that the same potential resides in everyone. That everyone represents a part of ourselves, and we a part of them. Of the Whole. Of God. Then we see how precious and important life is. How transient. When we see The Buddha in everyone, we are truly enlightened. Only then do we understand who it is we bow to, who it is we embrace.

This love is not lost with your friend. It has been rediscovered, re-membered; and that's all that matters. The message is not found in the words and the whys of the mind, but in the fire of your heart. I think it would be helpful to speak of him some more and to not feel embarrassed about how you feel, but instead to try to observe what you say of him, as you honour him. In honouring him, you honour a part of your Self. His name is as a name of God on your lips, now. Begin there and feel his light in "your" heart.

Enjoy what you have gained through this relationship, not what you have lost. For there was no loss. Energy can never be lost, it simply changes form.

T.O., I made some negative comments and some positive comments about Chopra. The negative aspects I consider just an explanation of what I personally find to be annoying.

What I would like to do is refocus my ability to think critically. I don't want to become someone who believes everything that a teacher says without giving it some thought. I don't want to react to beautiful words and phrases (symbols) instead of embracing and living the principals.

Hadi, you are right about the need for continuous reintroduction of ancient wisdom. I'd never thought about it that way. I think that what I react to most is the packaging itself -- not the teachings. And for someone else, that package may be exactly what is needed.

The article "I Can't Believe It's Not Buddha" is about a seminar in which packaging (in the form of a celebrity) became a substitute for heart and substance. I don't want the form unless there is depth and insight. (This is not to say that celebrities cannot be good teachers. But in this particular case, the celebrity was not. The article was not about a Chopra seminar.)

"Sounds" to me Phoenix that you've already "experienced" "him" (made "him" a "part" of your "consciousness").

For those who have been pretty much locked into the physical world, the loss of a "soul connection" can be very hard, and some never get "over" it.

Yes Phoenix the "ritual" of casting ashes to the four corners is very spiritual, and going "within" before hand will add to your "experience".

Thanks for sharing your journey along the "Way".

Namaste'

Good afternoon....I'm sorry that I haven't been here in such a long spell...I was experiencing life..somehow with a different perspective....my friend passed away on the first of June...it didn't take long..the physical body died and his soul went to a place that poets, philosopers, and novelists, and thinkers have described as an eternal existance. I am very comfortable with this more than any previous time in my life. Although the family did not want any funeral or memorial service, I have found that the days following his death were agonizing, especially for those left behind. I found that the people that I would encounter wept, and we shared hugs, yet there was someting more that was needed, yet never took place. I happened to have made plans months ago and took a few days off from the business and had some time to myself. This howver, mended some of the pain of loss, yet more is needed. Last night I went to my massage therapist and he gave me some sage and tobacco. He told me to throw bits of the tobacco north, south east and west..then take the sage and burn it; using my hands, sending off the smoke of the sage and say prayers for my eternal friend and give him my own send off. Meditation is a must to clear my space before I begin...and make it a spiritual ritual....Has anyone ever done this? If there is anything else that I could do to make this better, I would be most appreciative.

Hadi..I loved the Shakesphere quote..my deepest condolences for Terry's loss...

Life does seem so much different now...I expect to see him walk through the door at any time...yet I do feel his presence...it's almost as if he's watching me at times....when I was away we were sitting outside having dinner and all of a sudden I could smell his cologne...I just smiled inside and felt safe and loved... I'm sure that the soul does go on...and for whatever reason we met it was for a very special purpose.

I'm looking at life with different eyes now...I feel that the people that I interact with are in my life for a very special reason..it's an intertwining of spirit that has a purpose..yet it's not always apparent at the time...I seem to be more open and aware now...my life has changed for the better..I have not doubt about this...I know that because of him in my life I have become a better person. This I am very grateful..

I have spent quite a while reading all the wonderful writings on the forum...Hadi..you should publish your thoughts..they are really written well..I can honestly feel your emotions as you 'pen the word'. Geoff...you have some incedible and wonderful thoughts also...and to those whom I cannot remember at this time...all your words and messages have brought me comfort without you even realizing it....that's why this is such a great space to 'be' in. Thanks you all for being who and what you are....x

With the exception of some comments about some negative experiences at seminars/booksignings I haven't noticed any positive/negative statements about Dr. Chopra, Bernadette.

Am I missing something? I've been known to do that.

Namaste'

Hi, everyone. Lively discussion today, lot of great comments by all...Kereyra, you really tried to look that up??My fingers made up that "word" look alike...Oops!

Namaste'

Good points, all. Let's say for a moment that I "cut Deepak some slack." (After all, I have learned a lot from him.) How then do we discern the truth of what any spiritual teacher is saying? Where does critical (as opposed to negative) thinking come in?

I should clarify my statement about people thinking "it's all hog-wash".

In a way, it is, because if we're active in the physical world (achievers--type A especially) we're so "busy" doing the "worldly" thing ( becoming "somebody") that who cares about being "other worldy".

Hadi, I just read your post about Deepak's repetitive message...and Ithink you are right on the money(:-)) I have read several though not all of his works and have noticed that the underlying meassage is the same...and why not--the primary message can be applied to the whole of life...so you can do that yourself or see how he does it in the books addressed to the different audiences you mentioned. I think he's sincere in wanting to assist the multitude in "awakening"...of course, I don't know him...just a feeling. And if he makes loads of money doing so, great for him! Certainly his goal is a laudable one. Actually, it matters not to me if he is sincere in his desires to help the multitudes--his words impart insights to those who read them and try to integrate them vs just moving on to something else, as you discussed. Anyway, just wanted to second your post...or third it as the case may be :-)Thanks for sharing your wisdom... Cathy

You Create Your Own Reality

Yes Kereyra, it makes "sense". Nice to "see" you again.

There IS that "place" within that can be cultivated/established where ALL that is happening is no different than watching a movie..........that place of "no preferences" as mentioned in the Hsin Hsin Ming.

I'm beginning to realize that not many have the time, or inclination, to establish that "base", just because they think it's all hog-wash.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh Sooooooooooooooooooooooo!.

Namaste' extablish

Clarification...that thing about being negative or positive meaning bad or good things will happen...I should rephrase. Things happen, we tend to see all the negative stuff when we're in a bad mood, we tend to see things in a positive light when we're not.

Somehow, it's also true that when we're in a black mood, we bring disaster on our own heads. When we're not, things have more of a tendency to click. In anycase, results are what we make of them.

Does this make any sense?

A couple of years ago, a friend invited me to a seminar on universal energy. I absolutely do not like to listen to coined phrases designed to sell something, whether it's Coke or religion, but since she'd been so insistent I went.

It took a lot of effort to sit still and listen, there were plenty of moments when I thought, "Geez, I deserve a reward for sitting here and listening to all this crap!" (obviously, very negative state of mind)

Anyway, I got through the three days of seminar managing to get something positive out of the whole thing, enough to continue with the studies throughout these almost three years. Everytime I go to a seminar, I hear a lot of things repeated, a lot of marketing strategies, but now I have the patience to listen to the undercurrents, to the messages that mean something important to me. I've learned to understand that how I feel about things is going to affect how things go. I'm negative...something not so good is going to happen. I'm upbeat, positive and patient...things go well, in the short-term or the long run.

Why the comment? Lori, Bernadette...we all make choices as to how we view things and we all decide how far we're willing to look into things. We can take them at face value, look at them superficially or go further into them...which means going into one's self. What we think of things often reflects more upon how we think instead of what we think about.

Change of topic. Blastoleusnicated is not in the dictionary people! Just thought I'd save you all some time in looking for the dang word!! : )

Although Dr. Chopra doesn't claim to be a pyschologist, with the exception of his physical (MD) input, all his stuff is psychology/philosophy.

The whole process of "enlightenment" is coming to KNOW that ALL we think.........is "illusion"...... "i-magined".

THERE IS NO THOUGHT (THINKING) WHEN WE CAME INTO "BEING".

Though art "THAT".

"Enlightenment" (as that is the "experience"---light---among "others") is the process of UN-LEARNING-------"awakening", to the MAJESTY of what "we" are a part of.

I bow................. I embrace................ALL who are on the path of "return".

Namaste'

Right on Hadi..............as usual.

Namaste'

Negative inner dialog comes into being when the fire within you hasn't dealt effectively with the material it has encountered.

There's an insight here that's extremely important to understand. When you are synchronized with the energy field that gave rise to you - when you are in balance physically, emotionally, and spiritually - you possess a level of strength and flexibility that is sufficient to meet any challenge effortlessly. But more than simply meeting any challenge, you can transform the "it" in such a way that it nourishes you on your spiritual journey. Though a weak fire may be smothered, a brightly burning flame converts any obstacle that it meets with into fuel for itself.

We are the inner dialog of the conscious energy field, -- but all too often our thoughts take a form that hinders spiritual development that is moving us in the direction opposite from which we want to go. Inner dialogue should help us regain unity consciousness with the field. Positive inner dialogue helps us move in that direction. It fosters synchronicity. It fosters spiritual development.

If a friend gave this to you and you want to subscribe to Namaste, join at www.chopra.com/namaste.htm or send an e-mail to listserve@chopra.com with a blank Subject line, and the message text subscribe namaste.

Bernadette & Lori: Your belief systems and your thoughts manifest the experiences you have, including the quality of the experience.

One of the greatest complaints I hear about Deepak is that he doesn't seem to be saying anything new. He covered it in the first two or three books and now he is rehashing it. He is becoming "stale". The truth is, in today's society of consumerism where we always want "more", we tend to "move on" from experience to experience to experience, from book to book, lecture to lecture, workshop to workshop, lover to lover computer to computer and so on. We are unable to find and realise the true potential of any single experience to its fullest. Unable to go deeply into it because of our ego conditioning of being "spoon fed" our beliefs, we find the experience stale. But who is it who is finding the experience stale? Why?

The truth is, Deepak is repeating himself. Not only is the message no different than his first couple of books, but it is no different than it has been for thousands of years. The paradox is that it is "our" ability to go into the original message and find deeper and deeper layers of understanding "within ourselves" which needs scrutiny, and not the authors attempts to bring enlightenment. No one can enlighten you, except you. If you are eating up Deepak merchandise over and over again, you may be missing the point. You may be looking for a Guru or a Saviour. He is neither of these things. If, however, two years after your first experience of Deepak you find your bookcase bulging with all manner of esoteric literature from all manner of sources, and if you find yourself earnestly practising and integrating the teachings of that literature, rather than just reading about it and attending a great number of lectures, then you will be experiencing growth. Certainly, it would be whimsical, if you have already read and heard Deepak's philosophy, to expect any real insight from the Larry King Show! But for the uninitiated who hasn't read Deepak, he may light a spark, and they may go and buy this "Towel Head's" book, by going "deeper" than the limitations of a t.v. interview with all its commercial breaks etc., and with any luck be awakened, or at the very least, intrigued.

Deepak is on a mission, and he is taking the same message to different groups. His books have "buzz-words" to appeal to different "types" of people. Different needs. Look at the titles. "Affluence" and Success" are aimed at a quite different audience than, "Quantum Healing" Spiritual Laws" and "Know God". Yet the message is the same. But someone who is seeking God is not going to be drawn by a book about "Creating Wealth", anymore than your average capitalist high-flyer is going to be interested in "knowing God". I generalise, I know, and no doubt there are exceptions, but my general point is that he is employing marketing strategies to repackage the same goods and make them attractive to a diverse and otherwise indifferent market.

Your comment that "I'm sure that Chopra runs out of steam like everyone else. Not many of us go to our jobs every day with consistent enthusiasm." I wholeheartedly agree with. Deepak must find it very frustrating going over the same ground so often, even though he does it creatively. However, there are no "new insights", just deeper ones, or "remembering".

Namaste'

Goodness. There had been only one post all day and then while I am composing my response, six people came by. I love how we can all see things so differently. Sometimes I forget to appreciate the differences.

Things I am grateful for:

Sleeping thirty-something children who have returned home for a visit.

"Like the tick tick tock of the stately clock as it stands against the wall..." (and other Cole Porter lyrics).

Delayed broadcasts of soccer games that don't cost $19.95 on Pay-Per-View.

People who piss me off and thus help me to redefine myself to me.

Frank Sinatra

The October 1999 issue of GQ, specifically the article "I Can't Believe It's Not Buddha."

Old friends

The memory of the Millinneum Fairlane...

Lori, the book signings in some cities were a better deal. They were free. It must be frustrating to shell out hard-earned cash and receive so little in return.

In the four or five years since this forum went up, Deepak Chopra has made his presence known only once. He promised to come back more often and disappeared.

I'm sure that Chopra runs out of steam like everyone else. Not many of us go to our jobs every day with consistent enthusiasm.

For me, his first two or three books offered something that "clicked." Then he got very very stale. Maybe someone else found new insights in his more recent books. His recent interviews on Larry King were utterly forgetable. I hate it when people stoop to describing how each letter in a word like "spirit" stands for something. That is SO contrived.

I'm tired of his snappy pat answers. "There are fours ways to..." "These are the seven laws of..." How does he KNOW there aren't FIVE ways or THIRTEEN laws?

There is a lot of wisdom in much of what Chopra says. But it isn't found in platitudes. Take what's good and leave the rest for someone else or another time.

I'm still looking for the real Rinpoche.

Pax

I am just beginning my journey into this wonderful author and I would love to talk with someone who understands him better than I do,at this point

"Appreciate me now
and
Avoid the rush"

Namaste'

tick-tock...

Hi Geoff! Yes I am from Adelaide, and Im glad you found my hometown so stimulating.. :)) Thanks again for your help.!! Hi Everyone else!! At the moment I am being taught the lesson of patience, which I have always found very hard to do. There is one particular situation in my life that, at present, cannot change until time has passed and other objectives have been accomplished first. Sometimes I think impulsively that perhaps if I did such and such, I could 'jump the queue' so to speak. I've noticed lately, however, that when I start to think like this I get a picture of cog wheels in my mind, and I imagine the 'cog wheels of the Universe' in motion, setting the stage for the manifestation of my ideal outcome, and perhaps throwing in an unexpected surprise or 2 as well. I dont know if I'm still trying to force the outcome of the situation, and I sincerely hope I am not. I'm not even sure if my 'cog wheels' are helping me to accept my present situation, or not, but I do know I find it curiously reassuring. Thank you to all for letting me join in your spiritual journey through this forum. Love, light and happiness to all........maz

Can't help but pop in and drop in and tell y'all HI!!!

Crown/Harmony Books

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