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I've been thinking a bit about what is holding us back from the experience of unconditional love. Deepak talks a lot about labels in Way of the Wizard. Most of the time we're not seeing and experiencing 'reality'. We're seeing and experiencing and reacting to the labels we've attached to reality and the belief system we've constructed based on those labels. You can only see someone as a 'stranger' and treat them as a 'stranger' once you have labeled them as a 'stranger' and learned to think of them as a 'stranger'. The same applies to any label under the sun - you name it - weirdo - loser - loony - lefty - miserable sod - psychotic - boring - twit - normal - crazy - friend - enemy ...

There are some excellent meditations where you systematically 'peel away' all the labels you have attached to yourself and to others. Peel enough of them away and you may arrive at the 'place' referred to in this definition of Namaste -
"I honor the place in you where the entire universe resides. I honor the place in you, where lies your love, your light, your truth and your beauty. I honor the place in you where...if you are in that place in you...and I am in that place in me....then there is only one of us."

Trouble is, we tend to spend a heck of a lot of our time 'away' from that place. :)

Ravi, you could say that poem was 17 years in the making. It was originally much darker than what it is now.

Wonderful to see the response to that excerpt from Emissary of Light. It's the sort of book if you had given it to me just two years ago I would have laughed at. I would have said something like, "Oh, this guy has got to be kidding if he expects people to believe that story!"

Here's a further excerpt in which James wonders if indeed anyone will believe him. I can relate to his feelings. I've had many experiences where I have thought I'm not going to tell anyone about that, they'll think I have flipped. And in a sense I have. :)

"But they will think I'm crazy."

"The world is crazy," she said. "Since when has the world been so wise? You'll be telling them that they are made of love. Simple. You'll say that heaven is real and that they can experience it right now. They don't have to die or experience a hundred more lifetimes. This is what everyone is dying to hear. They've just been waiting for someone to say it with certainty. And that's what you'll do. Of course, some people will think you're crazy. But others will understand. Those are the people you're being sent to, I'm sure."

Hi all,

Geoff,

I spent time reading and rereading the material you referred me to.

Your poem is so real and pertinent from many angles. How long were you at it?

My humble offering:

The books and posts all seem to be saying that 'love' exists in three forms:

A doable thing (Hadi said it was a verb)(mental)

An emotion to bond with an object/person (Emotional)

A state of bliss (spiritual)

Pretty much the 3 Verbs.

The bliss you experienced after James Twyman's lesson probably belongs to the 'state' kind.

Such experiences are mostly ephemeral. Second time around the episode will be shorter and less intense.

How do we enter the state for long periods and hopefully, permanently?(What Buddha achieved) Peggy also referred to it. "If we are all enlightened then what follows?" Peggy, then it's Utopia - freedom from suffering.

I have postulated that there exists a subtle 'mechanism', (I call it "The Cantilever Effect") which takes one from the 'emotion' to the 'bliss state'. This can be realized and the technique can be easily learnt.

It's 'The Cantilever Effect' in operation during deep prayer for some and meditative-listening of instrumantal music for others.

The magic of the 'Cantilever Effect' is that the 'bliss state' can be repeatedly entered by following the same practice and the duration and the enjoyment of 'love state' increases with each episode.

Try it for you have been there and you'll know what I'm saying (unknowingly we enter this state during sleep for short bursts).

I offer this in all earnestness and sincerity. Namaste'

Maybe we are all dreaming. One day, the universe itself will "wake up," and we will find ourselves in a state of unimaginable bliss. In the meantime, we are "down here," doing whatever we think is best. The "illusion" of pain, loss, and fear still hurts. Mystics have advised that by meditating you can transcend much of the suffering. Let us assume that you transcended all of it. Would that mean the material world is an illusion, or just how you perceive and relate to it?

- from "Reality & Illusion"

Funny thing is that nobody ever says "this is all just a dream" when they're feeling fabulous! :)

Halya, Mezzie,
The relationship between a loving parent and a child is the ideal of unconditional love.
A loving parent forgives stealing, cheating and even murder.
A loving parent finds his/her child the most beautiful creation, and sees no ugliness.
A loving parent believs that his/her child is the most wonderful creature on earth, divine and a source of eternal bliss.
Not all parents love their children unconditionally. And most people do not love everyone in this world unconditionally.
But, the ideal exists - it is real. It is possible!

Guess I kinda just re-stated what mazzie said. (great minds---ha)

The Dalai Lama suggested that we greet everyone as if we've known them before (as a "method").

Also, a very arrogant/egotistical young man was told by his teacher to go down to Hollywood & Vine, or 7th or 8th St in downtown LA, find someone that he "looked down on", and follow them around until he "saw" them differently. To find something "good" about them. As I understand it, he had to do this for 6 months.

Today he is a close friend of Dalai Lama and involved in seeking the freedom of Tibet from Communist rule.

For me it's more of an "attitude" I'd say. Kinda like Father Flanagan's "There are no bad boys", only it includes everyone.

It's also a willingness and openness to "help" where possible and warranted.

HALYA - about loving everyone unconditionally, I think that if we actually did love everyone unconditionally, we -robably wouldnt have a need to be here at all!!....However, in an endeavour to attain this, I -ersonally believe that EVERYONE has some amount of 'good', for want of a better word, in them. This may sometimes take some digging to find at times but if we can concentrate on finding even a little of the divine in all, we all benefit from it.......Just my -ersonal o-inion anyhow....MAZZIE

Hi all, I love your posts on love, but how on earth does one love everyone unconditionally? It sounds really great, but it seems like such a high ideal that it's really frustrating....any practical suggestions?

Josie, then get "out" of your mind and into your heart. Whenever I am in my mind, there are indeed nothing but blocks. Only someone who is truly "out" of their mind, can live the life they have imagined. I use a Thoreau quote often,

"If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.

He will pass an invisible boundary; new, universal, and more liberal laws will begin to establish themselves around him; and he will live with the license of a high order of beings.

In proportion as he simplifies his life, the laws of the universe will appear less complex…

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.

Peggy, apples and their side effects of living life through my second chakra (1st if you are a Margot Anand fan), have caused enough trouble in this lifetime. I'll stick to pears. They are just as sweet but less tempting and you get a nice warning bellyache if you eat too many... ;-)

Hi Sister!

Syncronicity abounds.

TO All! Help! I have been suffering from mind blocks that prevented me from moving forward. If possible could you would you throw me some questions that you would like resolved or answered in a book that you would purchase.

I am a psychologist working with individuals, groups and communities. My special interests are satisfified by running "Big Picture" workshops for young people (particularly those who have hit the wall), and those special people who work with young people. Currently looking for anyone who lives the philophical and practical belief systems promologated by Deepak Chopra, Conversations With God, and so many others...One of my current roles is working with a commnuity organisation to develop new and better ways for strenghtening families within the City of Caloundra, Queensland, Australia. Families and community are made up of individuals, with the exact same fears and aspirations. How does one go about enabling commnunities for healing using these belief systems? Appreciate comments. Paul

"No matter what we feel or know;
no matter what our potential gifts or talents,
only action bring them to life.
Those of us who only think we understand concepts,
such as commitment, courage, and love,
one day discover that we only know when we act;
doing becomes understanding".

Wow!

Es muy emocionante encontrar la pagina del dr.Chopra., Felicidades, necesitamos en México información y comunicación con el, en español para que le sea accecible a la gente sus importantes conceptos., Por favor si existe alguna forma de establecer contacto con el dr. Chopra en idioma español, favor de informarmelo. Gracias y felicidades.

"TRY" harder yx!

Namaste'

FINIS

I guess first of all, society will have to change a hell-of-a-lot before people will even THINK their missing the mark.

Young people are not that "far" away from that "original" condition.

In fact most of them have a feeling that "somethings wrong with this picture".

It's about the age of twelve that they DECIDE to follow the "Jones Syndrome"; becoming "somebody".

Making decisions ("thoughts" accepted sub-consciously) about who they are, where they fit in, etc., based on what they've been exposed to, so far, along the journey. This is when they "loose" them-selves, because they haven't been taught how to look at what, how, and why they think the way they do.

Something that just "clicked" with me not long ago was, "Who the hell am I to go against what has been said over the centuries by the Master's"?

Buddha said.... "Life is suffering". Jesus said........"in the world you will have tribulation". And more recently, Scott Peck said........"Life is difficult", so where do "I" get off thinking utopia will EVER be reached on this plane of existence?

Ahhhhhhhh Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Namaste'

in Coquitlam City, BC WHEREAS Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a traditional Chinese qigong (self-cultivation)practice designed to improve the mind and body through exercises and meditation.It espouses the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance, taking these as a guidance for conduct and thought. Merely eight years since its public introduction, falun dafa has spread to more than forty countries around the world and has come to be practiced by more than one hundred million preple; AND WHEREAS Enabling countless individuals to turn away from self-destructive thinking and behavior, such as drug, alcohol and tobacco use, falun dafa has equipped people with the understanding necessary to endure the hardest and unjust of tribulations without resorting to violence. It is apolitical and is a popular exercise that improves people's health and spiritual well being. The practitioners of falun dfafa have remained true to the teachings of Mr. Li Hongzhi, who has worked tirelessly to convey falun dafa from China to the rest of the world and has touched the lives of countless preple in many countries, earning an international reputation. NOW THEREFORE I, Joe Trasolini, Mayor of the City of Port Moody do hereby proclaim July 20, 2000 as "Falun Dafa Day" in the City of Port Moody. Dated this 11th day of July, 2000 Joe Trasolini Mayor 2.July 20th, 2000 is proclaimed as "Falun Dafa Day" in Port Moody City, BC CITY OF COQUITLAM ----------------- Proclamation WHEREAS: Falun Dafa has improved over 100 million preple's physical and mental Health worldwide, improved their moral standard and deepened their Understanding of life, humanity and the universe; and WHEREAS: Falun Dafa is a pure cultivation and practice system with an ancient Chinese heritage emphasis on the principle of Zhen-Shan-Ren (Truthfulness - Benevolence - Forberance); and WHEREAS: Falun Dafa has played a significant role in bringing peace to the world and leading people toward wisdom and enlightenment; and WHEREAS: Falun Dafa has helped numerous people to turn away from bad habits and to pursue more meaningful lives; and WHEREAS: Falun Dafa's remarkable contribution to human society has been recognized world wide: NOW THEREFORE: I, Jon Kingsbury, Mayor of the City Coquitlam, do hereby proclaim July 20th, 2000 as "FALUN DAFA DAY" Jon Kingsbury MAYER 3.Reports from Victoria Health Show Vancouver and Victoria Falun Dafa practitioners successfully introduced Falun Dafa to Victoria Approximately 20 Falun Dafa practitioners from Vancouver and Victoria participated the annual Canadian National Health Show in Victoria on January 22 and 23, 2000, and introduced Falun Dafa to this beautiful capital city of British Columbia. January is normally the raining season for Victoria, but there were no rain during the two days and we even had sunny breaks on Sunday. Our Falun Dafa booth was right at the entrance of the health show and it was impossible to miss the big red sign "Falun Gong". Hundreds of people stopped at our desk, asking for information, watching the exercise instruction tape, reading the posters and flyers, inquirying the situation in China and signing the Falun Dafa international appeal. A couple in their early 60s was the first to approach us. They were very excited to see the Falun Gong sign and told us that they have been tracking information about Falun Dafa for a couple of months and were looking forward to this moment when they knew that we would be at the health show. Another family of five drove down from the upper island especially for obtaining more information of Falun Dafa. They learned the five sets of exercises and came back the next day to join our group practice in front of the BC Parliament Buildings. More than 200 flyers have been distributed. Even after the show was closed, a gentleman approached to our desk, asked some questions and then took the last copy of Zhuan Falun with great satisfaction on his face. ... During the show, practitioners were invited to give two demonstrations of the exercises each day. Accompanying the slow, smooth and elegant movements and peaceful music, a practitioner introduced the exercises to the audiance. Many people were deeply impressed. One audiance said, "I cannot believe how gentle the movements are." Another wonders "wah, you can really concentrate in such a noisy surroundings?!" Many others told us they felt the energy flow from the demonstration. At the meantime of the health show in the afternoons, group practice and information distribution were carrying on in front of the BC parliament buildings. Many local residents and tourists passed by. Some stopped and watched our group exercises. Some took the flyers. And a number of persons learned the exercises on the spot. In the evening, practitioners gathered together and exchanged their experiences. Bronwen, a practitioner in Victoria who "accidentally" obtained the Dafa a month ago, was so happy and grateful to have this rare opportunity of group practice and study. She hopes she can soon practice in a group in Victoria. The next day, four persons called her and wanted to learn Falun Dafa. Apparently, it won't be long her hope will be fulfilled: there will be a group practice site in Victoria very soon. After watching the demo, learning the exercises and talking with practitioners, a lady from Duncan (a community 80 kilometers north of Victoria) invited us to give introductory workshops to her community. "I feel so good to hear this" when she learned that all of Falun Dafa activities must be free and we do not accept any donation. Looking at her bright smile, we suddenly realize that many predestined and kind-hearted people are waiting for us to bring the Falun Dafa to them. It is our responsibilities as practitioners to further spread the Dafa and let more people know the truth of Falun Gong. Vancouver Practitioners January 24, 2000 4.First Falun Dafa Experience Sharing Conference in Greater Vancouver Is Great Success! The first Falun Dafa experience sharing conference in Great Vancouver was hold on Dec. 11,1999.  There were over a hundred practitioners from Vancouver, Seattle and Toronto attending the conference.  About 20 people delivered speeches,  on their great health improvements, and Xinxing upgrade since practicing Falun Dafa. Audience were deeply impressed both by the experiences of Chinese practitioners,  and by the real stories from the western speakers and their progresses. Following the speeches were group discussions. Practitioners not only showed deep concerns,but also felt the encouragement from the fellow practitioners in China. They suffered so much,  but cherish Dafa much more than their lives. Also showed was the document video: "Falun Gong --The Real Story".After watching it,  one western lady said she was so touched by the story that she did not want to leave. During this conference, many visitors came to show their interests in Falun Dafa and signed the petition form as well.  Most of Dafa books, intruction video and audio tapes were sold out.  The conference was a great success! 5.Falun Dafa Public Introduction at Victoria Health Show Date:               Sat January 22 & Sun January 23, 2000                                       Exhibit floor open Sat 10am ~ 7pm                                        Sun 11am ~ 6pm Location:               Victoria Conference Centre  (in the heart of the Downtown Victoria, adjacent to the Empress Hotel) Public Demo:         11:30 am and 1:30 pm, Saturday, half hour duration                                      12:30 pm and 2:30 pm, Sunday,   half hour duration 6.Falun Dafa Public Introduction at Vancouver Health Show Date:                 10am ~ 7pm, Saturday, November 20, 1999                            11am ~ 6pm, Sunday,   November 21, 1999 Location:          The Plaza of Nations, Vancouver                           (Northeast corner off the Cambie Bridge, south of the BC Stadium) Public Demo:    11:30am and 1:30pm, Saturday, duration: half hour                           12:30pm and 2:30pm, Sunday  , duration: half hour 7.Falun Dafa 9-day Seminar in SFU Location: WMX (West Mall Complex) 2533, SFU Burnaby Campus  Time: 7:00pm ~ 9:00pm, Sept.20th(Mon)~28th(Tue)  Contact: 2949482 Fanny, 4649634 June, 4698612 Sue 8.Falun Dafa Public Presentation in SFU   Falun Dafa will set up one desk at SFU club days.   Time: 10:00am~3:00pm  Sept. 13,14 and 15.   There will be two exercise demo at 1:00pm~2:00pm on Sep. 14 and 15 .   Everybody is welcome!

in Coquitlam City, BC Proclamation WHEREAS Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a traditional Chinese qigong (self-cultivation)practice designed to improve the mind and body through exercises and meditation.It espouses the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Tolerance, taking these as a guidance for conduct and thought. Merely eight years since its public introduction, falun dafa has spread to more than forty countries around the world and has come to be practiced by more than one hundred million preple; AND WHEREAS Enabling countless individuals to turn away from self-destructive thinking and behavior, such as drug, alcohol and tobacco use, falun dafa has equipped people with the understanding necessary to endure the hardest and unjust of tribulations without resorting to violence. It is apolitical and is a popular exercise that improves people's health and spiritual well being. The practitioners of falun dfafa have remained true to the teachings of Mr. Li Hongzhi, who has worked tirelessly to convey falun dafa from China to the rest of the world and has touched the lives of countless preple in many countries, earning an international reputation. NOW THEREFORE I, Joe Trasolini, Mayor of the City of Port Moody do hereby proclaim July 20, 2000 as "Falun Dafa Day" in the City of Port Moody. Dated this 11th day of July, 2000 Joe Trasolini Mayor 2.July 20th, 2000 is proclaimed as "Falun Dafa Day" in Port Moody City, BC CITY OF COQUITLAM ----------------- Proclamation WHEREAS: Falun Dafa has improved over 100 million preple's physical and mental Health worldwide, improved their moral standard and deepened their Understanding of life, humanity and the universe; and WHEREAS: Falun Dafa is a pure cultivation and practice system with an ancient Chinese heritage emphasis on the principle of Zhen-Shan-Ren (Truthfulness - Benevolence - Forberance); and WHEREAS: Falun Dafa has played a significant role in bringing peace to the world and leading people toward wisdom and enlightenment; and WHEREAS: Falun Dafa has helped numerous people to turn away from bad habits and to pursue more meaningful lives; and WHEREAS: Falun Dafa's remarkable contribution to human society has been recognized world wide: NOW THEREFORE: I, Jon Kingsbury, Mayor of the City Coquitlam, do hereby proclaim July 20th, 2000 as "FALUN DAFA DAY" Jon Kingsbury MAYER 3.Reports from Victoria Health Show Vancouver and Victoria Falun Dafa practitioners successfully introduced Falun Dafa to Victoria Approximately 20 Falun Dafa practitioners from Vancouver and Victoria participated the annual Canadian National Health Show in Victoria on January 22 and 23, 2000, and introduced Falun Dafa to this beautiful capital city of British Columbia. January is normally the raining season for Victoria, but there were no rain during the two days and we even had sunny breaks on Sunday. Our Falun Dafa booth was right at the entrance of the health show and it was impossible to miss the big red sign "Falun Gong". Hundreds of people stopped at our desk, asking for information, watching the exercise instruction tape, reading the posters and flyers, inquirying the situation in China and signing the Falun Dafa international appeal. A couple in their early 60s was the first to approach us. They were very excited to see the Falun Gong sign and told us that they have been tracking information about Falun Dafa for a couple of months and were looking forward to this moment when they knew that we would be at the health show. Another family of five drove down from the upper island especially for obtaining more information of Falun Dafa. They learned the five sets of exercises and came back the next day to join our group practice in front of the BC Parliament Buildings. More than 200 flyers have been distributed. Even after the show was closed, a gentleman approached to our desk, asked some questions and then took the last copy of Zhuan Falun with great satisfaction on his face. ... During the show, practitioners were invited to give two demonstrations of the exercises each day. Accompanying the slow, smooth and elegant movements and peaceful music, a practitioner introduced the exercises to the audiance. Many people were deeply impressed. One audiance said, "I cannot believe how gentle the movements are." Another wonders "wah, you can really concentrate in such a noisy surroundings?!" Many others told us they felt the energy flow from the demonstration. At the meantime of the health show in the afternoons, group practice and information distribution were carrying on in front of the BC parliament buildings. Many local residents and tourists passed by. Some stopped and watched our group exercises. Some took the flyers. And a number of persons learned the exercises on the spot. In the evening, practitioners gathered together and exchanged their experiences. Bronwen, a practitioner in Victoria who "accidentally" obtained the Dafa a month ago, was so happy and grateful to have this rare opportunity of group practice and study. She hopes she can soon practice in a group in Victoria. The next day, four persons called her and wanted to learn Falun Dafa. Apparently, it won't be long her hope will be fulfilled: there will be a group practice site in Victoria very soon. After watching the demo, learning the exercises and talking with practitioners, a lady from Duncan (a community 80 kilometers north of Victoria) invited us to give introductory workshops to her community. "I feel so good to hear this" when she learned that all of Falun Dafa activities must be free and we do not accept any donation. Looking at her bright smile, we suddenly realize that many predestined and kind-hearted people are waiting for us to bring the Falun Dafa to them. It is our responsibilities as practitioners to further spread the Dafa and let more people know the truth of Falun Gong. Vancouver Practitioners January 24, 2000 4.First Falun Dafa Experience Sharing Conference in Greater Vancouver Is Great Success! The first Falun Dafa experience sharing conference in Great Vancouver was hold on Dec. 11,1999.  There were over a hundred practitioners from Vancouver, Seattle and Toronto attending the conference.  About 20 people delivered speeches,  on their great health improvements, and Xinxing upgrade since practicing Falun Dafa. Audience were deeply impressed both by the experiences of Chinese practitioners,  and by the real stories from the western speakers and their progresses. Following the speeches were group discussions. Practitioners not only showed deep concerns,but also felt the encouragement from the fellow practitioners in China. They suffered so much,  but cherish Dafa much more than their lives. Also showed was the document video: "Falun Gong --The Real Story".After watching it,  one western lady said she was so touched by the story that she did not want to leave. During this conference, many visitors came to show their interests in Falun Dafa and signed the petition form as well.  Most of Dafa books, intruction video and audio tapes were sold out.  The conference was a great success! 5.Falun Dafa Public Introduction at Victoria Health Show Date:               Sat January 22 & Sun January 23, 2000                                       Exhibit floor open Sat 10am ~ 7pm                                        Sun 11am ~ 6pm Location:               Victoria Conference Centre  (in the heart of the Downtown Victoria, adjacent to the Empress Hotel) Public Demo:         11:30 am and 1:30 pm, Saturday, half hour duration                                      12:30 pm and 2:30 pm, Sunday,   half hour duration 6.Falun Dafa Public Introduction at Vancouver Health Show Date:                 10am ~ 7pm, Saturday, November 20, 1999                            11am ~ 6pm, Sunday,   November 21, 1999 Location:          The Plaza of Nations, Vancouver                           (Northeast corner off the Cambie Bridge, south of the BC Stadium) Public Demo:    11:30am and 1:30pm, Saturday, duration: half hour                           12:30pm and 2:30pm, Sunday  , duration: half hour 7.Falun Dafa 9-day Seminar in SFU Location: WMX (West Mall Complex) 2533, SFU Burnaby Campus  Time: 7:00pm ~ 9:00pm, Sept.20th(Mon)~28th(Tue)  Contact: 2949482 Fanny, 4649634 June, 4698612 Sue 8.Falun Dafa Public Presentation in SFU   Falun Dafa will set up one desk at SFU club days.   Time: 10:00am~3:00pm  Sept. 13,14 and 15.   There will be two exercise demo at 1:00pm~2:00pm on Sep. 14 and 15 .   Everybody is welcome!

I figured I'd finish this off with the fact that that person "I" was, was created by societal programming and conditioning starting at about the age of two.

The "American Dream" that everyone (but no one really) has; that competitive, achievement, power syndrome that's "fed" us wherever we turn. You know.....if you're not doing this/that, don't have this/that, don't know this/that, etc. crap, then YOU don't measure up.

YOU measure up, simply by the fact you're HERE, and there's a PURPOSE for your existence.

Unless a person is functioning from their "original condition" with the added dimension of utilizing the talents and abilities they've acquired, it's pretty hard to maintain that "place" within.

Although the "self-ish" factor of having our needs (Maslow) met does apply, the art of giving, without giving, is what I've found most beneficial as far as the "world" is concerned.

No matter what the sphere of influence may be (children, other family members, church, etc.) I'm sure we all have some one (or bunches of "someone's") that we interact with that we KNOW if they'd just do a certain thing, they'd be OK.

We KNOW that on the other SIDE of the action they'll find what their looking for.

As "pointers" ourselves, that's all we can do, and leave the results (outcome) to "God".

As I've learned, people are going to do what their going to do. I do get tired of thinking (not saying it) "I told you so" though.

Namaste'

Musta said too much or something. Don't know where that stuff following Namaste' came from.

Thanks Geoff. After my "experience" one of the things "I" realized was that I didn't know a damn thing about "LOVE".

In fact I didn't "know" what had happened. It was just a great place to BE". (Thank "God" for my 92 year old Grandmother and her guru----Ram Dass).

The next two years was spent "disciplining" myself by working (doing) the Program of AA, and doing the 12 Steps. These "Steps" took me "within" to a set of opinions, preconceived ideas/concepts about the world, who I thought I was, and my relation to that world, etc.

The "experience" was being returned to my original condition of "no-mindedness"----"nothingness"----no THINKING.

So here I am, in this great "place" within, writing about this "character", much like a character in a play or novel. I could "see" this person in my minds eye (it was "me" because I'd lived it) and what a mess "he" was.

Two months after the experience I was handed a position in the world that I'd sought all my life (to no avail).

Power, money, prestige, all the accouterments of Corporate life. All the "things" I'd thought would make me "OK" in society.

That's when the REAL work on my-self began.

That "character" that still existed in my memory bank had to go, but "he" sure as hell fought to stay in control.

It was the daily discipline of going to an AA meeting, and afterwards following Ram Dass's guidance (books, tapes, breath meditation) that I was able to maintain that "peace that passes all understanding".

There was another book that was VERY helpful..."Prayer Can Change Your Life" by Parker/St. John. (Guideposts)

Don't let the title fool you (turn you off). It's about a course of study (also a "blind" experiment) that was conducted at the University of California at Redlands by two psychologists that statistically and scientifically proved the power of prayer.

The main "feature" for me was the four methods of "entering the circle of Love".

Which finally brings me to the purpose of this post.

As all spiritual teachers are pointing out, this "LOVE" is within. As Twyman also points out, this "UNCONDITIONAL LOVE" is within.

The ONLY thing that separates us from that state of "Consciousness" are "thoughts" contained in our memory bank (subconscious).

"We" are DISPENSERS of that Love, and from an UNCONDITIONAL "place" within, there is no ATTACHMENT to the outcome of where "we" direct that "LOVE".

Sometime back I was trying to find a "word" to describe that "place" when one is operating from it, and the psychology label I could come up with was "sociopath", but that doesn't fit because you truly do have compassion (Love) for others, other than your-self. The only one that fits would be "impersonal" I guess. Anyone else have another one?

From that "place"........action/inaction doesn't really apply because as I said, there is no "attachment" to the outcome. It's Ghandi saying "it's not important what you do, but it's very important that you do it".

Or Ram Dass saying "you huff, and puff, and make believe it makes a difference............when you KNOW that it doesn't". (In the "WHOLE" scheme of things).

Sorry for the length.

Namaste' two psychologists were "stored" in my memory bank (subconscious) At the same time, I was following

Thanks Geoff. Beautiful.

I was going to say, love isn't something we "do", but James twyman expressed it perfectly.

Chris, thanks for sharing your rambling thoughts. :) I just found a site you might be interested in. It contains the opening paragraphs from The Fabric of Reality. Enjoy. Keep on rambling. Oh yes, the link is here - I almost frogot.

On the recent theme of the nature of love, I thought I might share this excerpt from Emissary of Light. It's rather a long excerpt, so I'll set the scene for why I'm posting it. I read this book about a year ago and it was the most effortless reading experience I have had. It was as if my mind (and soul) had 'merged' with that of the writer, James Twyman, as he recounted his extraordinary experiences with the Emissaries. Most ofthe time I was not aware that I was actually 'reading'. I would read 40 or 50 pages in what seemed like 5 or 10 minutes.

I had goosebumps reading this section of the book and a phenomenal 'rush' of euphoria swept over me as I thought, "Hey! That's it!" I'd never heard love, especially 'unconditional love' described so wonderfully. It opened my eyes and my soul. I read this book at a point where I was very open and receptive and I read it in little over a day. So, I can't guarantee anyone else will have the same reaction to this passage - there are no guarantees in this life. :)

Here's the excerpt from Emissary of Light by James Twyman

"The final lesson is about the true meaning of love. I have said before that fear is the self-imposed block to the awareness of love's presence. When fear is released, love is revealed. And yet the true experience of love is beyond anything you can now imagine. It lies past all the images and symbols you have made to obscure love's call. And yet it is closer than you know, closer than your breath or even the silent whisper of love's longing for itself. And what is the secret that love has whispered into your half-closed ear, the distant echo that has haunted you so? You are the very essence of Love. This very moment, just as you are, in spite of all the preconceived ideas you have of yourself, love claims you and accepts you."

"You have forgotten who you are because in your fear of losing love you have witheld that which is your foundation. Love by its very nature is a gift that is freely given. And yet this gift is know only as it is given again. Only when love is breathed from one heart to another is it fully experienced. When love is witheld it is forgotten, and because you and love were born together, you are forgotten with her. She lies hidden within you beside the still forgotten memory of your truest Self. Though asleep and dreaming, she awaits the dawn when her name is called and she is again brought back to life. And the awakening of love is your awakening as well, so intimately linked, all from giving freely that which you are: the full awareness of love's presence. But this awakening process requires that you give up all the ways you have tried to limit and contain her."

"True, or unconditional, love is unaware of the strange demands you impose on your relationships. Love is the same for all. Your attempts to reserve love for specific relationships and then withold it from others is the very thing that has blocked your vision of love's presence. Give as love gives - just as the sun that gives its light to all who ask, or the sparrow that sings not for the one who listens, but for the song itself. When you give love, love is your reward. When you judge some people as worthy of your giving and other people as undeserving, then it is you who is undeserving; not because you have been judged by love but because you have forgtotten love's law."

"You, in your essence are the foundation of unconditional love. The water you give refreshes the whole universe, for you are not separate from one part of the universe but are intimately linked to all. Let your gift be free, then. Let it flow from you and wash over all those you see, all those who cross your path. Do not think that you cannot still have relationships that are more involved than others. Involvement has nothing to do with love. There will always be those in your life with whom you share the deeper pulse of your thoughts and those whom you do not. But the love you give is the same for each of them. It is but the recognition of the very same life of which you are continually reborn."

"Love is a knowing, a pure understanding. It knows that all things are whole, regardless of their appearance or delusion, and it gives itself wholly, without judgement, without recognizing the difference between this relationship or that. It understands that there is only one real relationship and it is the one we all share, the Self that is beyond the thought or the idea of Love, the holy encounter of life with life. The secret of unconditional love is that we are all the same, holy beyond imagination. This is what the release of fear reveals. This is what you are all looking for. And this is what you will find when you open your heart to every element of creation."

We sat there for a very long time without saying a word. The silence was overwhelming. I looked up at Teacher and thought I noticed a change. His face began to glow, I was sure of it. The Light radiated from him and all around him. Then it extended to include all of us. We were engulfed in the Light. I cannot describe what this is like because it is beyond anything the world can understand. Several of the women and attendants stood up from their chairs. One of them started jumping up in the air and another began laughing out loud. Soon we were all laughing and dancing, moving with the energy and sharing the Light. I could no longer tell the difference between myself and the others. In that instant I understood everything. I was teacher. I was the Light. I swam in the ocean of sameness and knew I would never leave again.

You can read some further excerpts by clicking here

Salaam & Peace - Please could you pass this message to Dr. Chopra. I first heard/ saw you on a TV programme discussing your ideas whilst I was on exchange in Canada in 1995. I liked what you had to say. Then in the summer of 1999 I found a copy of your book - 7 Spiritual Laws to success - in an old book whilst I was on holiday in Pakistan. I read the book cover to cover in one night. I was blown away but I did not put your ideas into practice. Then I returned to England where i Live and in October 1999 I had a vivid dream and I SAW YOU SMILING AT ME. What this means I have no idea but any insight from you would be welcome. Last week I picked up your book again and i began to Read and what struck me this time was that I knew all this before, appart from the initial read in 1999. The laws that you expound are also mentioned in the Quran in other guises. The more I read, i understand that all religions / belief systems have a common thread. I feel that the challenge for this new millenium is not decoding DNA but getting mind , body and soul to work in harmony / tandem at the personal molecular level and eventually at the macro/ governmental level. As a Muslim your book taught me to appreciate & love Islam even more because the fruition of the 7 laws (ultimately with DHARMA) you expound are are available to all regardless of religion in a potentially short period of time as long as the wisdom of the Quran & Sunnah are practiced 25 hours aday / 8 days a week. I FEEL PROUD THAT I HAVE A HINDU / VEDANTA TEACHER IN YOU. THANK YOU. GOD BLESS & PLEASE REMEMBER ME IN YOUR MEDITATIONS ! Faisal Sheikh.

Crown/Harmony Books

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