Peace

I Ching Tarot Deck

Sri Maha Varahi

Pushing Upward

I Ching Tarot Deck

Yogi Ramacharaka

THE "I"

In India, when candidates for initiation into the science of Raja Yoga apply to the Yogi Masters for instruction, they are given a series of lessons designed to enlighten them regarding the nature of the Real Self, and to instruct them in the secret knowledge whereby they may develop the consciousness and realization of the real "I" within them. They are shown how they may cast aside the erroneous or imperfect knowledge regarding their real identity.

Until the Candidate masters this instruction, or at least until the truth becomes fixed in his consciousness, further instruction is denied him, for it is held that until he has awakened to a conscious realization of his Actual Identity, he is not able to understand the source of his power, and, moreover, is not able to feel within him the power of the Will, which power underlies the entire teachings of "Raja Yoga."

The Yogi Masters are not satisfied if the Candidate forms merely a clear intellectual conception of this Actual Identity, but they insist that he must feel the truth of the same--must become aware of the Real Self--must enter into a consciousness in which the realization becomes a part of his everyday self--in which the realizing consciousness becomes the prevailing idea in his mind, around which his entire thoughts and actions revolve.

To some Candidates, this realization comes like a lightning flash the moment the attention is directed toward it, while in other cases the Candidates find it necessary to follow a rigorous course of training before they acquire the realization in consciousness.

The Yogi Masters teach that there are two degrees of this awakening consciousness of the Real Self. The first, which they call "the Consciousness of the 'I'," is the full consciousness of real existence that comes to the Candidate, and which causes him to know that he is a real entity having a life not depending upon the body--life that will go on in spite of the destruction of the body--real life, in fact. The second degree, which they call "the Consciousness of the 'I AM'," is the consciousness of one's identity with the Universal Life, and his relationship to, and "in-touchness" with all life, expressed and unexpressed. These two degrees of consciousness come in time to all who seek "The Path." To some it comes suddenly; to others it dawns gradually; to many it comes assisted by the exercises and practical work of "Raja Yoga."

The first lesson of the Yogi Masters to the Candidates, leading up to the first degree, above mentioned, is as follows: That the Supreme Intelligence of the Universe--the Absolute--has manifested the being that we call Man--the highest manifestation on this planet. The Absolute has manifested an infinitude of forms of life in the Universe, including distant worlds, suns, planets, etc., many of these forms being unknown to

us on this planet, and being impossible of conception by the mind of the ordinary man. But these lessons have nothing to do with that part of the philosophy which deals with these myriad forms of life, for our time will be taken up with the unfoldment in the mind of man of his true nature and power. Before man attempts to solve the secrets of the Universe without, he should master the Universe within--the Kingdom of the Self. When he has accomplished this, then he may, and should, go forth to gain the outer knowledge as a Master demanding its secrets, rather than as a slave begging for the crumbs from the table of knowledge. The first knowledge for the Candidate is the knowledge of the Self.

Man, the highest manifestation of the Absolute, as far as this planet is concerned, is a wonderfully organized being--although the average man understands but little of his real nature. He comprises within his physical, mental and spiritual make-up both the highest and the lowest. In his bones he manifests almost in the form of mineral life, in fact, in his bones, body and blood mineral substances actually exist. The physical life of the body resembles the life of the plant. Many of the physical desires and emotions are akin to those of the lower animals, and in the undeveloped man these desires and emotions predominate and overpower the higher nature, which latter is scarcely in evidence. Then Man has a set of mental characteristics that are his own, and which are not possessed by the lower animals. And in addition to the mental faculties common to all men, or rather, that are in evidence in a greater or lesser degree among all men, there are still higher faculties latent within Man, which when manifested and expressed render Man more than ordinary Man. The unfoldment of these latent faculties is possible to all who have reached the proper stage of development, and the desire and hunger of the student for this instruction is caused by the pressure of these unfolding latent faculties, crying to be born into consciousness. Then there is that wonderful thing, the Will, which is but faintly understood by those ignorant of the Yogi Philosophy--the Power of the Ego--its birthright from the Absolute.

But while these mental and physical things belong to Man, they are not the Man himself. Before the Man is able to master, control, and direct the things belonging to him--his tools and instruments--he must awaken to a realization of Himself. He must be able to distinguish between the "I" and the "Not I." And this is the first task before the Candidate.

That which is the Real Self of Man is the Divine Spark sent forth from the Sacred Flame. It is the Child of the Divine Parent. It is Immortal--Eternal--Indestructible--Invincible. It possesses within itself Power, Wisdom, and Reality. But like the infant that contains within itself the sometime Man, the mind of Man is unaware of its latent and potential qualities, and does not know itself. As it awakens and unfolds into the knowledge of its real nature, it manifests its qualities, and realizes what the Absolute has given it. When the Real Self begins to awaken, it sets aside from itself those things which are but appendages to it, but which it, in its half-waking state, had regarded as its Self. Setting aside first this, and then that, it finally discards all of the "Not I," leaving the Real Self free and delivered from its bondage to its appendages. Then it returns to the discarded appendages, and makes use of them.

In considering the question: "What is the Real Self?" let us first stop to examine what man usually means when he says "I."

The lower animals do not possess this "I" sense. They are conscious of the outer world; of their own desires and animal cravings and feelings. But their consciousness has not reached the Self-conscious stage. They are not able to think of themselves as separate entities, and to reflect upon their thoughts. They are not possessed of a consciousness of the Divine Spark--the Ego--the Real Self. The Divine Spark is hidden in the lower forms of life--even in the lower forms of human life--by many sheaths that shut out its light. But, nevertheless, it is there, always. It sleeps within the mind of the savage--then, as he unfolds, it begins to throw out its light. In you, the Candidate, it is fighting hard to have its beams pierce through the material coverings When the Real Self begins to arouse itself from its sleep, its dreams vanish from it, and it begins to see the world as it is, and to recognize itself in Reality and not as the distorted thing of its dreams.

The savage and barbarian are scarcely conscious of the "I." They are but a little above the animal in point of consciousness, and their "I" is almost entirely a matter of the consciousness of the wants of the body; the satisfaction of the appetites; the gratification of the passions; the securing of personal comfort; the expression of lust, savage power, etc. In the savage the lower part of the Instinctive Mind is the seat of the "I." If the savage could analyze his thoughts he would say that the "I" was the physical body, the said body having certain "feelings," "wants" and "desires." The "I" of such a man is a physical "I," the body representing its form and substance. Not only is this true of the savage, but even among so-called "civilized" men of today we find many in this stage. They have developed powers of thinking and reasoning, but they do not "live in their minds" as do some of their brothers. They use their thinking powers for the gratification of their bodily desires and cravings, and really live on the plane of the Instinctive Mind. Such a person may speak of "my mind," or "my soul," not from a high position where he looks upon these things from the standpoint of a Master who realizes his Real Self, but from below, from the point-of-view of the man who lives on the plane of the Instinctive Mind and who sees above himself the higher attributes. To such people the body is the "I." Their "I" is bound up with the senses, and that which comes to them through the senses. Of course, as Man advances in "culture" and "civilization," his senses become educated, and are satisfied only with more refined things, while the less cultivated man is perfectly satisfied with the more material and gross sense gratifications. Much that we call "cultivation" and "culture" is naught but a cultivation of a more refined form of sense gratification, instead of a real advance in consciousness and unfoldment. It is true that the advanced student and Master is possessed of highly developed senses, often far surpassing those of the ordinary man, but in such cases the senses have been cultivated under the mastery of the Will, and are made servants of the Ego instead of things hindering the progress of the soul--they are made servants instead of masters.

As Man advances in the scale, he begins to have a somewhat higher conception of the "I." He begins to use his mind and reason, and he passes on to the Mental Plane--his mind begins to manifest upon the plane of Intellect. He finds that there is something within him that is higher than the body. He finds that his mind seems more real to him than does the physical part of him, and in times of deep thought and study he is able almost to forget the existence of the body.

In this second stage, Man soon becomes perplexed. He finds problems that demand an answer, but as soon as he thinks he has answered them the problems present themselves in a new phase, and he is called upon to "explain his explanation." The mind, even although not controlled and directed by the Will, has a wonderful range, but, nevertheless, Man finds himself traveling around and around in a circle, and realizes that he is confronted continually by the Unknown. This disturbs him, and the higher the stage of "book learning" he attains, the more disturbed does he become. The man of but little knowledge does not see the existence of many problems that force themselves before the attention of the man of more knowledge, and demand an explanation from him. The tortures of the man who has attained the mental growth that enables him to see the new problems and the impossibility of their answer, cannot be imagined by one who has not advanced to that stage.

The man in this stage of consciousness thinks of his "I" as a mental thing, having a lower companion, the body. He feels that he has advanced, but yet his "I" does not give him the answer to the riddles and questions that perplex him. And he becomes most unhappy. Such men often develop into Pessimists, and consider the whole of life as utterly evil and disappointing--a curse rather than a blessing. Pessimism belongs to this plane, for neither the Physical Plane man or the Spiritual Plane man have this curse of Pessimism. The former man has no such disquieting thoughts, for he is almost entirely absorbed in gratifying his animal nature, while the latter man recognizes his mind as an instrument of himself, rather than as “himself.” and knows it to be imperfect in its present stage of growth. He knows that he has in himself the key to all knowledge - locked up in the Ego - and which the trained mind, cultivated, developed and guided by the awakened Will, may grasp as it unfolds. Knowing this the advanced man no longer despairs, and, recognizing his real nature, and his possibilities, as he awakens into a consciousness of his powers and capabilities, he laughs at the old despondent, pessimistic ideas, and discards them like a worn-out garment. Man on the Mental Plane of consciousness is like a huge elephant who knows not his own strength. He could break down barriers and assert himself over nearly any condition or environment, but in his ignorance of his real condition and power he may be mastered by a puny driver, or frightened by the rustling of a piece of paper.

When the Candidate becomes an Initiate--when he passes from the purely Mental Plane on to the Spiritual Plane--he realizes that the "I," the Real Self--is something higher than either body or mind, and that both of the latter may be used as tools and instruments by the Ego or "I." This knowledge is not reached by purely intellectual reasoning, although such efforts of the mind are often necessary to help in the unfoldment, and

the Masters so use it. The real knowledge, however, comes as a special form of consciousness. The Candidate becomes "aware" of the real "I," and this consciousness being attained, he passes to the rank of the Initiates. When the Initiate passes the second degree of consciousness, and begins to grow into a realization of his relationship to the Whole--when he begins to manifest the Expansion of Self--then is he on the road to Mastership.

In the present lesson we shall endeavor to point out to the Candidate the methods of developing or increasing the realization of this "I" consciousness--this first degree work. We give the following exercises or development drills for the Candidate to practice. He will find that a careful and conscientious following of these directions will tend to unfold in him a sufficient degree of the "I" consciousness, to enable him to enter into higher stages of development and power. All that is necessary is for the Candidate to feel within himself the dawn of the awakening consciousness, or awareness of the Real Self. The higher stages of the "I" consciousness come gradually, for once on the Path there is no retrogression or going backward. There may be pauses on the journey, but there is no such thing as actually losing that which is once gained on The Path.

This "I" consciousness, even in its highest stages, is but a preliminary step toward what is called "Illumination," and which signifies the awakening of the Initiate to a realization of his actual connection with and relation to the Whole. The full sight of the glory of the "I," is but a faint reflected glow of "Illumination." The Candidate, once that he enters fully into the "I" consciousness, becomes an "Initiate." And the Initiate who enters into the dawn of Illumination takes his first step upon the road to Mastery. The Initiation is the awakening of the soul to a knowledge of its real existence--the Illumination is the revelation of the real nature of the soul, and of its relationship with the Whole. After the first dawn of the "I" consciousness has been attained, the Candidate is more able to grasp the means of developing the consciousness to a still higher degree. He is more able to use the powers latent within him; to control his own mental states; to manifest a Centre of Consciousness and Influence that will radiate into the outer world which is always striving and hunting for such centres around which it may revolve.

Man must master himself before he can hope to exert an influence beyond himself. There is no royal road to unfoldment and power--each step must be taken in turn, and each Candidate must take the step himself, and by his own effort. But he may, and will, be aided by the helping hand of the teachers who have traveled The Path before him, and who know just when that helping hand is needed to lift the Candidate over the rough places.

We bid the Candidate to pay strict attention to the following instruction, as it is all important. Do not slight any part of it, for we are giving you only what is necessary, and are stating it as briefly as possible. Pay attention, and follow the instruction closely. This lesson must be mastered before you progress. And it must be practiced not only

now, but at many stages of the journey, until full Initiation and Illumination is yours.

RULES AND EXERCISES DESIGNED TO AID THE CANDIDATE IN HIS INITIATION.

The first instruction along the line of Initiation is designed to awaken the mind to a full realization and consciousness of the individuality of the "I." The Candidate is taught to relax his body, and to calm his mind and to meditate upon the "I" until it is presented clearly and sharply before the consciousness. We herewith give directions for producing the desired physical and mental condition, in which meditation and concentration are more readily practiced. This state of Meditation will be referred to in subsequent exercises, so the Candidate is advised to acquaint himself thoroughly with it.

STATE OF MEDITATION.

 If possible, retire to a quiet place or room, where you do not fear interruption, so that your mind may feel secure and at rest. Of course, the ideal condition cannot always be obtained, in which case you must do the best you can. The idea is that you should be able to abstract yourself, so far as is possible, from distracting impressions, and you should be alone with yourself--in communion with your Real Self.

It is well to place yourself in an easy chair, or on a couch, so that you may relax the muscles and free the tension of your nerves. You should be able to "let go" all over, allowing every muscle to become limp, until a feeling of perfect peace and restful calm permeates every particle of your being. Rest the body and calm the mind. This condition is best in the earlier stages of the practice, although after the Candidate has

acquired a degree of mastery he will be able to obtain the physical relaxation and mental calm whenever and wherever he desires.

But he must guard against acquiring a "dreamy" way of going around, wrapped in meditation when he should be attending to the affairs of life. Remember this, the State of Meditation should be entirely under the control of the Will, and should be entered into only deliberately and at the proper times. The Will must be master of this, as well as of every other mental state. The Initiates are not "day dreamers," but men and women having full control of themselves and their moods. The "I" consciousness while developed by meditation and consciousness, soon becomes a fixed item of consciousness, and does not have to be produced by meditation. In time of trial, doubt, or trouble, the consciousness may be brightened by an effort of the Will without going into the State of Meditation.

THE REALIZATION OF THE "I."

The Candidate must first acquaint himself with the reality of the "I," before he will be able to learn its real nature. This is the first step. Let the Candidate place himself in the

State of Meditation, as heretofore described. Then let him concentrate his entire attention upon his Individual Self, shutting out all thought of the outside world, and other persons. Let him form in his mind the idea of himself as a real thing--an actual being--an individual entity--a Sun around which revolves the world. He must see himself as the Centre around which the whole world revolves. Let not a false modesty, or sense of depreciation interfere with this idea, for you are not denying the right of others to also consider themselves centres. You are, in fact, a centre of consciousness--made so by the Absolute--and you are awakening to the fact. Until the Ego recognizes itself as a Centre of Thought, Influence and Power, it will not be able to manifest these qualities. And in proportion as it recognizes its position as a centre, so will it be able to manifest its qualities. It is not necessary that you should compare yourself with others, or imagine yourself greater or higher than them. In fact, such comparisons are to be regretted, and are unworthy of the advanced Ego, being a mark and indication of a lack of development, rather than the reverse. In the Meditation simply ignore all consideration of the respective qualities of others, and endeavor to realize the fact that YOU are a great Centre of Consciousness--a Centre of Power--a Centre of Influence--a Centre of Thought. And that like the planets circling around the sun, so does your world revolve around YOU who are its centre. It will not be necessary for you to argue out this matter, or to convince yourself of its truth by intellectual reasoning. The knowledge does not come in that way. It comes in the shape of a realization of the truth gradually dawning upon your consciousness through meditation and concentration. Carry this thought of yourself as a

"Centre of Consciousness--Influence--Power" with you, for it is an occult truth, and in the proportion that you are able, to realize it so will be your ability to manifest the qualities named.

No matter how humble may be your position--no matter how hard may be your lot--no matter how deficient in educational advantages you may be still you would not change your "I" with the most fortunate, wisest and highest man or woman in the world. You may doubt this, but think for a moment and you will see that we are right. When you say that you "would like to be" this person or that, you really mean that you would like to have their degree of intelligence, power, wealth, position, or what not. What you want is something that is theirs, or something akin to it. But you would not for a moment wish to merge your identity with theirs, or to exchange selves. Think of this for a moment to be the other person you would have to let yourself die, and instead of yourself you would be the other person. The real you would be wiped out of existence and you would not be you at all, but would be he.

If you can but grasp this idea you will see that not for a moment would you be willing for such an exchange. Of course such an exchange is impossible. The "I" of you cannot be wiped out. It is eternal, and will go on, and on, and on, to higher and higher states--but it always will be the same "I." Just as you, although a far different sort of person from your childhood self, still you recognize that the same "I" is there, and always has been there. And although you will attain knowledge, experience, power and wisdom in the coming years, the same "I" will be there. The "I" is the Divine Spark and cannot be extinguished.

The majority of people in the present stage of the race development have but a faint conception of the reality of the "I." They accept the statement of its existence, and are conscious of themselves as an eating, sleeping, living creature--something like a higher form of animal. But they have not awakened to an "awareness" or realization of the "I," which must come to all who become real centres of Influence and Power. Some men have stumbled into this consciousness, or a degree of it, without understanding the matter. They have "felt" the truth of it, and they have stepped out from the ranks of the commonplace people of the world, and have become powers for good or bad. This is unfortunate to some extent, as this "awareness" without the knowledge that should accompany it may bring pain to the individual and others.

The Candidate must meditate upon the "I," and recognize it—feel it—to be a Centre. This is his first task. Impress upon your mind the word "I," in this sense and understanding, and let it sink deep down into your consciousness, so that it will become a part of you. And when you say "I," you must accompany the word with the picture of your Ego as a Centre of Consciousness, and Thought, and Power, and Influence. See yourself thus, surrounded by your world. Wherever you go, there goes the Centre of your world. YOU are the Centre, and all outside of you revolves around that Centre. This is the first great lesson on the road to Initiation. Learn it!

The Yogi Masters teach the Candidates that their realization of the "I" as a Centre may be hastened by going into the Silence, or State of Meditation, and repeating their first name over slowly, deliberately and solemnly a number of times. This exercise tends to cause the mind to centre upon the "I," and many cases of dawning Initiation have resulted from this practice. Many original thinkers have stumbled upon this method, without having been taught it. A noted example is that of Lord Tennyson, who has written that he attained a degree of Initiation in this way. He would repeat his own name, over and over, and the same time meditating upon his identity, and he reports that he would become conscious and "aware" of his reality and immortality--in short would recognize himself as a real center of consciousness.

We think we have given you the key to the first stage of meditation and concentration. Before passing on, let us quote from one of the old Hindu Masters. He says, regarding this matter: "When the soul sees itself as a Centre surrounded by its circumference--when the Sun knows that it is a Sun, and is surrounded by its whirling planets--then is it ready for the Wisdom and Power of the Masters."

THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE "I" FROM THE BODY.

Many of the Candidates find themselves prevented from a full realization of the "I" (even after they have begun to grasp it) by the confusing of the reality of the "I" with the sense of the physical body. This is a stumbling block that is easily overcome by meditation and concentration, the independence of the "I" often becoming manifest to the Candidate in a flash, upon the proper thought being used as the subject of meditation.

The exercise is given as follows: Place yourself in the State of Meditation, and think of YOURSELF--the Real "I"--as being independent of the body, but using the body as a covering and an instrument. Think of the body as you might of a suit of clothes. Realize that you are able to leave the body, and still be the same "I." Picture yourself as doing this, and looking down upon your body. Think of the body as a shell from which you may emerge without affecting your identity. Think of yourself as mastering and controlling the body that you occupy, and using it to the best advantage, making it healthy, strong and vigorous, but still being merely a shell or covering for the real "You." Think of the body as composed of atoms and cells which are constantly changing, but which are held together by the force of your Ego, and which you can improve at Will. Realize that you are merely inhabiting the body, and using it for your convenience, just as you might use a house.

In meditating further, ignore the body entirely, and place your thought upon the Real "I" that you are beginning to feel to be "you," and you will find that your identity--your "I"--is something entirely apart from the body. You may now say "my body" with a new meaning. Divorce the idea of your being a physical being, and realize that you are above body. But do not let this conception and realization cause you to ignore the body. You must regard the body as the Temple of the Spirit, and care for it, and make it a fit habitation for the "I." Do not be frightened if, during this meditation, you happen to experience the sensation of being out of the body for a few moments, and of returning to it when you are through with the exercise. The Ego is able (in the case of the advanced Initiate) of soaring above the confines of the body, but it never severs its connection at such times. It is merely as if one were to look out of the window of a room, seeing what was going on outside, and drawing in his head when he wishes. He does not leave the room, although he may place his head outside in order to observe what is doing in the street. We do not advise the Candidate to try to cultivate this sensation--but if it comes naturally during meditation, do not fear.

REALIZING THE IMMORTALITY AND INVINCIBILITY OF THE EGO.

While the majority accept on faith the belief in the Immortality of the Soul, yet but few are aware that it may be demonstrated by the soul itself. The Yogi Masters teach the Candidates this lesson, as follows: The Candidate places himself in the State of Meditation, or at least in a thoughtfulm frame of mind, and then endeavors to "imagine" himself as "dead" that is, he tries to form a mental conception of himself as dead. This, at first thought, appears a very easy thing to imagine, but as a matter of fact it is impossible to do so, for the Ego refuses to entertain the proposition, and finds it impossible to imagine it. Try it for yourself. You will find that you may be able to imagine your body as lying still and lifeless, but the same thought finds that in so doing You are standing and looking at the body. So you see that You are not dead at all, even in imagination, although the body may be. Or, if you refuse to disentangle yourself from your body, in imagination, you may think of your body as dead but You who refuse to leave it are still alive and recognize the dead body as a thing apart from your Real Self. No matter how you may twist it you cannot imagine yourself as dead. The Ego insists upon being alive in any of these thoughts, and thus finds that it has within itself the sense and assurance of Immortality. In case of sleep or stupor resulting from a blow, or from narcotics or anesthetics, the mind is apparently blank, but the "I" is conscious of a continuity of existence. And so one may imagine himself as being in an unconscious state, or asleep, quite easily, and sees the possibility of such a state, but when it comes to imagining the "I" as dead, the mind utterly refuses to do the work. This wonderful fact that the soul carries within itself the evidence of its own immortality is a glorious thing, but one must have reached a degree of unfoldment before he is able to grasp its full significance.

The Candidate is advised to investigate the above statement for himself, by meditation and concentration, for in order that the "I" may know its true nature and possibilities, it must realize that it cannot be destroyed or killed. It must know what it is before it is able to manifest its nature. So do not leave this part of the teaching until you have mastered it. And it is well occasionally to return to it, in order that you may impress upon the mind the fact of your immortal and eternal nature. The mere glimmering of this conception of truth will give you an increased sense of strength and power, and you will find that your Self has expanded and grown, and that you are more of a power and Centre than you have heretofore realized.

The following exercises are useful in bringing about a realization of the invincibility of the Ego--its superiority to the elements.

Place yourself in the State of Meditation, and imagine the "I" as withdrawn from the body. See it passing through the tests of air, fire and water unharmed. The body being out of the way, the soul is seen to be able of passing through the air at will--of floating like a bird—of soaring--of traveling in the ether. It may be seen as able to pass through fire without harm and without sensation, for the elements affect only the physical body, not the Real "I." Likewise it may be seen as passing through water without discomfort or danger or hurt.

This meditation will give you a sense of superiority and strength, and will show you something of the nature of the real "I." It is true that you are confined in the body, and the body may be affected by the elements, but the knowledge that the Real "I" is superior to the body--superior to the elements that affect the body--and cannot be injured any more than it can be killed, is wonderful, and tends to develop the full "I" consciousness within you. For You--the Real "I"is not body. You are Spirit. The Ego is Immortal and Invincible, and cannot be killed and harmed. When you enter into this realization and consciousness, you will feel an influx of strength and power impossible to describe. Fear will fall from you like a worn-out cloak, and you will feel that you are "born again." An understanding of this thought, will show you that the things that we have been fearing cannot affect the Real "I," but must rest content with hurting the physical body. And they may be warded off from the physical body by a proper understanding and application of the Will.

You will be taught how to separate the "I" from the mechanism of the mind--how you may realize your mastery of the mind, just as you now realize your independence of the body. This knowledge must be imparted to you by degrees, and you must place your feet firmly upon one round of the ladder before you take the next step.

The watchword of this lesson is "I." And the Candidate must enter fully into its meaning before he is able to progress. He must realize his real existence--independent of the body. He must see himself as invincible and impervious to harm, hurt, or death. He must see himself as a great Centre of Consciousness--a Sun around which his world revolves. Then will come to him a new strength. He will feel a calm dignity and power, which will be apparent to those with whom he comes in contact. He will be able to look the world in the face without flinching, and without fear, for he will realize the nature and power of the "I." He will realize that he is a Centre of Power--of Influence. He will realize that nothing can harm the "I," and that no matter how the storms of life may dash upon the personality, the real "I"--the Individuality--is unharmed. Like a rock that stands steadfast throughout the storm, so does the "I" stand through the tempests of the life of personality. And he will know that as he grows in realization, he will be able to control these storms and bid them be still.

In the words of one of the Yogi Masters: "The 'I' is eternal. It passes unharmed through the fire, the air, the water. Sword and spear cannot kill or wound it. It cannot die. The trials of the physical life are but as dreams to it. Resting secure in the knowledge of the 'I,' Man may smile at the worst the world has to offer, and raising his hand he may bid them disappear into the mist from which they emerged. Blessed is he who can say (understandingly) 'I."

So dear Candidate, we leave you to master the First Lesson. Be not discouraged if your progress be slow. Be not cast down if you slip back a step after having gained it. You will gain two at the next step. Success and realization will be yours. Mastery is before. You will Attain. You will Accomplish. Peace be with you.

AFFIRMATIONS FOR THIS LESSON.

"I" am a Centre. Around me revolves my world.

"I" am a Centre of Influence and Power.

"I" am a Centre of Thought and Consciousness.

"I" am Independent of the Body.

"I" am Immortal and cannot be Destroyed.

"I" am Invincible and cannot be Injured.

Breakthrough

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Enjoy Life!

From The Vedas

"The knower, the author of time, the possessor of qualities and all knowledge, it is He who envelopes the universe. Controlled by Him, this work of creation unfolds itself - that which is regarded as earth, water, fire, air and ether."

A Glimpse Beyond

Daily Sadhana

In addition to casting a circle almost every New and Full Moon I also do morning and evening prayers. The length of time I have decides how involved my ritual is to be. At the very least I light a candle,some incense , and reverence the thangkas, murti, and icons.If it's morning prayers I tell Ganesha how much I love him and how much I am grateful for his help. I humbly ask Him to be with me through the day and to remove any obstacles that I might encounter, or provide me with good options in dealing with them. I tell Mother Kali and Durga how much I love them and I thank them for how much they love me. I ask them to share their divine love with me through the day and to guard and protect me. I tell Lakshmi and Saraswati how much I love them. I pray to Jesus Christ that if I am one of his lost sheep, that being the Good Shepard, would he please guide me home.

There is always Earth represented on my Altar in the form of Himalayan sea salt. I light my red candle to represent Fire and the incense burning represents Air. I take the bowl (that has the leftover water from yesterday) from the Altar, empty it, and refill it with fresh water. I offer the water to the Gods then place it on the Altar to represent Water. I spend as much time as I have to say  mantras, pray, or reflect on the day in the presence of the Gods. I ask for guidance and discernment most days. I then put out the candles and make sure the incense is okay and begin my day. In the evenings it is much the same only I spend a little more time in thanking the Gods for their help

For the longest time I put off incorporating the Hindu Deities I love into my regular prayer practice (which I now call my Sadhana after learning the word...). I didn't want to do if without knowing the proper way to do it. I happened to be reading about Kali one day and it said that in sacred texts it was written that she said, "Speak to me as you would your mother..." That struck a cord with me and I decided on doing things the way I just described. On New Moons I put out food for my relatives who have crossed over, specifically my Mom, and Grandmother.

The whole time I've been writing this I've been asking myself, "Why are you writing about this?" Quite honestly, I don't know. I'm not trying to brag or make you feel sorry for me or anything like that at all. Please don't think I'm crazy either. I know it seems like I am taking liberties in the way I am approaching and speaking to the Gods, but it is genuine, sincere, and heartfelt. How could they be angry? I think it's just that I want you to be able to get to know me as best as you can through this medium.

I hope this turns out to be a great day for everyone!

Enjoy Life!
  

Hermetic Arts

Landscape With Two Candles

Tom Allen

Prayer To The Unknown God

MANDALA X, HYMN 121.

ASHTAKA VIII, ADHYAYA 7, VARGA 3-4.

1. In the beginning there arose the Golden Child (Hiranya-garbha), as soon as born, he alone was the lord of all that is. He established the earth and this heaven. - Who is the God to whom we shall offer sacrifice?

2. He who gives breath, he who gives strength, whose command all the bright gods revere, whose shadow is immortality, whose shadow is death. - Who is the God to whom we shall offer sacrifice?

3. He who through his might became the sole King of the breathing and twinkling world, who governs all this, man and beast. - Who is the God to whom we shall offer sacrifice?

4. He through whose might these snowy mountains are, and the sea, they say, with the distant river (the Rasa), he of whom these regions are indeed the two arms. - Who is the God to whom we shall offer sacrifice?

5. He through whom the awful heaven and earth were made fast, he through whom the ether was established, and the firmament, he who measured the air in the sky. - Who is the God to whom we shall offer sacrifice?

6. He to whom heaven and earth, standing firm by his will, look up, trembling in their mind, he over whom the risen sun shines forth. - Who is the God to whom we shall offer sacrifice?

7. When the great waters went everywhere, holding the germ (Hiranya-garbha), and generating light, then there arose from them the breath of the gods. - Who is the God to whom we shall offer sacrifice?

8. He who by his might looked even over the waters which held power (the germ) and generated the sacrifice (light), he who alone is God above all gods. - Who is the God to whom we shall offer sacrifice?

9. May he not hurt us, he who is the begetter of the earth, or he, the righteous, who begat the heaven, he who also begat the bright and mighty waters. - Who is the God to whom we shall offer sacrifice?

10. Pragapati, no other than thou embraces all these created things. May that be ours which we desire when sacrificing to thee: May we be lords of wealth!

Vajrayogini - The Trauma Goddess

Morning prayers this morning turned into afternoon prayers instead today. The hardships I am facing are starting to take their toll on me. It also seems that everyone around me is facing some sort of hardship that is making it difficult for them to move forward. I thought of Vajrayogini and thought I'd introduce you to her if you didn't know about her before now.

  Vajrayogini drinks and transforms the negative karma of her devotees.

In 2006 Miranda Shaw wrote that "The Diamond Female" is the supreme deity of the Tantrik Tradition. No male Buddha, including her divine consort, approaches her in metaphysical or practical import. You can learn more here: Vajrayogini - The Trauma Goddess Don't forget to use the link at the bottom of the page to read a meditation on how Vajrayogini can purify the Buddhist practitioner of past traumas. It's a pretty cool read...almost like a guided visualization...

Enjoy Life!

Thor Rumbles Through

Thor's Journey to Geirrodsgard by Lorenz Frolich

Yesterday morning might have been direct and to the point but the day was anything but. By day's end I was mentally drained and physically dragging. Evening prayers even seemed a chore. I woke up later than usual again this morning but not so late that I missed Thor rumble through. He didn't linger and he was just sort of grumbling a bit as he made his way. I would have missed it if I hadn't rolled over when I did. I had a gentle rain over misty trees view to greet me as I woke up. I thought briefly about Thor, he who was said to preside over the air, who governed the thunder and lightning, the winds and rains, he who heralded fair weather and the abundance of crops.

My thoughts logically ran to Odin, Thor's Father.....

Odin The Wanderer by Georg von-Rosen

Looks like a Norse mythology kind of day...

Enjoy Life!

A Wolf And The Ovvum Of Shakti

I am going through some very, very interesting days. I feel such a connection with the Divine One and with the forces of nature in and around me. Some of the things that I experienced yesterday evening were intense. And I say that in a good way. I had been reading in the Tantrik glossary that I had found. I had read about Mica being the ovvum of Shakti. It just so happens I have a nice piece of mica on my Earth table. I went to my Sacred Space and moved it into a more prominent place. I moved on to other subjects and forgot about the mica. Later in the evening I started winding down and I began my evening prayers. I take my time with my evening prayers, doing it in gradual small steps and incorporating my prayers into wrapping my daily activities up for the night. I was standing in the circle facing North and my Earth table and was gently swaying as I meditated and prayed. Suddenly the image of a wolf popped into my head. I immediately thought of the Earth element and looked over at my table. The last of the evening light combined with the light from the candle flame was causing the mica to reflect an aurora of color. I gazed at that and felt myself surrounded by an incredible hardwood forest. I was excited to see the wolf's full-size image there in front of me in my mind. I was only able to enjoy it for a moment because I guess from my excitement (I had trouble just "being" with the wolf...I tried...but my mind within my mind was skipping around too much) the wolf ran off. It was super nice while it lasted. I continued to enjoy the play of colors on the mica and went on with my evening prayers.

This morning has had a more direct approach about coming into being than yesterday's morning. I think I have read about a Hindu Goddess or Deity associated with the Dawn before. I'll have to put that on my list of things to get into today....I just had a thought about last night. What if I had sort of tapped into the energy of Shakti through my Mica and Shiva manifested as a Wolf in my mind to see what was up. Interesting...

Enjoy Life!

Seek And Ye Shall Find

You're not going to believe what a wealth of knowledge I have stumbled on. I'm practically speechless right now....everything you ever wanted to know about the Hindu Tantrik Tradition. Check it out here: Shiva Shakti Mandalam

Dakshinakali Yantra

The Joy Of Bird Song

The day came in gently this morning. With candles, incense, and bird song it continues to slowly unfold. It is like a ship pulling up slowly to the docks. Passengers lazily gathering their things readying themselves to embark on journeys to destinations unknown.

I drew the four and five of pentacles yesterday when I did a daily reading. Normally I just draw one card for guidance, but yesterday morning the two cards sort of presented themselves to me at the end of my shuffling. I couldn't resist using those two cards. The meaning behind the cards was timely, and useful information for me. I'm glad they were positive cards....I can use all the positive mojo I can get right now! If you've got any to spare, send some my way.....I'm over here....Can you feel me? Sometimes I crack myself up....

I hope everyone has a great day! I'm projecting light and love out into the ether today...

Enjoy Life!

Introducing The Oracle's Logbook

It seems that I've developed something of a sleeping pattern that works for me. Up until now I just kept going until I had to lay down, slept a few hours, and got up and went at it again. Now I have gotten into the habit of listening to evening mantras as I am lighting the evening candles at twilight. Often, I offer incense as well as the illumination from the flame of each candle. The candles are nice as an ease in the transition from daylight into the dark of the coming night. I work a bit more, watch a movie, or just some videos, then around 8 or 9 pm I go to bed. I sleep for about 6 hours usually and get up around 2:30 or 3 am. This way I can take my time in preparation for the day. Altar maintenance, self care, plant care, bird care. general household chores, then morning mantras as I do my morning prayers before sunrise. The light in my room begins to come alive and the first hint of daybreak begins to show in the East as I am finishing up. I get to enjoy the sun coming up from the window as I sip my coffee and enjoy the smell of the lingering incense. I begin my day in earnest about 8 am.

I'm not sure how I feel about doing journal type posts on this particular blog. I had a whole different direction in mind with article-like posts, but because of copyright laws I am having to find an alternative method to discuss the subjects I want to discuss. I have always been more comfortable writing in this journal type format anyway. I will just have to face my fear of appearing or actually being stupid. My negative self talk just informed me that people will probably say something like, "Ignorant yes, but stupid no." Or, "This guy is completely off his rocker." However, my positive self talk comes to the rescue and says, "You are independent of the good or bad opinion of others." Whatever...you guys can take my posts as you will. I hope that you will enjoy coming along for this ride I call my life. My most recent revelation was that the goal of my life or my grand purpose, doesn't have to be to attain enlightenment. That took a load off my mind. Yeah, I'll probably have to be reincarnated and continue on in Samsara...but I already figured that anyway. At least now I can work on it, but not like I have to get it done before I die. Granted, it would be nice if I were to be able to do it, but it will be okay if I just gain some ground in the pursuit.

I discovered some YouTube videos that would be really informative if you are thinking about finding out about your subtle energy body and the Chakras. The gentleman's name is Peter Marchand. He is an author, teacher, and one of the founders of the Sanatan Society. I wish I had found these back when I was just starting out with the subject. Here is the link:  The 7 Chakras: Desires of the Chakras. I think instead of calling these type posts journal entries, I will call them entries into The Oracle's Logbook...it seems to stir the imagination a bit more. That's always a good, pleasant thing to do.

Enjoy Life!

Holding Together

I Ching Tarot Deck

Realization

Two things have happened that have caused me to have to kind of step back from my blog for a bit. The first is the fact that last weekend I came down with Bell’s Palsy. I had thought I could continue on as though nothing were wrong and not even mention it but I was wrong. I didn’t realize that there would be pain involved. The first couple of days I had sporadic pain that was pretty intense but it always seemed to subside. Now it is an almost constant ache and throb along with a continuous feeling of discomfort. To be honest with you, most of the time now I am downright miserable.

The second thing that happened was that I ran across the sources I had taken my Chakra notes from. I realized that I had just about copied everything word for word. I had to take all the posts I had done down. Not only that, I also realized just how truly ignorant I am on the subject. I have got to do a lot more research and study before I am able to write about the subject intelligently. I am trying my best not to get disillusioned but it’s really hard. If I hadn’t gone through this overwhelmed, almost disillusioned feeling before I might give up. It always seems to pass and I have some breakthrough in understanding though. I just have to keep plugging away as best I can.

Enjoy life guys!

Ardhanarishwara

Kali - The Dark Mother

Today's Gift From The Cards: Page Of Pentacles

I was finishing up with my morning sadhana and decided I would draw a card from the Tarot Deck. The cards surprised me again. It's like they are sending me pretty clear guidance these days...Today I drew the Page Of Pentacles...the natural progression from the Seven Of Pentacles I drew on Monday. Now that we've taken a look around us, assessed the situation, and developed some new strategies, it's time to put them into action. Alrighty then....let's get this show on the road!

I just happened to run across an article after reflecting on the card awhile. It fits in quite nicely with the drawing of this particular card today. It is by Darity Wesley.Oracle for August - Authenticity. I hope you take a look at it. They are important words to remember as we start these new plans.

Enjoy Life!

This post was done with the help of Sarah Bartlett's interpretation of the cards.

Where Or What Next?

I know today's not a normal Tarot Card day, but I was doing some work in my Sacred Space room and thought, "Why don't I draw a card for today?" I actually drew a Pentacle today! It was the Seven Of Pentacles and that means it's time for a reality check. There has been quite a lot of effort that has been put into something and there has been enough progress done to where you can stand back and admire your work and evaluate where you are and where you're going. Does a new strategy need to be developed or can we stay on this present course? The card is telling us that we need to wrap things up on present projects, evaluate and prepare for a new strategy.

All my posts on Tarot Cards are done with the help of Sarah Bartlett's interpretation of the cards.

Enjoy Life!

Lord Vishnu

Today's Gift From The Cards: Seven Of Wands

When doing tarot spreads it is good to take an overall look at the layout and get a feel for things. That's what I did this morning. I took a look back to when I started doing these posts to get an overall view of things thus far. Up to this point, with the exception of the King of Cups, we have had all Major Arcana cards and Wands. A majority of Wands could mean a good thing or bad thing as always with the Tarot. It could mean that we are ready for adventure, that we have a lot of drive and motivation at this time, and that we are bold and defiant but we do it with charm. On the other hand it could mean that we are restless, impulsive, hot-tempered, and full of pride.

Today's card tells us that we might be facing some sort of opposition. This could be from an outside source or it could be from our own inner self. We need to stand our ground in either case and stand them down. We need to have the conviction to assert our needs and rights. If it is our inner demons we have to face. We have to keep in mind that they are only our fears and doubts that threaten to take over when we are faced with change or when we have some crucial decisions to make. Be honest about what you want and take action toward that goal. 

   

These blog posts are done with the help of Sarah Bartlett's interpretation of the cards.

Enjoy Life!

Today's Gift From The Cards: Four Of Wands

For most, drawing this card is like waking up to blue skies, comfortable temperatures, and wanting to play. I didn't want to influence anyone's interpretation of The Devil card the other day so I didn't mention that I really dislike it. Trust me, I felt its influence in my life...especially yesterday. This card however usually tells us that it is time to celebrate and rejoice. Laugh, be lighthearted, and let your inner child come out. For some of us though, I think myself included, it tells us that we are wanting to experience all the laid-back possibilities of life at the expense of something more important. We may be denying serious aspects of our life for fear of changing, moving on, or looking at the truth of who we really are. It is time to free ourselves from anything that isn't working for us and move on to new possibilities.

My tarot card posts are done using Sarah Bartlett's interpretation of the cards.

Enjoy Life!

Today's Gift From The Cards: The Devil

The Devils represents our own inner Devil in a way. The part of ourselves that keeps us bound by our fears, beliefs or situations that are unhealthy for us. Our inner Devil is usually the cause of most of our problems and the part of ourselves that keeps us living in ignorance or illusion. Are we living a lie about our current situation? Are we cheating on our own values? What exactly are our beliefs, viewpoint and goals? Take care today that you notice when you are involved in negative thinking and watch out for manipulation by others. Also question whether or not you are somewhat addicted to some unhealthy behavior.

As always, these posts are based on Sarah Bartlett's interpretation of the cards.

Enjoy Life!

Manjushri With The Sword Of Discriminating Wisdom

Hanuman

Update

I am sorry I have neglected my blog this weekend. I went to visit an old friend and I didn't have internet access. I was going to cast a circle Saturday night but because the two people that live in the house have become involved with the Baptist Church and the fact that the balance of energy in their home is delicate, I decided not to cast one. They had told me that they had joined the Baptist Church there in their home town again just for the sense of community it gave them and that it was alright for me to do one, but I could see and feel the influence it was having on them. Both of the people that live in the home are going through a lot of pretty deep stuff right now. There are a lot of conflicting energies trying to coexist and not erupt so I was afraid to manipulate any of the energy there for fear of disrupting the balance. It's weird, the one who thinks they are in control of everything there in the home isn't the one in control at all....it's the other one maintaining the balance and subconsciously manipulating situations. The one in control is sacrificing a lot psychologically in order to be in control, I just hope they bounce back when this is over.

I was able to meditate and set my intentions for this lunar cycle, and while my friend slept Saturday morning I wrote a prayer on the day of the New Moon that I will share with you now.

I know not what to call you. I only know that you are far greater than me and in control, yet somehow we are connected and I am a part of you I yearn to become even closer. I am studying how we, in our feeble human understanding, try to explain the many facets of your intricacy. The more I learn the more I have yet to learn. I humbly ask that you assist me in my search and desire to understand and become closer to you. I also humbly ask that you guide me in the formation of my intentions for the lunar cycle beginning this evening.

I thank you for granting me the realizations that I have come to here at the end of this present lunar cycle which are:

The root of my being is in my Muladhara Chakra. From this sustaining and powerful Chakra comes the impish Dakini that moves my base desires. I can ask Lord Hanuman to assist me in grappling with their moving force.

The key to activating my Swadhisthana Chakra is to understand and work with Garuda. The secret is to work with understanding my desires as movement and to coordinate my movement with my breath, not only during exercise but in my daily life.

I also understand now that the way to activate my Manipura Chakra is to control my will. I must be in charge of it, not it in charge of me. By doing this, I will be granted boons in my life.

I have come to realize finally that the root of all pain and distress in my life is not the source or event that caused the distress but my reaction to it, all my healing must take place there.

I will get back to posting regularly tomorrow. I have already started getting my Anahata Chakra material together and there are other things in the works too, so keep coming back!

Enjoy Life!

Today's Gift From The Cards: Temperance

You can imagine my surprise when, after shuffling the deck, I chose Temperance again. Moderation seems to be the keyword for today as well....

I am working on posting my Manipura material, but ran across another website that listed the presiding deity of each Chakra and theirs were different from mine. I'm going to have to research and see which are correct. If mine are incorrect, I will go back and fix Muladhara and Swadhisthana.

Enjoy Life...

Today's Gift From The Cards: Temperance

It looks as though moderation and finding our middle ground is in order today. Any goals we have for today will be attainable if we find harmony between our desires and our needs and balance emotionally and mentally. It appears as though we will have a good measure of self-control today and we will probably be a good influence on others. Of course there is always the possibility that the card might be representing its negative aspects and that we are being too willing to compromise. The important thing to remember today is that moderation is the key to our success.

All my Tarot card posts are done according to Sarah Bartlett's interpretation of the cards.

Enjoy Life!

  

Sleep And Dream Dakini

Sleep Dakini

Dream Dakini

In Tibetan Buddhism a Dakini or Khandroma is a type of female spirit. The name translates as 'she who traverses the sky' or 'she who moves in space' or, more poetically, as 'sky walker' or 'sky dancer'. The Dakini are generally of volatile or wrathful temperament, and act somewhat as a spiritual muse, or inspirational thought form for spiritual practice. Dakinis are energetic beings in female form, evocative of the movement of energy in space. In this context, the sky or space indicates shunyata the insubstantiality of all phenomena, which is, at the same time, the pure potentiality for all possible manifestations. There are four types of Dakini. The secret nature is The Dakini of Voidness or The Empty Nature of Reality called Prajnaparamita. The inner nature is The Dakini of the Mandala a Meditational Dakini. The outer nature is the physical form and is attained through The Completion Stage Tantra practices such as The Six Yogas of Naropa. The outer-outer nature is the human form. Dakini is also a kind of wisdom queen that is hugged by a male deity in Yab-Yum.

In medieval Hindu legend Dakini is a female imp in the train of Kali who feeds on human flesh. They are comparable to malevolent or vengeful female spirits, deities, imps or fairies in other cultures, such as the Persian peri. The chief deity who has control over such malevolent spirits is Hanuman. There are many Hanuman mantras to win over a Dakini. The most famous ones being, Panchamukhi Hanuman Kavacham, and Saptamukhi Hanuman Kavacham. Dakinis have come to be seen as "guardians of the deeper mysteries of the self", and it is through them that the secrets of inner transformation are opened.

Enjoy Life Friends! 

Today's Gift From The Cards: Five Of Wands

This card represents some sort of struggle, either with ourselves or with someone or something in the external world. If you are under this card's influence today, it will seem like everything is against you and that everything is going to go wrong. It could also indicate an inner struggle where we think we want or need something but it might not be what we truly want or need. We have to get our priorities straight if this is the case. We have to find an agreement within ourselves or between ourselves and another in order to work with this card. We have to work toward finding harmony in our lives.

As always, these daily Tarot card offerings are based on Sarah Bartlett's interpretation of the cards.

Enjoy Life!

The Supreme Bliss

"The inquiry  'Who am I?' is the principal means to the removal of all misery and the attainment of the supreme bliss."

Ramana Maharshi

False Separation

The Aetheric Elements

Sacred Anointing Oils, Crystals, And Teas

I just found what looks to be a reputable supplier of Sacred Annointing Oils. I'm not really sure how their prices compare to other sites....but I thought I'd share the resource with you.

Peaceful Mind

They also have a pretty good selection of crystals and stones. Be sure to check out the selection of teas under Metaphysical Products. I hope everyone is having a good day! I'm beginning to believe, as the day progresses, that the Tarot Card we got this morning has been pretty accurate. I really do have a feeling of something forming....an idea....or that an idea that I had at one time and have forgotten about needs to be called back up into memory and taken a look at. See if there are any possibilities in bringing the idea to fruition, or if the idea is outdated and needs to be filed away. I want to plan for what lies ahead. Which direction am I going to go in first?  

Enjoy Life!

Today's Gift From The Cards: Three Of Wands

The two key words for this card are preparation and foresight. We should explore future possibilities and prepare for the possibility we see best for our life. It is time for us to use our knowledge and show others that we know the way forward. We must keep in mind the obstacles we will face along the way and make the best plans we can to be able to overcome them. Wow....that went quickly....It was pretty straightforward today! Let me post the picture and then we'll talk about other things for a minute.

Just an update on the Chakra series...I have gotten the material ready to do my first post on the Root Chakra or Muladhara, and I have also gotten together all my material on Swadhisthana, but I started struggling with my Manipura material. I intuitively knew that it meant I needed to spend a little more time on Swadhisthana before I moved on to Manipura. So...this series may take a while to unfold....sorry guys...we all progress at different rates. The sad part is that I've been working at my Chakras for years just to get to where I am. Anything, or any goal you want is worth going the distance for though, right?

There's a light rain falling where I live this morning and it's quite nice. Call me nutty, but I really love rainy days. They have always seemed like days of growth and renewal, a day for planning and drawing maps. Look out over the landscape and see what you can see today....okay?

Enjoy Life!