As a letter of prophecy from a Hopi elder puts it, "We are the ones we've been waiting for." This realization is the essential truth for our time. We are a collection of selves, waking up to realize the Self, the undivided whole. The nature of this realization is in accord with timeless wisdom, the perennial philosophy. It reaches into the past and yet is also completely of this moment, right now. Within each and every one of us lies the blueprints, the knowing of what we must do at this specific point in time. These blueprints lay dormant in the unconscious, ready for awakening. This necessary step towards conscious evolution is the only remedy for the current human crisis. Complex layers of history and imposed religious dogma have led us to where humanity sits right now, on the threshold of self-destruction. It is  a neurotic tendency towards feelings of separation and the need for constant self-defense. The human psyche has been cut off from the source of life and thus we find ourselves in an ecological crisis. The voice of Gaia speaks through the unusual weather that we have been experiencing.

As much as the world opposed the contrived war in Iraq, the agenda played itself out regardless. Some things appear to be out of our control. However, the opportunity of this time is to take responsibility for own conscious evolution and ignite the great awakening. As there are millions of people protesting for peace in the world, we may acknowledge this cry for peace as a path towards the unification of humanity, extending into the core of the Earth and out to the entire universe. As long as we believe that we are separate, we are more easily conquered by these draconian leaders.

In various circles, regions, dances, spiritual centers, and communities etc., like minded people are gathering. For some of us, it feels as if we are coming out of a long period of internal work, relinquishing unnecessary subconscious patterns of thought and behavior. Emerging from our own depths, and having gained clarity, we meet in a transpersonal space. That is, we meet eye to eye and know that we are of the same being. This acknowledgment transcends the fear and judgment that accompanies most social activity. The burden of social anxiety is lifted when there is no one there to defend, no little I struggling for emotional survival. When we are centered in our true undivided nature, there is no judgment, no hurt, and no guilt. Rather than merely hiding behind the persona, we become open, radiant beings.

The realization of our time both incorporates and transcends all that came before it. Therefore, it is not sufficient to simply adopt the dogmas and religions of old. Those truths that resonate with us may be tools or steps towards realization. With the post-modern lifestyle and the decline of ecology, indigenous systems lose potency, their cultural identity sadly in question. Still, the perennial philosophy shines through Taoist , Hindu, and Buddhist texts, among others.

The various aspects of the phenomenal world are represented in different pantheons. As there may be power in identification with a certain deity, it is to focus on only one aspect of phenomena. All phenomena arise from the source, that is represented by the formless Brahman. Ramana Maharshi was a living example of the realization of Brahman. Thus his teachings were simple and direct, the path of Self-realization. His realization, at a young age, was spontaneous as he had no prior yogic training or reading of texts. Yet his words echoed ancient Vedic teachings.

Brahman is everywhere, immanent in all, and all-pervading. There are no qualifications. Hence, do not heed the particulars but concentrate on absolute Brahman.

No regulations are binding on him such as incantations, worship, ablutions, sacrificial fire , or other disciplinary actions; he does not reap the fruit of actions - virtuous or otherwise; there is no ancestor worship for him; he need observe no fasts on specified days or occasions, nor need he worry about renunciation, household, or celibacy and their obligations. [from the Agamas]

At this time we are also faced with international dramas and potential world-wide catastrophes. To act with compassion and responsibility in the face of this crisis is to also remain centered, not pushed and pulled out of balance, in reactivity. In surrender, the Self is the guide through the various activities.

He who becomes established as the Self and realizes clearly is liberated without any effort on his part, even though he may be engaged in activity.

Drink of the nectar of Shiva knowledge and conduct yourself as you please. You are the same as Shiva in immortality and purity...

It is urgent that we multiply our numbers, expanding the collective realization, or many of us would likely succumb to the doctrine of fear which greatly challenges this world. Doing so, we create a support network for each other where we may acknowledge each other as the Self. There is no anxiety for acceptance because we realize that we are all individual aspects of the same organism, that of all life. The need for idle chatter may subside as we learn to open up to each other with pure radiant energy, with movement and dance, etc. To be now the radiant being.

The current evolution of consciousness is right now and necessitates no dogma from the past. That is not to say that there is no power in traditional ways, rather, it is to foresee an even greater power unleashed by the great awakening. Religious sects and cults, and their dogmatic sexism, only separate us further. The awakening is as we create it in the moment and can be expressed in many ways. It is the sudden and spontaneous movement of energy from the source and out into the world.

The Universe has no external support, nor is it cognized from without; but as you make it so it becomes.

As we wake up within the matrix - the intentional web of deceit, we awaken within the dream. Or in other words - now we are lucidly waking. Individual and collective power may be freed from the prison of suppressive delusion.

The world itself is an extension or manifestation of Source. Therefore, it is in the world here and now that we may open to our true nature. In realization, we experience the universe as the unified field of Source energy with its manifold layers, frequencies, dimensions, crystallization, and condensations of energy into apparent matter. By opening the vertical axis of the body-mind [sushumna], we are filled with Source energy and experience pure consciousness as bliss. This, in san scrit is the sat chit ananda, or, being awareness bliss. Even as we stray from the center of being in the vortex of life, we know that we can stop, clear the mind, and open the subtle conduits of the body-mind.

In the potential collective awakening, we begin to realize that we are co-creators in life. Obstacles and dramas are not just happening to us as the victims of misfortune. Boredom and misery are our own creation. *  Likewise, true peace and bliss are our creation, not by imagination, but by opening up to and radiating our true nature. As being-awareness-bliss shines through, we no longer require the strict distinction between sacred and profane space or activity. The world is our temple and the body-mind our divine vehicle. Desire then becomes inspiration to participate in the creative energies of existence. Without longing or grasping, we engage with them as they arise in the unceasing moment.
 

One who is established in the contemplation of non-dual Unity will abide in the Self of everyone and realize the immanent all-pervading One. There is no doubt of this. [from the Agamas]

When one's true nature is known, then there is Being without beginning or end; It is unbroken Awareness-Bliss. [Upadesa Saram -Sri Ramana Maharshi]

[ * It should be acknowledged that in the supposed "free", "first world" countries, we are more susceptible to losing ourselves in the money-driven, technological 'matrix.'  However, standards of living are such that could ease the path of enlightenment. After having traveled to India, I can comprehend the extent of human suffering in over-populated and impoverished countries. Furthermore, the citizens of countries such as Mayanmar, i.e. Burma, have been born into an oppressive military state. News and outside information is strictly prohibited and villagers can be made to labor at gun point. Life conditions can be a greater obstacle to the attainment of one's blissful nature. However, it is from the multitudes of a country such as India that true sages have emerged.      In the west we have greater resources. It is within our power to awaken our fellows through various media and events, through film, music, dance, theater, writing, and the "world wide web." Perhaps this is the fate of our time -to transform the relationship of technocratic society to the Earth, the cosmos, and to itself.]

Steve Harkless Last modified: June 14, 2003

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