Forever Expanding Awareness In Liberation

The following is some discussion I’ve had with Albert over at The Urban Monk…

I post it here as Part Two in an exploration of new perspectives on Ego. Part one is over here.

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June 17th, 2007 at 6:22 PM

Thanks Albert for sharing as you do.Interesting I should stumble upon this blog entry on becoming egoless, for in the last few months I’ve been realising another perspective on the ego that differs from the one I’ve been familiar with.

The perspective I have been familiar with is the one most prevalent in most of the so-called “New Age” and many “old-age” spiritual traditions and views on the nature of the human being, reality, etc. This is the one that describes ego as some sort of mistake (mis-take) and implies it has a separate existence from who and whatever we (as humans and consciousness) are. Like it is some kind of entity in its own right… or at the least some kind of separate “thing” within the human consciousness. It’s as if we are all suffering from multiple personality disorder. Yet do all these multiple “parts” really exist in the way most people think they do?

On one level the status-quo perspective on ego has rung true, to a degree… it’s made sense. Yet, I’ve also had this inkling inside that says “hang on a minute, in the perfect Unity of all that is where is there room for this mad ego that is apparently running amuck?”. Infinity knows no error.

Ego is derived directly from the Latin word of the same spelling. It refers to the “I”. We say “I” in English, where one would have said “ego” in Latin.

In my experience the ego is not something we can overcome or get rid of. This is further misperception. Rather it is about expanding my sense of “I” to be more inclussive to the vast infinity that my limited sense of “I” (my limited sense of ego) typically relates to. It’s also commonly proposed that one can enter into a state of self-lessness. Yet that is not my experience. I have realised it is more accurate to say that one can expand their sense of self to a point that is so inclusive of what was previously perceived as “other” and “non-self” that the perception of the self as an independent entity separate from the rest of all-that-is dissolves. If I eradicate the self — or the ego — what is it that remains to say it is so; to know it is so? What is it that has eradicated the ego or the self?

There is, in my experience, an essential I-ness within, and I feal this “I” is the same “I” in you, and me, and the same “I” that some people refer to as “God”. The I that I Am is the “I” that is God.

Attempting to eliminate the ego is, I suspect, another ego-trip. It is again a limited sense of self/ego attempting to manipulate the experience of self and reality based on the perspective afforded to one from that limited sense of self. As far as I experience, in Truth, the Path of Freedom is one of becoming forever more inclusive. The “heart” (the spiritual heart centre) is the inclusive faculty within the Human. The rational / thinking mind is the reductive and deductive faculty. As the heart opens and integrates into the human experience, I have experienced that there is less and less a sense of this mad ego I must over come. Rather I have found that it was more a matter of expanding into a far vaster perception of That which is I.

Is it about human beings dropping their ego or is it really about human beings evolving (as we are) in such a way that what we experience as ego / I / self expands? And I don’t mean in some sort of ego-inflation and self-aggrandisement… no, what I refer to is at the level of the profundity of Man/Woman, not the superficial.

I will be exploring this in more detail on my blog some time soon.

With love and blessings…

Jonathan

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Albert Says:
June 17th, 2007 at 7:25 pm

Jonathan, thanks for that great entry. It is brilliant! At the same time, I’m finishing off a post on some of what you’ve mentioned (removing the ego is actually more ego), but what you are saying on “Expanding” your consciousness and perception is admittedly new to me - I shall have to explore this.

I think you’ve just put a name to some of the experiences I’ve had in recent times - I’ve been discussing this expansion feeling with a few of my fellow bloggers but I have had nothing concrete yet - I still don’t know what exactly is happening to me - hence I’m sticking with what I’ve personally experienced with this blog. Once I consolidate that expansion thing I’ve been experiencing I’ll write about it. Thank you so much for that, I’ll be keeping a close eye on your blog for further insights. Thanks again!

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Jonathan Evatt Says:
June 17th, 2007 at 8:06 pm

Albert,
Thanks for the affirming and passionate response.
As I read your reply, the following analogy came to mind.

The human ego in its current state of e-volution (energy spiralling forever outward as form manifestation, and inward as awareness) is like a seed. To the external observer the following process can be seen: The seed dies to the germ within the seed as it begins to germinate (which takes place under the right conditions of moisture and temperature). The germ dies to the seedling. The seedling dies to the sapling. The sapling dies to the mature tree. The flower buds die to the flowers. The flowers die to the fruit. The fruit die to the seeds.

So, from one perspective, one thing dies to the next, just as we might say the ego dies to the true Self. One could also say the catepillar dies to make way for the butterfly.

Yet from another perspective the seed in fact already contains the tree. The seed already contains what is within the umpteen million seeds that tree will produce. Yet with each generation the potentiality of the seed evolves into something more aptly suited to the present conditions, as part of Life’s intelligent response to itself. Thus awareness evolves and expands. From this perspective the seed does not die (it is not got rid of), rather it simply incorporates from the formless side of Life (the unknown) a greater and greater expression of the Intention represented by this seed into the form side of Life (the known). The mature fruit baring tree is simply the full expression or manifestation of the potential inherent to the seed.

Our ego is like this too.
It is simply the seed of that fuller potentiality inherent to the hu-man being. We live on a planet we call Earth. Which is an anagram for Heart (we only have to put the tail round to the mouth of the word Earth to get that).

…….H
…T…….E
…..R…A

(The spiralling process I referred to earlier and also an ancient symbol for the mystery of life… the snake eating its own tail). [Ignor the dots... spaces didn't work so well so put dots instead]

I shall enjoy reading more of your blog soon. Diner time now.

Arohanui,

Jonathan

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Albert Says:
June 17th, 2007 at 11:36 pm

Hmm…you seem to be coming from a very different perspective…I mostly know the ego as a psychological construct, but you seem to be talking about it as more a metaphysical thing? Thank you for taking the time to type up such a great response, I’ll have to look more into it, as I am coming from a completely different perspective than you are.

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Jonathan Evatt Says:
June 19th, 2007 at 8:57 pm

Yes, indeed. A different perspective.
Thanks for popping over to my blog at www.feal.org. Happy reading. My editor tells me there is 300 or so pages of writing on there.

From where I stand I would say that every “thing” we experience is a construct of one kind or another. We can call it a psychological one, and yet I am inclined to say that the human psyche is also a construct within the empty “space” of the Mind.

If I overcome or eradicate the ego, who is that knows this has taken place? Who is it eradicating the ego?

Further to what I have said already, as I typed the above and considered your above reply, I realised the following:
This “thing” we call the ego and experience as the ego is in fact some “thing” that within time and space (within the human scheme of things) has taken rather a long time to come about. It is the beginnings of the totality (call it God if you like) coming into an even fuller state of Awareness. As already mentioned, the “I” within me (and you) is ultimately the “I” of this totality we call God. I shall add that in my experience God is not an entity in its own right, independent and/or separate from you, me, and all that is.

This seed we experience as the ego has arisen out of the void into the form side of life. All the issues, problems, complexes, challenges, traumas, dysfunctions, etc. that we label and experience are in fact the very basis of our liberation into the Grand Perfection of all that is. These are not “things” to be fixed and/or got rid of, rather they are again the seeds of a vast and mysterious Power (one which most humans not yet even tried to fathom) coming into being — incarnating… stepping into the flesh.

From the lucidity of my True, Pure, and Omnipotent Nature there is no error. There is no faulty aspect within Creation that must be fixed or some how eliminated. There is an infinite perfection playing out… dancing through time, space, and beyond. Our human tendency to perceive that there is “something wrong with me”, which for the spiritual aspirant turns into “this ego and all that goes with it is an error I must correct or overcome”, this tendency arises out of out limited sense of self, our limited sense of ego or “I”.

For aeons I have watched people, and my own self, try to overcome these perceived human problems and conditions, and what we call ego. I’ve also seen beings of relatively great “spiritual accomplishment” (an oxymoron at best, but I think you know what I mean) — let us say these are people who are very conscious on many planes and of a great many spiritual/subtle realities — who were in my experience still being tripped up by a wounded and non-integrated human ego that had most likely been abandoned along the way side some where early on in their journey of spiritual awakening. It simply doesn’t go away. Human ego becomes spiritual ego. Human dysfunction simply becomes spiritual dysfunction. And that too is part of the journey into greater awareness. That too is part of the perfection. Yet that too is something I am equipped to discus and perhaps just one person will hear that discussion and something will click. The fight will end, and a new and more empowering battle will begin. The battle or challenge we were all Intended to face in the journey of Forever Expanding Awareness in Liberation.

With love,

Jonathan

Back in March 2007 I came across a site called Zaadz. I joined and then went on to other things. This week I’ve revisited it after being inspired by something I received via an update from a Zaadz member. I’ve been exploring Zaadz and, well, what can I say? In a short few days I’ve connected (even if only an initial connection) with a wide range of incredibly beautiful and inspired individuals. What a fantastic community of people Zaadz is pulling together.

Please check it out at www.zaadz.com

Let me know how you get on.

With love,

Jonathan

In many spiritual teachings and also through the words of people I know and meet, I discern what I would best describe as  form of multiple personality disorder in relationship to the ego. What I observe is a split between the apparent “self” and the so-called “ego”. Yet what is this ego that is talked about as some kind of entity separate to the self that is identifying it and talking about it? Often I hear the ego being talked about in third person — this is me and that is my ego.

In my experience this is a slightly distorted way of relating to the ego and I question the long term benefits of such an approach. The ego is simply our sense of “I”; our sense of self; our sense of I-dentity or what I sometimes call the I-entity. The word entity comes from entitas, which relates to character/nature of being also a relation establishing that a thing exists. The I-entity (our identity) is that character of self that we use to establish that “I” exists. On planet Earth the existence of the “I” is, as far as I know, unique to human beings.

Is there something wrong with people having a sense of self existence? Is there something life-taking about a person having a sense of the “I” within their awareness? In my experience, many religions and spiritual paths and New Age teachings suggest there is, yet I disagree.

I think that where we get into problems is not so much that we have ego (a sense of self) but rather that at our present level of evolution in consciousness we (the vast majority of human beings) have a relatively limited and oftentimes distorted awareness of what the “I” actually incorporates. I don’t see this as some sort of error or fault in the human psyche but rather a natural consequence of the present state of development within humanity. Would we condemn the caterpillar for identifying with the particular form it takes in that stage of its development, ignorant of the butterfly that is yet to come? Of course not.

What I would like to suggest to you is this. The ego is not something to be suppressed, denied, controlled, condemned, or destroyed. This is as mad as trying to destroy the caterpillar in order to bring about the butterfly. I’ve seen much reference to the notion of transcending the ego, and again it is so often suggest that this is done through some form of separating from the ego (in some way), possibly squashing it (in some way), and voila, we go beyond it. Yet how effective is this? Really?

Would it not be more sensible to heal the ego in its present state–to heal our sense of self in out present state–so that this sense of sense may evolve into an even higher, fuller, and more spiritually integrated Being? The problems the ego appears to create in this world are the natural result of where it is presently at within its evolution. Just as the monarch caterpillar completely ravages the Swan plant before it establishes its chrysalis and eventually emerges as a butterfly, the ego is also ravaging its world. I’ve seen caterpillars ravage a Swan plant to the degree that the chrysalis’ already formed are chewed off, so they drop to the ground and die. Just this past summer I had a Swan plant which started out with about 15 caterpillars. Eventually only one chrysalis remained hanging, to eventually produce a butterfly. Many other rotted on the ground. Each of these caterpillars was behaving selfishly (moving toward the self) yet at their present state of evolution (in terms of consciousness) their appreciation of what that self is is rather limited. Human beings have the inbuilt capacity to operate at a level well beyond that of the caterpillar.

As I was saying, the key is to heal the ego–to heal our limited, dysfunctional, and disfunctional sense of self. Our ego in its present state is setting us–individually and collectively–up with the exact challenges we require in order to evolve to the next natural state of the Human being. The question is, will a few consume the Swan plant at the expense of everyone else or will we do it some other way that incorporates the life, development, and evolution of all beings?

I think that separating from what we call the ego is a mis-take, just as much as it is a mis-take to think that our limited egoic self is the sum total of what it means (or could mean) to be human. I think one only has to look at India and America to see an example of each of these extremes playing out and the pain and suffering each approach to reality brings about. In a place like India one can find the height of development of spiritual tradition and exploration along with the denial or at least the devaluation of the ego-self. The result is a country that is on the one hand immensely “spiritual” and spiritually enriched and yet on the other hand in deeply impoverished with people suffering and dying through starvation, poverty, abuse, caste segregation, and exploitation.

In a country like America we find a very different and yet paradoxically a very similar situation. The ego rules. The ego is it, the be-all and end-all of what life is about. The resent popularity of the movie The Secret is just one tribute to this, where spiritual principles are being promoted (at great financial profit) as a means to the ultimate satisfaction of the ego’s many delude desires and addictions. I think the capitalization and commercialization of materialism in America is the commercialization of the ego in its present state of evolution–that of being identified with a purely physical (even machine-like) body and the emotions, thoughts, and desires experienced within the framework of that body. Yet here in a country of ego-maniacs and ego-gratification we again find the same situation. People dying not of starvation but of greed and obesity and health degeneration that results from such greed. Oddly, death by starvation and death by chronic gluttony are both caused by malnutrition! In the USA we find a nation of people living in relative luxury yet at the same time impoverished with debt, the relatively absence of heart, and a level of consciousness devoid of true spirituality.

Of course, in both situation there are exceptions. If you’re reading this it’s probable you are one of those exceptions. I don’t wish to nullify the reality of those are an exception to the norm in either of these nations. I fully acknowledge I am using two generalizations to make a point. Generalizations that I think have a great deal of basis in reality.

So, in my experience I observe that neither of these approaches is in itself the answer. Denial of ego and worship of the ego both represent a limited approach to the reality of the Self and the evolution of awareness. Each is a stepping stone along the path we are all on–”we” being humanity. Each brings important lessons in the form of challenges that move the human collective toward something that is evolving toward a greater embodiment of awareness, and a fuller expression of Divinity.

The key is to expand our sense of self–our I-entity–so that it incorporates more of what is real and less of what is unreal. What I am referring to is not about the inflation of the ego the results in egomania, but rather in each human being expand their awareness of “That which I AM” beyond the limitations it is presently faced with. Just like the caterpillar must answer the call to let go of its present sense of identity so that it might arise from that chrysalis as a butterfly.

The other day I stumbled upon The Conscious Media Network web site.
Here you will find a fantastic resource of media files from a wide range of people on the topics of health, healing, consciousness, spirituality, religion, and much more. Obviously the general theme is “consciousness”.

Some (just a few) of the contributors are:

• 
  Glenda Green - on her Sacred Touch Oils
• 
  Jill Kuykendall - on Soul Retrieval
• Jean Shinoda Bolen - on Women of Power
• Fern Stewart Welch - on The Heart Knows the Way
• Robert Greenwald - on Iraq For Sale
• Jeff Meiring - on Depression and Suicide
• Jim Hamilton - on Everyday Visionaries
• James Hutton - on our Immune System
• Russell Targ - on The End of Suffering
• Bruce Lipton - on the Biology of Belief

… and there are hundreds of other people and topics.

Enjoy!

Technorati Tags: Consciousness, health, healing

There is a movie making its way around many circles of friends and people at present that is creating quite a stir. It even featured on the Oprah Show a few weeks ago. It’s called TheSecret (www.thesecret.tv). You may have heard of it. You may have even watched it. If not, jump over to TheSecret.tv and check it out. There it can be watched online for about US$5.00. You can also buy the DVD from Amazon.com and other places.

I watched this movie a few months ago. I found it interesting. It explores what some refer to as The Law Of Attraction.

Whist finding it interesting, I also found it a little disturbing or perhaps just disappointing, in that I found it came across as potentially very pro attitudes and approaches to life that could easily be or become rather self-centered and narcissistic. TheSecret also mentioned various things that I consider to be distortions of the Truth–the most obvious one being that this secret was somehow kept from humanity by way of a global conspiracy. This alone idea defies the very Law of Attraction the movie is explaining to its viewers.

I feel the movie left so much to be answered for that I am writing an e-book called Living Beyond the Secret. You can find out more about it at www.livingthesecret.tv. If you watch TheSecret and intend to start implementing its suggestions into your approach to life, I highly recommend you explore further afield and discover:

1. Why the law of attraction (and many other universal laws) have been hidden from the mass consciousness of humanity for so long
2. How to incorporate use of this law (and others) into your life in a way that is in alignment with your Purpose and in alignment with the planet as a whole. This is more important than one might imagine, and much too big a topic to go into now.
3. The misguided use of The Law of Attraction is so destructive and how to approach it in a way that is in accordance with a Path of Freedom.

Each of the above points, and many more, will be covered in detail in this e-book. The e-book is not finished just yet (as I’m also working on another book that requires a fair amount of time and energy). So, over at www.livingthesecret.tv you can join a private mail list which I will use to notify people when the e-book is finished and available for purchase and download.

With many blessings,

Jonathan Evatt

If you know how to download files using Bittorrent, the following link goes to a great media package on the subject of Hypnosis, NLP, and other stuff related to the mind and consciousness.

Click here to check out the torrent listing

Check out the following site for a great online source of documentaries. Topics include:

• Consciousness
• Enlightening Comedy
• Mystery history
• Science and free energy
• etc.

The links are all available at: http://corporate.skynet.be/zen/vids.htm

The other day I was walking down a street and someone approached me with a white ribbon attached to a black and white card. This person was a supporter of UNIFEM NZ (United Nations Development Fund for Women). They were seeking my support, through wearing this white ribbon on my shirt.

On the card it read:

Speak Out Against Violence Towards Women

White Ribbon Day, 25 November

(okay, so it was not exactly “the other day”. Looks like it was nearly two months ago that I was handed this card)

These UNIFEM supporters also had a large stand nearby with large signs displaying the same message.

What stood out most starkly to me is that they were asking people to take a stand against the thing they wish to minimise in the world. That’s all very well, but I think it is important to realise that the unconscious mind will pick up primarily on the statement “violence towards women”. The human mind is a creative system. The word “against” does not relate directly to an act of creation and therefore the mind has to first translate it into something else before it will take on that attribute. People reading the promotion put out by these UNIFEM supporters are going to first and foremost be giving their attention to “violence toward women”.

A basic principle in Ancient Hawaiian Huna is that “energy flows where the attention goes”. By drawing peoples’ attention to “violence towards women” that is also where their energy will flow (consciously or unconsciously). I doubt this is what the UNIFEM supporters had in mind.

Why not make the most of this function within the human mind and make a statement that will inspire energy to flow TOWARD the desired outcome. How about:

“Speak out for loving relationship with women“, or

“Stand up for kindness toward women“.

When you read over these two statements what feeling does it engender within you? Now compare that to the statement the UNIFEM group were putting out there. I suspect you will find the difference quite noticeable. Food for thought…

Today I came across the following website and was very moved by the video it shows of a father taking his disabled son through all various marathon events. It’s quite awesome.

The movie can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4B-r8KJhlE

The following website is something I find rather inspirational: http://www.teamhoyt.com/
I understand this is the site of the men in the video.

Enjoy.

Here’s a site that illustrates graphically (GoogleEarth style) the state of the world geographically with a user-selectable 0 - 14m sea level rise. If you have an interest in the potential impact of global warming this site is worth checking out.

http://flood.firetree.net/

To see Wellington, New Zealand: http://flood.firetree.net/?ll=-41.3077,174.8047&z=4
and, Auckland is here: http://flood.firetree.net/?ll=-36.8368,174.7630&z=4

Technorati : flooding, global warming
Del.icio.us : flooding, global warming
Flickr : flooding, global warming

From some thoughts written down on  25th March 1998

GOD

 Fear, aggression, and judgement are mechanisms that arise in order to protect our false sense of separate self. I, as ego, fight to maintain this false sense of separate self to feel that I exist as some independent entity who can then experience Unity / God / Love.

Yet, in reality, I Am already Unity / God / Love, though totally unaware of this reality. Through believing in the illusion of separation I sense that I need THIS experience in order for it to be real.

If I throw off and deny the ego-personality and all its emotions and thoughts then I deny the totality—God—the simultanious experience of Being Unity / God / Love and having Awareness of this through direct experience.

Through letting go of attachment to and identity with the ego-self yet not denying it, I become more aware of my True and Natural state of Being—-Unity / God / Love.

God experiencing God. God aware of God. Just to BE Aware. Awareness is the key. Ultimately the individual discovers him or herself as God—the totality.

This leads spontaniously to dis-covering that All-is-God—that all is one.

I can seemingly stop here—in this state of being, this state of Mind—and seemingly cease to exist. Evolution comes to a halt. Ones universe cases to expand. For the Self, in its usual sense, has no-thing left to do.

Yet ultimately the purpose of individualisation of self—of God—is not just to experientially be aware of God as God, but to be the full expression of that in its absolute totality.

Self is literally trans-formed into an Absolute expression of God. At this point, only, does the ego-self illusion truly cease to maintain itself as a reality.

The is God being Absolutely Awarenes of God as all that God IS.

The is total illumination of That which I am. This is the end of seperation, and the end of self-hood. Evolution ceases. It just is. As it always was. Yet now eternally aware of THAT.

There is a phenomena called Deeksha (also spelt Diksha—which I will use in this article) I have been aware of and observing for the last couple of years. Here in New Zealand (in Auckland to be specific) quite a few people I know and come across are giving and receiving Diksha. Various New Age magazines have large full back page advertisements for two particular people that give Diksha. My intention within this article is to address a number of points regarding Diksha, namely:

• What is Diksha, what does it involve, and how does it happen (a brief intro)
• What are the claims made about Diksha and its advocates?
• My personal experience of Diksha
• What are my views on the Oneness Movement in relation to the Path of Freedom?

What is Diksha, what does it involve, and how is it done?

Diksha giving is a phenomena started by two India Gurus, Sri Bhagavan and Sri Amma (Sri B&A). You can find out more about them and their Oneness movement at http://www.onenessmovement.org, here http://www.experiencefestival.com, and also here http://www.onenessuniversity.org. There is a detailed description of the 21-Day Diksha process outlined in the article found here http://alternativesmagazine.com/35/baumann.html. You will find more information on the history of the term Diksha on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diksha

The Diksha this articles refers to is that given by people involved in the Oneness Movement started and maintained by Sri B&A, and their students, nuns, monks, and followers. Diksha, as I have come to know through the Oneness Movement, is a process of energy transference from a Diksha giver to the recipient. As far as I understand, it usually involves the giver placing their hands on various points over the receivers head, and sometimes also over the heart. During the process the hands may be placed over the third eye point (the forehead), the back of the head, and what is commonly referred to as the crown Chakra within various spiritual traditions. The intention is that a recipient of this energy transfer will experience a physiological shift in his or her brain, that will bring the person nearer to enlightenment. It is said that Diksha “opens a hole in ones rational mind and through this hole God is able to connect with the recipient and start to form a closer relationship with him”. Receiving enough of this Diksha energy is said to lead to a person being fully enlightened.

The whole process may take just a few minutes or longer, such as 10 - 45 minutes. Usually if larger amounts of Diksha energy are wanted or required it will be given in multiple rounds rather than one long transference. Some diksha givers organise weekend intensives where the participants will receive multiple successive rounds of diksha energy transference over the course of one or two days. The recipient is normally advised (directly or implied) that one Diksha session is generally not enough, and more will be required in order to clear out the person’s karma, blocks, complexes, and/or make the necessary shift in brain state permanent and thus achieving full enlightenment. I have heard people talk about getting Diksha top-ups and the like. I know some people that feel the need to get Diksha every week or every few weeks, or at least once a month.

From what two Diksha givers relayed to me, I understand it is standard practise (as recommended by the Gurus that started this phenomena) for a sum of money to be given as a donation in exchange for Diksha. I understand that Diksha givers are encouraged not to make a habit of giving Diksha away free as it is important that the exchange of energy go both ways. Based on research on the Internet I see that the request for a donation and the amount of money suggested varies a great deal from one Diksha giver to the next. To do what is called the 21-Day Enlightenment process with Sri B&A costs US$5500. This includes a US$500 non-refundable deposit.

There is also a 10-Day Deepening Process available from Sri B&A that costs US$1500.

What are the claims made about Diksha and its advocates?

I have read a wide range of claims and statements as to what this Diksha process will do for the recipients. I shall touch on some of there here, quoting from various sources as necessary.

“Sri Bhagavan talks of diksha (energy transfer) as a “rewiring of the brain” that allows for a permanent state of enlightenment. He says it is a neuro-physiological change that involves decreased activity in the parietal lobes (the area of the brain responsible for discursive thought and our sense of separation), and increased activity of the frontal lobes (the area associated with ethics and higher states of awareness). According to Sri Bhagavan, though a person may experience enlightened states from time to time, stable enlightenment requires these changes in the brain to become permanent. He goes on to say that one enlightened person can positively affect one million people through the thought field. In a rough restatement of the 100th Monkey theory, his goal is to create the conditions for some 64,000 beings to become enlightened by 2012. That is roughly one in ten thousand people on Earth. Once this number is reached, he says, enlightenment will spread like wildfire across the face of the planet.” (from http://alternativesmagazine.com/35/baumann.html”

The following quotes are from the onenessmovement.com website regarding the 21-Day Enlightenment process:

“The mission and vision of Sri Bhagavan and Sri Amma is to enlighten 64,000 people on this planet to oneness, which is our true nature. These will then be the channels to transfer the seed of enlightenment to the rest of the world. We invite you to be one of them.”

“Participants will experience some or all of the following:

• Removal of blocks from the chakras and higher bodies
• Removal of negative life patterns and impressions
• Fire rituals (homas/havans) for karmic purification
• Powerful meditations, sutras and teachings
• Deekshas for fulfilment of desires
• Deekshas to receive the states of higher consciousness
• Initiation to transfer the seed of enlightenment to others”

The following are quotes from a long-term Oneness Movement following and supporter who has since recanted his support. His name is Freddy Nielsen, and he claims to be Sri B&A’s first Western disciple (since 1991). You can read his full story on his website at http://www.freewebs.com/dikshainfo/hiddenfacts.htm

“Bhagavan often promises people enlightenment, healing and miracles. In most cases these promises are not fulfilled (Bhagavan often mentions by when it should happen). Disciples usually try to cover up theses lies. Naturally many have become extremely disappointed, depressed or angry.
• They want as many as possible to realize that A&B created this Universe, that A&B are God in flesh and blood, that they are the true saviors of mankind.
• The otherwise kind dasas (A&B’s monks and nuns) mostly speak, think and do exactly what they are told to. They can tell any lie, even straight up in someone’s face, as long as A&B benefit from that lie.
• Many devotees have become fanatics and are prepared to sacrifice all they have, incl. their lives and do absolutely anything for A&B.
• Bhagavan/dasas say that if mankind does not cooperate with A&B, it is likely to soon be the end of the world. Bhagavan once said something like this: “If mankind will not cooperate with me, let it just drown in its own soup of misery”.
• Exaggerations are common. In Dec 2003, Anandagiri promised that all on the 21 days courses would get fully enlightened. On a DVD (by M.J.Rabin), Bhagavan told that every participant except 3 got enlightened in the 21 days course (Sept. 2004). Several times, Bhagavan started to give “mass enlightenment” and even declared many enlightened (1993 etc.), until he suddenly changed his mind saying that the real thing will begin later instead”

There is plenty of information on the Diksha process and the Oneness Movement at the various site links given throughout this article. If you want more information check those links out or do a search on Google.com

My personal experience of Diksha

Late in 2005 I felt moved to contact two Diksha givers I knew about. I didn’t know much at all about Diksha at that time. Via a number of different relations and co-incidences these two people came to my attention, and on this day I felt to contact them. I did, and they invited me over to experience Diksha. I felt to go, so I did.

I received Diksha from both of these people during an intensive session that lasted for a length of time I can no longer recall. It must have been at least 20 minutes, yet may have been longer. I can not say for sure. The two givens took turns at imparted the Diksha energy into various points on my head and chest. I won’t bother describing the actual process in more detail that this as it will make this too wordy for my liking.

So, what did I feel? What did I experience?

The process put me into a state of consciousness that is quite familiar to me. One where the rational mind has ceased to have an influence, and where my sense of witness awareness takes the forefront of my mind. Time stands still in this state—there is only Now. In this state I feel light, empty, full, relieved of the mind and its banter, and prone to laughing. Normally what takes me into this state is certain forms of meditation experience, and shifts in perception that occur when I decide to lessen the fixation of my awareness on ordinary reality, and allow it to slide into non-ordinary perception. It is a state I can induce in myself most of the time, yet it was definitely a lot stronger or more intense after receiving Diksha. The full intensity of it lasted for a few hours, and slowly waned from that point onward, until I was back to normal a few days later. Although, as mentioned, normal for me does include slipping in and out of a less intense experience of this Oneness state.

I found the whole experience rather pleasant and enjoyed it. I did not feel that it somehow enlightened me. I did feel that it enhanced and intensified the state of consciousness I experience much of the time. I am aware that my exploring and practising many forms of Yoga, meditation, and other spiritual practices since my teens has created in me a state of consciousness that is somewhat calmer, more peaceful, and more intuitively alert than most people who have not applied themselves in this way. My sense was that if this process can induce this state in people who are not familiar with this condition it may be very useful for them in opening up their senses and their awareness to a state of mind and being that is beyond the normal hum-drum most people live within.

I have not been back for more Diksha, simply because I have not felt moved to do so. I feel grateful for the experience at the time.

What are my views on the Oneness Movement in relation to The Path of Freedom?

Since receiving Diksha from these two people I have had a lot more exposure to the Oneness Movement, including pro- and anti- perspectives on it and on Sri B&A. Much of what I have read about the Oneness Movement—which includes the information they put forward themselves, and information put forth by past and present advocates of this movement—gives me some cause for concern. I am going to break this down into two areas. One is the actual Diksha itself, the other is the movement or religious following that surrounds this (namely The Oneness Movement and the teachings of Sri Bhagavan and Sri Amma). I’ll address these in that order.

1) The experience I had from receiving Diksha did not leave me with the sense that anything “negative” or life-taking had taken place. I enjoyed it and, as mentioned, I found that it was very much an intensification of a state of consciousness I feel quite familiar with. I have not, at any time since receiving Diksha, felt like something “negative” took place. I presume that if Diksha is able to have this same effect on other people then it would be of benefit to most people to experience this state of consciousness, particularly if it is not one they are used to.

I have read, however, the views and options of various “seers” (clairvoyants, psychics, etc) who claim that they see a negative outcome from the Diksha process. Some of this information can be found at http://www.freewebs.com/dikshainfo/possiblesideeffects.htm. I suggest having a good look around that site and other’s on the net.

I have also read the comments of a large number of people who claim that Diksha has changed their life, made them feel better, more free, helping them beyond ego-identity, and many other perceived benefits. I am in no position to comment on the authenticity of these experiences, how long lasting they are, and what effect the Diksha has ultimately had on these people. I am aware that many express an attitude in their writing that to me indicates they felt somewhat powerless to do anything about the state of the world, that they had little hope for the world coming to a place of harmony, etc., and that they now think/feel that Diksha and the work of Sri B&A is the answer to all this. So be it.

2) The other side of this is for me a question of whether the teaching and information behind this movement is in alignment with what I personal experience as the Path of Freedom, and have had confirmed as the Path of Freedom through the work and wisdom of my pairs on this path. In addition to this we must consider whether or not this “state” that Diksha recipients come to has anything to do with them being empowered in the truest sense of the world, and whether it sets them up to walk the path of freedom—stalking their power, awakening to the Dreamer, being impeccable, and fulfilling their destiny and fate. I am aware that without talking to these people in person, and stalking them in that way, I am not well positioned to comment on these points. I can, however, stalk what I read in their words and in the words of those behind and involved in the Oneness Movement. The accuracy of such stalking is impeded by only being able to take their words at face value, without being able to dive into the mind of the people that spoke/wrote the words.

I have observed within myself and the world around me that people are often very ready and willing to project their own spiritual gold onto a teacher or Guru. For myself, I do this when I am not ready or willing to own the reality of my own spiritual nature in some way. Essentially this is the effect of a low spiritual self-esteem. What I don’t hold in high esteem in myself I will project out onto another whom I feel I can hold in high esteem. In my experience, the Diksha / Oneness Movement is no exception to this scenario. I have met and read the writings of many people who are in my opinion giving their power away to this organisation and the people leading it-namely Sri Bhagavan and Sri Amma.

To these people I would ask, what is it you don’t wish to own and embrace regarding your own Divine nature? What is it about who and what you perceive yourself to be in this moment that you do not feel at ease with and do not accept? What is it you expect Sri B&A to save you from?

The Path of Freedom is a path that returns each person entirely back to themselves. On the Path of Freedom there are no saviors, and there is no one to be saved. We are each an aspect of the Divine creating a particular experience for the purpose of evolving awareness.

This is about all I feel to say on this matter for now. I leave you with a copy of an article Freddy Nielsen wrote regarding his experience of The Oneness Movement. I understand he was their first non-Asian student and supporter.

With love and blessings,

Jonathan Evatt

Some additional links:

• Some interesting email discussion Deeksha movement - Janneke.htm
• http://www.globalserve.net/~sarlo/Ykalki.htm
• Guruphiliac.blogspot.com

The information at the Janneke.htm page is also available here on this FEAL site, in case the other source ceases to be available.

Some hidden facts about the founders of Dikshas

by Freddy Nielsen

“I knew that Amma and Bhagavan (A&B) had a gift to share and I gave my life for that.
Fearing broken dreams, I closed my eyes for the shadows. One day the house of cards crumbled down - I saw all the lies, empty promises, exaggerations, fanaticism and greed hidden behind A&B’s well kept façade. I felt I’d been trapped in a religion, maybe even a sect. My trust in A&B and their great plans went away.

For 15 years all over the world I’d been promising people that A&B were the truest and most divine one could imagine. Many believed me and followed my example. I feel it is my responsibility now to inform all these people that I have changed my mind. Not to inspire them to blindly swallow my truth or discovery - it is only beautiful when we discover the truth for ourselves.

Below I will share some of the shadows that I had closed my eyes for - I became “hypnotized” as years went by (in this as well as other religions there are, apart from the shadow sides, also positive sides). I don’t expect people to believe what has become my own personal insight and I do not claim it to be objective either. But would it be fair to hide it? Probably not - at least not from the people whom I inspired to believe in A&B.

A&B created the “Oneness Movement”. Many efforts have been made to make it popular and appealing to modern man; they do much to appear scientific and not as a religion or a sect.
I have seen a lot behind the scenes and what Bhagavan speaks informally to his disciples over the years - I happened to be his first Western disciple, from 1991. I do not share my truth to harm A&B or their followers. If anyone gets helped by what Life or God offer through A&B (dikshas etc.), that is wonderful. One thing is to get benefited from what A&B offer (such as dikshas); but it is another story to become a member of their Movement/religion.

Here are some “shadows” and/or sectarian elements in A&B’s Movement (in my personal opinion) and things Bhagavan has told in my presence:
• Bhagavan often promises people enlightenment, healing and miracles. In most cases these promises are not fulfilled (Bhagavan often mentions by when it should happen). Disciples usually try to cover up theses lies. Naturally many have become extremely disappointed, depressed or angry.
• They want as many as possible to realize that A&B created this Universe, that A&B are God in flesh and blood, that they are the true saviors of mankind.
• The otherwise kind dasas (A&B’s monks and nuns) mostly speak, think and do exactly what they are told to. They can tell any lie, even straight up in someone’s face, as long as A&B benefit from that lie.
• Many devotees have become fanatics and are prepared to sacrifice all they have, incl. their lives and do absolutely anything for A&B.
• Bhagavan/dasas say that if mankind does not cooperate with A&B, it is likely to soon be the end of the world. Bhagavan once said something like this: “If mankind will not cooperate with me, let it just drown in its own soup of misery”.
• Exaggerations are common. In Dec 2003, Anandagiri promised that all on the 21 days courses would get fully enlightened. On a DVD (by M.J.Rabin), Bhagavan told that every participant except 3 got enlightened in the 21 days course (Sept. 2004). Several times, Bhagavan started to give “mass enlightenment” and even declared many enlightened (1993 etc.), until he suddenly changed his mind saying that the real thing will begin later instead.
• Dasas (and many devotees) easily become uneasy when the word “God” is used. Their only focus is on A&B. A Swedish TV star once asked Anandagiri (in July 2002): “What is God for you?”, and Anandagiri said: “Bhagavan”.
• Not so rarely, especially to disciples or coordinators, Bhagavan has criticized, ridiculed or spoken bad of other spiritual teachers or paths (Osho, TM:s Mahesh Yogi, Poonjaji-Papaji, Gurumayi/Muktananda, Islam etc.) or commented that someone like Ramana Maharshi or Buddha would have needed A&B’s samskarashuddhi treatments to become free from some childhood traumas.
• Bhagavan has often said (in the Dubai Q/A video, etc.) that most dasas are in a divine state hundreds of times higher than enlightened masters like Buddha; some dasas are even (faaaaar?) above the divine Incarnations in history (Krishna, Rama, Christ etc).
• Bhagavan has repeatedly said (often with irritation) that Americans are useless people and that they have zero sacredness etc. Their first coordinator for USA (Rani) has said this often too. I went to USA in 2005 with this information, and was therefore surprised to see how wonderful the Americans are - they are also wonderful seekers. As many Americans are rich and influential, disciples will probably try to deny this fact.

God has been limitlessly generous to me, I have no words to express my gratitude.
Due to God’s Grace, I now see God everywhere - there is only eternity and peace. God has united me with Life and the Source.
I wish you all to unite with the divine - the Source of all life, the Source of all love and joy.
If God wishes for me to share His Grace with other people like I did before, I will of course do that.”
Freddy Nielsen (allinjoy@hotmail.com)
May 4, 2006

* * *

Additional information after response from people (May 21):

• Some people have asked me if I am discouraging people to take dikshas. No, not at all! I have no intention to recommend something or to influence people. What has been written above, is only to let people have a chance to see both sides of the medal regarding the organization and the founders, not the dikshas in themselves, which can be both healing and otherwise useful (at least for some people).
• A man wrote that he took for granted Anandagiri could only speak the truth. I replied to him that Anandagiri has a great talent of looking totally innocent and convincing, even while lying. I know for sure that he is told by Bhagavan to drag me in the mud - they actively spread many lies about me. It is done very subtly, so that it will appear convincing. I cannot understand that they need to use lies to manipulate people.
• An insider of the Indian Oneness Movement describes how he was cheated: Click Here

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