Archive for the 'Perspectives on the Collective Dream - The World' Category

An holistic relationship to ego?

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.

Stand up for Kindness Towards Women

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…

Exploring Deeksha - folly or freedom?

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:

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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Lemuria and Atlantis

Here’s some interesting reading about the author’s perspective on some of the less known (forgotten by many) history of humanity. Enjoy…

Lemuria and Atlantis  by Tara Mata

Ubuntu (ideology) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ubuntu (ideology) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ubuntu

Here is Ubuntu as defined in the Wikipedia:

Ubuntu (ideology)
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Ubuntu (IPA: /ùbúntú/) is a sub-Saharan African ethic or ideology focusing on people’s allegiances and relations with each other. The word has its origin in the Bantu languages of Southern Africa. Ubuntu is seen as a traditional African concept.

A rough translation in English could be “humanity towards others,” or “I am because we are,” or “A person ‘becomes human’ through other persons”, or also, “A person is a person because of other persons”. Another translation could be: “The belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity.” [1].

An attempt at a longer definition has been made by Archbishop Desmond Tutu:

A person with ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed.

Ubuntu is seen as one of the founding principles of the new republic of South Africa, and is connected to the idea of an African Renaissance. In the political sphere, the concept of ubuntu is used to emphasise the need for unity or consensus in decision-making, as well as the need for a suitably humanitarian ethic to inform those decisions.

Louw (1998) suggests that the concept of ubuntu defines the individual in terms of their several relationships with others, and stresses the importance of ubuntu as a religious concept, stating that while the Zulu maxim umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu (”a person is a person through other persons”) may have no apparent religious connotations in the context of Western society, in an African context it suggests that the person one is to become by behaving with humanity is an ancestor worthy of respect or veneration. Those who uphold the principle of ubuntu throughout their lives will, in death, achieve a unity with those still living.

Ubuntu: An African Assessment of the Religious Other

Hi recently came across the word “Ubuntu” whilst exploring options for running my computers on free opensource linux based operating systems. There is a linux distribution called Ubuntu which I will be trying out. Anyway… I liked the sound of what this Zulu word “Ubuntu” refers to. Below is a small snippet from one site on this topic (I will post another next):

20th WCP: Ubuntu: An African Assessment of the Religious Other
(1) Ubuntu and religion

Ubuntu (a Zulu word) serves as the spiritual foundation of African societies. It is a unifying vision or world view enshrined in the Zulu maxim umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu, i.e. “a person is a person through other persons” (Shutte, 1993:46). At bottom, this traditional African aphorism articulates a basic respect and compassion for others. It can be interpreted as both a factual description and a rule of conduct or social ethic. It both describes human being as “being-with-others” and prescribes what “being-with-others” should be all about. As such, Ubuntu adds a distinctly African flavour and momentum to a decolonized assessment of the religious other. In fact, the various overlaps between such an assessment and the African way of life as described/prescribed by Ubuntu, make this assessment nothing but an enactment of the African Ubuntu.

The first important overlap between Ubuntu and a decolonized assessment of the religious other, has to do with a fundamental presupposition of this assessment, viz. a respect for the other as a religious other. While Western Humanism tends to underestimate or even deny the importance of religious beliefs, Ubuntu or African Humanism is resiliently religious (Prinsloo, 1995:4). For the Westerner, the maxim “A person is a person through other persons” has no obvious religious connotations. He/she will probably interpret it as nothing but a general appeal to treat others with respect and decency. However, in African tradition this maxim has a deeply religious meaning. The person one is to become “through other persons” is, ultimately, an ancestor. And, by the same token, these “other persons” include ancestors. Ancestors are extended family. Dying is an ultimate homecoming. Not only the living must therefore share with and care for each other, but the living and the dead depend on each other (Van Niekerk, 1994:2; Ndaba, 1994:13-14).

Money makes the world go round…

Let us explore the nature of money.
Oh yes, this stuff of stuff,
That some say “makes the world go round”.
For many it’s as delicious as honey,
Whilst others hold perceptions,
I can only describe as funny.
How to you feel about this stuff
That we collectively perceive as “money”?

Money, money makes the world go round…

Money is an extremely important topic for any person wishing to even remotely get along in this world. Money impacts on most of us in one way or another. Yet it is perhaps one of the most misunderstood “things” in this world. Money, sex, love, and power… are perhaps all as misunderstood as each other. Oddly enough, all of these things are intricately connected within the human story.

In this article we will first briefly explore the nature of money, and then move on to healthy and unhealthy relationship to money. Let’s start with the most obvious question…

What is money?

We live in a world that uses a manifest thought-form/concept called “money” as a tangible metaphor for life-force, energy, value, and worth. Money is actually just a concept that is used as a form of external exchange. What is actually being exchanged?

Value. Perceived value.
More exactly, is is the perceived value that a collective of people place on particular configurations of energy or “Life-force”.

Energy in the form of a 1/2 kilogram of bacon might have $100 of perceived value in my society.
Energy in the form of a 1987 Mazda 626 might have a perceived value of $2000 in my society.

What form does this “value” take at the most basic level? Or put another way, how do people determine the “value” they perceive in a particular thing they are willing (or not willing) to exchange money for?

It all boils down to an e-motional experience.

Let us say you like the way you feel when I give you a massage, and you are happy to pay me $80 for that massage.
If the guy down the road, however, gives you an even greater emotional experience than I do then you will be willing to pay him more money than you pay me. Perhaps he always puts a nice bunch of flowers in his massage room and you happen to really enjoy flowers. He might also use nice rose essential oil in his massage oil, and you just love rose oil., pays you compliments on how great you look, gives you purified water to drink as opposed to my tap water, etc. If you value these things and derive greater emotional satisfaction from them, then you will be happy to part with more money in exchange for this experience.

Emotion is literally an internal experience of energy-in-motion (e-motion).
The exchange of money between two people is the external experience of energy-in-motion.
Therefore we have a very close link between money and emotion.

Is money “good” or “bad”?

There are religions—and followers of such religions—that state “money is the root of all evil”. It is odd, I think, that these religious organizations have amassed trillions of dollars of wealth over their many years here on Earth. What do you think about that contradiction?
Most would call it hypocrisy.
One religious organization in particular is considered to be the largest holder of real estate in the world. Interesting that. Using their own logic of what money is, the various Orthodox Christian religions have amassed “the root of all evil” in vast quantities.

Actually, money is a completely neutral thing. Just as water is neutral. Yet water has the capacity to keep my body alive by my drinking it when thirsty, and it also has the capacity to kill my body if I get over my head in water and don’t know how to swim. Is water evil because of that? Is it “good” because it happens to help my body live when consumed?

So why does this world have such an odd relationship to money? Why is the distribution of money on this planet so imbalanced? Like the fact that the richest 257 people have more money than 3 billion (257 compared to 3,000,000,000) of the poorest people.
Money and sex must be two of the things that the people in my society have greatest amount of major issues and struggles with. The sex issue is a topic for another article, so for now we’ll stick with money.

Power and Money

The reason money has such a central place in the world of human affairs is that it is directly linked with external power… with power as perceived and (mis)understood by the ego-mind. The ego sees power as the ability to control people and things in the external world. By external I am referring to the world “out there” as opposed to your inner world… the one in felt through your heart and constructed within your Mind (greater non-ego Mind). The best way to control people is to have control over their emotional experience. Actually it is perhaps the only way to control people. For this reason a great deal of research and development goes into ways to control peoples emotional experience. That’s the foundation of advertising and a consuming society. “Eating our brand of potato chips/crisps is going to make you feel better than eating that other brand. Our brand has less fat… which means you stay skinnier… which means you will feel better about yourself in a society that has mind washed you into thinking that anorexia is somehow healthy and normal.”

So what have we got here?
1. External/worldly power is basically relative to ones capacity to affect/control other people emotionally.
2. Money is the external form of exchanging of emotional energy or “perceived value”. E-motional = energy-in-motion = life-in-motion.

Power and Money, therefore, go hand-in-hand within the human world as it presently stands.
The ego, in its belief that “I am separate from God, from all other people, and from all things” exists in a place/state where it is separated from the one and only source of True or Authentic Power. The result is that the ego is constantly trying to derive emotional experience (or emotional satisfaction) from the outside world. Therefore, one way or another, the ego is infatuated with external power, because it is this power that determines its capacity to get the emotional experience it wants. Money and power go hand-in-hand, remember, so the ego is also infatuated with money.

That doesn’t mean that everyone is infatuated with power and money in an obvious way and overtly seeking it. Some people have an ego that undermines them in such a way that they fear power (and therefore money). Actually it is more likely that such a person fears the responsibility that power affords them. This person doubts her capacity to remain in a place of integrity when more than a certain amount of power/money is in their hands and use. At the apparent level such a person will quite likely shy away from power and also away from money. The truth is that underneath that story they (their ego) is as hungry for money and power as any other ego in this world. Such a person will generally experience a level on conflict internally as a result of this—unless they genuinely transcend their ego-mind.

Dysfunctional relationships to money

I know and have met a lot of people that are actively pursuing their spiritual development. I know and have met quite a few people that are working in the field of healing in some way. As far as I can tell there is an archetypal pattern related to poverty that within the human collective mind has been attached to the archetypes of “healer”, “spiritual teacher”, and many other roles in the world that are to do with service to the greater good of humanity. I have found it’s more common to meet people in a service type role who believe it’s not “right” for them to receive much in the way of payment (monetary remuneration) for their work than it is to find people in these roles that are happy to be fairly paid for their work.

Why is that?

Before answering this, I will also point out that I’ve met a lot of people on the receiving end of such services who also believe that they should not have to part with much in the way of money for these things. There are many people that will feel better about paying their car mechanic than they feel about paying a healer, naturopath, or spiritual teacher. It’s fine, they say, for the mechanic to charge $60 an hour… but not a healer.” There is often some sort of implication that “a healer shouldn’t be charging for their work”, or at least not charging much more than they need for basic survival.

Why is this?

My sense is that one of the issues playing out here is that the healer or spiritual teacher (etc.) is bringing something forth into this world from beyond the material plane of reality. Money is an tool created from and used by the 2nd chakra of humanity. It is on this level (and perhaps the 1st and 3rd also) that money is empowered and valued. People are happy to pay money for something tangible like food, car repairs, shoes, a haircut, etc. because these things also all exist primarily in the realm of the lower three chakras or energy centres. External power—which as we have explored is closely related to money—is also something that exists ONLY on the world plane of the lower three chakras. You see, everything above the third chakra has little to do with the physical world. Think of 3D (3rd Dimension) as being the realm of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd chakras. As people evolve into living with an active heart chakra (the 4th chakra) they start to enter the 4th Dimension of reality. Here the tangible sense of time most people disappears. A person’s normal sense of space and form will also change.

Healing, spiritual guidance, and anything “spiritual” in nature is something that plays out through the 4th chakra and above. Money does not exist at this level of reality. The impact of this is that people still living primarily below the waste (1st-3rd chakras) actually are not wired up to “feel” the value of these services. They might intellectually understand that “this healing is helping me”, but it is much harder for them to feel it in the way they might feel the benefit of buying a new plasma TV or a nice new car.

The other side of the coin is that people who are most likely to be wired up in such a way that affords the ability to heal, to teach, and to serve humanity, etc., will tend to be more strongly developed above the waste than they are below the waste. Quite often they are actually carrying deep wounds (or wounded, dysfunctional perceptions) in one or more of their lower three chakras. The effect of this is that they have tended to float up above the waste energetically when relating to life. This has enabled them to avoid the pain and hardship they feel when approaching life below the waste. It also means that they become more highly developed above the waste because that is where they spend most of their time.

When people in this sort of situation start to recognize the value in their skill as a healer, or teacher, or whatever, they have in fact started to literally connect the dots—setting up a connection between the lower chakras and the upper chakras where their gifts reside. It is at this point that they will start to feel moved to bring these gifts out into the open (into the external world) even if only shyly. They are literally bringing these “heavenly” gifts down to the level at which their tribe and relations operate at. Yet what happens is that initially they are still affected by not being fully present, balanced, and healthy in their lower three chakras (they may have spent most of their life so far staying as far away from these chakras as they can). This in turn makes it very difficult (seemingly impossible) for them to put a realistic price tag on their services. It simply won’t “feel right” to charge for what they do. It’s not uncommon for a person in this situation to get very squirmish a realistic price for their services is suggested to them. Often these people will perform these services very cheaply or even freely, and then struggle to do other worldly work for their source of income.

Can you see that what we have here is a split or gap between the lower energy centres and the upper ones, that ultimately has to be bridged?

A healthy relationship to money

For those of us with vocations that are an expression of activity from above the solar plexus—vocations that are motivate more by a wish to serve the whole rather than focused solely on personal gain—it is important we do what is necessary to create health in our lower energy centres. I won’t go into what this means nor what it looks like because that is a vast topic I don’t wish to cover here.

If there is dysfunction (a lack of integration) within the lower chakras then a spiritual healer or teacher is likely to either fail to charge an appropriate amount for their work, and/or they might go the other direction and make unreasonable monetary and possibly sexual demands in exchange for their work. Either way, there is an imbalance that is calling out for Love and correction. What can also create distortion is when a person has perceptions within the upper chakras (such as thought-forms within the 6th chakra or Third Eye) that are out of touch with reality—the pragmatic reality of the lower three chakras. For instance, I know of a spiritual teacher who has numerous grandiose perceptions that she is spiritually superior to just about any other being on this planet, and that even to be her friend, or to be shouted at by her, to spend time with her, or talked to by her, etc. is somehow a blessing and a service to the recipient. If she should so decide at the time then such a “service” is repayable in a sum of money. Her behaviour has displayed to me that she feels she can ask for (and even take) what she wants in return. In my experience, because most people wouldn’t go along with simply paying her as demand, she often resorts to manipulating the recipient into given her what she wants—which the recipient generally feels really uneasy about. Here we have a situation where her highly developed upper chakras contain distortions that get rather messy when they hit the lower chakras.

So what does a healthy relationship to money look like?

Essentially money, as mentioned, is simply a symbol for energy or life-force. This life force was originally “extracted” from the Earth (the “Earth” as a Conscious Being, as opposed to a mere lump of rock floating around the sun). We continue to extract this energy from the Earth in the form of oil, gold, metals, timber, fish, and many other so-called “resources”.

Money is neutral.
Having heaps of it is fine. It’s all relative.
Having little or none of it is also fine. It’s all relative. Having no money can, however, make life more difficult in a commercially orientated human world.

Charging money in exchange for services rendered is perfectly normal and acceptable. This also applies to so-called “spiritual services”. Of course a fair and reasonable price should be agreed upon by the “seller” and “buyer”. The nature of ones services should not be used to manipulate or coerce a person into paying an unreasonable amount of money. For instance, deceiving people into thinking that your spiritual service is necessary for their liberation from suffering is life-taking. To then turn around and charge the now convinced/deceived “customer” a ridiculous amount of money for these services is even more life-taking. There are many instances of this in the world. It is not wrong. It is simply life-taking and is a call for love by all concerned—the person selling the service and the person getting ripped off by buying the service.

One secret to experiencing abundance is to always give more “value” than you ask for in return. This engages the Law of Increasing Value into your life and experience. Ponder this for a moment if it doesn’t make sense. There are many other ways to silently increase the flow of abundance in your life—we might look at this in another article.

It is not healthy to be attached to money.
It is not healthy to use money as an indicator of how “spiritual” you are, how “good life is right now”, nor how connected with God you think you are right now. You happiness should not depend on how much money or material possessions you have. That is not to say that you shouldn’t obtain money and material possessions and then enjoy them and feel happy to have them. Rather it simply means that if they all vanished you would continue to be just as happy.

I feel to end this article here. If you have questions then please feel free to post them as a comment below.

With love and blessing’s,

Jonathan Evatt

Right relationship with Spiritual Teachers, Gurus, Masters and Healers

I have noticed what I consider to be a significant amount of confusion within many people who are actively exploring their “spiritual path”, and what it means to be “Enlightened”, Liberated, or spiritually whole and empowered. It is to this confusion that I feel moved to speak in this moment. I also wish to speak to the Divinity within people currently facing this form of confusion. My intention is to bring some clarity to this important matter.

There are many so-called spiritual paths in this world. Within the human scheme of things there are many different perspectives on the nature of life, God, ordinary reality, non-ordinary reality, altered states of consciousness, the mind, what it means to be human, what it means to be “spiritual”, what it means to be enlightened, and how that so-called enlightenment can be attained. There are also a range of perspectives that I see in people with regards to the Teacher/Guru/Master/Healer and student relationship. (N.B. For simplicity I may just use one or two of those labels when in fact I am referring to all four).

The two primary perspectives I meet in people can be summarised as follows:
1) Teacher-student relationships are unnecessary, potentially dangerous, and should be avoided at all costs. There might be the inherent belief that there is something negative about this sort of relationship. That it is always about control and subjugation. People with this sort of perspective might also say that “everything/everyone in life is my teacher, so why would I need a specific person to fill that roll?”

2) The Teacher-student relationship is absolutely and fundamentally vital to the students liberation. There are many so-called “enlightened masters” who state that there is no way a person can set themselves free without surrendering to a “qualified teacher” who has already gone all the way to attaining enlightenment. For some there is even the belief that “without this special relationship with a Realised Being there is no way I will make it to my Enlightenment.”

I’ve described these two categories quite loosely. The exact perspectives a person under either category holds might vary, but I think you can get the gist of what I am referring to here. One is for and one is against—for any number of reasons.

There is a side issue that comes up within both of these perspectives. This is the question of whether or not a spiritual teacher should ask for and receive money for their services. There are many students that feel that there is no way money and spirituality can be put together. There are also many teachers / healers that feel this way too. In my experience, the general consensus here appears to be that there is something inherently wrong with paying / receiving money for spiritual guidance or support. Money is often perceived to be some kind of necessary evil in the world that must not with something as “holy” and “pure” as spiritual council, assistance, and potential Liberation. We will explore this in more detail shortly.

So, which of these two categories most closely represents your view on this matter? Are you for or against?
Perhaps you have an entirely different view, in which case I invite you to post your comments at the end of this article.

Here is what I feel to be true in regards to this matter.

1. As a Divine Being (which you are) you have only one need—namely the need for a “mirror”.
That “mirror” can come in many forms. It can take many faces. It will play out most intensely through your relationship with other people in this world.
As far as relationships go, this mirroring is likely to play out most intensely through a relationship with a Spiritual Teacher / Master / Guru (a being that is genuinely Liberated from the human condition and has realised the true nature of mind and reality).

2. The idea that there is no way you can reach God-consciousness without surrendering yourself to one particular Guru, Master or Teacher is a spiritual control trip or simply a serious misconception. Having a close and authentic relationship with a teacher is likely to be of great assistance to any sincere aspirant at certain stages along their path, yet I do not for one moment believe that God / Infinity depends on that (this Guru, or you) in order to get you to live the life you were created to live, nor to experience the states of consciousness you are destined to experience, nor to commune with the Divine.

3. It is a natural phenomena within creation for intelligence to be imparted from one “thing” to another. Everywhere I look I see intelligent communication taking place between the many apparent “parts” in creation and in this world. A bee telling the rest of the hive where to get the best nectar. Cells in my body telling other cells how to be healthy and in a place of integrity with the rest of my body. Parents raising children. Animals raising their young. A herb (like Milk Thistle) assisting a failing liver to come back into a state of health. Intuitive knowing informing a person of Truth in a situation, things to say, what to do each day, etc.
Intelligent communication/co-operation between the many apparent parts within duality is the very glue that holds this universe together. It is the expression and expansion of that force we call Love.

4. You and I are the totality. There is only ONE. Yet we have the capacity to dream up an apparent reality that experientially differs from that Truth. It is perfectly viable and healthy that another aspect of the totality (another person) might co-operate with me in my desire to awaken to Truth (to Oneness) by imparting the intelligence necessary to make that happen. This other person may have the recognised roll of Guru or Teacher in the human scheme of things. Also, they might not. It really doesn’t matter—the key is the quality of the relationship. The quality of the relationship will be determined by the intention of the Teacher and of the student. The more pure (the more aligned with Truth) the intention the higher the quality of the relationship.

5. Orthodox Christians have completely missed the point when they believe that “only by believing in Jesus as my saviour will I reach heaven”. This is grave misconception that the Churches and priests perpetuate due to their own ignorance and/or their conscious/unconscious desire to remain in a place of power in this world—to be a spiritual authority in the lives of their followers. The historical figure we call Jesus was not showing people how to be devout and pious Christians. Rather he was showing us what it means to be a Christ in this world. He was not a “Christian”.

6. Many Buddhist followers/practitioners have also missed the point when they believe that “my only way to attain Buddhahood” is via some particular Lama, a particular “spiritual practice”, or being part of a particular Buddhist sect, etc. Being a devout Buddhist follower/practioner is very different from being a Buddha. Gautama Siddhartha was showing us how to be the later, not the former. He was not a “Buddhist”.

7. There is nothing inherently “wrong” about a teacher / guru / healer asking for money in exchange for their services. Money is simply a man-made representation of energy, life-force, or value. It is a form of energy the human collective has agreed to use as a means of exchanging value in this world. You value my work and pay me some money. I value eating food and hand my money on to a restaurant or food merchant. Having a healthy and life-giving relationship to this energetic metaphor or symbol called “money” is of great importance to any being wishing to master what it means to live in this world and what it means to transcend an ego-based relationship to life.

8. Money should not, however, be used by a teacher a means of manipulating a student or taking advantage of a student. There should be clear and mutual agreement on how much money is to be exchanged and what it is in exchange for. Your relationship with a truly realised Master or Spiritual Teacher should not depend on the exchange of money. Money should not be the pivotal point in the relationship nor the only thing that makes the relationship possible. I recommend being very mindful of exactly how a so-called Spiritual Teacher or Guru negotiates their relationship with you in regards to money (also in regards to your time and energy on other levels).

In my experience as a Teacher I simply can not avoid sharing what I know with people. The Love and the Truth that I experience simply pours through me and out of me into my world. There is nothing I can do about it. “My cup runneth over” so to speak. If you happen to be in some form of relationship to that Cup and you are thirsty then there is really nothing I can do to stop you from quenching your thirst. Yet, I am also here in the Dream via a physical body, and energy in one form or another is required to keep that body alive at a level you can perceive and be in a human relationship with. This physical body requires food, water, and supportive living conditions. Clothing is nice as it keep my body warm and helps me to fit into my society, and can also be used as a form of creative expression. A car is also useful as it enables me to move this body relatively long distances, which is pretty handy because it would be a long walk otherwise. Air flight tickets might also be useful as it enables me to take this physical body to be in places a long distance from where I am now. I can then share what I share with people in those regions also. I also enjoy having fun with my friends and relations. All of these things require energy for me to aquire them, and the most basic unit of energy we have in the human world at this time is “money”. Therefore it is absolutely appropriate for me to ask for an appropriate exchange of money for my services.

Of course, I might feel moved by spirit to live the life of a monk. In that case it is likely that all my basic physical requirements will be taken care of, and it is likely I will not have an appropriate reason to ask you for money—well, not for much anyway. It all depends on the situation at hand.

The key point here is that it will be a hindrance to hang onto the perception that any so-called Spiritual Teacher or Healer asking for money is not to be trusted. Personally, I am more likely to be weary of the Healers that don’t ask for money or at least some form of exchange. An exchange is going to take place at some level no matter what. I’d rather it was a clear open exchange. If it is not taking place in a clean clear way at a physical level then where is it taking place? It is important to be really clear on this point. Over the years I’ve met a number pretty highly realised beings in this world that have a completely disastrous relationship to money and energy exchange. It causes them constant problems and causes their so-called (and invariably short-lived) students a great deal of hurt and disillusionment. The teachers end up sucking people dry on some level, and/or ripping them off. It simply ain’t a nice way to go about things.

9. Be aware that everything in the world of form—including physical form and more subtle form—is the product of a thought-form or a certain perceptual framework. Whether we are talking about the form of a human society (with all its various beliefs and perceptions and world-views) or the form of the many spiritual practices, levels, and Buddha realmes, etc., talked about in a Buddhist spiritual tradition. Both are form and both represent (or are the product of) a particular thought-form or perspective. On the spiritual path we ultimately have to step beyond our attachment and identification with all worldly forms. We also have to go beyond attachment and identification with the our human mind and emotions. What I am suggesting is that at some stage it is also necessary to go beyond the far more subtle elements of any particular spiritual tradition or teaching. This takes tremendous courage.

In conclusion I will say the following:
- If you tend to get into co-dependant relationships then heal this before entering too seriously into a relationship with any so-called Guru or Teacher.

- Once free of co-dependency, be open to having a relationship with a one or more Spiritual Teachers. Under the correct circumstances it is not something to be affraid of—although your ego might fear such a relationship rather strongly.

- Remember, your relationship with a Spiritual Teacher (or with any teacher) must NOT depend on what you exchange with them. Nor should your “enlightenment” or Liberation depend on them. Some Teachers I see in the world try to put across the idea that only through them can a spiritual aspirant get the “right teaching” and get exactly what they need in order to be free. Let’s be real clear that this is nothing more than their ego trying to establish a spiritual monopoly (in just the way that most organised religions try to).

-If your Spiritual Teacher puts forward (opennly or through intimation) that only by paying them X amount of money can they assist you or can you attain enlightenment then be-aware. If they try to manipulate you into feeling you have to have a sexual relationship with them in order to access your Divinity then again be-aware. If you are being manipulated by a Teacher, and if they are any good at it (which the quite likely are), then you are unlikely to recognise that this is what is taking place. So the key is to really take to heart that this Spiritual Teacher or Master should require nothing from you in order to assist you on your path. The request or implication of sexual favours, unreasonable sums of money, or giving of time and money you have not agreed to give them, etc., should all be seen as RED FLAGS that something is not as it appears to be. More than likely the only real teaching they are presenting you with is how NOT to give your power away to a spiritual authority external to your own Divine Presence. Learn the lesson and get out of there !! :-) Know and trust that there are plenty of conscious and spiritually awake people in this world that will happily assist you along your path without manipulating you for their own gain and benefit.

That is all for now. If you have any questions then as always simply ask.

With love and blessings,

Jonathan Evatt

Timing - The End Game

I get the distinct impression that within the collective Dream there is really not a lot of time left. As far as time goes, the part in the script where “the shit hits the fan” and those who are ready to move on do so and those who believe themselves to be deeply stuck in darkness dissappear down that hole, is getting very near.
I’ve been aware of this break point since I was a child. I’ve been patiently waiting. Sometimes not so patiently. I remember counting up the years and figuring out how old I might likely be when “the world ends”.

There are many talking about the end of the world—and that kind of talk is nothing new. There’s hardly been a time in history where someone hasn’t been referring to the “end of the world”, to “judgement day”, “armagadon” etc. It’s possible I’m just another one of these people stirring things up with the idea that we have very little time left. It’s possible. You’ll have to be the one to decide what’s what. I only share that which I feel is of significance to the people I am sharing it with. My purpose is sharing what I do is to arouse awareness, not to generate fear.

All I know is that I get the distinct impression that the “world” (as created by human kind, as opposed to the Earth itself) is collapsing rapidly. There is also a large awakening taking place. People are now aware of things that I simply couldn’t talk about in my youth. When I did I’d find myself facd with anger and antagonism. People felt judged by me—yet I was simply talking about what I saw within society… nothing specifically about the person I was talking to. Now days, I can sit back and listen to other’s telling me these things. That shift has really taken place in a big way just in the last couple of years—as far as I can tell.
When I relate to “the end of the world” I don’t see this as some kind of doom and gloom scenario where the world will blow up or life on earth will be eradicated by some massive asteroid . That’s not how I see it at all.

Rather, what I see is that the collective ego-mind will split off into two or more Stories. One of these stories will be the darkest possible manifestation of all the life-taking bullshit anyone can these days look around the world situation and see. The other Story will be one of Heaven on Earth. Whether we all end up on two different planets or whether those creating heaven on Earth simply moved into a parallel reality—I can’t yet say.

What I do feel strongly is that there is not long to go, as far as time is concerned.

I invite you to take heed of this timing. How much longer will you wait and sit on the fence? How much longer will you keep telling yourself you’re not ready to step into your role as a presence of Light in the world? How much longer will you hang onto the idea that you still have heaps of stuff to heal before you’re ready to get on with the show?

Ask yourself these things and make some conscious decisions.

The perfect time is Now.

With love,

Jonathan