All of These Things–and More

Yogacharya David
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Opening of Houston Rodeo

 Luke 12:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.    33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

The great Master, in these and previous verses, gives impeccable instructions for prayer, humility, and pronouncing as a fact that God knows what you need even before you articulate it. I have to say that my life has been a demonstration of this principle, as was Mother’s. It has been twenty years now since God directed me to leave my profession and be His aspirant and minister only. Operating “without a net,” I set off without any idea of how I would have food, shelter or clothing. Since that time I have been provided  with such abundance, that it is beyond belief.

Fifteen years ago Carla joined me in this mutual quest. She had been the Personal Assistant to the third wealthiest individual in the world–with the highest pay she had ever received. Throwing her lot in with mine (and God’s), she brought with her a six year old Ford Escort as a dowry–she has shared this life of service to God first with wild abandon.

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Cowgirl riding barrels

It is not a formula type thing–simply leave your job and expect God to take care of you,  rather it is living the attitude of seva (service to Him) and knowing that as you do so, whether you are the owner of a company or an employee, He will look after all your needs. It takes a one hundred percent participation for this law of God to be fully enacted. When you do, then God joyfully gets busy organizing every detail of your life for your’s, and the world’s, highest good.

When we have left on journey’s, occasionally someone will say,”have a good vacation.” This always takes me by surprise, as I have never thought of needing or going on a vacation. He simply takes me to one place or another in order to fulfill some tasks He has assigned to me–as He is always working through me. Even though on the outside there may be few signs of the tremendous labor He performs through this form, I am witness to what He does and am cognizant of the price this form pays for the privilege of service to Him.

It has been His sweet will to burn with an inner fire each day in these three bodies–a purification rite of His choosing. Although few would necessarily notice, Carla is often highly attuned to the needs of this body, even before I am. Through her able assistance I have been kept functioning and she has kept this body in health when otherwise it may have very well dispersed into vaporized atoms from which it originated.

Beyond keeping this body in operating condition, God also looks after everything needed, and seemingly more. It seems that many whims and ancient desires are also met through putting Him first. In the last couple of years Carla has mentioned on occasion that she would like to see a rodeo; just something that has been lurking in her mind, as she, nor I, had ever been to one. It had crossed my mind to one day go to a county fair and see a rodeo, but so far that had not materialized. Apparently God was listening to her better than I, for He arranged to fulfill that desire in a masterful way.

Upon arriving in Houston to see a long term friend of Carla’s, there was some mention of a rodeo. When Carla’s friend’s husband heard it was a wish of Carla’s to see one, he made a call and within hours it was arranged for us all to go to one of the biggest rodeos in the world, with all the top riders! Not only that but we were invited to a corporate suite with food and first class seats all included, for no cost! Our dear hosts took us to the festivities in their luxury car, gave us a tour of the circus that was part of the fair grounds, and the blue ribbon animals winning first in their class. We were then escorted up to the suite and Carla was given a cowgirl hat and wore a big smile throughout the day.

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Wild Wagon Race

It is clear that when God is present then we may enjoy the world according to His will–knowing that if He is not in residence then it all loses its value and meaning. But, being keenly aware that this is His world, that He manifests Himself in all forms, then we may know Him through His manifestations. Lose sight of Him, and all is lost. Know Him to be the best of this world, and we may glorify Him through His manifold expressions. Carla had her whimsical wish satisfied through following, in every area, total surrender to Him. In this way we discover anew, that seeking His kingdom and righteousness first, God gives all of these things (and more) to you as well.

Picture below: printed in case it is difficult to read–very fun–and true!

Texas 10 Commandments

1-Jus one God

2-Honor yer Ma and Pa

3-No tellin tales or gossipin’

4-Get yourself to Sunday Meetin’

5-Put nothin’ before God

6-No foolin around with another fella’s gal

7-No killin’

8-Watch yer mouth

9-Don’t take what ain’t yers

10-Don’t be hankerin’ for yer buddy’s stuff

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Space and Spirit

Yogacharya David
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Front of Houston Space Center–Boeing 747 carring the Space Shuttle for high altitude testing

These days have been filled with activity, from road travel to arriving here in Houston where we are spending time with Carla’s friend and roommate from her university days. She and her husband have treated their guests with incredible hospitality and have been so welcoming.

One place I had in mind to visit while here is the Houston Space Center, the command post for NASA where engineers and managers oversaw space travel to the moon and back; it was also the training ground for the crews before flights and their place of recovery after time spent in weightlessness.

Our hosts bundled us up in their car and drove us to the far south end of Houston where the NASA site is located. Now it is more an active museum than a working post, however they still have equipment that trains hopefuls for the Space Station and for future Mars landings as well; it is not only a look into the past, but the present and future as well. We toured the building that had a horizontal Saturn V rocket that boosted those leaving the safety of earth to make the long trip to the moon. It is awe inspiring to see these huge engines, each one producing 1 million-pounds of thrust, providing the kind of power to take precious cargo up into orbital speed at 18,000 miles per hour.

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Saturn V Engines-each provided 1 million-pounds of thrust

As a child I remember getting up early (Pacific Standard Time), to watch the space launches, many of them lasting just minutes in orbit before making a fiery entrance into the earth’s atmosphere. Walter Cronkite interviewed scientists as we waited to see and hear those powerful liftoffs. I think much of the country sat before their television sets to see these exotic and dangerous missions. A seminal moment came while watching live feeds from the moon when Neil Armstrong pronounced that he was taking “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” as he was the first to set foot on the surface of an alien planetary body. It was a captivating moment for me, and for a riveted nation and world.    

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Training Suit for Mars

We also toured a building in which there is a segregated Space Station laid out on the massive floor to train astronauts for extended times in orbit. In addition there are training areas for a Mars’ launch that is anticipated to occur in the 2030s. Although it is no longer used as command and control center for space flight by NASA, it is a very active museum and training center for further treks into unknown frontiers of space.

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Training Craft for Mars

All this evidence of man’s evolution in intellectual and technical advances helps to prove a point that is essential to understand. A “giant leap for mankind,” which going to the moon represented, did not solve the fundamental problems of human existence. As a lover of science and technology, I am also keenly aware that in themselves material advances do not represent wisdom. These leaps in technology we have seen have certainly made things possible that would have been science fiction not long ago. But–are we happier, more at peace, living in greater harmony with our environment and each other?

Real peace, real happiness will not come from advances in the intellect or through technology, rather it comes from knowing the Self. It is through the exploration of knowing who and what we truly are that lasting happiness, peace, joy, love, harmony and guiding wisdom are natural outcomes. Exploration of the inner space of Spirit must advance at least as rapidly as physical science, for it is only in God-awareness that we have the balance and wisdom to know what, and what not, to do next–it is the one way forward so that we may have spiritual and material advances that truly benefit one and all.

A Sanctuary of Peace

Yogacharya David
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Cathedral San Fernando Altar

We put on our travelling boots for a long journey from New Mexico to San Antonio Texas. Setting the caravan on cruise control the long miles tick away. Driving through changing desert we have with hills on either side, then a large flat area with low growing mesquite and cactus, then rolling hills with oak and lush undergrowth. Originally much of this was grassland, but as the Spanish increased their horse and cow herds the grass disappeared, then with the lack of wildfires the grass did not reseed–so luscious grassland became rather plain looking Mesquite bush and Gambel’s Quail for many hundreds of miles.  

From no population to sparse ranches to farmlands we are gradually reintroduced into evidence of human habitation–other than the long expanse of Highway 10 with rest stops roughly placed 100 miles apart–Texas is big! Jerry had recommended the River Walk (Paseo del Rio) in San Antonio. The River Walk has sidewalks on either side of the channeled river that is below street level of downtown. Restaurants and shops line the river and quaint boats motor tourists around the circuit of waterways–designated the “Venice of America.”

After finding a camping spot a bit out of the main city we pedal our way in on a marvelous bike path that follows the San Antonio River. We first visit the ill-fated Alamo, that became a rally cry, “Remember the Alamo” as Texans fought Santa Anna for independence. The Alamo was a calculated slaughter, only a slave was let go to tell the tale of woe and spread panic to others who thought of joining the rebellion. However the “take no prisoners” policy had the opposite effect on Texans, who were made even more determined–in 1839 they became an autonomous republic and ten years later the Republic of Texas joined the United States.  

Onward we wheel ourselves to the River Walk where we are charmed by the waterways, overpass bridges, many of which were built in the 1930s as part of the WPA, and the many shops and restaurants. We eat lunch at the Casa Rio, it turned out to be the oldest eatery (1946) along the river. The restaurant was was started by a failing hardware store owner, taking over an old home and digging the mud out of the basement by hand, the vintage restaurant is still run by the family. From all the busyness of the River Walk we emerge to street level and find the beautiful St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Upon entry the feeling here makes it known that this is a “House of God.” The artistry and colors are truly magnificent.

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San Antonio River Walk

We go in search of another church, the Cathedral of San Fernando, designated the nation’s oldest Cathedral Sanctuary and was visited in 1987 by St. John Paul II. The outside of this Cathedral looks to be very old, originally built between 1738-50. Venturing into the very front through a winding narrow hallway we come face to face with a magnificent altar. Magnetically drawn we sit first row and are immediately drawn in. The world can be interesting, lovely, even engaging, but how much more so is God! The world drops away and there is only He, blessed He. A sanctuary of peace and God’s Presence in the midst of a bustling city–we are at home.

Today we continue on our North American God-tour to Houston. He takes us to places unknown, but as our tour guide He is infallible.  We have chanted His holy Name across many miles now, filling our hearts and this dharamshala on wheels with His Light and radiating the power of His Nam as we travel from coast to coast.    

Picture: St. Joseph’s Church San Antonio Texas 

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Runes Messages

Yogacharya David
City of Stones from crest of hill

We are surrounded by 35,000,000 year old rocks that stand as sentinels of ancient earth where a lifetime is measured in millennia, not as humans mark it as several dozen orbits around the sun. The land here, at the City of Rocks State Park of New Mexico, has the feel of time viewed through a wide angle lens, not a microscope. What a brief span a human life is, barely registered as a passing gnat by these old watchers.

Having driven to this most interesting topography we crested a small hill and looked down upon a large cluster of various shaped boulders, some creating avenues, streets and alleys with what could easily be imagined as shops, hotels and homes in stone; thus the name City of Rocks. We have a site here in solitude amongst these silent monarchs of stone–no one else is close. The spirit unfolds its wings here, far from cramped quarters of ordinary cities. Quiet pervades as the rising sun reveals a rabbit grazing nearby, a hawk soaring in circles overhead, scuttling squirrels and other assorted friends who call this home. In amongst the rocks are rounded cactus, juniper and small oaks, local grass and assorted desert fare.

Last night with the campfire ablaze, we sat surrounded by giant boulders–seemingly Tolkienian petrified trolls caught by an unexpected sunrise. Overall, we feel the quiet, grounded, millennial-consciousness. This comes in the backdrop in which I have been in prayerful battle. I feel spent in this tremendous exertion and the land comes as a welcome oasis of spiritual nurturance.

I e early this morning, as God has been keeping nocturnal hours, but this early a.m. my mind was filled with a past event. I know I, and I think most, have had “cringe-worthy” incidents when we have acted in ignorance, made poor decisions, issued forth ill-chosen words or actions that would definitely not make it in our “Better Moments” videography. Well, one of those was on full display in my mind’s eye when I awoke. Initially I felt the cringe, then an inner Voice spoke that made me know this was not for the indulgence of the ego to feel bad, rather it was a calling of prayer for an individual. What a change that made, to move from the initial abhorrence to feeling the light, power and flow of God blessing one and all. “Oh Lord, You remind me once again what my purpose is in life. I am not here to be self-conscious, but God-conscious. This is my lesson, again and again, until there is nothing else but You, ever-present You.”

This City of Rocks is a place where stones become runes, messengers to remind us of the eternal verities; a place of awareness where you know that you have always been, you are now, and you will always be part of the Ancient One, the Source of all existence. In that Consciousness you can rest–reside in the eternal Truth of the Infinite where a human life is but a flicker, but in God is the ever-existent Flame of Life.

Picture: Streets of Stone

 

Conjures up the image of a kneeling camel

Picture: Natural yogi’s cave

 

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Tab®|PRO

Southwest Adventures

Yogacharya David
Gila Cliff Dwellings

We have had wonderful and interesting pilgrimage points in these recent days. Coinciding with the full moon we made our way to San Xavier del Bac, a Catholic Church near Tucson AZ, dating back to 1692. The current structure was built in the 1790s, after the Apaches saw fit to burn down the original structure. However, it was the indigenous tribe, the Tohono O’odham (Desert People), who were instrumental in building the church and maintained loyal followers even when the church went through years of no priests in attendance.

It was our delight that a Pow Wow, traditional dance from Nations across the Southwest, was in progress just behind the church on the day we came. This yearly event attracts dancers to display traditional dance, colorful clothing and feathers, and compete in various categories to keep ancient ceremonies alive to new generations. Non-natives are welcomed, in fact there are times in the day when all attendees are invited out to join in an inter-tribal dance.

The welcoming prayer by a holy man was a fusion of traditional beliefs alongside faith in God’s son, Jesus. He followed the english language prayer with one in his native tongue which, while the words were unkown to me, I found deeply moving.It is heartening to see a spiritual tent broad enough to accommodate beliefs from different cultures–ultimately the conclusion must be drawn that there is but one Great Spirit manifesting in endless varieties of religious expression around the globe.

There were also many varieties of shapes, colors and sizes of dancers; in stature some were short and round, while there was a native dancer who was northwards of seven feet tall! Ladies came in flowing sparkling garments moving in graceful circles, and “old bull” men who had a great sense of gravity to their dance and their beings. Multi-pitched singing was accompanied by large drums beating out the rhythm for the dancers to follow. In Native Culture dance accompanied going on hunts, gathering a war party, a prayer for good rainfall and harvest–song and dance was an integral part of life for these people who have lived on this land for many thousands of years. I clearly hear the singing now as I write about this event; a haunting chant that echoes from time immemorial and calls upon the Creator of us all to bring out the goodness in all endevors.

During an intermission we make our way to the nearby church. It is a beautiful structure that has many paintings and icons on the walls within. It continues to be an active church where mass is celebrated, candles are lit under favorite icons, some sit in prayerful attention while others are streaming through as tourists. Carla and I each buy a “Our Lady of Guadalalupe” candle. I light mine under Divine Mother’s statue for Win, who has been having great health challenges. Carla lights her’s for Christine–dearly departed soul, in honor of her life here with us, and now in her ongoing journey in God. There is a spiritual vibrancy here that was not noted in our time here three years ago.

We then walk out to a hill with a cross on top and a path that circumambulates midway up. Our first stop is at a grotto that has been dedicated to Lourdes in France. This has a definite spiritual vibrancy that is highly attractive. After some time spent here we continue around the hill with views of the verdant valley below; after years of drought this year has brought abundant rains, which in turn has greened the hills, valley and brought out smiling seasonal flowers. We feel the peace of this lovely spot dedicated to God and His saints. May the peace we feel here spread all over this earth and raise humankind’s consciousness to purified heights.

After our pilgrimage to the church and the Pow Wow we continued our journey to New Mexico. This is new territory for me, and it is exciting to be blazing new trails. We journey to Silver City in order to make our way up to Gila (Heela) Cliff Dwellings (recommended by Charmie). A long drive up a very winding road finally brings us to the foot bridge that begins us on our journey back in time. These Cliff Dwellings were built by the Mogollon (Muggy-own) People, ancestors to the Pueblos. These Dwellings were constructed circa 1275 c.e. and were inhabited for one to three generations. Located just above the Gila River, they possibly moved here because there had been a 30 year drought, and the spring gives water year around.

We made our way across 11 footbridges that criss-crosses the creek and gives us sneak peaks of the cliff dwellings above. The surrounding rocks are beautifully sculpted in round shapes by millennia of water flow. Among these rounded shapes are larger caverns that were water-carved and made for wonderful protection from heat and cold, some of them 20 and 30 feet tall. We climbed steeply and then arrived at the first of five caves with  a total of 45 rooms. It is thought that 10 to 15 families lived here.

It is not hard to imagine this being home to these families, children’s laughter echoing in the steep ravine, crops (the “three sisters”: beans, squash and corn) growing down by the river and on the mesa above; a hearty group daily climbing up and down stairs and ladders for their water, crops and game. These homes today are but skeletons after pottery trophy-hunters and mindless vandals took and burned much of what was left by the families. Today there is a peaceful feel to the place, and it is interesting to see how these structures served the purpose of protecting and nurturing families. An additional interest for Carla and me is our attraction to cave sites with yogic-meditation in mind. Caves offer natural insulation from the world’s constant activity and makes eternity seem within easy reach.  

Today, on the Ides of March, we continue on our way. It has been a time filled with outer activity, but also inner activity has been very intense. Awake the night of the fullmoon with God-activity so strong that I felt to be a but a small hut with an elephant inside moving back and forth! “Oh Lord, must I remind you that this body is small, You are immense! With a touch of your finger You make worlds tremble! If it is Your wish to break apart this ‘temple not made with hands,’ then so be it. But if You wish me to serve longer, then You must make me stronger, or perhaps remember to use a gentler touch. Either way, Your will be done!”   

 

Wordless Prayer

Yogacharya David
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San Xavier del Bac-Tucson AZ

We have packed up from our stay in the Palm Desert area and have made tracks to Arizona, first Phoenix and now we are in Tucson. We are getting used to having a tow vehicle (called a “toad” by RV’rs). Thanks to Jerry and Lois, who drove it down here, we now have a car to get around in once we arrive at a destination. Our model was rated towable for only two years of its manufacturing, and ours was one of those two years–thank you Ram!

Here in Tucson we will revisit a vintage Catholic Church, San Xavier del Bac. Last time here we enjoyed the church, widely considered the finest example of Spanish Colonial architecture in the United States. However, what we really loved was walking about a hill dotted with icons which had a powerful spiritual feeling to it. We will light some candles at the prayer altar while there.

Prayer is a continual part of my life, but in recent times it has powerfully drawn me inward. Win, a long term devotee of Mother Hamilton’s is one reason, his heart is only pumping about 30% of what it should, and now he has been struggling with pneumonia. I have been in a powerful fight for his life, health and total recovery.

Prayer is a very large and important topic, and oftentimes its real power is little understood. When a child my mother taught me, “Now I lay me down to sleep..,” which I said nightly. I knew I was praying to God, but I think I mostly rattled off the little poem without much thought other than I was asking God to keep me safe through the night. Other times when feeling alone and particularly in some trouble I would pray to God for resolution to my immediate problem, such as I wanted Him to give me friends and good grades (without any effort on my part!). Gradually prayer wore off as I struggled to know what I believed.

It was not until I was nineteen years old and in emotional turmoil that I reached out to God due to the pain I was in, “God! I do not know if You exist, but if You do, if I have never needed You before I need You now!” Immediately the pain was alleviated, it felt as if thousands of pounds of crushing pressure was lifted from me. This was a turning point in my life and sent me on a journey of exploration for Who and What God is, and for that matter, who and what I am.

Down through the years I have grown in my understanding of prayer. Master writes beautifully about the power of prayer, that you must put your whole self into a prayer for it to have any real effect–half-hearted appeals have no real spiritual power. Over the years God gradually instructed me on Wordless Prayer. Wordless Prayer is more subtle than talking to God, and it is vastly powerful.

In Wordless Prayer you first feel yourself lifted into Divine Consciousness–His bliss, His upliftment, His power. Then God turns your attention upon any particular person, situation or part of the world, or for that matter, the whole world itself. You then experience all of the power, bliss and upliftment you are feeling merge into the focus of your prayer. Time and space collapse, even barriers we call death offers no resistance, the freedom and pervasiveness of God-consciousness is the means for quickening the subject of your prayers with all that you have in Divine Union. No words are needed, only the powerful awareness of all that God is.

Wordless Prayer does not necessarily mean you will not have any words that accompany the prayer; only that they are not necessary, and words are not the primary means of communication. Some words may spontaneously arise in your mind reflecting what was previously wordless, but primarily it is direct consciousness-to-consciousness connection as God sends His power through you, His conduit. His work being done through you lifts you even more closely into Him and His kingdom–He delights in using you in this way even as you delight in being used.  

Whether with words or in Wordless Prayer, go deeper into being a conduit for God’s will to quicken creation with His power, bliss, love, light, joy, and wisdom. Be a blessing to this world, for every thought you have has creative power. You must be aware as to whether your thoughts and words are healing and uplifting, or damning and giving power to what is negative (as in gossip). Wordless Prayer is a powerful way of being God’s instrument and for you to be a blessing to this world.

Honoring Master

Yogacharya David
006 Yoganandaji Last Smile
Master’s Last Smile-Taken hours before his mahasamadhi

 

Today is the anniversary of the great samadhi of Paramhansa Yogananda. Spiritual masters attain a high state of consciousness in which they transcend the limitations of the five senses and the reasoning mind–they find themselves in states of bliss, have visions of light beyond that which the sun or flame brings to the eye, hear sounds that come from the depths of creation, and have a deep sense of knowing who and what they truly are that transcends the short human life-cycle here on earth. Much can be written to try and capture this high state, but none can be the final word on it.

When an accomplished spiritual master senses that the time is right he slips the bonds of the human body for the last time and he or she enters into the realm of light and realization as a freed being–without necessity for returning to the earthly realm to fulfill unmet desires. For it is said that full spiritual realization answers all the heart’s desires, leaving nothing for the master except to think, do and say as Divine Will directs. God chooses the moment for this final ascension, a well known path by the master who “dies daily” in Christ Consciousness.

Master chose to leave the body in a public manner, even as he had led an open life for the uplift of all humanity. The occasion was the coming of a new ambassador from the relatively newly freed nation of India. Master was to be a keynote speaker for the function honoring the new ambassador. After a dinner in the Biltmore Hotel conference room Master rose to speak. He told of humorous stories of first coming to America. He had heard that Native American (Indians) scalped white men, and when he saw bald men in the cities of America he thought that “Indians” had been at their gruesome work! And when he saw signs for selling “hotdogs”, he thought, “Lord, why did you bring me to a land where they eat dogs!”  Through humor and instructive stories Master touched the hearts and delighted the audience with his short talk.

Then he recited part of his beautiful poem, My India, closing with the sentiment, “Where Ganges, woods, Himalayan caves, and men dream God-
I am hallowed; my body touched that sod.” Then he turned a little toward his right and his body slipped to the ground. He was gone, just like that. The ending of life spent in service to humanity to awaken God-consciousness in one and in all. Master had “died with his boots on,” and he has left his mark for all of us to follow in doing what he did, knowing what he knew, becoming what he became; for he is the archetype for a rapidly developing consciousness in this world.

Slights, insults and injustices rarely stayed with Master. Even though he was subject to racist treatment and smears in person and in the public arena, he remained positive and saw the best in America and in people. He ever kept a higher vision of individuals and nation-states. This positivity was based on an inner vision that God is the evolutionary force in nature and humanity, and that although uneven and at times unlovely, it is inexorably moving toward the enlightenment of all creation.

Honoring Master is best done by emulating him. Following in his steps does not mean that we have to feign an East Indian accent or take on outward mannerisms like him. It means that we strive to know God, we honor saints and realized masters,  we endevor to live as guru instructs us, and that we serve God in all souls–even as he did! Let us think on and honor the great master today, on his Mahasamadhi Day, as on all days.

You may hear my talk from last night to the Ashland Center:

Master’s Mahasamadhi.

http://www.crossandlotus.com/David/Talks/2017/20170306_DA_Skype_Master’s_Mahasamadhi.mp3

Sweet Surrender

Yogacharya David
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Desert Bloom

God’s will often takes you in directions unexpected, but actually ends up filling some desire of His or makes you avoid some problem you will never know about (thankfully). We had a scheduled appointment to make our car ready for towing on our journey (our North American Pradakshina). The shop forgot to order the parts and so we are delayed a week from leaving Palm Desert area.

As a result we have encamped ourselves near the entrance to Joshua Tree National Park, a place we had wanted to return to from two years ago but have been unable to do so until now. So, God fulfilled His desire for us to be here through the seeming mistakes of the shop. This is the second week of delay, the other was when we were to begin and had a last minute repair to make before leaving. The Lord, in His infinite care makes for these delays, and through them brings about exactly the right thing through His loving care (we avoided severe snow storms and landslides by the first delay in January).

Surrender to His will does not make you a non-actor, I was sure to make the owner of the company, who neglected to order the part, know that his omission had real life consequences (for one we will not be able to meet Rick and Judy, and Jerry and Lois in Arizona as planned). The owner was apologetic but the parts have to be shipped and the time it takes is now out of his control.

Joshua Tree is one of our favorite places and we have found space on BLM land that has rustic roads and campsites and is available at no charge (always a favorite feature!). Even more than that, we are in blooming season in the desert. From the tiniest flowers flat on the ground to bushes and trees there are buds and blossoms everywhere.

When Larry and Cate were here last week we went to Indian Canyon for a hike through a forest-filled ravine of palm trees and a delightfully cheerful running stream. Cate had tears well up at the beauty this desert oasis exhibited (deserts are often associated with desolation). Mother Hamilton had written about coming to Indian Canyon in mid-century by jeep and spoke of the beauty she found there. In addition to the physical beauty there is a real spiritual feeling to the place, and each time I have been there the purity has been palpably felt in the air.

One feature of being in the desert that attracts me is the easy feeling of expansiveness. For the last few weeks we had been in a county park, and while a very nice place to stay, it lacked this open feeling we have here. While here God is running very strong in this form. It seems I had a few weeks of operating more easily in the world, a welcome time for me to attend to the many tasks associated with this type of travel. However, as soon as this need is over God comes on like a steaming locomotive–His power, His bliss and divine Presence takes complete precedence and He does with me what He wills. It is His Work being done, I am putty in His all-benevolent sculpting hands.

And while all of this beauty of His Presence is absolutely true, I also have this feeling of missing you. When God is in this mode such as He is, it makes me indrawn and it is even difficult to think of doing Skype or YouTube sessions with the Centers, which I hope to do in the future. It is all His Work, and He chooses what form it takes (many times without reference to what I would prefer in a human sense!). Be that as it may, I am always happy to have Him working through me according to what He chooses–for God and Gurus’ will are always uppermost in my life. While they are in charge I know that everything happens according the highest good of all concerned; for that is the nature of God’s will–it is by definition for the utmost benevolence. Therefore, we are always connected through that highest good, and the work that God does here is also done in you, for in Him there is no separation (and still, knowing that through and through, I have this feeling of missing you).

With that in mind, I send you all my love and blessings. All of what I have in God is yours, for I send out all that He gives me without reservation. May all be well my dear ones, and most of all may you ever be filled with the Divine Presence deep within your heart and soul.

Picture: More Desert Bloom

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Ash Wednesday

Yogacharya David

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Christendom marks today as Ash Wednesday, 46 days before Easter, a time of repentance, penance and fasting (excluding Sundays, a time of feasting). The ashes of the palm branches collected the year before are a blessed anointing with the words repent and believe.

Many Christians will take advantage of the 40 days (the time Jesus fasted in the wilderness) as a time to do or not do something as a spiritual discipline. Spiritual disciplines are times of great reward. Living in an era today when instant gratification is oftentimes the watchword, the rewards of not doing something in the name of sadhana (spiritual practice) are not readily known. However, it can be a wonderful time to let go of something, especially something that you now indulge in but really know is not good for you.

In years past this has been a time of not eating sugar, not watching television, dedicating longer times to meditation, time chanting with Papa’s recording of Ram Nam–it can really be anything you choose. When you dedicate yourself to this kind of practice it has a purifying effect on you; you feel it in body, mind and spirit. Penance for the sake of punishing yourself for real or imagined sins is a misguided attempt at purification. Penance done in the right spirit will leave you feeling clean, inside and out, and closer to God.

Here is something Reverend Jill sent out by email and I thought had wonderful wisdom from Sri Yoganandaji:

As we begin the first day of Lent, a time to reflect more deeply, I wanted to share these passages from this month’s Master’s Lesson:

“The tigers of worries and sickness and death are running after you and the only place that you can be safe is in silence.”

“When you meet people, do not become affected by their state of consciousness.  When they are singing of God, be one with them, but just as soon as they show undesirable qualities, stand aloof.  Meet people with silence, eat with silence, and work with silence.  God loves silence.”

Love to you all on this first day of the holy season

Jill

This is a wonderful time of year as we approach Easter, recognizing the rightful death of the ego and the joyful resurrection of Christ-consciousness. We can take time to read the teachings of Jesus from the Gospels, Master’s commentary in the Second Coming of Christ (published by Amrita or SRF), any of Mother’s transcripts or listen to her talks, especially Easter talks, available on the crossandltotus.com website (under talks).

The more we explore the teachings of Jesus the clearer it is what a magnificent Avatar he is. Our teachings are rooted in Jesus and Krishna, and find universal resonance throughout all the world’s great religions and spiritual traditions. Let us use this opportunity for going deeper into silent meditation and being lifted up as on wings of angels in His peace and Divine Presence. Discover the blissful joy of Christ Consciousness embodied in the life and teachings of Jesus and sleeping in potential in every human being. Be blessed–dive deep and soar high!

Years

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