We are drawing to an end of our excursion along the spine of the Appalachian mountains. When we began we knew it would be a winding, twisting, slow means for travel, however the rewards have been worth the extra effort. We have been guests to tremendous vistas,  it is home to countless waterfalls and streams, and wonderful little places to visit, such as Mabry Mill–which highlights the inventive mind of “uncle Ed” Mabry from a different era. This choice of road has been well worth the extra effort it has taken.

One thing worthy of note, there are unflattering stereotypes of Appalachians and of the South in general that I have simply not found. The people we have met have been unfailingly polite, genteel, friendly, and intelligent. There may be others who are not, but they have not been our experience. Blowing Rock would give a run for its money for any posh, southern California hipster spot. Other than historical displays I have not seen any great tension or discrimination based on color of skin. There is no doubt such things do exist here, as in all parts of the world, but there is nothing we have encountered in big cities or rural wide spots on the road.

Which brings to mind a related observation. Wherever I have gone, God is present, within and without. Both in temples made by man and Cathedrals of Nature, the sound of Aum/Amen and the Light of the Infinite have been in abundance. In all places we have found God’s helping hand through timely advice, direction, a caring comment or friendly “How ya’ll doi’n?” And of course His Divine Presence felt within has made the Infinite Beloved a constant feature throughout our pilgrimage.

One of His helping angels came in such a timely way for such a small need. We had travelled to Elkin on advice of a forest ranger for a bike trail, and some much needed internet access. We were across from the library looking for the bike trail we had been assured was there, but we could not find it. A friendly looking man asked it we were going on a bike ride, our bicycles in hand may have been a clue, and when I said we could not find the trail and had thought to ride off in one direction in search of it, he happily gave directions to go in the opposite way! He went on to describe the trail in detail, including the exact length of each of the bridges. I observed, “You are a man who knows his bridges!” He said he should, that he helped build them, he then gave me his card and said if we became lost to give him a call. When we returned to the campground I told the ranger about the help he gave, and she said, “Was that Dr. Bill?” I said yes, and she said he was instrumental in organizing the volunteers who built the beautiful bike trail with amazing bridges, and that he is a doctor known all over the state for his kindness and willingness to help!” Imagine, he was there just when we needed his help, God in human form!

Papa said that when he left to go on train and foot all over India, it was that God wanted to demonstrate that He is universally present. And though I have ventured to many parts of the world, there are most areas of America I have never been. It seems that God is out to demonstrate that He truly is equally present in all places and people of America. In addition, it has given us a chance to chant His holy name wherever we go, and add our part of God to all the people and places to which we have travelled.

In life there are certainly circumstances that we are plopped into that are beyond our control in the moment, but we also have unprecedented freedom in this life (compared to most of recorded history). We have means of transportation unthought of by royalty of the past, in fact in almost all areas of life many of us have a truly privileged existence. And, with deeper analysis, even those situations that seem beyond our control, and our liking, we come to know are the results of decisions we have made countless times and from many lives. This all leads to the topic of making conscious decisions about the roads we choose to travel.    

Just like we chose the slower more difficult Blue Ridge Parkway, so you may find that you choose a road that others may find difficult to fathom, but is right for you. The fact that you have chosen a God-centered life makes you unique to begin with, but even with that there are thousands of choices you make every day that determines what roads you will travel. You can  live a life in which you are carried downstream by the force of what others do, or you can determine to take roads less travelled through very conscious intention. The greatest road you, or anyone, can choose is the one that God, through His inner direction has chosen for you. You may follow that road and its every twist and turn with the certain knowledge that it is both taking you to your ultimate destination of full realization, and that the road is God Himself.

Picture: Carla as base of Stone Mountain Falls

Continuing our pilgrimage our caravan scrambles over 6,000 foot passes and we cross into North Carolina on our way to see Joy and family. The change in climate is noticable by both rising in altitude and moving northward–it is cooler and wetter, reminding us of the NorthWest damp. Hoever, we are low enough in latitude that such heights display early spring, not hip deep in snow. We arrive at the Powhatan State Park not far from Arden and the city of Asheville. Asheville has an interesting history as it became an especially loved place by writers Carl Sandburg, Thomas Wolfe and F. Scott Fitsgerald who had homes here. It is also place of America’s largest private home, the Biltmore–George Vanderbilt created this cozy little 250 room house on 8,000 acres with breathtaking gardens designed by Fredrick Olmstead.

Acting as host Joy takes us on a wonderful drive up into the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Pisgah National Forest at over 4,000 feet in altitude for a hike to some marvelous waterfalls by the name of Skinnydip (and no, we did not). While sitting on some rocks next to the falls there is a overhang next to us that reminds me of an apt yogi’s cave.  I fell into a reverie about Babaji–when I am in wilderness he often comes to mind.

Almost tweny years ago now, when at Cloud Mountain during a year of silence and solitude, I had several experiences with the great mahayogi. In one of these I feel him so close and beseech him to come to me in body. In blunt language he refuses and makes it known to me that I am to realize his universal nature, not limit him to a physical form. Since that time he has occassionally come to me with his personal “signature,” but expansive and universal–as well as in the perfect intimacy of thought transference.  

As I look upstream at the successive waterfalls there is a pool of water with a rocky landing beyond. The thought of Babaji is with me and his radiant presence manfests on the rocky landing, spreading to the whole scene lying before me. The air itself scintilates with his vibration, and I feel him both near and all around.

“Oh beautiful master, you come in this superior formless-form and your supreme consciousness touches my own–thereby I am blessed. You teach me non-attachment to form, and thereby free me of local biases, making me know that we are not material stuff, but super-existence that cannot be constrained by a simple body or location. Your very nature is universal, and through the touch of your consciousness you make me know that I too am of universal nature. Your blessings are purity itself–I bow to you and feel myself dissolved into God’s ominiscient Self.”

We then journeyed onward and enjoy more waterfalls along the way, as well as a delicious picnic lunch Joy has brought with her. While we sit on a gravel beach by the flowing river we watch in wonder as a ten inch snake wiggles it way upstream and eventually disappears into some treeroots on the river bank. As the day progresses the experience with Babaji lingers and God calls me inward–we return so that I might allow full sway to His magnetic current. Truly, my life is not my own, He dictates what is to be done and not done. Whatever my, or other’s, expectations may be, His will reigns supreme. And, there is no place I would rather be. Through these past many days He has periodically continued to place me between the grinding forces of universal good and evil, and at the same time He gives me such great bliss. Most often, even when He gives me some difficult task to do, He also gives me so greatly of Himself: inner assurance, blissful joy, and a keen understanding that this is all His will.

It is a great secret in life: when you fully accept that God has you exactly where He wants you to be–it is perfect. You may judge it is not where you would like to be, however you surrender to His will and then you feel His Presence–this makes an enormous difference in the quality of your life. He may destroy your dreams, disturb your plans, play with your preferences, but He always means well! What at first takes an effort to surrender, eventually works itself into a knowing-understanding that His will is always best, then you no longer have to work at surrender–rather it is now your natural state. Such surrender is the great secret to peace and serenity in all times and places. Be it ever so!

Picture: Joy and Carla on hike

As part of our North American Pilgrimage I was looking forward to seeing Reverend Roy Eugene Davis, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda. When just a teenager Roy read the Autobiography of a Yogi and immediately wanted to meet Master. However, he was in Florida and without funds, and Master was in California. Roy was selling door to door when a potential customer asked why he had this job, he explained that his plan was to save money and go out to California to meet this extraordinary man. She told him, If it is that important to you, just go! And so he did, arriving at Master’s doorstep practically penniless. Master made Roy a minister and gave him rare direct permission to give Kriya Initiation during his relative short time, a couple of years, of being with Master before his mahasamadhi.

By prior arrangement we arrived by 9 a.m. at his “Center for Spiritual Awareness” retreat and drove up to the Meditation Hall. Roy’s car was already parked here, and when we walked up to the building he turned the corner to greet us with an easy smile. Roy is tall, a naturally lanky build and at 86 years looks in good health. He has an easy manner, soft spoken and appears to be more at ease with me today than he had been at our two previous meetings.

He asked after my health and guided us into the Meditation Hall where there were marble statues of the Guru-lineage, including one of Roy at the masters’ feet. He described how the craftsmen in India could sit all day chiseling and smoothing the exteriors until they became the likeness of Yoganandaji, Sri Yukteswarji, Lahiri Mahasaya, and Babaji. He said such statues are not usually done until a person is dead, but a devotee had wanted one done of him, so he had sat for photos from different angles and they were sent to India. He also showed us a case with treasures brought back to him from India–several Ganeshas, Hanumans, a 3D yatra, and other assorted statues in a newly added wood and glass case.

The Hall has a wonderful, pure feeling to it, and after a full pronam to the Guru-lineage Carla and I sat with Roy in the three chairs he had arranged. We have a wide-ranging conversation for the next two hours about Master, his work, swamis and the current nature of the world. He first asked after our Group and the Work we do for God and Gurus. I spoke about the extraordinary aspirants and devotees we have, that we meet in small groups in homes, and we abide by the three promises I made to my Gurudev, “Not to advertise, no organization, and to not charge for anything I do in service for God.” This is different than how Master and he have operated, so he listened respectfully.

During the course of our talk I asked him, Looking back now from the distance of many years since being with Master, what stands out in your mind about Master, what is emblazoned in your memories. He thinks a bit, then spoke about how different Master was in person than his public persona. Whe he gave a lecture he was the teacher, there was no doubt about that; he could be funny, tell stories, and all of that, but he was in charge. But, in private, he was softer, intimate, he often sat close to you, he leaned in close (demonstrating by leaning his head in toward an imaginary  recipient), and you felt like you were the most important person in the world to him. This was a theme Roy came back to several times, how Master had no air of formality, but was open, human, and available on a personal level.

Roy spoke about how commercial hatha yoga had become. He referred to one magazine in L.A. that used to be quite good, now there were pictures of women in bikinis doing nearly impossible asanas, advertizing clothing and accessories throughout the publication. The last time we met the movie about Master, “Awake,” had just been released and he had expressed his displeasure over it. Today he said that his video man had taken out the parts Roy did not like and what was left was a 30 minute version that was just of Master–without the many commentaries from those who have no direct connection with Yoganandaji. He said he did not release this version, or I would have asked him for a copy.

We talked about our North American Pilgrimage and he asked if we planned to go to Swami Premananda’s church in Washington D.C. (the swami has passed away but there is still a Kriya lineage there). He said that he recently uncovered a letter dated 1950 from Swami Premananda to Swami Satyananda, head of Y.S.S. in India. The contents of the letter stated that “Swami Yogananda” (not Paramhansa) was going to make James J. Lynn head of SRF. Premananda told Satyananda that it would ruin Y.S.S. in India, and that Satyananda should break off all connection with SRF. “Here was Master’s disciple, plotting against him!” Many of those who grew up with Master thought of him as Mukunda, the boy they grew up with, and not who he truly was.

We talked much about the sad state of affairs with many of the Indian swamis, both in America and India. However, he then said that Mother Hamilton had found a real one in Swami Ramdas, and she was fortunate. Like many of Master’s disciples, he may find it puzzling why Mother had to go to another spiritual master in India after Master’s passing. There are those who do not fully comprehend the type of experiences that Mother was to undergo while in India, and that there were no qualified masters in the organization to help Mother go through the terrific experiences of the Mystical Crucifixion after the passing of her guru and Rajasi. Mother herself initially had conflict about going to India, not because she doubted Papa, but because of her loyalty to Master. It was God’s will that this should happen, and it will definitely stand the test of time that both Master and Papa were destined to play essential roles in Mother’s life–of this, there is no doubt. However, I do think it was a very significant comment made by Roy, and not lightly done.

Upon our leaving I feel great love for Roy, an “uncle” in the Kriya lineage. When you look at the various scandal ridden swamis and teachers of recent years, and others who seek to make Master their “property,” it makes my appreciation grow for this God-man and the work he has done for God and Gurus. He is jnani by nature, and he tends to be understated, yet quite open and honest. The list of those living who had close contact with Master is rapidly dwindling, and I feel it a blessing to be with one who Master welcomed in from his first meeting and in whom Master gave rare dispensation to initiate others into Kriya Yoga. Roy has been a boon for many thousands–may Master richly bless him and his work. 

Yesterday was a very difficult day for this body. Due to the work that God does through this body it often experiences diverse pains and other unusual symptoms. When this happens Carla will ask, “Do you know who this is connected to?” As, so often, it is connected with what an aspirant going through, and by God’s grace, somehow, even over great distances, God gives me a share of it. She never asks who it is, only do I know. Sometimes I know in the moment, sometimes someone will write to me or somehow it is communicated to me who was going through a particular experience and how that connects to what I was going through. However yesterday did not seem connected to any one individual, but was more universal.

This Easter morning it came clear from God that what I was experiencing is part of the Mystical Crucifixion on a wider plane of consciousness–I was in the midst of the two great grinding oppositional forces of creaton. It is fascinating, it truly is, to be taken through these times and have God as my perfect Guide. I am perfectly sensible that there are those who would doubt such experiences, but I can tell one and all that I am perfectly sane, I am not given to fanciful imaginations, and that I am not extraordinary, but God makes it all possible through this form. It is the most interesting, challenging and fulfilling life one can possibly live, and I feel quite blessed to have God and Gurus as the sole power and guide in my life.

The scriptures take on a completely new meaning when you see that they apply to you in a most specific way. To think that Jesus, or any emissary from God, is the only one to go through such experiences and you are to be simply drawn along on his coattails, without anything for you to do but have faith, is a very pale view of a spiritual life. On the other hand, to know that Jesus came to show the Way with the intention that you are to follow every step makes the scriptures become vital–essential to you and your life.

I remember so well, it was spring in the year 1976, I was sitting in a meditation group in Bellingham Washington, when suddenly there was a feeling and an interior sound of a snap! At the same time this powerful kundalini serpent force raced from the bottom of my spine to the point between my eyebrows, the ajna. For the two previous years I had heard Mother describe, at different times, this type of occurrence, so I had some little understanding of what was happening. The ajna grew very hot and I felt an intense pressure–it was a pleasurable-pain. For about five minutes this continued without abatement, then slowly it began to lessen, but this started me into the Mystical Crucifixion–that was to last for many years.

Mother’s teachings and her active help on the outer and inner planes were absolutely vital to surviving these experiences and making this transformation. I look back on the many years that I had a variety of work while going through these experiences, and somehow God made it possible for me to fulfill the duties required of me, although I can tell you it was a great challenge to do so. I will also say that living in two worlds simultaneously meant I could never give myself fully to whatever work I did, so I did not always do it to my fullest satisfaction, but my employers and customers were usually satisfied. One of the things I proved to myself is that you can do both–with God and Gurus grace it is possible.

And why go to all this trouble? It is because Mother, Master and Papa have shown the Way to the next evolutionary step for mankind. Jesus let his life serve as an example for what is  possible, and even for more to come. To merge individual consciousness into absolute Divine Consciousness means that you have supreme bliss, a perfect knowing of who and what you truly are, and untold spiritual potential may express itself through you according to its will. In essence, you are who you have always been, but all false illusions have fallen away and you stand revealed as a perfect expression of God. You no longer crawl upon this mudball the earth as a worm making his way in darkness, you now are a shining spiritual being. Whatever you have been put through upon the way now seems a very little cost compared to what you have become.

Material wealth and prestige come and go with the seasons of life. Youth, strength and health can all fall by the wayside–what is permanent, the only thing that is lasting is your spiritual heritage that you may realize in all its fullness. God made creation with fascinating, never ending expressions, but all have an expiry date attached. Only God can fulfill that need we all have for the inner kingdom of heaven, promised from when the foundation of this universe was created. As you celebrate this sacred experience of the resurrection of Christ Consciousness, think deeply upon its meaning for each one of us, and make a determination that this symbolic day will find fulfillment in you.

It has been a fascinating experience during this North American Pilgrimage, going to some of the oldest churches and synagogues in the country and discovering the potency of Spirit in each one. It has also been interesting to note in this exploration of God’s great body, that even in realizing God as the indwelling Presence, and He is with me always, there are still variations in spiritual power in this place versus that, in one person more than another. So, while God is known as the eternal Self within, and He is to be found in all creation as its Creator and Sustainer, and in truth it is He who manifests Himself as all there is, still the vibration of Spirit in creation comes in different hues, colors and strength throughout His vast expression. In appearance, He seems to be more equally present in some places than others!  

Recently we have been to two very different churches in South Carolina, one in Charleston and another on Daufuskie Island. Charleston has historical interest to me as Fort Sumter, at the mouth of its harbor, is where a battle ensued that were the first shots of the momentous Civil War. Also, across the water is Fort Moultrie. In the Revolutionary War the fort was constructed of Palmetto logs–the logs were very soft and when the colonists were attacked by nine British warships the logs absorbed the cannon balls, and some of the balls even bounced off the fortifications! As a result of an exchange of cannon fire the heavily damaged British ships left–the battle was a huge lift in the war for independence. To this day South Carolina proudly wears the official nickname the “Palmetto State.”

While in Charleston we made a point of visiting some of her churches. Charleston is known as the “holy city,”, due to the number of her churches, the towering height of some of the steeples (also useful in early days for ship navigation), and its reputation for religious tolerance during colonial times. Two beautiful spires drew us, one to Saint Michael’s, another to Saint Philip’s, Anglican/Episcopal Churches. Both had a wonderful feeling, but Saint Philip’s is really extraordinary. The church is beautifully done, and each pew section is surrounded by a wood paneled rectangle to reflect the warmth of its inhabitants in the winter cold. The congregation first began in 1680, and the church has gone through a change of location and various rebuilds as storms and wars have caused damage. George Washington once attended this church and sat in the pew right over there, along with the invisible presence of other notables.

As we sat in contemplation upon the One whose house this is, I saw the air itself had waves of spiritual power shimmering throughout, the sound of Amen/Aum was tremendous, and individual consciousness easily merged with uplifting God-awareness. We sat for some time immersed in this temple of God. It has also been a note of interest that in each of these special places, Carla and I have been in complete agreement when we compare notes after leaving it as to its spiritual potency. The artwork and architectural details get higher marks at St. Michael’s, but for purity of vibration St. Phillip’s remains heads above. On leaving St. Phillip’s there was an elderly lady sitting at the back acting as host for the many tourists coming. I thanked her for opening her church to us, and I commented on what a tremendous feeling we experienced there. She looked at me through cataract clouded eyes and said, “Yes, the Holy Spirit is here!” Her physical vision may be dimmed with time, but her inner vision is bright–and I agreed with her assessment most emphatically.

Days later we returned to Hilton Head to retrieve our car that was in for some repairs and a new timing belt that her age and mileage required. God, as our impeccable tour guide prompted us to take a day trip to Daufuskie Island. We boarded a passenger ferry and had a pleasant sail over to the island, then received keys to a golf cart for our transportation. Off we went to tour the island, it has had constant habitation for two thousand years, and archeologists have found human remnants here from 12,000 B.C.! In amongst our stops we discovered the First Union African Baptist Church, established in1881. Inhabitants of the island include the Gullah People, descendants of enslaved Africans who lived in relative isolation until the 1970s in the Lowcountry of Georgia and South Carolina–they also share language and culture with those who live in the Bahamas.  

Behind the church is a Praise House. In front of this log cabin is a fire circle. In the evening a fire is lit, this signals there is to be a gathering that night. Slowly a silent group grows. A woman starts to hum a gospel tune with its musical roots going back to Africa. Others pick up the tune, adding words to a well-known gospel. As the music builds there is a clapping of hands and soon all are swaying and praising the Lord.

Coming around to the front of the church we enter in and find simple but elegant arrangements of bench seats and an altar, with a rustic wooden cross of two sticks from the woods gracing the wall. We sit for some time and took in the Amen/Aum, as it is tremendously loud and speaks eloquently for the spiritual feeling of the congregation. Indeed, the Holy Spirit is here–as well as St. Philip’s!

“Oh Lord, what a demonstration, You are equally present, both at a church in Charleston where presidents and the famous have prayed, and here on this rural island where sons and daughters of slaves have sung and praised the one God of us all.” Surely God is not a respecter of rank, privilege or skin color, nor creed or religious affiliation. Heavenly Father and Divine Mother listen to the heart and soul of the individual and those who gather in His name. Our Beloved responds in kind whenever there is a keen desire for union with the all-pervading Spirit. “Thank you God for once again showing us how You are everywhere, equally present in all of Your sincere lovers.”

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We celebrate Good Friday, in which all Jerusalem sings blissful songs of praise for the coming of the Christ (Consciousness). This feeling of upliftment, and the intimacy of the last supper, are preludes to the most difficult time to come: the Mystical Crucifixion. Consciousness along the spine (the twelve disciples) thrills at the joyous response of Jerusalem (higher consciousness of the brain), but the all-knowing Christ is aware of what is to follow. And you, as you share in the bliss of upliftment will think, like the disciples, “This bliss will never end” However, the time of testing and purification will commence at its appointed time. With this test comes the solace in the promise of the Christ, “Lo, I am with you always.” And so He is, even though you may not always be conscious of this fact. Do not fear, God guides, and His direction is correct and true. Do not hold back–go on boldly–knowing that though your humanness dies when it is mystically crucified, the eternal Christ-Consciousness is resurrected in you for all time.

A recurrring theme in many families are cutoffs: when a family member chooses for one reason or another to stop talking and seeing other family members or close friends. There are occasions when someone’s self-destructive behavior or decisions in life make it dangerous or unwise to maintain contact. However, there are many other times when such cutoffs are the result of being angry with another for minor reasons. Some people and families have a history of cutting others off as a weapon of choice for showing displeasure. This is highly destructive to the individual and hurtful to others.

The counterbalancing notion to such cutoffs is to know that in the supreme consciousness of God there can be no separation–ever. The idea of cutting others off requires a great deal of psychic energy, and ironically that intensity demands an even closer connection–being greatly present through absence. The other irony is that the one doing the cutoff denies having full participation with the whole family, something they very often care a great deal about. This self-imposed exile limits the feeling of wholeness and therefore any sense completeness–a tremendous price to pay.

To transcend such cutoffs you simply acknowledge that God is, that God is in every individual, and that we are all connected through universal Divine Consciousness. Whether someone is living or no longer in the body, whether there is physical contact or not, in God-consciousness we are all intrinsically part of one another–to acknowledge this on a deep level removes all artificial barriers. God-consciousness is the healing balm that soothes all wounds and unifies life.

The truth is, we have all fallen short of the goal of perfection at various times during our incarnations–no one has done it perfectly all of the time. To hold some artificial notion of perfection for ourselves or others simply does not match reality. This is not excuse making for bad behavior, it is just the way that creation operates. If we have all fallen short, then who of us wants to be frozen in time when we have been something less than our best? We must all be allowed to grow, change and evolve.

Now, if there are those who exhibit behavior that is destructive, then we may, for a time, create a cutoff; for instance, we may not allow a murderer into a family home, or an abuser to be around children–in other words, to set sensible limitations. But even then, offending individuals may be in our thoughts and prayers, seeing them as the children of God as they truly are in their immortal souls. One day they will grow into who and what they are in God, but for today they may be kept at a an arm’s distance–all the while, in heart, mind and soul, they are held in the pure light of being just as God created them from the foundations of this universe.

Let us practice seeing the best in one and all, the purity of being that each one intrinsically has  from his or her Creator. If an individual actively shows progress, then he may be given gradual access to new situations to further demonstrate improvements. If old behaviors arise, then distance may be the best feedback for learning, and at the very least keeping them from further damaging themselves or others. Higher spiritual perception does not make one a weak doormat, willing to accept the unacceptable. But, the devotee always looks to see the higher nature deeply residing in the heart and soul of every soul from God (and where else can a soul come from but from God?).

Holding the universal vision purifies your heart, and it gives a needed boost to the one who offends against his own soul. Papa felt the greatest thing he could do for another is see God in him. Through such persistent thoughts by others the God-nature is awakened, and, the perceiver of God’s light is transformed through their continued practice of seeing God in all. Such is the power of God-aligned thoughts, that this world cleaved by strife and warfare, cutoffs and separations may be lifted into higher Consciousness. The Lord our God, the Lord is one! One Being, one Consciousness, one Reality that is all-pervasive and everywhere present. Let us look past the little snubs and separations and  know the unifying principle that weaves this world into a oneness of beauty and light.

From Florida family visits and Pensacola beaches, bicycling along its miles of fine white sands–considered some of the best in the world, we set sail for the last eastward leg to the Atlantic. Before reaching that direction-changing-point we overnighted at Suwannee River State Park, of the the famed song, “Down upon the Suwannee River, Far far away. That’s where my heart is yearning, Home where the old folks stay.” Carla and I had an enjoyable and vigorous bike trail-ride along the river, saw defensive embankments made long ago by Civil War soldiers against encroaching gunboats, Spanish Moss hanging from oak trees, palm plants over seven feet tall, and exotic tropical birds calling one to another. The air was warm and more than a touch of humidity that made taking a sauna unnecessary!

The next day we completed our eastward trek that had begun on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, and came complete when we reached the Atlantic Ocean. We skirted Jacksonville and changed to a northward direction. We soon reached the Georgia boundary and the eleventh state we travelled in so far since leaving in January–the historical garden city of Savannah was in our sites. We arrived at Skidaway Island, home of the wealthiest populace in the country, however, we are humbly situated in the State Park amongst evergreen pines and deciduous trees hanging with more Spanish Moss. We soon ventured into the city.

One of our discoveries was the location where John Wesley gave his first sermon in the new world in 1736. I grew up in the Methodist Church and John Wesley is largely given credit for its formation–although he was never a member. Not the first or last, he made some unwise moves when he moved here based on passions of the heart. Then, because of his integrity, he became a target of a powerful and ruthless “boss” of Savannah. John eventually left America and went back to England–feeling a complete failure. Later in life he gave permission for the breakaway colonists to form the Methodist Church–as all had been members of the Church of England, headed by the King of England. The previous members were now citizens of the United States of America, they could not marry or bury with sanctioned ministers and John felt it necessary for them to form their own institution. John’s brother Charles, who wrote many of the hymns sung in the Methodist Church, never spoke to his brother again after he gave permission for the breakaway Methodist Church.

On his original trip to America John Wesley had been on a ship that was assaulted by immense waves that ripped the mainsail, broke the mast and poured water through the decks. Deeply afraid he noticed a group of Moravians (a group of Czech/German Protestants who broke away from the Catholic Church one hundred years before Martin Luther). This small group sang to God without break both before and during the gale force winds. Later Wesley asked the leader if he, the men, women or children had been afraid during the storm; he replied they were not afraid of death. In their conversations the pastor for the Moravians asked John, “Have you the witness within yourself? Does the Spirit of God witness with your spirit that you are a child of God?” These questions made Wesley aware there were deeper levels of God’s Presence; he valued their company for all the time he was in the colony of Georgia and he continued keeping their company upon his return to England. Deeply depressed, John had a most significant experience during a service when he felt his “heart strangely warmed.” This changed the young man from making a list of rules governing every hour of his life, and to be daily graded based upon a grid he created for himself, to the notion that one could achieve a state in which the love of God reigns supreme in one’s heart, leading to outward holiness. He departed from the Moravians on the issue of quietism, that is through inner stillness one could reach a perfected state, and went on years later to be said, “The best loved man in England.”   

From the spot of John Wesley’s first sermon we made further pilgrimage to the beautiful Savannah Cathedral. Having roots back to 1779 (Catholics were not allowed to have congregations any earlier in Savannah due to the fear they would side with the Catholic Spanish). The current church came about in 1899 after a fire destroyed much of a previous structure. Today’s Cathedral has impressive art, from its huge stained glass windows crafted in Austria, immense murals covering the soaring walls, to the 3D 14 stations of the cross carved in Munich–it is truly worth a look for its art treasures. As we made our way around the 14 stations I was deeply touched by the drama of the Christ going through various stages of the crucifixion–not for himself, but for all mankind. These stations marked three times Jesus fell under the weight of the cross–it seemed encouraging that even he fell, and recovered, and so might we. It was a fitting devotional during this Lent season.

However, after making a bicycle tour of several outstanding churches it was the Jewish Synagogue that both Carla and I noticed had the most powerful spiritual feeling. We arrived after the doors had closed, but it was while standing in front of the Mickve Israel Synagogue established in 1878–noted as the oldest congregation now practicing Reform Judaism in the United States–that we so clearly experienced its pure uplifting vibrations. These early Jewish settlers arrived in 1733 and were mostly of Spanish-Portuguese extraction. They worshipped in various temporary quarters for many years until after the American Revolution when they were given permission to have an official place in society. It is interesting how certain houses of God can have a dulling effect, some feel alright but not very powerful, then without fanfare you are uplifted in the One true God; such was our experience as we were rooted in front of this lovely Synagogue.

And so we continue on our spiritual journey, chanting His Nam wherever we go, looking for His Presence in places big and small, known and obscure. Today we were in one of the many parks in Savannah on our bicycles when a deep vibrant voice called out, “Hello young man!” Well, you have to like being called that on occasion. I turned to see a man whose body matched the size of his lovely voice–sitting on a park bench easily weighing in at 300 pounds. With delicate hands he was weaving palm fibers together into flower creations. He asked where I came from, I said Washington State. He said, “Home of Jimi Hendrix!” I affirmed he was from Tacoma. He said he met Jimi in New York–this large black man announced he was 75, though he didn’t look it, and his name was Jimmy, aka James. I liked him immediately and felt a greatness of God in him. He said he didn’t charge for his creations, he did it as a service, but I could donate something if I liked. We made an agreeable exchange and he said, “God bless you”, and I replied with a depth of feeling in kind. Truly, here was a God-man, who came in a thinly veiled disguise–I was blessed that he had called out to me–as it was God who was doing the calling.    

Fling away thoughts of depression, thoughts of dark forebodings and unreasonable fears and doubts! Stand up with a bright face and a brighter heart with the fullest consciousness that God does all things for the best of all!

Swami Ramdas

Mother distinguished between a “human” perspective and a “Divine” one. From the human point of view life does not always go the way we would like it to, there are physical, family, financial, and work challenges that can cause stress and worry. However, Papa says to fling away all such thoughts, and know that, from a Divine perspective, God does everything for the best!

There is a big difference between reading and agreeing with this wisdom from this great spiritual master, and actualizing it in our interior lives. Constant practice is required. Repeated times of standing up with a bright face and a brighter heart impresses upon the brain that it really does lift us above the problems faced in this worldly existence.

From a psychological point of view, faith that God does all for the highest good of all gives a positive emotional charge that makes us feel better in the moment–this is a product of faith. Then, through repeated experience we find that everything works for the good is the literal truth. We see “behind the curtain” and know that it is not only a noble sentiment, but that God is actually working out our individual and collective karma (the law of cause and effect) to our best interest.

Jesus asked, “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” (Matt 6:27) Of course we must admit that we cannot worry any problem into a remedy; rather we exhaust ourselves in the process with no positive results to show for it. Now, having a concern about a certain situation can be prudent–a question of how to resolve a problem. If clouds are building on the horizon then we should take precautions–this is wise. But there is a line between having a concern and falling into worry. A concern comes with a focus upon taking action to improve a situation, a worry is mentally running a race with no purpose and no end. Worry can become a habit that is mindless and destructive.

To break ourselves of the worry habit we must counter a negative thought with its opposite. Where worry is based on a falsehood, that is if we worry a problem it will improve the situation. Faith is based on a higher truth, and we come to realize that God really is working things out for a higher purpose. There is a cute line in a movie in which the character, a liar and a thief, is breaking back into a prison (that he previously had been the only one to ever break out of) in a very unusual selfless act. In His ongoing conversation with God he says, “Well, here we are Lord, coming full circle and going back to where I never wanted to go again. I would like to think You have some higher purpose in all of this, at least it would reflect well on You if it did!” Yes! It would reflect well on God to have a higher purpose for all of His creation!

Our greatest fear is that we are alone and unseen; that our difficulties have no purpose and simply create suffering for ourselves and others. Not only Papa, but Jesus and all the tremendously realized spiritual masters down through time affirm that God does have purpose, or as some say, God has a plan for you. Our affirmation of this great truth brings us peace, even in our difficulties, and will, in the end, prove itself out to be true. This has been shown to me in many, many situations in which He reveals to me that He is applying exactly the right remedy for the soul’s evolution, even though it is difficult at the time.

An element of this truth, that God has shown me, is a universal principle, that when applied always leads to positive spiritual progress. Challenges in life activate us into making every effort to solve the problem. However, there will come a moment when we have exhausted our will, our resources and come to an end of what we can humanly do. It is in that moment, if not before, that we can either give into despair or turn to God. When we turn to God, not just in despair, but for His will to operate directly in our lives, when we really open ourselves to Him, then we grow spiritually. Through that openness and making connection with Him we strengthen our union with Him in a most intimate and powerful way. Gradually we come to see there is not a single second that we can draw a breath, have a thought or have a sense of our being without an active flow of His Divine Current. From that seedling moment of turning to God when we have emptied ourselves, we will grow into the full realization of His holy Presence at all times and in all places. We see the connection then, that even in difficulties, perhaps especially in hardships, we have the opportunity to make great spiritual progress.  

In whatever state of mind we begin Papa’s practice we will find it a great help to stand up with a bright face and a brighter heart with the fullest consciousness that God does all things for the best of all! Be it so for you now, and always.

Travel Note: We are currently in Pensacola Florida, which has a claim–based on an ancient olive jar found here–to be the oldest city (founded by Europeans) in America. Carla has family here and we have spent much time with them. The weather has been beautiful, in the 80s, with only a little humidity. God is to be found in all forms. One of the great challenges is to refresh our mental screens to see family with fresh eyes, not based on the past but seeing God evolve Himself through all forms. Then we may enjoy God in all His various aspects, and find fresh wonders peeking through old, familiar relationships. This gives new meaning to each one we meet, rather than tired out scripts from outdated family ties.