Carla and I have wheels under us once again, this time moving south. After a wonderful stop in Ashland where I met with aspirants and we had a potluck followed by Service, we continued our way, 1,200 miles, to Indio, California. It is here that my brother, who recently left the body, had an RV space at a deluxe park. Parked a few spaces away are motorhomes that are worth more than 2 million dollars each. As you might imagine the grounds are most impressive—ponds and waterfalls, grassy stretches with bougainvillea, petunias and roses in prolific bloom. We have come to stay until the new owners take possession—meanwhile we are cleaning and preparing the space; the summers leave a generous amount of dust and cobwebs to be hydro-washed, thoroughly swept and polished.
It is interesting to meet the neighbors who come down for the winter months. A friendly pleasant lot, each with kind condolences for my brother. After being here for a couple of days it struck me this morning how there is a vibration of materialism here. People naturally thinking of keeping their lots and machines in good condition and repair, but more than that, the topics of conversation about their lives and the lives of children and grandchildren, travel, etc. Fairly normal, and nothing offensive at all, however I have been used to talking with those involved on the spiritual path, and while ordinary topics are part of the conversations with devotees, there is always a subtext of lives being primarily focused on realizing God.
And what a difference that makes; it opens the world to something much larger, more meaningful than simple existence. It was interesting to hear how grandparents took their children and grandchildren to South Africa for a safari and touring—interesting to a point. Then, the interest wanes as there is nothing more, nothing for the spirit. Their joy at being with their grandchildren and enjoying their excitement is wonderful, meaningful—however it does not go deep enough. It is a reminder of the vast difference in quality the spiritual journey makes in life.
The real change in leading a spiritual life is connected to an existence above this world. For the devotee, whatever happens in duality there is an unchanging supremacy of existence whose happiness and bliss is independent of ordinary life. This crucial difference is incorporated into the aspirant, woven into the fabric of his or her being to fulfill the greatest potential.
Spiritual practice keeps the devotee from falling into ordinary humdrum existence. Meditation is the touchstone to this higher existence. Giving your life over to God transforms you into being a conscious participant of Divine unfoldment. Ultimately, through the continual focus of the mind on God you become an expression of Divine Consciousness—knowing it is He alone who thinks, speaks and acts through you—now the world stands revealed as made up of nothing but God-stuff.
However, on the way up to this exalted state of awareness you stand with feet in two worlds: with one foot in material existence, the other in the awareness of God’s Presence. It is in this sometimes tenuous in-between state that you must demonstrate the utmost integrity—not slide into forgetfulness of Divine awareness. You live in this world, you fully participate in it, you share your concern for its wellbeing, yet you never forget the core of who and what you are in God. That must come first, the world second. You know that in seeking out God first, it is also for the highest good of the world. However, the world oftentimes does not share that view; so, it makes its demands on you. In the process you must choose—situation by situation you are tested to put God first.
We are richly privileged to be living this spiritual life, with the highest teachings and the greatest examples of fully realized masters to guide our way. And in living this life we are each day tested to put God first, to love Him most. Let us ever keep this lofty goal uppermost in mind, tread this path with firm steps, never wavering or faltering. The greatest happiness and spiritual wealth is with us now—it is our greatest treasure imaginable.