| by Allen Holmquist,
Ph.D.
©1983, 1999 Revised
All Rights Reserved.
with contributions by
Edith Stauffer
Alverna Taylor
L.I.F.E. Productions
248 East Foothill Boulevard, Suite 100
Monrovia, California 91016
U.S.A.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Purpose
I. Laying the Foundation 1
1. Relaxation 1
2. Prayer 1
3. Concentration 2
4. Creative Imagination and Visualization 2
5. Physical Environment 2
II. Meditation is 3
III. Types of Meditation 5
1. Reflective 5
2. Receptive 5
3. Creative 5
4. Invocation 5
5. Healing 5
6. Walking 6
7. Group 7
IV. Registering Impressions 7
V. Creativity Over Time 7
VI. The Personal-Transpersonal Continuum
8
VII. Additional Meditative Techniques
8
1. Evening Review 8
2. Seed Thoughts 9
3. Symbols 11
4. Affirmations 12
5. Mantras 14
6. The Great Invocation 18
7. Suggested Beginning Meditation Outline
20
8. Spiritual Journal 21
VIII. Glossary 23
IX. Resources 26
X. Your Own Additions 28
PURPOSE
This book is designed to present meditation in as clear and simple
a way as possible. Every effort has been made in this direction.
The writing style is concise with a noticeable lack of descriptive
phrases. Perhaps this little work is best viewed as a basic cookbook.
You will find a definition and discussion of all the main tools,
a list of possible ingredients, and a beginning recipe. The product
will be enrichment of your life, the lives of those around you,
and the entire planet.
The tools for this enlightening, enlivening project are relaxation,
prayer, visualization, concentration, and meditation. The first
four are fine practices on their own, and combined with meditation
they form an even more powerful, transformational tool. Knowing
as we do that "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts",
the usefulness of this integrated approach becomes all the more
apparent.
The intent is to offer a context, processes, and methods that can
be used by people of all religious and spiritual persuasions. A
variety of terminology was chosen to emphasize the unity and similarity
of all approached toward the transpersonal realms. Please do not
let terminology get in your way. Look beneath the words to the truth
they are attempting to portray.
Finally, meditation is a practice that each individual must design
for him/herself. Being told by a "teacher" how to meditate
or what to do in meditation and blindly following those directions
is not the style of spiritual growth for the 21st century. Our real
teacher-priest-guru-guide is our transpersonal self, the Divine
within us. With this in mind then, take this booklet as a collection
of suggestions to aid you in forming your own meditation practice.
MEDITATION
LAYING THE FOUNDATION
Relaxation is a condition in which the personality is quiet; the
physical body is comfortable, the emotions are calm, and the mind
is still. The goal of a relaxation technique is this state of peace.
Often spontaneous images or feelings surface, sometimes even higher
states of consciousness, but these are a by-product and not a direct
result of the relaxation process. These impressions may be our own
or from the collective unconscious. The point is that without an
intention to contact the Higher Self and a developed ability to
do so, the images may be meaningless or counterproductive.
Prayer is a basic instinct within humans to communicate with the
Divine. In times of need we respond to that instinct, reaching out
for something greater than ourselves for guidance, strength and
insight. Our need is met in the measure that we have faith, and
the need is in line with our highest good, the highest good of the
people around us and the planet as a whole.
Relaxation is an important element of prayer. An uptight personality
will find it difficult to reach out for and receive subtle, higher
energies.
Prayer is largely an appeal of the heart, of feeling, and of desire.
It is a petition, intercession, or thanksgiving. It is more than
asking. It is a lifting up and a calling down from the Source. Prayer
may sometimes involve physical and mental processes, but only in
a secondary manner.
Prayer, through practice and development, leads to a discovery of
our subtler powers and the fact of the essential duality of life.
We find that we are both a lower and a Higher Self.
Concentration is the ability to hold the mind steady on a particular
subject. Most of us find it easy to concentrate on something under
the impulse of strong interest, desire or feelings. When attempting
to concentrate on an abstract subject (such as a seed thought) or
a subject with no personal interest or benefit, however, we find
our minds wandering off, seemingly out of our control. The development
of the ability to concentrate at will is the final step in the control
of our mental nature. Until that point, it basically controls (or
at least limits) us.
Creative Imagination and Visualization are the primary techniques
of creation. All philosophies, inventions, and products (everything
manifested on the physical plane) are preceded by thought. All thoughts
are expressions of abstract ideas. The process of (1) taping the
source of all ideas, (2) forming thoughts, and then (3) manifesting
those thoughts is the use of the creative imagination. To do this,
we still the mind and make it an open receptor for an impression
from the "rain cloud of knowable things." Visualization
is its active counterpart, building a picture "in the mind's
eye" constructed of mental substance on the mental plane. In
practice, creative imagina-tion and visualization can be used sequentially
to form a powerful, creative tool for developing and manifesting
abstract ideas (qualities, energies, symbols) and concrete objects
(having to do with the five senses). (See tape listed in Resource
section.)
The Physical Environment is an important factor in beginning meditation
practice. A pleasant, quiet room in which we can meditate regularly,
sitting with comfortably erect spine in a favorite chair is ideal.
Hatha yoga-type body postures are not necessary. Some people use
candles, incense, or flowers to add beauty and clear the energy
in the room. Reading a few pages out of an inspired "gospel"
before meditation helps set our intention. After months or years
of practice under carefully monitored conditions we find it possible,
and even desirable, to meditate in a variety of environments occasionally,
from concert halls to nature settings to freeway driving. Eventually
meditation becomes a way of life, not a 20 minute exercise. (See
Walking Meditation, page 6.)
MEDITATION IS . . .
Meditation is a mental process which also involves the heart, Higher
Self, and will. It is the intention to contact and be at one with
the highest part of ourself possible at that given moment. Meditation
is also the result of that intention, the manifestation of that
contact in our daily life as service. For most of us this "highest
part" is the Higher Self or Soul, our unlimited source of love,
wisdom and group consciousness.
Thought, the product of the mind, is an unseen, yet dynamic energy.
It is a real power. A basic principle of creation is that energy
follows thought. Simply put, whatever we spend time thinking about
is likely to happen. Through meditation we can use thought to build,
feed and maintain an idea. Properly held and within the highest
good, thoughts manifest as growth and positive change. Meditation
is an inner mental action, a deliberate use of thought to fulfill
a specific purpose.
Meditation is a redemptive process. This activity resounds on deep
levels of our being and creates an energy that initiates transformation
in our lives.
Meditation is, at its most profound and significant level, a tuning
in of the individual to the rhythm of the life, heart, and mind
of the Universal Being, God Himself. From that contact, spiritual
develop-ment and manifestation automatically follow.
Relaxation in necessary as the first stage in mediation. Without
a relatively comfortable body, calm emotions, and a still mind,
lifting our awareness toward the higher mind (Soul) for our meditative
work is difficult.
Prayer is also a cornerstone of the meditative process. Without
the feeling, energy, and love that prayer can evoke, meditation
may be a stale, meaningless, mental exercise. Aspiration also gives
us the motivation to refine our meditation skills and follow-through
on the ideas that come to us.
Concentration is necessary for successful meditation. Without a
developing ability to hold the mind relatively steady on the subject
of our choice, meditation is very limited. Concentration on a seed
thought focuses energy on an evocative idea that taps the intuitive
and produces insight. Steady focus on an invocation or mantra greatly
increases its effectiveness. Concentration, along with visualization,
energizes our intention to raise our point of consciousness to the
highest level possible, enhancing the meditation.
Meditation uses Creative Imagination and Visualization to give thought
form to abstract spiritual ideas (such as Love, Will-to-Good, and
Synthesis). This process continues toward expression on the concrete
level through radiation of energy and the initiation of worthwhile
projects. The goal of this work is joy and goodwill for the entire
planet.
Since the process of meditation includes thought, intention, imagination
and visualization, which are most dynamic and productive tools,
it is important to always use these techniques for the highest good
of all concerned. Any selfish use of this power eventually leads
to separation and unhappiness.
TYPES OF MEDITATION
Reflective Meditation is a strictly mental process
which involves thinking on a definite theme. This is perhaps the
simplest form of meditation and a good way to start. It is not unlike
our accustomed style of thinking. The major differences are choice
of subject and intention. Suggested subjects: seed thoughts, symbols,
areas of possible growth, projects, and dream material.
Receptive Meditation is raising our consciousness
to the highest point possible, creating inner silence, and maintaining
an attentive receptivity for impressions. Without the proper intention
and consequent elevation of consciousness, we are open to impressions
that are inappropriate or even harmful. With right intention, however,
information can come from the Universal Wisdom by way of our intuition,
which is often expressed in the form of abstract ideas, images or
energies. (See Developing Your Creative Imagination in Resource
section.)
Creative Meditation is building channels of thought
substance through which ideas, ideals, energies and qualities can
find expression. Through the technique of visualization, this purposeful
construction of ideas and images can eventually manifest in change
on the physical plane.
Invocation involves a prayerful attitude of heart,
a meditative state of mind, and focused will -- the Will for the
Good of all humanity. To invoke we not only ask, call forth, and
summon, we see emerging and know we can rightly demand and affirm
the invoked quality. It is an appeal, a presenting of need, the
power to expect, and faith that good will prevail. When this evocative
spirit is present, the results are inevitable and sure, and the
response evoked cannot be stopped. Invocation is the basis for the
success of desire, aspiration, prayer, and meditation. Always we
get -- in time and space -- what we invoke; and the knowledge of
this fact, scientifically applied, will be one of the liberating
forces of humanity.
Invocation is the highest type of prayer and meditation.
It is a new form of divine appeal in which humanity takes more responsibility
as a co-creator with The One and is emerging as the form of prayer
for the religion of the 21st century.
Healing Meditation involves the imaginative radiation
of healing light (through the heart center, forehead or palms of
the hands) to an individual or group in need of physical, emotional
or mental healing. This is best done as a group, linking in consciousness
with like-intentioned people. Because this meditation can initiate
a transfer of considerable energy that could vitalize both healthy
and unhealthy conditions, it is important not to send energy directly
to a diseased area or a specific part of a person or group. Rather,
send the light to their Higher Self, making additional light and
love available for use toward their own, and the planet's highest
good. (See The New Group Meditation in Resource section.)
Walking Meditation is the synthesis of all types
of meditation. In a very real way it is the goal of everything we
have talked about up to here. We go about our daily activities in
a meditative state; that is, with the intention to think, talk,
and act from the highest part of our being. The motive of all our
action becomes the manifestation of the Highest Good for all sentient
beings. We move toward establishing a dual consciousness. We continue
to concentrate on and take good care of our outer activities and
yet keep a part of our attention directed to the inner life. We
become an intentional point of light in the world and eventfully
exist as a Higher Self in our everyday consciousness, until in some
distant day our intention shifts toward reaching a still higher
vibration, the Universal or Transcendental Self, the fiery essence
of our true spiritual Being. But that next step in the continuing
unfoldment of humanity is beyond the scope of this book.
Group Meditation is rooted in the knowledge that
we, as workers with the inner life, are not alone. There is an ever-expanding
network of individuals and groups whose common goal is the service
of humanity and the constructive evolution of the planet. We do
not meet most of these people, but they nevertheless constitute
a nameless and faceless group with which we can link in consciousness
each time we meditate. The Energy, Love, and Wisdom that we can
contact, assimilate, and radiate is thereby greatly increased. (See
The New Group Meditation in Resource section.)
REGISTERING IMPRESSIONS
We may not register in consciousness any special energy or insight
during meditation. We can assume, however, since energy follows
thought, that there is contact and that its manifestation will come
later. (See Relaxation/Developing Your Creative Imagination in Resource
section.)
CREATIVITY OVER TIME
As it seems appropriate, we can add and delete seed thoughts, mantras,
affirmations, and symbols as well as including group connection
and healing. Of course, we can have walking meditation as our goal
from this day forward.
It is important to be creative and flexible in our mediative life.
There are various internal and external cycles that we become more
aware of as we refine our sensitivities through mediation and service.
Therefore, varying our meditation style and form to align with and
make best use of these cycles becomes valuable.
THE PERSONAL-TRANSPERSONAL CONTINUUM
In a beginning meditative/spiritual practice, we find much of our
thoughts, time and energy devoted to personal concerns like losing
weight, finding the right job, or marrying the right person. Eventually
we may focus on how we might best serve our family or community,
letting go of limiting emotions and beliefs, or manifesting our
Higher Self in all we do. Other foci include: what energy is best
invoked today for helping the planet; meditating to give "thought-
form" to abstract ideas that we ourselves will not manifest
but that someone else will "pick-up on"; and the use of,
or voicing The Great Invocation each day as an act of planetary
service.
With no value judgement intended, the preceding paragraph illustrates
the personal-transpersonal continuum. We can use the tools in this
book from any point in that spectrum. On the spiritual path, we
consciously choose to add more and more transpersonal (beyond the
personal) to our daily life. A wise blend of personal and transpersonal
focus is important however, for an ignored, congested, devalued,
or unhealthy personality will not be a useful vehicle for transpersonal
energies, ideas, or activities.
ADDITIONAL MEDITATIVE TECHNIQUES
EVENING REVIEW
A most useful concentration exercise and reflective meditation is
the Evening Review. Before retiring for the night, we visualize
each happening in our day, beginning with the present moment and
proceeding backwards to awakening. Our purpose is to be aware of
our consciousness during each experience, not just focus on outer
events. This is done with the attitude of an objective, compassionate
observer. If we find ourself becoming emotional or judgmental, we
gently return to the present, re-align the personality, and begin
the process again.
SEED THOUGHTS
Seed thoughts are abstract word-forms which are used during reflective
meditation to help us "tune in" to Universal Wisdom and
Energy. They are phrases or sentences that embody a value or concept
we want to discover more about. Over time, the theme will grow in
our consciousness and imbue us with its quality. Seed thought work
develops the ability to focus the mind at will and learn to use
it on the abstract levels where the intuition functions.
We start by reflecting on the physical/concrete aspects of the phrase,
then the emotional/sensitive, and then the mental. Lifting the seed
thought into the light of the Higher Self, we can reflect on its
group and planetary implications. A seed thought may be used for
several weeks to facilitate understanding its various implications.
Longer selections may be divided into a number of parts, each part
used for one or more days. The following are suggested seed thoughts.
Any group of words, however, that we are attracted to and fit the
preceding guidelines, are appropriate candidates for seed thought
work.
 |
unity
will-to-good flowing purpose
one-pointedness universality serenity
inspiration manifestation harmony
balance appropriate timing sacrifice (to make sacred)
accuracy purity steadfastness
rhythm mastery the Plan
harmlessness loving action dedicated investigation
discipline brotherhood simplicity |
The Will of God, the Love of God, and the Mind of God find their
reflection in the world of humanity.
A point of serenity at the center of all activity.
Behind the manifested universe lies the Loving Will of the One Creator;
behind my manifested self lies the loving will of the Higher Self.
Through loving understanding, all things are made one.
The Light of the One Life illuminates all forms.
The light of the soul streams forth like a beacon light upon my
way; and in that light I see the light in others. I know I travel
not alone.
May the light of the soul illumine my mind, and shed a light upon
the way of others.
Joy -- Like a bird on the wing, I fly towards the sun. I sing in
my soul so that all I meet can hear.
Duality is visioned by the seer. He sees the Presence. He sees,
and seeing knows that he exists and likewise that which is seen.
The knower blends the two in one. He sees the Presence as himself.
He merges with the light. Behind the Presence gleams the awful radiance
which shrouds the One and Only. Before the Presence stands the aspirant.
Within the Presence, through the merging process, is peace, is union,
the end of fear, the end of difference, joy, love and light.
SYMBOLS
A second subject for reflective meditation is symbols. A symbol
stands for or represents another thing, especially an object used
to represent something abstract. Because the Higher Self works primarily
on the level of intuition and ideas, symbols are a pathway into
the realm of the transpersonal -- the higher mind. Symbols may be
of individual or collective origin. In either case they can be a
rich source of insight for ourself, our group, and humanity. Suggestions
made previously for development of seed thought are applicable to
symbols. Perhaps the ultimate in symbolic exercises is to identify
with (become) the symbol. Following are some examples or archetypal
(universal) symbols that are rich in meaning and value.
|
tree
unfolding rose or lotus
pyramid
the Sun
spiral
Christian cross
five-pointed star
six-pointed star
circle
line
dot in a circle
plus sign (even armed cross)
equilateral triangle |
AFFIRMATIONS
Affirmations are a statement of who and what we are as an inner
being (transpersonal self) and what we are choosing to develop as
a manifesting personality. Remembering that "energy follows
thought" and that our unconscious mind is very suggestible,
affirmations clearly are an important method for Self-actualization.
Anything that we are striving to become is appropriate for incorporation
into an affirmation. Seed thoughts, prayers, mantras, and invocations
all provide a wealth of possible material. Here are some suggestions:
|
I am.
I am a point within a greater sphere of Love.
I am focused will and clear design.
I am the path and Purpose is my guide.
I am a perfect thought within the Mind of God.
I am a strand of loving energy within the stream of Love Divine.
I seek to know and with that knowledge serve.
I bring (am) the middle way, offering it to both sides.
I stand a point of balance.
I am intelligent love.
I am the way of Spirit to Matter.
I stand a point of Light.
I stand a point of Life. |
"Having pervaded this world of the little,
manifested self with a fraction of mySelf,
I remain greater,
overshadowing all my daily living.
(pause for reflection)
I,
the manifesting Self,
through the magical power of my nature,
revitalize, redeem and re-absorb
this fraction dwelling in the body."
(pause for reflection)
MANTRAS
Mantras are phrases and sentences which are so arranged in rhythm
and sound that they have a special vibratory effect on the one who
voices them. Said once or repeated a number of times, they establish
a certain vibration within, affecting the user both consciously
and unconsciously. They are often repeated in rituals, devotions,
and meditations. Three mantras familiar to most of us are the Twenty-third
Psalm, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Lord's Prayer. Any mantra,
or a section of it, could be used as a seed thought.
Mantras are subtle yet powerful tools. They are best used only in
words we understand so they have meaning for us. Mantras can produce
a trance with intense, prolonged use. While this may be useful in
a hypnotic or shamanic context, in meditation, mantras are sounded
in full consciousness and with focused intent. In this way they
produce full results.
* * *
May the energy of the Divine Self inspire me,
and the light of the Soul direct.
May I be led from darkness to light, from the unreal
to the real, from death to immortality.
* * *
May the power of the One Life
Pour through the group of all true servers.
May the love of the One Soul
Characterize the lives of all who seek to aid the Great Ones.
May I fulfill my part through self-forgetfulness,
harmlessness and right speech.
May the light and love and power of the One Life,
transform the world today.
* * *
I am a messenger of Light. I am a pilgrim on the way of love. I
do not walk alone, but know myself as one with all great souls,
and one with them in service. Their strength is mine. This strength
I claim. My strength is theirs and this I freely give. A soul, I
walk on earth. I represent the ONE.
* * *
We know, O Lord of Life and Love, about the need;
Touch our hearts anew with love
That we too may love and give.
* * *
THE GAYATRI
Oldest Known Prayer
O Thou Who givest sustenance to the Universe,
from Whom all things proceed,
to Whom all things return,
Unveil to us the face of the true Spiritual Sun,
hidden by a disc of golden light,
That we may know the Truth
and do our whole duty
as we journey to Thy sacred feet.
PRAYER OF UNIFICATION
The sons of men are one, and we are one with
them.
We seek to love, not hate;
We seek to serve, not exact due service;
We seek to heal, not hurt.
Let pain bring due reward of light and love.
Let the soul control the outer form,
And life and all events,
And bring to light the Love
That underlies the happenings of the time.
Let vision and insight
Let the future stand revealed.
Let inner union demonstrate and outer cleavages be gone.
Let love prevail
Let all be love.
AFFIRMATION OF THE DISCIPLE
I am a point of light within a greater Light.
I am a strand of loving energy within the stream of Love Divine.
I am a point of sacrificial Fire, focused within the fiery Will
of God.
And thus I stand.
I am a way by which men may achieve.
I am a source of strength, enabling them to stand.
I am a beam of light, shining upon their way.
And thus I stand.
And standing thus, revolve
And treat this way the ways of men
And know the ways of God.
And thus I stand.
THE AFFIRMATION OF BEING 1
I am a dweller on planet Earth
This earth is my field of service
I am a spark of the sun
that spark is the core of my Being
I am a cosmic Being
The Universe is my home
MANTRAM OF THE SELF 1
I am the Self, and also love I am.
About all else I am will and clear design.
My will is now to lift the lower self into the Light Divine.
That Light I am.
Therefore I must descend to where the lower self awaits my coming.
That which intends to lift, and that which invokes the lifting
Are now at one.
Such is my will.
11975 by Roebert Gerard
THE GREAT INVOCATION
The Great Invocation is the supreme example, up to this point in
history, of all the techniques we have discussed. Preceded by relaxation,
assuming a prayerful attitude, said with concentration, energized
by visualization, and aligned with meditative intent, this potent
mantra can raise the consciousness of those voicing it. More than
this however, it is advanced humanity asking, yes, even humbly demanding,
the Intelligence, the Love, and the Will of the One Life to more
fully manifest Itself on Earth. It states that humanity (the race
of men) is the vehicle through which this is happening. Identifying
in consciousness with the millions of people around the world who
sound the Great Invocation adds the power of group meditation and
further enhances its effectiveness. It is the zenith of healing
meditations, calling for the healing of all humanity and the entire
planet. Following each stanza we can pause for a few seconds and
actively visualize the work just invoked. At the conclusion of the
Invocation, three OMs may be sounded to bring in and ground the
energies contacted in the meditation and then radiate them to individuals,
humanity, and the entire planet.
The OM
The OM (O=spirit, M-matter) is related to and predates the Amen
of the Judeo-Christian tradition and is voiced in one tone after
a deep breath, drawing out both sounds, usually giving more time
and emphasis to the O. It can be used effectively for alignment,
invocation, and radiation in any meditation.
From the point of Light within the Mind of God
Let light stream forth into the minds of men.
Let Light descend on Earth.
From the point of Love within the Heart of God
Let love stream forth into the hearts of men.
May Christ return to Earth.
From the center where the Will of God is known
Let purpose guide the little wills of men.
The purpose which the Masters know and serve.
From the center which we call the race of men
Let the Plan of Love and Light work out.
And may it seal the door where evil dwells.
Let Light and Love and Power restore the Plan on Earth.
OM
OM
OM
SUGGESTED BEGINNING MEDITATION OUTLINE
1. Sit in a quiet, comfortable place, preferably
the same place each day.
2. Relaxation - (see tape in Resource section)
a. Relax the body, taking a few deep breaths
b. Calm the emotions
c. Still the mind
3. Voice Mantrum of Self to set meditative intention
and lift consciousness. Allow pauses and visualize what is being
said.
4. Reflect on a seed though (3-5 minutes) from
a. Physical point of view, then
b. Emotional, then
c. Mental
5. Lifting consciousness into light of the Higher Self, be open
and receptive to further insight on the seed thought.
6. Reassuming brain consciousness, begin to create
in mental substance the thought forms that will help manifest the
contacted insights.
7. Voice the Great Invocation.
8. Radiate the contacted and accumulated energies
to family, friends, humanity, and the planet.
NOTE: Steps 4 and 5 can be reversed. In fact, many experienced
mediators do 5 before 4. However, in the context of a beginning
book, it is felt that the order presented above may be more useful.
Each reader is encouraged to experiment, choosing the order that
works best for them.
SPIRITUAL JOURNAL
It can be important to remember, or at least have readily available,
the ideas and experiences that come to us as a result of our meditative
work. Being able to review, re-experience, assimilate and synthesize
previous insights helps us become more aware of the reality and
continuity of our inner life. Often we are not aware of immediate
results of meditation. New ideas and shifts in our awareness may
come to consciousness days, weeks, months or years later. For these
reasons, a spiritual journal can be a useful and meaningful tool
for recording energies, images, and ideas from our meditation time,
our dreamtime, and any other part of our day. It is well to record
any and all experiences that have deep significance for us. A periodic
review (perhaps yearly at the time of the Winter Solstice/New Year)
has proved valuable for many.
Related Tapes Available:
New Group Meditation, The - Allen Holmquist.
Always meditating as a group, even when no one else is physically
present. Group consciousness meditation. We are not alone.
Relaxation/Developing Your Creative Imagination
- Allen Holmquist.
Side 1 - A quieting of the body, emotions, and mind, and identification
with Peace in the Light of the Higher Self. Features specially composed
music plus narration.
Side 2 - Seven step process for relearning the use of your Creative
Imagination.
GLOSSARY
I offer this glossary with mixed feelings. I believe all the definitions
to be accurate and useful as far as they go. Creation being what
it is (a complex, multi-dimensional manifestation of a simple, essential
Oneness), written definitions are limited by the problems inherent
in any communication and the as yet non-existent terminology to
express higher spiritual realities. Also definitions can be useful
and appropriate at certain dimensions of reality and be limiting
and inappropriate on others. With this in mind, use the following
definitions as guidelines toward understanding and clarity, and
not as statements of absolute truth.
abstract mind, higher mind - The arena of concepts
and qualities. Dealing with symbols rather than form, ideas rather
than intellectual formulations.
alignment - A coming together with balance and
harmony that creates an open, clear receiver and transmitter of
higher energies (e.g. aligned personality necessary for accurate
impression of the Higher Self).
archetypal (universal) - Having to do with original,
essential meaning and cause. Basic experience, quality, and knowledge
that we all share, often at an unconscious level.
Christ - The office or position of the head of
the Masters and Humanity. Filled at this time by the being know
as The Christ, also sometimes called Maitreya, Krishna, Kalki Avatar,
Bodhisattva, and Imam Mahti by the various world religions.
consciousness - The ever-expanding experience and
awareness of the interrelationship of Spirit- Matter.
Divine, God, Source, The One Creator, Universal Wisdom and
Energy, Divine Self, The One and Only, The ONE - The One
in which we live and move and have our being. The One in which the
entire Universe is a steady thought in His/Her/Its creative meditation.
energy - The essential element in all known creation
(including matter, feelings, symbols, thoughts, ideas, philosophies,
nationalities, cultures, races, kingdoms, etc.).
energy follows thought - Basic law of the Universe that
energy flows with and is directed by thought. This may or may not
produce manifestation, depending on developmental level of the thinker,
clarity and intensity of focus, dynamic impetus of the feeling nature,
and personality limitations.
Great Ones, Masters, Heavenly Hosts - Highly evolved
beings that help guide the evolution of humanity and all life here
on earth. Christ is the Head of this group, of which advanced humanity
is just now becoming a peripheral yet increasingly important part.
group consciousness - Awareness of the group (family,
community, race, profession, country, and eventually humanity) as
our primary point of interest, concern, and service.
harmlessness - An active, positive attitude of
mind that thinks no evil nor causes any evil behaviors. An aspect
and manifestation of unconditional love.
Higher Self, Self, Soul, inner being, transpersonal self, The Presence
- Beyond the personality, it precedes conception and continues after
"death." Each person's soul is individual and unique and
at the same time is at one with all other souls and the undifferentiated
One.
intuition - A non-logical, non-intellectual, non-sensory
awareness or knowing of a subtle and refined caliber, having to
do with group or planetary betterment. Super-rational, beyond the
logical mind.
manifestation - The bringing to be on the physical
plane of an idea, a being, energy. Matter or form is manifested
Spirit.
meditation - The intention to be at one with the highest part of
yourself possible at this moment, and the manifestation of that
intention in daily life as service.
personality, "lower self, self - Our body,
emotions, and rational mind. The vehicle through which the Higher
Self expresses itself and works in our physical plane existence
here on Earth.
plan - Pattern held in the creative imagination
of The One who ensouls this planet for our/its evolution toward
conscious re-unification with The Divine.
Raincloud of Knowable Things, Universal Mind - The storehouse
of all ideas, waiting to be tapped by advanced (and advancing) humanity
(the former phrase coined by Pantanjoli, 2,000 B.C.).
service - Living life as a harmless, wise, loving
being with our highest goal the evolution of the planet within the
Divine Plan. Conscious, dedicated, constructive, daily activities
toward that goal.
RESOURCES
BOOKS
Das, Ram. Journey of Awakening: A Meditator's Guidebook .
Bantam Books, New York, 1990 (revised)
Eastcott, Michal J. The Silent Path .
Samuel Wiser, Inc., NY, 1969
Goldman, Daniel. The Meditative Mind: Varieties of the Meditative
Experience. J.P. Tarcher, 1996 (revised)
Kelsey, Morton T. The Other Side of Silence - Meditation for
the
Twenty-First Century. Paulist Press, 1997 (revised)
LeShan, Lawrence. How to Meditate.
Bantam Books, New York, 1974
Widutis, Florence Yours is the Power.
DeVorss and Co., 1986 (revised)
Undisclosed. Course in Miracles.
Viking Press, 1996 (2nd Edition)
CASSETTE TAPES
Legend of Wesak - Allen Holmquist.
A retelling in meditative form of a legend about the bringing of
Universal Energy to Earth by the Christ and the Buddha at the time
of the full moon after Easter. $11.00 postpaid from L.I.F.E.
New Group Meditation, The - Allen Holmquist.
Always meditating as a group, even when no one else is physically
present. Group consciousness mediation. We are not alone. $11.00
postpaid from L.I.F.E.
Relaxation/Developing Your Creative Imagination
- Allen Holmquist. Side 1 - A quieting of the body, emotions, and
mind, and identification with Peace in the Light of the Higher Self.
Features specially composed music plus narration.
Side 2 - Seven step process for relearning the use of your Creative
Imagination. $11.00 postpaid from L.I.F.E.
CORRESPONDENCE WORK
Arcane School, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 566, New York, NY
10017 USA. Intermediate meditation course. Fee - donation.
Meditation Group for the New Age (MGNA), P.O. Box 566, Ojai, CA
93023 USA. Beginning to intermediate course. Fee - donation.
School for Esoteric Studies (SES), 40 East 49th Street, Suite 1903,
New York, NY 10017 USA. Similar to Arcane School. Fee - donation.
NOTE: These correspondence courses are recommended for serious
students as the best way to learn the subtleties and the deeper
experiential meaning of meditation.
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