•A Desperate Matter - Spirituality Information
Tom was a wonderful human being. He was kind, caring and helpful to all those who sought his assistance. The only problem was that most of us did not like to be around Tom. Much as he tried to be a "good" person, there was always an aura of doom and gloom around him. It didn't matter whether he was speaking with you on the phone or sitting across the table from you, you just would get the feeling that the world was coming to an end or that your life would be in a terrible mess. Were you to...
•A Matter Of Moving - Spirituality Information
As many times as I've changed residences, moved from one state to another, even moved from country to country, I've been filled with a mixture of apprehension and excitement.
For many of us, just moving from day to day, month to month or year to year creates a similar anxiety or a subtle excitement. It doesn't matter whether we move in time or we move in space, there is one constant -- change.
It seems a contradiction to say that the only permanent thing we encounter in our daily lives is...
•A Matter Of Becoming Still - Spirituality Information
When I was much younger, I thought that education would be the answer to all my problems, so I went about obtaining degrees. I collected a good number of them including a summa cum laude degree in chemistry and mathematics, and an MBA among others. But I found that my education, even though it helped tremendously, did not bring real satisfaction. So I put the certificates and diplomas in the bathroom under glass and wrote, "Break in Case of Emergency."
Then I started working for Fortune 500...
•A Matter Of Chatter - Spirituality Information
I first met Cindy during my second year of college. It was in the cafeteria where she bumped into me. Yes, she literally bumped into me and her food tray went crashing into everything. I heard her mutter under her breath, "What an idiot!"
"Pardon me," I replied, not knowing what else to say, but definitely feeling that it was not my fault. "Oh no," she said, "It's always my fault. I am really so clumsy. I am very sorry."
Then I realized that she was referring to herself when she had said,...
•A Matter Of Inspiration - Spirituality Information
Legend has it that Robert the Bruce of Scotland was losing the battle and he barely escaped with his life. His soldiers were hard pressed to keep up the fight as many were wounded and dying. The Bruce, tired, dismayed and broken-hearted found a hidden cave where he took refuge.
He threw down his sword and sat to rest a while. Gloomy thoughts filled his mind and he reflected on the insurmountability of the task he had tried to accomplish. Perhaps Scotland would never be free -- at least not in...
•A Matter Of Knowing That Already - Spirituality Information
When my son, Jonathan, was much younger, I would try to help him with some of his tasks, whether it was his homework, chores or even just plain, simple advice. Many a time he would look at me in exasperation and say, "I know that, dad." Even when he did solicit my help directly, he would listen, but not "hear" what I had to say.
Now, mind you, I do not claim to be a paragon of excellent advice or wisdom, but many of the things I told him would have saved him tremendous amounts of time,...
•A Time To Remember - Spirituality Information
It was early in the evening when the phone call came. Reaching over, I grabbed the phone and was greeted by my cousin who lives in New York City. There was a deep sadness in her voice as she told me that she personally wanted to call me and invite me to the 5-year memorial service she'd be having for her two children.
Although I have spoken with this cousin a number of times since that tragic day, September 11th, five years ago, it had been about 30 years since I last saw her. My work and...
•He Definitely Should Have Been Committed - Spirituality Information
Yes, commitment is what is called for. He never cared whether a Monday fell on a Friday nor did it matter to him if it was raining or dry. His motto was, "I am exactly where I need to be at this time. Just take it easy, it'll all work out just fine."
I met him many years ago. Let's just call him Tom. We were in college and he was the roommate of a friend. But they were so different. My friend wanted something out of life while Tom thought that life should bring him all things.
My friend...
•How To Get Started In Meditation - Part 10
It was not much of a job, yet, everyday she was there. The little bake-shop always seemed to be open and she would greet me, whenever I went in, with a sad smile. Then one day, I moved to another part of the country and quickly forgot the bake-shop and the woman with the sad smile.
Beginnings always lead to endings just as each ending gives birth to a new beginning. Many years later, fate would have it that a business trip would take me through this same town of long ago. I stopped at the...
•It Was A Very Good Day - Spirituality Information
The day before yesterday was a good day, a really good day. Everything worked well. The weather was fair, the computers worked fine and orders for the "PowerPause" (my latest creation) came in at a much higher rate than usual. My world seemed peaceful and I was filled with exhilaration. It was a good day.
Yes, the day before yesterday was the type of day I always like to see. There are many such days. Sunny, warm days, whether because of the weather or because of the warmth in our hearts are...
•Just Five Minutes Longer - Spirituality Information
The story has been told and retold countless times about the battle of Waterloo. Poems have been written and songs have been composed detailing every conceivable aspect about it. The English tell it one way and the French share it from a slightly different point of view.
History and legend has it that after Napoleon Bonaparte's army was defeated and the Duke of Wellington prevailed over the French, Napoleon was taken away and imprisoned. One day a group of newspaper reporters came to visit....
•Look What He Did, Just Look! - Spirituality Information
Yesterday was a fine day, a really great day, at least, the start of it. As is my usual routine, I started the morning writing, then making phone calls. Next, I checked email. There were many-- several from readers of my books. Some took the time to express thanks and wanted to know what other books I had written. They spoke of life-changing insights; they thanked me for providing them the opportunity to read my works. They wanted more. I felt good, really good.
It got better. By lunchtime,...
•Problem Or Prespective - Spirituality Information
More often than I care to admit, I bump into a problem that shakes the very core of my being and challenges the heart of my belief system. At such times, I feel the world closing in around me and a tendency toward desperation begins to raise its ugly head. My first impulse is to fight back, to attack the attacker, to react by either running from or toward the problem.
But I do not follow my first impulse any longer. I now stand back and look at the problem for a while. I observe it from...
•Spirituality - Journey In The Fields Of Forever ( Part 96 )
A few weeks had gone by since my return from the land of mysteries. To me, this ancient place always conjured up visions of fiercely armed warriors charging across the plains to do battle with opposing armies. It is interesting to observe how some of the most awesome experiences of one's life could quickly fade into vague memories. Such was the case with my Indian "adventures" as I fell into the routine of daily life again.
Every now and then I'd think of Gideon and Marla. But they,too,...
•Spirituality - Journey In The Fields Of Forever ( Part 97 )
"It was as real as you could get," Marla said, "more real than breathing. The Chief wants us to explain to you, as clearly and simply as possible, the greatest secret in the universe."
"So, what's the big rush? You waited long enough," I blurted, as I sprang from my chair, waving my hand in the air. "I was beginning to think you'd just made up the whole thing and frankly, I was a bit tired of asking and not getting a direct answer. So, what is it? What's this greatest secret?"
"The greatest...
•Spirituality Information - Journey In The Fields Of Forever ( Part 1 )
Perhaps, in the never-ending search for meaning, not only does meaning seem to elude us, but we find ourselves faced with the eternal questions of life. Why do roadblocks always appear at the most inopportune moment? Where is help when we are down in the arena and boots are on our necks? Why am I here and where am I going? Will I ever again see my loved ones who have died? And so it goes . . . on and on. Although no one could satisfactorily answer such questions, there is something deep within...
•Spirituality Information - Journey In The Fields Of Forever ( Part 14 )
Their mother would have really been proud of them. Especially since her death, the bond forged by the three of us was extremely strong.We delighted in simple pleasures,like a family barbecue on the back porch or just gathering around the kitchen table commenting on the latest news. Sometimes when I look at them, I realize that our children come to stay with us for only a very short while. Obvious as it may seem, everyday they are with us is one less day we have them. Eventually they must go...
•Spirituality Information - Journey In The Fields Of Forever ( Part 23 )
My father once told me the story of the Ambrose Stone. He never mentioned from where it got its name, but said that it was a stone infused with miraculous power. If you touched a sick person with it, that person would be healed. If you slept with it under your pillow, you would have dreams of the future and would be more able to plan your life in a way that would be most beneficial.
The Ambrose Stone, my dad said, would bring its owner, love, joy, peace, health and prosperity. Naturally, I...
•Spirituality Information - Journey In The Fields Of Forever ( Part 25 )
After the initial shock at his knowing my thoughts,I said,"Yes, sir. The Ambrose Stone. Do you know anything about it?"
"Just some old stories," he replied, "But I have no idea where it is."
He followed me home where my mother served dinner and my father carried on a lengthy chat with him. He said he was a traveler and that he was on a journey to meet an old friend. He seemed not to want to comment any further on the details of his life. How exciting to have this gypsy adventurer visiting my...
•Spirituality Information - Journey In The Fields Of Forever ( Part 36 )
The problems of next week would have to wait until this week was done. Nothing would ruin this weekend. Lulled in comfort, I must have dozed off because the next thing I heard was Marla saying, "We should be there soon. What would you like to do when we arrive? Would you prefer to rest for a while or get involved in island life right away? It'll be a few hours before Gideon arrives."
"I'm looking forward to a wonderful weekend, Marla," I said as I stretched and yawned. "Doesn't really matter...
•Spirituality Information - Journey In The Fields Of Forever ( Part 41)
I stood there for a long while drinking in the sounds of the breakers as the lilting melody of ". . . and you my sweet Penelope, out there somewhere you wait for me," carried me away.
I remembered that incident in vivid detail and replayed the tape once again in my mind as I waited for dinnertime to arrive. I glanced at my watch. Just another hour or so.
Closing my eyes, I returned to the event in my memory and hit the replay button. I remembered so well how I had left the balcony behind and...
•Spirituality Information - Journey In The Fields Of Forever ( Part 44)
"Oh, in about ten minutes would be fine," said Gideon, and, turning to me he continued,"I hope you don't mind, I ordered earlier so it would be ready whenever we were. I asked them to prepare your favorite dishes,John. Just a special surprise for you." Jarvis smiled and left.
"Now, John," continued Gideon,"you were telling us about a romantic situation. Was that the one with Kimberly or was it Cindy?"
I was stunned. "You knew about that? I never told anyone. It was Kimberly. I didn't think...
•Spirituality Information - Journey In The Fields Of Forever ( Part 48)
The three of us spent the next day enjoying the music of calypso bands and sitting on the beach. The sun was disappearing over the horizon and evening was not far off so, I walked over to a cluster of coconut trees. This was a paradise custom-made for daydreaming and I took full advantage. I daydreamed of roaming the world, dropping by to see the fjords of Norway while enjoying the Land of the Midnight Sun, walking by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon or sailing down the Potaro River to see the...
•Spirituality Information - Journey In The Fields Of Forever ( Part 50 )
"If you're referring to their physical qualities, John, that wasn't the reason. Physical attributes change. A beauty today may not be a beauty tomorrow. There is something much more important than physical characteristics. It's something of the spirit. Coming from deep within, its expression overshadows everything else. It's an attraction of the soul, that invisible part of you that has always been and always will be. That's how it was with Peter, the stock- broker and Carlos, the minstrel....
•Spirituality Information - Journey In The Fields Of Forever ( Part 55 )
In quiet times, I feel we can hear friends call to us from afar. In the everyday hustle and bustle, our chatty thoughts and the noise around us often drown their voices out. And still they call and try to help with our earthly challenges. I don't believe they ever interfere with our free will, but they do give us data to assist in our decision making process. There are times that, for our own good, they would step in and lend a helping hand.
Not only are there friends who assist us along our...
•Spirituality Information - Journey In The Fields Of Forever ( Part 56)
Then there are the times I could almost swear that my dad or mom or even a close relative or friend was around. It is, of course, a subjective conclusion, so I don't need to prove it to anyone. I just know that for me it is so.
Thus ran my thoughts on this beautiful,warm sunny day as I sat on my back porch contemplating the mysteries of the universe. Malika was out with a friend and Jonathan had gone to the movies. This was one of those times when you know that there's so much to do, but you...
•Spirituality Information - Journey In The Fields Of Forever ( Part 63 )
With the last minute details completed, I was on my way. Time seemed to ebb and flow into hours and days as airports, planes, flight attendants and taxis blended in harmony to transport one solitary traveler to his destination on the other side of the world.Day ran into night and night seemingly stretched into eternity as we droned across the oceans and continents. I must have fallen asleep a number of times before the flight ended.
Half groggy, and feeling as though I'd experienced time...
•Spirituality Information - Journey In The Fields Of Forever ( Part 66)
"He thinks he's still sleeping," said a female voice.
"How are we going to get him to the meeting?"
"They are expecting him any moment now," replied a male voice. "The gathering was agreed upon. It cannot be changed now."
There was something vaguely familiar about the voices but I couldn't say where I'd heard them before. Then it struck me. They were here, Gideon and Marla. I jumped up to greet them and to tell them how glad I was that they'd come. It never occurred to me to question...
•Spirituality Information - Journey In The Fields Of Forever ( Part 67 )
Marla joined in, "They have arranged a gathering where all of you can meet again and discuss whatever you want. Don't ask me how or why, but gatherings of this kind are rare, indeed. Yet, for some reason, it was arranged for you. Remember,`unto everything there is a time and a season'? If we don't go now, it would be another decade or two before the timing would be right again." She looked at Gideon as if to say, it's time to go.
"Wait," I said, "who are `they' and what is this gathering?"...
•Spirituality Information - Journey In The Fields Of Forever ( Part 68)
There are times in life when you aren't sure of anything, times when you feel betrayed by your own senses. This certainly seemed to be one. At first, I thought this was an ordinary dream with part of me sleeping peacefully while another part of me was involved in dream adventures.I've had such dreams before where I knew I was dreaming and understood that in the morning I'd remember everything and would smile and reflect upon these mysteries. But what I was now experiencing seemed so real that...
•Spirituality Information - Journey In The Fields Of Forever ( Part 69)
"Our kids, silly." She giggled as she took my hand, just like she used to, and led me to a spot behind a clump of trees. Pandayji remained behind with Marla and Gideon, engrossed in conversation.
"What are our kids doing here? And how come Pandayji is here?" I questioned.
Before she could answer, I saw Malika and Jonathan in the moonlight. "Hi Dad," shouted Malika, "we wanted to surprise you, but Jonathan gave it away."
"No Dad," Jonathan countered, "she spoiled the sur- prise. Mom told us...
•Spirituality Information - Journey In The Fields Of Forever ( Part 70)
Mardai sat down on the grass and motioned me to sit next to her. "It's as if you've never been gone," I said. "Seems like only yesterday that you and I and the children were doing just what we're doing here. I've often wondered where you were and what you were doing. Everyday I prayed that you'd be happy and peaceful in your new surroundings and that, wherever you were, your life would be an inspiration to others as it was here."
"Never stop praying for those who have gone on. The prayers are...
•Spirituality Information - Journey In The Fields Of Forever ( Part 76 )
"Good to see you again, Pandayji," I replied as I seated myself across from him. I was anxious to ask him about his experiences in the meadow, but thought I'd wait a while. Over breakfast, we discussed my schedule for the week and agreed there would be enough free time to visit some interesting sites in the north, if I felt like it.Still not a word from him about last night, so I brought up the subject.Since I wasn't sure whether the whole event was the result of my overactive imagination, I...
•Spirituality Information - Journey In The Fields Of Forever ( Part 79 )
Being a poor judge of age,I guessed the Boatman to be somewhere in his mid to late seventies. His beard,long and white, flowed halfway down his chest,complimenting his shoulder-length, gray hair. He was dressed in a long saffron colored robe with a blue headband circling his forehead. He seemed to be in excellent physical condition. Although he was definitely of Indian lineage, his deep, resonant voice spoke impeccable English with a slight British accent.
"It's so good to see you, John," he...
•Spirituality Information - Journey In The Fields Of Forever ( Part 80 )
As he disappeared from view, I said somewhat wistfully, "I wish I could have gotten to know him better; seems like such an intriguing chap. And to think, he even brought me a gift. So kind of him, Pandayji. I wonder what's in the box."
"Remember," said Pandayji, "you promised to wait."
"Until dinner then," I replied.
"I am so excited about meeting Gideon and Marla, John," said Pandayji, "I didn't know they were here."
"They travel a lot," I replied. "You never know when you'll bump into...
•Spirituality Information - Journey In The Fields Of Forever ( Part 81)
Pandayji rarely gets flustered as his work brings him in touch with all sorts of people. He is as comfortable speaking with peasants in the planting fields as delivering a moving speech to crowds of thousands. Through the auspices of Pandayji, I have met government leaders and top celebrities in his country and, yet, in the presence of Gideon and Marla, he appeared as a little schoolboy seeing his hero, face to face for the first time.
"HiPandayji,"saidGideonashereachedoverandshook Pandayji's...
•Spirituality Information - Journey In The Fields Of Forever ( Part 86 )
"You're darn right," I interjected, forgetting my resolve to shut up and listen. "Nothing changed. Or, to be more correct, the more things changed, the more they stayed the same."
He pretended not to hear and continued. "Whenever you became very tired or desperate or frustrated, you set up so many energy blocks around you that you couldn't hear nor see the guidance that was always available. You knew in your head that your problem was not raising money but raising consciousness. You knew in...
•Spirituality Information - Journey In The Fields Of Forever ( Part 88 )
"Interesting," I murmured, much calmer now, "I never thought of it that way."
"Here's another law of prosperity. Whatever your talent or gift is, give it to the world as freely and as joyfully as possible. The more you give the more you get. You'll find this law well hidden or disguised in the holy books of many religions. You've heard it said,`Give and it shall be given unto you.' You cannot outgive the Universe. Give of that which you have. Whatever your lot in life, there are many who wish...
•Spirituality Information - Journey In The Fields Of Forever ( Part 90)
Trivandrum is a little city in the south of India. It faces the sea and, though sweltering during the day, is cooled in the evening by the gentle on-shore breezes that circle the tip of the sub-continent. It was years since I had visited that small city with Pandayji, but I vividly recall the spontaneous, gregarious nature of its population. There were fishermen and farmers, soldiers and sailors; merchants hawking their wares, strangely dressed figures riding horses, shouting at the top of...
•Spirituality Information - Journey In The Fields Of Forever ( Part 92 )
Gideon then apologized to the manager."Please excuse my friends. They didn't mean any harm. Sorry for the inconvenience and commotion. Anyway, they'll be leaving soon." The manager seemed only too anxious to agree to anything that would return tranquillity to his restaurant. He thanked Gideon,bowed,turned and left with the two nervous guards in tow.
Marla spoke up, "You always seem to have this effect on others, Kamal. Maybe, you might try to be a bit more cordial? No need to scare others to...
•Spirituality Information - Journey In The Fields Of Forever ( Part 94)
"I will go now," he said as he snapped to attention. "Much to be done. Duty calls and all that. It was wonderful seeing you again, Gideon. And Marla, I still wish to take you away and make you my princess. Are you sure you ... ?"
Marla interrupted,"Not this time, Kamal. But keep trying; I like it."
"I bid you good evening, John," he said. Then he looked at Pandayji and continued, "It was good to see you, Pandayji. Let us get together in Trivandrum soon. There is a quaint tavern across from...
•Spirituality Information - When You Can Walk On Water , Take The Boat ( Part 57 )
"You say that You're always with me and Your other children. Yet,I don't always see You as I see You now. In fact,I had to travel through transfer points on earth to get here. Gideon told me that we're somewhere on the third star of the Aldebaran System. Do You know how far I figure we must be from earth, Lord? Very,very far. If You are always with me, why do I have to travel so far to see You. How can You hear when I call?"
"Precisely the point I want to make clear, John. You didn't have to...
•Spirituality Information - When You Can Walk On Water , Take The Boat ( Part 58 )
"You wonder about prayer at times and think that it must be magical.There's no magic in it. It's a method I gave to you so that you could reach Me anytime you want. It was designed to bring you to the realization that you should be aware of Me all the time. Prayer does not change Me, it changes you. Use it as it was originally Come first to yourself and then you'll find that you have come to Me.
"You are a child of the King, a prince of the realm. All of you are children of the King and thus...
•Spirituality Information - When You Can Walk On Water , Take The Boat ( Part 59 )
"I didn't have to die, not on a cross nor anyplace else. As you can see, John, I'm far from dead. My followers, if you look over there," as he pointed to Peter and Paul,"Were a group of pretty somber folks and I had to make quite an impression on them. I had to make sure they got the message and were going to teach others about the laws of life. They quickly forgot the `miracles and parables,' but my so called `death and resurrection' gave them the incentive they needed to spread the message....
•Spirituality Information-A Matter Of Sight And Insight
I want to tell you a little story. It happened during my first year in college. I was sitting in my room, late one night, studying for a chemistry test.
Tests seemed to be a major part of my life in those days. I longed for the time when I would never have to take another quiz, study for one more test or await the results of final exams.
I took a break from the chemistry book to reflect on the injustices of life. The food in the cafeteria seemed designed for nutrition and not enjoyment. The...
•The Secret - When You Can Walk On Water , Take The Boat ( Part 15 )
On Sunday morning June departed for home. We said our good-byes, promising to meet again soon. Her last words to me were, "Remember, the man on the piano bench will be in touch with you, John. Listen to him and keep an open mind."
In an effort to clarify the many confusing thoughts in my mind, I decided to go for a walk in the woods behind my house. Since he likes nothing better than to run free in the forest, I took Rajah with me. About three hundred yards from the house if you go north by...
•The Secret - When You Can Walk On Water , Take The Boat ( Part 16 )
"It is in remembering the times of your strength and overcomings that you can grow stronger and overcome even more." The voice thundered into my head and interrupted my thoughts which roamed the village streets of long ago. Looking around, I saw him leaning on a boulder next to mine. He was dressed like a story-book character, bright colors,strange hat and cowboy boots.
"Gideon! What are you doing here?Where did you come from?" The astonishment in my voice startled Rajah.
"Just came from a...
•The Secret - When You Can Walk On Water , Take The Boat ( Part 19 )
Gideon settled on a rock and wriggled somewhat to make himself more comfortable."Time is like the tides," he said,"or more correctly, like a river. There are currents, white and dark water and backwash. Human beings have been conditioned from birth to believe in sequential time, that is,time as moment after moment.By the ripe old age of five or six, one has generally forgotten the intricacies of the nature of time and space and thus is primed to live in a world where tomorrows come after...
•The Secret - When You Can Walk On Water , Take The Boat ( Part 25 )
"Years passed and under the gentle guidance of the Guru, most of the disciples accomplished what they had set out to do. Finally, the shy disciple approached the Guru. `Master,' said he, `I have toiled and practiced without ceasing, lo, these many years. See that city across the river? I can now walk on the water and go over to the city. Master, I have overcome. I can walk on water.'
"Looking at the young disciple the old master sadly asked,`Why did you not take the boat? You would have saved...
•The Secret - When You Can Walk On Water , Take The Boat ( Part 26 )
In a short while,we arrived in the Big City.It was, as always, impersonal. We parked the car and walked through the never-ending crowds to a waiting cab. Gideon handed the driver an address and a few minutes later we stepped out in front of a tall building on an obscure side street. We walked up to the door, entered the lobby and were soon on our way to the thirty-third floor.
We stepped out into a long hallway. I took a few moments to straighten my tie and comb my hair. At times the winds of...
•The Secret - When You Can Walk On Water , Take The Boat ( Part 4 )
Two weeks had passed since I last saw Gideon.Things at the office seemed a little worse and business was not getting any better. Our newly-invented device was not selling as we'd expected.We were fast approaching another financial crisis. In the past few years, it began to seem as though my life had been a journey from crisis to crisis with only brief pauses in between.Then, unexpectedly, I had to make a trip to the Midwest.
A potential account we had been courting for the past six months...
•The Secret - When You Can Walk On Water , Take The Boat ( Part 45 )
A week had passed since my last meeting with Gideon and Marla. Christmas was only a few days away and we, like many other families,were preparing for the occasion. Barely able to afford a tree, we settled for a sorry-looking specimen and spent most of the remaining weekend hanging ornaments,lights and decorations. Tired but pleased that we were able to make the most of what we had, I fell into bed exhausted.
I must scarcely have fallen asleep when, all of a sudden,I was wide awake again.Being...
•The Secret - When You Can Walk On Water , Take The Boat ( Part 49 )
It was the day after Christmas. The morning was bitter cold,but the golden rays of the sun bathed the trees in a frosty, sparkling beauty.Somehow,deep within me, I felt this was to be the day for my visit to System 22. Yet nothing had happened to confirm my feelings.
Christmas day had been spent at home with the family. It was exciting to help my children set up their toys. I reflected on the days of my childhood and how, with great excitement, I would wait for Christmas day. With anxious...
•The Secret - When You Can Walk On Water , Take The Boat ( Part 6 )
Finally, it was morning and I got up and prepared for my meeting with Mr. Seymour. After breakfast, I took a cab to his office. All the buildings were tall and clustered together in what appeared to be the main commercial area of the city. I paid my fare and walked into the building where Seymour's office was located. Without much waiting, I was ushered in to see him. The expression on my face was one of pure astonishment when I discovered that the real Mr. Seymour and the Mr. Seymour of my...
|
|