This weekend as some of the greatest scientific minds on the planet converge on Tempe, AZ to discuss the Origins of this universe and life itself, one critical perspective is likely to be missing - the spiritual. It's not a matter of faith, but rather of practice, that many scientists don't feel spirituality has anything to add to scientific exploration. This sets up unnecessary conflicts between those who would rather God, the word that is, not make an appearance, and those who insist that science validate their beliefs.  

In fact, from a spiritual perspective, what we consider modern science is still in its infancy. Science is just beginning to discover what visionaries revealed hundreds, and in some cases, tens of thousands, of years ago.

Have you ever thought that you were going the wrong way or on the wrong path and just couldn't understand why it was taking so long to get to where you wanted to be?

Maybe you were exactly where you were supposed to be. It's often said that God has His own time. And in order for us to connect with the right opportunity or the right person sometimes we need to take a bit of a detour. Or maybe there are lessons we still have to learn to prepare us to recognize the opportunity or to be recognized.

]]> ralph@gobindsadan.org (Ralph Singh) A Path to Follow—the Journey Mon, 23 Jun 2008 03:00:00 -0400 http://www.exploringspirituality.org/my-blog/meditation/47-out-of-focus.html http://www.exploringspirituality.org/my-blog/meditation/47-out-of-focus.html

I was trying to focus my automatic camera on the bird feeder but the beautiful red sand cherry in the background kept grabbing the attention. Its tiny pink blossoms some 25 yards away were sharp and clear while the birds, only 10 feet away, were a blur. I called out to my son - "I have to ask a pro why I can't focus on the close-ups. The background seems to always pull the lens away."

We are terrible hosts. Actually, we end up hosting raucous parties for guests that constantly disturb our peace. I’m talking about our errant thoughts. They certainly don’t know when they’ve outstayed their welcome and we on the other hand just can’t find a way to show them the door. I suppose from the perspective of a nagging worry, we are the perfect host.

Rise above it!

Whenever we’re faced with difficulties, we must learn to rise above them.

Didn’t our parents tell us, “Outgrow that bad habit.” Now that we’re adults we often wonder when we’re going to grow up as human beings, becoming kinder, more caring, less angry and less fearful people. Now outgrowing means expanding our consciousness.

I used to hate taking out the garbage. I'd curse and yell. My father hated taking out the garbage and I must have picked it up from him. I'd think of all the other important things I should be doing and what a waste of my important time it was. Then Maharaj ji showed me: we all have garbage in our minds. Think that you are cleaning your karma - smile as the place gets clean and leave it clean.

I

Remnants of snow cling to the trees - white swatches clasp smooth brown branches or nestle among the green needles.

Meanwhile the buds are forming further out.

The woods on distant hills take on the felt of new antlers on spring bucks.

Seasons change. Here it’s almost April and the passing of winter is still in progress. Soon the exploding buds will vanquish the remnants of winter.

I know winter will come once more. Will I be better prepared?

Yesterday was all snow geese. The sky was full of pure white kites circling darting and floating across the sky. Water spouts of white birds on the blue expanse. Punctuated only by the black tips of their wings and tails they formed endless patterns of white patches blanketing the landscape.

The class-room lies within our selves and meditation is our method of discovery. The sacred scriptures of the world are our “texts” and those who have embodied God as Messengers and Prophets are our “Teachers.”

We are all on this path together; all part of this course by nature of our birth. You could say it’s a required course that few bother to take. That’s why there’s so much suffering in the world and so little peace.

I take this course very seriously, and try to spend as much time as possible on my homework - time spent in mediation and prayer, being mindful of God’s presence, and thanking God throughout the day. Much of my day is spent in “research” - thinking about and finding lessons in everyday life, or talking or writing about what I’ve learned. I keep a diary, my class notes, and try to practice the lessons by involving myself in community activities to serve others in need to the best of my ability. Service projects are extensions of our spiritual consciousness and will help overcome the selfishness and greed within ourselves and our society, and by working together we can solve the problems that plague our world.

As a matter of fact I’ve just published a book about my experiences on this path. It’s called, A Path to Follow …a life to lead.

Balls of color descend and envelop me in a pie eyed landscape

Like m and m's or mints if you prefer -

Pick them up and play with them.

A concert of celestial song - a divine play

You who sing His praises - raise your voices loud and clear

You who act His lines - speak clearly that we all can understand

You who lead us in the direction of truth - stand firm and tall that we may follow

You all will herald His coming

Stay in the light and bring the light and share the light

for the time of dawning has arrived