Amazing Grace (VIDEO)
"Gracefulness has been defined as the outward expression of the inward harmony of the soul," wrote British essayist William Hazlitt. If gracefulness is the outer expression, then perhaps grace itself is the source of the inner light.
I have been reflecting recently on the notion of Grace. Nearly every religion has a concept or definition of grace: Grace is the "freely given, unmerited favor and love of God." It is the "spirit of God operating in humans to regenerate or to strengthen them." And it is "Divine love and protection bestowed freely on people."
Each of these definitions hints in some way at the mercy of the Divine to shower us with blessings freely, without any pre-condition.
In my post last week, I shared the inspiring and transcendent experience of astronaut Edgar Mitchell during his return trip toward earth in Apollo 14. I also shared my own transformational experience in India when, in a glorious instant, my consciousness exploded into radiant and ecstatic Oneness. All sense of separateness and individual identity vaporized and, for several (timeless) days, "I" was pure Being, imbued with supreme power and intelligence. That was grace.
I did nothing to deserve that experience. The day started out much like any other day. I had no forewarning that my body would soon erupt into brilliant, self-effulgent light, nor any reason to suspect my life was about to take a drastically different course. Yet when the illusion of separation was shattered, my fundamental understanding of reality was radically re-configured. Even this briefest glimpse of the inherent interconnectedness of all things changed "me" forever. That was grace.
It was nearly a year later when I thought to ask my spiritual teacher whether the experience had a name. "Of course," he said, "you experienced the light body."
This answer was profound coming from a sage whose lineage are masters of light and transcendence. His deeply mystical tradition teaches that ultimate enlightenment is not simply liberation of the mind (as if that weren't hard enough), but also liberation of the body. The yogis discovered that we have many layers of existence - from the gross physical body, to subtle energy bodies, to the radiant body of light. As we expand our capacity to hold greater light by awakening various energy centers in the body, we can ultimately transform the dense matter of the physical form into the spiritual body of light. Well-known eastern saints such as Babaji and Swami Ramalingam are documented as having achieved this liberation, the immortal "light body", similar to the resurrection of Jesus, the assumption of Mother Mary, or the ascension process in other faiths.
I share this whole story for a particular reason. Independent of your ability to perceive it, or your sense of merit or worthiness, everyone is infused with grace light. Grace light is the incredibly radiant light of the Divine within every soul -- compassionate, intelligent and almighty. It is not a physical light -- it is an explosive inner light, more brilliant and powerful than the sun. It is the burning bush for Moses, the light of Jesus that blinded Paul on his way to Damascus, the power of Allah, Buddha and the enlightened ones of all faiths throughout the ages.
Recognizing this universal truth, the Tamil Siddha lineage is acknowledging an emerging phenomenon - the awakening of grace light in the hearts and minds of more and more people around the globe. According to them, humanity is undergoing a major evolutionary transformation and the great masters of many traditions are here to help steward the process. This lineage believes that grace light will awaken both individual and collective consciousness, affecting a global shift into a new level of human evolution.
Every individual will play an important role in this shift, as the primary conduit for expression of light is the human body. Once various energy centers are opened, (a process the Siddhas call "opening the 9-Gates") you become a vehicle for transmitting light to others. It is an opportunity for everyone to contribute to a shift of consciousness on a global scale.
The beginning of this shift will correspond with a significant astronomical event on the eastern calendar. The "Full Moon of the Guru" or Guru Purnima (July 17th) is an ancient tradition in India when heavenly teachers offer powerful blessings to the human race. It is a time of opportunity for divine energy to enter the collective heart of humanity, bringing new levels of compassion, joy, peace, and divine intelligence to the world.
I encourage you to 'tune in' to the sacred energies during this time. Open into a state of receptivity and faith. Take time for prayer or meditation, let go of fear, and simply let the blessings wash over you. That is grace.
For more about grace light, watch this:
For information about grace light gatherings across the U.S., Europe & Asia, click here.
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on a funny note, when I clicked on the picture, I seriously thought it was Hulk Hogan. I was like what is the Hulk doing on HP?
i am agnostic, but what a cool concept - i think i was just hypnotized (seriously)
on a funny note (and probably not appropriate) when i first saw his picture, i thought it was Hulk Hogan.
I have to tell you I do believe and understand what you are promoting here. I have experienced similarly profound, yet brief experiences. I always wish they had lasted longer. And I am on board and receptive to July 17th. But you really set me back when I saw $110 dollar or more entrance fee to one of these events. If we truly want a global awaking, cant we find a cheaper venue. It makes me very suspicious when it costs anything , let alone a days pay for most.
I love what this guy is saying and I am not religious at all. But I do know there are spiritual experiences in life that are powerful. We all have them. And to be honest I have grown sick of my own cynicism. What harm can it do to put out the kind of uplifting energy the swami is talking about. Let's hope he's right.
Chakra? Third eye? Grace light? Global age? Gee, I wish Carlin were still alive. I'm sure he'd have something to say.
Whether a divine grace light will descend on a particular day is not for me to say. My understanding is that for a person to achieve nirvana or awaken to their connection to the "Oneness" (or whatever you want to call it) is a possibility available to all, yet it must be attained through great commitment and many lifetimes of struggle. Perhaps those who are more spiritually advanced (and we ALL know that some are more advanced than others) can aid those of us who are less developed in our journey. I can only pray that this is the case.
Either way, whether you "believe" or not, I wish you peace and an easy path.
Through all of the above comments, both supportive and critical of spiritual development, one thing remains absolutely clear, we all know little and comprehend even less. St. Thomas Aquinas knew this "Such things have been revealed to me that now all i have written appears in my eyes as of no greater value than straw," as did Socrates "As for me, all I know is that I know nothing."
Like most of the skeptics on this thread I too doubt the dogmatic leadership of organized religion. Since the first time I thoughtfully considered the implications of religion I have made comments, much like the ones herein, scornful of the misleading and manipulative ways of religious leadership. Recently, after a few years of conversing with a close friend on his experience with meditation and his spiritual journey, I began to gain interest in the scientific
What were you saying? A State of Grace or something about the coming messiah or some new concsiousness taking root and delivering heaven on Earth or something? II'm sorry. I didn't catch the whole thing becuase I was outside working on a dynamite tan.
Not so fast Swami. A man blind and a sighted person are both blind in darkness. But when the light or jyoti comes into the world those spiritually blind will still not see.
cool
For those who discount religions and the mystery of the inner light as simply ancient superstition, I paraphrase the great thinker of psychology, C.G. Jung:
"The traditional masculine world and its intellectualism and rationalis
-- Excerpted from Dream Symbols of the Individuation Process, originally published in *EJ 1935* with a later English translation included in *The Integration of Personality*, a volume of papers by Jung.
I'm not impressed by Jung's less ancient superstitions.
Thank you for The Gospel Of John post and for this... none of this need be about religion unless we make it about religion. I read a lot of religious text, but only see the Truth that lies beyond the dogma.
Not so very long ago, my voice may have resonated among the negative ones here. It's impossible to explain what it means to wake up and to experience these unseen connections, since it is a totally unique experience for each individual. And more often than not, it occurs gradually - without flashing lights or astral projection.
Impossible to explain is exactly what that is.
Pardon me if I'm a bit skeptical, but I've been a consumer of guru goods for going on 30 years now. Now we have another Indian with a new catch phrase, coming over, renting a huge hall in SF, with acolytes all over the country who will bring in the new age.
I'd be less skeptical if he just said that something great will happen on that day, instead of I'm the only one who can open the door for you. I know there are people who cant transmit impressive energy that feels great and lifts you up for a few days or weeks. But y'know what, it always wears off. At least that's been my experience to date. Let's see what happens.
Try drinking the Kool-Aid.
That does not wear off.
Ha HA ha HA!
"In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkeness comprehended it not." The Gospel of (Saint) John
"Let your dim light shine" - Dave Pirner (Soul Asylum)
"Forty-two," said Deep Thought, with infinite majesty and calm.
When Light comes the dark is close behind to put the Flame out. History has shown us this again and again.
Finally, humanity has a chance to be touched by Grace Light and once again, as usual, negativity is nipping at Light's Heels.
I was at the New York event and witnessed Grace Light. The Flood Gates of Heaven opened.
It is Real, and ...... dispite all, Grace Light will illuminate the world.
I was touched by Grace Light, at a U2 concert in '93. I think it was '93, could have been earlier. Anyways, I was 'shrooming with friends at the Saratoga race track and Bono starts going into an a capella version of Dancing Queen and the Flood Gates of Heaven opened. Bought a cool t-shirt too but it is faded now. Still, good times.
"Every individual will play an important role in this shift, as the primary conduit for expression of light is the human body"
If that is the case, then this "shift" has really got a problem.
I won't be playing any role.
Count me out as well. I don't like bright lights...o
Same here. I watched a dim bulb movie once called "The Cowboy Way". Pretty bad.
Touche!
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