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.

Comments

[kjay279]

Long time lurker of HP, posting for the first time... I felt I should certainly say something about this post.. Philosophical ideas that have been around for over thousand or so years. While I am not going to argue about the ideas themselves (all philosophical ideas have some merit, whether its zen or taoism, hinduism or western philosophies of Kant, Locke etc). We have been debating for centuries on the meaning of life and that's what philosophy is all about..

But, if you are familiar with India, (I was born there so I do) you will know that such swamis are dime a dozen who mix and match old philosophies with some 'Grace' and 'Mind coming together' messages to create some mumbo-jumbo that really is just fluff..

Experiencing some sort of transcendental feeling is fine.. Any new cultural phenomenon can be transformational.. That doesn't make these people Gods :)

I am sure some of these swamis are delusional and actually believe they themselves are the incarnations of God like this guy in the video, but I am quite surprised to see such a meaningless post on HP and that someone actually takes them seriously.
How different is this guy from Pat Robinson or Jerry Falwell other than looking exotic? :)
I see HP quite enthusiastically bashing evangelical b.s but falling for this.. Is it because its cool?

If you read Celestine Prophecy, its the same... same idea different culture.. Yes, that book is fiction.
Mariska Hargitay!! :)

[wtmesq]

Look, I dont know this guy, but the difference between him and "Jerry" or "pat" seems clear. This guy does not appear to be a hater.

[kjay279]

The comparisons I will make with Pat Roberston's and these swamis are these: Both are out to make money and both give their respective religions a bad name.. using bad propaganda
Most Christians won't associate themselves with Falwell in the same way most Hindus don't associate themselves with these swamis

Its ok to go and explore other religions etc as someone posted.. I do too and we all should honestly, but not like this.. Spending money on some fake swami who will like someone put it... 'Bottle the goodness message for you on that particular day, so do pay $500 for it'

Capitalistic attitude to religion is what this is.. Spend a few hours and loads of money on a guru and I will be spiritually cleansed

[mulegino]

You're absolutely right. Mark Twain said something like, "an expert is anybody with a briefcase from out of town." Europeans and Americans are well known as real suckers when it comes to "Gurus", "Swamis", and "Rishis", etc. India is full of such Western "truth seekers". They think that exoticism almost certainly implies Divine wisdom and secret knowledge. Same with the current Kaballah craze, and the Hollywood fascination with the Dalai Lama.
This so called "enlightened" message is pretty hackneyed by now. The New Age is getting pretty old.

[Mother77]

Actually, the Eastern religions are attractive for different reasons as well as the esoteric of Judaism, Kaballah. If you know anything about Christianity, Islam and Judaism, they all spring from a belief in the Old Testament and the tribe of Abraham. I think people have a right to choose between the Vedas or the Bible for their source of God connection or not at all. Enlightenment springs from eternity, it's not a fad.

[cricket]

I have talked to a few of european and american, australian spiritual seekers in India. They are not losers are you portray. They seem to have sincere , indepth involvement and have found what they wanted. THey are not after secret knowledge. Many of them are after peace, Many are to go after spirituality. Indian thought is not new age. Don't confuse yourself. They have been there for long time. Perhaps armchair criticism doesn't work here.

[AnnArky]

Whether or not the "event" happens is irrelevant, What's important to know is that you cannot buy or sell enlightenment, and if you wish to hear Dattatreya Siva Baba speak you must pay at the door.

[Kalena]

I've been receiving this grace light (unconsciously for many many years) throughout my life and am marking my calendar for this. I will prepare for this preparation :-)

[mamacat]

"....imbued with supreme power and intelligence."

With all due respect, I think there is quite a difference between feeling like one has supreme power and/or intelligence, and actually having supreme power and intelligence. The first is a description of an emotional state, the second is a statement of something beyond human capability. I believe that if ever someone or something achieved the state of supreme power and intelligence, then that someone or something would not, by very definition, be human.

[jubo]

Paradoxically it is 'inhuman'. Cheers.