An Eagle's Gift

an eagle's gift

©1996 by Ron Voreis

Introduction

This is a story unlike anything you’ve ever read, or will ever read again. In these pages you will glimpse a magical reality, and see the potential of an awakened human mind. You will learn the magic and power of a "feel good" state that ancient shamans knew well, taught to them by a mysterious visitor from the stars. Its practice was a way of life and a guarded secret. This lost secret is revealed again…

Although the story is fictional, it lives inside each of us as the forgotten memories of a simple truth … a sleeping memory that can be awakened again by a story of power.

The hero goes on a vision quest and finds a legendary portal to a higher world. His adventure leads to the discovery of a mysterious lost tribe that long ago ascended to this higher dimension. As their seductive trials unfold through grand visions and out-of-body journeys, a simple but powerful philosophy is revealed -- a door to the secret of secrets.When unlocked and allowed in consciousness this secret has the power to transmute ordinary life into a playground of joy and discovery ... a life of full awareness.

This is a novel, an adventure, a story of hidden truth. Like the Book of Orin in the movie "Neverending Story" it reaches out and puts you right in the story too. That’s part of the magic of this book.



Chapter One

Prologue -A Character Sketch

One morning a dying man woke up … and although there was no reason, he just felt good. Was it the thing in his head, playing tricks on his body?

Vague images and powerful emotions, part of a dream residue, swirled just beneath consciousness. What would it take, he wondered, to feel this good all day long? That would be a secret worth finding.

Then from somewhere inside, a voice told him to lay there, to focus on what he was feeling. He did, and much to his surprise the feelings seemed to intensify. It was like tuning a radio … find the station, tune it for clarity, then enjoy. It was that easy. Soon he was floating on a sea of ecstasy. It was magic. He felt powerful and alive.

And so began the adventure, the greatest adventure a human being could take and still consider himself sane. The bonus however was in the quest, finding something to live for again. But too, there was the discovery, and coming closer than anyone ever had … to finding his true self.

Galen Chandler was the product of a mixed marriage. His mother was a former Navajo princess, first daughter of a once great chief. Galen’s father was a blue-blood American whose parents, it was alleged, had sailed over on the Mayflower. The marriage lasted for a few turbulent years. The abuse was belittling for one of her stature, so she left their fabulous New England mansion, taking her young son. They resettled to familiar territory out west, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. An ample divorce settlement would keep them comfortable without wanting for much. There was a stipulation however, that if violated, would nullify the agreement and end the support payments for good. Galen's father had keen foresight … he reckoned there was little chance of them keeping their end of the bargain, and he would hire private investigators to randomly keep watch, intent to enforce it.

Galen was to have no contact with his grandfather, "the crazy old chief who talked to spirits," according to his father. And there would be no exposure to the ancient tribal teachings, period! He insisted that his namesake be raised in standard American culture, untainted by ridiculous superstitions.

The young boy abided his father's wishes. The years passed, his education and lifestyle were fully status quo, but he always wrestled inner demons; he could not deny his genes. Strange dreams troubled his sleep at night, and curious daydreams of power-places and spirit beings troubled his attention by day. Although he had a high IQ, his grades were hardly average. He had no interest in sports, he had little use for people. His mother was his only friend.

Annalysa, Galen’s mother, was a proud and attractive woman. Her hair flowed long and black, her cheek bones were high and prominent, and her emerald eyes sparkled with an inner light. She walked with a regal posture, showing the class of her breeding and the confidence of high status. Always saddened by the agreement that kept her cherished son and father apart, the burden wore on her face. She had limited contact with her father, the chief … their visits were short, her guilt was hard to hide. Her abiding interest however was to maintain the lifestyle of comfort she had established for her son.

Galen could have been very popular. He was tall with the build of an athlete. His hair was long and unstyled, it made a statement of free will. His face held a curious mix of male ruggedness, softened by sensitive eyes and a smooth complexion. But he was a loner, and people mistook his maverick air of independence for either genius or ego. The result was, they left him alone.

After graduating from high school Galen enrolled at the local junior college to study computers. A career in this field, he felt, would give him enough privacy and freedom to just be himself. To his great satisfaction he found computers challenging. His instructors noted an unusual aptitude bordering on genius and they gave him a great deal of extra attention. Inside the computer he found a whole new world of possibilities … the only limit was his own imagination. Computer Graphics was his favorite; he could recreate the worlds that flashed in his daydreams, then lose himself in their pseudo reality.

Galen’s unique artwork captured the attention of an Albuquerque art dealer, and his connections in turn landed Galen a position with a prestigious commercial art studio. At the age of twenty-one Galen was gainfully employed and furthering his technique with a secure income.

Although he was doing what he liked and becoming very successful, there was still something missing. He yearned to meet his grandfather, the old chief. Somehow, Galen felt the old man held the key to resolving his inner turmoil. In many dreams Galen had seen the image of a wise old Indian chief in full headdress. His sad eyes beckoned and an outstretched hand pointed to an ancient pool, surrounded by lush vegetation. Whether it was a symbol of some sort, or an actual place, Galen could not decide … but he was sure it was Grandfather, trying to reach him.

A face to face meeting would be impossible though. He would not jeopardize his mother's alimony, her only source of income and security. He knew his father was still keeping watch.

More years passed and Galen was twenty-four … when he got the shocking news. Constant headaches, blurred vision, and attention loss had slowly eroded his ability to work. He reluctantly sought medical help. Tests revealed a growth in his brain, an exploratory operation was advised. It would be risky.

He refused. To his thinking, it was better to live life to a natural end, hoping for the best, than to live with a death sentence. His mother would be devastated of course, so he lied. "The tests revealed nothing," he said.

More than an hour had passed before Galen could rouse himself from the bed. This wake-up had been the most exhilarating experience of his life, and he was determined to hold the rapture for as long as possible. He gingerly rose from the bed and almost glided across the floor on his way to the bathroom. His morning routines … brushing, shaving, shower and grooming … all flew by without effort. The ecstasy was holding.

It was fall in Albuquerque. The temperature was turning mild again and the shadows of the Sandia mountains stretched lazily across the valley. Galen lived in a fashionable adobe townhouse, along the foothills of the great mountain. He could easily step outside and hike one of many trails winding up the face of the rocky range. Cactus and wild-flowers were blooming everywhere, adding their scents to the cool air.

Galen opened the windows wide, allowing fresh, mountain air to flow like ribbons through the rooms. He just couldn't remember a more beautiful morning; his senses delighted in the delicious mountain aromas. It made him think.

Life had become so much more precious, with the prospect of dying. He wondered, "Was it time to explore the meaning of life?" He'd always had a spiritual side to his nature, a likely product of his Indian heritage, but until now, it was not an immediate concern. Not knowing how much time was left, he vowed to devote what was left to a spiritual quest. An idea came like the wind … he would wander through the wilderness like his ancestors before him ... to find God, maybe inner peace, maybe even a "vision." And then he’d be ready to face the ultimate end, with grace and knowledge.

Stepping out on the back balcony he looked up at the mountain crest. It was jagged and steep, rising over five thousand feet above his head. Beautiful and majestic, it beckoned with a spiritual force he'd never felt before – now he knew what to do.



Chapter Two

The Legend

Galen glanced at his watch and couldn't believe the time. A mere two hours had gone by since he started the ascent, and judging by a familiar landmark he was at a point that normally would take three and a half. He had to stop and assess the mysterious time gap.

Altitude sometimes played tricks with the mind -- Albuquerque itself was five thousand feet above sea level, the mountain crest was another five -- and add to that the giddiness of the morning that still had not subsided...

But how could he have climbed so far so fast? There was just no explanation. He shrugged his shoulders and shook his head.

Still, he couldn't let it go. It bothered the rational part of his mind. The more he pondered the worse he felt; the joyous feelings he woke up to started to erode quickly.

He caught himself. "Stop thinking, go with the flow," echoed in his mind. It worked, and the feelings of elation returned. He found himself almost floating up the winding footpath.

A white mist rolled down from the crest. Fog was rare, especially this time of year, although sometimes in winter snow clouds would obscure the top thousand feet. But this was different. Finger-like wisps curled down and settled around the steeple cliffs, spilling into the crevices and narrow valleys between them.

He ventured on. There were provisions enough in his backpack to see him through the night, if the weather turned bad. Traveling in weather or darkness would be foolish and treacherous, in these steep foothills.

A circling eagle caught his eye and Galen settled onto a flat boulder to watch. The bird soared effortless around the jagged rock steeples, finding a lift of air here, a flowing current there. He had complete control, and remarkable skill. Galen envied the majestic creature and secretly longed to know its freedom, to see through its eyes, to feel what it felt.

Suddenly a numbing buzz filled the center of his skull, his eyes blurred and he felt dizzy. A silky warmth flooded his mind and body.

Galen opened his eyes... Wow, he was flying! He was the eagle! He felt the strength of its wings, it’s confidence and freedom. He searched its agile mind… And he knew what the eagle knew! Then another shift of consciousness, and it all ended. He was back to himself, but now he would know the secret of the eagle, forever.

Footsteps scuffled along the sandy path, someone descending from higher up. Galen swung to his left and saw an older man approaching. His face was friendly, beaming a broad smile. "Good morning to you, young man," he called down. "I saw you watching the eagle … beautiful creature, isn't it?" Galen knew the accent, a Native American, and a gentle soul. "Sure is," he responded. The man came closer, he was wearing faded jeans and a red flannel shirt. His long white hair was kept by a leather braid headband. Something about him was vague, though familiar.

"Mind if I share your stoop?" he asked, pointing to the flat boulder. "Be my guest," Galen offered, returning the smile. Odd for Galen, he appreciated the company. He wanted to share his experience with someone who might understand, and this old soul seemed spiritual and wise somehow.

"You've got Indian blood, don't you boy?" His dark eyes stared deep into Galen's.

"Sure do, but only half. Is it obvious?"

"No boy, but the eyes always tell." He put out his hand, "Call me Rufus." They shook, and Galen introduced himself.

"That's sure an odd looking fog," Galen said, pointing up. "Did you come down to stay out of it?"

The old man looked away, thinking, then he shifted and looked at Galen again, his eyes were sparkling. "That's a very special fog, my boy, actually it’s a spirit cloud. A legend, long forgotten, told of its regular occurrence. It’s a legend that shamans and medicine men from all the Southwest have kept to themselves. It appears only three or four times a century, about once a generation."

He wondered if this was somehow related to his eagle vision, so Galen probed deeper. "Could you tell me about the legend?"

The old man inhaled deeply and nodded. "Long before the white man came, this mountain was considered a sacred place. Young men who wanted to be shamans would come here to be initiated, as part of their vision quest. The spirit of this sacred mountain would beckon to those with pure hearts to come and learn the secrets of life, secrets so simple that only the most innocent and free thinking men could understand, and use. But, there was a severe risk to the aspiring initiate. The teachings were so simple and so subtle in their power, the student had to maintain constant vigilance of his mind. Because this wisdom adds manyfold to the power of thought, great discipline of mind is required. Any who could not properly control their thoughts went mad, insane, and were much worse off for having received the knowledge … but those who could slay the dragon of mind lived in a world of absolute power and pure amazement.

"The spirit cloud you see now was always part of the great mountain, ever present … but several centuries ago it withdrew. Because of man's complex beliefs, it returns only infrequently to teach those few souls who can still hear. And so it comes again. It is called the "vision mist" by those who remember and have taken its initiation."

Galen was exhilarated, could it be that he had been chosen by the mountain to be part of this rare event? And if so was Rufus a special guide, an initiate himself?

It would be best, he decided, not to assume too much, to proceed slowly.

"You know Rufus, I had an interesting experience a few minutes ago. You saw me watching the eagle… Well, for a few seconds I merged with him somehow; I was the eagle and I could see through his eyes. Is that far out, or what?"

Rufus grinned. "No, not really. In the old days it was quite common, to some at least. Now it happens only as a sign. It means you are ready, you have been chosen, and the mountain will reveal its secrets to you." He rubbed the smooth skin of his chin. "If you agree I can guide you through the process, as I was guided years ago." He looked deeply into Galen's eyes. "Do you understand, and do you wish to proceed? Keep in mind the consequences, for there will be no turning back."



* Author’s Note to Reader:

A powerful Universal Law has brought this book and its wisdom to your awareness. You too must now decide if you wish to proceed. The simple truth, like medicine, may be hard to swallow … but once taken, it restores harmony and health.

What a day this had been. It started when he woke up, now the elation had led to an even greater opportunity, one that could change his life. But did he have the discipline required, and could he afford the severe consequence, if not? He had secretly longed for such a quest, and now he had to follow through. "By all means, just tell me what to do," he said, barely controlling his excitement.

"First I must caution you not to take this lightly. What will be revealed to you may seem simple and obvious, but in truth these will be the most powerful lessons a man can receive, and endure. And do not confuse simple for easy. To apply what you learn will not be easy, in fact, you will struggle with the demon complexities of your mind, possibly for months, before you clear the slate of man-made beliefs and opinions. Only then will you reclaim your power. Also, you must be ever more vigilant in your thought. You will learn to control your thoughts by monitoring your emotions, but in the meantime, try to keep all thought on the positive side. If your mind strays to the negative, you will see the effects very quickly. With that said, I’ll begin…

"Understand, that as an infant you came into this world full of spirit, wonder and natural power. If not for outer influences you would have grown into a strong and powerful being. Anything you wanted, could be yours; anything you wanted to do, you could do. Just imagine limitless freedom ... it is a birthright, you know. But unfortunately, because those who shaped our early minds were themselves limited by limiting beliefs, they consciously (and unconsciously) passed them on to us.

"This now is the first truth, it is most important: BELIEF makes things real … it makes reality. Belief is made from THOUGHT! There is nothing real that was not first born of thought." He waited as Galen considered this simple truth.

"And," he continued, "you limit yourself only by the beliefs that you accept as true. This applies to everything. If you don't think that you can have something, or even do something, sure enough it happens, and you can't." Rufus reached down for a twig. He drew two long parallel lines in the sand. "This is a river," he said, pointing, "and through the mind of each person flows a river of energy and light. This light is a creative force, and the light is always being shaped by the thoughts and beliefs of that mind. The river always flows, so man is always creating. Always. If his beliefs are limited, then so are his thoughts, and he keeps creating more of the same limited stuff." He drew several squares in the river line-drawing. "These are limiting beliefs; you see how they restrict the flow like little dams in the river? The more of these you keep in your mind, the more limited your reality will be. We call these negative beliefs."

Galen nodded. The old man had a graphic way of teaching that was easy to relate to. "I can see that," Galen agreed, "but how do you get rid of negative beliefs?"

"Ah, it is so simple. So simple in fact it is hard to accept. But remember, simple is not easy, it will take some work. Let me return the question to you, how would you get rid of them?"

Galen was silent, then he said, "I remember some psychology from school. From what I recall, I guess the solution would be to think about it, then talk about it ... that somehow leads to dissolving the problem. Would that work?"

Rufus shook his head. "That is the white man's way. In your society it is accepted as truth. But no, other than helping to identify the problem, it has little value. In fact, at the level of awareness that most occupy, the more a problem is focused on, the worse it becomes. For them, whatever is focused on intently makes more of the same. Only your "head doctors" make progress.

"Try again," Rufus said. "But this time think simple. I’ll give you a hint. See a flowing river. See a busy beaver building a dam (blockage) where the river narrows. As the artist who creates this picture, you control every element and every detail in it. What you paint, is what you create. Now how do you get rid of the dam?"

"Get rid of the beaver?" Galen chuckled. "In time the dam will disappear."

"In a way, you created the beaver and you made the dam yourself. So the beaver stays. Maybe you could divert his attention from the dam for awhile; but beavers will be beavers. I’m sorry, but no, that is only a temporary solution. Try again."

"The only thing I can think of is to paint a flooding river ... and wash the dam away."

"Good," said Rufus, "and that is the simple solution to ridding the mind of its negative beliefs. Flood the mind with a greater flow of light, the creative energy, and the blockages will dissolve naturally, disappearing back into the energy that made them. But how would you increase the flow of light and energy?"

Galen shrugged.

"Here is the simple truth: Just feel good! By finding ways to feel good -- as much as possible, in as many ways as possible -- you increase the natural flow of creative energy. And that floods the dam, taking away the negative beliefs." He saw the light of understanding dawning on Galen’s face.

"All beliefs have a core of emotion at their center, and limiting negative beliefs always grow out of negative emotions -- especially fear, guilt, and doubt. These are the three most limiting human emotions, and they cause a majority of human suffering and pain. The natural remedy is to feel good! It raises the level of human vibrations so high, it dissolves the very core of negative beliefs. Simple, Huh?"

Galen's face lit. "Sure, I can see that! When I woke up this morning, feeling so good, I thought I would burst with joy. And since then its been magical -- I can do no wrong!"

"That’s a good belief," Rufus said. "Let’s keep it."



Chapter Three

The Cave of Secrets

Rufus suggested they climb up the mountain into the mysterious white fog he called the "vision mist." It was now later in the afternoon, the breezes were picking up but they didn't seem to disturb the mist. As they climbed Rufus continued his teaching.

"Everything that happens to you, everything you experience, is what you made all by yourself; no exceptions. Society seems to teach to the contrary, that you are almost powerless to control your life, that except for hard work and constant struggle you have little hope of overcoming the tide of misfortune that besets most men. That is only a belief, and because it is accepted as truth by the majority, it is experienced as reality. The simple truth is the opposite, however. You have complete control of your life and you have the free will to decide what to believe. Once you decide to think for yourself, to believe what you like, the magic of the Universe fills your every choice."

Galen pursed his lips. He had a lot of questions but he decided to withhold judgment. His mother once told him an easy way to gauge a so-called truth, belief, or a whole philosophy. It had been taught to her by her father, the old chief: 1) A truth had to be simple -- it should be simple enough for a child to understand; 2) it had to be satisfying -- it should just feel right; and 3) it had to be empowering -- it had to work, and it had to give a sense of power or control. So far, everything Rufus said had met the first two tests, only time would prove the third.

"Do you know that most people give away their power?" The even features of the old man's face became troubled. "So many just give away their first power, the power of choice, to others … to friends, to family, to their heroes, to god. They let these others choose what is best for them, without ever consulting their second power: their own feelings. What you feel comes from the soul, the inner being, and it always knows which choices provide the best outcomes. You will learn more of this later, but for now just understand that influence from other people takes away your personal power. It must be reclaimed … by thinking for yourself, and by believing what you feel. To take advice is fine, but only if it feels good to you." They climbed the path in thoughtful silence … then Rufus announced, "We're almost there."

The afternoon breezes were strengthening, as wind gusts occasionally blew the two climbers sideways. The air felt cool and invigorating, the wispy smell of sweet pine blew down from the crest. In the desert valley below stretched the city of Albuquerque, every corner visible from this vantage point. But Galen noticed a subtle difference, the familiar city seemed ethereal; once distinct landmarks seemed to fade into fuzzy thermals rising from the desert floor. He asked Rufus about the seeming anomaly.

"We're entering a portal," he said, "a buffer between dimensions. It is a blend of each, without being one or the other. You will still see the physical world, but within the portal your senses will heighten. Consciousness focuses easily. You soon discover how very powerful the human mind can be. Whatever you focus on becomes distinct and clear. You will see farther, hear better, and feel fully what you put your attention on. It is a place of mystery and magic where the power of the mind rules all." He smiled again, that broad smile, like a man about to come home. "You'll see."

The winding path led into the fog. At first the dewy mist smelled earthy and heavy, a stillness filled the air … then suddenly everything turned to lightness. The atmosphere became playful and friendly, it was full of bubbly energy. The spirit was free here, it wanted to fly!

Galen inhaled deeply, it felt so natural, like a baby taking its first breath. Rufus acted quickly to ground him. "Feel your body," he said. "Don't lose touch with the material part of yourself … you might fly away!" He squeezed the boy's arm to make him feel again.

Galen focused on his body and felt an odd paradox. He felt two distinct parts of him-self . One, was the presence he knew himself to be; and the other was his material body. For the first time, he knew himself as invisible essence. Shedding the body like a second skin would be as easy as stepping out of coveralls.

Although they seemed surrounded by fog, it was bright and clear as a summer’s day within. Nothing was obscured, there were no obstacles to sight. Rufus then continued, "What comes next is the Cave of Secrets. There will be an opening in the mountain a short distance ahead. It is well off the path, behind that steeple cliff, and accessible only during the periods when the mist appears. Once inside you will meet the Keeper. In a sense, he is the spirit of the mountain. He can take the form of a man, though he rarely does, most just feel his presence and hear his voice. This is a very old soul. He keeps the secrets of truth, and of ages past, and he sees probable futures yet to come." He raised his brow. "Do not be intimidated by this great soul. He has chosen you because you are worthy; there are no tests to pass, only knowledge to be gained."

They followed the path another hundred feet, then exited. Rufus led them on a trek across boulders, around cactus bushes, and over a thick, mossy mat of vegetation. Behind the prominent rock steeple they found the wide mouth of a cave. Rufus chanted a prayer of cleansing and they entered.

The walls glowed green, from a luminous fungi growing on the surface, and every ten feet or so curious clusters of petroglyphs and other strange symbols added more mystery. The buoyant energy from outside seemed to triple inside the cave, making it all the more difficult to stay grounded. Rufus squeezed his arm again, reminding Galen to stay in touch with his body.

As they walked deeper inside, the air became warmer. It had a calming, nurturing effect, and again the smell of old earth. But at last they came to a huge rounded cavern. Gigantic stalactites grew from the ceiling meeting equally impressive stalagmites rising from the floor. Crystalline minerals sparkled everywhere, and the interior walls glowed powdery white. It felt sacred and mysterious, like an old temple or cathedral.

Rufus pointed to a sandy spot, a circle about ten feet wide. They walked softly to its center then kneeled together, sitting side by side. The old man lowered his head and closed his eyes … in a moment a strong presence filled the room. For the first time Galen trembled, whether with fear or excitement he did not know.

"I am the Keeper of Secrets," a deep voice echoed. "Your journey in life was watched, my son, and you are worthy to receive the ancient teachings. You will honor this body of knowledge by not revealing its source and by using it only to benefit your growth, or the growth of others, who ask your help. Those who are ready to find their spiritual path will find their way to you, as you have found your way to me.

"The vision quest you undertake is a personal quest, different from that of others. Each person must seek and find his own truth, then live that truth as the wisdom of his or her own unique soul; it cannot be given to or shared with another, except for the path of teachings that allow one to seek that truth. There is only one recognized sin, and that is to insist that another live by a truth not his own. But even in a broader sense that is allowed, even that goes unpunished, for the Law of Free Will is abided throughout all the Universe. The sinner of such only delays his own growth, for holding back another is holding back the self."

Galen felt himself relax. The Keeper was powerful, but gentle and accepting; Galen felt welcome as an honored guest. And as he become more at ease he could feel his mind and senses turning crystal clear. A state of pure awareness emerged ... it was like stepping out of a worn, restricted and limited consciousness … into unlimited freedom.

The voice resumed, "You are feeling the true self, or Inner Being, emerge from its place of hiding. It has always been with you, though always in the background, observing your actions and feeling your feelings. This secret self is your true essence. It is the real you. In its own realm it is an unlimited being, a point of awareness so pure and powerful it need only will itself to be, or do, or have anything it so desires. It is a god, made in the image of God. This inner being has a dual nature: it is a bubble of pure awareness empowered by pure will. Aware Will is its essential nature. As awareness, it observes and feels. As will, it directs the power of free choice. But of most importance, it tries to communicate to you from its higher, broader, wiser perspective. The language of the high self is seldom by use of words, but instead through the feelings and emotions. Your feelings are your personal guidance, to help you find your personal truth. At times the Self will cause certain signs and certain coincidences to appear before you, to get your attention. It may also communicate through dreams or visions, if the person is willing and so inclined. But its most direct and simple way of guiding is by two basic emotions: one feels good, and one feels bad.

"When presented with choices, you should choose the one that feels good over the one that feels bad. If more than one choice feels good, choose the one that brings joy, the one that excites the most. If one feels bad, though it is recommended by another, avoid it. Remember the power of choice is yours alone and your own guidance is to be trusted above all others."

Galen reflected on his own life, thus far. For the most part he had followed this inner guidance, choosing the things that excited him most, avoiding the things that didn't feel good. But didn't most people do the same? he wondered.

"Some people follow their urgings," the Keeper said, seeming to hear his thoughts, "and they have relatively happy lives as a result … the Self has managed to guide, even without the recognition of its constant presence. But there are others, so burdened by outside influence, they cannot decide for themselves; every choice evokes fear, guilt, or doubt. They need a constant source of advice and direction. These ones are completely power-less. Those like you however, the free spirited, the maverick souls, who display the courage to follow their own path are the fortunate ones indeed. But you are not fully free of influences either. Old habits, old beliefs, the beliefs of society and religion, all of these influence (and restrict) the choices of your present. These must be removed and discarded, as well as all fear and guilt.

Rufus twitched. Throughout the whole discourse he had been motionless, his body rigid and stone cold. The once alert guide was now in some sort of deep trance.

"You will now witness the subtle and irresistible influence a society can impose upon its people, even without their knowledge." The Keeper’s words were bold and foreboding.

A light flashed before him, it formed a wide tube, a column of shimmering energy. Images began to form within, giving a three dimensional holographic view. As he focused on the emerging scene, he felt drawn into it as though he were part of what he saw, but from a higher perspective.

He saw a world with separate borders, not the borders that separated country from country, but borders of gigantic minds that represented the "mass mind" of each culture or society. These mass minds were very cunning and powerful creatures, each exerted a tremendous influence on the lives of its citizens. Each person in its domain, from the time of his or her birth was connected to this entity, feeding it with thought and emotion, being fed in return by its beliefs, the beliefs in sum of the mass of its people. The beliefs of this entity were slow to change, almost impossible of change in some cases, but since the beliefs created the reality, the people only saw and experienced life within the confines of those beliefs. Other cultures and societies experienced different life, different reality -- even those separated by as little as a few miles of physical border. It was all very clear from this vantage point why there was friction, even war, between the differing cultures. It was a struggle of beliefs, nothing more.

His focus changed and he found himself zooming in to one particular culture. It was the American culture with all of its diverse peoples and belief systems. Here smaller group minds floated within the larger mass mind. These smaller collective minds, being facets of the whole, also held considerable influence over their individual adherents. There were the rich, the poor, the middle class … the white, the black, the yellow and red races … the Democrats and Republicans … the Christians, Moslems, and Jews, the New Age religions … even man and woman. It was all quite confusing. But the common denominator was: BELIEF.

He saw that the American society contained more group minds than any other society on earth. For a moment he wondered why, then the answer came -- it was because of freedom! The more freedom a society had, the more sub-groups it allowed within itself. There was something powerful in that, he sensed. Even though there was greater tendency for friction between the various belief systems, there was also a greater flux and flow within them. The advantage was, beliefs in the American mass mind could change more quickly than any other.

"Only that which flows remains pure," the Keeper's voice reminded.

Even so, he thought silently, it was only an illusion of freedom. It was wrong for people to be so strongly influenced by a higher collective mind. It restricted true freedom -- the finding of one's own truth...

And then he saw cause for hope. The scene shifted again, and he saw a singular, independent group of souls. They were different because they thought for themselves. Somehow they had divorced themselves from the mass mind, they lived in harmony with nature, appreciating life's gifts … and deliberately, they created their own reality. He could see by their faces that they were happy, and by their expressions, they must have felt good!



Chapter Four

Vampire or Angel?

Galen recalled a line from a movie that had made an impression. The story was about a man on a voyage to an island to meet his death: "In the whole world," he was told, "only a few people are awake, and they live in a state of total, constant amazement!"

The only hope left for the world, resided with these few simple but independent souls.

The rest of the world, he saw, was populated by half asleep humans -- mere automatons rushing from place to place under the spell of a greedy god called Time. Somewhere in their faulty belief system was the belief, unquestioned, that the faster you worked, the more you could do. And the more you could do, the more you could have. And the more you had, the better person you were. It was only a belief, leftover from our Puritan roots, from fanatic zealots who thought that "idleness was the devil's playground" and that "constant struggle was the only way to keep the devil at bay." These were the very same madmen who, two centuries before, had burned witches at the stake, and labeled all sex as evil. But these unfortunate beliefs were so firmly ingrained in the culture and mass consciousness of the country, that no one dared question its truth … to do so would be blasphemy!

So they went on, multitudes of mindless, toiling humans, suffering the same routines day after day, slaving for the few who made the choices that benefited mostly themselves, and wondering (if only a little) why they were not getting farther ahead, why others seemed to have more.

The scene shifted and Galen glimpsed into the life of one particular man. A sad soul, worn out and frail, barely keeping his head above water in the game of life. As he lay down to sleep each night, every night, the poor man resolved to work even harder the next day. What else could he do?

Then one dreary morning he looked hard into the mirror … and had to acknowledge he was old for middle age. Wrinkles wore deep in his pale, lifeless skin. But he’d never noticed them before. He was so tired and exhausted … bored to death of the same daily routine. And still, he was behind. Other people always seemed to have more. What had happened to his dreams? where was his piece of the American pie? "Oh God," he cried out, "what's it all for?" There was no answer. Even God, it seemed, had abandoned him. With this realization the poor man withdrew deeper into himself, seeking solace in the only place that was really his. His life was over, he would walk the living death for a few more years … then a disease, an accident, or maybe suicide would end his meaningless struggle.

Galen felt sad. What a waste, he thought. But this was happening not just in America but throughout the whole world. He wanted to know more of the nature of this beast that held innocent people in its spell.

The scene changed and he watched the mass mind of each nation transform into its darker side, an ominous life-force-sucking vampire. Its gigantic dark form enveloped millions beneath outstretched bat-like wings. Feeding on the spoiled hopes and dreams, the negative emotions and fears of its unsuspecting subjects, the vampire grew ever more powerful. The people with least power, those who gave it away by sacrificing their power of choice, fed the beast the most; others, who took at least some responsibility for their lives, surrendered far less. But those few who were independent, who thought for themselves and used their power of choice, gave away none of their precious life substance. They had found the secret, the secret of "unplugging" from this massive dark influence.

He watched how the beast cast its devious spell over unsuspecting victims. From childhood to adulthood people were indoctrinated into society beliefs and laws: "Don't do this, it will hurt you … don't do that, it will get you in trouble." "That's not nice, it will make someone feel bad." "That's a sin, God is watching." "It's honorable to die for your country." "The only measure of success is money." On it went, laws and sins and duties, a thorough brain-washing. People were so burdened with fears, guilts, and doubts that any natural, spontaneous expression was almost impossible. Taking chances and thinking outside the norms just wasn’t done, so people complied and went on with it.

One of the most subtle forms of influence by the beast was to complicate things with wordy explanations and technical terms. Every technology, every religion, every profession had its own complex language. What the people couldn't understand they could not question, so hordes of unquestioned beliefs were allowed to grow in the unthinking minds of the mass consciousness, becoming thoroughly ingrained. "It has to be complicated to work best." "Simplicity is to be avoided, it's the product of the simple minded." "You don't need to think, the scientists have it figured out, just trust their superior intelligence." But these superior thinkers, our own scientists, doctors, and PhD's were the most indoctrinated of all – because they had the most education!

Finally Galen witnessed the predictable outcome of societies "inflicted" by the scourge of lazy thought. It had happened countless times in the past. Great societies, and lesser ones too, had all succumbed to the same fate. The first sign, great plagues and diseases (suddenly manifest) as massive feelings of hopelessness surfaced in the mass mind. Then hatred and bigotry prevailed … then lawlessness and disorder. People became fed up, erupting in anger and violence. The fall was close at hand when children began killing other children, and adults. The earth shook, volcanoes erupted, terrible storms and floods ravaged the land, followed by heat waves and drought. Food became scarce and people stood in long lines. History would inevitably repeat itself, unless--

…Unless the Angel appeared.

There was also a bright side to the mass mind of society. It thrived on the love and caring, the kind deeds, the joy and happiness, the hopes and positive emotions of the people. Galen watched it spread its nurturing wings over all who could attune to its loving presence. Although it was always there, the beautiful Angel seldom interfered in the affairs of man. As counterpart of the hidden God, the true God, it would intercede over its dark twin only under the most extraordinary circumstances.

There would have to be a tidal wave of higher thought and positive emotion in the mass consciousness of man, something approaching critical mass. Whereas the nature of the Dark One was fear and manipulation, the nature of the Angel was quite the opposite: joy and allowing were its typical means of relating. These were passive qualities. Joy was a gift that came after much seeking ... Fear was a dark force thrust upon one like a spear. Allowing permitted all things to be, without judgment... Manipulation sought always to interfere. The Angel's passive nature made it a difficult entity to arouse, though not impossible.

Something wonderful had to happen. A mere handful of people, like postulated in the hundredth monkey theory, needed to wake up almost in unison to set off a chain reaction in the mass mind. It would spread so fast that people would literally "pop" awake in their tracks, shifting into a new state of consciousness. A similar shift had occurred when modern man emerged from the Neanderthal consciousness. Though, it had also happened much more recently … to a legendary tribe of people.

There was a flash and another change of scene. Galen braced himself as he felt transported back in time. The setting was in the desert Southwest. A peaceful valley surrounded by high cliffs sheltered a culture of what appeared to be early Native American Indians. Their dwellings were built into the sandstone walls of cliffs, mud adobe apartments stacked one atop the other. The cliff dwellings stretched hundreds of yards across the south face of the cliff, avoiding direct sunlight. Large circled structures that Galen recognized as ceremonial kivas spotted the area below the adobe apartments. This was a high spiritual society.

The people were tall compared to other Indians, they were attractive with bronzed tan skin. Some wore toga-like wraps, some wore loin cloths, and some wore nothing at all. The women were bare breasted, their long hair shading delicate bosoms from the sun. Everyone seemed content, eager even, with the various tasks and chores at hand.

There was an amazing contrast between this culture, and modern counterparts; it was barely visible though. These people were not under the hypnotic spell of a group mind demanding conformity and sameness. And they were not the least driven by time. Instead they seemed strikingly independent, unique somehow, and very aware. They worked with slow resolve, each accomplishing a task of his or her own choosing, also choosing when and how much. But all contributed in unison to an underlying, though unseen blueprint.

Theirs was a self sufficient society, though partly reliant on free trade. They were blessed by fate, it would seem, with unique gifts and rare commodities considered priceless by other tribes near and far. Trade routes from the farthest territories passed through this legendary place and traders with all manner of goods, including foods and clothing, made regular treks here. These beautiful people were renown as the greatest shamans, healers, and craftsmen of spiritual artifacts in the land. Their gifts had been passed down for generation after generation, refined to such an astounding degree that no medicine man anywhere could hope to duplicate their extraordinary skills. Relatives of the sick and hopeless would journey here (only after their own medicine men had given up) to trade for the fabled blue "singing stones" that made the healing-magic. Indian traders would buy their beautiful stones and crystals, artifacts and herbs, of acclaimed magic and healing properties for distribution afar; the reputation of these items was considered superior, even infallible. A mysterious "seeing herb" was also grown here, magically empowered by the high shamans. It allowed medicine men to journey through this world unseen, and to transcend the next. It was a powerful potion for the vision quest.

The Ancient Ones, as they were called, lived a charmed existence. They had the power to attract or create anything that suited their needs or moved their curiosity. The traders that visited here related strange stories of miraculous feats. The levitating of heavy objects had been commonly witnessed, even feats of shapeshifting and invisibility. Such was the power of their positive beliefs and spiritual nature. They were an innocent and happy people, free of fear, of guilt, and of doubt. The Angel's presence overshadowed their lives and weaved its loving influence through all their life's activities.

A question came to Galen’s mind: How did these people first acquire their beliefs, and thereby, their gifts? It couldn’t have been something they just stumbled upon.

There was a popping sound, like an electrical discharge, and Rufus stood there before him. Somehow he had entered the vision. "An interesting question, isn't it?" he replied. "Follow me."

Down they went into the midst of the scene, settling inside a huge kiva. There, an elder shaman taught two young students of their earliest heritage. The kiva they’d entered was a large round structure, built mostly into the ground. It had a dome thatched roof with a rectangular opening at top; a ladder extended from the opening to the inside. The elder became aware of the two visitors (from the future) and acknowledged their presence with a nod of his head. His two students however were unaware of the intrusion.

Galen was surprised with the ease of their merging into another time, and place. It was so real … more than real! Everything was sharply in focus, all the sights and sounds, the smells, even his bare feet felt the cool freshness of earth. But they were invisible. Ghostly visitors from a different world.

The Elder spoke in a different tongue though his thoughts were clearly translated here. He spoke of the tribe's ancestors, how they had wandered the deserts scavenging for food and water, occasionally settling in a cave for a few seasons, then leaving, but always on the move. They were a curious and intelligent people. And very rational. In their wanderings they had come across many tribes and many different concepts of God, none of which were very satisfying. All were obviously man-made beliefs, too complex and too highly ritualized. What most accepted as truth, these people regarded as superstition. But they never criticized or judged, they allowed what was to be, and they moved on.

As seasons turned into years they prayed to God to show them the simple truth, a truth they knew by their instincts had to exist but for some reason remained hidden.

Then one day He answered.

A wondrous being came to them, a messenger from the stars who had heard their pleas and prayers. He gave them the simple answers they sought, and a philosophy so simple they could not believe at first. But gradually, at his insistence to carefully test and prove the concepts, they learned to trust all that was given. Within three seasons they had transformed themselves into a wondrous, powerful culture that knew no limitations … and by using their gifts they found this perfect place in the high desert, sheltered among the high sandstone cliffs. This would be their permanent home. Soon after, "Starman" as they called him, returned to his own abode in the stars, promising to return one day when he would take them away to a more perfect world.

The symbol of the philosophy he left them was the spiral circle. It symbolized the "life that flows in all things" and the concept of "all is one." To them it was the symbol of life, and of the one true God.

Rufus said, "Come, let us watch what happened from a higher perspective. You will return here for further lessons at another time." In an instant they were watching from above … as the scenery flew by at fast forward speed. Then they witnessed the glorious day the Ancient Ones had long awaited…

It was a peaceful day, much like any other. The sun was directly above, the wind blew like a lazy ribbon through the canyon. The people were busy at work. Suddenly, the sky turned to violet and the sun turned red, casting gorgeous flaming shadows over the canyon floor. The wind blew with the fury of a thousand angel voices. And the people stopped their work to look up at the sky.

In a split second their consciousness was changed forever -- they disappeared from the earth and were never seen or heard from again.



The "hundredth monkey" phenomenon was a key discovery by animal behaviorists that showed the inter-relatedness of consciousness, linking each individual of a species to a mass mind of that species.

Scientists found a community of monkeys living in isolation off the coast of Japan. It presented a rare opportunity to study social interactions in a "pure" setting. One day they observed a monkey washing a potato in sea water. Then he brought it to shore to eat. Within days other monkeys had learned the new behavior too, and soon the whole community was wading out to wash their potatoes.

The surprise occurred months later when another group of monkeys, at a different sea coast location, began to display the same behavior of washing their potatoes in sea water before eating. This showed a curious link in species consciousness. Apparently, whenever a new behavior reaches a relative critical mass of one hundred or so, it becomes an adopted species trait.

Return to the story...

Five

"Flying Lessons"

The time line flew forward, and Rufus and Galen were back in the Cave of Secrets. The holographic tube had vaporized and the dim lighting of the cave returned.

An exhilarated student looked over at his teacher. "That was fantastic," he said. "We were really there in the past, weren't we?" Rufus nodded and beamed his familiar grin. "But what about the Ancient Ones, where did they go?"

"To a different dimension," Rufus answered. "When their consciousness shifted, so did their world. They left the old one behind and in an instant became part of a higher dimensional earth, a lush pristine world filled with prehistoric plants and animals, extinct species that had also left the world. Unlike the present earth, it is a place of unlimited freedom. There is no pain or sorrow, everyone has perfect health in perfect bodies that last a thousand years or more, there is no danger and nothing to fear. People fly through the air like birds, or walk as they do here, whatever suits them. Thoughts are translated into realities instantly, or slowly, depending on the degree of complexity and detail desired. There is constant adventure and continual growth."

A curious look came to Galen's face signaling another question. "What will become of our present world?" he asked. "Things look grim, they seem to be escalating more and more to the negative."

"Yes, it is sad. I would say it cannot continue this way for many more years. As I see it, the world will split in two. Those who are stuck with rigid beliefs and refuse to change will continue on the path of suffering and stagnation. Their world will be the same ... the Vampire will stake his claim. The others, those who are at least willing to change, to reclaim their power, will awaken on the day the chain reaction occurs. The Angel aspect will appear and take them to the higher world where they will live in joy and abundance with the Ancients Ones and others who transitioned in mass. The choice, as always, will rest with each individual.

"Before that can happen though, a handful of simple and independent souls, the mavericks, loners, and eccentrics of society, must continue their work of evolving -- by being themselves. They will pave the way, doing the bulk of the work for the rest of humanity. When their task is finished everyone who chooses will wake up and find themselves in the so-called promised land.

"But the final, great battle will occur in the mind of man..." Rufus said solemnly.

There was silence as they contemplated that final dilemma of choice. Then, "Come now," Rufus injected, "there is much left to do. We will return here later."

They rose from the sand circle, bowing in thanks to the Keeper, then retraced their steps back outside the cave. On the way out Galen noted the spiral circle among the petroglyphs on the cave wall; he'd seen this symbol before, among etchings on the walls of other Indian ruins. Now it was meaningful, it made sense that this would be the symbol of God. It stood for life, not death. By comparison, the Christian symbol of a tortured man on a cross was lacking, it was a symbol of death – not life.

Rufus led the way, a short trek this time, he chose a spot in the soft mossy vegetation they’d crossed earlier. "Let us sit here," he said. Galen sat first and Rufus positioned himself five feet away, facing his student. "Let me show you something interesting about this place," he said, sitting cross-legged like one in meditation. The lids of his eyes closed halfway and his face smoothed to a serene expression. In seconds he lifted off the ground, floating about three feet above it. He was levitating! Galen's eyes opened wide as he stared dumbfounded, amazed. "Wow," he muttered softly.

The old guide opened his eyes and grinned down at his student. "Don't look so surprised," he said. "It's completely natural here. You can do it too."

"Oh really, how?"

"Just cross your legs like mine and find your balance. Close your eyes. Now instead of just feeling your body, shift your focus to your feelings. Feel how good it is to feel good. As you continue to focus on that feeling, notice how it expands, how the mere feeling itself vibrates faster and makes itself more. Whatever you focus on, you make more of. Feel the emotions increase, feel your vibrations rising, feel the good changing to pleasure. Hold the focus … allow any stray thoughts to just pass through … then again rejoin the feelings of pleasure.

"The pleasure increases, the pleasure turns to joy, the joy becomes euphoric," he chanted. "Now, slowly open your eyes."

As he opened his eyes Galen saw Rufus floating directly across, staring back at him. Then he realized he was in the air, floating too. At first he was amazed, then he lost his focus, then his balance. He tumbled backwards and fell like a cartwheel to the mossy ground. Rufus laughed, "Now you know why I chose this spot." They both laughed and Galen tried it again. Then again, and again, until at last he was able hold himself steady without distraction. It was the most satisfying experience he could ever remember.

Rufus hinted there was another method to fly, for those still grounded to a physical body. He called it the Merkaba method. They talked briefly of this, and the first flying lesson ended.

Back in the cave they again seated themselves in the sand circle. The presence of the Keeper filled the room and his voice echoed through the crystalline chamber. "My son," he began, changing to another topic, "you are learning that the power of choice is basic to the human soul, the Inner Being. Without choice there would be no free-will. God in his wisdom made man in His image and endowed him with His qualities. He gave man free-will and the power to create, then seeded him throughout the vast ‘Unknown’ as an agent of creation. The simple truth is, it was man who co-created the heavens and earth and all that filled them. It was man who designed the lifeforms that inhabited the new worlds. Man did this, and still does so, and God is very pleased. There are no laws to restrict man in his creating, there are no laws to restrict man in anything, except those that he makes to restrict himself. God is lawless and he allows all things to be. If God had made laws to restrict his co-creators, he would have been restricting himself as well. It could not be so. Any entity divided against itself cannot endure. Man in essence is a limitless being. He creates limits to restrict his focus to specific areas of interest, this is necessary for creation to occur. But somewhere in time, man became so engrossed with the game of limits and the making of rules, that he forgot his true source. He became so engrossed in his creations that he separated himself from God and became a fearful, guilty, and doubting creature. Man alone made himself limited."

Galen found himself wondering about the gods and all the religions that had grown around them. "Gods are also created by man," the Keeper responded. "It begins when one man finds his truth in a vision, one of many in his soul’s long journey, and he becomes so charismatic, that a group of followers form and spread his words like a contagion. These followers exaggerate the original truth and soon stories of wonders and miracles abound. It grows in complexity with time … then customs, traditions, and rituals are added. If the timing is right and the culture is receptive it will grow into a major religion. But the god, so revealed, is always a reflection -- a projection -- of the culture’s own mass mind. A warrior society will project a warrior god. A culture nurtured by the land will worship nature gods. A rational, reflective culture will find solace in a wise teacher god. A technical, inventive culture will revere a non-god deity called Science. Sometimes there are many gods within a major culture, as in this country, and somehow they merge and manage to co-exist. But all are fed and sustained by the masses that worship them."

Galen thought, "Then the lesser gods, because they need conscious attention to survive, are an aspect of the dark twin, the Vampire. And the true God is part of the Angel aspect."

"Mostly correct," said the Keeper. "The Angel is closest to God in its nature. It stays hidden, is forever patient and allowing, waiting in the silence for another soul to awaken to its own true identity. But--

"God is in all things, the good as well as the bad. From His lofty perspective there is no good or bad, right or wrong, beautiful or ugly. These are only man’s perspectives, differing from one culture to another. In God’s eyes, all is right because all is made from Him. When Man creates in the worlds of form, he does so using the flesh and substance of God. The denser the form however the farther removed from the freedom and purity of spirit. But ALL things are of His flesh and contained in His spirit. That which is not, IS NOT." And the presence of the Keeper withdrew.

Galen was tingling all over, the light of understanding had overcome him and he knew again what had long been forgotten. It was the simple truth.

He looked over at his guide, wanting to share the moment, but Rufus was again in trance, sitting immobile. After another minute Rufus twitched and opened his eyes. "How was it?" he asked, smiling at his student.

By now Galen was curious: whenever the Keeper spoke, Rufus would depart. "Oh, it was absolutely enlightening," Galen said. "But I’m wondering, why do you leave when the Keeper speaks?"

"Very perceptive." He cleared his voice. "It’s quite simple," he said with a nod. "You have learned that the truth for each person depends on his ability to comprehend truth, and on the state of his soul’s evolution. You could call it a personal level of consciousness. As such, my truth and yours are slightly different. The vision quest is a highly personal matter and my consciousness might well influence your perception of your truth."

"Does that mean that your understanding of God is different from mine? I mean, I can’t imagine a more simple and complete explanation of God than what I just learned."

"Believe me, there is much more. God cannot be fully comprehended, even in the vastness of his simplicity; but as your level of consciousness grows so does your ability to comprehend truth ."

The presence of the Keeper began to fill the chamber again … Rufus closed his eyes and became rigid.

"I give you this pearl of wisdom," the Keeper said, "it is the greatest secret: THE BETTER YOU FEEL, THE CLOSER YOU ARE TO GOD. Nothing is more important than to just feel good. If you live this truth, your life will be magic, you will always be in the flow and nothing will harm you.

"With this," the Keeper continued, "I pose a question. Think on it deeply before you answer." The pause lingered, signaling its importance.

"Suppose you have but three days to live ... and in those three days you could be, or do, or have anything you wanted. What would you choose?"

It took only a moment for Galen to answer. "Earlier today before I met Rufus, I had an experience, a merging with the eagle that flies free on the mountain currents. In those few seconds I knew a freedom so satisfying that I will never forget. I suppose that if I could choose anything it would be to fly as the eagle flies, to go anywhere on just a whim. And do so with absolute freedom and safety."

"Granted!" the Keeper said. It carried the authority of a pronouncement. And all was quiet as the Keeper’s presence withdrew again.

Rufus opened his eyes and stood up, motioning for Galen to follow.

Back outside they rejoined the sandy path and continued the ascent up the mountain. Off in the distance, Albuquerque shimmered like some ghostly mirage on the desert floor. The strange mist seemed thicker as they climbed higher, though clear vision remained unimpaired. The climbers exchanged few words, walking in thought, adding to the mystery of what lay ahead.

As they neared the mountain crest Rufus motioned they stop. A large flat boulder was before them, measuring about ten by twelve feet, it overlooked a deep crevice that dropped a thousand feet or more. Galen was led to its edge and told to sit with his feet overhanging the ledge. Rufus took a similar position about three feet aside.

"How do you feel about jumping?" asked the guide, looking down the deep gorge. He glanced at Galen with a grin that revealed his pearly white teeth.

"What?" he asked, surprised by the supposed invitation. Then after a moment of thought he said, "Well, if I had wings maybe I’d consider it." He peeked over the edge and felt a little dizzy.

"Oh but you do have wings, of sorts. Remember how you levitated over the mossy field? You did it on the invisible wings of your own emotions. As long as you maintain those joyful feelings, you fly … and as you fly, the more joy you feel. It’s almost a circle that sustains itself."

Galen thought. Something was missing. "But how do you steer to where you want to go? And then, how do you get back down?"

"A good question, with an easy answer. Just remember that emotions are your wings and the mind does the steering. Focus on where you want to go, and magically, you go there. You can travel fast or slow -- or in an instant -- depending on your intent. When you want to land it’s just as easy: focus on where, and intend yourself down. It’s all quite simple, with a little practice."

"OK, but I have one more question. What if I fly outside the vision mist into the real world out there. Do I go crashing to the ground?"

"No, you still fly. The only difference is you’ll be invisible to everyone. You can go anywhere or do anything in complete secrecy, but this is important: intend only growth and learning experiences; respect the privacy of others as you would want yours respected. OK? Then let’s get started."

Rufus guided his student through another levitation, and had him open his eyes. Galen was floating high above the boulder and looking ahead at the panoramic view, it was from an eagle’s perspective. "Now, will yourself to fly," Rufus called. "Soar like the eagle!"

With that encouragement, and a little intent, he felt invisible wings unfurl. They caught a rising current of air and up he soared like an eagle-man, half man and half eagle, riding the thermal a thousand feet above the crest. He was free, the bonds of earth were broken, it was so exhilarating he couldn’t contain his joy.

Higher he soared, banking left, sliding right, doing loops, doing spins. His mind was thinking so fast of new things to try that he just couldn’t decide fast enough -- and in that moment of confusion he spun out of control like a paper plane. Gathering his wits and focusing his mind, he regained some semblance of controlled flight only seconds above an ugly crash with a jagged cliff. The first lesson of flight control, he learned: "think clearly and decide fast."

Back on steady ground, after a feather light landing, Galen related the details of his memorable first flight. Like two pilots at a hangar bar, they swapped stories and advice with gesturing hands. This was an exclusive flying club that few could hope to join.

After his first debriefing Galen was sent back out to explore this new world of flight and invisibility. With so many choices available he asked Rufus to suggest a destination. "Follow your guidance," he said. "Ask yourself where you’d most like to go … follow your heart to wherever feels good."

Galen lifted off with confidence, soaring high then riding the wind north to a place he’d never been allowed to visit … the Navajo Reservation where his grandfather resided. It was on the New Mexico/ Colorado border. He looked down to enjoy the high desert scenery, correcting his speed to a slower pace, for sightseeing. With the vision of an eagle he spotted a jack rabbit far below. Just for fun he swooped down on the unsuspecting creature like a bird of prey. Curiously the rabbit sensed his approach. It jumped with a start and began a zigzag pattern in retreat. It was obvious that his invisibility extended only so far. If animals could detect him, could some humans see him too?

Nearing the Reservation he held the feeling of "Grandfather" in his heart. Since he had never seen the old chief in the flesh, he had to rely on inner senses to guide him there. All of a sudden he felt a tugging at his body, like being reeled in from the end of a long string. He was approaching an island oasis in the middle of the desert, a hammock of lush trees and vegetation, a sparkling pond in its center. Then it hit him, this was the very place, the power spot that he’d seen in his visions; it was what Grandfather was always pointing to.

Below him was a man sitting in contemplation at the edge of the pond. He landed on the soft earth, then knelt beside the old man he knew was his kin. The wise old gentleman opened his eyes and looked straight into the eyes of his long lost grandson. The eyes of both men misted in their moment of recognition. "Grandson!" he beckoned with outstretched arms.



Six

"Grandfather’s Sanctuary"

They embraced with tears, two souls cut from the same branch, long separated and now together again. "But Grandfather," Galen asked, "how can you see me? I’m supposed to be invisible to the outside world."

The old chief was a handsome and regal figure. Tall for an elder Indian, he stood five feet ten inches, almost as tall as Galen. His skin was smooth, a clear bronze tint, and his eyes sparkled with the fire of an old and wise medicine man. He wore his hair long; it was white as mountain snow.

"I too am a brother, " he said with humble expression, "an initiate of the vision mist and the Keeper’s wisdom. Therefore I have the second sight. You will have it too, but it is confusing at first. Sometimes you don’t know which world you see, but with time you learn which is which, and what belongs where."

"Then you fly too," Galen assumed out loud. "Isn’t it great?"

"No Grandson, I do not fly like you. You see, your totem or animal spirit is the eagle. Mine is the wolf. The wolf is a shy, crafty creature that walks with invisibility; it can shapeshift to disguise itself. These are my abilities, a little different from yours, but no less effective."

"Grandfather, I have seen you in my visions many times at this very spot, always pointing to this little pond. I’ve wondered at the meaning of this."

"Yes, I have entered your daydreams to show you where we would meet. It was a symbol too of the teaching I would give you. In a vision quest, lessons come in many ways from many different teachers, but this is my special gift to you, Grandson.

"This is a sanctuary," he explained, "I call it my medicine place. It is a physical place but more important, it is a place of the heart and spirit. I carry it inside me wherever I go, and I always find rest and refreshment here whenever I wish. It is my source, my wellspring of energy and creativity, it is what connects me to the life that flows in all things." He looked across to the quiet still waters of the pond and drew in a deep breath. "Every man and woman carries a version of this place deep within their being, in the center of their heart of hearts. It is where they create their world from, but mostly unknowing. Have you learned that man creates his own world and is responsible for all that happens?"

"Just the basics, Grandfather. I still have many questions though."

"Very well, let me hear your questions. I will try to answer with the inner knowing that all possess within, but few use."

He pondered where to begin. "OK, if we create everything we have or experience in our life, why would we create so much that is negative? I would not choose pain, suffering, or disharmony. Yet there seems to be much more negative in people’s lives than positive."

"The problem is in mis-creating, creating without knowing how. You see, man creates. It is what he does in God’s great plan. Birds fly, fish swim, man creates. By his thought man creates all things. In fact he cannot stop, he cannot turn off his creativity except by not thinking. Even when he sleeps he is creating, though not in this world, in the dreamworld. Whatever world he is awake in, he creates his own reality in.

"By not understanding how he does this, and worse, that he does not even know he creates in the first place, man is at the mercy of stray thoughts -- both from the inside and the outside. Whatever thoughts he gives attention to, he gives life to. Most people dwell on the negative. They are afraid of life, fearful of what might go wrong, afraid of what hides around the corner. They believe in the law of chance: ‘Some are lucky, most are not.’ They give power to misguided sayings: ‘What can go wrong will go wrong.’ and ‘No pain no gain.’ This is what their society has taught them to believe, because their so-called great thinkers have reasoned it to be so. And because it is their belief, it happens in their reality. No, this is not the way it was intended.

"But only those who use their free will and seek to maintain a pure consciousness can live in a world of their own creation. All others have given away their power, and they must live in the half awake world of the mass consciousness."

Galen wondered, then asked, "How do you maintain pure consciousness? and what is it anyway?"

"Pure consciousness is a state of mind without fear, guilt, or doubt; as such it cannot be influenced. It is attained simply by feeling good. ‘The better you feel the better it gets,’ is one saying supported by Truth. When you maintain this state of high vibration, negativity cannot touch you. The three thieves of fear, guilt, and doubt are eliminated and cannot return unless you lower your guard again. The clear pond that you see here is symbolic of pure consciousness. It helps remind me to stay clear, as much as possible, by feeling good.

"Each day brings new challenges that try to erase good feelings and cloud the purity of consciousness. There is constant need to purify the conscious mind. The best way is to follow your inner guidance. It must be trusted, even over logic, to steer you in the direction of highest vibration to those things that make you feel good.

"Your guidance must be programmed like an autopilot in an airplane, to steer you in the right direction. It always responds to your strongest intention. For example, if making lots of money is your greatest intention, if that’s what gets you out of bed each morning, then your guidance is programed to steer you to that goal. It will alert you to opportunities that satisfy that desire. If the goal is even broader, if it reaches out for more life and spirit, like wanting to feel good to achieve pure consciousness, then the inner guidance will steer you in that direction.

"The simplest and best intention is to feel good. If you intend each morning on rising to feel good, if you say to yourself that ‘today, nothing is more important than to feel good,’ you will find yourself being led -- magically at times -- to people, places, things and experiences that satisfy that intention. In other words you will find things to feel good about. Simple, don’t you agree?"

"Yes Grandfather, I can’t argue with the magic of feeling good, especially not after today ... but I’m wondering, what causes failure? With this wonderful guidance to keep you on track to important goals, why do so many people still fail?"

"It is a mixture of two things, two influences that cause us to mis-create in the first place. The first is influence from the outside which tempts us to give away our personal power to other people, institutions, and ‘causes’ that serve only themselves. These things are part of the society vampire-consciousness that feeds on its own parts. Whatever you give your strongest attention to, that is where your life force goes. And what do you get in return? Manipulation. You get manipulated by the very influence you support … and when you feel the manipulation, it causes guilt (for wanting to break away), fear (of what others might think), and doubt (that you have the power to stand alone). All that spoils consciousness, upsets guidance, and causes failure.

"The second is influence from the inside, it is the consciousness that you trained yourself. The subconscious is filled with all the old habits, beliefs, and intentions that you have saved from the past. This old baggage influences your guidance and your creativity in the now. It not only affects your choices, but it restricts the flow of your creative energy into very narrow channels. All of your real power is in the Now. By allowing influence from the past to interfere with your now, you short circuit your very own power.

"To purify consciousness and reclaim your rightful use of power, it is necessary to block, and then eliminate these two big influences. The one that comes from outside, and the one that comes from inside. It is a struggle that must be met each day. It does get easier though, because remember, the better you feel the better it gets."

Galen was taking it all in, it made such perfect sense. Man had made things so complicated that he’d backed himself into a box, a box he’d created for himself to limit and restrict himself. The problem was, now he was in so deep -- his separation from his real self and God was so complete -- that he was about to self-destruct. Only a clear choice to return to the "simple" would save him. He wondered how many would have the courage to make that simple choice.

"Grandfather," he said, "I’m learning so much, and it feels right too. I understand that man creates, that deep within him is a source of creativity, a sanctuary like here, that is ever flowing with life force that somehow crystallizes into physical creation. I know that thought and belief, and feelings too, are part of the creation process. So please explain more about thought, belief, and emotion. And how they relate."

"Good, you are thinking ahead. But to better define these things, I need to explain a basic law that affects all of creation. It is one of only two laws the Creator made to assist man in his co-creations. It is called the Law of Attraction, and it states: ‘That which is like unto itself, is drawn together.’ Or, ‘Birds of a feather flock together.’ ‘Like attracts like.’ You have heard of these before?" Galen nodded. "Good. Now, thought as you know is the basic building block of all Creation. Nothing exists that was not first a thought. For a thought to manifest all the way to the physical world, it must gradually densify [become more solid or physical]. A strong thought, that is thought over and over again densifies …but what makes a thought really strong is the Law of Attraction. A single thought attracts like and similar thoughts (from the world of thought) and these blend together to form a bigger and stronger thought. Then, when it is dense enough -- hardened and oozing with life force -- it becomes a physical thing. This also applies to circumstances and experiences. Thought becomes these too.

"But what really gives density to a thought and speeds it into manifesting, is emotion. The feeling of strong emotion attracts the bigger and stronger thoughts, and it is their nature to cling together. These always manifest quickly, taking priority over lesser thoughtforms waiting in line to break through to physical expression. Do you know what emotion really is?" Galen could only guess but shook his head no. "Emotion is creative life force. It is living, breathing creativity. Not all emotion is noticed however, only when it becomes dense enough is it felt by the individual. But all physical things are made from hardened thought and emotion -- therefore they are all alive -- and everything in creation is connected by the one life that flows in all things."

"Of course!" Galen exclaimed. "All is One. It makes sense."

"Good," said Grandfather. "And do you see why feeling good is magic by itself? The pure emotion (of joy) connects you to all things, -- and further, it attracts, by the Law of Attraction, the very things that make you feel good.

"Now, a little review. Life force wells up from deep within the Self, it is always flowing; in its denser form it is felt as emotion. Thought is produced by the mind, it is the blueprint or mold that life force flows into. And these two (thought and emotion) make a thoughtform. The Law of Attraction then densifies the thoughtform by attracting like thoughts and emotions that, in turn, manifest as things and experiences. As for belief … think of it as a clump of hardened thoughts stored in the sub-conscious. This is not the same as religious belief, which is mostly speculative. True belief is based on real experience -- I know I can swim; I can run faster than anyone else; I make more money because I’m smarter. But beliefs are just clumps of thought, hidden away in the subconscious; they make the everyday reality of each person. Life force constantly flows through your beliefs, making duplicates in the outside world. As such, beliefs create automatically, and everything stays the same. That’s why it is so hard to change a person with fixed beliefs. If they refuse to think, the mind gets lazy and wants to keep all its habits and beliefs; it will defend these and defy changing them, even in the light of reason."

"Only that which flows (or changes) remains pure," added Galen, remembering the Keeper’s words. "So it is best to have, and work through, as many beliefs as possible during one’s life."

"Exactly," said the wise old chief. "And that brings us to the second great law, the Law of Change. It states simply, that all things must change with time. The scientists recognize this … they call it entropy. In a way it is the exact opposite of the Law of Attraction. One law helps the forming of creations, while the other law works to purify and finally disintegrate them. But together they allow for continuous new growth and creativity. This is God’s great plan to constantly renew himself and all of creation."

Galen commented, "It’s all so simple and balanced. No wonder it’s hard to believe."

"Yes, the logical mind is a difficult beast to please -- but we would not have it if it had no purpose. Rightly trained, it acts as a lens -- a focus -- for the flow from within; but when corrupted by outer and inner influences, it blocks the flow of energy." The chief stood up. "Come now, let us take a break so I can show you my sanctuary."



Galen recalled that from the air it was shaped like a kidney. It was an oasis of green vegetation against a backdrop of desert sand and cactus, a solitary reminder that life can flourish in the harshest of places.

"I discovered this place during an early vision quest," he told Galen, "even before my initiation on the mountain. From the first moment I saw it I knew that this was my very own sacred place. I felt its power nurture me, it offered a solitary refuge from the harsh world outside." They walked to the pond. It was oblong, about fifty yards wide, the water a clear blue-green that made the mind thirst for drink. The chief pointed to a deep underwater crevice. Tiny bubbles welled up, expanded, and disappeared before breaking the mirror still surface. "Much like the sanctuary-source inside you," he explained, "a forever flowing spring of life wells up from the earth to renew and sustain the life without." The glassy-still surface reflected images of tall leafy trees and lush vegetation sprouting colorful shoots and blooms. Fluffy clouds swam by like fish on a background of sky blue. It was a paradise where one could imagine nature spirits working and playing in wild abandon.

As they walked the perimeter of the pond, Grandfather proudly pointed to exotic flowers, colorful birds, and tame animals roaming about at leisure. "A proper sanctuary," he went on, "is a power spot of dense earth energies -- energies that either bubble up from below like a spring, or swirl around like a whirlpool vortex. Because of the intense flow of nature energies, all things within the sanctuary stay relatively pure. The high vibrations insulate it from outside influences, while attracting only that which is in harmony."

"How does one find his own sanctuary, Grandfather?"

"It is best to feel the one inside first. Realize that you always carry your own sanctuary inside. Its natural place is in the heart. Some people though, by their intense focus on certain thoughts, have dislocated it to another feeling spot in the body. For some it may be in the stomach or solar plexus; some may carry it in the head; some fewer might carry it in the sexual organs. It all depends on where one goes to find his solace, and to seek nurturing."

Galen chuckled. "That’s an interesting way of putting it, Grandfather."

He continued with a smile, "Next, you must use the creativity of mind to flesh out the details of your inner sanctuary. Use the imagination. Envision a place from the past, or maybe a combination of places, that hold strong memories of peace and harmony, and of joy. It is a place that made you feel good the moment you saw it. By focusing on the feeling, then using the imagination, you actually create a stronger sanctuary within. This begins the process. In time, the imagined scene will change to reflect a truer picture of the real place inside. You see, creativity is best done by combining known things, things that already exist. Taking pieces of real places that moved you somehow, is where you start; the mind merges these and a magical transformation begins that creates something new. Because this happens in the mind, you are free to add or take away any detail you wish. As you follow your urges the picture becomes more refined, and all the pieces will finally fit into place. A few minutes a day should be set aside for this creative meditation. Then whenever you need this medicine place within, to find peace from stress or for healing, you will find it always there, waiting with open arms."

"But what about the physical place, how do you find it in the outside world?" asked Galen.

"The Law of Attraction and your inner guidance will bring you to it, probably when you least expect it. I stumbled onto this spot when I had almost given up on my vision quest. It was a gift from spirit that taught me never to abandon the search.

"I have one more thing, Grandson, and then you must continue your adventure. It is a small point but important none the less. In creating the sanctuary, do you see how images are tried, mixed and matched, and are finally fit together in a whole? Each image that you draw from memory has a corresponding feeling attached to it. When you think of a pine tree for example, it brings with it a specific feeling tone. You may feel it strongly, or less so, depending on its density and your own sensitivity to feeling. There is a feeling tone attached to everything you know. Inner being uses this beautiful language of "feeling tones" to communicate with you, and with the whole universe. That is why guidance always comes in the form of feelings. Remember to trust your feelings above all else."

With that, the old chief concluded. He told Galen how proud he was to have his Grandson selected too, to be initiated in the highest Truth. Galen thanked him for his gift of teachings … they embraced, and he promised to return.



Seven

"Death’s Door"

Galen began raising his vibrations to lift off again. It was curious, he could almost feel giant wings unfurling behind him. Soon he was airborne, lifting higher into the blue sky. He set his autopilot with the simple intention: to go wherever he had to, to learn what he most needed.

Flying like this was a dream, he felt he could never tire of this wonderful sensation. His body felt light but sturdy -- it possessed an unimaginable strength, a limitless endurance. All of his senses were intact, even heightened. He could feel the air pressure from high speed flowing around the contours of his body. It felt silky. The air smelled fresh and it tasted sweet in the mouth. He could see and hear at long distance, and oddly, he could zoom in on sounds and sights with a mere intention. It was a shame that Grandfather couldn’t experience this, though he did have the ability to disappear from one place then re-appear in another.

He watched the landscape slide by and recognized that he was flying south toward Albuquerque again. He hadn’t the slightest idea what lay ahead. Once over the city he spotted the Old Town section, its blocks of quaint shops and restaurants were flooded with locals and tourists. He wondered what it would be like to walk the streets, invisible. With that thought, he drifted down and landed on the cobblestone streetwalk. The smell of fresh fudge wafted from a nearby store, it had never seemed as sweet. Patrons ambled by, oblivious to his ghostly presence. One girl slung her arm out in a gesture and it caught Galen on the side of the face. To him it felt like a sack of feathers grazing his cheek; to her it was something too … a quizzical expression came to her face as she drew her hand back. He wandered into an Indian art studio and overheard the owner quietly rebuking a clerk for not spending enough time with one of the customers. "Look at your customer," he said, "she’s dying to buy an original Navajo painting. Sell her anything. Now go!"

Back outside two lovers strolled by, talking quietly but discreetly dirty. It was about what she was gonna do when she got him back to the motel. Gee I feel like a voyeur, he thought. Nothing it seemed could escape his powerful senses.

Just then he felt that odd tugging sensation again. It was his guidance, like a line on a fishing pole, pulling, trying to steer him to something important. He heard the whining roar of jet engines overhead, and looked up. His attention pulled him upward like a magnet. He saw a jetliner surrounded by an eerie red glow. There was something ominous in the sight.

Like a fighter jet he fell into formation alongside, and looked in the cockpit. One pilot was reading a newspaper, the other was talking into the microphone of his headset. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. He slid back to mid-fuselage and glanced into an oval passenger window; people were eating, talking, and napping. There was no apparent distress here. But he knew somehow that these people’s fate had been sealed -- they were headed for disaster.

The airliner was going west toward Arizona or California. It seemed slow compared to the speed bursts Galen was capable of, but he followed patiently, watching for the drama to unfold.

They passed Arizona then soared into southern California. Galen soon recognized the huge city of Los Angeles stretching endless miles beneath them. The jet engines changed pitch, and the airliner began a slow descent to the airport. Something told him to back away, so he slid back for a broader view. Almost out of nowhere a small private plane pulled up into the path of the jet. It smashed into the tail of the bigger plane and both spiraled down amid a spray of silvery debris. Galen was shocked, maybe a hundred people were going to be killed when the planes hit the ground. He wondered what they must be thinking, still conscious, about to die.

He was plunged into the passenger compartment. People were popping out of their bodies, startled looks on their faces. Others, if only a few, were determined to hold on to the last breath no matter how painful the impact would be. But they all knew--

Both planes hit the ground with a terrible rumble. There were two seconds of dead silence then a huge, loud explosion. Angry waves of fire, twisted metal, and mangled bodies flew in all directions. Dazed people, out of body, wandered aimlessly around the fiery wreckage trying to make sense of their surroundings. Some thought they were still alive, while others knew they were dead, but somehow alive. It was all very confusing.

Then stillness and silence settled over the scene like a vacuum. A legion of angels, or so it seemed, with trumpets and fanfare descended from the sky. They whisked up an elderly lady clutching her Bible. She looked down at the others, as they groped in mass confusion, a look of pity like "I told you so" on her beaming face. There was a flash of light as she and her legion disappeared into the clear still air. Another winged legion appeared, but these were dark figures in hooded robes. A man in the back cowered down shouting, "No! Please No!" With a bright flash of light he and his mysterious assailants were gone. Then another curious happening. A round disk-shaped object, a UFO, descended in fiery colors, whining a high pitch sound. Two beautiful beings, human looking, wearing silvery suits emerged from an escalating ramp. Two people, a man and a woman, stepped forth from the crowd with smiles on their faces like million-dollar lottery winners. They hugged and embraced their alien benefactors, and all withdrew to the cool blue light within the craft. Soon the ramp rolled in and the saucer departed in a blaze of day-glow glory. Then something else happened. A white shimmering cloud descended from the sky. Inside, a whole Hispanic family, beckoning a mother and her young child to join the reunion and celebration within. They did, and the cloud vanished into the heavens.

By now, Galen was becoming more than curious at the strange and inconsistent goings-on. He wished a guide would step forth and explain the meaning of it all. With that, one appeared. Someone tapped his shoulder and he turned around to find a radiant, blue-eyed, angel-faced man in an ankle length white robe. "At your service," he said with a gleaming smile. "I am called by some an Angel of Death. We assist those who pass over to understand the wonderful transition that awaits them. I am here to assist and answer your questions."

"I’m indeed grateful and honored," Galen replied with due respect. "I’m a little confused with what I’m seeing. I always thought that death would be an eerie occasion, but quite similar for everyone. I see a lot of different experiences here though."

"It’s all a matter of belief, son. Everyone, whether they know it or not, has their own conviction or belief about death. Those with the strongest beliefs have a swift and easy transition, one to fulfill their expectations. They find what they expect, but always with a few surprises. Such is the beauty of ever unfolding life experience, even unto death. But so-called death is passage to a life more abundant. It is totally natural. In addition, the Law of Attraction, being ever more powerful in the higher dimensions, assigns each person to his or her own heaven-world according to their beliefs and soul evolvement, or as you’ve learned, the consciousness level which always seeks its own place. All are with their own kind after death and there is room for all variations of belief in the vastness of God’s domain."

Galen looked concerned. "But what about the man who was forcibly taken by the dark, hooded creatures? They appeared to be workers of the devil."

"Appeared is correct. It was staged for his benefit because he believed himself to be lowly and sinful. The poor man was so racked with guilt and sin that he could not imagine any other end than to burn in hellfire. And so, he gets a little taste of what he expects. After the dredge of his guilt is burned away, and he himself feels that he has suffered enough, only then will he allow one as myself to explain the simple truth -- that God does not judge, only man judges -- God does not punish, only man does."

"And what about the Bible lady, does she really go to heaven?"

"Oh, yes. Most definitely. And so do all others who believe in a god and heaven, no matter what their religion. There is not just one heaven set aside for the select few, the Universe is filled with heaven-worlds, each according to the beliefs and expectations of its followers. The problem is, they’re all pretty boring places after a while. The constant worship, singing, and nicey-nicey is quite lacking in growth and adventure experiences. Humans need these. When a person finally becomes restless and starts to question, well, sadly they cry out in shame and confusion. That is our invitation ... and we appear bearing knowledge and new choices. Most at this point choose to reincarnate back into the world for a fresh, new start. And they usually avoid their previous religion like a plague."

Galen looked around at the tragedy of mass confusion. Many people were still left, milling around dazed and confused, waiting.

"Don’t worry," the angel said, "they’ll all be taken care of. We wait for just the right moment to approach each individual. Some will snap out of it sooner than others, then they’re approachable. This is almost an exact science, you know." He laughed a delightful cheery laugh, beaming with joy.

Boy does this fellow feel good, Galen thought to himself. "I heard that," the angel said, and they both laughed. It gave a fresh perspective to the supposed tragedy that surrounded them.

Something else caught Galen’s attention. To one side of the crowd lay two people, a man and a woman, they were holding hands, obviously married, but they seemed dead. "Oh yes," the angel said. "The result of a most unfortunate belief. In their literal translation of the Bible they believe that death is a long sleep, a waiting for the day of final judgment when the lord, and only the Lord, will wake them and take them to heaven. And so they will play sleep for eons of time -- as life goes on for others -- waiting for that special wake-up call. Sadly, from here they go to a huge cemetery-like world of like believers, where long neat rows of bodies in caskets wait for the call to judgment. They refuse our urgings and encouragement, holding steadfast to the belief that only the One can wake them. They’ll sleep a long time waiting for the final judgment!

"Do not misunderstand," the angel added, "religion has its place in the scheme of things. It teaches valuable lessons in morality, discipline, and respect; and for a while it serves as personal truth for millions of souls as they evolve. But eventually people must open their minds and use their Godgiven power of reasoning to think for themselves. It’s only common sense, but it’s the first step to evolving. Give me a reasonable, open minded soul, and I’ll teach him to fly."

"Tell me about the two taken on the UFO. Where did they go?"

"Ah yes," the angel said, his brow raised, "New Ager’s. They are more open minded than most, more willing to accept miracles and things out of the ordinary, but they too are encumbered with faulty belief systems; some in much need of re-thinking. For instance, they’re not aware that they give away their power too. They worship gurus, masters and guides, angels, fairies, and space aliens, even the stars. They promote the belief in reincarnation, which is true, but they saddle that with a belief in karma. Karma, like most religious dogma, is based on judgment. Good and bad, right and wrong. It is the same as "an eye for an eye" or "you reap what you sew," just packaged a little different. There is no such thing, in God’s free-will Universe, except for those who believe in it. There are no laws, there is no judgment, there is only love and allowing in the real scheme of things.

"But to answer your question, the two taken in the UFO will actually go to another world. The human species is not confined to this world only. They are scattered throughout the cosmos, doing what they do best: exploring the vast Unknown and creating anew. Your planet was seeded with life -- human, animal, and plants -- by ancestors of the human race. They "seed" otherwise barren worlds -- and still do -- to provide different learning experiences for themselves and for their progeny. Each world is a unique classroom that teaches different lessons. Earth is considered one of the toughest schools because pain, suffering, and disharmony reach a high point here. Discipline and common sense are finally learned, and the result is: it toughens the soul and gives a sense of invulnerability. Earth provides the Human species with the hardiest explorer/ creators.

"The two you inquired of will be taken to a very loving and harmonious planet, like Venus or the Pleiades, for a well deserved respite. Inhabitable worlds are located in all dimensions, not just the physical, so the two travelers now reside in bodies compatible with the density and dimension of their new world."

Galen’s mind reeled with all the possibilities. It was certainly a more bountiful and varied Universe than he’d ever imagined.

"Yes," the angel commented, "it is more vast than any of us can comprehend. And as you say in your computer language, it’s user friendly too! We all exist in the womb of God, which is nurturing and loving like a mother’s own. There is really no evil to be found and nothing to fear anywhere, except that which man creates in ignorance. But it’s all for learning. As man evolves so does God, it’s all in the Plan."

Galen considered a moment. "Well, I guess it all comes down to the power of choice. There are so many things to choose, so many choices, but we just don’t know it. We can even choose our own death."

"Choice (or decision) is the beginning of everything, without it we would just wander about from event to event, like mindless robots, trusting only the power of Fate."

"Gee, that sounds familiar," said Galen. "I think that’s what most people do anyway."

"You’re right," the angel said.

"I have only one more question," he said, a nagging suspicion lurked in the back of his mind. "Am I dead?"

"Look around, son. Does anything ever die?"



Eight

"The Riddle of Being"

He thanked the angel and departed quickly, half surprised that he’d been let go. He still wasn’t sure whether this was his own version of the after-death experience. But whether it was or not, it had been the most remarkable experience of his life. If this was death, he wanted to experience more.

He felt it was time to check in with his mentor, so he made a bee-line back to the mountain training site. Rufus was waiting, smiling as usual, like a proud motherbird watching a nestling return from its first flight.

"How did it go," he asked, "are you learning much?"

"More than I imagined possible," Galen said, his eyes glinting light from the shrouded sun. He guessed that Rufus knew more about his journey than he did, so he came right to the point. "I can pretty much go where I please, and learn what I need to know, but right now I think I’d like a plan … a kind of learning blueprint would be nice."

"I understand. But let me ask you, with all that you have learned so far what would be the most interesting thing to learn more about?"

"Creating; more about creating," he said almost without hesitation. "I know that we create everything in our lives, but somehow it seems like an awkward, haphazard process. I guess what I’m asking is, how might we create more consciously and deliberately?"

"Good," said Rufus, "that’s an appropriate question. But to find the answer I’ll have to send you on a scavenger hunt, of sorts. I think that’s the right expression. In the seeking, the lessons will have more of an impact than me just telling you. Experience is the best teacher.

"High in the Himalayas," he explained, "there lives a hermit who has devoted his life to contemplating just this one question. He is so wise and so skilled in the art of creation that he’s known to materialize objects right out of thin air. The problem is, however, he’s very solitary and elusive. You could say that he dislikes most people, he doesn’t really trust them. You must find a way to gain his trust.

"I will give you the name of a village in Nepal that rests in the shadow of his mountain retreat. You can begin your search from there. I give you this one hint, which sounds like a riddle, but it should help you find him. It is this: "If you will be…he will come." And that is all I can say." Rufus winked, turned around, and departed.

Galen had never left the country before, and he wasn’t sure where Nepal was either. Before departing he needed to research a world map. A stealth-like visit back to his high school would allow him to search his old geography classroom. There was a world map there that he used to ponder. After some effort he found Nepal between old Tibet, which was now part of China, and India. The village he wanted was some fifty miles east of a larger city that Rufus had identified. With the map firmly situated in his memory, Galen set his autopilot/ guidance to steer him directly over the North Pole. This would be a good opportunity for a sight-seeing trip as well.

Soon he was airborne, winging north toward a new adventure, seeking a secret wisdom that few possessed. On a whim Galen decided to test the upper atmosphere; he’d often wondered about the fringes of space. So up he went, high into the stratosphere. He could actually feel the air pressure diminish as he flew higher, and although he knew there was less oxygen here, for some reason the air seemed richer and more invigorating. It should have been freezing cold too, but there was no discomfort. Looking down, he viewed a panorama that was both beautiful and breathtaking. The Rocky mountains slithered north and south like giant, mis-shapen centipedes. Scattered cities, some large some small, appeared like sparkled tinsel that had fallen in patterns as unique as snow crystals. The farther north he went, the greener the landscape; he was probably over the green forests of Canada.

Gradually the green gave way to white. The snows of northern Canada had draped the frilly forests with blankets of powdery white. It was beautiful and serene. Farther north he pressed until the powdery white turned to solid white, it seemed like a glossy coat of fresh paint had been poured on the landscape. This was solid ice, the ice packs of the frozen north. There was no way to determine where the North Pole was, exactly. It all looked the same for as far as the eye could see. Several minutes passed before the scenery changed again.

It was odd, but thinking back, there had been a definite shift of feeling as he’d passed from the population density of the U.S. and Canada to the stark absence of humanity over the top of the world. And now he could feel the subtle influence of human consciousness building in density again, as he passed into northern Asia. He knew the reason in an instant -- it was the pressure of mass consciousness in each region, then the lack of it, then the presence of it again. Maybe that was why the hermit lived in the high Himalayas -- he’d found a pristine and solitary sanctuary insulated from the mass consciousness.

He passed over the frozen Siberia plains of the former USSR ... then into China with its checkered farmlands and rice paddies ... and finally into the high peaks and glacier valleys of the Himalayas, home of the world’s highest mountain -- Mt. Everest. It looked so cold and frigid, and terribly windy, he wondered how a man could possibly live in isolation under such extremes.

A familiar tugging told him his guidance was working, pulling him into the little village below the hermit’s retreat. Like a fish on the end of a line he was reeled in again, and found himself on a gravel road in the middle of town. Antiquated hovels, shanties, and shops lined both sides. Oxe carts filled with vegetable produce and livestock feed were guided on foot by smallish men who looked oriental. Mongolian was the proper name, something inside told him. Other little people darted in and out of tiny shops, some dragging small children, but all wore drab, heavy clothing befitting the frigid climate.

He wandered the streets, invisible to all but the chickens and dogs. Everything was drab and boring, there was little of interest here. What now? he asked of no one in particular, hoping another guide would appear. None did. He’d been almost spoiled; any question or curiosity had always been gratified with an immediate response. This was different. Everything seemed bound by inertia; slow, even evasive. The atmosphere itself was heavy and hostile. He’d have to work to uncover any secrets here.

Suddenly out of nowhere a large black bird made an aggressive pass at his head. He ducked by instinct. The bird made another pass, this time swooping lower, grazing his scalp. It gave a belligerent squawk and disappeared into the woods. "Pest!" Galen shouted. Even the animals here were hostile.

After one more round through the dingy village, still clueless, he sat down under a barren, leafless tree. It had been a long and eventful day, but now he was tiring fast. The heavy atmosphere seemed to drain the last ounce of his energy ... his eyes closed slowly, and he napped.

A fitful dream woke him. A lingering dream image slowly faded. He got up and looked around. A monk in an orange robe strode by, he looked once in Galen’s direction, then turned away. Galen followed. The small man left the road at the end of town and followed a well worn path into the drab, mostly leafless woods. They came to a pine forest where the air turned sweet and light again, then they hiked down a hill into a gorgeous sunny valley of wild mountain flowers and emerald green grass. Galen’s energy and spirits lifted. The monk left the treeline and entered the valley of green grasses. Suddenly he turned and looked Galen straight in the eyes. "You may not enter here," he warned, "this is sacred ground." With that he turned and went on his way.

Galen was disheartened. He thought the Keeper had granted him total freedom to come and go where he pleased. There must be some misunderstanding. But he honored the monk’s request and sat down beneath a tall, friendly pine. At least there was more energy here. With nothing better to do, he began to consider the riddle that Rufus had given him: "If you will be …he will come." What could it mean? It couldn’t be simple. Riddles weren’t supposed to be simple. But if it was simple truth, it had to be...

"If you will be--" Be what? Be myself? Maybe. Be the wind? the trees? the flowers? Also maybe. He’d noticed how easy it was, in this heightened state, to focus on something and as he did his consciousness seemed to flow to that thing, tried to merge with it. If All is One, then it should be possible to merge with anything you feel like merging with. Hmm ... feel like. That’s a key. Feeling is what reaches out and joins one thing to another, it’s the common thread of life that flows through all things. So where did that leave him? Was to be the same as to feel?

He thought of an experiment. The old pine tree he was sitting against felt ripe with life and energy. It seemed to welcome and enfold him in its aura. Would it be willing to accept his consciousness, as the eagle had? He closed his eyes and tried to feel the tree. OK, he felt it against his back, smelled its sweet scent. Now what? He was still thinking. Stop thinking, he told himself, and feel! He succeeded for only a few seconds until other bothersome thoughts intruded. He struggled to hold them back. "Don’t fight them," something said, "let them flow by." Who was that? Am I talking to myself? Just feel, Bozo!

Finally his mind shifted from a thinking state to a feeling state. And as it did, he felt himself flow into the tree. He was gloriously tall, bursting with energy, he could feel the vitality coursing through his sinewy tree veins, his prickly needles laced with sticky resin, absorbing sunlight so tender and so delicious. He was the tree!

After several delightful minutes he flowed back into his own body. Well that was interesting, he thought. But still, no one came.

He heard a rustling of heavy grass ahead, the monk was returning. This time he wore a frail smile as he approached. "The lama extends a welcome and an invitation. Please follow," he said with a shy formality. The monk led him through the beautiful valley to an obscure, lower landscape. A bubbling stream snaked its way toward a peaceful lamasery where monks in orange robes lovingly tended the surrounding gardens. There were trees with red, yellow, and purple blossoms, trees with furry pods, and trees with the most delightful scents. There were large leafy plants with a mix of colors so rich they seemed from another world. In the center of this secret garden was a communal compound. Long-houses dotted the obscure perimeter -- these barracks-like shelters must have been living quarters for the monks. Inside the perimeter stood a tall pagoda, its multiple tiers reaching to the heavens. This was the sacred temple where monks worshipped, and where the lama resided. They stepped inside. The monk solemnly removed his sandals, then led the way through richly scented clouds of incense, past golden statues, and through a rice paper sliding door to the inner sanctum of the lama.

The monk bowed deeply. "Holy One," he announced, "this is the traveler who seeks special information." He bowed again, turned slowly and left. The lama pointed to a cushion on the floor. "Sit, my son."

"Thank you, Holy One. And thank you for seeing me."

"Many travelers [invisible entities] seek my audience," he said in a voice full of warmth and softness, "but most are so arrogant in their new freedom that they disrespect the privacy and sanctuary of others. We ignore them, and they leave. Only those who show proper respect are admitted to these sacred grounds. How may I help you?" The lama’s words were of a different language, but strangely they were translated in Galen’s mind.

"Holy One, I am seeking the hermit who lives in the mountains above the village. I wish to learn the secrets of creation. My mentor has sent me here to try to gain the wise man’s trust, in hope that he might share the secrets he has uncovered."

The lama sat on stacked cushions with legs crossed, he wore a silky saffron robe. His features were soft and kind, reminding Galen of his own wise and kindly grandfather. The room was dim, cast in long shadows, lit by only four candles situated around his platform.

"Yes, my son, I am aware of your quest. Many before you have sought the wise one, but few are rewarded by his attention. He shows himself only as he chooses, and you will find him only by your own efforts. I will point you toward his retreat where your presence might be recognized. The rest is up to you." He drew a map of the mountain silhouette and marked a spot between two distinctive peaks. It was there that Galen would wait in strict contemplation for his chance to be recognized.

"Thank you for being so gracious, Holy One." He started to leave, turning halfway, but thought to ask one more question. "May I ask the meaning of a simple phrase? It’s part of a riddle I must solve." The lama nodded yes. "To be," Galen said, "what does it mean?"

The lama stared deep into his eyes, piercing into his very soul, reading his mind. "You have half the puzzle solved," he said. "Feeling is being, the essence of life. It is the first and most basic sense of life; from the tiny one-cell animal that swims in the pond to the most complex and intelligent, man, all living forms have first the sense of touch, which is feeling. In fact all the other senses are higher variations of this basic one, they all evolve from feeling. In order to be you must identify with your essence, the Inner Being, the real you. To do this you must first enter a feeling state, but that is only half the solution. The rest you must still discover for yourself. But here is a clue: Inner Being resides both in feeling and a place in time. Go now to the waiting place on the mountain and contemplate these things. Good luck, my son."

Galen lifted off and flew to the waiting spot as directed, he chose a place where he could not be missed. It was situated on a small rise in the middle of the valley, a gorgeous scene to behold amid snow topped mountain peaks and rolling hills. The winds howled with great ferocity but barely affected his body, the body of higher dimensional stuff. He sat and thought. Being new to meditation, he figured out that contemplation -- the word the lama used -- was a form of relaxed thinking, an unfolding of answers, a kind of word association process. So he thought about time.

Some people thought that time was more than the obvious stream of past, present, and future. The new thinking associated with Quantum physics was speculating time might be something different. Galen had first read about it on the Internet, in an article on time travel. According to physicists, time was much more fluid and flexible than we’d imagined. It could be slowed down, speeded up, even stopped with the proper state of mind. Consciousness, as understood theoretically, could travel back to the past or forward into the future. He knew this was fact because he’d done it himself in the Cave of Secrets where he’d visited the Ancient Ones in the time before their ascension. Hmm... that was an interesting word, ascension, he wondered if that was the state of his new body -- had the vision mist caused it to ascend in vibration? But back to time, he reminded himself. The present is now, it’s where everything is happening, it’s really the only time we have. The past is gone, and except for the influence of past experience (in memory) there is little of reality there. The future holds all probable paths, and possibilities, and it is only through choice that one path becomes reality while the others stay dormant… But you can’t live in the future, or the past for that matter, you can only live in the present. It’s all there is. But don’t we usually dwell in the past, then skip to the future, then back to the past? It seems the mind darts back and forth from past to future, but rarely stops in the now. Maybe that’s a mistake. How much life is wasted by not being there to live it? To be, was in the NOW. It could be no place else. This was the missing piece of the riddle.

It was time to stop thinking. He had all the pieces ... it was time to assemble them into something workable. He closed his eyes and focused on the NOW... It was hard to keep the attention centered on this one small slice of time. He kept sliding off, ever so slightly, to the past or to the future. The "moment" seemed as elusive as water, it was difficult to hold or contain. After minutes of struggle a realization came: All is Now! Time is not segmented into three separate and distinct parts, it all exits simultaneously (at once) in one huge infinite moment. The past, present, and future are all in the present now. With that simple realization the NOW expanded before him into a vast panorama. No more struggle was needed to stay centered -- it was everywhere, all at once, right now.

Another man-made belief, time, was shattered!

The puzzle was solved, but now what? Where to start? There were two distinct pieces to the puzzle of "being." One was feeling, the other was a place called now. Integrating the two, he intuited, would require the creative process Grandfather told him about: merge two or more known qualities in the mind and a magical transformation occurs; a new creation is born. He would try it.

He focused first on the spacious present, the now moment, and allowed it to unfold again before him. He filled his consciousness with the expansiveness of it all, until he felt huge and powerful. Next, he stopped all thought and entered a pure feeling state by imagining himself as a bubble of invisible awareness. Like a gigantic one-cell ameba, he felt his awareness in the vast sea of Now. A merging of the two states began...

Then an astounding discovery. He was Self-aware! Not the little self, the ego self, but a whole new gigantic, wise and compassionate self, the likes of which he’d never imagined. He was privy to all knowledge, he had stupendous power that required only the slightest intent (he could move mountains if he chose) and an overwhelming feeling of love for all creation. He knew what it meant to BE!

Then he felt another presence settle down beside him. It was his equal, there was not a less than or greater than here. Parting his eyelids he beheld a spry little man, his eyes glowing with intensity and vigor, a face of ageless curiosity. "I am the one you seek," the man whispered.

Nine

"The Ice Hermit"

Galen understood why the hermit seemed so elusive to those who sought him. Being in the moment, the Now, he was in a place of seclusion. Few could find this place because most lived in the dreamy half awake world outside it. The few who really lived in the moment, he reckoned, "lived in a state of total, constant amazement."

As the hermit spoke, the powerful luster of Galen’s being diminished somewhat, though he remained in the Now, he became the student again. The exalted state of Inner Being could not be held for too long, it was touched only lightly.

"I presume you beckon me," the hermit inquired, "to learn the secrets of manifesting." His voice was old and soft, but clear as a melodious chime. He was a little man, maybe five feet four inches, but he held his spine erect giving the demeanor of one with greater stature. His eyes glistened, they were wide and almond shaped with a hint of oriental ancestry, if only a hint. "You have made a great effort to find me, and now that you have, I am obliged to help you. My hospitality is limited, as my way of life is meager and austere. But you did not come for tea and crumpets." The corners of his lips curled in a brief smile. "Let us go from this windy valley to my mountain shelter."

Since the hermit was restricted by a physical form, they walked the distance, scaling a stout peak which quite resembled a pyramid. The trip should have taken an hour by ordinary time, but they reached their destination in fifteen minutes. Another time anomaly, the same as the one encountered on the mountain when Galen began his journey; it seemed long ago now -- but couldn’t have been more than a day. He wasn’t sure.

Near the top a hidden passage appeared, an opening to a cave. Hidden because it lay behind a tall rock slab half immersed in a snow drift. The interior was cozy and hospitable. The temperature was much warmer, the result of wispy vapors rising from several thermal pools inside. "My own mineral spas," the hermit remarked. The cave was very different from the Cave of Secrets. It wasn’t dark and mysterious, but served a more functional purpose as a living space or hovel. There was a hollowed-out hearth for fire, with an open chimney shaft above it. In another hollow lay a comfortable bed of dried leaves and pine needles, intertwined with woolly strands of animal hair, probably llama wool. A thick fur blanket lay neatly folded at the foot of his nest-like bed. The chamber was lit by two oil lamps, one of which sat on an old wood table, straddled by two chairs. The table was positioned across from the fireplace. All very sparse but functional.

They took seats at the table. "There are many chambers in my cave," the hermit explained, "but they’re rather cold and damp. I use one of them for cold storage, like you would use an ice box." Galen learned that the hermit had considerable experience in the western world, was even Oxford educated, but had left the "insanity" of the civilized world to pursue a greater understanding of the only real power, the Inner Self. "Where is your home, boy?"

"The United States, a town at the foot of a sacred mountain in the desert Southwest. It’s called Albuquerque."

"Oh yes, the Keeper’s mountain. You must be American Indian, right?"

"Only half Indian, my grandfather is Navajo -- a tribal chief. Maybe you know--"

The hermit raised his hand, motioning quiet. "We do not speak of others who come here, a guarded secret of initiation. But let us begin with your own interests. Do you have questions?"

"I do, sir. I wish to learn more about the creating process, what you call manifesting. I’m convinced of the fact that we create everything in our personal world, and help to create things in the outer world as well, but the way we create seems haphazard at best. I’d like to understand how to make my creations more predictable, more deliberate."

The hermit rubbed his hairy chin, considering where to begin. Each student was different and required a unique approach. Some responded best to the shock approach, like manifesting something out of thin air. Others were completely logical in their learning and needed a plausible beginning with a reasonable end. Such was the western mind before him.

"You are always plugged in, so to say, to the creative force of the Universe. It flows through you as electricity flows through your house, then into a light bulb. But instead of making light, you make the things of life. A human being fashions his world with things and events that keep his mind occupied, interested. He is a curious creature, easily bored by routine and sameness, so he keeps himself entertained by his creations, unknowingly. Some like to be surprised by what they create; some don’t like surprises at all and seek to control; some like a mix of the two. It’s all a matter of personal choice, following one’s own truth. People trick themselves into believing they are not responsible for what they create. It’s always someone else or something else that shapes their life: be it god, the government, fate, the boss, or the other guy. Those who surrender their personal power are never responsible -- and never powerful either. But they always get back, in full measure, whatever they believe about themselves. The self is the starting point of all creation.

"To be a powerful focus of Being you must reclaim all surrendered personal power, and be totally responsible for all you create -- All! There can be no compromise. No longer can one claim ‘the good things’ to his success or a favor of God … and then blame ‘the bad things’ on someone else or Fate. Once you stop shifting blame and claim full responsibility, the power of the Universe backs your every choice. The smallest intent manifests as simply as pointing a finger. Intent is always the first step of any action.

"But reclaiming power also requires disconnecting from the mass mind, that dark presence, always disguised as good, that steals the creativity of its willing human subjects. It uses the precious life force of each individual, not only to keep itself alive, but to manipulate those very beings who empower it. The beast encourages conformity and sameness, it is highly threatened by free-thinking individuality." He looked Galen straight in the eyes. "Its terrible spell must be broken to regain the full measure of one’s power."

"I’ve heard that before," Galen said, "but exactly how do you disconnect from its considerable influence?"

"First, you must realize that no thing or no one has the power to create in your own personal world, your private reality. By exercising choice and free-will, given you by God, you are the sole creator of your reality. The creative energy and thought that comes from you is your own, to mold and shape however you wish. It is only by harmful influence that your creative abilities are siphoned away, to serve the causes and pursuits of others. Be wary and very cautious of all influences. Inner and outer.

"And be wary of beliefs and belief systems that promote blind service to others. If it is your truth and it feels good to you, then do it. But if it gives feelings of guilt, ignore it. There is a verse from a Tibetan holy book that speaks well to this. It says: ‘A man who serves others serves a few, but he who lives his truth serves all humanity.’

"To reclaim your power you should disengage from all causes -- especially religious and societal. These serve up heavy doses of guilt to anyone susceptible to manipulation. It is fine to lend support to causes you feel good about, but never, never support a thing because of guilt. Or because of fear."

It sounded almost selfish. He realized his most basic beliefs, those taught by society and backed by religion, were beliefs so ingrained that they had to be re-thought and questioned. It was unavoidable if consciousness was to evolve. Selfish or not, it had to be done. "The final great battle will be fought in the mind," he remembered.

"A man (or woman) of power should question the transparent beliefs of society and test them for personal truth, with inner guidance. Just because a society says it’s right and good, and the majority agrees, does not mean that it’s written forever in stone as the Truth. It is only a belief. Nothing remains the same in this open, growing Universe. Laws change, facts change, truth changes. Nothing is immune, even God grows. To keep the power, you must go with the flow. You must change even if it hurts.

"And most important, to disconnect from the influence of mass consciousness you should always seek the things that make you feel good. The more joy you bring to your life, the farther you are from limiting influences. Joy banishes fear, guilt, and doubt; it makes consciousness pure.

"Here’s an easy exercise," the hermit proposed, "to help you disconnect from mass mind. Visualize clearly what I suggest. See yourself standing in the center of a large circle. The circle represents the extent of your personal reality, what you have created. What lies outside the circle is outer reality, where everyone else creates. As a result of influences, and having given your power away, pieces of your power are scattered about. See them as fuzzy thoughtforms located outside your circle … they are attached to you by long tendrils, or energy threads. Your beliefs feed these thoughtforms subconsciously (through the tendrils), and your attention, when you think of or dwell on these, feed them consciously. Everything outside of the circle is considered part of the mass mind. Everything within it, is part of you. Begin now to pull on those strings. Reel in the thoughtforms like fish on a line. See it, feel it. Bring them back inside the circle. Command them back inside! When they are safely inside again, dissolve them by intent, back into the energy that made them. See it, feel it. It is!

"You have now reclaimed the wayward pieces of power you unknowingly allowed to stray. Your power is whole and complete again. Intend that from now on you will maintain vigilance over all thought, you will question and test by feeling all belief systems outside your circle that compete for your precious attention. Attention, remember, is your energy… It is done."

Galen felt a shift of power, it was like being rejuvenated from a deep wellspring inside. He was whole and complete. The circle was closed and he would never again allow his precious energy to stray. He guessed from comparison that the vampire-like mind had drained some seventy-five percent of his precious life force. Talk about a stiff tax to pay to be a part of society. But now he could be in society without being part of it. If he was still alive, that is--

"Now that your power is restored," the hermit continued, "we come to the point of your visit, the reason you are here. I give you the secret of creation in a few words, they apply here (in the physical world) and to all dimensions alike. As in the riddle you solved to find me, the words contain a formula that can be interpreted on many levels. It is a very simple truth, easy to understand and easy to apply. It does take an ‘attitude’ of vigilance to maintain however.

"The secret of creation is: "You get what you think about most, if you dwell on it with enough emotion, and if you think that it’s possible." And that simply is the whole of the truth. It has taken me years to distill and refine the process to these mere few words. Hidden within the words however is a secret formula that explains how man creates everything, either by choice or by default. The formula can be stated:

THINK IT ==> FEEL IT ==> ALLOW IT … IT IS!

"To explain the first two elements [Think it, Feel it]: Envision a human being as a powerful magnet. Life force constantly flows through him/her like an electromagnetic force, and the stronger the flow (of emotions) the stronger the force field. Thought directs where the force (emotion) goes, and focused thought (either by concentration or attention) gives density and shape to specific thoughts intended for physical manifestation. Specific thoughts, thought often, grow very dense.

"There is one other ingredient necessary however, for manifestation to occur. It is called [Allowing]. There are other words we can use that give a sense of allowing, these include: believing, permitting, accepting the possibility of, expecting, faith, and so on. Allowing is absolutely essential to all manifestation, without it the thoughtform just wanders through dimensions as a probability, until it’s invited (by allowing) into the physical.

"As an example let’s suppose you are invited to a friend’s house to watch video movies. And unbeknownst to you, you discover that this friend has a gory appetite for bloody horror movies. While watching these very graphic, visually stimulating films, you find your emotions racing wild. The gory sights sicken you, as the sounds and language horrify your sensitive nature. You have here the prime ingredients for manifesting. The vivid images provoke vivid thought, ingredient one. The vivid thought provokes intense emotion, ingredient two. But thankfully ingredient three is missing. You know it’s just a movie and it can’t really happen. So you do not allow it, because you don’t really believe it’s possible.

"The experience taught you something though. Your guidance was practically screaming at you throughout the whole viewing. All your emotions were negative and uncomfortable, making it a bad experience. In the future you would probably avoid such movies, following your guidance, because such things are out of alignment with your personal truth.

"There is reason for concern about your friend though. His enjoyment of these things will lead him to more, and the more he gets, the closer he comes to creating an unnatural situation. He is allowing.

"Most of man’s creations are unintentional. It’s like he comes into physical life with a perfect creative mechanism, a magic lantern -- but he’s lost the guidebook and the knowledge of how to operate it. Without this critical knowledge he still creates, but his creations are usually far from what he intends. So man creates by default instead, through beliefs that he inherits from his culture, family, and friends. These are all that he knows, and so, like a rubber stamp, he creates the same stuff again and again.

"But all creations, intentional or not, follow the same formula:

Think It => Feel It => Allow It … It Is! You get what you think about most, if you dwell on it enough to elicit strong emotion, and you think that it’s possible."

The hermit reached over to the fire of glowing embers and withdrew a tin tea-kettle. He poured the steamy water into a cup and sprinkled loose tea on top. "I’d offer you some," he said, "but in your (invisible) condition it would be wasted."

He continued the dialogue. "Another example. Suppose you meet a lady at a party, or in a classroom, wherever, and from first sight she has captured your whole attention. She glances up to meet your gaze and something inside you changes, giving rise to feelings and emotions you never knew before. For days and nights you can think of nothing but her, she has cast her womanly spell on your sensitive system and you can think of nothing else. The first two ingredients, thought and feeling, are present in abundance and you are creating the stuff of a probable new reality. But the third ingredient, allowing, is hanging in the balance. If you have doubts about being worthy of her, your logical mind will invent many excuses to delay further pursuit. Things like, ‘I don’t have enough money for a relationship right now;’ or, ‘I like the freedom of being single … a classy lady like that would need lots of attention, and I’d be jealous all the time.’ Almost from the start, your doubts creep in and begin to negate the process. The moment you allow doubt to step in, you split the flow of energy, and that’s the pivotal moment when you find yourself at a cross-roads. If you take the doubt route, the Law of Attraction will attract more thoughts of doubt, and the creation is doomed. But if instead you disallow doubt and start looking for reasons to pursue the relationship, the Law of Attraction works in your favor. There is always a choice when you come to a crossroads."

He took a sip of the hot tea, separating the loose leaves from the liquid by sifting through his teeth. He spat the wad into the fire.

"Suppose that you’re driving your automobile one day and a fancy red sports car passes by. You admire its lines, the sound of its engine, the fact that it is open to the fresh air. You speed up to get a closer look. The car is pure delight to your senses and you begin to imagine what it would feel like to be behind its wheel. At that very moment you are creating the car in your personal reality. You are thinking and feeling strongly. Then you notice the make of the car, a small insignia on the trunk lid. ‘Oh no, you whine, that car is really expensive.’ And your mind goes into doubt mode, making reasons for not having this car. Here again is the crossroads of decision. Do you continue with thoughts of doubt, or do you look for reasons to pursue? Your Inner Being or True Self is limitless and does not understand lack, so it encourages you with good feelings to seek this material thing. It has factored in variables and possibilities for the future and is giving you infallible guidance that you can trust. In other words if you would trust this invaluable input, regardless of cost, this particular car will pay dividends, in some way, in your future. But it is your decision. Inner Being can only influence."

"Yes, I see," said Galen, "it makes perfect sense." Then another thought intruded. "But how do you get rid of creations you no longer want? Suppose for example that you’ve created a serious illness in your body, how do you get rid of it?"

"Ah, good question, simple answer. Stop creating it! You see, in order for your creations to stay in your reality, you must constantly recreate them … otherwise the Law of Change will gradually dispose of them. Your attention, which basically is concentrated thought, feeds the things in your circle of reality. Lose interest and stop thinking of a thing and it soon dissolves, it disappears. But with illness especially, it is hard to keep the attention away. If it is painful, or if it interferes with normal functioning somehow, it’s a constant reminder. The best remedy is to dull the pain with pain medications, forget the malfunctioning, and ask yourself what you want instead. Of course you want to feel good, so focus on that. The mind can only focus on one thing at a time so engage it with things, memories, and activities that give you good feelings. This will allow the body’s natural healing mechanisms to go back to work at full strength.

"In general, when the emotions turn sour, the warning flags are up. Your Inner Being is alerting you that your thoughts are creating in the wrong direction. Always ask yourself, what do I want instead? When you’ve decided on the answer, focus on that. If you can stop your thoughts before they generate strong emotions (over a significant length of time) you stop the negative creation. Your choosing to stop or halt a negative creation is in fact not allowing, and by creating in the opposite direction instead, you turn a negative into a positive. That’s the way natural creation is supposed to work."



Ten

"Lead to Gold"

The hermit took another sip of tea and repeated his habit of sifting, swallowing, and spitting the wad. He looked at Galen. "You following everything so far?" Galen nodded to affirm.

"Good," the hermit said, "let’s proceed now with the most important part of the work -- manifesting. I call it manifesting because it denotes a faster and more deliberate form of creating. The same formula applies, it is the basis of all creation, but with a slight variation.

"The first element of any deliberate creation is want. Although want may or may not be necessary to ‘unintentional’ creating -- people create many things they don’t want -- it is an absolute necessity to ‘intentional’ creating. Want has more immediate power than belief in manifesting on-the-spot. A mother is watching her children play in the yard and for just a moment her attention is diverted by a ringing telephone. In those mere seconds a ball rolls into the road and one of her youngsters chases after it. An approaching car, the ball, and the child meet. The child is struck down, pinning him beneath the car. The mother races to the road to find her worst nightmare realized. The driver of the car is an elderly grandmother who breaks into tears and sobs; she’s of little help. But seconds count. The child is wedged beneath a tire, his chest and arm hopelessly pinned down. The mother’s want to free her child is so intense that she reaches down and lifts the car off the child, saving him from disaster... That’s an example of instant manifestation.

"Now how does want fit into our formula for creation? What is want? If you break it down into its basic parts you find thought and feeling. Any want is first defined by the thought of what is wanted, then further defined by a strong desire or feeling. Therefore want can be substituted for the first two ingredients [THINK IT => FEEL IT] in the formula, becoming:

[ WANT IT ] => ALLOW IT … IT IS!

"This is our new formula, the formula of manifestation. It carries the secret of all creation, but especially the more deliberate, quick to manifest variety. Think of WANT as a powerful agent that rally’s the forces of creativity into quick action.

"But there is another, even more powerful agent than want. It is considered the pure elixir of manifestation. It’s called INTENT, which combines want and willpower. In this combination it is the essence of all deliberate, conscious creativity. Intent is willful-wanting of something … and if it is clear intent, then nothing can oppose it. By substituting intent for want (from our previous formula) we derive the Elixir:

[ INTEND IT ] => ALLOW IT … IT IS!

"An act of intention focuses the attention like a beam of light through a magnifying glass. It is a laser-like beam of pure thought. But there must be clarity of thought to the intention, otherwise it’s just wasted energy. You can think of clarity as impeccable thought; it is pure and exact when compared to other thoughts. Most thoughts, you know, are fuzzy and vague, and that’s why most experiences are likewise. By the time they manifest in your personal reality, they are hard to recognize as your own creation. An impeccable thought, by contrast, leaves no doubt as to its origin. It’s an exact duplicate of that intended."

It was time for a demonstration. "Let me show you the power of intent," the hermit said with a twinkle in his eye. He placed both hands on the table, cupping them together. His eyes narrowed to a squint. For seconds he trembled as beads of sweat formed over his brow. Then a wispy shape began to form between his hands. It was a ghostly figure at first, wispy and indistinct … but then a pattern emerged to reveal a beautiful gold statue. The hermit opened his eyes fully and smiled at his creation. "It is Hathor," he announced, "the Egyptian goddess of pleasure and creativity. Appropriate, is it not? Pleasure and creativity from the same source."

The figurine stood about ten inches high with a distinctive gold-fleck casting that sparkled like diamond dust. Her feminine curves suggested both pleasure and the promise of creative offspring. She wore a wreath crown accented by two curved bovine horns. It was a remarkable vision of beauty and craftsmanship. Galen was so impressed, he gasped.

"The figure of Hathor teaches much," he continued. "Contemplation of her has inspired many breakthroughs in my search for the fundamentals of creativity. For instance, the subject of clarity goes far beyond the ability to visualize clearly. It must be a sensual experience as well. Because feeling plays such a central role in the creative process, it too must be included. I use the term sensualize to describe the passion required to bring true clarity; it is a full-sense visualization. You must see, hear, feel, smell (and taste if necessary) that which you desire to manifest. You step right into the picture and become that which you seek. And always remember: the power is in the present, the NOW. It is not in the future, and it’s not in the past. The NOW is what you have … and all creation must begin exactly there!

"Let’s put it all together by having you manifest something yourself. First, choose something you really want." He waited as Galen gathered his thoughts. "Think about it," he instructed. "The more you think of it, the more other similar thoughts are attracted to it. Let the Law of Attraction work for you. Keep thinking. The more you think of it, the clearer it becomes. Repetition of thought builds clarity...

"Now you should have a working pattern, a real thoughtform standing before you. See it as real, see it in the now. Next we add feeling. Each thought has a corresponding feeling-tone, a specific feeling all its own: it’s part of what it is. The more clarity that is given to a thought, the more distinct its feeling-tone becomes, so when it manifests physically it has a tone unlike any other in all creation. But to make it your creation, you have to add your own feelings to the mix. This is where you sensualize. Using all your imagination, not just to visualize, but to sensualize, feel it in its entirety -- a completed manifestation. Run your imaginary fingers over its surface, feel the texture, feel the weight. If it emits a sound, hear it, feel its vibrations. If it emits a smell, smell it. If it has a taste, taste it. And most important, how does it make you feel? Once it comes into your reality how will its presence affect you? Feel the good it will bring you. All of this adds clarity to your thoughtform. When a certain level of clarity is achieved, a boost of positive emotion automatically flows from your Inner Being. This added emotion is highly charged creative force that helps propel your creation into manifestation.

"Now again, the final, most crucial ingredients: INTEND and ALLOW."

Galen opened his eyes to behold a perfect eagle feather. To him it was the symbol of true freedom, and the power behind that freedom -- unlimited choices. This was his first intentional creation, and he would always cherish it. "Thank you," he muttered softly.

"Since you are a step above the physical," added the hermit, "it is easier to manifest your intent. When physically oriented, it takes a measure more of willful intent, and a little more time in holding the impeccable thought. But practice and belief make it easier each time. A last comment on impeccable thought. To be pure, there can be no doubt. You must maintain a positive flow of image and feeling, free from any doubt of the certainty of your creation. This too becomes easier with practice. Never be discouraged with early attempts that seem to end in failure. Know that your creation lives as a viable thought entity in your creative circle, awaiting the perfect intersection of time and place to manifest. And it will, if you allow it."

"I have a question," said Galen. "How does prayer fit into the creative process? Is it valid at all?"

"Ah, yes it is. And that brings us to the third aspect of creativity: Surrender. So far we have discussed Unintentional creativity (what is) made by belief; Intentional creativity (deliberate) made by want; and now we have Surrender (prayer) which releases the entire creative process to Inner Being. There are times when no matter how powerful you are, there are too many choices and too many complex issues to sort out. You’re all wound up, it seems, in a ball of confusion. At such times it is advisable to surrender all choice and creative process to that broader, wiser, more powerful aspect of yourself -- the Inner Being. By doing that, you access the power and information of the whole Universe … your Inner Being is the connective link. But that’s not the same as giving away your power, you simply transfer it to a higher aspect of you -- which is perfectly acceptable. When those less informed pray to their god for assistance, they misdirect the flow of creative energy outward (to an external god), missing the mark. They feed the mass mind (Vampire) instead, and that’s why most prayer goes unanswered. But sometimes it is. Some are forced by negative circumstance to retreat so deeply within themselves, that they tap their own inner resources. A positive response always follows, and the prayer seems answered. But the trick is to surrender to the real god within, not the false one without."

The hermit fumbled for something under the table. He took out a long stick and poked the glowing embers of the fire, then he took another sip of tea. "The whole subject of man’s creativity has been shrouded in mystery for ages," he went on, "but it’s really so simple. It is curious that man makes everything so complicated, before he is satisfied that it’s believable. Of course society can be blamed … its intent is to keep man powerless and in the dark. But any thinking man, by his own choice, can attract the knowledge he needs to fulfill his most intimate dreams. The Universe is that accommodating."

"But let’s continue. Once you have been given the secrets of creation, it becomes your responsibility to use them with utmost precision. Your consciousness changes, elevating your awareness to a higher level, and the old ways of thinking no longer apply. For awhile you are caught in a no man’s land between the two. You cannot go back, but you can stagnate, which could lead to gradual insanity. A man of power goes forward however, shedding the remnants of the old ways, while perfecting the elements of the new. There are techniques that can aid you in forging the necessary discipline, while steering you to what you want. I call these Turn-abouts because they change the direction of thought.

"One technique is called Prospecting, a contraction for the term pro-aspecting. Everything in Creation has a good side and a bad side -- or more properly, a pro and con. Nothing is really bad, it is just a matter of perspective. What seems good to one, may be terribly bad to another, and vise versa. In prospecting you seek the ‘pro aspect’ or positive side of every thing you encounter. You stay on the good side. Whatever side you put your attention on, is the side you draw out -- whatever you focus on becomes more. It really is like prospecting: looking for a gold nugget in a pile of sand. The nugget is the feels-good side, to you. Suppose there is a person in your life you cannot avoid. A co-worker, an in-law, or a neighbor. You have observed that this person changes like a chameleon: he/she changes from one situation to another, from one person to another. Actually everyone is like that, we all offer different facets of ourselves to others, but in this case it is exaggerated to a degree hard to ignore. You have mixed feelings about this person, because you can’t get a true fix on their changing identity. At times they’re civil and try to be helpful, but other times they seem to anger easily, and use sarcasm to keep you and others off balance. What do you do? Ask yourself what you like about this person. Focus on the things that make you feel good: For instance, she is very attractive and her big dark eyes make her sexy; she always does what she says and is always on time; she seems generous; she has lots of energy; and so on. By focusing only on her good qualities, ignoring the bad, you draw out all the pleasing aspects. Soon she becomes very accommodating, it makes her feel good to be around you, and you experience just her pleasant side. You have manifested an ideal person.

"In another example, let’s say you have a new motor boat parked in the garage. When you bought it, a year ago, you loved it. It was to be a week-end ticket to freedom; a sleek, fast, and beautiful craft that all your friends would envy. But then the dream went sour. It took forever to load, launch, recover, and clean each time. Twice, the motor broke down and you had to be hauled in by strangers. From then on it seemed untrustworthy, you couldn’t be sure if it would get you out then back again with safety; so it just sat in the garage. The monthly payments were a burden, and you tried to sell it. No one came close to your asking price. So what do you do? Obviously you had some doubts before the purchase, and these created all the negatives you experienced. Your constant attention to these doubts create more bad luck, and a negative spiral.

"To break the spiral you have to get back to the positive side. Focus again on the good qualities, ignoring the bad, and begin to draw out the pleasing aspects. Think about the weekends of freedom away from the drudgery of everyday experience. Feel the wind in your hair, the sun on your face, the admiring looks of those stuck on the shore. Fall in love with your boat again, expect it to run flawless and be a trusted friend. Soon ‘she’ becomes accommodating, like the lady in the first story, and you experience only the pleasures of her company. Also, people come up and ask if you’d like to sell her, but now you refuse. You have manifested the ideal boat."

A sideways glance at Galen showed he was following, so he resumed. "The next technique is called Reversal. We touched on it briefly before. With this one it is very important that you train yourself, or always remind yourself, to be alert to promptings and feelings from inner guidance. Remember that you are always creating. When you are creating in a positive direction, positive for you, your guidance responds with feelings of pleasure. But when you create in a negative direction, your guidance responds with feelings of displeasure. It is alerting you with negative emotion, saying, ‘Hey dummy, take a look at what you’re thinking, I don’t think we want to create this!’ At that very moment of recognition you should stop your thought, step back, regain your balance, and ask yourself: What do I want instead? It is probably the exact opposite of what you are thinking. You’re never closer to identifying what you do want, than when thinking of what you don’t want … and, you’re never closer to manifesting it, than when feeling strong emotion (positive or negative). So welcome this information as a gift from Inner Being. Start to think about what you want instead, let the Law of Attraction bring fresh new thought to build on the original. Add details to build clarity, and when your emotions shift to the feel-good side, your work for the moment is done. You are creating what you want. When time permits come back to your project, re-think and re-feel to build further clarity, then launch it into the womb of the Universe. Expect its manifestation at the most appropriate intersection of place and time.

"As an example let’s talk about money, a subject quite dear to the civilized western heart. Each month you and your contemporaries sit down to a bill-payment ritual. It’s time to pay the piper. If you have managed your money well, if the income is more than the debt, there are no worries and life goes on. But for some, most as I understand, there is a gradual erosion of the bottom line and a slow sinking into more embarrassing debt. This causes a rise of anxiety, guilt, and doubt. The three robbers always steal away the little power a person has saved, and life becomes more a struggle and a burden. What should they do? First it must be realized that money is only paper, an agreement at most, having no real power except for the belief behind it. What money really buys is freedom and choices -- and that my friend is a natural birthright of every being. It’s as free as the air, with the proper allowing, although your society and religions don’t want the masses to know this truth.

"But back to the Reversal technique. We have a dutiful father, a good provider for his family. He tries to keep his children happy by letting them buy the toys they want, and dress themselves in the smartest clothes. His wife too must keep in style, belonging to the right clubs, wearing the right clothes, driving the best car. They live in a stylish house in the suburbs and everyone they know is impressed. But it’s all a facade, a false appearance, and he knows it. Each month when he pays his bills he feels a slow sinking sensation, knowing that his bottom line is about to plunge below the point of no return … when the illusion will crumble. What can he do? The answer is to reverse his negative creating. Those dreadful feelings of anxiety and guilt, when he pays his bills, are a warning from Inner Being that he is creating a negative future. He should stop the thought immediately, which will stop the feelings, and ask himself: What do I want instead? More money will probably be his answer. But actually, what he really wants is what money brings. Freedom and choices. This is the essence (bottom line) of his wanting, it’s a state of being and that’s the starting point of all creating. Being, remember, is feeling. After you determine what you want, step back and ask yourself, how do I want to feel? Sensualize the feelings of freedom and unlimited choices. Stretch beyond what is, to what is wanted. Feel what it would be like to have so much power, that anything you could want is yours, just by intending it. That’s what the creative power is for, and that’s what freedom is all about.

"In a different situation we have a lady who is overweight, another great concern in your image oriented western society. Everywhere she looks she is reminded of her inadequacy. She compares her body to others, she’s sure there is no one more odd looking than her, and it makes her feel bad about herself. What should she do? First she must realize, that on closer examination, everyone is concerned about their body-image. No one feels quite comfortable in their body. This comes from an innate knowing that our real bodies (higher dimension) are refined, supple, and beautiful; the physical body by contrast is always changing, growing older, becoming less than it was at peak. It’s a constant struggle for everyone. Her solution is to practice the Reversal. Every time she has thoughts of inadequacy, her guidance will alert her: she feels bad. At that moment of recognition she must stop the thought that caused the feeling, realizing it’s creating more of the same bad stuff in her future, and ask herself: What do I want instead? Her answer will probably be, to be thin and attractive. That is fine, but she needs to refine her want by asking, how do I want to feel? The answer is: self confident and comfortable in my body. As she sensualizes and builds more clarity around those feelings of confidence, her emotions reverse and she begins to create in the desired direction. Repeating this process, whenever she feels inadequate, will re-train her thought and bring about the desired results."

"I see," Galen said. "So the Reversal is a way of re-training those habitual thoughts that bring us what we don’t want."

"Exactly. And that brings us to the third technique, which has to do with habits: Re-cycling. A human being is a creature of habit, and habit is like belief. It’s a hardened thought, a thought repeated over and over, but one that results in a certain action. Look at your typical day. Do you not agree that ninety-five percent or more is devoted to cyclical routines, habit patterns repeated in the same way in the same order day after day? You get out of bed, go to the bathroom, brush your teeth, shave and shower, dress for work, eat breakfast, drive to work along the same route, greet co-workers, have coffee, begin a standard work routine with little variation from basic patterns, have lunch, do more work, drive home, have dinner, watch television or read, maybe talk to friend on the telephone, or spend some time with the family, go to bed … and do it all again the next day. Each of these separate activities is an event cycle. It has a beginning and an end, with a typical time duration. Event cycles are easily labeled, with a simple name, and easily recognized as such. It is interesting to note, that any deviation in an event cycle, or even in the established order from one event to another, causes stress. These cycles help you conserve energy, but they also restrict life to a closed pattern; they limit natural spontaneity, which limits the rich variety of life. By Recycling a set pattern, new possibilities emerge -- and a way to pre-pave the future with new choices is opened. In other words you can transform an outworn cycle that contributes little to life, to a new version of itself that gives the benefits you desire.

"Suppose for example you want to ‘recycle’ your drive to work. You have driven the same route in the same way through the same scenery for the past several years; and besides being a boring trip the traffic volume has increased, which slows your pace, and has contributed to a number of minor accidents in the past. Each trip causes you concern, for you fear another unexpected mishap. What should you do? First be aware of it, it’s a repeating cycle, give it a name. ‘Driving to work,’ we’ll call it. Take out a map and select a new route, one with a view. Each time you begin the cycle, put forth an intent of what you want from this cycle, how you want it to be. This will pre-pave your future. So as you strap yourself into the car, say to yourself: ‘I intend safety and protection for myself and my car; I intend ease of driving and an enjoyable trip.’ As you do this simple exercise each morning, you’ll soon notice a remarkable change in this previously outworn cycle. The joy of driving, and of having time to yourself, will return; the Law of Attraction will place you in the flow with other like-minded, careful and considerate drivers; traffic will flow smoothly with no delays; and you’ll arrive at work refreshed, instead of frazzled. You have pre-paved a new future for this specific event-cycle that will last as long as you intend. As usual, intent is the key to changing the future. And don’t just say the words -- you must see and feel exactly what you intend. And of course allow--

"Let’s have one more example. You are single and live alone. When you return home from work each day you enjoy watching television, it’s sort of like having company. But you are very selective in the programs you watch. Crime and drama are too heavy after a long workday, you certainly don’t want to lose yourself in other people’s problems. Sports programs are too long, and most provide little satisfaction, why watch someone else play and have all the fun. Most comedies are short enough but are written for people who lack basic smarts. What should you do? First recognize it’s a repeatable cycle, and give it a name. ‘Watching television.’ Then make a list of the kind of programs you enjoy: movies of fantasy, adventure, and science fiction; comedies with intelligence and feeling; stories based on reality, and news documentaries. When you turn on the television, acknowledge that you’re starting a new cycle, then intend what you want. See yourself scanning the many channels available, and finding almost by magic, the very programs that you like. Say to yourself: ‘I intend to find only the programs that make me feel good.’ Don’t just say the words, feel the enjoyment and satisfaction of true escapism. After a short while of pre-paving a different future for this cycle, you’ll be amazed at the rich variety of satisfying programs that come your way. You have changed your personal reality without affecting anyone else’s enjoyment of theirs. The Universe is abundant, with more than enough of everything to satisfy everyone. Just create by intent whatever feels good for you, and the Universe will comply … if only you’ll allow."

With that the hermit concluded his teaching. He invited Galen to return at any time to seek advice on specific problems, and he hinted at even deeper mysteries of creation and transmutation. He gestured to Galen to hand him the eagle’s feather; he touched the stem, and the quill turned to gold. "For your memory, and the certainty of our time together," he said with a lingering smile.

Galen thanked him for his gift of teachings, and gave a smile that only initiates of the truth brotherhood might comprehend. They shook hands and the new wizard departed for home.



Eleven

"Apache Tracker"

Instead of flying back home, Galen thought of an experiment: it would be interesting to try teleporting instead. He’d seen it done in a movie. By concentrating on the spot in Albuquerque where he had taken off, he figured that an instant teleportation might be possible. He envisioned the flat rock slab on the mountain, and then intended himself there…

It worked!

There had been a moment of dizziness and the feeling of swirling through a vacuum ... and then he was standing on that familiar site overlooking the desert city where he grew up. Footsteps rustled behind him and he turned to see Rufus shuffling down the trail. It reminded him of the first time they had met, and how far he had come since then.

"Interesting journey?" Rufus asked, approaching with a grin. Galen nodded then cocked his head. "A teaching to die for," he quipped.

"Well, I take it you solved the riddle and met the hermit. Good job. There have been students who’ve returned, rejected and frustrated, with nothing to show for the effort. Only we know how much they missed."

"I feel privileged, that’s for sure, but it seems I stumbled onto the right combination of feelings and insights by accident. I can take little credit for it."

"Ah, but there are no accidents, everything is granted according to your state of being. A humble attitude like yours is no accident and such an attitude will open many doors. Now, what do you feel you’d like to learn next? You’ve been granted the freedom of the eagle -- to go wherever you please, to do whatever you want. What next, my son?"

Galen remained thoughtful for several moments, he knew what he wanted but paused for just the right words. "I’ve been granted so much," he replied, "for which I’m grateful of course. But there still remains one subject I need to master, that I feel is the key to navigating the whole Universe. It’s the Inner guidance I’ve heard so much about. And I’d like to study the subject from one who has given a lifetime to uncovering its secrets, just as the hermit has done with creativity. That is my want."

"Very well. I can send you to just such a person. He’s an old Apache scout, very eccentric, who lives off the land in the most desolate and uninhabitable place in the world: Death Valley. He must be more than a hundred years old by now, no one knows for sure, but he was once a scout for the Army, leading soldiers on horseback across the plains and deserts to their assigned locations. Probably the best tracker in the world, it’s said he can read a person’s life from their tracks. He’s even found those who have been lost or missing in the desert for months. But most important, and not generally known, he is a master of interpreting the signs and signals of his Inner guidance. He will share his knowledge with those who I send, but with one condition. They must endure the hardships of the desert in physical form only, fully exposed to the elements and the dangers of that savage environment. Do you agree to that one condition?"

"I’ve endured the high desert all my life. How much harder could it be? Sure, I accept."

"It’s obvious you’ve never been there. Death Valley sits below sea level, and like a bowl, it focuses the heat. Quite different from the high and windy terrain you are used to. But you’ll see!"

"One question though. How do I get into the physical again? I was beginning to think this was a permanent condition."

"No, it is not permanent, but a special condition of the dimensional portal we’re inside. It steps up the frequency of your physical body and allows it to function in a heightened state on the physical plane. But for this next task we’ll try something different. We call it bi-location. In a sense, you split into two separate aspects of yourself. Your heightened body or aspect remains here … as you re-materialize a duplicate physical body in a separate location. Ascended masters of past times used this technique frequently, to get around, and to reach thousands more followers in locations far apart. There was no TV then."

"Rufus, if I split into two separate bodies, which one is me?"

"Do not be concerned, you will be in both bodies at the same time. It’s a matter of focus as to which one you function through. Consciousness is elastic: it can be stretched, split, even fragmented while maintaining its original properties. Actually you do it frequently, as in dreams, but you’re not normally aware that a change has taken place. The thing to remember is this: wherever your attention is, is where you are.

"But come, let us prepare you for this next experience..."

Somewhere in Death Valley, on the parched and dry desert floor, a swirling dust devil forms. A mirage of shiny particles coalesce inside and the form of a man appears. Only a stray iguana beneath the cool shade of a rock notices the psychic disturbance.

…And he was there, in the middle of a barren desert, miles from any known civilization, without water or food, not even shade or the cozy shelter of a tree. The first thing he noticed was the sweltering heat. Never had he felt such dry and withering air, each breath was a chore to breathe. What a shock! He had just transferred out of the most comfortable and elastic body he’d ever known -- back into a sluggish and heavy physical form that seemed quite repulsed by the dire conditions. The contrast was so stunning, it forced him to kneel down to try and re-adjust. Second thoughts of his enthusiasm to undergo such a trial haunted him. One thing for sure, he would never again take feeling good for granted. It was a state of being so pure, so ripe with creativity, that all things were possible. But right now he’d have to rely on basic instincts just to survive … the hope of meeting the old Apache took second place. He looked around. Rocks, sand, cloudless sky … and no signs of life or the elements required to sustain it. Which way should he go?

"Follow your guidance," came a voice on the wind, or what he felt was a voice. Good advice, he thought. But how well would his guidance work now, in a body that represses the higher senses? Only one way to find out.

Galen stood up, with some effort, it was like an astronaut taking his first steps after being weightless for days. Left foot, right foot, he coaxed his body with his mind. Gradually he could walk a straight line again. He felt confident to venture on. It was time to set his guidance. What do I want? he asked himself. To find a comfortable place, with shade and a little water ... and to find the old Apache. That was as simple a want as he could formulate, given the conditions he was faced with.

With that done he searched his body for a signal, a pull or a tug in a certain direction, a gut feeling, maybe even a sign... Nothing. He turned around slowly, searching for a distinct feeling. There was a slight pull at his gut, a tightness when facing some directions, but nothing strong enough to advance precious energy toward. He turned again, and again. A wave of fear passed through him, made him shiver even, as the full impact of the situation dawned on him. But what had he learned about fear? Not to be tempted by it, as it would only lead to worse conditions. But on the positive side it was a signal to monitor your thoughts, and focus only on what was wanted. So he dwelled on thoughts of comfort, of cool and refreshing water, of the luxury of shade, and of finding the Apache scout who could lead him out of this hell.

OK, he was creating in a positive direction. Now, where was the guidance? Why wasn’t this body responding? "Be what you seek," came the voice again on the wind. This time he looked around and caught a slight movement in the periphery of his vision. Was he being stalked by the clever old scout? He scanned the landscape, there was no place to hide… Back to more immediate concerns. What had he heard on the wind? "Be what you seek," replayed in his mind like a recording. By now the sun was beating down in relentless waves, and the single most important need was water. A body could not survive here without it. He figured that something was hinting: be the water. Well, that was at least some sort of guidance. He focused all his thought on the feeling of water. A picture of bubbly, flowing water filled his mind, its slippery coolness rushed over and around him as he floated like a bug on its buoyant surface. Forgetting his body, he allowed his feeling to flow out into the imagined water, expanding in a circle, becoming one with the refreshing liquid he so desperately sought. Soon he was a lazy ribbon of flowing wetness, cascading over rocks, slipping over fallen trees, following the gentle curves of the shore. Ever changing yet always the same. He was one with the water--

The clap of distant thunder brought him back to himself. His eyes popped open and his nostrils caught a wisp of moisture on the air. Then a feeling of direction came, a pull to the right, like a compass needle come alive. There was no question. This was the signal he had wanted, and that was where he had to go -- it was roughly in the direction of the thunder.

The trek was long and difficult, each hundred yards seemed a mile. He ambled along, several times stumbling to the ground. The air was oppressive, it drew moisture and energy from his body like water from a sponge. His lungs ached from dehydration. But far ahead on the distant horizon was a sign of hope. A single storm cloud, a thunder cell, was sprouting up from the ground like a mushroom. As time passed it thickened, becoming darker. There would be water there soon, but how far ahead was it? He trekked onward like a man possessed by an alluring mirage.

An hour passed and he seemed no closer. By now the storm cloud had reached maturity and was spending itself on the needy ground below; but it was miles ahead, still out of reach. In frustration he fell to the ground -- and fell fast asleep.

It was almost dark when he woke. The terrible heat was receding, being replaced by cooler air falling from the heights above. He squinted. A faint light flickered ahead on the horizon. He stood up and tried to focus his eyes, but the lack of moisture made his vision blurry. There was only one way to identify its source. Go to it.

It was much easier traveling in the dark. The sleep had refreshed him and now the cool air was infusing vigor back into his reluctant body. Each step added strength and new hope. The light flickered, seeming to nurture somehow … and his guidance agreed, sending waves of encouragement.

Approaching the light from a hundred yards he could finally identify the source as a campfire. A lone figure sat there staring into the golden blaze. "Hello," called Galen from a distance, not wanting to startle the contemplative man. His host looked up and gave a nonchalant arm gesture. It was a signal to approach. At twenty yards the figure became identifiable. It was an old Indian. Galen’s heart speeded. Was it the Apache scout?

"Come. I’ve been expecting you," greeted the old one in a soft voice. Galen recognized it immediately as the voice on the wind. The man was sitting on a stone, draped in a light weave blanket. He was barefoot, wearing jeans shredded by age, shirtless, his hair was a rich luster, reaching shoulder length. His chiseled features were classic Native American, lined with wrinkles, parched like the dry desert, but his eyes were clear as pools of water. "You must be thirsty," he said, handing Galen a tin cup half filled with water. "Fresh from the sky," he added. "Mother has been generous today, likely in your honor."

"Thanks. I know your voice," Galen suggested. "Wasn’t it you who whispered to me?" The elder nodded. "How did you do it? I saw no one near me."

"Oh, just my trick of invisibility. Not real invisibility, as you know it, but a blending with Mother so complete, it allows me to walk behind in another’s tracks without them noticing. Pretty good trick, huh?"

"Yes it is, for sure." He looked into the fire, then back at the old man. "I have come to learn the secrets of Inner guidance … but I’d be curious to learn this trick of invisibility as well."

"Of course you realize, it is not just a trick of the mind. There is more, and I will share the secret with you." He stared into the embers and began a story. "After years of living alone in the desert, examining the tracks and habits of her wonderful creatures, and being very cautious of their keen senses while stalking them, one day I discovered they could not see or hear me as before. This made me wonder a long time. I finally figured out that one who lives so close to the raw life of nature, loving it … that, in time he becomes that life -- blending into the very environment that sustains him. In other words you become what you love, what you have the strongest feelings for. That is what led to my discovery of invisibility. I found that when I wanted, I could trick the senses of the animals by flowing my feelings into the scenery, the landscape. When this happens you are not really invisible, but instead, you block the animal’s sense of your image and presence. This takes practice -- a feeling practice. Start with something simple like a plant. Feel yourself into it. What do you feel as a plant consciousness? Feel its leaves soaking up the light, its roots absorbing food and moisture from the soil, its stalk flowing with life and nutrients… Then, feel yourself flow into the soil. What does it feel like to be earth? the rocks? How does the wind and sun affect your slow, lazy consciousness? Then flow into the air. Feel its lightness, its movement as wind. How does it feel to flow about the plants and trees? Gradually you feel yourself into the whole landscape ... and when you achieve the proper blending, you achieve invisibility. The animals do not notice you because you are the living landscape."

"I know it must take lots of practice to flow into the landscape," offered Galen. "I have learned to merge with one thing at a time, like a tree … but becoming the whole landscape is another matter. Thank you for sharing that, I will try it... but now, to the purpose of my visit. I want to learn about the Inner guidance we all have, but rarely use." He looked around into the ocean of darkness. "I think that life for most people is like the darkness out there. We stumble around looking for some thing, anything to give life meaning, and only a few ever find it. I think that real guidance, from inside the very person who seeks, can make a great difference."

"You are right," he said. "Everyone has their own path, and it is only by following one’s true feelings, that the path is ever found. I’m sure you already know this." He took Galen’s cup, got up and went to one side of the lean-to shelter behind them. He returned with another cup of water. "Here, drink it slowly, your body is probably dehydrated." He sat back down and looked into the fire. Galen noted he was quite agile for one his age.

"You know, son, I plan to leave this world soon, to seek my place in the higher worlds of Great Spirit. My path has been long, but the journey was always sweet because I trusted my feelings; they never once let me down. It is comforting to know that a young man with a strong spiritual nature, as you are, will receive my last teachings … the wisdom I’ve gained by living alone with nature. The circle will be complete. And I wish you to share these teachings with your people ... my hope is they are ready to shed the illusions and fairy tales they have held to, like children, for so long. We are all brothers and sisters in Spirit, and it is time to return to the simple truths."

Galen saw the old man had a tendency to ramble, but who wouldn’t after living alone in the desert -- his words were nonetheless sincere, and ripe with the inner knowing.

"First I must speak of the source behind the guidance. We each have a wonderful guardian angel, ever watchful and full of compassion; it has knowledge of all things. There is nothing it does not know about you, indeed it knows you better than you do, and there is nothing in the world that is hidden from its view. This Being is in total agreement with everything you do. There is no judgment from its viewpoint, no right or wrong. When you make a decision about something, it offers instant advice, through feelings, about how that blends with your personal path -- your truth. If it does not blend, you will feel uneasy somehow, it might be physical, or it might be emotional. If you ignore the feelings and do it anyway, you will still learn a lesson. Nothing is ever lost. You either learn the easy way or the hard way, it is each person’s decision. If you do follow the guidance however, the path will be easier and the journey sweet with surprises. This watchful guardian, you know, has a personal stake in your evolution. In fact your growth is tied to its growth … because it is your true self. It lives in a place of pure positive feeling -- it never touches the negativity that you know. Some say it is the future self that each of us grows into … and some say that you already are what it is -- if only you would accept the possibility. But whatever it is, its guidance can always be trusted to steer you in the right direction."

"Is this guidance the same as conscience?" Galen asked.

"No, I would not say so. Conscience is a cluster of beliefs in the subconscious, trained by society and religion, and by your parents. It contains rules and laws, views of right and wrong, good and evil, should do’s and shouldn’t do’s. This is all negative guidance, it makes you feel bad. Guilt and fear are tools of Conscience. Real guidance, on the other hand, is never judgmental, never scolding. It guides with a positive approach, like a carrot on a stick. When you are about to make a bad mistake, something that will harm you maybe, the guidance steers you away from that harm by forgetfulness, or by bringing thoughts into mind that distract you just long enough to take you past the danger. Or, it might even give you a sign that can’t be ignored. Its warnings are always of a positive nature, they never try to scare or frighten you. Let’s have an example:

"Suppose you are in a car going to work, it is along the same route you take every day. But on this morning, at a certain intersection, there is about to be a terrible accident. You drive happily along, unaware of the danger before you, and quite by accident you miss the turnoff you’ve always taken. For some reason you just forgot, you didn’t see it, or your mind was distracted by other thoughts. You pound your fist on the wheel, but it turns out very fortunate, as you learn later, because if not for that lapse of awareness it might have been your accident. This is how positive guidance works. It does not scare or make you feel bad, it just keeps you out of trouble -- if that is your intention. Others may be attracted to such danger by their own belief, or carelessness, and that is their decision."

"What about guidance in the form of signs, what kind of signs?"

"Anything that gets your attention and has special meaning to you." He reflected a moment. "I once knew a great warrior, his name is still in your legends. Anyway, he had great courage; he was never intimidated by an enemy of great numbers, whether they be the Army or warriors from other tribes. He was so elusive of capture, that stories of his so-called mystical powers grew into feared legends. Trackers, including myself, were sent out to find him, but he always had a trick in store and was able to get away; and he always left a sign to let us know we had been outsmarted: a crow’s feather. To him the crow stood for wisdom and trickery, its cunning ways made it the smartest.

"After he was finally captured and sent to a prison camp, I had a chance to talk with him. You see, it was me who tracked him down in the first place, and I guess he came to respect that. During our talks he told me how he had eluded so many for so long. This was something I had already figured out, for the most part, and that was how I finally outsmarted him. The crow had been his personal omen. When danger was near, a crow would appear and circle above him. When it left, he would always note its direction of flight, and follow. A perfect hiding place was always there, usually within a few miles. But before he left, he would leave a crow’s feather ... then circle back a few days later to read the tracks of his pursuers. This habit was his downfall. One night I had a dream (which is also a sign) that showed me how he always doubled back to check the tracks. So I waited for him the next time, hiding behind a rock. I knew he was too shrewd to just fall into a trap, so I needed a ploy to confuse him, if only for a few seconds. I left a dead crow where he had left the feather. When he saw it he was too confused to move, wondering what this sign could mean. I stepped out from my hiding place with a big gun, and he surrendered. We did not speak again until we reached the prison camp. This story shows how Inner guidance can become a sign; like the crow, the sign was a personal omen from Inner Being."

"Then the Inner Self can affect physical things," observed Galen.

"The Inner Self can influence the outer but it prefers not to be so bold, usually. It really depends on intent, the agreement you make with your Inner being. Intent is what springs guidance into action, gives it direction. If you intend something general, like ‘always being in the right place at the right time,’ you will be steered to things that will benefit you. If you direct it to more specific things like ‘a black bird means danger,’ then that becomes your personal sign to be aware and be cautious whenever you see one. Intent makes the agreement, and Inner Being tries to comply. If your intent does not blend with your truth, then the response you receive will be negative feeling. It never fails. Feedback is offered on almost all thoughts and decisions, if you will only listen."

"I see," Galen broke in, "but I’m puzzled about one thing. How do you tell the difference between feelings that come from guidance, and feelings that come from other belief systems like conscience? And what about feelings that encourage destructive behaviors like overeating and taking drugs? Don’t they feel good too?"

"I see you listen carefully. Good. At first it is difficult to tell the difference. The signals feel much the same. This is where logic and awareness are useful. It is good to try many new things for the experience of it, and Inner Being usually prompts you to do so, but anything that has a strong downside, is not good for you. Your logic tells you to avoid it in the future; your awareness shows you, you’re hurting yourself. But because people are different, each must discover for himself what is good and what is not. Some can eat lots of food with no problem; it leads others to serious physical and emotional problems. Some can tolerate drugs that kill pain and give a high, and it is something that benefits them in the short term; while others get easily hooked and slide into a totally destructive lifestyle. Logic and willpower must be applied in such cases, even though the signals from your body are tempting you to go ahead. These signals are tricky, but there is a way to tell when they are not coming from guidance.

"Remember that guidance is always positive, because it comes from a place of pure positive feeling. Whenever you feel fear, or guilt, or doubt you can be sure it is coming from a trained belief -- trained from outside and something you can do without anyway. A nagging feeling or uneasiness is to be looked at though. This can be a valid signal from guidance that something is not right, it does not fit, so take a closer look. It is also a signal that you’re mis-creating, which alerts you to change your thought. Uneasiness, and all negative emotion for that matter, is felt whenever you venture outside the range of natural ‘feel good’ vibrations of the Inner Self. Your own thought is what attunes you to, or blocks you from, that positive flow. When a thought blends with the truth of your Inner Self, positive energy flows and you feel good. When a thought does not blend, you feel bad, because you are feeling the absence of your source. Not that it disconnects from you, but instead, you disconnect from it. Wanting to feel good, and finding thoughts that keep you there, will always keep you within the influence of your own source.

"If you really want to be sensitive to signals coming from your guidance, you must intend it so. Make an agreement with your Inner Self, be patient as you learn to feel the subtle difference in the signals, and test it often by using it on everything. Once achieved, you will have the greatest ally and teacher that a person could want."

They had talked through the night and the sun was about to break the horizon, bringing another day of scorching heat. Shadow Wolf, as the old tracker had once been called, suggested Galen catch a few hours of sleep under the lean-to. His body was still adjusting – so he didn’t argue.

Sleep was peaceful and deep, though he was having a dream of flying through space, being pulled from planet to planet by an energy cord attached to his stomach. At times the cord pulled hard making his stomach sore and tight, at other times it stretched like the finest latex, being so sensitive that he felt an almost sensual attachment to the object it connected to.

When he woke up, Shadow Wolf was sitting there, peering at him. "About time you woke, son. You must have been having a rousing good dream. Something sexual?"

"Almost," Galen answered. The old scout listened carefully as Galen related his dream and the graphic elements.

"A very telling dream, and meaningful too," was his comment. "The feeling center is in the stomach, as you described. When you have a strong feeling about something, a vortex of energy begins to spin in this place, which is also called the solar plexus. If the thought is held, the vortex spins tightly and weaves a cord of energy that reaches out to connect the object of your thought. You could say that thought directs, and feeling connects. This is how guidance connects to the outside. If there is someplace you want to travel to, or something you want more information about, or something or someone you want to connect with, then this is what you do: Hold as clear a thought of the place, the object, or subject as you can possibly imagine, then allow feeling to reach out and connect with it. The feeling must be strong though. When the link is made, you use your gut feelings as a guide. The stomach is very sensitive and responds easily, making it a natural receiver of information. You have heard of hunches and gut reactions, yes? That’s all part of guidance--

"Let me think of something easy for you to relate to. Suppose you are late for an appointment with someone you’d really like to impress, but it seems that everything is going wrong. A telephone call delays your departure, the traffic is slow, and then you have a flat tire. Do you know how your stomach would feel? Probably tense and tied in a knot. Close your eyes and recall exactly how your stomach might react, how it would feel. This is the same signal that Inner Being would send, to tell you that something is not right. Now suppose that you finally arrive at the appointment and find the person completely understanding of your problem. There is no judgment of your actions, and all is accepted. Your stomach begins to relax and loosen, the energy flows smoothly again and all is well. Now recall that exact feeling of the stomach letting go. That is the signal Inner Being would use to let you know the rightness of your choice, or of your thought, or of your action. A simple system of guidance, yes? And it always works."

With that the elder got up, walked to the lean-to and began packing a small knapsack. He carefully wrapped a few cherished items, placing them in the sack, and returned to his curious student. "We will play a little game," he said, "something like a treasure hunt, or a game of hide-and-seek. Give a one hour head start, then come looking for me. Use the guidance as I taught you … let your stomach be your guide." He left the campsite without a word.

Galen sat and thought, he thought about all the things they’d talked about through the night, and all the things he’d learned in the last, what was it? three days now? Taken together it comprised a complete philosophy of inter-linked parts, each part dovetailing into the next. It was intricate, but simple too. There seemed to be a common thread that ran through the whole philosophy -- the outrageous notion of feeling good. It was a magical place to be. He tried to make a mental list of all the advantages of feeling good. First, it was a natural state, a feeling place where the Inner Self resides. To feel good, was to be blended with your inner self. To be blended was to be protected, to have infallible guidance, to have an unrestricted flow of creative life force, to be connected to ALL THAT IS. Feeling good about a thing, anything, keeps you on its good side, the positive aspect of its essence. It provides a sanctuary, a place of retreat and rejuvenation. It inspires health and well-being. Feeling good gives an overwhelming sense of self empowerment and freedom. It is a positive state of mind that attracts, by the Law of Attraction, even more things to make you feel good about; while repelling all things negative. It dissolves the blockages left by fear, guilt, and doubt. It reveals your personal truth. He had to agree--

NOTHING is more important than to FEEL GOOD!

The sun was rising higher, along with the heat. Galen got up to look for water. His new teacher had left a small animal bladder of water hanging from the side of the shelter. A plastic tube ran from a collector on top of the lean-to, down into the leathery sack. It held fresh water from last night’s rain. He disconnected it from the collector and strapped it over a shoulder; they’d both need the precious contents later. It was time to venture onward, into the foreboding landscape.

Without thinking he started off in a certain direction. It was not in the direction his mentor had left. Why this way? he asked himself, concluding shortly that it just felt right -- the path of least resistance. As a test, he turned in a different direction. A tightness knotted his stomach. Trying each of several directions, the results were conclusive: only one way felt right. That way caused his stomach to relax, it flowed with expansive energy. He wondered why he had never discovered this simple guidance on his own. Knowing a truth was the first step. There really was power in knowledge, but an open mind was necessary, followed by practice.

The farther he traveled, the stronger the flow became. It was spinning, like Shadow Wolf said, flowing out and connecting with the object of thought. In this case, the teacher himself.

He guessed that the closer he got to the target, the stronger the flowing sensation. This was easy, he thought to himself, as each step brought him more confidence... But then, without warning, he lost it… All flow stopped.

What had happened? He turned in different directions trying to re-make the contact. Nothing. It all felt the same. His throat was dry so he reached for the watersack, taking a few slow swallows. A flock of migrating birds flew overhead in V-formation, their track pointing south. It reminded him of his former freedom in the "light" body. The air was thick and hot, as visible waves of heat rose from the sandy surface, seeking their own balance high above. What could he do? He thought and thought ... and then intended some. He scanned the horizons, focusing as far away as his eyes permitted. And that’s when he saw the tiny form of a man, sitting upright, hundreds of yards away. Was it Shadow Wolf? Just as he asked the question, his guidance sparked to life again. It was yes, without question.

When he got closer he called out, but there was no response... Galen found him sitting up, draped in a white linen, next to an open shallow grave. He was dead.

He positioned the lifeless body in the grave, respectfully folding his hands over the medicine bag he wore around his neck, then covered him with sand and rocks in the old Apache tradition. He said a few words of respect, in honor of a life that had benefited many, then he walked away. There was no sadness. He knew the old one had found his reward.



Twelve

"Judge Not, Allow"

The final tribute delivered, Galen walked away. He felt an odd tearing apart sensation; all his molecules were separating, swirling around like a hive of disturbed bees. A sparkling vortex of energy encircled his body, and he found himself traveling the ethers back to the portal in Albuquerque. One body had dissolved again … the other awaited return of its wandering consciousness.

As usual Rufus was there to greet him, and help in the re-adjustment to a different body state. Galen felt a merging and an acceleration as his light body grew enervated. It was like coming home to a soft, warm, already broken-in place of your own. Nothing could feel quite as natural. "Another exciting adventure?" quizzed Rufus as he rubbed the temples of Galen’s head.

His senses returning, Galen answered, "Yes, it was very enlightening ... I guess you know about Shadow Wolf. He’s gone on to his reward in Great Spirit, wherever that may be."

"I know. It was part of the Plan. He waited many years to meet you, to pass on to you his unique blend of character and wisdom. His sacrifice will be part of you always."

"For me? He waited for me? Why me?" Galen felt a growing gulf of pressure.

Rufus glanced up at the sparkling cave ceiling, then turned his eyes back to Galen. "Some parts of the Plan are very specific, son. You represent a sort of marker in the mass consciousness, a measure of the state of human evolution. As your consciousness is raised by certain knowledge and understandings, so too will be the conscious evolution of humanity. It’s like that hundredth monkey, in the monkey mass-consciousness, that suddenly developed a skill never seen before. It changed the consciousness of the entire monkey species. I’m not comparing monkeys to humans but your understandings will do the same for the human species."

"That’s quite a responsibility." Galen shifted nervously. "Why didn’t you tell me before?"

"For that very reason. You might have been too self conscious to absorb the teachings. The impact on your personal consciousness is very important to this process -- it makes a permanent imprint on your DNA, which has an impact on all human DNA. The human race, from this time on, will never be quite the same. People will find it easier to shed their adult fantasies and superstitions, like Fate and Religion, for the simple truths of Being. Everyone can be self empowered, while allowing others to seek their own version of truth without judgment or prejudice. And this is the teaching that we now begin, it’s probably the most important of all teachings, and possibly the most difficult for people to master. It is of course called Allowing."

They were back inside the cave where Galen’s light body had slumbered during his absence. The soothing yellow-green light from the glowing fungi and the heightened atmosphere provided the background to absorb this important teaching.

"To begin, I would describe allowing as a state of mind totally absent of negative emotion, discomfort, or need of any kind. I would call it the ultimate feel-good state of being. A person fortunate enough to dwell in this place has unlimited freedom, continual joy, and a sense of total amazement with reality. They can say with absolute certainty: ‘I am unique in all the world, I love what I am, and I allow all others to be what they are.’

"But in this world of judgment and comparison, that’s not an easy attitude to attain. It is won only by the strictest discipline, though well worth the effort to find. Such a person is elevated to the realm of super-consciousness, an elusive wonderland of magic and excitement. As I said before, only a handful of people have awakened to this reality, and they are leading the way for humanity to experience it too. Those who choose this option would find the following ideas helpful:

"Not allowing springs from a basic instinct, the instinct for survival. We have been raised to believe that everything has a limit and there’s only so much stuff to go around. This is a belief called scarcity. If we allow every one to do what they please (the belief assumes) it is just human nature that they will take the most for themselves, and leave little or nothing for others. ‘The early bird gets the worm.’ So everyone rushes around trying to get theirs first, while maybe putting a little away for a rainy day. Sound familiar? Of course this is all based on the false belief of scarcity. Others are viewed as a threat and we must always be on guard around them -- except for a small circle of family or friends. ‘We must not allow these outsiders to do as they please, because if they do they surely will take what is ours.’ This is probably the root cause of all judgment and prejudice; it does not help us, but instead, it keeps us imprisoned. When you feel the constant pressure of guardedness, what is your state of being? Your being is feeling lack and you are focused on lack -- and that is what you are attracting. Not allowing translates into negative emotion, which always binds you to the negative. Allowing has the opposite effect, it frees you.

"Going further, allowing is not the same as tolerating. A person who tolerates a wrong does not seem to react … but he does, he reacts within with negative emotion. That still binds him, although it doesn’t show. One who truly allows, feels no negativity, he is free. If one can go through life with no emotional attachment to negatives, then that life and that person is free without condition. There is no fear, guilt, doubt, or any other negative emotion to tie them down or hold them back. Unlimited freedom is their constant companion.

"Another way to develop an allowing attitude is to realize that no one creates in your reality, except you. Others may try to influence your creations, but only you choose to allow their influence. Always use guidance to test outside influence. If it feels good then allow it, otherwise ignore it. When you are secure in this knowing, that no one else can create in your sandbox (reality), then you can drop the guardedness. It’s no longer needed. There is more than enough for every person to have all that they want … if they will just create it for themself. If you see something that another has, and you want it too, then create a duplicate for yourself; and because it is imprinted with your own unique energy, it will be yours without question. With this simple realization, guardedness drops and allowing soon follows. Always believe in the bounty of the Universe, believe in plenty, and drop the illusion of scarcity.

"You have learned there is good and bad in everything; every thing in physical creation has a good side and a bad side. By looking for and focusing on the good side -- the good side to you -- you draw out that which is pleasing to you. If you know someone who always seems to irritate you, you can be sure that you’re not allowing. Instead of tolerating this person, which is not allowing, change them into something more pleasing. Search for their positive aspects, and when you find the things that please you, focus on those and literally draw them out. The person will transform before your eyes and then it will be easy to allow them.

"Allowing is a crucial part of the creation formula. Before anything created by thought becomes a reality, it must be allowed. You know this truth well by now. Intend it, allow it, it is. Allowing provides the positive state of consciousness that nurtures the thought and stimulates its growth. It places the embryonic thought in the flow of creative life force; whereas any distraction or doubt removes it from that sustaining flow. Allowing does the same for a person’s life. It places them in the flow of nurturing life force which magnifies all positive aspects of that life. Never forget, it’s all about feeling good."

Galen gestured, signaling a question. "I should already know the answer to this, but what about crime? If everyone were allowed to do whatever they pleased, wouldn’t the criminals just get out of control?"

"No, they would not. It goes back to the belief in scarcity, which your society holds as truth. Since that is the predominant belief, that is what is experienced as reality. If the belief in scarcity could be changed to a belief in plenty instead, the whole concept of crime and the need for punishment would vanish. If everyone knew they could create for themselves whatever they wanted, there would be no need to take from others, or even to harm others. Everyone would be left alone to do their own thing, to follow their own truth, to create whatever they pleased. That would be the ultimate outcome of allowing. It’s an experiment that has never been tried in society because too many are fearful of allowing to that degree. They do not trust human nature because they do not trust themselves. I believe the founders of this country, who by the way were well connected to these teachings, fully intended to try this experiment of allowing. The Constitution and Bill of Rights were designed to allow maximum freedom and the pursuit of happiness (feeling good) to all, in equal measure. But somewhere along the line this grand intent became corrupted. The influence of complex and inconsistent religious beliefs, in all probability, is what corrupted that original intent. Religious beliefs do not allow, they restrict, and though most followers would have you believe otherwise, they are first to judge, to label right or wrong. Such restrictive influence is predominant even in today’s rational society, but it is so subtly disguised as "good" that no one dares question it as truth. The time has come to question though, and it begins with you."

Galen nodded and looked down, still unsure of the heavy responsibility suddenly thrust on him. He decided that ‘why me?’ was too narrow a focus. From a larger perspective it could have been anyone, after all we are all One, but since it was his number that came up (likely 100) he would do the best that he could. The bonus was that he had found the secret of life, something he’d attracted by his very own thought.

"Judgment is an ugly creature with many heads," Rufus continued. "It is quite the opposite of allowing. Those who judge are digging up the bones of their own guilt and fears. Have you noticed that those who criticize loudest are themselves guilty of the very thing they criticize? A good example is the preacher who condemns prostitution, and those who use it; he’s found later to be delighting in the forbidden fruits himself. There are many examples of this kind of hypocrisy coming to light these days.

"Along similar lines is the idea of resistance. ‘Whatever you resist, you make more of.’ The very thing you want to make disappear, seems to stick like flypaper the more you fight it. Flick it with a finger, and it clings to that finger; use a hand to pull it off, and both hands get stuck; use the feet to kick it off, and they get stuck too. Soon the whole body is entangled in a sticky wad. The same thing happens to an unsuspecting insect in a spider’s web. The point is, don’t resist what you don’t want. Either allow the Law of Change to flow it out of your life, or reverse your thought to what is wanted instead. If you don’t want it, don’t think about it. It’s as easy as that.

"This society is quick to declare war on the things it fears. You have the war on drugs, the war on major diseases, the war on crime, the war on poverty, and so on. Thanks to a subtle shift in world consciousness the Cold War has come to a close. And this signals a shift in the old ideas about war and resistance. You now live in a new age of consciousness, where the old ways of using force to solve problems no longer works. The war in Vietnam began the first lesson of this new paradigm. Since then, people and governments have been discovering the flypaper paradox: that resistance leads to more of whatever is resisted. All the negative results of war-on this, and war-on that, will persist as long as great attention is placed on them. Solutions will come only when the focus is placed on what is wanted, and not attacking the problem with direct force. There’s a fine line of distinction here, but it is critical in the realm of consciousness. The lesson is to focus on the solution, not the problem; think about what is wanted, not about what is needed. Need and want are opposites in consciousness and they attract two totally different experiences. Need gives the feeling of lack, attracting more of that; whereas want gives the feeling of joy, attracting that instead. A simple but crucial distinction."

Rufus rose to his feet and motioned for Galen to follow. They walked back to the main cavern and sat down again inside the sand circle. The air was cool and the energies bubbled like spring water gushing from a deep source. Rufus slipped into his customary silence and Galen watched the flickering atmosphere for signs of change.

The feeling of massive presence filled the room as the voice of the Keeper echoed through the chamber. "You have learned much about life in a short time, my son, and soon you will return to your world. It will be a different place than before, because of your allowing. One more lesson remains however and it will be found at the site of your first dimensional excursion. You will again travel back to the time of the Ancient Ones, before their transition to the higher realms. Their culture was one of the most successful experiments in allowing, and the reason why a mass ascension of the entire community was possible. Their example was lost to history, but with your exposure to their influence, some of that example may be reclaimed. Go now and learn, that you may share."

His senses detected a flash of light, a numbing vacuum, a rush along a stream of energy, and then a settling (of molecules) as he emerged once more into that far place and time. Shifting into the new perspective, he found himself standing in a deep valley gorge, surrounded by high sandstone cliffs that nestled a myriad of cave dwellings. It was the home of the Ancient Ones. He was back, but so much wiser than before.

There were people everywhere, though none noticed his ghostly form. Something was different this time. The mood of the people was very festive: there was dancing and celebration, food servers offered sample treats, and there was a long line of spiritual aspirants waiting entry into the main ceremonial kiva. Children played games of tag, and young adults played games of kickball with unripe fruit. It was obvious that this was a special day for the whole community, but Galen could not guess what the occasion was about. A crackling sound to his right drew Galen’s attention to the manifesting form of a human. It was Rufus. His faithful guide had come again to explain what was not obvious, at least not to the understanding of a future visitor.

"Glad you joined me," Galen spoke with relief in his voice. "I think there’s a holiday of some sort going on here."

"You are right, of course. They call it the Festival of Renewal. Once each year they meet individually with an elder to assess their progress and redefine their wants for the coming year. Since new wanting always brings new joy, it is an important aspect of a productive life. The guidance of an elder is useful in this assessment. A special initiation is also performed during the session, much like the one the Keeper offered to you … the question is posed: ‘If you had only three days left on earth, and in those three days you could be, or do, or have anything you wanted, what would you choose?’ Their answer causes an out-of-body excursion to an alternate reality, one where they can sample the feelings of that choice. If the choice is useful and validated by Inner Being, it becomes the basis of a new perspective to be lived out to the fullest expression. Otherwise, the previous perspective will be presumed incomplete, and will be returned to, but with renewed energy and fresh enthusiasm. This three day festival not only renews the spirit of each individual, it also renews the culture’s commitment to the philosophy of allowing and the goal of feeling good always. If every society could be modeled on a similar commitment to its people, the earth would be a heaven-world in its own expression … a classroom where the hardiest of souls developed reasoning, discipline, and courage to the maximum degree … graduating the greatest, most joyful explorer / creators in the whole Cosmos. That’s what was intended for this world, but so far it’s only a dim memory in the genes, still unrealized. But maybe that possibility is closer to manifesting now. We’ll have to wait and see."

Rufus led him inside the ceremonial kiva. It was much larger than the one he’d visited before; it stood about ten feet high above ground, and descended another ten feet below. It had a diameter of over a hundred feet. Inside the air was cool and charged; it was a holy place where the elders performed their seeming magical ceremonies, and as such, the vibrations were rich and spiritual. Galen noticed stone coffin-like structures (sarcophagus’) situated in each of the four cardinal directions. They sat mostly below the surface of the clay floor, where the "initiated" lay horizontal but below floor level. All were occupied. An elder stood or kneeled over each pit, guiding the process while watching the subject. As each candidate finished, the elder drew a spiral circle on the forehead … they embraced in a shared moment of joy, then another candidate was motioned to come forward. It was all very orderly, but seemed highly ritualized.

"Was this a religious ceremony?" asked Galen. "I thought they did not favor repetitive, habitual rituals and ceremony."

"No, it is not religious; and you’re right, they were against ritual practices because those repeatable acts shifted power away from Being. The act, in time, becomes a meaningless habit performed without thought or feeling. But what you witness here is a spiritual practice, it allows for the spontaneity of full spiritual response. You should understand there is a huge and important difference between religious belief and spiritual practice.

Religion sees man as separated from God, and only through the mediation of a Chosen One may God be reached … the spiritual however views man as a reflection of God who is always accessible directly. Religion pays homage to and worships human personalities -- usually the deceased founder -- as their link to God. The spiritual celebrates all life as the One life of God. Religion believes in sin and punishment; the spiritual recognizes all experience as valid learning. Religion relies on ritual and ceremony to numb the reasoning mind, to keep its followers sedate and unquestioning; most spiritual practices however strive to awaken both the reasoning mind and the higher centers of brain function, as well. Religion fosters conformity and sameness; spiritual practice encourages individual uniqueness and urges the seeking of freedom and truth. In general, each religion is restrictive and stuck to its past by holy writings; while spirituality is spontaneous, free, and allowing.

"There are many other obvious differences, and all must be handled with respect and allowing. These beliefs touch the very core of a person’s being and cannot be casually swept away, or sharply dislodged by reason. In the grand scheme of things all is allowed and all is of benefit to the evolution of the soul. The teachings of true spirituality always become available to those who are ready, giving the option to choose, or not."

"Then the significance of the spiral circle drawn on the forehead--?" Galen started to ask.

"Is to reaffirm," Rufus carried the thought, "that all life flows joyfully from the same source, God. That even those things considered not alive are made from the living substance of God and are therefore alive in their own way. That all of creation, known and unknown, is made from that God-stuff -- and that which is not, IS NOT. The spiral circle is the circle of life, growing and changing but always the same.

"And that is the reason we do not judge. All things are in and of God. To judge a thing as bad, or different, or beneath anything else, is to judge God. When you are tempted to judge, recognize that this too is of God, that it stands on holy ground. Simply remind yourself, IT IS, and let it go at that. Allow, Allow, Allow..."

They watched as people renewed themselves, recommitting their lives to the awe and the mystery of the One true God. As one cheery soul after another rose from the shallow pit, it reminded Galen of the real meaning of "being born again." This was life, it was everlasting -- and it was meant to be fun!

Rufus began to comment... then his voice turned hollow and deep. It sounded much like the Keeper. As Galen noted this irregularity, the scene before him started to shift and waver. His mind seemed numb, suspended in a sticky glue. He closed his eyes and felt the familiar jolt of acceleration. They were suddenly back in the Cave.

"Our time together is coming to a close," he heard the Keeper say. "The portal is closing for another cycle, yet it is always accessible to those of the brotherhood of truth. You now have the key, though you may not know what you have ... yet."

Galen opened his eyes and saw his mentor standing in the circle. The presence of the Keeper circled over and around him in a glorious golden light. It finally dawned on Galen -- Rufus was the physical aspect, the human aspect, of the Keeper of Secrets!

He felt a buzz in the center of his skull, his consciousness fogged, and everything went black.

#

One morning a man woke up ... and although there was no reason, he just felt really good! On the night stand next to the bed lay an eagle’s feather with a golden stem. Then he remembered…

THE END





"Galen’s Journal"

In October of 1994 I woke up to a new world. It started as I emerged from sleep and found myself engulfed in the most marvelous, euphoric feelings imaginable. They intensified as I focused on them … and soon I was floating in a sea of ecstasy.

Following an urge to ascend the sacred mountains behind my home, I followed the footpath to a level almost a thousand feet below the crest. A circling eagle caught my eye, and suddenly I was catapulted into the mind and consciousness of this wonderful creature. For a mere few seconds I understood the meaning of pure consciousness, unrestricted by the illusions of limitation. The eagle knew ultimate freedom -- and for those few seconds so did I.

This mind-merge with another creature was my key; it opened the door to a hidden world of mystery and magic. For the first time I understood the meaning of life, and the unlimited power of the mind of man. The following are my personal notes, to serve as reminders of all I learned on this mystical odyssey of knowledge and power.

Personal Truth:

* Each person has a unique version of truth; it is something that each must uncover for themselves; it must be lived to fulfill individual destiny. We all have our own lessons to learn and by seeking our own truth we encounter what is needed. "To thine own self be true," is the whole of the law.

* Discovering one’s personal truth is an ongoing process and is the most important pursuit in a person’s life. Inner guidance must be trusted as infallible to steer one along the path of truth. What feels good is right; what feels bad is wrong (for you). Don’t let the societal and religious concept of Conscience interfere -- anything done out of guilt or fear is wrong.

* Overindulgence must be avoided, even though it feels good initially. Anything with an obvious downside must be tempered with logic, awareness, and will.

* Never judge another for living their truth. In this vast free-will universe, all is allowed. Don’t measure another by your version of truth.

* Serve only one master: "A man who serves others serves a few, but he who lives his truth serves all humanity." (From an ancient Tibetan text.)

The True Self:

* The invisible or hidden identity -- Inner Being. While we are physically focused, it acts as our guardian angel. Ever watchful, all-knowing and protective, it will assist in our endeavors if invited. It always seeks to guide, through the emotions, but will never interfere unless asked to do so specifically.

* The Inner Being is a god unto itself; it resides in a place of pure joy and has powers that are unlimited. As a projection of the hidden real God, it is our link to "All that is" and is our very own piece of divinity. No savior or intermediary is ever required.

* This higher self is not separated from us, it is us. In fact it is such an integral part, that without it we could not function. It is our awareness and will, and it provides the very life-force that we exist upon. It resides in the NOW and can be sensed through a "feeling state" devoid of thought.

* To get a sense of our whole Being, there are two aspects to consider: one is hidden, the other is visible. The hidden part is universal (part of the "All that is") it is the true essence of life. The visible part is focused in a specific time and place; it is learning lessons, developing character, and it provides individuality for the whole being. At death, the visible part withdraws to a higher dimension where it continues life with fewer limitations, still learning and doing, but in closer contact with its Inner being.

Inner Guidance:

* A continual source of communication from Inner Being that steers us infallibly toward personal truth and the fulfillment of our intentions. It communicates through feelings and emotions; sometimes through visions, omens, and the manipulation of physical (or mental) perceptions.

* Since we are always creating, Inner guidance gives constant feedback on whether or not we are creating what we truly want -- whether our creations are on a positive track, or if we’re creating something we do not want. If we would monitor the trend of our thoughts, it always relays the appropriateness of present thought to what is wanted. When our thoughts make us feel pleasure and uplift us, we are creating in a positive direction; when they make us feel uneasy somehow, or give a sense of displeasure in ourselves, we are creating in a negative direction.

* Whenever our feelings alert us to miscreating, we should stop the train of thought, then step back and ask ourself: "What do I want instead?" Realize that Inner guidance is telling you there’s something important here -- and it’s probably the opposite of what you’re thinking. Determine what it is, then focus on that until the Law of Attraction builds thought momentum toward what is desired. When the feelings turn positive again, you’re creating with momentum in a positive direction.

* To tell the difference between interfering Conscience and true Inner guidance, first determine if your feelings (which is the message from on high) are inspired from a sense of fear, guilt, or doubt. Conscience always guides by one of these three negative emotions. Inner guidance, on the other hand, will nudge you along with feelings of positive fulfillment -- much like the "carrot on a stick." It never seeks to frighten or scare.

Natural Creativity:

* "Birds fly, fish swim, man creates," as Grandfather said. It is what man does naturally in the scheme of things. Most creation however is accomplished without the conscious knowing of its creators. We create blindly then expend great effort, in action, responding to our negative creations. We are always plugged into the creative flow, always creating. Our thoughts and their corresponding feelings fashion the reality we experience. Those thoughts and feelings we entertain most often -- and thereby experience -- densify into beliefs. Our beliefs act as automatic creative mechanisms that reproduce themselves in our experience; they rubber-stamp their likeness in a variety of ways, but always limit our reality to the status quo.

* The secret of creation is: : "You get what you think about most, if you dwell on it with enough emotion, and if you think that it’s possible." The Formula for the above is:

THINK IT => FEEL IT => ALLOW IT … IT IS!

* Allowing is a crucial ingredient, most often overlooked. Other ways to express the "feel" of allowing are: believing, expecting, permitting, having faith in, accepting the possibility of, letting it be.
* Emotion is the creative life-force. Its source is from Inner Being. Without it there would be no creations. If strongly elicited it speeds our creations into manifestation.

* The twin laws that assist man in all his creations are: The Law of Attraction and The Law of Change. These are probably the only laws that truly affect man. He is otherwise unlimited.



Law of Attraction states: "Like attracts like." "That which is like unto itself is drawn." "Birds of a feather flock together." This law gives density to our thoughts and feelings, causing them to manifest in our reality. Whatever we focus on or give our attention to, we make more of.

Law of Change states: that "all things must change with time." It could also be called the ‘law of disintegration’ because it breaks down (with time) what has been created; it makes room for newer and better creations. What we no longer give our attention to, we no longer give energy to -- unwanted creations are left to disintegrate naturally.



Deliberate Creation:

* Once it is understood that we create all that we experience -- and we take full responsibility for it -- it is time to enter a whole new relationship with the world, as conscious creators. From this new perspective we let go the old concepts of luck, of odds and chance, of destiny and fate, and divine providence. In the old world these things were valid, because belief made them so. But in this higher worldview of self-destiny, we create exactly what we want, always following the promptings from Inner guidance, always on the path of personal truth.

* To create consciously we must reclaim all personal power surrendered to outside influences, especially to the mass mind of our particular culture. The first step is to question all obvious societal beliefs (usually disguised as good) testing them for personal truth with Inner guidance. Be wary of all beliefs that promote blind service to others, and "causes" that make you feel guilty for not acting. Realize that no one but you creates in your reality; that except for influence that you allow, your circle of personal reality is otherwise inviolable.

* A formula for deliberate creation can be derived from the first one. It is more powerful because it focuses more energy. By substituting ‘want’ for the ingredients ‘think’ and ‘feel’ in the original formula, we have the formula for deliberate creation:

WANT IT => ALLOW IT … IT IS!

* Want is a powerful agent that stirs the creative forces into rapid motion. It combines thought and emotion into a focused thoughtform.

* There is however an even more potent agent than want -- it’s most literal translation in the terms of consciousness, is ‘intent.’ It combines ‘want’ and ‘will’ into an irresistible thoughtform that manifests rapidly. We now have what’s called the Elixir of manifestation:

INTEND IT => ALLOW IT … IT IS!

* An act of intention focuses the attention like a beam of light through a magnifying glass. If it is clear and unopposed by doubt, there is nothing to stop it from manifesting.

* A strong intent is the only thing that blocks harmful influence – either outer or inner.

Controlling Thought:

* Thought is the first essential element of any creation. There is nothing in creation that was not first born of thought. Since we are always creating (with thought) it is necessary to take control of our wandering thoughts -- especially important for conscious creators. The following techniques are useful tools to help discipline thought, while keeping us in the mode of creating positively toward what we want. These tools are called Turn-abouts because they change the direction of thought flow.

1) Prospecting

An abbreviation for pro-aspecting. Looking for the pro (or positive) aspect in everything encountered. Since there is good and bad in everything, what we focus on is what we draw out. Ignore the bad. There is a particular societal belief that says it’s a cop-out to ignore a problem (to stick your head in the sand until it goes away) but that’s exactly what must be done to change it, using this technique. Focus on the pleasing aspects instead.

2) The Reversal

To be used whenever thoughts are spiraling out of control in a negative direction. The first alert comes from Inner guidance in the form of negative emotion. It’s telling you, "Hey, look at what you’re thinking -- I don’t think we want to create this!" Step back and stop the thoughts. Ask yourself, "What do I want instead?" It is probably the opposite of what you’ve been thinking about. Identify what it is, then ask yourself, "Why do I want this?" As you dwell on the why’s, you create clearer images and feelings of exactly what you do want. Soon, the Law of Attraction builds momentum and you’re creating in a positive direction.

3) Re-cycling

In everyday life we repeat numerous habitual actions, called event cycles; we do these the same way, at almost the same times, again and again. These habits lockup enormous stores of energy and limit our spontaneity (free-will choice). Once they are recognized, they can be unlocked and controlled. The energy freed can be recycled into new choices.

You first have to identify (be aware of) the cycle and give it a name. Each time you begin the cycle, put forth the ‘intent’ of what you want instead, what would better suit you. This act of intent, repeated at the start of the cycle will pre-pave the future, transforming the old cycle into a new one. It also blocks the influence of old habits and outworn beliefs.

And don’t just say the words (of your intent); you must see and feel exactly what you intend … and then allow.

Allowing:

* A truly magical state of Being. A state of mind devoid of negative emotion, discomfort, or need of any kind. The ultimate feel-good state of being. The fortunates who dwell in this place have unlimited freedom, continual joy, and a sense of total amazement with the world. "In the whole world only a few people are awake, and they live in a state of total, constant amazement."

* By allowing others to seek their own truth -- without judgment or prejudice -- we also allow ourselves. All the pain and limitation we experience in life is a direct result of not allowing ourselves. All judgment is self judgment because we project our faults and bitterness, with our self, onto others. An allowing person can say with certainty: "I am unique in all the world, I love what I am, and I allow all others to be what they are."

* Allowing detaches us from all negatives in the world. Our attention to anything (perceived as) negative attaches us to that thing like a fly to a spider’s web. By ignoring it, we deny it energy, and thereby deny it access to our reality. And allowing is not the same as tolerating -- to tolerate something causes a split of attention: half wants to ignore, but half is drawn back. That still binds us to it. To be free, we must allow!

* The belief in scarcity, and the guardedness it inspires, blocks an allowing attitude. The Universe is bountiful and friendly, with more than enough to satisfy every want of every person. But each individual must create for himself/ herself. Once this is realized, it becomes easier to allow.

* Allowing is a simple concept, with great potential rewards, but it is not easy for most people to master. Our society has raised us with too many irrational and limited beliefs -- causing us to be guarded -- they are difficult to shed because of peer pressure and manipulation by fear, guilt, and doubt. Those who break the mold will have to be courageous.

A Feel-Good Philosophy:

* The bottom line is, whenever you feel good you are feeling your wholeness. You are in a place of allowing Inner Being to blend with your physical being. This speeds your personal vibrations and gives a noticeable high.

* What happens when you just feel good:

1. You are closer to God, and connected to ‘All-that-is.’
2. You are aligned with and in the presence of Inner Being.
3. You are ‘in flow’ with the wellspring of creative essence.
4. You are protected; always in the right place at the right time.
5. You are in a place of health and well-being (the inner sanctuary).
6. You are creating in a positive direction, with positive momentum.
7. Your guidance is strong, in agreement with your thoughts.
8. You are closer to the true spirit of allowing.
9. You are self empowered; nothing it seems, can be denied you.
10. It dissolves fear, guilt, and doubt from consciousness.

THERE IS NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT THAN TO FEEL GOOD!

* To make this a workable philosophy, the following should be done each day until a pattern of new habits emerge:

1. Intend each day on waking that you will seek out and identify those things that make you feel good. This is the same as seeking your personal truth. From now on, this is the single most important duty of the day.
2. Follow your guidance. Be sensitive to your feelings and trust them above all else -- even over logic. Use your feelings to monitor the trend of your thoughts, to alert you immediately when they (your thoughts) take you off-center.
3. Discipline your thoughts. Use the Reversal, Prospecting, and Re-cycling at every opportunity. These not only train the mind, they keep your creations on a positive track.
4. Create what you want! Use the raw material of your daily seeking (for truth) to deliberately create your unique version of whatever is wanted. But always keep in mind the adage: "All things in moderation." Don’t create more than you can manage.
5. ALLOW all others ... and ALLOW yourself!

A new Life... Vernon Howard

Inspiring Guides
1. Examining the doubts we have about our present way is a highly intelligent act.
2. Anyone weary of stumbling in the dark has taken the first step toward walking in the light.
3. The one supreme power that will guarantee personal happiness is personal right thinking.
4. Inner light shows you what to do with yourself all day long, making everything comfortable.
5. Acquired beliefs and cosmic facts are as different as pebbles and diamonds.
6. Please people and you achieve nothing, but please your real self and you start a miracle.
7. Feel the need for something different, then let it grow by having affection for it.
8. Cosmic wisdom reveals why unhappy events happen, after which they cease to happen.
9. You are not required to listen to anyone, who demands, “What are you doing about my problems?”
10. Even if all your friends and relatives do not know how to live rightly, you can surely know.
11. No one is more qualified than you to discover the true treasures of your inner kingdom.
12. The very nature of your essence is confidence, so why seek this virtue outside of essence?
13. Freedom from painful decisions is a happy result of discovering who you really are.
14. Truth has its reasons for acting as it does, and every one of them is for your benefit.
15. Calm command can replace agitation as surely as sunshine can replace a storm.
16. All good things come to anyone who refuses to be intimidated by his own despair.
17. By eliminating the sheep in himself, a man gives psychic wolves nothing to prey upon.
18. Welcome higher facts without understanding them and in time you will understand.
19. Truth does not hurt, rather, it is our resistance to its message that causes pain.
20. When a frantic world tries to carry you away, remind yourself that you need not go.
21. Self-knowledge creates an inner state in which you are valuable to yourself in a new way.
22. The feeling of being in danger from oneself fades with the application of higher facts.
23. Be aware of how people insist upon draining your energy, then quietly refuse it.
24. Heartache can be conquered because a higher part of you is free and apart from heartache.
25. It is a bright day when we see that cosmic facts are as practical as a recipe for baking bread.
26. Reflect often on the interesting idea of getting out of your own way.
27. We attract events which correspond to our nature, so a higher nature will attract higher events.
28. One thing that is always right is your eagerness for something higher than yourself.
29. Most people merely rearrange their problems, but with self-insight you can end them.
30. By seeing what we fear to see we shatter one of the pillars supporting the haunted house.
31. Wrong action in the past is corrected perfectly by right action in the present.
32. Self-concern is caused by living from mere ideas, which is cured by living from essence.
33. Real courage consists of departing from the false while not yet knowing what is true.
34. We learn to love the light by seeing clearly what the darkness does to us.
35. One day you will look calmly at a fear and say to it, “You have shaken me for the last time.”
36. We can either hear what we want to hear or we can hear the rescuing truths.
37. Starting now, never again permit hard or disapproving facial expressions to intimidate you.
38. A quiet mind knows the answer, which means we must cease to fight anxiously for the answer.
39. Living from your real nature is the same as doing something worthwhile with your life.
40. If you are now reading this line, you have a rich opportunity to make everything new. (from Vernon Howard)
........................................

# Permitting your life to be taken over by another person is like letting the waiter eat your dinner.
# Find yourself, for courage and confidence are as easy as breathing to the person who really knows who he is.
# Some people prolong their unhappiness by dramatizing it, which is like expecting applause for having a headache.
# Growing up into the fullness of inner strength is as exciting as seeking gold and as rewarding as finding it.
# A warring world has no power to injure your real nature any more than darkness can shake a tree.
# We are rewarded according to personal effort, like a man who is given as much land as he can walk over during a day.
# Talking about love does not make a man loving any more than talking about sugar makes him a slice of cake.
# Society is like a crowd in carnival costumes with everyone fearful that others will see through his disguise.
# Danger recognized as danger is not hazardous, as with a sailor who sights and steers away from rocks in the sea.
# A truly strong person does not need the approval of others any more than a lion needs the approval of sheep.
# Remove the dark cloud of negative thought, and the guiding star of under- standing brightly appears.
# People worry over the absence of worry, which is like thinking that the end of the storm means the end of the sky.
# Man is like a lost tourist who has forgotten he has a map in his pocket which can direct him to his hotel.
# If you can talk a monkey out of a banana you can talk logic with someone whose self-interest rejects logic.
# Inner liberty can be judged by how often a person feels offended, for you can no more insult a mature man than you can paint the air.
# Thinking that stubborn beliefs can give us a new life is like watching a stone statue, hoping it will move.
# Life is never too tough for your higher self, any more than a rock is too much for a river.
# Talking to the average man about something higher than sex and money is like talking to a rabbit about a rainbow.
# Like an army doctor treating enemy soldiers, truth is patient and kindly toward the parts of us which resist correction.
# When sad, we need only realize that we are in the wrong place internally, like a lark that belongs in the sky, not in a cage.
# Just as a single wave is powered by the entire ocean, a sincere mind has vast resources at its command.
# You can refuse entrance to unhappy moods, but you must be alert, just as you might close a window at the first sign of rain.
# We can no more enjoy life by hoping for a future result than we can enjoy music by waiting for the final note.
# It is as possible to be pleasantly alone with yourself while surrounded by a crowd as it is to walk alone in the peaceful woods.
# The truly happy man is one who feels no different when the party ends than he did while it was going on.
# Inner guidance is heard like soft music in the night by those who have learned to listen.
# Men who fall from a canoe while standing up to attract attention always claim someone pushed them.
# Like helpful librarians who aid your search for books, higher powers do for you what you cannot do for yourself.
# Your life makes sense when you don’t need other people to confirm that it does, which is the true independence of a soaring eagle.
# The difference between living under your own power and under the power of social influence is the difference between songs and tears.
# Just as a piano responds to the touch of a musician, a sincere request for solutions will always be answered from a higher source.
# Right daily decisions are as simple as smiling, once you see the difference between natural and artificial needs.
# The more you let other people tell you how to sail your boat, the less the boat belongs to you.
# Loneliness is an impostor who makes you feel far apart from life, but you can see beyond it to happily find yourself approaching home.
# Just as there are millions of unseen stars, there are endless inner riches for you to discover.
# Foolishness is simply the nervous preference for wrong ideas, like a sailor anxiously hugging a broken compass.
# It is no more necessary to live at the mercy of mental howls than it is needful to live next door to a zoo.
# Inner correction guarantees outer correction, just as a repaired clock makes its hands go right.
# Your true nature never needs to anxiously prove itself to others, but lives in calm command, like a popular king.
# Healing finally comes to the sincere seeker, like a sick man who awakens in the morning to find himself cured.
1. The world has nothing of real value to give you because it does not exist. Because it does not exist as a reality, because it is illusory, it has only illusory and worthless rewards for you. While employment and geography and people exist for your physical self and your social self, and are good for them, they cannot give benefits to your real spiritual nature which is complete in itself. It always has been complete and always will be, for it lives not in time but in eternity. In reality there is no individual who can win a thrill or a sense of worthiness from the everyday world. In a lost person, rewards or punishments from the world fall on the self-glorified self and cause it to vibrate. This vibration serves as a shaky idol which we eagerly worship for as long as the thrill lasts. But since the worshipper and his idol are the same thing—the same set of vibrations—the ending of the thrill of worshipping the idol causes self-panic; we feel as if we are fading away, that we will not be ourselves any more. The fear of the extinction of the invented self prevents us from seeing that the false self must fade away in order to experience true spiritual birth. Your work in all this is to notice the deceptive nature of your fear of not existing. And one way to do this is to notice how friends, news stories, rumors of doom, how they all try to plant fearful thoughts and feelings into your system. Here is what these people are doing: In order to give themselves a false sense of aliveness by making gloomy remarks, they have no conscience in making others feel the same false sense of doom. They are like mad musicians who demand that you dance to their insane music. Everything in this paragraph connects with the opening sentence, which is: The world has nothing of real value to give you because it does not exist.

2. You need not idolize or yearn for anyone. But you must see very deeply into this in order to discover your basic error. You really do not admire that man or love that woman. Unknowingly you admire and love your own thoughts and feelings about them. Having imitation strength and beauty inside yourself you project them outwardly and then deceive yourself into thinking that they reside inside that man or woman. You will get an endless series of pains and disappointment as long as you unconsciously approve of this kind of self-trickery. You feel the need for something—which in itself is right—but then wreck the solution by trying to get an answer from the same unintelligent mind that asked the original question. You can not and must not answer your own questions. You fail to see that you are doing this when you look outside yourself for wisdom or strength or guidance. You are like the king of a castle who falls off his horse while riding in the woods. In his dazed state he wanders into a cave, thinking it is his home, even while suffering from the cave's discomfort. As his head gradually clears, he remembers where he truly belongs. Then his action-in-understanding guides him back to the castle with its true security and comfort. You have forgotten who you really are. Truth itself will help you to remember.

3. Regarding acceptance and rejection, the day will come when neither word has any meaning to you. Such opposite states have meaning, false meaning, only to a divided mind, a mind looking to itself for a wholeness it will never be able to locate. Wholeness does not reside in thinking about wholeness, but in the lack of a need to think about wholeness. The king who has returned to his castle thinks neither about the castle nor the woods. To go a bit deeper into this, the spiritual castle has no geographical location on this earth. It does not exist in the woods or outside the woods—it exists above both, in a new and lofty world. This becomes clear when you see that a word is a word and nothing more. You need have no concern about being in a good light in the eyes of others. Only the thought—created self has such ambitions and the resulting anxieties. You cannot have either good light or bad light, for there is no individual self to receive it. Try handing either a bouquet of roses or of weeds to an imaginary person. It cannot be done. Only your unself can be truly Good, and that Goodness comes from God, Truth, Reality.
Make a decision to wake up.
Straighten yourself up.
Look around you—see what’s there.
See those people or that person.
Walk alertly and awakedly.
DON’T DREAM.
DON’T DOZE.
DON’T WANDER AROUND.
DON’T RUSH.
This will make you rise above your fears.
It is your duty as a spiritual student to
stop taking orders from low places.
There is a way out of human suffering, and any earnest person can find it.
In this exclusive interview, he explains that the answer lies in a different direction than we normally take.

Q: As the author of self-help books, with some 7 million readers, you must enjoy riding the high wave of success.
A: Success in terms of inner-development is measured by whether people change the way they think, and therefore the way they live. I would consider it a success if one reader in a hundred took the first step toward a higher level of being.

Q: What do you mean by a higher level of being?
A: To understand the higher, you must first understand the lower. You must see that life as you presently live it is a thinly-disguised chamber of horrors. Anger, envy, loneliness, fear, guilt and the other demons that inhabit our minds must be exposed for what they really are…phony phantoms! Having emptied ourselves of wrong ideas about ourselves, there is room for Something Higher to enter.

Q: How does one attain this higher state?
A: Begin with self-honesty. Face your life as it actually is. See yourself as you really are. Without ruthless self-honesty, nothing can be done. With it, everything is possible.

Q: Isn’t this ruthless self-honesty a harsh remedy for a person who is suffering?
A: Not if it is used impersonally. We must study ourselves as a scientist studies a problem, objectively. Honest self-inquiry should not include self-blame or any kind of self-reference. This is what is known as non-identification. We are on the way to solving our problems when we learn to see them without calling them I.

Q: How about such commonplace human problems as anxiety, stress, depression, loneliness, sex, marital strife or addiction to drugs?
A: If we are the victims of bad experience, bad habits or bad treatment by others, it is not because something is wrong out there, but because something is out of order within us. I’m not condemning anyone. I am stating a fact. You can change jobs, or change mates, or change locations. But nothing will change, really, until you change yourself. I am talking about changing your actual nature. You can, through correct inner work, rise above all such problems, and they will trouble you no more. I promise you that.

Q: Can anyone learn to do this?
A: Each of us has the capacity to gain this new Understanding. But most of us are too comfortable in our suffering. We don’t know anything else. Even when someone tells us we can rise above our problems, we don’t believe it. Nevertheless, there is a way out, and anyone who honestly wants to can find it.
# Realize that using the word love does not make you loving any more than calling yourself a lump of sugar makes you one.
# Talking is a thousand times easier than pondering, which is why the talkers overwhelm the earth.
# Free yourself of the tyranny of believing in mere words.
# There is nothing wrong with nothing happening in your life. See this and something worthwhile will happen.
# You are definitely worried about something when it returns repeatedly to your mind.
# Knowing that you are lost is exactly the same thing as sensing the way back home.
# Lose something before you get it and you will not fear losing it.
# Uncertainty is unsafe. Certainty is safe. Safe certainty is spiritual and invisible and is waiting for you to request it to take charge of your life.
# Show me what you boast about and I will show you what you hate.
# The most common person on earth is the one who causes trouble to other people in order to prop up his shaky and false existence. A rare and sane mind could never commit such evil.
# Spiritual facts always sound harmonious. You just have untuned ears.
# Only a clear understanding of time-thinking can free you from its folly. For example, an ambitious man can think about acquiring earthly power but he cannot think about finally losing it.
# Count the number of enemies you have outside and that is the same number of enemies you have inside.
# In a true man, spirit is the king and thought is the obedient servant. In a false man, thought is the king and the spirit is considered an enemy.
# The higher power does not need your aid. End your vanity. The higher power seeks to tell you to stop trying to help both it and yourself, for this enables it to help you.
# THINKING produces noisy and wrong action. SEEING allows silent and right action.
# Did it ever occur to you that your inner kingdom is a sacred place? Now, what is the right attitude to have toward a sacred place?
# You must establish a steadfast program for losing confidence in your very own words that you speak so abundantly and so smugly. Your abundant words have no real confidence in them at all—they are scared words.
# When faced, a harmful fact can be changed, but you can do nothing with a suppressed delusion but suffer from it.
# Interpretation blocks reception while masquerading as reception. Rightness does not need interpretation; it requires simple acceptance and nothing else.
# The stupidest reason for accepting something as being right is because you have always accepted it.
# As incredible as it sounds, an unhappy man does not realize that happiness is better than unhappiness. Knowing only his own concealed anguish, he worships it, which is the same as self-worship.
# Think how your life would be wondrously superior if you realized that truth is never absent from you.
# Resurrection is a definite spiritual experience. It is something that HAPPENS to you. It happens when you no longer try to make things happen.

Carl Gustav Jung

Carl Jung at roughly 30 years of age (1905) (Wehr, 1989: 38)

Carl Jung

By Jane Case

November 30, 1998

Carl Gustav Jung, a Swedish born psychiatrist, and student of Sigmund Freud, introduced a valuable theory of personality to the field of psychology. During his relationship with Freud, Jung developed an independent theory of personality. Jung emphasized five major archetypes: persona, anima, animus, shadow, and self. With a heavy reliance upon these identified archetypes, Jung constructed what he believed was a comprehensive beginning to the understanding of the human psyche. The focus of the current paper will primarily be upon the archetype Jung referred to as the shadow, however, a comprehensive look at Jung’s theory in its totality is necessary for a full understanding of his thoughts on the human psyche. Jung’s theory did not escape the scrutiny of numerous critics. However, his work with the concept of self-actualization, which is commonly referenced in current research, allows Jung to remain an influential part of modern psychological thought.

Carl Gustav Jung was born in July of 1875 (Wehr, 1989: 9). Both of his parents came from upstanding families within their community. His father was a Swiss Reformed Evangelical Minister who had earned degrees in both philology and theology. His mother came from a family full of Protestant Ministers (Wehr, 1989: 9-19). Therefore, religious influences were a constant throughout the life of Carl Jung. These religious influences that surrounded Jung growing up are important, particularly in reference to the later development of his theory of personality. Jung seemed to be an extremely inquisitive individual throughout his childhood and early adulthood. Jung, as a young boy, sought out his father’s advice on many religious questions, and he found that his father rarely provided him with satisfactory answers (Hergenhahn, 1994: 64). Jung claimed that this dissatisfaction resulted in a great distance between himself and his father, however, his relationship with his father does appear to have influenced Jung’s later development of his personality theory (Hergenhahn, 1994: 64).

When reflecting upon his discussions with his father, Jung inferred that his father followed his religion based solely on faith, but never actually had a religious experience which touched him emotionally. Religion was a significant part of Jung’s theory. Contrary to his father’s mere faith, Jung was influenced by the type of religion that did touch people in an emotional way. Jung did not seem to feel a need to regard the distinctions between churches, nor did he seem to feel compelled to subscribe to one particular religion (Hergenhahn, 1994: 64).

Jung received his formal education from the University of Basel, Switzerland. He studied the natural sciences, and then went on to study medicine from 1895-1900. While at the University, Jung read a textbook on psychiatry by a Dr. Richard von Krafft-Ebing, and this text was cited as one of the main reasons for Jung’s decision to enter into the career of psychiatry (Wehr, 1989: 17).

In 1909, Jung began his private practice. Between 1909 and his death in 1961 he traveled extensively through out the world, was a professor at several Swiss Universities, and held several esteemed positions in scholarly societies such as: the Vice President of the General Medical Society for Psychotherapy, and the President of the International Society for Medical Psychotherapy. In addition to all of these scholastic achievements, Jung published numerous works, and was awarded Honorary doctorates from Harvard, Oxford, the University of Geneva, and the Confederate Technical College of Zurich. Jung lived to be nearly 86 years old, and he died in June of 1961. Jung remained active in his field up until his death (Wehr, 1989: 154-156).

To understand the life, and more importantly, the personality theory, developed by Carl Jung, it is important to note the time span in which he lived. Jung lived through a great deal of highly relevant world history. He saw the beginning of World War I in 1914, lived through the second World War which began in 1939, and was still alive when JFK was elected to the presidency in 1960 (Wehr, 1989: 153-156). Jung obviously experienced a great deal of human emotion throughout his life time, if not first hand, he was at the very least, a distant witness. Jung was a well educated individual, and the time period in which he lived, at least in part, is a clear reflection of his theory of personality.

At the start of Jung’s career as a psychiatrist, the work of Sigmund Freud appeared to be quite influential. A friendship between these two men began in 1906 when Jung publicly supported Freud’s psychoanalysis. Freud was initially so impressed with Jung, and his support of psychoanalysis, that he actually decided that Jung would become his successor. However, in September of 1909, Jung and Freud traveled to America together to give a series of lectures at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. It was at this time that Jung began to doubt Freud’s emphasis on sexual motivation, which was central to his theory of psychoanalysis (Young-Eisendrath & Dawson, 1997: 12).

"Main building of Clark University in Worcester (about 1900)."

"Speakers and guests at the conference of psychologists in September 1909 in Worcester, Massachusetts. C. G. Jung in the front row, third from left, Freud fourth from left." (Wehr, 1989: 35)

Jung thought Freud’s theory might be more easily accepted by American audiences if sexual motivation was less central to Freud’s theory of psychoanalysis. In 1911, the friendship between these two men ended when Jung publicly expressed his lack of support for Freud’s view of the nature of the libido (Wehr, 1994: 33-39).

George B. Hogenson (1983) wrote Jung’s Struggle With Freud, a comprehensive analysis of the interactions between these two innovative thinkers. The author, who is a practicing psychotherapist in Chicago, Illinois, maintains that these two men shaped the field of psychology, and still have a great influence on modern day thought. Not only do each of these men have supporters today, Jungians and Freudians, but Jungian thought appears to have developed out of both support, as well as discontentment, with Freudian thought. Jung’s break from Freud should not have come as a shock, however. Freud was aware, from the beginning of their union, that Jung differed from him with regard’s to their theoretical views. None-the-less, Freud had originally identified Jung as the successor to psychoanalysis, prior to their division (Papadopoulos, 1992: 262-263). It is important to note that Jung’s thinking, and ultimately his theory, in part, came out in support of Freud’s work, and then later posed some views which countered Freud’s ideas. Even Jung seemed to realize that although he did not agree with Freud about many issues, Freud’s thoughts had a profound effect on his own (Jung, 1963: 146-169).

Jung developed an entire theory of personality, however, this paper will focus more specifically on what Jung referred to as the shadow, which is essentially a theory on evil. Jung identified three components of the personality. First, there was the ego, which is everything that an individual is conscious of. Since Jung and Freud had a close relationship at one time, the concept of ego described by Freud is similar to Jung’s own notion of the ego. Basically, the ego is what a person thinks, feels, remembers, and perceives; more generally, the ego is one’s consciousness (Stevens, 1994, 45-46).

Next, Jung identified the personal unconscious; it consists of experiences that are unique to a given individual. Parts of the personal unconscious could have been present in one’s consciousness at some point in time, however, they eventually become repressed, or more than likely, forgotten. The third of Jung’s components of personality is the collective unconscious. This is what all human beings are thought to share. Given the human psyche is the impression of an ancestral bond among human beings. Jung is quoted as describing the collective unconscious as "detached from anything personal and is common to all men, since its contents can be found everywhere" (Hergenhahn, 1994: 76). Some examples of these commonly shared experiences, which are thought to be a part of the collective unconscious are: "birth, death, the sun, darkness, power, women, men, sex, water, magic, mother, heroes, and pain" (Hergenhahn, 1994: 76). These specific experiences are referred to by Jung as archetypes, although they are sometimes referred to as racial memories or primordial images (Hergenhahn, 1994: 76).

In Jung’s 1917 article "On the Psychology of the Unconscious," it is noted that the collective unconscious and the personal unconscious are separate (Brockway, 1996: 38-39). Jung is quoted as stating that the collective unconscious is "the most ancient and the most universal ‘thought forms’ of humanity" (Brockway, 1996: 38-39). Jung also wrote extensively on five specific archetypes, however, he did recognize that many more existed. The five which Jung was most interested in were the persona, the anima, the animus, the shadow, and the self.

First, the persona is what Jung thought of as the public self. Jung thought that people basically played a role in a drama, and society, as a whole, was their audience. Despite the existence of the collective unconscious, which all human beings are said to share, Jung believed that because persons were on earth at different times, and members of different cultures, the persona allowed an individual to almost create for him or herself a unique personality (Hergenhahn, 1994: 77-78).

To Jung, the persona was a built in deception mechanism, which was necessary for human existence. Individuals were to only share a small portion of themselves with other people, in an obvious effort toward deception. Jung thought it was dangerous for an individual to believe that he or she is actually in congruence with the persona presented to the outside world. Jung believed this to be dangerous, because he considered it to be self deception (Hergenhahn, 1994: 77-78).

The anima, according to Jung, exists in every male, and it is their feminine component. This is a result of the experiences men have with women throughout their life-times. This archetype serves a duel purpose. First, it causes men to have "feminine traits," and secondly, it provides men with a framework for interacting with women (Hergenhahn, 1994: 78). Some collective experiences with women, which are shared by men, are relationships with mothers, daughters, sisters, or even loved ones. The experiences, which shape this archetype, enable men to view women as complex, but it also allows for men to typify women. As a whole, women can be viewed as loyal, seductive, or even challenging. Women may also be viewed as antagonistic, in that they are a representation of both goodness as well as evil, as hopefulness as well as despair, and as accomplishment as well as failure (Hergenhahn, 1994: 78).

In contrast to the anima archetype there is the animus. The animus is the male component of the female personality. The animus is said to provide women with an ideal of men. This ideal is shaped by women’s collective experiences with men as fathers, sons, or brothers, for example. Much like the opposing aspects mentioned pertaining to the anima, men also represent to women good and evil, or accomplishment and failure (Hergenhahn, 1994: 78). The key to Jung’s theory, not just in regards to the anima and animus, but in general, is a healthy balance. Men who do not give into their feminine characteristics are thought to lack sensitivity and intuition, as well as creativity. On the other hand, a woman who fails to display a healthy level of her masculine characteristics is thought to be passive and easily controlled by others (Hergenhahn, 1994:78).

According to Jung, the anima and the animus are two of the most influential archetypes (Jung, 1963: 379-380). These two archetypes might be thought of as a bridge between the unconscious and the outside world. Interaction, particularly between genders, is thought to basically be enhanced by the full development of the applicable archetypes (i.e. a female with a well developed anima, or a male with a well developed animus) (Jung, 1963: 379-380).

The next archetype is the shadow, described as the "darkest and deepest part of the psyche" (Hergenhahn, 1994:79). Since Jung’s views on evil are central to the focus of the current paper. The depth of the shadow archetype will be discussed more fully later in the paper. Lastly, the self, is the archetype which Jung thought of as the balancing component of individuals. The self is thought to be one’s goal toward wholeness, and a total integration of the many facets of one’s personality. This harmonious unity, was thought of by Jung, as an individual’s life goal. To be in sync with one’s many components of the personality, is to be complete (Jung, 1963: 386-387).

In order to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s soul, Jung thought it was important to understand "paired opposites" (Papadopoulos, 1992: 19). Perhaps one of the most popularized paired opposites today is that of the Yin/Yang. Opposing forces, which are not limited to the Yin/Yang or the animus/anima, provide a tremendous energy source to an individual. All of the components, which together ideally form the complete self, have an intricate part in the goal toward wholeness (Papadopoulos, 1992: 19).

In the case of the shadow, which is essentially the opposing forces of good and evil, one would not be complete if his or her shadow were to be destroyed. In order to function in an efficient manner, and continually move toward the ultimate goal of a complete self, one must begin to understand his or her shadow. It is only through this understanding that one’s evil tendencies can be controlled (Papadopoulos, 1992: 19). Early philosophical influences, such as that of the Yin/Yang, appear to be the primary influence of Jung’s personality theory.

To explore the archetype which Jung called the shadow fully, Jung’s elaborate, and sometimes seemingly chaotic thinking on this topic, must be discussed. Jung adopted the name "the shadow" from the well known philosopher Nietzsche (Diamond, 1996: 94). Labeling a part of the unconscious as "the shadow," was a way to identify the evil part of an individual’s unconscious (Diamond, 1996: 94).

Jung considered the shadow to be the "inferior part of the personality." This might include such inferior traits as sexual lust, anger, and rage. However, Jung did recognize that such unacceptable, or evil passions, were to some degree dependent upon the prevailing social norms and values of any given time. Jung also made a distinction between the "personal shadow" which can be thought of as individual evil, and the "archetypal shadow" which can be considered collective evil (Diamond, 1996: 96). Jung believed that the shadow had the potential for good. However, he focused on the evil potential of the shadow, because of the threat of danger he associated with it.

Jung wrote that:

We need more understanding of the human nature, because the only real danger that exists is man himself. He is the great danger, and we are pitifully unaware of it. We know nothing of man, far too little. His psyche should be studied, because we are the origin of all coming evil (Stein, 1995: 1).

Jung believed that the investigation, and a comprehensive understanding of the shadow, were necessary because it would enable human existence to continue to thrive. Without the understanding of evil, Jung seemed to believe that the threat of complete destruction loomed over the world (Stein, 1995: 1-2).

Although the shadow is an archetype that exists within all individuals’ unconscious, Jung did not believe that the unconscious was completely evil. The shadow needed to be investigated with caution, however, due to its unpredictable nature, described as having the potential to "easily become volatile and turn against the ideals of goodness, ..." (Stein, 1995: 6). Even though the shadow lies within the framework of the unconscious, the decision to act in an evil manner is thought to be at the conscious level (Stein, 1995: 8-9). In order to reduce evil tendencies, it is crucial for an individual to understand both his or her conscious, as well as unconscious, and by doing this two main types of evil can be controlled. First, there is evil committed by one individual and projected onto another individual or several individuals. However, the second type of evil to be controlled, perhaps more severe, is the evil engaged in by an entire group. An example of such an event might be that of a world war (Stein, 1995: 17-21). This part of Jung’s theory may have been a result of the time period in which he lived.

"One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious."
Here, the encounter with the shadow within psychic processes - a drawing from the "Red Book." (Wehr, 1989: 55)
One’s inclination might be that the unconscious is deterministic according to Jung, because he expressed the belief that the unconscious complexes appeared to have wills of their own, and these wills did not necessarily conform to the desires of the conscious individual (Stein, 1995: 3). However, it is difficult to identify any true root cause of evil according to Jung, which is only one of the many criticisms to be covered. Depending upon the source, there were different interpretations of Jung’s work. This is likely to be a result of his changing opinions on evil through time, as well as the human psyche in general, throughout his lifetime. Jung also noted that evil exists because someone, or maybe a society, decides that some given act is evil. (Stein, 1995: 19)

Jung seemed to protect his theory from scrutiny by never fully adhering to a true reason for evil existence, and he seemed to think that any suggestion for why evil occurs could be validated. Even the notion of demonic possession seemed to hold some value according to Jung. This may, at least in part, be associated with his religious upbringing. Although Jung did not appear to ascribe to one particular religious faith, his thinking seemed to be heavily influenced by the concepts generally associated with religion, as well as early philosophy. In 1945, Jung defined demonism (which was synonymous to possession) as a peculiar state of mind characterized by the fact that certain psychic contents, the so-called complexes, take over the control of the total personality in place of the ego, at least temporarily to such a degree that the free will of the ego is suspended. Demonism can also be epidemic... The epidemic form included collective psychoses of a religious of political nature, such as those of the twentieth century (Diamond, 1996: 97-98).

The shadow is a part of each individual’s personality, and there appears to be a constant struggle between good and evil within each individual. Jung’s theory places the burden of making good versus evil judgments on the conscious part of the personality. He did not believe that persons could turn to a spiritual entity for answers about good or evil, but he believed these issues were to be contemplated until clear answers were discovered. Jung believed it was critical for all human beings to investigate their unconscious, as well as their conscious, in order for the mysteries of the shadow to be unleashed (Stein, 1995, 7-19).

In Jung’s (1963: 176-181) Memories, Dreams, Reflections, he recognized that evil was ingrained in human culture, and that people needed to learn how to handle it in order to over come all of the feared consequences evil could bring. This learning comes primarily from introspection. Since Jung was a psychiatrist, he valued individuals and thought that each person had the ability to control their evil nature or shadow. This has to be done by completely understanding one’s self. Introspection seemed to be the key, and the assistance of psychoanalysis was also thought to be necessary. Jung felt that once an individual recognized the fact that there was an evil side within him or herself, a person has a greater chance of controlling the impulses which cause his or her evil behavior (Jung, 1963: 176-181).

A contemporary observation of this point notes that Jung’s view on the introspection of evil is quite optimistic, and if accurate, it opens the door to rehabilitation of perpetrators (Stein, 1995: 11). In light of the current interests within the field of criminology, the validated rehabilitation of criminal perpetrators would probably be enthusiastically celebrated. However, Jung’s theory is certainly not free from contemporary criticisms. Generally, Jung’s research has been looked down upon due to skeptics who think that "occultism, spirituality, mysticism, and religion" are all irrational (Hergenhahn, 1994: 92). Jung did have the chance to refute this criticism, and supported the belief that it was worth while to study such spiritual topics, but the mere study of them did not necessarily confirm his own belief in them. Jung claimed that he studied these particular areas, mostly for the benefit of understanding his concept of the collective unconscious. This attitude might be compared to the history of criminological thought. Initially in the field of criminology, religious explanations for criminal behavior and the belief in the supernatural were common place. However, once human beings reached the period of Enlightenment, these "demonic perspectives" were no longer accepted, particularly among scholars (Phofl, 1994 :19-55 ).

Another broad criticism of Jung’s theory is that it is "incomprehensible, unclear, inconsistent, and even contradictory" (Hergenhahn, 1994: 92). This accusation is difficult to deny. Jung’s writing contained some confusing points, and a great deal of loose transitions from one topic to another. However, it is important to note that Jung’s work has been translated, therefore potentially losing some of its intended meaning in translation.

Another very important criticism to note, is Jung’s lack of empirical research. His theory has been attacked as being "non-falsifable and unscientific" (Hergenhahn, 1994: 93). Jung failed to make predictions within the framework of his theory, which nearly freed him entirely from being incorrect. Jung arrived at his theory, in large part, through his work as a psychiatrist, and through mere introspection. Jung considered his own thoughts, feeling and dreams, and listened to the thoughts, feelings and dreams of his patients to help shape his theory. The fact that his own thoughts were at the core of Jung’s theory, and that he dealt with persons on a regular basis who for one reason or another needed psychiatric attention, leads one to reasonably question the validity and relevance of Jung’s observations to arrive at a comprehensive theory of human personality.

Don McGowan (1994) wrote What is Wrong with Jung, putting Jung’s entire theory under attack. "What are Jung’s contributions worth? Are they true? Have they shed any light on the so-called mysteries of the human mind? And how does Jung’s work look in the light of today’s science and humanistic studies?" (McGowan, 1994: 9). These are the questions which McGowan set out to answer. Although the criticisms of this author lie within the framework of Jung’s entire personality theory, I would like to address some of the criticisms related to the shadow which were presented. McGowan noted the fact that Jung used the shadow to describe both an archetype and personal component. It was noted that none of the other archetypes have double meanings, and McGowan questions why Jung found the need for two. McGowan also blatantly said that to use logic to argue Jung’s theory would be in vain due to the fact that Jung’s theory was not based on logic to begin with (McGowan, 1994: 10). The value of methodology has become more central to theory construction in recent years. When Jung first started his professional career the entire field was rather new, and any ideas or theories which generated potential explanations to various phenomena were probably enthusiastically welcomed.

McGowan also criticized Jung’s concept of the anima and animus, because they too closely resemble the Taoist concept of Yin/Yang. McGowan accuses Jung of becoming over zealous about a concept he did not bother to fully understand. Many of the attributes ascribed to the Yin/Yang were echoed in Jung’s description of the animus/anima. The concept of a healthy balance, and perhaps more importantly the feminine versus masculine traits of each, were already well established prior to the creation of Jung’s personality theory.

The main issue McGowan (1994: 34-35) seems to pick apart pertaining to the Yin/Yang versus animus/anima debate is that Jung made use of what he liked, and basically ignored the rest of the Taoists’ beliefs. Taoists believed that harmony was basically contentment with what an individual was given, and a lack of the desire to explore (both in a personal and environmental sense). Jung on the other hand thought that self exploration, and complete understanding, were the only ways to achieve that idealized balance (McGowan, 1994: 33-35).

Jung has also been criticized as being too self-absorbed (Smith, 1996:160). Jung listened to his patients, however, his theory really seemed to be a result of his own thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and experiences. Jung’s perspectives were frequently changing, and his theory, overall, ended up seeming quite inconsistent (Smith, 1996: 161). Jung believed that the role of the therapist was pertinent in order for his patients to rid themselves of the problems they claimed (Smith, 1996: 161). This was quite self-serving for Jung, in that he was a psychiatrist, and he seemed to enable himself to remain at the focal point in any situation. The theme of Smith’s (1996) book, The Wounded Jung, was not entirely based on criticisms. Smith (1996: vii) himself seemed to be quite affected by Jung’s work. However, it seems to be difficult to write a comprehensive book on Jung, and his theory, without addressing the numerous short comings within his work.

Jung’s work has had some valuable impact on the social sciences. Jung arrived at several original concepts in personality theory. Self-actualization is a term which Jung used to describe a "harmonious blending of the many components and forces within the psyche" (Hergenhahn, 1994: 85). According to Jung, self-actualization never really occurred, but life was a long, complex journey of self discovery. This was the first time such a concept was presented, and it is still a part of current psychological thought.

Today, indications of Jung’s work within the filed of criminology are sporadic. Although Jung himself was not cited in this particular research study, his concept of self-actualization was. This particular article covers the issue of domestic violence, which is still a popular topic today (Gil, 1981: 339-362). Although this research was geared toward public policy, and its focus was on prevention, it was noted that people have a need for "... mutually caring human relationships, ..., security, and self-actualization" (Gil, 1981: 339). At least in theory, the concept of self-actualization has been deemed important. Although, maybe not within the exact sense that Carl Jung first used it. However, an effort to reach Jung’s concept of self-actualization, is not all that foreign, even in today’s society.

In another article appearing in a 1998 publication of the Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, the work of Carl Jung was deemed noteworthy, and relevant to the field of criminology today. The title of the article was "Impact of Horticulture Therapy on Psychosocial Functioning Among Urban Jail Inmates" (Rice & Remy, 1998: 169-191). Horticulture therapy is basically offering individuals the opportunity to maintain gardens, or other types of plant life, and viewing this given opportunity as at least beneficial, and at best therapeutic for individuals. This article was an evaluation of a horticulture therapy program and in its conclusion stated:

Carl Jung’s insights on the human need for a relationship with land may help to explain this treatment effect. As an observer from a more agrarian society, Jung noted in a 1950 interview that Americans suffered from the rapid urbanization of their country (Carol, 1977). Jung’s evolutionary based theory of psychology suggests that we retain the primate’s territorial needs and can more readily tap our psyche’s instinctual knowledge when this need is met. Jung stated that "If I do not have what my psyche needs, I become dangerous" (p. 203).

In a 1957 interview, Jung posited that the American proclivity for drug use and abuse was linked to disconnection from our natural instincts (Jung & Evans, 1977). This unmet need is likely greatest in decaying inner cities. (Rice & Remy, 1998: 186).

ThePyromania.Com - Shankara's Six Stanzas on Nirvana.

ThePyromania.Com - Shankara's Six Stanzas on Nirvana.
Shankaracharya was asked by his future guru Govinda Bhagavatpada 'who he was', Sri Shankara replied with these six stanzas. He was only eight years old at that time.

Shankara's Six Stanzas on Nirvana:

Om. I am neither mind, intelligence, ego, nor chitta,
Neither ears nor tongue nor the senses of smell and sight;
Nor am I ether, earth, fire, water, or air;
I am Pure Knowledge and Bliss: I am Shiva! I am Shiva!

I am neither the prana nor the five vital breaths,
Neither the seven elements of the body nor its five sheaths,
Nor hands nor feet nor tongue, nor the organs of sex and voiding:
I am Pure Knowledge and Bliss: I am Shiva! I am Shiva!

Neither loathing nor liking have I, neither greed nor delusion;
No sense have I of ego or pride, neither dharma nor moksha;
Neither desire of the mind nor object for its desiring:
I am Pure Knowledge and Bliss: I am Shiva! I am Shiva!

Neither right nor wrongdoing am I, neither pleasure nor pain,
Nor the mantra, the sacred place, the Vedas, the sacrifice;
Neither the act of eating, the eater, nor the food:
I am Pure Knowledge and Bliss: I am Shiva! I am Shiva!

Death or fear I have none, nor any distinction of caste;
Neither father nor mother nor even a birth have I;
Neither friend nor comrade, neither disciple nor guru:
I am Pure Knowledge and Bliss: I am Shiva! I am Shiva!

I have no form or fancy; the all-pervading am I;
Everywhere I exist, yet I am beyond the senses;
Neither salvation am I, nor anything that may be known:
I am Pure Knowledge and Bliss: I am Shiva! I am Shiva!

Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi interviewed in 1983 by Stan Bostock from the USA -

[A report published in a magazine called Ziereus, May 1983. The writer, who met Shri Mataji before she visited the U.S.A., received his self-realization during the interview.]

The aim was to talk to Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi about her forthcoming North American tour. What happened was something that is only now, a week later, starting to make sense. I telephoned the number Shri Mataji's followers in New York had given me, and found myself, an hour later, knocking on the carved door of a five storied terraced house in London's classy Knightsbridge district. The door was opened by a young Indian who ushered me into a reception room as ornate and rich as a jewel box. Furniture covered with rose silk, tables inlaid with ivory, carved and gilded wooden screens, pale pink crystal chandeliers.

I heard Shri Mataji before I saw her. "How are you? How is America?" Then the lady appeared. Short, plump, with long dark hair falling free and a smile that chips away all defences. Tea was ordered and I was asked to sit down. Before I could get the first question into gear Shri Mataji asked, "Do you know what the chakras are?"

I mumbled something about subtle energy centres along the spine.

"That's right," she said, and tapped the base of her neck with her index finger. "This one is called the Vishuddhi. In the universe the Vishuddhi is North America. Australia is the lowest chakra, the Mooladhara. India is the Kundalini, which can link all the chakras together." She traced a line from the base of the spine to the top of her head, "But America is the Vishuddhi, isn't it? Such an important chakra."

Shri Mataji then touched the red spot on her forehead. "This chakra," she said, "is the Agnya. It is presided over by Lord Jesus Christ, isn't it? The Agnya is forgiveness. It shows that the spirit cannot be destroyed, just as Christ could not be destroyed, but rose again, didn't he?"

Shri Mataji quietly contemplated the risen Christ for a moment, then jabbed her fingers towards the base of her neck again.

"The Vishuddhi, its presiding deity, you could say, is Lord Krishna. The Vishuddhi stands for diplomacy, sweetness, self-esteem, communication and collectivity - like your Abraham Lincoln. He stood for collectivity. Abraham Lincoln was a saint - Did you know that?- a realized soul. You have had many great men. Roosevelt now - he said, 'Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere'. So clear. America is so great. It is protected by Lord Krishna's discus."
Shri Mataji held up the index finger of her right hand and twirled it and I swear I could see a bright glittering disc whirling round.

"As long as that discus is there," she said, "America can never be invaded."

"Could that protection ever be withdrawn?" I asked.

Shri Mataji shrugged expressively, and raised her eyebrows high. "Perhaps," she said. "If the land of diplomacy stopped being diplomatic, the land of communications communicated bad things, the land of sweetness turned bitter, then yes. Perhaps Lord Krishna might withdraw the protection."

Suddenly she laughed. "On my tour I shall tell everybody how to stop that from happening." I asked Shri Mataji if she was visiting North America just to sound such a warning.

"There are seekers of money, seekers after power, seekers of physical gratification," she replied, "and then there are people who have done all those things and are now seeking the truth, seeking their spirit, seeking God. There are many, many seekers of truth in America. Great, great seekers. Oh so great. I want to meet them. Show them how they can get what they have been looking for, probably since ages, lifetimes even, their self-realization."

"What is that exactly?" I hadn't yet asked one question from my carefully prepared list.

Tea arrived. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, the spellbinding visionary, turned into Mrs. C.P. Srivastava, the attentive hostess. Did I have the right amount of sugar and milk? Would I have a biscuit? (Which turned out to be a cookie.)

"Self-realization," said Shri Mataji, "is the yoga, the union. The joining of the microcosm to the macrocosm, you could say. The raising of the energy in each of us called Kundalini. There is no English word for it. You should invent one. There is a good job for you. Invent a good English word for Kundalini. The linking of that energy with the all-pervading energy of God, that is what self-realization is."

"What exactly does it do?" I felt a fool at the naivety of the question.

"It brings about a change in awareness. You feel it as a cool breeze, cool vibrations, you could say, on the top of the head and on the hands. It is an actual happening! Not self-certification. Not saying 'I am born again!' or 'I am this or that!' You actually become! If you desire self-realization and you get it, then you become collectively conscious, truly sweet and truly diplomatic. A true blue American, you could say." And the joyous laughter flowed into every corner of the room.

I asked Shri Mataji if she was the only one who could grant this self-realization. "Oh no," came the reply, "once you have it you can pass it on to others."

"But it all seems to start from you," I said. "Why you?"
Shri Mataji's face became serious. "As far as I know," she said, "I am the only one who can do it en-masse. Once, in India, 6000 villagers got it at the same time. But if there is someone else who can do it, then I am only too happy to retire. I am sixty years old." (At times she looks half that.) "I am happily married. I have a beautiful house as you can see. It would be good to settle down and stop all this travelling around all the time. But until I find someone else who can do it, then it is up to me, isn't it? To meet the seekers and let them know how to gain this gift that is their own, their right, this Union with God."

"Could I receive this gift?" I asked. Shri Mataji's eyes danced, "Put your hand above your head," she said. I did as I was told. There was a faint, oh so faint coolness on my hand. I looked round to see if there could be a draught coming from anywhere, but there was no air conditioning and the windows were closed.

"You feel it?" I nodded, tentatively. "That is the beginning. Perhaps while you were drinking your tea you said to yourself, 'I'd like that experience,' and," Shri Mataji snapped her fingers, "you got it. It can only happen if you desire it. Give me your hand."

She took my hand and started tracing a cross over the palm. "You think too much," she said. "Your mind is busy, busy, busy, thinking away." From that moment on it wasn't. It was hardly thinking at all. "Too much thinking can give people diabetes. It is not sugar that causes diabetes, it's thinking. We can cure diabetes. After realization. And this new thing AIDS, after realization we can cure that too. With realization you become your own guru. You can diagnose your own problems and those of others, and you can cure them. Anybody with their realization and the desire to develop their spirit, can cure and be cured."

At this point a wave of most pleasant well-being swept over me. It wasn't a trance or a hypnotic state (I've experienced those) - it was a feeling of deep peace. I regretted my next question. It caused the smile to fade from Shri Mataji's face.

"How much are you going to charge Americans for this experience?"

"It is part of evolution," she replied. "It is a gift of love from God, who is the ocean of love, the ocean of compassion. How can you pay for that? God does not understand money. How can you pay for your evolution? Did you pay to stand up on two legs? Anyway, why would I want money? I come from a wealthy family. My husband is Secretary General of the United Nations International Maritime Organization here in London. I do not need money. I do not accept money." Shri Mataji let go of my hand and smiled.

"Better now?" she asked. I nodded. "That is because your brain is not so active. You are more balanced, more centered, more relaxed. Have some more tea?"

I put my hand above my head again. The coolness was still there. Perhaps even stronger.

"There are so many great seekers in North America," she said. "I want to meet them."

Now, almost a week later, when I sit down quietly, that sense of peace and relaxed happiness returns. I am hoping it won't go away!