Namaste!
It was another wonderful Hindu evening for the Peacemakers’ Tuesday Inner Work Circle (TIWC) last Sept.11/07 as the group went on another Faith-On-Site session or “field trip” to attend a Vedic ritual called Maha Sudharshan Homa at a residential home in New Manila, Quezon City. The ritual --which was intended for peace, happiness and getting rid of evil forces—was especially performed by two Swamis who are devoted followers of Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi or “Amma”, India’s renowned “hugging Saint.”
Amma’s first monastic disciple, Swami Ramakrishnananda Puri is currently in Manila to spread the love and wisdom of the guru. A series of meditation lectures, spiritual discourses and rituals were conducted from Sept.8 to 12 in several venues in Metro Manila. The TIWC members were grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in one of these events.
It was the first time for most of us to experience a Homa or fire ritual. Although not set in an actual Hindu temple, the makeshift “shrine” – complete with a carpet platform and roofed by a tent amidst trees in a wet grassy garden of a huge cozy residential complex—was enough to provide an atmosphere of peace, serenity and sacredness for such a unique spiritual experience.
With only oil lamps lighting the area at the beginning, a clueless first-timer might find the ritual uneventful as the crowd merely observes in silence and sits in meditation (or anticipation, or amusement) as the orange-robed “priest” (who sits in full cross-legged lotus position most of the time) quietly performs a series of mudras (hand gestures) and prayers while blessing the altar with water, incense, oil lamps, twigs, flower petals and other implements.
Vedic chants sung by the Swami at certain times interspersed with the lighting of the fire. After an hour or so, the house lights were turned on and the crowd was led to a series of participatory tasks which include washing the feet and going barefoot, offering individual prayers, scattering flower petals around the fire altar, receiving and anointing ourselves with blessed water and ashes. The ritual culminated with what seemed to be the most enjoyed part of all—the distribution of prashad or food that is blessed as offering for all to share. Everyone was obviously delighted with the sweet milky prashad not only by its delicious exotic taste, but also by the experience of eating it out from our bare palms!
The evening was capped with a hearty Indian meal which was enjoyed by all while watching videos of Amma. What a delightful body-and-spirit-filling experience indeed! (It was an ideal way to conclude the 101st anniversary day of Gandhi’s non-violence movement!) Thanks to the organizers and hosts!
Om Shanti!
OrlanD
Next session we will be given a chance to share and exchange personal insights on the several events our members have experienced (Janmashtami celebration with ISKCON/Hare Krishna and the Vedic Homa with Amma's Swami). We will also be planning for the upcoming interfaith program celebration for the International Day of Peace on September 21. If there is more time we might continue with reflections on the theme: What do i have in abundance? What have i been deprived of?
See you then!
Origin & Self (August 14, 2007 TIWC)
“How do my beliefs about my origin affect my attitudes about myself?”
This was the guide question pondered on by the participants of last Tuesday (Aug.14) at the Inner Work Circle. As we reflected and shared our insights on the theme around the circle we heard stories of personal experiences and life journeys within the backdrop of each one’s respective faith tradition and spirituality.
Growing up with 13 siblings and having to share with one and all, each time every blessing (be it a whole loaf of bread, a slice of pie or a piece of apple) that is brought home by any member of the family—was how one sharer’s attitudes and values were greatly shaped by his origin. Generosity, truth, respect, and nonviolence—all these he was simply exposed to in the home as he grew up into what he is now.
Faith is also one aspect of the self that is supposed to be greatly influenced upon by one’s family- most especially the parents. Yet one sharer found himself away from his own family’s faith tradition and into another. One other sharer related his journey in and out of faith, losing God from his born-religion and finding God somewhere else.
Still, others (as the case of our Muslim brother who shared) have deeply grown rooted in their parents’ and ancestors’ faith having—found meaning and contentment in their religious lives, and never having the thought of uprooting from their origins cross their minds. Another sharer (a Catholic) also did not find it necessary to change religion even as she has opened up and explored other faiths. She realized that all religions teach the same essence anyway so there was no need for her to leave the faith she was born into—all she had to do was to adjust her perspective within the belief system and, more importantly, personalized it.
From the point of view of oriental spirituality (as shared by our Korean friend) change is most important, and it is the present moment that maters most. He pointed out that although the past (or origin) and the future (visions) are also important, neither of these actually exist. The only reality there is is the eternal now. It is in the here and now where and when we can amend the past and act for the future.
Whatever we do with this life path we found ourselves in, however we relate with the influence of our origin – whether with acceptance or with change—that is our choice. To each is his/her own journey. In fact, it is the uniqueness of each one’s journey that truly makes it special and incomparable with others’.
As pointed by another sharer: “In the end, it will just be between you and ‘your’ God.” So in a way, there are as many religions as there are people having unique relationships with God, the Infinite Source, our Supreme Origin and Ultimate Destination.
Therefore, each personal relationship with the Divine is valid and unquestionable. There lies the good news—we all come from one and the same Origin and, whether we like it or not, we are all headed towards one and the same Destination (some of us just loose our way and may take a long while to get there). It is a journey from the Infinite Divine and incarnating into the finite human existence, and then going back—through change, evolution and growth—towards realization of Wholeness and union with the Oneness of all.
Can’t wait to come full circle!
Shanti!
O.
This was the guide question pondered on by the participants of last Tuesday (Aug.14) at the Inner Work Circle. As we reflected and shared our insights on the theme around the circle we heard stories of personal experiences and life journeys within the backdrop of each one’s respective faith tradition and spirituality.
Growing up with 13 siblings and having to share with one and all, each time every blessing (be it a whole loaf of bread, a slice of pie or a piece of apple) that is brought home by any member of the family—was how one sharer’s attitudes and values were greatly shaped by his origin. Generosity, truth, respect, and nonviolence—all these he was simply exposed to in the home as he grew up into what he is now.
Faith is also one aspect of the self that is supposed to be greatly influenced upon by one’s family- most especially the parents. Yet one sharer found himself away from his own family’s faith tradition and into another. One other sharer related his journey in and out of faith, losing God from his born-religion and finding God somewhere else.
Still, others (as the case of our Muslim brother who shared) have deeply grown rooted in their parents’ and ancestors’ faith having—found meaning and contentment in their religious lives, and never having the thought of uprooting from their origins cross their minds. Another sharer (a Catholic) also did not find it necessary to change religion even as she has opened up and explored other faiths. She realized that all religions teach the same essence anyway so there was no need for her to leave the faith she was born into—all she had to do was to adjust her perspective within the belief system and, more importantly, personalized it.
From the point of view of oriental spirituality (as shared by our Korean friend) change is most important, and it is the present moment that maters most. He pointed out that although the past (or origin) and the future (visions) are also important, neither of these actually exist. The only reality there is is the eternal now. It is in the here and now where and when we can amend the past and act for the future.
Whatever we do with this life path we found ourselves in, however we relate with the influence of our origin – whether with acceptance or with change—that is our choice. To each is his/her own journey. In fact, it is the uniqueness of each one’s journey that truly makes it special and incomparable with others’.
As pointed by another sharer: “In the end, it will just be between you and ‘your’ God.” So in a way, there are as many religions as there are people having unique relationships with God, the Infinite Source, our Supreme Origin and Ultimate Destination.
Therefore, each personal relationship with the Divine is valid and unquestionable. There lies the good news—we all come from one and the same Origin and, whether we like it or not, we are all headed towards one and the same Destination (some of us just loose our way and may take a long while to get there). It is a journey from the Infinite Divine and incarnating into the finite human existence, and then going back—through change, evolution and growth—towards realization of Wholeness and union with the Oneness of all.
Can’t wait to come full circle!
Shanti!
O.
Being Uniquely Human (Aug. 07, 2007 TIWC sharing)
Infinite Peace!
Despite the stormy weather, an intimate group of striving peacemakers braved the rains last Tuesday (Aug.7) at the Inner Work Circle to continue with their practice of self-awareness and transformation by reflecting and sharing insights on guide questions such as this one:
“What do I like about being uniquely human?”
The participants pondered on this and shared their insights from the perspective of their own faith traditions and personal experiences. We pondered on what sets us apart from other creatures and our unique nature as human beings.
Some pointed out our capability for compassion and love, while others emphasized the exceptional human intellect.
Indeed, if we are to trace the steps up the evolutionary ladder we will find us Homo Sapiens on top. We may see animals, especially fellow mammals exhibiting love and compassion, and even intelligence (remember the chimpanzees communicating with sign language?)—and yet we humans are seemingly above them all because of the degree of complexity and advancement we have evolved into.
Chimpanzees not only can communicate with sign language nowadays. I’ve heard they’re being trained to fly rocket ships into outer space! But, will you ever hear about them even dreaming about flying to the moon, let alone inventing space ships to take them there? No. Only we humans have the well-evolved cerebral cortex to do that (on Earth, that is).
Only us humans have that degree of capability and power to go beyond – to conceive of such a “beyond”, and to carve paths towards it. In fact, we humans are so intelligent we even have the ability to create inventions that can even wipe out our own species, as well as the rest of the planet! (Remember Hiroshima where 63 years ago the other day—August 6—the first atom bomb was dropped?). We have already invented a lot of things that now seem to be running beyond our control.
Good thing we have the other human faculty that help us balance our decisions—the human heart. As far as how the degree of human compassion can be best illustrated, we can cite the example of how one man sacrificed himself to be hanged in the cross—not only for the sake of one other person—but for the whole world. And there are many other human beings like him who are called saints, masters, and heroes who willfully sacrifice their lives for the larger whole.
Speaking of willful decisions, another special human attribute given emphasis during the sharing is free will (some faith traditions believe that angels and other spiritual beings don’t even have free will, unlike humans). We are given the freedom to choose whether to use our human powers to create or destroy, choose to do good or evil, to open up to knowledge or to stay ignorant.
We humans are given free will by God, the Supreme Being, the Almighty Creator, the Great Spirit—another “beyond” that only humans can conceive/ be aware of. We humans possess the consciousness not only of ourselves (self-consciousness) and others (social consciousness) but also of the higher consciousness beyond ourselves. Indeed, the ultimate edge of being human is the Spirit, and our ability to become aware or to remember that we originally are spiritual beings. We are divine sparks of light and spirit that come from the Ultimate Divine Source.
“We are spiritual beings having human experiences—not merely human beings having spiritual experiences,” they say. It is, therefore, to be fully conscious of this gift of divinity that may be our purpose as humans.
Isn’t this an exciting earthly journey we are in? This being human—a unique combination of mind, heart & light, free-willingly maneuvering a body towards growth and full awareness of the Spirit!
Next Tuesday (Aug. 14) our discussions will be based on the following reflection questions: “How do my beliefs about where I come from affect my attitude towards my self? What are these beliefs telling me about my self, and who I am?"
Shanti!
O.
Despite the stormy weather, an intimate group of striving peacemakers braved the rains last Tuesday (Aug.7) at the Inner Work Circle to continue with their practice of self-awareness and transformation by reflecting and sharing insights on guide questions such as this one:
“What do I like about being uniquely human?”
The participants pondered on this and shared their insights from the perspective of their own faith traditions and personal experiences. We pondered on what sets us apart from other creatures and our unique nature as human beings.
Some pointed out our capability for compassion and love, while others emphasized the exceptional human intellect.
Indeed, if we are to trace the steps up the evolutionary ladder we will find us Homo Sapiens on top. We may see animals, especially fellow mammals exhibiting love and compassion, and even intelligence (remember the chimpanzees communicating with sign language?)—and yet we humans are seemingly above them all because of the degree of complexity and advancement we have evolved into.
Chimpanzees not only can communicate with sign language nowadays. I’ve heard they’re being trained to fly rocket ships into outer space! But, will you ever hear about them even dreaming about flying to the moon, let alone inventing space ships to take them there? No. Only we humans have the well-evolved cerebral cortex to do that (on Earth, that is).
Only us humans have that degree of capability and power to go beyond – to conceive of such a “beyond”, and to carve paths towards it. In fact, we humans are so intelligent we even have the ability to create inventions that can even wipe out our own species, as well as the rest of the planet! (Remember Hiroshima where 63 years ago the other day—August 6—the first atom bomb was dropped?). We have already invented a lot of things that now seem to be running beyond our control.
Good thing we have the other human faculty that help us balance our decisions—the human heart. As far as how the degree of human compassion can be best illustrated, we can cite the example of how one man sacrificed himself to be hanged in the cross—not only for the sake of one other person—but for the whole world. And there are many other human beings like him who are called saints, masters, and heroes who willfully sacrifice their lives for the larger whole.
Speaking of willful decisions, another special human attribute given emphasis during the sharing is free will (some faith traditions believe that angels and other spiritual beings don’t even have free will, unlike humans). We are given the freedom to choose whether to use our human powers to create or destroy, choose to do good or evil, to open up to knowledge or to stay ignorant.
We humans are given free will by God, the Supreme Being, the Almighty Creator, the Great Spirit—another “beyond” that only humans can conceive/ be aware of. We humans possess the consciousness not only of ourselves (self-consciousness) and others (social consciousness) but also of the higher consciousness beyond ourselves. Indeed, the ultimate edge of being human is the Spirit, and our ability to become aware or to remember that we originally are spiritual beings. We are divine sparks of light and spirit that come from the Ultimate Divine Source.
“We are spiritual beings having human experiences—not merely human beings having spiritual experiences,” they say. It is, therefore, to be fully conscious of this gift of divinity that may be our purpose as humans.
Isn’t this an exciting earthly journey we are in? This being human—a unique combination of mind, heart & light, free-willingly maneuvering a body towards growth and full awareness of the Spirit!
Next Tuesday (Aug. 14) our discussions will be based on the following reflection questions: “How do my beliefs about where I come from affect my attitude towards my self? What are these beliefs telling me about my self, and who I am?"
Shanti!
O.
What energizes you? (TIWC sharing - July 24, 2007)
Infinite Energy!
An energizing session was held last Tuesday (July 24) at the Inner Work Circle as an intimate group (sans our usual facilitators) gathered for an evening of reflective sharing and insightful conversations.
What are the things you do/eat/see/hear/experience which energize you? And what are those that drain you?
We each had our turns answering this question as we reflected on our experiences, discovered and became aware of our common answers, as well as our unique quirks.
According to the discussions, some of the things we do that energize most of us include: meditation, t’ai chi/ qi gong, dancing and being in and around nature (the beach, the moon, the green fields)-- the sight, sound, smell and the whole experience of nature. Indeed, nothing beats the undisputed number one energizer. It was even shared how one can actually cure a headache just by walking barefoot on the earth (or on the grass). Try it next time!
Music was also on top of the charts. Depending on the mood, one can get energized by soft relaxing music, or by upbeat, funky rhythm.
An all-time favorite from the ranks of food energizers is chocolate! Indeed, a common comfort food for everyone, chocolate (dark chocolate, that is) is also said to have health benefits—which include inducing endorphins or pain-relieving body-chemicals that fight depression.
Further into more experiences that keep us energized include being in the company of kindred souls or simply friends whose company uplifts your spirit. Sharing dreams, aspirations and just about anything to anyone—not just close friends—does help to unload and keep us from being drained. (And that’s partly why we were all here every Tuesday at the Inner Work—to be energize the self!).
On the other hand, some of the things that drain us include the sight, thought or experience of hopelessness, the death and dying, suffering and frustration, and injustice. We can usually identify people who can be called psychic vampires who knowingly or unknowingly suck your energies up. They are often those who are negative, pessimistic, angry and dependent people.
However and whatever drains us, the most important thing is to be aware. To be aware that we are being drained and to not allow ourselves to reach the point of “burn-out.” To be aware of what energizes us so that we can easily prevent dis-ease and loss of vitality, joy and wellness.
From now on until next Tuesday (July 31) we suggest you be mindful of your DREAMS—as this will be the topic of our next session… An Open Evening with Mr. Lucito de Jesus, dream counselor, who will share and facilitate on “The Spirituality of Dreams.” Get your dream record books ready…
See you then!
Shanti!
O.
An energizing session was held last Tuesday (July 24) at the Inner Work Circle as an intimate group (sans our usual facilitators) gathered for an evening of reflective sharing and insightful conversations.
What are the things you do/eat/see/hear/experience which energize you? And what are those that drain you?
We each had our turns answering this question as we reflected on our experiences, discovered and became aware of our common answers, as well as our unique quirks.
According to the discussions, some of the things we do that energize most of us include: meditation, t’ai chi/ qi gong, dancing and being in and around nature (the beach, the moon, the green fields)-- the sight, sound, smell and the whole experience of nature. Indeed, nothing beats the undisputed number one energizer. It was even shared how one can actually cure a headache just by walking barefoot on the earth (or on the grass). Try it next time!
Music was also on top of the charts. Depending on the mood, one can get energized by soft relaxing music, or by upbeat, funky rhythm.
An all-time favorite from the ranks of food energizers is chocolate! Indeed, a common comfort food for everyone, chocolate (dark chocolate, that is) is also said to have health benefits—which include inducing endorphins or pain-relieving body-chemicals that fight depression.
Further into more experiences that keep us energized include being in the company of kindred souls or simply friends whose company uplifts your spirit. Sharing dreams, aspirations and just about anything to anyone—not just close friends—does help to unload and keep us from being drained. (And that’s partly why we were all here every Tuesday at the Inner Work—to be energize the self!).
On the other hand, some of the things that drain us include the sight, thought or experience of hopelessness, the death and dying, suffering and frustration, and injustice. We can usually identify people who can be called psychic vampires who knowingly or unknowingly suck your energies up. They are often those who are negative, pessimistic, angry and dependent people.
However and whatever drains us, the most important thing is to be aware. To be aware that we are being drained and to not allow ourselves to reach the point of “burn-out.” To be aware of what energizes us so that we can easily prevent dis-ease and loss of vitality, joy and wellness.
From now on until next Tuesday (July 31) we suggest you be mindful of your DREAMS—as this will be the topic of our next session… An Open Evening with Mr. Lucito de Jesus, dream counselor, who will share and facilitate on “The Spirituality of Dreams.” Get your dream record books ready…
See you then!
Shanti!
O.
Smell & Taste (TIWC- July 17, 2007)
Infinite Oneness!
The topic last Tuesday (July 17th) at the Inner Work circle was the Sense of Smell and Taste. It not a usual theme for reflection and sharing and it may not seem that significant but as it turned out we had a rich sharing after all.
The sense of smell and taste are indeed very connected. We were reminded how we all usually have our taste buds crippled whenever we catch a cold or we have a clogged nose. Indeed our olfactory system is needed by the tongue to perceive fully the different kinds of tastes. This is how we can also figure out by simply smelling if a new kind of food in front of us is palatable or not.
I remember learning that for snakes it’s the opposite. They say that snakes smell the surroundings (to detect preys maybe, or other creatures) through their tongue—this is why they flick their two-pronged antenna-like tongues most of the time.
Some say scents and aromas can trigger memories more strongly than the other senses. I’ve heard somewhere that the olfactory nerve is the shortest—and therefore, closest—nerve that connects to the brain. That could be the explanation.
On another note, the olfactory sense becomes a significant topic when we mention the term “pheromones”. We all know what these are for especially among animals. So how will procreation be without these? Although human pheromones have not yet been scientifically proven, we all know already the effect of perfumes and aroma when it comes to romance and “procreation”.
Speaking of aromas, another popular term nowadays is aromatherapy—which pertains to a mode of relaxation and anti-stress treatment. Indeed, the “fastfood complex” in the modern times have led us to take for granted the simple blessings like the taste of real food. Along with the lack of nutrients that go with fastfood is the attitude of “getting it over with”, or the habit of chit-chatting and even watching TV while eating—and not minding the food, the “gifts from God’s bounty.” One sharer said, “it is our turn to bless the food by being aware of it while we take it in and appreciating it as divine blessings.”
I’ve heard of a meditation exercise (Zen perhaps) wherein each participant is asked to eat one raisin for one minute. This leads one to savor the raisin fully—its taste, its texture, etc. Talk about mindfulness. That’s what we call “chewing meditation.” (We should all try it sometimes!)
There’s an expression when we are being reminded to de-stress, relax, and take rest from the daily rush of the mundane routine. We usually say: “Stop and smell the flowers.”
Now we can add to that: “Stop and taste your food”.
The last session was a bit different as we reversed the order of the regular format. We started first with the sharing on the theme and at around 7:11pm before we proceeded with meditation for about half an hour. This was so to specially connect with many other people around the world who also meditated in that same hour in conscious oneness. A world wide movement has taken this initiative to synergetically gather people to pray and meditate together all at the same time to enforce and empower what is called the grid of human consciousness for peace and healing in the world. The session ended with movement meditation through Q-Gong body-mind relaxation exercises.
Next Tuesday (July 24) our reflections will center around the following questions: What makes me feel most energetic and alive? What makes me feel tired and low (What drains me)? What are the things I like and don’t like(doing, eating, seeing, experiencing)?
Until then, let us dream, wishper, and realize for the world:
Active compassion…
Conscious oneness…
Teamwork and harmony...
Dynamic Peace…
Synergy…
Shanti!
O.
The topic last Tuesday (July 17th) at the Inner Work circle was the Sense of Smell and Taste. It not a usual theme for reflection and sharing and it may not seem that significant but as it turned out we had a rich sharing after all.
The sense of smell and taste are indeed very connected. We were reminded how we all usually have our taste buds crippled whenever we catch a cold or we have a clogged nose. Indeed our olfactory system is needed by the tongue to perceive fully the different kinds of tastes. This is how we can also figure out by simply smelling if a new kind of food in front of us is palatable or not.
I remember learning that for snakes it’s the opposite. They say that snakes smell the surroundings (to detect preys maybe, or other creatures) through their tongue—this is why they flick their two-pronged antenna-like tongues most of the time.
Some say scents and aromas can trigger memories more strongly than the other senses. I’ve heard somewhere that the olfactory nerve is the shortest—and therefore, closest—nerve that connects to the brain. That could be the explanation.
On another note, the olfactory sense becomes a significant topic when we mention the term “pheromones”. We all know what these are for especially among animals. So how will procreation be without these? Although human pheromones have not yet been scientifically proven, we all know already the effect of perfumes and aroma when it comes to romance and “procreation”.
Speaking of aromas, another popular term nowadays is aromatherapy—which pertains to a mode of relaxation and anti-stress treatment. Indeed, the “fastfood complex” in the modern times have led us to take for granted the simple blessings like the taste of real food. Along with the lack of nutrients that go with fastfood is the attitude of “getting it over with”, or the habit of chit-chatting and even watching TV while eating—and not minding the food, the “gifts from God’s bounty.” One sharer said, “it is our turn to bless the food by being aware of it while we take it in and appreciating it as divine blessings.”
I’ve heard of a meditation exercise (Zen perhaps) wherein each participant is asked to eat one raisin for one minute. This leads one to savor the raisin fully—its taste, its texture, etc. Talk about mindfulness. That’s what we call “chewing meditation.” (We should all try it sometimes!)
There’s an expression when we are being reminded to de-stress, relax, and take rest from the daily rush of the mundane routine. We usually say: “Stop and smell the flowers.”
Now we can add to that: “Stop and taste your food”.
The last session was a bit different as we reversed the order of the regular format. We started first with the sharing on the theme and at around 7:11pm before we proceeded with meditation for about half an hour. This was so to specially connect with many other people around the world who also meditated in that same hour in conscious oneness. A world wide movement has taken this initiative to synergetically gather people to pray and meditate together all at the same time to enforce and empower what is called the grid of human consciousness for peace and healing in the world. The session ended with movement meditation through Q-Gong body-mind relaxation exercises.
Next Tuesday (July 24) our reflections will center around the following questions: What makes me feel most energetic and alive? What makes me feel tired and low (What drains me)? What are the things I like and don’t like(doing, eating, seeing, experiencing)?
Until then, let us dream, wishper, and realize for the world:
Active compassion…
Conscious oneness…
Teamwork and harmony...
Dynamic Peace…
Synergy…
Shanti!
O.
Oneness (TIWC - July 10, 2007)
Infinite Peace!
Oneness was the theme last Tuesday (July 10th) @ the Inner Work Circle and our main facilitator aptly was Mr. Ding Reyes- advocate of synergy and conscious oneness.
To start off the discussions Ding engaged the group in a creative activity to illustrate the key points. We all had papers and pencils, and we were asked to draw the object infront of us in the middle – a glass of iced water. From this exercise, the concept of oneness was expounded on…
What prevents oneness, as pointed out, is separation. What leads to separation are boundaries.
When we were asked to draw ice and clouds we automatically drew (black) lines to define the boundaries of these images (in reality, there are no lines around them-- just edges). This is how natural and automatic it is for us to create boundaries while trying to define objects, images and even concepts. This can be illustrated in many more ways, especially through those optical illusion images and puzzles. Our physical senses naturally rely on these adjustments and modifications we create in order to perceive.
This holds true with concepts or phenomenon in which we naturally need to label or categorize into words in order to define and make sense of them. Lines, words, labels are boundaries which, though maybe useful, are also what causes separation and gets in the way of oneness.
These boundaries are tools, very useful tools indeed. But like all other tools, we use these for particular tasks only and we leave them behind or set them aside while we no longer need them (unless you’re a handyman by profession—but even they need to set their tools aside while not at work!). The point is we should not all the time identify ourselves with and be fixated to these tools-- these boundaries, these words/terms, these labels and categories, these belief systems, this skin color, this body, this ego.
Much as our individual selves, our own experiences are our reality, so is the reality beyond the Self – the “others” or (a better term Ding suggests: “our fellows”).
The challenge now that we need to respond to is transcending the boundaries that limit us to our individual selves, and expanding our experiences and our realities to include our belongingness to each other, our interdependence and interconnectedness— our being part of the Bigger Self (“OurSELF”).
Next Tuesday (July 17) we will be exploring the senses we have not yet taken up: “Taste & Smell”.
What kinds of odors, scents/aromas are memorable to me? What memories do these bring back to me?
What particular food do I like and don’t like? What food will I allow myself to take? What food will I not allow myself to take?
Prepare to share your reflections on Tuesday and let’s learn more again (or be aware again) about ourselves as we strive to be the change we wish to see in the world.
See you then!
Shanti!
O.
Oneness was the theme last Tuesday (July 10th) @ the Inner Work Circle and our main facilitator aptly was Mr. Ding Reyes- advocate of synergy and conscious oneness.
To start off the discussions Ding engaged the group in a creative activity to illustrate the key points. We all had papers and pencils, and we were asked to draw the object infront of us in the middle – a glass of iced water. From this exercise, the concept of oneness was expounded on…
What prevents oneness, as pointed out, is separation. What leads to separation are boundaries.
When we were asked to draw ice and clouds we automatically drew (black) lines to define the boundaries of these images (in reality, there are no lines around them-- just edges). This is how natural and automatic it is for us to create boundaries while trying to define objects, images and even concepts. This can be illustrated in many more ways, especially through those optical illusion images and puzzles. Our physical senses naturally rely on these adjustments and modifications we create in order to perceive.
This holds true with concepts or phenomenon in which we naturally need to label or categorize into words in order to define and make sense of them. Lines, words, labels are boundaries which, though maybe useful, are also what causes separation and gets in the way of oneness.
These boundaries are tools, very useful tools indeed. But like all other tools, we use these for particular tasks only and we leave them behind or set them aside while we no longer need them (unless you’re a handyman by profession—but even they need to set their tools aside while not at work!). The point is we should not all the time identify ourselves with and be fixated to these tools-- these boundaries, these words/terms, these labels and categories, these belief systems, this skin color, this body, this ego.
Much as our individual selves, our own experiences are our reality, so is the reality beyond the Self – the “others” or (a better term Ding suggests: “our fellows”).
The challenge now that we need to respond to is transcending the boundaries that limit us to our individual selves, and expanding our experiences and our realities to include our belongingness to each other, our interdependence and interconnectedness— our being part of the Bigger Self (“OurSELF”).
Next Tuesday (July 17) we will be exploring the senses we have not yet taken up: “Taste & Smell”.
What kinds of odors, scents/aromas are memorable to me? What memories do these bring back to me?
What particular food do I like and don’t like? What food will I allow myself to take? What food will I not allow myself to take?
Prepare to share your reflections on Tuesday and let’s learn more again (or be aware again) about ourselves as we strive to be the change we wish to see in the world.
See you then!
Shanti!
O.
Touching sharing (July 3, 2007)
Infinite Peace!
A touching session was held last Tuesday (July 3) at the Inner Work Circle as we touched on the theme of “The Sense of Touch.”
As we continued with the main theme of exploring the self, starting with the sight and hearing, we found yet another interesting sub-theme on the physical senses which we often take for granted and we rarely reflect on. The discussions shared last night revealed that the touch is a subject matter that is a rich source of insights. Here are some of the keywords and concepts brought up.
Touch can be positive or negative. It can be “supportive” and healing – as in massage, reflexology, physical therapy or touch therapy. Need we be reminded of the scientific study of how babies who were caressed/held by volunteers for a certain period daily were found healthier and able to resist disease more than those who left untouched?
On the other hand, touch can turn out to be negative once it is accompanied by hostile and malicious intent – as with the case of sexual harassment and abuse, or worse, physical violence.
Another concept related to touch is sensitivity (and it’s opposite, numbness). When we say a person is sensitive s/he is can easily sense either pleasant or unpleasant sensations from each touch. His/her skin may also be easily irritated.
The term “sensitive” also refers to a person who can easily feel the emotions of others or one who can easily be emotionally affected. This leads to an insight on two different levels of sensitivity and touch, that is—the physical and non-physical.
It is no wonder that the word sensitivity—which is rooted from the word “sense”—is closely associated with touch, because touch would seem to be the ultimate sensory tool in experiencing the physical world. As mentioned in the sharing, children naturally would always try to hold or touch each novel object they see. It is as if it is not enough to see or hear it-- they need to touch it to fully experience and understand it. Sometimes we need to touch something to confirm it the object is real even if we see it with our own eyes. One Christian brother reminded us of Thomas, the disciple of Christ, whose case was: “To touch is to believe”.
On the other hand, we often hear the expression “I am touched!”—which refers not to any physical contact, but to a non-physical one. This is related to the idiom: “touching one’s heart”—which leads us back to how the term “touch” relates with emotions. We “feel” sensations through our skin, as well as “feel” emotions through our hearts. Isn’t it any wonder that the touch is the ultimate expression of love?
One participant shared how she feels the love of her parents most from their touch rather than from their words or visual cues. It is when their hands and arms come in contact with, caress, pat, or embrace her body that she feels the love most.
It is no wonder also that in Chinese traditional medicine, the palm is considered an extension of the heart—as energy meridian/pathways flow from the organ out to the center of the palm (hence, our “healing hands” which instinctively reach out to the affected part of the body). It is also a healing instinct to reach out our hands and arms to anyone who got hurt, whether physically or emotionally.
The highlight of the evening was a “hands-on” activity shared by one of the participants who led us to some simple team-building exercises that demonstrated the harmonizing power of touch.
Next Tuesday (July 17) we will be taking up a suggested theme, “Terms of Oneness: ‘Ourself’ (vs. ‘Ourselves’) and “the Other’ (vs. ‘Kapwa’). This will be facilitated by Mr. Ding Reyes.
See you then!
Shanti!
O.
A touching session was held last Tuesday (July 3) at the Inner Work Circle as we touched on the theme of “The Sense of Touch.”
As we continued with the main theme of exploring the self, starting with the sight and hearing, we found yet another interesting sub-theme on the physical senses which we often take for granted and we rarely reflect on. The discussions shared last night revealed that the touch is a subject matter that is a rich source of insights. Here are some of the keywords and concepts brought up.
Touch can be positive or negative. It can be “supportive” and healing – as in massage, reflexology, physical therapy or touch therapy. Need we be reminded of the scientific study of how babies who were caressed/held by volunteers for a certain period daily were found healthier and able to resist disease more than those who left untouched?
On the other hand, touch can turn out to be negative once it is accompanied by hostile and malicious intent – as with the case of sexual harassment and abuse, or worse, physical violence.
Another concept related to touch is sensitivity (and it’s opposite, numbness). When we say a person is sensitive s/he is can easily sense either pleasant or unpleasant sensations from each touch. His/her skin may also be easily irritated.
The term “sensitive” also refers to a person who can easily feel the emotions of others or one who can easily be emotionally affected. This leads to an insight on two different levels of sensitivity and touch, that is—the physical and non-physical.
It is no wonder that the word sensitivity—which is rooted from the word “sense”—is closely associated with touch, because touch would seem to be the ultimate sensory tool in experiencing the physical world. As mentioned in the sharing, children naturally would always try to hold or touch each novel object they see. It is as if it is not enough to see or hear it-- they need to touch it to fully experience and understand it. Sometimes we need to touch something to confirm it the object is real even if we see it with our own eyes. One Christian brother reminded us of Thomas, the disciple of Christ, whose case was: “To touch is to believe”.
On the other hand, we often hear the expression “I am touched!”—which refers not to any physical contact, but to a non-physical one. This is related to the idiom: “touching one’s heart”—which leads us back to how the term “touch” relates with emotions. We “feel” sensations through our skin, as well as “feel” emotions through our hearts. Isn’t it any wonder that the touch is the ultimate expression of love?
One participant shared how she feels the love of her parents most from their touch rather than from their words or visual cues. It is when their hands and arms come in contact with, caress, pat, or embrace her body that she feels the love most.
It is no wonder also that in Chinese traditional medicine, the palm is considered an extension of the heart—as energy meridian/pathways flow from the organ out to the center of the palm (hence, our “healing hands” which instinctively reach out to the affected part of the body). It is also a healing instinct to reach out our hands and arms to anyone who got hurt, whether physically or emotionally.
The highlight of the evening was a “hands-on” activity shared by one of the participants who led us to some simple team-building exercises that demonstrated the harmonizing power of touch.
Next Tuesday (July 17) we will be taking up a suggested theme, “Terms of Oneness: ‘Ourself’ (vs. ‘Ourselves’) and “the Other’ (vs. ‘Kapwa’). This will be facilitated by Mr. Ding Reyes.
See you then!
Shanti!
O.
Your concept/image of God & You (June 19, 2007)
Infinite Peace!
Last Tuesday (June 19) we welcomed back to the Inner Work Circle our resident Hindu and VP/co-founder, Shakun V., who just returned from her trip from Belgium to attend the Global Council Meeting of the United Religions Initiative (URI). With fresh energy and inspiration from meeting again co-members of the big global URI family, she shared a bit about her experience there during the kamustahan.
The session proceeded with a sharing from each one around the circle on the two guide questions:
1. “What is your own concept/image/symbol which you can use to describe God?”
2. “How have you become out of this concept of God?” or “How do you relate to this concept of God?”
From the questions themselves you would know how the discussions came about, and a very interesting and enlightening session it indeed became.
We heard varied sharing from everyone and each gave his/her own unique insights which contributed to the richness of the diversity of perspectives that describe only one reality. Some of these may be familiar to you or resonate with you, some may seem absurd or far-fetched. But at TIWC we never judge a sharing, an opinion, or an understanding or belief:
God is…
… a mirror
… a cellphone
… the sun
… the yin-yang
… giver of free will
… loving mother
… maintainer of balance
… the equilibrium
… the relationship
… the experience of love as one relates with other human beings
… unconditional love
… divine source
… energy
… holy spirit
… the super soul
… the superconsciousness
… the primordial spirit
… the divine father & divine mother
… our ancestors
… oneness
… the is and is not, the both is and is not, and the neither is nor is not
… irrelevant in the quest to end all human suffering (according to the Buddhist teaching)
What about you? Care to share your own concept or experience of God?
Last Tuesday (June 19) we welcomed back to the Inner Work Circle our resident Hindu and VP/co-founder, Shakun V., who just returned from her trip from Belgium to attend the Global Council Meeting of the United Religions Initiative (URI). With fresh energy and inspiration from meeting again co-members of the big global URI family, she shared a bit about her experience there during the kamustahan.
The session proceeded with a sharing from each one around the circle on the two guide questions:
1. “What is your own concept/image/symbol which you can use to describe God?”
2. “How have you become out of this concept of God?” or “How do you relate to this concept of God?”
From the questions themselves you would know how the discussions came about, and a very interesting and enlightening session it indeed became.
We heard varied sharing from everyone and each gave his/her own unique insights which contributed to the richness of the diversity of perspectives that describe only one reality. Some of these may be familiar to you or resonate with you, some may seem absurd or far-fetched. But at TIWC we never judge a sharing, an opinion, or an understanding or belief:
God is…
… a mirror
… a cellphone
… the sun
… the yin-yang
… giver of free will
… loving mother
… maintainer of balance
… the equilibrium
… the relationship
… the experience of love as one relates with other human beings
… unconditional love
… divine source
… energy
… holy spirit
… the super soul
… the superconsciousness
… the primordial spirit
… the divine father & divine mother
… our ancestors
… oneness
… the is and is not, the both is and is not, and the neither is nor is not
… irrelevant in the quest to end all human suffering (according to the Buddhist teaching)
What about you? Care to share your own concept or experience of God?
Becoming out of God (June 12, 2007)
Kapayapaan sa lahat!
Maligayang Araw ng Kasarinlan sa Kanoypihan!
Sinubukan naming magsalita sa ating pambansang wika sa simula ng aming bahaginan noong nakaraang Martes (ika-12 ng Hunyo) upang gunitain ang espesyal na araw na ito.
But when our non-Filipino speaking friends arrived we had to shift to our usual English which everybody would understand more fully.
There were 15 of us at the recent Tuesday Inner Work Circle and we were glad to see new faces as well as some familiar faces making a come back.
The suggested theme was: “What have we become out of our experience/s of God?” This was an off-shoot topic which rose up from discussions after the session last week which was about “God-concepts”.
The task of facilitating the discussion last night was delegated to one of the participants who was the one who thought of the theme. Our brother from Eckankar was the first to share--reading a chapter from a book on conversations between a master and a student talking about “grasping God”. Then he shared some instances in his life which he considers as experiences of God.
What is interesting about his sharing is that these experiences were not of the beaming-ray-of-light-and-booming-voice-from-above kind of experience of God, but a simple yet recognizably divine experience nonetheless. One of these was how he got to quit smoking after hearing the “voice of God” through the lyrics of a song overheard while eating a midnight goto snack.
Another powerful sharing was not about any one particular experience in life but about the whole series of life experiences that brought her to a journey of faith from the darkness of doubt and fear to that of the liberation of the human spirit.
Indeed, as it was pointed out before in one of the TIWC sharing: What matters is not what happened to you—it is what happens in you.
And because this topic is so interesting and participants have much to share with so little time, we are extending the discussions on this topic to give chance for others to share.
So Next Tuesday (June 19) we will be continuing with reflections and sharing on:
“What have we become out of our experience/s of the Divine”.
See you then!
Om Shanti!
O.
Maligayang Araw ng Kasarinlan sa Kanoypihan!
Sinubukan naming magsalita sa ating pambansang wika sa simula ng aming bahaginan noong nakaraang Martes (ika-12 ng Hunyo) upang gunitain ang espesyal na araw na ito.
But when our non-Filipino speaking friends arrived we had to shift to our usual English which everybody would understand more fully.
There were 15 of us at the recent Tuesday Inner Work Circle and we were glad to see new faces as well as some familiar faces making a come back.
The suggested theme was: “What have we become out of our experience/s of God?” This was an off-shoot topic which rose up from discussions after the session last week which was about “God-concepts”.
The task of facilitating the discussion last night was delegated to one of the participants who was the one who thought of the theme. Our brother from Eckankar was the first to share--reading a chapter from a book on conversations between a master and a student talking about “grasping God”. Then he shared some instances in his life which he considers as experiences of God.
What is interesting about his sharing is that these experiences were not of the beaming-ray-of-light-and-booming-voice-from-above kind of experience of God, but a simple yet recognizably divine experience nonetheless. One of these was how he got to quit smoking after hearing the “voice of God” through the lyrics of a song overheard while eating a midnight goto snack.
Another powerful sharing was not about any one particular experience in life but about the whole series of life experiences that brought her to a journey of faith from the darkness of doubt and fear to that of the liberation of the human spirit.
Indeed, as it was pointed out before in one of the TIWC sharing: What matters is not what happened to you—it is what happens in you.
And because this topic is so interesting and participants have much to share with so little time, we are extending the discussions on this topic to give chance for others to share.
So Next Tuesday (June 19) we will be continuing with reflections and sharing on:
“What have we become out of our experience/s of the Divine”.
See you then!
Om Shanti!
O.
God Concepts (An ex-atheist’s sharing - June 05, 2007)
Infinite Peace!
Last June 5, we welcomed back to the Tuesday Inner Work Circle Marites who returned from her trip to “Middle Earth” (New Zealand!) with inspiring stories and insights from her experience during the Waitangi Asia-Pacific Interfaith Dialogue conference.
After Marites shared her experiences, we then heard from our assigned speaker—our resident ex-atheist—who talked about his personal journey as an atheist for 21 years grappling with “God Concepts.”
Mentioned were some insights about the story of the tower of Babel from the Bible and how the plurality of languages and diversification came about and along with it the different references and names of God as well as the varied religions. The theme on form and essence came into play as another reference to the Bible was mentioned-- the Pentecost-- where the Holy Spirit worked as the spirit/essence that unified the “form” as people talked in different languages but understood each other.
From this topic shared from the perspective of one who lost–and–found God, the discussions went through various dimensions and levels—“in depth, width, and height”—as we heard other sharings from the perspective of the different faiths.
From “form and essence” to “oneness and diversity” or “unification and differentiation,” the interplay, cycle, or “dance” between these opposite poles was reflected on. From the mitotic division of one cell into many parts, up to how these small parts end up forming a bigger whole that is one complete organism—the process works up to the infinite levels and systems. From one to many and then back to one.
One God, one source, one essence… Many concepts, many names, many qualities… Then we continuously seek to realize the unity in diversity, oneness in plurality, and transcend the boundaries of forms towards one spirit.
Last June 5, we welcomed back to the Tuesday Inner Work Circle Marites who returned from her trip to “Middle Earth” (New Zealand!) with inspiring stories and insights from her experience during the Waitangi Asia-Pacific Interfaith Dialogue conference.
After Marites shared her experiences, we then heard from our assigned speaker—our resident ex-atheist—who talked about his personal journey as an atheist for 21 years grappling with “God Concepts.”
Mentioned were some insights about the story of the tower of Babel from the Bible and how the plurality of languages and diversification came about and along with it the different references and names of God as well as the varied religions. The theme on form and essence came into play as another reference to the Bible was mentioned-- the Pentecost-- where the Holy Spirit worked as the spirit/essence that unified the “form” as people talked in different languages but understood each other.
From this topic shared from the perspective of one who lost–and–found God, the discussions went through various dimensions and levels—“in depth, width, and height”—as we heard other sharings from the perspective of the different faiths.
From “form and essence” to “oneness and diversity” or “unification and differentiation,” the interplay, cycle, or “dance” between these opposite poles was reflected on. From the mitotic division of one cell into many parts, up to how these small parts end up forming a bigger whole that is one complete organism—the process works up to the infinite levels and systems. From one to many and then back to one.
One God, one source, one essence… Many concepts, many names, many qualities… Then we continuously seek to realize the unity in diversity, oneness in plurality, and transcend the boundaries of forms towards one spirit.
More on Inner Peace (May 29, 2007)
Infinite Peace!
Sans our favorite facilitators (both Shakun & Marites were out of the country) our usual Inner Work Circle session took place at the Peacemakers’ Circle last May 29. We decided to continue with sharings and discussion on Inner Peace as most of those present were not able to share--and the rest were absent--last time.
After the usual body relaxation exercises and the meditation/silencing, the session proceeded with sharing from each of us around the circle. We shared about our own views of Inner Peace, what is its significance for us, and what inspirational teachings lead us to it or keep us at it.
Interestingly, one Christian shared that the concept of inner peace is unfamiliar to him. He said he always considered peace as something relational, something found while being in a relationship with others-- not found within just oneself. Perhaps he meant something like “What is peace if not shared with others?”
Indeed, how can one meditate peacefully in one’s own room when a lot of work needs to be done for peace and justice to prevail outside? This was another point raised.
The discussions then led to peace as likened to the breath. As in the breath, there is an inhale as well as an exhale. Just as there exists an outer world, there is also an inner world. There is a self which is not alone as there is the other. Two parts of the whole. two sides of the coin, two complimentary opposites. One is as important as the other. Both are interdependent to each other.
Inner peace is like inhaling and working on the self. Compassionate action is the exhaling and sharing of the peace you have cultivated within you to others and the world around. Someone called it the marriage of meditation and action. For action without meditation is a blind automatic conditioned reaction—that’s not too helpful. Meanwhile, meditation without action is an “unholy indifference.” Therefore, we should strive more for what could be termed as a “consciously compassionate response” which is a balance between inward & outward peace.
Sans our favorite facilitators (both Shakun & Marites were out of the country) our usual Inner Work Circle session took place at the Peacemakers’ Circle last May 29. We decided to continue with sharings and discussion on Inner Peace as most of those present were not able to share--and the rest were absent--last time.
After the usual body relaxation exercises and the meditation/silencing, the session proceeded with sharing from each of us around the circle. We shared about our own views of Inner Peace, what is its significance for us, and what inspirational teachings lead us to it or keep us at it.
Interestingly, one Christian shared that the concept of inner peace is unfamiliar to him. He said he always considered peace as something relational, something found while being in a relationship with others-- not found within just oneself. Perhaps he meant something like “What is peace if not shared with others?”
Indeed, how can one meditate peacefully in one’s own room when a lot of work needs to be done for peace and justice to prevail outside? This was another point raised.
The discussions then led to peace as likened to the breath. As in the breath, there is an inhale as well as an exhale. Just as there exists an outer world, there is also an inner world. There is a self which is not alone as there is the other. Two parts of the whole. two sides of the coin, two complimentary opposites. One is as important as the other. Both are interdependent to each other.
Inner peace is like inhaling and working on the self. Compassionate action is the exhaling and sharing of the peace you have cultivated within you to others and the world around. Someone called it the marriage of meditation and action. For action without meditation is a blind automatic conditioned reaction—that’s not too helpful. Meanwhile, meditation without action is an “unholy indifference.” Therefore, we should strive more for what could be termed as a “consciously compassionate response” which is a balance between inward & outward peace.
Inner Peace (May 22, 2007)
Shalom!
Another wonderful exchange of reflections & insights from people’s personal experiences and wisdom from their respective faiths was concluded last Tuesday (May 22) as the Inner Work Circle took up the topic: INNER PEACE.
“What teachings from your faith guide you to find/maintain inner peace amidst the conflict and suffering all around you?”
This was the question posed to the group at the beginning of the session and it gave way to a lively discussion on personal experiences within the backdrop of the teachings from different faiths.
To a Christian, the offering of oneself, “carrying the cross”, or self-sacrifice is the basic teaching. The point raised was that a Christian can never be at peace if s/he cannot reach out to help those who are not at peace. A Christian would even sacrifice his/her own peace for the sake of the other. Sometimes Christians seem to want to carry the burden or “cross” of the world on their shoulder—hence, to suffer with the world and forget about inner peace.
From another point of view—that of the Buddhist—the first and foremost concern is to establish peace within the self, most especially and more specifically, the mind. The Buddhist teaching emphasizes that the human mind and its habits is the root of unpeace. One of the 4 noble truths taught states that suffering is caused by desires and attachments of the mind. These are attachments to anything—from material possessions to persons, from emotions to sensations, from ideologies, ideals to ideas or mere thought forms. The battle is all in the mind. Hence, peace starts with the mastery of the mind, and for Buddhists, meditation is a practical method for this. Only then can we establish peace in the world outside of us.
The sharing from an Islamic point of view further enriched the conversations. For Muslims it seems that whether peace is being cultivated from within or around us, its source is only one—God or Allah. Muslims pray 5 times a day, and –as our brother pointed out—it is this constant tuning-in to the Divine Source of Peace that gives them inner peace. Furthermore, they find solace in the teachings from the Holy Qur’an as they seek to continuously realize the essence of their religion—Islam: “attaining peace through submission to the will of Allah.”
Indeed, these are different perspectives on one topic but they compliment each other and are as significant as the other in the path towards peace. As if important pieces of just one puzzle they all fit together.
One cannot give something that he/she doesn’t have… such as Peace. And one must not keep to himself/herself such peace he/she has found within, lest we become indifferent and disconnected to other living beings. In all of these, God-consciousness is a requirement-- knowing and being constantly aware that we can attune to the Ultimate Source of Peace anytime and anywhere. And that everything that happens in your life and in everybody else’s—be it peaceful or seemingly unpeaceful— is all part of the unfolding of the Divine Will.
Another wonderful exchange of reflections & insights from people’s personal experiences and wisdom from their respective faiths was concluded last Tuesday (May 22) as the Inner Work Circle took up the topic: INNER PEACE.
“What teachings from your faith guide you to find/maintain inner peace amidst the conflict and suffering all around you?”
This was the question posed to the group at the beginning of the session and it gave way to a lively discussion on personal experiences within the backdrop of the teachings from different faiths.
To a Christian, the offering of oneself, “carrying the cross”, or self-sacrifice is the basic teaching. The point raised was that a Christian can never be at peace if s/he cannot reach out to help those who are not at peace. A Christian would even sacrifice his/her own peace for the sake of the other. Sometimes Christians seem to want to carry the burden or “cross” of the world on their shoulder—hence, to suffer with the world and forget about inner peace.
From another point of view—that of the Buddhist—the first and foremost concern is to establish peace within the self, most especially and more specifically, the mind. The Buddhist teaching emphasizes that the human mind and its habits is the root of unpeace. One of the 4 noble truths taught states that suffering is caused by desires and attachments of the mind. These are attachments to anything—from material possessions to persons, from emotions to sensations, from ideologies, ideals to ideas or mere thought forms. The battle is all in the mind. Hence, peace starts with the mastery of the mind, and for Buddhists, meditation is a practical method for this. Only then can we establish peace in the world outside of us.
The sharing from an Islamic point of view further enriched the conversations. For Muslims it seems that whether peace is being cultivated from within or around us, its source is only one—God or Allah. Muslims pray 5 times a day, and –as our brother pointed out—it is this constant tuning-in to the Divine Source of Peace that gives them inner peace. Furthermore, they find solace in the teachings from the Holy Qur’an as they seek to continuously realize the essence of their religion—Islam: “attaining peace through submission to the will of Allah.”
Indeed, these are different perspectives on one topic but they compliment each other and are as significant as the other in the path towards peace. As if important pieces of just one puzzle they all fit together.
One cannot give something that he/she doesn’t have… such as Peace. And one must not keep to himself/herself such peace he/she has found within, lest we become indifferent and disconnected to other living beings. In all of these, God-consciousness is a requirement-- knowing and being constantly aware that we can attune to the Ultimate Source of Peace anytime and anywhere. And that everything that happens in your life and in everybody else’s—be it peaceful or seemingly unpeaceful— is all part of the unfolding of the Divine Will.
The power of the Unspoken word (May 15, 2007))
Infinite Peace!
Last Tuesday (May 15) at the Inner Work Circle we had another full-house (even though it wasn’t a special Open Evening session)! Around 21 people from different faiths came as we resumed our usual open circle discussion after a few holiday breaks and two consecutive Open Evening sessions.
We continued with our sharing of reflections and insights on a particular topic, and the theme last session was on SPEECH. It was a timely theme as the Philippines has been currently overwhelmed by the election fever and prior to the election day (May 14- the day before) our ears have all been bombarded with speeches, promises, and soliloquies (believable or not) of candidates here and there.
Interestingly, the sharings eventually centered more on whispered wishes, silent prayers and the unspoken words—rather than the words spoken-out loud. One interesting insight shared was how a prayer—the softer it gets, until it becomes a whisper or even a silent unspoken one—becomes as meaningful (if not, more meaningful and powerful) as a prayer said out loud for everyone to hear. The question posed was: “For whom to hear is a prayer said out loud anyway, and for whom to hear is a prayer offered silently?”
Sometime ago the TIWC took up the theme on “the power of the spoken word”. This recent reflections now gave another perspective of the power of the unspoken word (or whispered prayers).
One other interesting insight shared was the significance of silence in DIALOGUE (especially in interfaith or intercultural dialogue). As it has been oftentimes emphasized at The Peacemakers’ Circle, the silence in between the words are as important (if not, more important) as the words spoken and exchanged during a dialogue. As some would say: “Silence speaks louder than words.” Also, the words can sometimes be the source of misunderstanding between people in dialogue who come from different culture and faiths. In this instance, silence becomes a more effective mode of communication and understanding as it is universal and it is through which "heart-listening" is cultivated.
Last Tuesday (May 15) at the Inner Work Circle we had another full-house (even though it wasn’t a special Open Evening session)! Around 21 people from different faiths came as we resumed our usual open circle discussion after a few holiday breaks and two consecutive Open Evening sessions.
We continued with our sharing of reflections and insights on a particular topic, and the theme last session was on SPEECH. It was a timely theme as the Philippines has been currently overwhelmed by the election fever and prior to the election day (May 14- the day before) our ears have all been bombarded with speeches, promises, and soliloquies (believable or not) of candidates here and there.
Interestingly, the sharings eventually centered more on whispered wishes, silent prayers and the unspoken words—rather than the words spoken-out loud. One interesting insight shared was how a prayer—the softer it gets, until it becomes a whisper or even a silent unspoken one—becomes as meaningful (if not, more meaningful and powerful) as a prayer said out loud for everyone to hear. The question posed was: “For whom to hear is a prayer said out loud anyway, and for whom to hear is a prayer offered silently?”
Sometime ago the TIWC took up the theme on “the power of the spoken word”. This recent reflections now gave another perspective of the power of the unspoken word (or whispered prayers).
One other interesting insight shared was the significance of silence in DIALOGUE (especially in interfaith or intercultural dialogue). As it has been oftentimes emphasized at The Peacemakers’ Circle, the silence in between the words are as important (if not, more important) as the words spoken and exchanged during a dialogue. As some would say: “Silence speaks louder than words.” Also, the words can sometimes be the source of misunderstanding between people in dialogue who come from different culture and faiths. In this instance, silence becomes a more effective mode of communication and understanding as it is universal and it is through which "heart-listening" is cultivated.
Celebrating the universal teachings of the Buddha (Open Evening - May 08, 2007)
Namo Amitabha!Last May 8 the Tuesday Inner Work Circle had another wonderful Open Evening experience at The Peacemakers’ Circle with a Buddhist speaker from the Universal Wisdom Foundation. Inc. (UWFI) Buddhist resource center.
Mr. Sam Salter came in on behalf of UWFI president and Peacemakers’ board member, Prof. Carlos Aureus, to share about the basic teachings of Buddhism and the celebration called Wesak/Vesak.
Mr. Sam said that May is Wesak month and every full moon of May is the Wesak Day. This one day marks the birth, enlightenment, and Parinirvana (complete liberation from the cycles of physical incarnation) of Guatama Buddha. This celebration is so significant for the Buddhists all over the world such that on March 2001--through the initiative of the UWFI—the President of the Philippines (GMA) signed a presidential proclamation declaring the full moon day in May every year as Wesak Day.
The sharing went on from the Wesak celebration to the basic tenets of Buddhism and the universality of its wisdom. As Mr. Sam pointed out, one need not become or call him/herself a Buddhist in order to follow the teachings of the Buddha which is meant for anyone and everyone regardless of race, gender, or belief system (one does not even have to believe in God!). According to him, the Buddha just simply wanted to teach everyone a way—which he has proven himself-- to end human suffering. Suffering which is a universal human experience (“There is no such thing as a Buddhist suffering that is different from a Christian suffering, a Muslim suffering or a Hindu suffering—all humans simply experience it”). Buddha and his prescribed way to end suffering is not only for Buddhists but for everyone—just as Christ’s teachings are not only for Christians nor Islamic wisdom only for Muslims.
Mr. Sam further elaborated that the cause of conflict is when one sees him/herself as different from the other or is attached to the physical self—when in fact, as Buddhism teaches, ALL are ONE.
Another insight which the speaker pointed out, and was so often highlighted throughout his sharing, is the significance of INNERWORK. He praised how the Peacemakers’ Circle has been promoting Inner Work, which is in essence also a Buddhist teaching.
Summing up, he shared that the greatest and unique contribution of Buddhism as one of the world’s main religion is its emphasis on the human MIND as the forerunner of all human experience. Buddha’s teachings are centered around how each person should master and cleanse the mind of defilements and ignorance so as to attain liberation from suffering.
Encounter with a Guru (Open Evening fieldtrip - Apr. 24, 2007)
Infinite Peace to all!The Tuesday Inner Work Circle last night did not have the usual session at The Peacemakers’ Circle but instead decided to take a “fieldtrip” to attend a special program: “An Evening of Wisdom, Music and Meditation” with the world-renowned guru and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. This was held at the Isla Ballroom of the EDSA Shangri-la Hotel.
It was a rare opportunity to hear live from a guru such as Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. As Mr. Jimmy Licauco (columnist and founder of the Inner Mind Institute) put it as he introduced him, Guruji (as he is usually addressed) has a long list of accomplishments in the field of spirituality, peacebuidling, interfaith dialogue, health and stress management, social work, and many more. He is famous for the Art of Living Foundation which is a large international volunteer-based organization accredited by the United Nations.
What is wonderful about the experience was that I felt like I was in a comedy bar instead of a guru’s lecture! We just kept laughing and smiling most of the time because of the guru’s great sense of humor. His straight-forward wisdom and childlike aura was a delightful reminder of the basic needs of humanity today—love, trust, belongingness to one another, and a sincere smile on each one’s face (400 times a day just like the babies!—according to his studies).
Preparing humanity for a great transition (Apr. 17, 2007)
Infinite Peace!Jam-packed! – The small space of The Peacemakers’ Circle miraculously accommodated 23 people last night (April 17) as Tuesday Inner Work Circle (TIWC*) conducted this month’s Open Evening featuring the teachings of the Korean faith tradition, Jeung San Do (JSD).
Armed with his LCD projector, laptop notebook and powerpoint presentation, Mr. Lee Sang Kyu, leader of Jeung San Do-Manila and regular Inner Work participant, gave a comprehensive, rich and well-organized sharing about the principal teachings of JSD. What made it more interesting was how he included in the presentation short clips from some contemporary documentaries and relevant films, such as The Secret (on the laws of attraction & thought energy) and Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth (on global warming). This way he was able to relate the teachings of JSD with actual global experiences and modern scientific research.
With so much to say in so short a time, Mr. Lee had to leave out some of the sharing for another day as the session drew to a close. The group (which composed of Muslims, Baha’i's, Christians, Shumeis, Hindu, and non-traditionals) had to proceed with Q&A while enjoying the refreshments courtesy of JSD members. People stayed on until past 9:00pm while enjoying the company and conversations with new-found friends and sharing insights on their new learnings from the Jeung San Do about cosmology, universal laws of change and cycles, the impending catastrophic transition and the coming new age of humanity’s spiritual maturation.
Easter reflections (Apr. 10, 2007)
Belated Easter greetings to our Christian brothers and sisters!
T’was our first TIWC* session for the month last Tuesday (April 10) and we thought of sharing reflections on the Easter season of the Christians.
We first heard from our Christian seminarian brother about the significance of religious practices during the Lent and Easter season. It was interesting to hear about his observations on the practices unique in the Philippines that are not found in his home country or anywhere else.
The others then shared about similar or corresponding practices and religious celebrations found in their respective faiths. This eventually led to sharing on practices of fasting and self-purification. Some shared about personal experiences and insights on individual-- as well as cosmic-- transitions, rebirth, and miracles.
T’was our first TIWC* session for the month last Tuesday (April 10) and we thought of sharing reflections on the Easter season of the Christians.
We first heard from our Christian seminarian brother about the significance of religious practices during the Lent and Easter season. It was interesting to hear about his observations on the practices unique in the Philippines that are not found in his home country or anywhere else.
The others then shared about similar or corresponding practices and religious celebrations found in their respective faiths. This eventually led to sharing on practices of fasting and self-purification. Some shared about personal experiences and insights on individual-- as well as cosmic-- transitions, rebirth, and miracles.
Sharing Malaysia, Indonesia, India (Mar. 03, 2007)
Selamat Pagi!
Whew! Long time no see! Last Tuesday (March 27th) was our first session as we resume the meetings at the Inner Work Circle after The Peacemakers’ Circle office closed up for a trip to Malaysia (to attend the URI SEAsia-Pacific Regional Meeting).
We were all glad to see each other once again after not having had sessions for a few weeks. We know we have a lot of stories to share with one another especially since we had gone to several places. This is why we decided that the evening will be a sharing of experiences from our respective travels.
Firstly, the Peacemakers’ Circle staff shared about their trip to Malaysia and we even showed some of our pictures taken during the trip. Our common insights about the trip was that Malaysia is truly a beautiful and its beauty lies in its being very multicultural, multiracial, and multifaith. We enjoyed so much the company and warmth of the people, as much as the sites and sounds (and smell and taste!) of the different places of worship we visited. It was equally meaningful to experience all these with the URI family.
The second main sharing for the evening came from a young friend who just got back from an exchange program in Jakarta, Indonesia. Carmen was accepted to volunteer for six months in a peacebuilding institute in Jakarta and she gladly shared about her experiences there and the programs of the organization. She shared that what struck her more about the experience are similarities in language and culture and parallelism in national history between Indonesia and the Philippines.
Before the session ran out of time we heard a sharing from another country—India. Another member just got back from a trip to India (wow, our innerworkers are quite a bunch of jetsetters, aren’t they?!) and she shared about the conference she attended and their experiences of mystical India. In one whole breath she was able to almost convince everyone to try to visit the country! She shared about the opposite aspects of India, the poverty and unhealth vis a vis the deep spirituality and wonderful art (architecture, crafts, jewelry, cloths, etc.).
Terima Kasih!
Orlan
Whew! Long time no see! Last Tuesday (March 27th) was our first session as we resume the meetings at the Inner Work Circle after The Peacemakers’ Circle office closed up for a trip to Malaysia (to attend the URI SEAsia-Pacific Regional Meeting).
We were all glad to see each other once again after not having had sessions for a few weeks. We know we have a lot of stories to share with one another especially since we had gone to several places. This is why we decided that the evening will be a sharing of experiences from our respective travels.
Firstly, the Peacemakers’ Circle staff shared about their trip to Malaysia and we even showed some of our pictures taken during the trip. Our common insights about the trip was that Malaysia is truly a beautiful and its beauty lies in its being very multicultural, multiracial, and multifaith. We enjoyed so much the company and warmth of the people, as much as the sites and sounds (and smell and taste!) of the different places of worship we visited. It was equally meaningful to experience all these with the URI family.
The second main sharing for the evening came from a young friend who just got back from an exchange program in Jakarta, Indonesia. Carmen was accepted to volunteer for six months in a peacebuilding institute in Jakarta and she gladly shared about her experiences there and the programs of the organization. She shared that what struck her more about the experience are similarities in language and culture and parallelism in national history between Indonesia and the Philippines.
Before the session ran out of time we heard a sharing from another country—India. Another member just got back from a trip to India (wow, our innerworkers are quite a bunch of jetsetters, aren’t they?!) and she shared about the conference she attended and their experiences of mystical India. In one whole breath she was able to almost convince everyone to try to visit the country! She shared about the opposite aspects of India, the poverty and unhealth vis a vis the deep spirituality and wonderful art (architecture, crafts, jewelry, cloths, etc.).
Terima Kasih!
Orlan
Spreading white Light (Open Evening with Byakko Shinko Kai - Feb. 27, 2007))
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My life blazed
With the desire
To serve as a thread
Joining Heaven and Earth.
While thinking only of God,
Even my joined hands
Vanished in prayer,
Leaving only the blue sky.
Where the vibrations of heaven and earth
United, and became
The roaring of the sea,
The sun rose.
-- Masahisa Goi, founder of Byakko Shinko Kai
Infinite Light to all!
Last night (Feb.27) was an Open Evening session at the Peacemakers’ Tuesday Inner Work Circle (TIWC) featuring the spirituality of the BYAKKO SHINKO KAI or “white light spiritual organization.” We were privileged to have had with us to share one of their active members who came all the way from Japan, Ms. Tomoko Ukai.
Ms. Tomoko, I believe, is the most infectiously joyful person that I have ever met. I was amazed at her disposition and her genuine smile when I first saw her. When she entered the room it was obvious that she was so happy to meet everyone. She said that she could sense the peace and positive energies that flow throughout the place and that made her glad and privileged to visit and talk for the evening. Indeed, everyone that she shook hands and interacted with could not help but be infected with her smile and overflowing joy.
Ms. Tomoko was accompanied by Mr. Mario “Toots” Fungo, Peacemakers’ friend and founding member and satellite member of the Byakko Shinko Kai and World Peace Prayer Society (WPPS). Both of them are members of the two peace organizations which were founded by one person, Sensei Masahisa Goi.
It was interesting to hear once again some of the teachings from a particular spiritual tradition such as the Byakko Shinko Kai, especially hearing from one member who exudes and lives up to these teachings…
With the desire
To serve as a thread
Joining Heaven and Earth.
While thinking only of God,
Even my joined hands
Vanished in prayer,
Leaving only the blue sky.
Where the vibrations of heaven and earth
United, and became
The roaring of the sea,
The sun rose.
-- Masahisa Goi, founder of Byakko Shinko Kai
Infinite Light to all!
Last night (Feb.27) was an Open Evening session at the Peacemakers’ Tuesday Inner Work Circle (TIWC) featuring the spirituality of the BYAKKO SHINKO KAI or “white light spiritual organization.” We were privileged to have had with us to share one of their active members who came all the way from Japan, Ms. Tomoko Ukai.
Ms. Tomoko, I believe, is the most infectiously joyful person that I have ever met. I was amazed at her disposition and her genuine smile when I first saw her. When she entered the room it was obvious that she was so happy to meet everyone. She said that she could sense the peace and positive energies that flow throughout the place and that made her glad and privileged to visit and talk for the evening. Indeed, everyone that she shook hands and interacted with could not help but be infected with her smile and overflowing joy.
Ms. Tomoko was accompanied by Mr. Mario “Toots” Fungo, Peacemakers’ friend and founding member and satellite member of the Byakko Shinko Kai and World Peace Prayer Society (WPPS). Both of them are members of the two peace organizations which were founded by one person, Sensei Masahisa Goi.
It was interesting to hear once again some of the teachings from a particular spiritual tradition such as the Byakko Shinko Kai, especially hearing from one member who exudes and lives up to these teachings…
Care to lend an ear? (Feb. 02, 2007)
Dear Everyone,
Hear ye! Hear ye!
If you were given the choice whether to go blind or to be deaf, which would you prefer? Would you rather see without hearing or hear without seeing?
This was one of the questions posed at the Tuesday Inner Work Circle last Feb.20 as we reflected on the sense of Hearing.
The most prominent point raised was the significance of sound as one of the two important elements of the universe-- together with light. Light and sound are two major forms of energy. Both manifest as waves but are perceived separately by two different human senses. This leads us to reflect on the relationship of the two. We have discussed about the sense of sight last week and this time we pondered on the sense of hearing.
The Hindu faith tradition believes that sound was first produced during the creation of the universe and this sound was “OM”. This is why central to the religious practice of the Hindus is the chanting of “OM” which is then referred to as the sound of God or a mantra that connects us to the source of creation. This also makes sense why scientists now refer to the creation of the universe as “The Big Bang.”
Indeed, even from the Bible it is interesting to note how the sound was given importance. “In the beginning was darkness” (the absence of light), then God said “Let there be light!” and then there was light. Notice that although it seemed that light was created first, God used sound or words in order to command the creation. Also found in the Bible was the statement: “In the beginning was the word, and the word was made flesh.”
A Muslim brother agrees to this point as he shared quotes from the Qur’an about how “sound is as old as creation” and how it has for the longest time been divine medium. He pointed out that mankind never has been allowed to see God, but prophets, sages and masters have always heard instructions and messages from God. Someone said “inner locution” was how the Catholics call it.
When we are born the first thing we do after inhaling the first breath is to cry, to make a sound. Only after days later can the baby open its eyes. Come to think of it, months even before he/she is born the baby can already hear and can be affected by the sound or music that the pregnant mother hears! (This has been scientifically studied—although it has already been mentioned in the ancient Vedic scriptures.)
I’ve heard somewhere that when a person dies, the last sense that fades away is the hearing. I guess this is also why in some, if not most, traditions relatives still talk, sing or chant to their beloveds who just died (knowing that the person would still hear them).
It’s always interesting to gain rich insights after discussing about simple things that we take for granted such as seeing and hearing. We’ve established through the discussions that although there exists the physical perception (image or sound), there is also what can be considered as “inner sense” (inner vision or inner hearing). Personally I have fondly gained the insight that for these “inner” perceptions we no longer use the physical sensory organs but a different set of “inner” sensory organs. Call it “spiritual organs” or non-physical organs.
It would seem that just as we see with the physical eyes, we “spiritually see” with the non-physical mind-- hence, the words “insight”, “hindsight,” or “foresight.” Even the concept of the “third eye” gives reference to the mind and its extrasensory powers.
On the other hand, to hear with the physical ears corresponds to “spiritually hearing” with the non-physical heart (not to be confused with the physical organ that pumps blood throughout our arteries). This gives reference to such concepts as “heart listening” or even the concept of listening itself as opposed to hearing. When we really listen to a person we not only hear him/her with out ears but we also use our heart to “hear the person’s feelings.”
At Inner Work we are often told to “listen not only to the words but also to the silence of the other.” I do believe that pertains not only to just “lending an ear” but to “opening a heart” as well.
How about we HEAR from you?
Hear ye! Hear ye!
If you were given the choice whether to go blind or to be deaf, which would you prefer? Would you rather see without hearing or hear without seeing?
This was one of the questions posed at the Tuesday Inner Work Circle last Feb.20 as we reflected on the sense of Hearing.
The most prominent point raised was the significance of sound as one of the two important elements of the universe-- together with light. Light and sound are two major forms of energy. Both manifest as waves but are perceived separately by two different human senses. This leads us to reflect on the relationship of the two. We have discussed about the sense of sight last week and this time we pondered on the sense of hearing.
The Hindu faith tradition believes that sound was first produced during the creation of the universe and this sound was “OM”. This is why central to the religious practice of the Hindus is the chanting of “OM” which is then referred to as the sound of God or a mantra that connects us to the source of creation. This also makes sense why scientists now refer to the creation of the universe as “The Big Bang.”
Indeed, even from the Bible it is interesting to note how the sound was given importance. “In the beginning was darkness” (the absence of light), then God said “Let there be light!” and then there was light. Notice that although it seemed that light was created first, God used sound or words in order to command the creation. Also found in the Bible was the statement: “In the beginning was the word, and the word was made flesh.”
A Muslim brother agrees to this point as he shared quotes from the Qur’an about how “sound is as old as creation” and how it has for the longest time been divine medium. He pointed out that mankind never has been allowed to see God, but prophets, sages and masters have always heard instructions and messages from God. Someone said “inner locution” was how the Catholics call it.
When we are born the first thing we do after inhaling the first breath is to cry, to make a sound. Only after days later can the baby open its eyes. Come to think of it, months even before he/she is born the baby can already hear and can be affected by the sound or music that the pregnant mother hears! (This has been scientifically studied—although it has already been mentioned in the ancient Vedic scriptures.)
I’ve heard somewhere that when a person dies, the last sense that fades away is the hearing. I guess this is also why in some, if not most, traditions relatives still talk, sing or chant to their beloveds who just died (knowing that the person would still hear them).
It’s always interesting to gain rich insights after discussing about simple things that we take for granted such as seeing and hearing. We’ve established through the discussions that although there exists the physical perception (image or sound), there is also what can be considered as “inner sense” (inner vision or inner hearing). Personally I have fondly gained the insight that for these “inner” perceptions we no longer use the physical sensory organs but a different set of “inner” sensory organs. Call it “spiritual organs” or non-physical organs.
It would seem that just as we see with the physical eyes, we “spiritually see” with the non-physical mind-- hence, the words “insight”, “hindsight,” or “foresight.” Even the concept of the “third eye” gives reference to the mind and its extrasensory powers.
On the other hand, to hear with the physical ears corresponds to “spiritually hearing” with the non-physical heart (not to be confused with the physical organ that pumps blood throughout our arteries). This gives reference to such concepts as “heart listening” or even the concept of listening itself as opposed to hearing. When we really listen to a person we not only hear him/her with out ears but we also use our heart to “hear the person’s feelings.”
At Inner Work we are often told to “listen not only to the words but also to the silence of the other.” I do believe that pertains not only to just “lending an ear” but to “opening a heart” as well.
How about we HEAR from you?
Making Sense: Seeing (Feb. 13, 2007)
Our eyes.
They blink together.
They move together.
They cry together.
They see things together.
They sleep together…
Though they never see each other.
That’s FRIENDSHIP!
(a Valentine text message)
Peace to all!
How do I use my eyes? What do I see? What images, colors, figures caught my sight?
These were some of the questions we reflected on and shared about as we tried to make sense of our sense of sight (we’re still on The Physical Self as the theme) at the Tuesday Inner Work Circle last Feb. 13.
It was a full house once again with an interfaith, intercultural and international group of participants from different faiths (Catholic, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Shumei, Jeung San Do, etc.), and nations (Indian, Japanese, Korean, African, Bangladesh, Italian and local), and age groups (young-adult to young-golden).
We heard inspiring insights and provocative reflections on a simple topic—such as “seeing”—which turned out to be deep and wide-ranged.
Out of my own insight, I guess the most overused yet simply comprehensive expression that could relate the sense of sight with faith is: “To see is to believe.” (Or is it?).
I usually hear this sentence when a lawyer would reiterate the significance of hard evidences when defending a case in court, or when a scientist would emphasize how empirical data is the basis of scientific study or research. Empirical evidences are those which are actually observable or are experienced by the physical senses. Note that in observation (be it in a laboratory or in social research) the main sense being used is the sight.
Indeed, we humans as physical beings existing in the physical world always need to verify the truth with our senses. But would this also apply if we talk about spiritual truth?
I remember a passage in the Bible where Jesus said: “Blessed are those who believed without seeing.” He was talking to a disciple who didn’t believe Christ’s resurrection unless he’d “seen the risen Lord himself with his eyes and touched his fingers through his master’s wounds.” Jesus was praising the faith of those who did not doubt him and believed in the truth of the miracle even without empirical verification.
But does faith really have to be blind? After all, we still are “in this world although not of this world” (as Marites often puts it). Especially in this modern world full of deceit and false hopes, people turn to science or simply rely on their physical senses to verify what is true and believable.
One participant at the Inner Work Circle shared his experience of having been an atheist for 21 years and then “seeing the light” again through another faith. It shows how one could go through so much for so long looking for proof of the existence of God. And who could blame him?
Even God for so long has understood this human reasoning so much that numerous incarnations, prophets, masters, avatars, gurus, buddhas and what not have walked the earth or have manifested or “have been sent” (or however it is called)—just to give a glimpse of the Almighty, and Infinite Divine Power.
Our Muslim brother shared how the Qur’an is also known as the Book of Signs, the proof of the One God. I’d say: so goes for all the other holy scriptures. These are all the Words of God in different languages brought forth by the different sages and prophets. And just as God speaks in the language each individual will be able to understand, God also appears in the image, figure, form or manifestation that each can see and recognize.
We do need to see in order to believe. But we need to use different eyes. The physical eyes cannot see God because all that is spiritual and non-material is invisible and intangible.
True people of faith are not blind. They see God but not in visions or apparitions, not in their temples or altars, not in their spiritual masters, prophets and deities. True people of faith see God in the eyes of their neighbors, their children and family, in their co-workers, in the tindera in the corner, the beggar in the street, the prisoner in jail, even in the politicians or the rich fat capitalist businessmen. They see God even in the eyes of the most sinful of sinners and the cruelest of all enemies. Some even see God in the wisp of the wind, in the birds singing, in the eyes of a puppy, in a smooth rock in the clear river, in each blade of grass.
See what I mean?
They blink together.
They move together.
They cry together.
They see things together.
They sleep together…
Though they never see each other.
That’s FRIENDSHIP!
(a Valentine text message)
Peace to all!
How do I use my eyes? What do I see? What images, colors, figures caught my sight?
These were some of the questions we reflected on and shared about as we tried to make sense of our sense of sight (we’re still on The Physical Self as the theme) at the Tuesday Inner Work Circle last Feb. 13.
It was a full house once again with an interfaith, intercultural and international group of participants from different faiths (Catholic, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Shumei, Jeung San Do, etc.), and nations (Indian, Japanese, Korean, African, Bangladesh, Italian and local), and age groups (young-adult to young-golden).
We heard inspiring insights and provocative reflections on a simple topic—such as “seeing”—which turned out to be deep and wide-ranged.
Out of my own insight, I guess the most overused yet simply comprehensive expression that could relate the sense of sight with faith is: “To see is to believe.” (Or is it?).
I usually hear this sentence when a lawyer would reiterate the significance of hard evidences when defending a case in court, or when a scientist would emphasize how empirical data is the basis of scientific study or research. Empirical evidences are those which are actually observable or are experienced by the physical senses. Note that in observation (be it in a laboratory or in social research) the main sense being used is the sight.
Indeed, we humans as physical beings existing in the physical world always need to verify the truth with our senses. But would this also apply if we talk about spiritual truth?
I remember a passage in the Bible where Jesus said: “Blessed are those who believed without seeing.” He was talking to a disciple who didn’t believe Christ’s resurrection unless he’d “seen the risen Lord himself with his eyes and touched his fingers through his master’s wounds.” Jesus was praising the faith of those who did not doubt him and believed in the truth of the miracle even without empirical verification.
But does faith really have to be blind? After all, we still are “in this world although not of this world” (as Marites often puts it). Especially in this modern world full of deceit and false hopes, people turn to science or simply rely on their physical senses to verify what is true and believable.
One participant at the Inner Work Circle shared his experience of having been an atheist for 21 years and then “seeing the light” again through another faith. It shows how one could go through so much for so long looking for proof of the existence of God. And who could blame him?
Even God for so long has understood this human reasoning so much that numerous incarnations, prophets, masters, avatars, gurus, buddhas and what not have walked the earth or have manifested or “have been sent” (or however it is called)—just to give a glimpse of the Almighty, and Infinite Divine Power.
Our Muslim brother shared how the Qur’an is also known as the Book of Signs, the proof of the One God. I’d say: so goes for all the other holy scriptures. These are all the Words of God in different languages brought forth by the different sages and prophets. And just as God speaks in the language each individual will be able to understand, God also appears in the image, figure, form or manifestation that each can see and recognize.
We do need to see in order to believe. But we need to use different eyes. The physical eyes cannot see God because all that is spiritual and non-material is invisible and intangible.
True people of faith are not blind. They see God but not in visions or apparitions, not in their temples or altars, not in their spiritual masters, prophets and deities. True people of faith see God in the eyes of their neighbors, their children and family, in their co-workers, in the tindera in the corner, the beggar in the street, the prisoner in jail, even in the politicians or the rich fat capitalist businessmen. They see God even in the eyes of the most sinful of sinners and the cruelest of all enemies. Some even see God in the wisp of the wind, in the birds singing, in the eyes of a puppy, in a smooth rock in the clear river, in each blade of grass.
See what I mean?
My Physical Self (Feb. 06, 2007)
“Here in this body are the sacred rivers: here are the sun & the moon as well as all the pilgrimage places… I have not encountered another temple as blissful as my own body.” -- Sahara (Mystic)
Peace to everyBODY!
What do I like most about my body? What don’t I like? And Why?
These were the questions we reflected and shared about as we tackled the theme My Physical Self at the Tuesday Inner Work Circle last Feb. 6.
Although the questions may at first sound like it came from a slum book it actually pertains to a significant aspect of self-awareness and a fundamental topic in Inner Work. Awareness, first of all, begins with the physical body—the most tangible and empirical aspect of the self that posses our most useful God-given senses.
We always say that peace begins within us… but where to begin? A yoga teacher once said, “The first step towards inner peace is making peace with your body.” It’s as simple as that. But, as shared by some of the innerworkers last Tuesday, this is one aspect of the self we most often forget about or take for granted.
We’ve read over and over the same thing from the different scriptures: “The body is the sheath of the soul.”(Talmud, Sanhedrin 108a -- Judaism). But it’s kind of difficult to always remember, and we are only reminded when we get sick, when the karma kicks in.
A part of the teachings say that this physical shell we occupy is a temporary one and it is not who we truly are. Still, the other part of the teachings say that it is a very important tool and since it is considered “the temple of the holy spirit” it is indeed right to take care of it always, revere it, and not abuse it. “Use your body as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God.” (Romans 6:13b -- Christianity)
One participant shared how she is currently “having a love affair with her body.” A certain ailment or body imbalance has recently been teaching her lessons in slowing-down—as opposed to working fast. She’s a self-confessed workaholic. Now she is learning how to take life easier and slower, and how she can still accomplish many things even by not working too hard, too much.
One striking point she made during the sharing is being able to distinguish between loving your body vs. being attached to it. These pertain to the two teachings mentioned earlier: the sacredness of the body and its impermanence.
Our Muslim brother also shared from their teachings how we shall all meet God during the judgement day and Allah will not care about how we appear but how we lived according to the Divine will. He further said that the only part of us that God will examine is the heart, because its purity of intentions and deeds are what we are to be judged on in the end.
Indeed the body is not the essence of our being, but it is essential nonetheless. We cannot accomplish what we are meant to do while incarnated in this vehicle if the vehicle itself is not well-maintained or well-respected. On the other hand, we have to be careful not to be obsessed with our body for it is just a temporary sheath.
Namaste!
-Orlan
Peace to everyBODY!
What do I like most about my body? What don’t I like? And Why?
These were the questions we reflected and shared about as we tackled the theme My Physical Self at the Tuesday Inner Work Circle last Feb. 6.
Although the questions may at first sound like it came from a slum book it actually pertains to a significant aspect of self-awareness and a fundamental topic in Inner Work. Awareness, first of all, begins with the physical body—the most tangible and empirical aspect of the self that posses our most useful God-given senses.
We always say that peace begins within us… but where to begin? A yoga teacher once said, “The first step towards inner peace is making peace with your body.” It’s as simple as that. But, as shared by some of the innerworkers last Tuesday, this is one aspect of the self we most often forget about or take for granted.
We’ve read over and over the same thing from the different scriptures: “The body is the sheath of the soul.”(Talmud, Sanhedrin 108a -- Judaism). But it’s kind of difficult to always remember, and we are only reminded when we get sick, when the karma kicks in.
A part of the teachings say that this physical shell we occupy is a temporary one and it is not who we truly are. Still, the other part of the teachings say that it is a very important tool and since it is considered “the temple of the holy spirit” it is indeed right to take care of it always, revere it, and not abuse it. “Use your body as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God.” (Romans 6:13b -- Christianity)
One participant shared how she is currently “having a love affair with her body.” A certain ailment or body imbalance has recently been teaching her lessons in slowing-down—as opposed to working fast. She’s a self-confessed workaholic. Now she is learning how to take life easier and slower, and how she can still accomplish many things even by not working too hard, too much.
One striking point she made during the sharing is being able to distinguish between loving your body vs. being attached to it. These pertain to the two teachings mentioned earlier: the sacredness of the body and its impermanence.
Our Muslim brother also shared from their teachings how we shall all meet God during the judgement day and Allah will not care about how we appear but how we lived according to the Divine will. He further said that the only part of us that God will examine is the heart, because its purity of intentions and deeds are what we are to be judged on in the end.
Indeed the body is not the essence of our being, but it is essential nonetheless. We cannot accomplish what we are meant to do while incarnated in this vehicle if the vehicle itself is not well-maintained or well-respected. On the other hand, we have to be careful not to be obsessed with our body for it is just a temporary sheath.
Namaste!
-Orlan
Temple visit Hare Krishna (Jan. 30, 2007)
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Hare Krishna!I greet you with the holy name of God from the Hindu spiritual group popularly known by the same name. But this religious organization we visited last Tuesday (Jan.30) has its official name, ISKCON, which stands for International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
I am sure I would be speaking for the group when I say that it was such a wonderful and enlightening Open Evening for the Tuesday Inner Work Circle TIWC as we experienced first-hand and on-site the sight, sound, smell, feel, and (mostly especially!) the taste of Hare Krishna faith.
The Sri Radha Madhava Center (as this particular Hare Krishna temple is named) is found in a residential village in Makati. From the outside we were able to recognize it easily because of its unique bamboo-pleated fence and religious murals. As we entered the hall we were welcomed by the warm smiles of the ISKCON devotees who had white markings on their forehead and clad in colorful traditional clothes. Most of the men had their heads shaved (save for a tuff). The most attractive scene that caught our attention is the colorful and well-decorated altar upon which two prominent deities stood: a flute-playing Krishna (made of black marble), and the beautiful Radha (made of white marble). It was a stunning tableau of the male divinity form complimented by the sacred feminine form, as in “yin and yang”.
In the Hindu faith tradition, Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He is portrayed with a darkblue complexion. His female energy manifestation is Radha who is portrayed with glowing white complexion.
Aside from being visually delighted, the group was also enthralled with the lively sound of drums, bells and harmonium accompanying the chorus chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra. We joyfully joined the chanting and clapping, even the dancing.
After a formal welcoming and a basic orientation by their chairman, Mr. Mahendra Das (who, by the way, is one of the founding members of The Peacemakers’ Circle), a lively and almost endless exchange of questions and answers took place during the open forum. The group almost never ran out of questions!
The evening was capped off with a sumptuous feast of delicious blessed (“prasad”) vegetarian food accompanied by conversations with their members. One of the striking sharing I heard from them was how they call all the men “prabhu” meaning “master,” while all the women (except the wife) they call “mata” or “mother”. All of them have “Das” as last name—which means “servant.” Isn’t that beautiful expression of humility, respect for women and service for others?
We got to know a lot about the Hare Krishna faith and I cannot share all we learned. You’ll have to join us the next time we visit them! I’m sure you will enjoy it as much as we did.
One can tell if people had a great time by their length of stay… It was almost 10:00pm when we realized how late it was!
We hope to hear from others who may have reflections/comments/thoughts to share about the experience or about what you read. At the TIWC we learned that sharing our insights enriches both ourselves and those who may benefit from hearing/reading them. We look forward to your sharing.
Next Tuesday (Feb. 6), we will be resuming our session at the Peacemakers’ office with reflections and sharing on the first module of the InnerWork Self-Reflection Guide which is about “Who Am I?”. Our first set of questions will be reflecting on our physical self.
Once again, our heartfelt thanks goes to Prabhu Mahendra and the staff and members of ISKCON Manila and the Sri Radha Madhava Center!
Hare Krishna!
Orlan
Fears & Concerns in Life (Jan. 23, 2007)
Where am I now? What is my foremost concern at this point in life? What are my fears?
These were the guide questions we asked ourselves as we gathered last Tuesday (Jan.23) at the Inner Work Circle.
Pondering on the questions one participant shared about when he started asking the big questions about “the purpose of existence”. He came to realize that:
“The purpose of the universe is beauty.” He explained that from plants to animals, human and up to the planets-- each one exists and undergoes through the cycles (birth-maturity-harvest-rest/death-rebirth) with only one purpose—to continuously evolve towards perfect beauty, perfect harmony, perfect balance, perfect oneness. His foremost concern now is the cultivation of this consciousness of one-mind.
Another participant summed up the questions into one: “Where is my soul?” He said he (or his soul) is now in the middle of the journey towards discovering his life purpose.
Indeed, the unfolding of one’s divine purpose could be slow and full of uncertainty. As one participant pointed out, we need to learn patience, humility and acceptance.
Uncertainty is what brings out our fears. One participant shared her fear: What if I succeed in my chosen path only to realize that after having gone through so much, I am not happy after all? (Have you asked yourself the same question? Have you the same fear?)
One other common theme that came out from the sharing was that the fears and unhappiness that we face are all products of the mind. And the mind is not what should rule us because it is merely just a tool that we use to understand the world. We—that is, our true self—are not our minds. The mind is just a part of us. If there is one aspect of ourselves that we should allow to rule when we are seeking for purpose, it is our hearts—wherein dwells the divine.
As for our fears of being unhappy, I’d say we should just stop thinking too much. After all, it is just the unsettling mind that is asking the questions. The heart would never ask nor doubt your happiness. The heart does not analyze nor categorize/discriminate between darkness or light, pain or pleasure, happy or sad, success or failure. It just experiences these without prejudice. (You know, I wouldn’t be surprised if your mind doesn’t make any sense of this!) J
We would like to hear from you in this egroup about your own reflections on this topic. Or you may want to comment and give your insights on the sharing mentioned. We look forward to your sharing.
Next Tuesday (Jan. 30), we will not be having a session at the Peacemakers’ office. Instead, we will be on a temple-visit fieldtrip, an out-house Open Evening at the Sri RAdha Madhava Center of the ISKCON (International society for Krishna Consciousness) or Hare Krishna spiritual group. Limited slots only. Please call ASAP 920-7622 or text 0918-7822805 (Orlan) if you wish to join!
See you then!
Namaste,
Orlan
These were the guide questions we asked ourselves as we gathered last Tuesday (Jan.23) at the Inner Work Circle.
Pondering on the questions one participant shared about when he started asking the big questions about “the purpose of existence”. He came to realize that:
“The purpose of the universe is beauty.” He explained that from plants to animals, human and up to the planets-- each one exists and undergoes through the cycles (birth-maturity-harvest-rest/death-rebirth) with only one purpose—to continuously evolve towards perfect beauty, perfect harmony, perfect balance, perfect oneness. His foremost concern now is the cultivation of this consciousness of one-mind.
Another participant summed up the questions into one: “Where is my soul?” He said he (or his soul) is now in the middle of the journey towards discovering his life purpose.
Indeed, the unfolding of one’s divine purpose could be slow and full of uncertainty. As one participant pointed out, we need to learn patience, humility and acceptance.
Uncertainty is what brings out our fears. One participant shared her fear: What if I succeed in my chosen path only to realize that after having gone through so much, I am not happy after all? (Have you asked yourself the same question? Have you the same fear?)
One other common theme that came out from the sharing was that the fears and unhappiness that we face are all products of the mind. And the mind is not what should rule us because it is merely just a tool that we use to understand the world. We—that is, our true self—are not our minds. The mind is just a part of us. If there is one aspect of ourselves that we should allow to rule when we are seeking for purpose, it is our hearts—wherein dwells the divine.
As for our fears of being unhappy, I’d say we should just stop thinking too much. After all, it is just the unsettling mind that is asking the questions. The heart would never ask nor doubt your happiness. The heart does not analyze nor categorize/discriminate between darkness or light, pain or pleasure, happy or sad, success or failure. It just experiences these without prejudice. (You know, I wouldn’t be surprised if your mind doesn’t make any sense of this!) J
We would like to hear from you in this egroup about your own reflections on this topic. Or you may want to comment and give your insights on the sharing mentioned. We look forward to your sharing.
Next Tuesday (Jan. 30), we will not be having a session at the Peacemakers’ office. Instead, we will be on a temple-visit fieldtrip, an out-house Open Evening at the Sri RAdha Madhava Center of the ISKCON (International society for Krishna Consciousness) or Hare Krishna spiritual group. Limited slots only. Please call ASAP 920-7622 or text 0918-7822805 (Orlan) if you wish to join!
See you then!
Namaste,
Orlan
Introducing new Inner Work Self-Reflection (Jan. 16, 2007)
Blessings be!
Last Tuesday (Jan.16) we had our Orientation to the new Inner Work Self-Reflection Guide Program for 2007.
It was a full house! A significant turn up of 16 people form different faith traditions gathered for the Tuesday Inner Work Circle (TIWC). We were glad to see old-timers making a come-back, as well as new participants who have expressed interest and commitment to the new program.
The new format of the TIWC consists of a year-long self-reflection program wherein participants are provided with weekly guide questions for self-reflection on the over-all theme: Knowing the Self (“Who Am I?”). Each month the guide questions for the week are given and each Tuesday the participants will be sharing their experiences and insights on the particular question of the week which they have reflected on throughout the week.
We hope everyone could participate in this program which has been proven to be effective in developing self-awareness and self-reflection (these questions are taken from the Inner Work Book 1 which has been tried and tested during the first quarter of 2005.)
For next Tuesday (Jan. 23), we will be sharing on the following preliminary guide questions we hope everyone could reflect on throughout this week:
1) Why would I want to engage in Inner Work?
2) How do I feel about my life right now? Where am I at this point in my life’s journey?
3) How much do I want to help myself?
4) Can I commit myself to being the change that I wish to be in my life?
5) Am I ready to engage in Inner Work?
See you then!
Namaste,
Orlan
“Just as aerobics, jogging, or any form of physical exercise help build physical muscles and promote physical fitness, inner work helps build muscles – soul muscles—for soul fitness. Through constant practice of Inner Work we grow towards self-awareness and towards being able to live life more fully, free from the shackles of fear, resentment, anger and hatred that keep us from relating with others in this world with love, patience, and compassion.” --- M.G.A.
Last Tuesday (Jan.16) we had our Orientation to the new Inner Work Self-Reflection Guide Program for 2007.
It was a full house! A significant turn up of 16 people form different faith traditions gathered for the Tuesday Inner Work Circle (TIWC). We were glad to see old-timers making a come-back, as well as new participants who have expressed interest and commitment to the new program.
The new format of the TIWC consists of a year-long self-reflection program wherein participants are provided with weekly guide questions for self-reflection on the over-all theme: Knowing the Self (“Who Am I?”). Each month the guide questions for the week are given and each Tuesday the participants will be sharing their experiences and insights on the particular question of the week which they have reflected on throughout the week.
We hope everyone could participate in this program which has been proven to be effective in developing self-awareness and self-reflection (these questions are taken from the Inner Work Book 1 which has been tried and tested during the first quarter of 2005.)
For next Tuesday (Jan. 23), we will be sharing on the following preliminary guide questions we hope everyone could reflect on throughout this week:
1) Why would I want to engage in Inner Work?
2) How do I feel about my life right now? Where am I at this point in my life’s journey?
3) How much do I want to help myself?
4) Can I commit myself to being the change that I wish to be in my life?
5) Am I ready to engage in Inner Work?
See you then!
Namaste,
Orlan
“Just as aerobics, jogging, or any form of physical exercise help build physical muscles and promote physical fitness, inner work helps build muscles – soul muscles—for soul fitness. Through constant practice of Inner Work we grow towards self-awareness and towards being able to live life more fully, free from the shackles of fear, resentment, anger and hatred that keep us from relating with others in this world with love, patience, and compassion.” --- M.G.A.
Renewals & New Beginnings (Jan. 09, 2007)
Blessings be!
Last Tuesday (Jan.9) we had our very first session at the Inner work Circle for the year 2007. The theme of our reflections was Reflections, Renewals and New Beginnings.
We reflected first on what we learned from our experiences during the past year—what were the challenges and difficulties we faced. Then we shared our wishes, aspirations and resolutions for the coming year.
For some the year that passed brought the lessons of “letting go”, that is: loosening up on taking control of the situation, doing the best and letting God do the rest. We were all reminded once again that “to everything there is a season”, there is a time for “inhaling” (gathering/taking-in, receiving, nurturing the self, being) and a time for “exhaling” (releasing, giving, caring for others, doing). How about you? In which state are you in right now?
Some other lessons learned were that of humility and realization of personal limitations. Some learned about patience and about opening up oneself to another. For some, they feel the need slow down for the coming year. Others are resolving to spark up the momentum, or to renew a self-cultivating practice, to start again what has dwindled down.
So… do any of these reflections sound familiar to you? Do you resonate with any of them? Perhaps you can also reflect for a minute about the main lesson that the past year gave you and what you intend to do in the coming months of the year of the fire pig?
All in all the first TIWC was a refreshing good start for the year. Everyone shared the general feeling of being energized by the process of self-reflection and sharing of thoughts and feelings to others in a circle where one is listened to without judgment or criticism but with compassion and acceptance of who you are-- whoever you are.
Last Tuesday (Jan.9) we had our very first session at the Inner work Circle for the year 2007. The theme of our reflections was Reflections, Renewals and New Beginnings.
We reflected first on what we learned from our experiences during the past year—what were the challenges and difficulties we faced. Then we shared our wishes, aspirations and resolutions for the coming year.
For some the year that passed brought the lessons of “letting go”, that is: loosening up on taking control of the situation, doing the best and letting God do the rest. We were all reminded once again that “to everything there is a season”, there is a time for “inhaling” (gathering/taking-in, receiving, nurturing the self, being) and a time for “exhaling” (releasing, giving, caring for others, doing). How about you? In which state are you in right now?
Some other lessons learned were that of humility and realization of personal limitations. Some learned about patience and about opening up oneself to another. For some, they feel the need slow down for the coming year. Others are resolving to spark up the momentum, or to renew a self-cultivating practice, to start again what has dwindled down.
So… do any of these reflections sound familiar to you? Do you resonate with any of them? Perhaps you can also reflect for a minute about the main lesson that the past year gave you and what you intend to do in the coming months of the year of the fire pig?
All in all the first TIWC was a refreshing good start for the year. Everyone shared the general feeling of being energized by the process of self-reflection and sharing of thoughts and feelings to others in a circle where one is listened to without judgment or criticism but with compassion and acceptance of who you are-- whoever you are.
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