Hello and Welcome- - Our Beloved Cultivator ~ Swami Eli

Namaste.

Having lived a fortunately long life gives a person much valuable opportunity for the exploration of many subjects and the wisdom of experiences.  My life has been rich with both.  My interests have ranged from scientific exploration to health practices to Occult to spiritual seeking - each has added to my perspective.  Especially, have these interests and experiences kindled in me a firm belief that regardless of how the human mind attempts to describe the really important matters of life and living, regardless of the philosophical or religious lens they use to contemplate such issues, the answers can be distilled into very simple concepts and easily understood, once that simplicity is uncovered.

Recently, as I replied to comments on my this blog , I expressed a desire of my heart - “I have a dream. I wish someone would compile the verses/sayings from all the different  sources from ALL RELIGIONS about the SAME subject.” I felt that Truth is the same, and it would be an enlightening experience for all to see how everyone speaks the same truth.

Imagine my joy, to discover then, that some of my friends here at Gaia, had a similar longing in their hearts too.  A new thread was started by our most Awesome lady Nicole Community Project Idea: One Light, Many Windows. The longing to act upon the desire is what caused the group, who are the originating moderators, to start this group.  Many of us came to realize that this “dream” I expressed; was a dream that others had realized they had as well.

I am a friendly, humble man.  The friendship I have extended has been rewarded in the commitment of these friends who have gathered here and the hours of sincere work they have selflessly given to establish this shared dream in a strong foundation for success.  In my humility, it is important to me, that you know that what you see established in this group has not been my work alone and could never have been accomplished without these dear souls helping me to make it so.

Would you like to know what the basic principles are, that have brought me to this point, of seeing my dream realized?  They are -

[1]  We should learn to forgive ourself.

[2]  Change comes when it comes .. we must be patient.

[3]  If we think good, see only good and pray sincerely; the world looks a brighter and  better place. The negatives are not “out there”, they are “inside us”, and we only hurt ourself by seeing and feeling negatively. While the world moves on, we keep bleeding inside, feeling hurt and lonely.

[4]  God is kind and blessings are always there, we only need to be aware of the blessings.

[5] Truth is simple, not a complex concept but unfortunately, it is not simple to think simple, as our group has discovered in attempting to realize a group dream.

May we discover that simple truth as we identify the layers that would obscure such.

Eli - India

[I've taken the liberty of adding each person's name and yours as well, Eli, as cultivator, to the sub-title- meenakshi 6/24/09]

Re: Hello and Welcome- Nicole

Grace and peace to you all.

It is a joy and a privilege for me to be here as co-moderator with Eli and other dear Gaia friends in this amazing initiative. This has been a natural next step on my journey, which has been unfolding more and more as time goes on as seeking the underlying connections and unity between us all.

How exciting it has been to see everything coming together! I am very much looking forward to this community project take flight.

Love and light,

Nicole

Re: Hello and Welcome-Deborah

In Oneness, I greet you -

I have a 30+ year foundational understanding in Science of Mind principles, metaphysics, as conceptualized and taught by Ernest Holmes in his lifetime.  I also have an interest in and have studied Mexican shamanism, as I grew up on the border with that country and am most likely at least 1/4 Latin descent (genetically).  I was raised in the Episcopalian church (my maternal grandmother being devout in that religion) and have always resonated deeply with the beauty of their sacred rituals, some of which, Advent and Lent, I have continued to casually practice solitarily.  Also, in my childhood upbringing were deeply devout conservative Christians of the Church of Christ persuasion.  They were bible literalists; and at one point in my life, I had some very interesting correspondence with my Grandfather, as I would interpret the bible from a metaphysical symbologic perspective and he would hold his ground - literally.

And that, perhaps, sets the stage for how I came to be here …  

For one thing, Eli has previously expressed trust in me, to take over certain concerns that come to his attention of a personal nature - not so much his personal concerns, though I know I have his trust there too, but as regards some Gaians who come to him for spiritual guidance and with whom he feels I would be more effective as a direct contact.  So, he has turned to me before; and when this new project began to take shape, his impulse was to bring it to my attention and ask for my participation in this as well.

I have long been a seeker of truth, wherever I find it.  I have long loved to read fiction looking for those little secret treasures Spirit likes to slip in; to perhaps hook the unawakened into a spiritual pursuit.  Most average people, who are not ready for a spiritual perspective on life, never notice these - but I do.  Ernest Holmes studied as many religions and forms of philosophical thought as were available to him, due to his overwhelming desire to understand the core essence of Spirit and its activity in, and as, our lives.  That is something I know that Eli has in common with my foundation in Science of Mind.

Of more recent interest to me has been the Tao Te Ching (and Taoism), which resonates with my inner being and, of which I am in intensive study, though being only about half-way through a careful contemplation of each verse within my Living Metaphysics group.  I also resonate with nature-based spirituality, similar to Wicca, but not of that specific sort (for I have no local in-person support and Wicca requires that, according to my understanding).  

I suppose it could be said that I am a Pagan, which has long had a negative interpretation (please go to the link on the word, if you are unclear about its usage by me) but I mean, that in the sense that means a “rustic” person or “country bumpkin”, whose spiritual inclination leans towards the mystical in nature.  If I had to give myself only one definition as to spiritual inclination - I would call myself a Mystic and leave it at that.  My most sacred place, is the little gravel bar cove, where a Unitarian minister married me to my husband.  There is a still pool and a sitting stone, a little waterfall, a witness tree (who I kiss daily in order to kiss the Divine) and a rock altar at which I kneel most days.  I can not say that I am heavy into the rituals and/or “objects” of such a practice (the kinds that most nature-based practitioners are inclined to) but I do have a fondness for using Moon energies and recognizing the energetic change of seasons that are the Solstice and Equinox.  My practice of nature-based spirituality has been of a unique, individual sort (crafted entirely of the mix of beliefs and foundations described above) and it is solitary (except Spirit ever be there with me) for over 20 years, at least I was totally alone in this, until I found Gaia (for which I will be ever grateful to have the open-mindedness to all things spiritual that I find here).

I thank you for indulging such a long introduction.  It may be more than most of you ever cared to know but it makes me who I am (including long-winded ;-o).  I am excited to be a part of this project for entirely selfish reasons.  I know that my spiritual understanding of Reality and of the Simple Truths at its core will be enhanced by what I am able to learn as content is added here.  It is a joy I know I will share with all the others who find themselves thus drawn into this circle of loving hearts and open minds.

Deborah - United States of America (Missouri wilderness)

Re: Hello and Welcome-HummingBird

I always like to remind myself, I am another you…

My name is Anna. I am a mother to Natalie, Neville and Gra-anna and many others whom I have the good fortune to 'adopt', grandmother to Awen, wife to Gien, poet, yoga teacher, art teacher, run meditations sessions and self help courses, graphic designer, LifeLine counsellor and… and… I've have written a 'self help' workbook which Walking the Labyrinth pod is modeled on…. My practice is my every moment.

I've created pods here in Gaia - Walking the Labyrinth, Passing, Meeting Love and also co-mod with others World Heritage. Integral Veg*n. I am an administrator on the network, Candle4Burma. I created a network for my mentor, Bill Ainslie and the Peace and Compassion Network. My love Gien and I created Gift to the Dalai Lama

My spiritual journey…

Meeting my husband, Gien, here on Gaia, brought a sense of relief that at last I have found my co-traveler - it's as though more is possible walking with Gien than on my own. Gien introduced me to Tibetan Buddhism which I related to spontaneously. As a child my precious father, who passed on when i was 7 years old, was a Christian of a mystic sort and my mother has always been more of a wanderer with an interest in traditional African religion.

My back ground left me fairly 'rootless' on the one hand, and on the other freed me up to be 'a child of the Divine universe'. For some reason, which I put it down to previous life experience because nothing at all in my upbringing or environment can be pointed to as an explanation, I've always resonated with 'Eastern thought' for want of a better term.

As a young adult I was introduced to Sufi thought according to Idries Shah, by my mentor for 7 years, Bill Ainslie. who passed on in 1989. I traveled with the I'ching for 25 years which I now seldom refer to, having integrated it's wisdom to some extent into my thinking.

After a spiritually dormant period, life propelled me into new adventures. I discovered Reiki/it discovered me. Reiki was spring board for journeys to follow. I learned something from teachings of great Yogi's through my training as a yoga teacher and read Patanjali's Yoga Sutras twice. 

My oldest daughter, Gra-anna (see Gra-anna's Book), passed on in December 2004. She was a daughter of the 'new age' and taught about the wonder of Mother Earth and the vastness of everything. There were no limits for/to her and when I find a star, i know it's a 'Gra-anna sign' - you won't believe how many stars I find! Her passing was an enormous learning experience for me, 'piercing the veil' to some extent.

I have experienced different paths and found their essence to be Oneness. My sense is that all human beings are from the same source and are simply different manifestations of infinite Oneness; it's as though there's a light inside a ball which has many little holes in it - the little holes are each of us and the light shining through, our Oneness. Which leads me to why I am here at One light Many Windows founded by Beloved Guruji and co moderated by my sacred family.

love flows

HummingBird - South Africa
 

Re: Hello and Welcome-Meenakshi

Dear friends, Namaste.
I greet you with folded hands, a warm smile, holding you close within my eyes.

As I look around the group of moderators who have begun this group, I see Eli who blogged about his dream; Nicole who brought it to discuss in the Gaia Networking group, and all of us and more, whose own dreams of a project such as One Light Many Windows, burst forth!

The windows opened and light flooded in.

Now they are opening wider, and I see that more light is waiting to stream in.

I realize I was born into a privileged family; because from childhood we were shown that “There is no religion higher than Truth” and that all humans are brothers and sisters. That there is an underlying truth in all science and religion, which bears studying. My family was a member of the Theosophical Society and I delighted in the international flavor, and the mystical, scholarly, non-ego aspects of what we were exposed to.

As an adult, an added dimension came into my life in the form of energy and light; with attunements, energy clearing and healing techniques learned that helped to bring those teachings into being. I found my guides and teachers in the etheric, celestial and material realms; those I had yearned for in my youth.

The serious child, hungry to know everything there possibly was to know in this world, as fast as possible, who felt she was an insect with antennae all over her body to pick up knowledge; became a most joyful adult. There is nothing we need to do, except to be joyful. If we are not joyful, there are many paths that teach us how to get there.

In this age, the floodgates are open to all who seek.We can now share all the knowledge and wisdom that had been hidden as
esoteric knowledge, to which in early times only monks, priests, and brahmins were
privy. The internet has given us a tool for even further dissemination of the legendary akashic records that my mother had told me about as a child.

I look forward to the reading and sharings in this group as we all grow together in learning and awareness, delighting in the way truth presented herself in myriad ways to different human beings through the ages.

Blessings to those who received and disseminated truth; blessings to those who recorded them for posterity; blessings to those who kept them safe through times of turmoil and tides of time; blessings to those who recognize and thrill at their wonder.

I feel immensely and joyously blessed to be in this light.

Re: Hello and Welcome~KES

Hi!  ~Being a part of this project is one of the dreams I have had for all of Gaia from when I first joined.  Seeing that I wasn't alone in this dream, gives me complete reassurance coming shoulder-to-shoulder with religions around our global island putting out Truth. Where there is truth there is trust.  Life in its highest state is understanding.

I have always been inquisitive about spirituality since coaching the first acting class and using truth in communication along with simple spiritual truths about courage seeing the first person get work… by utilizing practical and spiritual tools in the arts, gaining the certainty that spirituality works when I use them standardly 100% of the time.  Everyone I help works, which is the basis of good morale… production! What is great about these quotes, is anyone who reads them or brings in new material, will be inspired in some area in your life, finding things that can be applied to help bring about changes.  If there is a topic you need truths from that is not listed, just ask.  I can help you open doors to understanding through this amazing labyrinth of data being compiled.

Religious tolerance is where www.gaia.com ranks number one on the planet of bringing together spirituality from around the world setting a stellar example that we all can find common truths through sharing regardless of each individual's practice. We care and make it safe for others to expand from where we are to help achieve your dream. There is someone for everyone on Gaia.  This is a mountainous project and we need everyone's help building the best of resources for this community and the world.  I am a Patron of the IAS with my family, and am happy to bring you copyrighted quotes of Mr. Hubbard.  I have studied religions of the world and am only as good as I can help serve others so I joined this group to help.  I respect all religions and will fight for religious freedom for Mankind. Thanks for joining this group. ~KES

Re: Hello and Welcome-Claudia

Many blessings!

Having travelled through many different paths to find my personal way, I have come across many similarities within seemingly widely different paths. Therefore I was exited, when I was given the opportunity to be here.

Living in an interfaith family gives me the unique opportunity to practice the true freedom of religious expression on a daily basis. In order to live together we have to learn to see what we have in common.

Personally, I am a Solitary Witch, my husband is Christian, my daughter a Goth-Witch and my son, well he will let me know when he is ready to decide which path he wants to take.

This opportunity to take how I live each day, into a larger community is thrilling.
I hope you will share your common truths here often.

My heart embraces the beauty within you, always.

Blessed Be!
Claudia

(Due to the hacking and deleting of my old accound Phoenix , I am now known as peaceandlight here on Gaia. While my call name might have changed, my mission and love for this pod has not. Blessed Be!)

Re: Hello and Welcome-Balasanmuganathan

I am Balasanmuganathan, an ordinary person. Retired from Government service
of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Born, bred and living in Sri
Lanka.

Our family used to be an orthodox Saivaites. All of us worship Lord Siva
as the God of the Universe. I had the chance of studying Sanskrit for my
Advanced Level. During my first three years of Government service, I had the
chance of serving in the Kataragama temple area, Which was my childhood wish.
While I was studying in the Primary school, my paternal Grandmother took me on
a pilgrimage to that temple. It is dedicated to Lord Skanda, considered as the
second son of Lord Siva. Buddhists and Muslims too consider that spot as holy
for their religions.

During 1972, I received the top most initiation from a
monastery head visited from India to Sri Lanka. He also told me about my
marriage at that time. After marriage, I had to undergo a course conducted by
World Bank which included Main frame computer auditing. This led me to take
interest in computers. After retirement I got the chance of handling personal
computers. I started blogging at this stage. My first blog was on Mother Goddess.
One day I saw an advertisement on my blog inviting to meet Ramana Maharishi at Gaia.

Immediately I responded and got into Gaia. I met so many friends here who
guided me towards more development. Now I have turned towards more and more
spiritualism. This had been built into me from my child hood without my
knowledge. It means the Divine had been guiding me in the proper path. This
project started by our friends in Gaia too become a step like that. Divine
guidance is continuing even in this current project. Hoping all of you will
benefit by this including us.  

(Try this site and see for yourself:   http://www.kataragama.org/)

Re: Hello and Welcome-~lars

Peace & Harmony to you -

My background in religion (My Maternal Grandmother's side) was Southern
Baptist. In childhood, I was forced to attend a Baptist parochial school up until the third grade.  This experience, while difficult at the time, opened me up to look beyond traditional religion for my own truth, so that now I do not make a religion out of anything.

At some point I experienced a sudden and dramatic conversion.  I was at first overwhelmed by the Light; as God came to me in the form of a Butterfly and enlightened me.  From there, I have followed the yogi path as taught by Ram Dass and have drenched myself in most of the metaphysical practices.  I find the most harmony with my own soul in Zen and the Tao.  I have a strong foundation in Science of Mind and Unity.  Since 1983, I have become very familiar with the philosophies that underlie 12 step programs (AA & NA) and that has added balance to my spirituality.

Today, and every day, with a heart full of gratitude and a desire for God's will to be done through me, I find that my life is worth sharing.  I am excited about being a part of this project, for I know that through it, I will develop a better sense of just how I fit into this larger equation that is humanity. Yes, I think it's a very good thing that this concept has now come into being as a community project and I am happy to be some part of it.

Namasté
~lars

Re: Hello and Welcome-Kathy

It is an honor to be invited to become a co-moderator in One Light Many Windows.  I am currently traveling and will briefly introduce myself. 

One Light was conceived to illustrate and explore the Unity contained within diverse religious, philosophical, and metaphysical traditions and pathways.

 In the 1970's, I lived in the Integral Yoga Institute with devotees of Sri Swami Satchidananda and trained to become a Certified Yoga Instructor, sharing in the Eastern spiritual renaissance which flowered in San Francisco at that time.  Swamiji's saying, “One Truth, Many Paths”, ecumenical spirit, and traditional Yoga teachings highlighted an intuitive grasp of a Wisdom that cannot be contained by any one religious system but shared by all.

 I've had a life-long interest in spirituality and have explored Christianity (Episcopal), New Thought (Unity), Vedanta Yoga, Hinduism, Buddhism, arcane subjects such as Astrology, Jungian symbology, and comparative mythology.  I look forward to sharing with you in this beautiful, spiritual place.

Moderator Note:
Kathy has temporarily opted out of moderation work because of health issues.

Re: Hello and Welcome- Moderators' introductions-Bhatta

I am Bhatta, a humble fellow traveler, blessed by my Master in my spiritual quest. I am 65 and retired. My professional journey has been varied, finally retiring as chief of Information Technology Division of a major Pharmaceutical company.

My spiritual journey began very early. There was a time when I thought I was a great scholar, having obtained formal qualifications in “Darshan Sastra” (Indian philosophy) from one of the elite Indian institution.

Now I know for sure that I know nothing.

I hope to be of humble service in this Temple of learning in company of some of the most amazingly warm and pure souls and hope to learn from them.

Re: Hello and Welcome - the Team of Moderators

Dear friends, I thought that we could inform the members what the moderating team does in this unusual group on Gaia. Each of us has our own strengths and we work beautifully as a team, co-ordinating our work in a private think tank that was started by our amazing cultivator.

Since the rooms in this group are highly structured, we look at each post that members contribute; help you to find the right place to post it; or respectfully move it to the right place, communicating what we've done, to you , in as timely a manner as possible for volunteers who are all over the globe, in different time zones and differing speeds of internet connection!

We then index each post, by topic, tags, name of teacher or whatever is required for the particular room [details in Index of ROOMS: Where Shall I Post?].

We try to welcome you when you enter this space, as each person who enters is a window to the light that illumines us all. 

We are here to serve you and continuously work at making this group experience one that can strike the balance between ease of use and staying focused on its purpose; to wit: 
”In this space we are compiling verses / sayings from as many different religions, traditions, and paths as possible about the SAME subjects. Together we are seeking the underlying Truth that we sense in different paths, old and new. ”