Thanks and Welcome/State of the Union

[Guest guest]

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen. The state of the union is good. Welcome

to the new members and everyone for their presence. was

started on January 1 1999 and is currently around 270 members. We approach

300 as the second anniversary of the inception of the Sangha comes near.

That will also be the date of the release of the first

E-Zine. Anyone with expertise in Front Page, please contact me.

 

We welcome people from all religions and traditions as well those whose

insight is independent of any school. Given the diversity of the group,

there is very high degree of spiritual maturity exhibited here. Generally

speaking, things are good because we have several distinguished and

experienced moderators at a whose spiritual influence is in

the background and is silently felt. We are grateful for their active and

passive presence.

 

For their recent beautiful sharing of insights and wonderful sentiments in

poetry and prose, let us thank Mace, Jacqui, Dee, Jill, Jan, Moller, Greg,

Gill, Rita, Barg, Magne Aga, David, Andy, Collette, Jamie, Jessica, Tony,

TG, Mystress Angelique, Gloria, Jerrysan, SJSKhalsa, Victor, Jan, Robert,

Linda, Annette (Anna Maria), Antoine (recently married), Mary, Mark

(currently on a Shaman training vacation), Dan, KKT, Dirk, Bruce, Jerry,

Nasir, Amanda, Andrew, Jessica, Mary, Janpa, Michael (in Australia at the

moment - hope you are having a great time), and so many others.

 

The teachings of nonviolence (Ahimsa) is needed in this conflicted world. It

is needed for children and adults alike. Violence is a never ending circle.

It creates fear that leads to more violence. It feeds on itself and

perpetuates itself. Courageous people break the circle by not lashing out.

 

The wise say that Ahimsa is the best antidote for fear.

 

We need Ahimsa to address the conflicts inside ourselves. My teacher used to

say that when we go into the dark basement of the unconscious, it is nice to

have the divine light lit, so we can see clearly our own fears,

uncertainties, guilt, anger, rage, hatred, etc. Accepting our Divinity, we

can see these risings with compassion for ourselves. Accepting our Humanity,

and understanding the nature of suffering we become gentle with ourselves

and others and let our fear, anger, rage subside and evaporate.

 

To let it all go, we need understanding of our eternal nature, our original

face that is unconditioned and unbound.

 

We need to understand the real meaning of Ahimsa, because Ahimsa is our true

nature.

 

Ahimsa is the True Nature of the Self.

 

A commitment to nonviolence is an important step in the spiritual evolution.

In Jaina Dharma, Ahimsa is considered the highest expression of the

Self-Realized state.

 

In all yogic traditions, Ahimsa is considered the highest principle.

 

All other principles are subordinate to it and follow from it.

 

Meditation with awareness on the nature of nonviolence leads to peace and

Self-Realization.

 

Love to all.

 

Harsha