Our spiritual advance is as close to us as our breath and as sweet as the autumn harvest. All we have to do is awaken to That which already is and live from that "deeper awareness". We can experience the "greater realization" to the degree that we open to That which is Real and embody the Truth of our being.
In the Buddhist tradition they speak of three places of refuge where we build this consciousness. The first refuge is in the BUDDHA within. It is the consciousness of the awakened One, the pure awareness, the equality of love unfolding within the individual. We experience that through meditation and prayer. Come any Sunday and feel the Buddha Presence that abounds at our Center.
The second refuge is in the DHARMA or purpose of our soul. We discover what that is through taking classes and looking within for our own calling. As one sage put it, "The unexamined life is not worth living". What is your dharma?
The third refuge is in the SONGA or spiritual community. Thich Nhat Hanh stresses this is the most important refuge. We need to have mirrors that reflect our wholeness and our Divine potential. Jesus spoke of the power that happened when "two or more are gathered in his name (nature)". It is in the combining of our lights that we produce a beacon so bright that the darkness of ignorance is illumined. Not only do we help each other through this community but we create an environment for others to take refuge and grow as they blossom.
Let us grow together, learn together, love together, serve together and together, make a difference in the world.
As Dr. Holmes says, "Know more fully the Infinite Presence which inhabits eternity and find its dwelling place in our soul". Our Center is a place where all three refuges can be cultivated. It is a birthing environment where we are midwifing the soul that wants to find full expression in us and fulfill its purpose.
There are many classes and workshops that are available in addition to ample opportunities to participate in services, meditations and prayer circles. Mind will stay in the direction we place it. So let us set our intention to BE all that we are. Let our attitude be one of playful Self discovery where we allow for the new life that wants to happen. Isn't it sweet?
Namasté

David