Oracle Omnibus Issue #4

Note from the President

by Laura

Today, we inaugurate our 44th President, Barack Obama. Today, we join with others of good heart and good cheer around the world who recognize the need for practical change and a spiritual shift. As I ponder the essence of this man, this Avatar, I am struck by the dramatic shift that already has taken place.  It is nothing less than a shift in the collective unconscious, the likes of which my generation has not seen.

I was born in 1961, the same year as President Obama. And although I have witnessed nearly a half century of positive planetary growth, such as the advanced technology produced by the Information Age and amazing acts of human courage during the Civil Rights Movement, the Feminist Movement, and the Environmental Movement, I have witnessed just as much that is negative. Just as much destruction. We are living through a Great Cusp – an epochal transition period. And while we had a clear choice in 2000 to start the New Millennium on the right footing, we collectively chose (despite the stolen election) to enter into the New Age the “hard way.”  We cast that die and we must now deal with the consequences.

So eight years late, we have decided in earnest to embark upon this birthing process, which now is a breach birth… much more difficult.  President Obama has come to help us – to be our midwife, so to speak. But he has no anesthesia in his doctor bag, only a piece of leather to put between our teeth as the tearing and bleeding begins. Nevertheless, we are grateful for his assistance. He will be a calming influence in the years to come. For he represents not only a new political paradigm, but the emergence of a new spiritual paradigm – what we at The Oracle Institute call the Fourth Spiritual Paradigm.

If you haven’t done so already, please read the first book in our foundational trilogy – The Truth: About the Five Primary Religions. This book will help you understand the nature of the Great Cusp and help prepare you for what is coming. The second book in the trilogy, The Love: Of the Fourth Spiritual Paradigm, will be released this fall. This book, too, will help prepare you for the upcoming changes.

We wish all of you the most gentle journey possible into this, the Fourth Spiritual Paradigm.

Food for Thought

We must learn to live together as brothers or we are going to perish together as fools.

Reverend Martin Luther King

From the Editor's Desk:

Creating the Change We Want to Happen

by Pat

Americans have overwhelmingly voted to elect a new leader – a person they believe will deliver us from the errors and excesses of those who have been in power for the last eight years. “Change” was the catch-phrase of the 2008 political campaign, and while changes certainly are forthcoming, it remains to be seen what form they will take and how they will manifest.

In the past, there has been an unspoken but very real expectation that it is up to the President to “fix” all the problems. Once the election is over, only a handful of people maintain any degree of political or social activism geared toward supporting the kind of change they desire. The question that arises is whether this is fair – or even realistic. The nation cannot expect one person to shoulder the responsibility for all the change that is so desperately needed. Even the selection of a strong Cabinet and other political appointments will not diminish the unprecedented challenges which we face.

The Chinese symbol for “crisis” is composed of two other words: “danger” and “crucial point.” Combined, these words also represent the possibility for change or opportunity. Right now, the United States is in a position that is difficult at best. Our culture will shift as result of the looming challenges. Thus, change is an appropriate word for the time in which we live. And the type of change we choose will determine what the New World will look like.

For too long, our citizens have failed to accept responsibility for what is happening in this country. Many fail to grasp how our apathy and “default choices” impact the entire world. Not only has this attitude disconnected us from our personal power, it has allowed our leaders to succumb to corruption and greed. It is not overstating the matter to point out that the abuse of power by a few has brought us to the brink of global disaster.

In the last issue of the Omnibus, we discussed the topic of the New World, which will only manifest through local community effort. Mahatma Gandhi encourages us, “be the change you want to see happen.”  If we wish to manifest our highest destiny as a free, spiritually united, and economically solvent country, now is the time to commit ourselves to action. On a grass-roots level, each of us needs to get involved in creating the change we want. Getting involved is the only way we will remove the fox from the hen house and restore safety and sanity to our nation, to our communities.

So, how do we get active? Follow your heart… follow your instincts… follow your bliss. At The Oracle Institute, we have undertaken the mission of promoting religious freedom and spiritual unity because we feel a shift in consciousness is the primary key to building the New World. But there are many ways to contribute.  Find yours – please – time is of the essence. And no contribution is too “small.” Local action creates big results. Your actions will spread like ripples in a pool of water.

Enlightenment + Action = LOVE

By Cliff

I’ve dedicated much of the last ten years of my life to creating a “sacred space” – a retreat center in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. I wanted to provide an environment for individuals, teams, and organizations to experience transformation. As Peter Senge describes it, we “need to rediscover the importance of sacred space, those places that are rich in life energy and potential for connection.” However, when contemplating 2009, I found myself confused about my big hopes and my big plans. Then, the “how” and “what” questions started. My “Stuart Smally” voice said that nothing I was doing was good enough or big enough or even possible.

When I hear that voice, I know that somewhere inside a polarity needs to be addressed, that a challenge has presented itself to reconcile one of my fears. Before I had a chance to think further about it, I came across a story in the Washington Post (January 6, 2009) regarding an unconventional church – the Church of the Saviour.

The Church of the Saviour has no pews, no Sunday school, not even a Christmas service. Instead, for the last 60 years it has quietly fueled a revolution in faith-based activism in Washington, D.C. The group’s visionary founder is Gordon Cosby, who is now 91 years old. I had never heard of Cosby, but I learned that he has preached every Sunday morning since the 1940s.

Cosby believes in small faith “communities” with their own worship services and social justice goals – an unorthodox structure that he and the church believe leads to more creativity, intimacy, and accountability. Members commit themselves to an inward journey of daily quiet prayer, meditation, and education, as well as an outward journey of social justice work. The result is that they hold each other accountable for converting faith into action.

Apparently, the church has always favored small groups over being large, and members are wary of entrenched institutions. As a result, the church is comprised of small groups which are separate legal entities. Interestingly, mega-churches that are struggling to manage their size and mobilize members have come to them for guidance on how to be “small.” It seems Crosby is a man dedicated to doing big things precisely by not being big.

Cosby gave his final sermon a few weeks ago. He urged his followers to make real the “beyond,” which he describes as the world outside of what is merely observed. What people think the “beyond” is, determines how they act, according to Cosby. In his characteristically humble, self-deprecating way he said, “We all have got to move from believing to doing, and keep in mind the discrepancy between belief and embodiment.” He also trusts in divine destiny – what Cosby calls the “Is-ness” – trusting God.

To me, Crosby’s message trumps my Stewart Smally voice. He got me thinking about the relationship between enlightenment and illusion – an ultra thin line. My experience of this line is in extremes: sometimes an experience of incredible peace, perfection, hope, and joy for myself and the world when in a state of high consciousness, and sometimes an experience of being overwhelmed by obstacles, desperation, discontent, and hopelessness for myself and the world when I’m not.

It’s tempting and seductive to want to remain in the experience of a spiritual high where all things are possible, love surrounds me, and I receive revelations – blah, blah, blah... But clearly, this bliss is not sustainable. So for what, whom, why, where does all that energy go if “It” is not acted upon? And if not now, when? And if the ego wants me to believe in insurmountable problems which require bigger and bigger solutions, isn’t that the prison from which I sought refuge in spirituality to begin with? And what is this love affair with “bigness”? My own experience of “big” is that it’s insatiable, an illusion, because it is impossible to achieve. So, without action, higher states of consciousness are just a high… like any other high. This high can result in self-indulgent inaction, and then nothing gets done – big or small.

Like Cosby, I am trying to facilitate a higher state of consciousness to action on a small scale. Like him, I can do what I can do. I don’t have to try to be big or go it all alone. I can help others through my example, with my retreat center, and with my coaching work. That is how I contribute to “It” and create more love in the world. Note to self: Plan for 2009 = Action!

Cliff Kayser

Xperience LLC

www.Xperienceit.com

At Strife

by David Edelstadt

(1866 – 1892)

 

Hated are we, and driven from our homes,

Tortured and persecuted, even to blood;

And wherefore? ‘Tis because we love the poor,

The masses of mankind, who starve for food.

We are shot down and on the gallows hanged,

Robbed of our lives and freedom without ruth,

Because for the enslaved and for the poor

We are demanding liberty and truth.

But we will not be frightened from our path

By darksome prisons or by tyranny;

We must awake humanity from sleep,

Yea, we must make our brothers glad and free.

Secure us fast with fetters made of iron,

Tear us like beasts of blood till life departs,

‘Tis but our bodies that you will destroy,

Never the sacred spirit in our hearts.

You cannot kill it, tyrants of the Earth!

Our spirit is a plant immortal, fair;

Its petals, sweet of scent and rich of hue,

Are scattered wide, are blooming everywhere.

In thinking men and women now bloom,

In souls that love the light and righteousness.

As they strive on toward duty’s sacred goal,

Nature herself doth their endeavor bless –

To liberate the poor and enslaved

Who suffer now from cold and hunger’s blight,

And to create for all humanity

A world that shall be free, that shall be bright;

A world where tears no longer shall be shed,

A world where guiltless blood no more shall flow,

And men and women, like clear-shining stars,

With courage and with love shall be aglow.

You may destroy us tyrants! “Twill be vain.

Time will bring on new fighters strong as we;

For we shall battle ever, on and on,

Nor cease to strive till all the world is free!

 

Spirituality & Perfection

by Pat

Through the years, I have been pleasantly surprised by the insights that come my way in the most unexpected ways. For example, a few weeks ago I had an epiphany, triggered as I was listening to a friend’s complaints about a work situation. Although Mary is usually a patient and understanding individual – someone I would describe as spiritual – her stress threshold definitely had been breached. Her frustration with the situation was compounded by her self-judgment, that as a spiritually aware individual she “should” be handling the situation better… or at least, differently. 

As I listened to my friend vent, the thought ran through my mind that she was being very self critical and even a bit unrealistic in her personal expectations given the situation. I found myself wondering why we frequently fail to extend to ourselves the same level of compassion and understanding we offer readily to others. And then the light bulb went on:  too often, “spirituality” becomes entwined with “perfection” and the “sin no more” teachings of conventional religious doctrine. The idea that human beings need perfecting, either via their spiritual beliefs or the approval of church leaders, is a doctrine promoted by orthodox religions as a means to control and manipulate the masses. This is yet another example of how religion and spirituality are not the same thing. 

The dictionary defines spirituality as “a code for living a moral and ethical lifestyle,” not a prescription for perfection. Often, we who elect to follow a spiritual path expect that our shortcomings, unruly emotions, and personal disappointments (all of which are a part of the human condition), will magically disappear once we make the choice to live a more enlightened, disciplined existence. We further expect that we will not react in anger, frustration, fear, or negativity – despite provocation – if we are “doing it right.” So we judge and berate ourselves for our perceived spiritual shortcoming, all because we have a human reaction that doesn’t measure up to our self imposed expectations. 

As another friend of mine is fond of pointing out, “Perfection doesn’t exist this side of the grave.” All those negatives are built into the curriculum we call “life.” Thus, embracing a spiritual discipline doesn’t remove challenges; it just gives us a new set of tools for working with them. Hopefully, this new set of tools allows us to grow in understanding, compassion, awareness, and non-judgment.  In this way, a spiritual practice helps us be a little kinder and more understanding of the faults of others… and ourselves.

The truth is that we are all works in progress. We all have growing to do. And the challenges we face are grist for our mills of awakening. Judgments hurt, especially when someone is doing the best they can in the moment. Consequently, love and forgiveness are the foundation of a sound spiritual practice. It’s Love we are supposed to be aiming for, not perfection.

Meditation and Spiritual Practice

by Richard

When I went to a spiritual group for the first time almost 40 years ago, our teacher taught us to meditate. The technique was simple – awareness of our bodies as we sat quite still. That seems like a long time ago, and I have been on many journeys in life since then, but I still meditate every day. It’s the core of my spiritual practice. So what has changed? As T.S. Eliot wrote in Little Gidding, “The end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” It is this knowing, being, experiencing that for me is the key.

Consider this: In this journey of life are we really going anywhere? We know our physical existence will end one day, so what I now know as “Richard” will cease to exist. What will be left? Surely no question is more important. And can the answer be anything other than the degree of my realization?

So when someone comes to me with a serious life problem, or self-doubt, or frustration, or in the throes of crushing defeat, all I can tell them is “meditate… establish a spiritual practice.” I tell them it is like getting into a boat that will carry you over troubled waters. It will take you to your real home.

A spiritual practice is something that helps you realize that you have all the answers already inside your own consciousness. Socrates said that he taught nothing. He only helped his pupils find the truth they already knew. So he called himself a midwife. Jesus said the same thing in different words: “The Kingdom of Heaven is within you.”

Of course, on this journey one or more teachers may help as an example and an inspiration. But when it is time, you will find yourself alone because your practice will never be like anyone else’s. It has to be authentic, based on genuine inner guidance. Otherwise, we will not experience what Rumi speaks of when he writes, “There is some kiss we want with our whole lives, the touch of Spirit on the body.”

When we have that experience, “Presence” becomes our practice. You know then that God is real. Finally, you and the Presence are one. Someday, perhaps soon, you will know this. But you have to awaken first and let go of all you still call “I.”

The Oracle Recommends:

1. That you check out this link to a wonderful Visual Prayer on Youtube

2.  For additional thoughts on Community Building and the New World, the following books:

· A Vision for 2012: Planning for Extraordinary Change by John Peterson. Fulcrum Publishing, 2008.

· Community, Violence, & Peace by A.L. Herman. State University of New York Press, 1999.

· The Search for a Nonviolent Future by Michael N. Nagler. Inner Ocean Publishing, 2001.

3.  That you commit to taking a “stress break” every day. Set aside a period of time in which to meditate or spend time in nature. It will help you to become more centered, peaceful and calm, and it’s a necessary first step toward reconnecting with Spirit, both internally and externally.

4.  That you become more active within your local community in support of the kind of positive change and growth that will create a better future for everyone. If no group currently exists that supports the changes you want to see, consider starting one yourself. Invite friends, neighbors and like-minded people to join you in manifesting that vision.

5.  Practice “Random Acts of Kindness.” Give something of yourself to the world every day: give someone a sincere compliment, smile at strangers, listen attentively to someone else, spend time playing with a child or a pet, go on a short visit to someone who lives alone, appreciate a view, smell a flower, sing or whistle a tune, read a book to a child or an older person whose eyesight is poor… the list is endless, and doesn’t need to cost you anything except an your time and energy. It builds bridges, connects people and makes the world a little warmer and less impersonal.

6.  If your budget will allow, choose a charity or organization that speaks to your heart and donate whatever you feel you can afford to help support their programs. Funding for many programs has been drastically reduced, so even a donation of just a few dollars can make a huge difference. If the budget won’t stretch even a little, donate an hour or two of your time. Not only will you be supporting their work, you may find you connect with others within the organization, perhaps making new friends and acquaintances among other like-minded volunteers.

The Love is the current writing project of The Oracle Institute.  Presently, we have 35 authors participating in this anthology on Love.

The Love is a collection of Love stories, Love poems, and articles on the various types of Love experienced on this planet.  These deeply personal expressions of the most powerful force in the Universe illuminate the myriad ways that people of all cultures experience Love.

The Love explains the central message of all the world’s prophets: We must learn to love our brothers and sisters on the Earth Plane before we may   join with God in the Ethereal Plane.  It really is that simple.

 

Thank you for your ongoing interest in The Oracle Institute. We hope you enjoy this newsletter and will join us at our upcoming events. As a 501(c)(3) educational charity, we are always looking for talent, expertise, and resources that can help us promote religious freedom and spiritual unity. So if you would like to help or make a donation, please contact us:  www.TheOracleInstitute.org

Copyright 2009 The Oracle Institute