TRUTH JOURNAL. A Center for Spiritual Awareness Publication For Individual and Global Spiritual Enlightenment

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1 October November Years of Continuous Publication TRUTH JOURNAL A Center for Spiritual Awareness Publication For Individual and Global Spiritual Enlightenment The Ultimate Purpose of Spiritual Practice To Be Permanently Realized page 5

2 Following a Kriya Yoga initiation service at CSA Headquarters June 16, 2016

3 Front Cover: Roy Eugene Davis collecting envelopes to be put in a burning bowl before a Kriya Yoga initiation service. June 16, 2016 The Ultimate Purpose of Spiritual Practice to Be Permanently Realized 5 Answers to Questions About the Spiritual Path 13 Guidelines to Inspired Living 18 Conscious Food Preparation: A Taste of Asia 20 Discovering the Sacred in Everyday Life: Cultivating Contentment 21 Observations, Insights, and Discoveries 22 Mystical Reflections 24 Highlights 25 How to Have Optimum Benefits at Our Meditation Retreats 28 Meditation Retreat Schedules 29 Below: CSA Headquarters Meditation Hall Published: February, April, June, August, October, December Subscription in the U. S. $10.00 Other countries $20.00 airmailed Copyright 2016 by Center for Spiritual Awareness P. O. Box 7 Lakemont, Georgia Phone Monday Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. info@csa-davis.org Web Site Offices and Retreat Center at 151 CSA Lane off Lake Rabun Road 3

4 Word Meanings to Know The first five words are used in the title of the article that begins on the facing page. ultimate The furthest extent of the culmination or outcome of an effective endeavor or process. purpose An objective, aim, or clearly defined intended result. spiritual practice Disciplined thinking, Self-analysis, and practices that clarify awareness and bring forth our innate qualities, capacities, and higher knowledge. permanently Lasting, enduring, unchanging. realized Directly experienced and accurately known. More Word Meanings to Know karma An influence that may produce effects. Causative influences may be subconscious conditions or inclinations, habits, mental attitudes, states of consciousness, desires, beliefs, intentions, expectations, behaviors, and actions. meditation A steady flow of attention to an object or ideal being alertly examined or contemplated. mind Our mind retains impressions (memories) of everything we perceive and enables us to think, reason, and imagine. All minds are units of a cosmic or universal mind. Self Our true nature, a flawless unit of the pure essence of ultimate Reality. Self-realization is actual experience and knowledge of our true nature. superconscious Super, above or beyond. Clear consciousness which is not ordinary (modified and blurred by subconscious influences, erroneous ideas, illusions, or restlessness). ultimate Reality It has an absolute or pure essence and an expressive aspect with energetic attributes which produce and maintain universes. yoga Firm joining or holding together of attention and awareness with our pure essence of being. 4

5 ROY EUGENE DAVIS The Ultimate Purpose of Spiritual Practice to Be Permanently Realized The ultimate purpose of effective spiritual practice is complete conscious experience and knowledge of our pure essence. When it prevails, we can know higher realities; the spiritual, mental, and physical laws of causes and effects; and how to live freely, effectively, and enjoyably. Three Ways of Awakening to Self-Realization Everyone will eventually be fully enlightened and free from all limiting conditions. Three ways of spiritual awakening: 1. Natural or spontaneous awakening, which may be slow, fast, or quick. People who don t intentionally aspire to be Self-realized experience gradual awakening because of an innate urge to have awareness restored to its original wholeness. When desire to be spiritually enlightened is supported by right endeavors, awakening can be faster. When psychological conflicts are reduced or resolved, thinking is rational, the nervous system is refined, and awareness is clarified, awakening can be very quick. Some people have had sudden enlightenment experiences with little or no prior interest in spirituality, metaphysical study, or meditation. 2. Profound discriminative, analytical examination of our true nature, intellect, mind, personality, and perceptions or ideas of self-identity can replace delusions (false ideas) and illusions (flawed perceptions) and reveal innate knowledge. 3. Introspective meditation that calms the mind and emotions and removes attention from objective and subjective conditions allows our pure essence to be realized. When the contents of the mind are quieted and we are very alert, we can be aware without thoughts, emotions, or needs or desires for other objects of perception. 5

6 Forms of meditation may be prayerful, affirmative, attentive breath awareness or regulated breathing (pranayama), contemplation of a mantra or sound frequency, analytical contemplation of a theme or preferred object of attention, or transcendence. When attention is detached from objective and subjective (mental and emotional) conditions, pure consciousness may be experienced. Before that occurs our attention may blend with what we contemplated (light, OM, devotional or blissful feelings) to the extent that we feel one with it. That samadhi (firm identification of attention with an object of perception) does not illumine the mind or bring forth higher knowledge. It is like a conscious deep sleep state. Beyond that state we rise above all objects of perception to realize pure, conscious, joyous being. Regular sessions of transcendent meditation can purify the mind and result in our permanent spiritual enlightenment that reveals innate knowledge of our true nature, universal mind, laws or principles of cause and effect, and ultimate Reality. Having Accurate Information and Bringing Forth Our Spiritual Qualities Transcendent experiences that are not intellectually comprehended may be partially understood by intuition and can be fully known at the innermost level of our being. We can prepare our awareness to be receptive to transcendent realizations by imagining that we have them. An obstacle to spiritual awakening is the habit of thinking and behaving in ordinary, limited ways instead of nurturing exceptional powers of perception and extraordinary abilities that can be actualized and wisely use. Because of the mind s inclination to be stimulated and to acquire memories of perceptions, it is inclined to be outwarddirected. When we allow our attention and behaviors to be excessively influenced by the mind s natural inclinations, we may become too involved in activities and relationships that are not of spiritual value, waste vital forces, and reinforce the mistaken idea that we are limited human beings. Radio, television, Internet, and other forms of communica- 6

7 tion are used to appeal to our senses and emotions rather than to our intellect. Millions of people are strongly attracted to popular music, competitive sports events, social media interaction, movies, sensational news, and controversial situations. When we know that some people are outward-directed, we can better understand how difficult it can be for them to try to quiet the mind and emotions, meditate, and contemplate higher realities. When attention is inward-directed for the purpose of meditating, restless impulses arising from deep levels of consciousness may still activate feelings and mental processes. Such influences may be weakened and pacified by being alertly intentional when meditating and using forms or techniques of meditation to be superconsciousness. Subtler conditions may influence the mind and awareness. When our mind is calm, it can reflect the radiance of our pure essence. When restlessness and/or inertia influence our mind, discernment is difficult, concentration wavers, confusion may result, and awareness may be blurred. It is recommended that mental calmness, rational thinking, and clarity of awareness be cultivated. Addictive thoughts, moods, and behaviors; restlessness; impulsiveness; compulsiveness; disinterest; and laziness should be avoided. Ethical behaviors can provide psychological well-being as a foundation for spiritual awakening and effective living. They include harmlessness, honesty, truthfulness, constructive use of vital forces and skills, absence of greed, and compassion for others and all forms of life. The recommended practices for sincere truth seekers to include are to control thoughts, moods, and behaviors; profoundly examine their true nature and higher realities with discernment and alert meditation; and see through and rise above their mistaken sense of self-identity. That one Reality exists should be remembered and all of our thoughts and behaviors should reflect that understanding. Some spiritual teachers say that an ultimate Reality and the realm of Nature are separate, a view that indicates a lack of understand- 7

8 ing. If the realm or field of Nature is separate from ultimate Reality, what produced it? A universe is produced from cosmic forces in the OM vibration emanated from the expressive aspect of ultimate Reality. Some spiritual teachers say that ultimate Reality is real because it has an enduring essence while physical things are illusion that don t exist. This realm exists, but it is not as it appears to many people who don t know about the subtle influences continuously emanating from the expressive aspect of ultimate Reality which produce and maintain it. Souls are units of the pure essence of ultimate Reality that became so involved with mental, emotional, and environmental conditions that they temporarily forgot their origin and true nature. They don t need to have sins forgiven, suffer for mistakes, believe a religious doctrine, or be saved by a supernatural event; they only need to awaken to awareness of their true nature and relationship with the Infinite. Spiritual awakening completely restores our awareness to its original, pure wholeness, to what we were aware of before we became too outward-directed and confined by a mistaken sense of self-identity. Knowing this can, for some people, result in instantaneous awakening or divine remembrance that is so flawless and permanent that studies and other practices are not necessary. Because spontaneous spiritual awakenings can occur anytime, it is useful to optimistically anticipate having revealing insights and clear, expanded states of consciousness. Imagine that your mind is pure and fully illumined by the radiance of your essence of being, your awareness is clear, you are permanently free from all conditions that formerly limited you, and all knowledge of ultimate Reality is revealed from within you. While observing indications of natural spiritual growth, also think and live constructively, study higher realities, and deeply meditate every day. 8

9 Themes to Meditatively Contemplate contemplate Examine with alert expectation of discovery. Meditative contemplation of what we want to know is one way to have intuitive insights and to reveal innate knowledge of our true nature and higher realities (principles and essences that produce and support objective conditions). Meditate until your mind is calm and you are alert and attentive, then ponder the theme that appeals to you. You may have immediate insights or they may emerge during future meditation sessions or when you are not meditating and your awareness is clear. An intellectual understanding is helpful. Intuitive perception is usually more comprehensive. Direct experience that provides accurate knowledge is most soul-satisfying. Contemplate these themes: Why (or how) can ultimate Reality eternally exist without having a beginning or ending? What was my awareness of my true nature before it was forgotten? What are the orderly categories and processes of cosmic manifestation and the energetic attributes that influence them, and how are they produced? How can I quickly awaken to complete experience and knowledge of my true nature and ultimate Reality? What will I know, perceive, experience, and do when I am spiritually enlightened? How can I live more effectively and benefit others, all forms of life, and the environment? Information about these themes acquired in various ways, such as rational thinking, study, and words of wise people, can be verified by knowledge that emerges from within you. Persist in endeavors to know the truth until you do. 9

10 Mental and Emotional Well-Being Allows Spiritual Enlightenment to Occur More Easily Most enlightened people were self-confident, mentally competent, emotionally stable, functional, and felt worthy of being Self- and God-realized before they were fully conscious. People who are insecure, confused, emotionally unstable, dysfunctional, and/or think of themselves as unworthy of being Self-realized are seldom successful in their self-improvement endeavors unless they have a transformative conversion experience which can sometimes occur. When we know what to do to allow our mind to be purified, our awareness clarified, and our true nature fully realized, we should diligently do it. Mental or emotional disorders should be healed when it is possible to do it. Addictive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; harmful or nonuseful habits; and unwholesome or harmful relationships should be discarded and more favorable conditions chosen. Scriptures and spiritual enlightenment teachings emphasize wise, purposeful living and harmonious personal relationships. Effortless emergence of our innate qualities and knowledge of higher realities can occur when our consciousness, mind, and nervous system are receptive. Our intention to be enlightened should be supported by firm resolve and helpful actions. Constructive influences that can emerge from within us are said to be indications of grace because they are not caused or produced by anything that we do. They occur when our innate urge to be spiritually awake can be more freely expressive. Cheerfully look forward to performing duties, doing what is necessary to having ideal circumstances and relationships, and being attentive to spiritual practices. Stay mentally calm and emotionally peaceful and stable. Consider doing what is most beneficial for you as an interesting experiment in learning. What we actually experience provides the most vivid proof of our right actions. Living is enjoyable when we are improving our knowledge of our true nature and ultimate Reality and steadily awakening to Self-realization. When the urge to be fully conscious that causes everyone to 10

11 experience gradual spiritual awakening is carefully nurtured, awakening can be quicker. Attention is less outward-directed, psychological conflicts are resolved, positive mental attitudes are preferred, supportive lifestyle regimens are maintained, and superconscious meditation is regularly practiced. If you are not yet carefully nurturing your innate urge to be fully conscious, write what you will do to actively participate in allowing your divine qualities to fully emerge then immediately begin do it! Keep a written record of the positive results you have. From time to time, as your understanding and skills improve, update your intentional practices. Daily, attentive meditation will enable you to do everything else you need to do to accomplish your mundane purposes and be Self-realized in your current incarnation. Sincerely Affirm With Conviction Knowing the ultimate purpose of spiritual practice is to be fully enlightened, I support my commitment to my spiritual path with right, effective actions. Note: It can be helpful to audibly speak an affirmation a few times until what is declared is vividly felt and acknowledged. Don t affirm to try to condition the subconscious level of the mind; aspire to realize (experience and know) the truth of what is affirmed. Endowed with pure intellect; firmly self-controlled; discarding attachments and aversions; preferring solitude; controlling speech, body, and mind; devoted to transcendent meditation; renouncing egotism, forcefulness, pride, strong desires and attachments; unselfish and peaceful; that devotee is prepared for the ultimate realization. Bhagavad Gita 18: 51, 52, 53 11

12 Audio Book 4 CDs 3 Hours, 48 Minutes Read by the Author ABSOLUTE KNOWLEDGE That Liberates Consciousness $20.00 plus $3.00 P&H $6.00 P&H outside the U.S. Order form on page 30 info@csa-davis.org online: Tel: weekdays 8 a.m. 3 p.m. U.S.A. East Coast Time Contents The Truth About Your Essence of Being and Your Relationship With the Infinite Sequential Categories, Specialized Capacities, and Orderly Processes of Cosmic Manifestation The Psychological and Physiological Basis of Spiritual Enlightenment Superconscious Meditation Practice That Clarifies Awareness and Facilitates Authentic Spiritual Growth Guidelines to Dedicated Discipleship Three Transformative Practices to Effectively Use Infinite Life Addendum: The Evolution of Religious Beliefs and Practices Glossary of Basic Words and Philosophical Concepts See a complete list of CDs and DVDs on page 30.

13 Answers to Questions About the Spiritual Path How can I know that there is an ultimate Reality and I am a spiritual being? You can infer the facts by knowing that something produced the universe and a life force is animating various biological forms. You can also know that because you are conscious, you exist independent of your mind and body and inwardly remain the same through the years when your mind and body change. Why did God create the world and us and allow conflicts, confusion, and suffering to exist? Universes are produced by cosmic forces, not by the will or whim of a personal form of ultimate Reality. Various kinds of conflicts, confusion, and suffering result from ignorance (lack of or insufficient knowledge) of spiritual realities or by flawed behaviors. Suffering may be caused by inherited tendencies, disease, poor health, accidents, severe weather, natural disasters, psychological conflicts, or neurological disorders. No evil force or inclination exists in the universe. You say that we don t have to seek forgiveness, suffer for our mistakes, or be saved from misfortune by supernatural means, that we only have to awaken spiritually. What about the ideas of religious people who say otherwise? Their ideas are wrong because they don t understand the facts of life. Many of their ideas are not revelations; they result from irrational thinking, attempts to have their views conform to traditional beliefs, or endeavors to control the thoughts and behaviors of adherents. Some churches teach that everyone needs to be baptized to remove the stain of the original sin of Eve in the Garden of Eden story, an allegory. Some teach that the death of Jesus was necessary to have the sins of believing Christians forgiven; that Jesus went to a heaven in the sky and will one day return with angels to judge people. Eventual restoration and resurrection of physical bodies of believers is taught 13

14 by some Jewish, Christian, and Muslim sects. Some Hindu and Buddhist sects teach that many incarnations must be experienced before one can be enlightened. Others say that enlightenment can be quick. When we act unwisely we can forgive ourselves and decide to avoid future mistakes and their consequences. I want to be a spiritual teacher and healer. Will spiritual practices and meditation empower me to teach and heal? I recommend that you first attend to metaphysical studies and meditate to be Self-realized. Ask within what you are in this world to do and how you can best serve. You may discover that there are things you can do that you haven t yet thought about. You will know when you are in your right place in the cosmic order doing what you are best qualified to do with your knowledge and skills. You will be soul-satisfied, peaceful, and in a continuous flow of fortunate events and experiences. Although I daily pray for the well-being of others, I seldom see positive results from my well-intentioned endeavors. Should I continue to do it, or not do it anymore? Even though results are rarely, or never, seen, continue to daily pray for the well-being of others, everywhere in the world and in all realms. Imagine the purity of your essence of being blending with and beneficially influencing the consciousness of all forms of life. This practice benefits you because it nurtures selfless compassion. Regarding creative imagining to produce or attract what I need or want, should I be specific or just be optimistic and hope to have the best circumstances and experiences? Creative imagination is usually focused on a specific aim or outcome. If that doesn t work for you or you don t feel comfortable doing it, maintain an optimistic attitude and expect to have ideal results. Or do both: be specific, and also receptive to having ideal results that you may not have imagined. 14

15 Is it necessary, or important, to be initiated into the practices of a spiritual tradition? I know some people who were initiated who seem to be doing very well on their spiritual path, and others for whom it has not made a difference in how they live or their understanding of higher realities. Some seem to be very ordinary and even dysfunctional. If you are strongly attracted to a spiritual tradition and are inclined to be initiated, it might be helpful. Initiation should be understood as a new beginning rather than a culmination of endeavors to be spiritually enlightened. What was learned or experienced that was helpful prior to effective initiation was preparation for more concentrated spiritual practices that will enable one to be fully enlightened. I know that I don t devote as much time to serious metaphysical study and meditation practice as I should. How can I be more constructively motivated to do what I need to do for my wellbeing, happiness, and spiritual growth? Honestly examine your personal circumstances. How many years remain in your current incarnation? What do you need to accomplish while you are in this world? What are you willing to do to accomplish your major purposes? Avoid procrastination and mental and physical laziness. Unpleasant experiences that I had a few years ago influence my thinking, personal behaviors, and reactions to what others say or do. How can I be creatively self-determined? What we think, feel, see, do, and experience is impressed in the subconscious level of our mind, sometimes with emotions that are activated along with memories. Do your best to come to terms with memories and to view them without having any emotional response. You can neutralize unwanted influences without trying to suppress or forget memories. Don t use inclinations to emotionally react to memories as an excuse to avoid being emotionally mature, self-determined, and responsible for your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and circumstances. 15

16 I enjoy practicing Hatha Yoga. Do I need to be able to assume the extreme postures that some practitioners demonstrate or are illustrated in various publications and advertisements? Hatha Yoga can improve concentration, reduce stress, calm the mind, strengthen the body, and arouse and encourage the circulation of life forces. Although millions of people practice one or more systems of Hatha Yoga to enjoy psychological and physical well-being, the real purpose of practice is to prepare the body and mind for meditation that culminates in samadhi (Self-realization). It is not necessary to use extreme postures, excessive pranayama, or other assertive methods. Be aware of what you do and experience. Feel that you are one with Infinite Consciousness, that the vital forces flowing in you are flowing through all forms of life in the cosmos. If you are not able to practice Hatha Yoga, perhaps t ai chi and/or chi gung energy (chi) cultivation/circulation routines might be helpful and enjoyable. I am not interested in worldly things or activities and prefer to focus on higher learning and meditative contemplation. How much time and attention should I devote to mundane activities, circumstances, and relationships? Do what needs to be done to live comfortably, pay bills, and have harmonious interactions with friends and associates. See the physical realm as manifestations of cosmic forces extending from the expressive aspect of ultimate Reality. Don t reject the world; endeavor to understand it and effectively live in it. As your awareness is clarified and expanded, you may discover some practical ways to benefit others and our planet. If you are not inclined to be outward-directed, remember that your habitual mental attitudes and states of consciousness blend with the cosmic mind and the collective consciousness of living things. Concentrate on essential matters and minimize nonessential involvements. Follow your inner guidance regarding what to do rather than be concerned with what others might think or say. Your life is yours to experience. 16

17 When I think about millions of people who are not yet aware of their spiritual nature and ultimate Reality, I want to reach out and inform them. How can that be done? Do it by endeavoring to experience and express excellence in all aspects of your life and radiating good will to everyone. If you can appropriately encourage others with wise words and/or provide them with helpful information, do it. Support organizations or movements that spiritually educate people. Among the more than seven billion people on our planet, a small number are intellectually capable of understanding the idea of being spiritually enlightened. Most people want to live more effectively. Doing that can be of great value to them. As spiritual beings expressing through a mind, personality, and physical body, how important is it to nurture them? Thinking rationally and having a balanced personality and healthy physical body can enable us to be freely functional. To nurture is to nourish, cultivate, or improve. Our mind should be calm and pure to reflect the radiance of our essence. Our personality (the mask through which we view others and which others may presume to be us) should enable us to easily relate to external conditions but not replace or obscure our clear awareness of our true Self-identity. Our physical body should be as healthy as it can possibly be to allow us to be freely functional. Our brain and nervous system process our consciousness. The capacities of the brain to accommodate refined states of consciousness can be greatly improved. Do we know when we are spiritually enlightened? If we only think we are enlightened, we are not yet fully awake. When we are spiritually enlightened, we know it. There is no pride of accomplishment because nothing we did caused our awakening; some of what was done may have allowed it to occur. When we are spiritually enlightened we can discern the extent of awakening of others. 17

18 Guidelines to Inspired Living Speak the Affirmations With Conviction October 2 8 Have Faith in What Can Be True for You Believe what can be true for you even when there are no external conditions to support your conviction. Have absolute (complete, pure) faith in the results. I easily believe what can be true for me and it is always perfectly provided. October 9 15 Be Self-Confident Let your confidence be firmly established in your essence of being, your true Self, a flawless unit of the pure essence of ultimate Reality. I am always firmly established in Self-knowing. October Be Self-Reliant Your circumstances and experiences reflect your mental states, states of awareness, desires, moods, intentions, and expectations. Be responsible for how you think, feel, and act. I am responsible for my thoughts, feelings, actions, and their effects. October Be Constantly Inspired To be inspired is to be filled with divine influences that are in and around you. I am constantly inspired by divine influences from in and around me. 18

19 October 30 - November 5 Be Highly Self-Motivated To be motivated is to be innately inclined to act skillfully to satisfy desires, have needs provided, or accomplish purposes. I am always highly self-motivated to think rationally and act effectively. November 6 12 Acknowledge Your True Nature Your true nature is pure consciousness, the changeless observer of thoughts, emotions, and all that is impermanent. I am always firmly established in awareness of my true, pure, permanent nature. November See One Reality Everywhere Space, time, and all things that exist emanate from the expressive aspect of ultimate Reality. I see one Reality expressing everywhere. November Share Your Enlightened Consciousness With Everyone Behind your mind, intellect, and sense of self-identity is one, universal consciousness. When your consciousness is illumined, it beneficially influences everyone. I freely share my enlightened consciousness with everyone. 19

20 CONSCIOUS FOOD PREPARATION A Taste of Asia Servings 6 8 Reduce proportions for fewer servings. Garam masala: a blend of spices used in India and southeast Asian cooking. Mix in small bowl and set aside. 2 tsp (10ml) ground cumin 1 tsp (5ml) each of ground black pepper and cardamom 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) each of ground cinnamon and turmeric 2 tbsp (30ml) shredded ginger root 3 cloves crushed garlic 2 cups (440ml) ripe tomatoes peeled and crushed in a food processor or bowl 2 tbsp (30 ml) tomato paste 1 medium size onion peeled and finely chopped 2 cups (440ml) each of carrots, potatoes, and cauliflower pieces cut approximately 3/4 inch (15mm) thick 1 cup (240ml) of frozen peas 1/2 cup (120ml) of finely chopped cilantro 1. Put 3 tablespoons (45ml) of olive oil in a heavy cooking pot on medium heat. When oil starts to shimmer, add onions and stir until they begin to soften. Stir in garam masala for 30 seconds and shredded ginger root and garlic for 10 seconds. Stir in tomatoes and tomato paste. 2. Add carrots, potatoes, and enough water to cover vegetables. Cook minutes. Stir in cauliflower, cook 3 minutes, adding a little more water if necessary. Have contents somewhat thick rather than soupy. Add frozen peas and lightly stir in cilantro. Increase heat until vegetables are hot. Serve alone or with cooked rice. 20

21 Discovering the Sacred in Everyday Life Cultivating Contentment Ellen Grace O Brian When contentment depends on externals what we deem to be favorable circumstances or the actions or opinions of people with whom we agree it can be elusive. We may have it only when conditions are as we want them be. Spiritual experience of contentment is different, based on our ability to see through illusions, know the higher truth about ourselves and life, and consciously abide in that higher truth. An illusion is a mistaken perception. Our primary illusion stems from confusing outer appearances with ultimate Reality. We mistakenly identify ourselves with the body and the mind instead of knowing our spiritual nature. When we don t comprehend our real nature, our awareness is blurred. We are not able to see clearly. The Mundaka Upanishad has a story that illustrates how to have contentment. Two beautiful birds live in a tree. One dwelling in the lower branches constantly looks for fruit to eat. It is always wanting more, impelled by constant desire for satisfaction. The other bird, described as golden and majestic, sits at the top of the tree as a silent witness peacefully observing what it sees. When the hungry bird becomes aware of the golden bird and goes to the branch where it sits, the seeming difference between them fades. The golden bird is realized as the true Self which is always completely whole and free. Ellen Grace O Brian is senior minister and spiritual director of Center for Spiritual Enlightenment 1146 University Avenue, San Jose, California Tel: info@csecenter.org 21

22 Observations, Insights, and Discoveries Continuous Learning and Skillful Living Nurtures Emotional and Spiritual Growth Animals have feelings and some can obviously think. It is only during the past few years that scientists have started to admit that, yes, animals and other creatures do express emotions and have behaviors that indicate they think. This knowledge should result in a respectful attitude and better treatment when we interact with them. Nicolas Malabranche, a follower of Rene Descartes, a 17th-century philosopher, wrote that animals eat without pleasure, cry without pain, grow without knowing it, desire nothing, fear nothing, know nothing. The facts are very different from what he believed. Crows, monkeys, and some other animals use simple tools to obtain food and solve problems, acquire skills by observation, and like whales and dolphins, transmit behaviors from one generation to another. Crows don t count with numbers but they can discern a difference between one, two, or three items. In one test a man with a rifle walked into a field where crows were eating corn and went into a small building. The birds flew to a distant tree and watched. When the man left the building and the field, the birds returned. Their behavior was the same when two men, then later three men, went into the field and small house, and soon departed. When four men went into the field and the small house, but only three of them left, the birds returned to the field to eat. Three was the largest number they could mentally process, which would have been unfortunate for them if the men had been hunters instead of a team of people testing the ability of crows to count. All creatures instinctively want to survive and avoid injury and death. Many are altruistic, caring for the welfare of others in their group. Elephants protect and care for other elephants. 22

23 Some monkeys share food with monkeys who cannot obtain food for themselves. Female cows guard calves of other cows. Dogs and other animals express extreme delight when meeting each other and humans. They may also express fear, sadness, sympathy, anxiety, sorrow, and grief. Meditation improves the brain s abilities to process consciousness. Several business companies provide a meditation room for their employees. Some executives of large corporations have publicly stated that meditation helps them manage stress and that workers who meditate are happier and more productive. People whose doctors recommended that they meditate said that it reduced their anxiety and healing occurred faster. There are more than 3 million Muslims and more than 3,000 mosques in the United States where adherents of Islam worship. The Arabic word Islam means submission to God s will. The largest Muslim populations are in California, New York, Texas, Michigan, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. Practicing Muslims pray five times a day to affirm and strengthen their faith and avoid the habit of God-forgetfulness in the midst of their duties. Devout Muslims are mostly concerned with their jobs or professions, raising and educating their children, having community harmony and stability, and providing for the needs of society, as are most adherents of other religions. Darshan, perception of ultimate Reality, arouses our spiritual qualities and illumines our consciousness. Darshan means to see Reality and be seen or influenced by it. Being at a place thought to be holy a church, ashram, temple, home, or grave site of a saint because of prayer and meditation that occurs there can uplift and inspire us and make us more aware of our pure essence. We can have daily darshan when we meditate in our interior temple of silence. To know our real needs, we should rely on observation, experimentation, and rational thinking. Swami Sri Yukteswar ( ) 23

24 Mystical Reflections mystical Of or relating to spiritual or ultimate Reality beyond the range of the mind and senses, which may be directly known by intuition, experience, or revelation. I salute the supreme teacher, Truth, whose nature is bliss, the giver of highest happiness, pure wisdom, beyond all qualities and infinite like space, beyond words, one and eternal, pure and still, beyond all change and phenomena and the silent witness to our thoughts and emotions. I salute Truth, the supreme teacher. Ancient Vedic Hymn Let anyone try to be attentive to the next present moment of time. One of the most baffling [frustrating] experiences occurs. Where is it, this present? It has melted in our grasp, fled before we could touch it, gone in the instant of becoming. William James ( ) Discontent is the want of [need for] Self-Reliance: it is the infirmity [weakness or lack] of will. Ralph Waldo Emerson ( ) with all your getting, get understanding. The Proverbs 4:7 Yoga [samadhi, wholeness, pure consciousness] is realized when fluctuations and changes in the meditator s awareness stop. The seer then abides in its pure essence. When not thus abiding, it is inclined to identify with changes that occur in the mind and awareness. Patanjali s Yoga-Sutras 1:2,3,4 The Science of Self-Realization 24

25 Retreat participants in front of the CSA Meditation Hall. July 14, 2016

26 Above: CSA Asheville, North Carolina, minister Michael Getch presenting an afternoon workshop at the June retreat. Below: CSA Vero Beach, Florida, minister Katherine Geddes-Lovkay presenting an evening workshop at the June retreat. 26

27 Above: CSA minister Leah Gronlund (inset) teaching a class on stress management and meditation for 100 teachers at the Santa Clara, California, United School District Service Day. June 13, 2016 Below: CSA member Rob Callaway replacing the deck for one of CSA guest houses. 27

28 How to Have Optimum Benefits At a CSA Meditation Retreat The purpose of a retreat is to withdraw from ordinary activities and detach attention from them so that the body can be rested and renewed, the mind can be calmed, and spiritual awareness can be enhanced. CSA headquarters in the low mountains of northeast Georgia provides an ideal supportive environment for experiencing the benefits of a quiet meditation retreat. It is an ashram: a secluded place for inner refreshment. Reserve attendance when travel plans are definite so you will not have to cancel your visit a few days before the retreat and inconvenience others who would like to be here. Sheets, blankets, and towels are provided in guest houses, which have a kitchen where vegetarian meals can be prepared during private retreats. (See below.) Forget your secular concerns when you are here. Rest or sleep more than usual. Exercise moderately; strenuous activity may cause your attention to be too outgoing. Walk on the CSA grounds, not in the woods which are on private property or on Lake Rabun Road. Lake Rabun Beach is four miles from CSA. Avoid much socializing and unnecessary talking. Be inward directed and allow others to be more inward. Use free time for reflection and meditation. Dress informally but modestly. No shorts or garments with illustrations or slogans. Be here with inward purpose and firm resolve to be spiritually conscious; not here to attract attention or impress others. During private retreats in May and September, a morning and afternoon meditation is scheduled. At summer retreats Mr. Davis speaks each morning at 10 a.m. and conducts Kriya Yoga initiation Thursdays at 1 p.m.; afternoon and evening workshops with CSA ministers; hatha yoga sessions optional. At autumn retreats Mr. Davis speaks at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.; meditation and an educational video in the evening. Vegetarian meals are served at the summer and late autumn retreats. 28

29 Meditation Retreats At CSA Headquarters Travel map on our web site: Click on Retreats page Meditation and lifestyle routines taught by Roy Eugene Davis and CSA ministers. Kriya Yoga initiation Thursdays 1 p.m. during week long retreats. Guest houses. Vegetarian meals. Donation basis Public Retreats Weekends: October November Holy Season Meditation December 3 10 a.m. 1 p.m Public Retreats June July August Private Retreats May September Retreat Reservations Mail this form, phone, or , info@csa-davis.org Dates Time of arrival Daytime phone Travel directions, see web site or mark here [ ] for mailed copy. Prefer a CSA guest house [ ] Will stay at a motel [ ] Name Address Center for Spiritual Awareness PO Box 7 Lakemont, Georgia Tel: weekdays 8 a.m. 3 p.m. 29

30 CDs DVDs Books Books, Videos (DVD format), and Audio CDs U.S. packing/postage $3.00 for 1 item; 30 cents for each extra item. Other countries: double the U.S. postage for airmail. Quantity [ ] Words That Heal and Transform (Affirmations) $2.00 $ [ ] The Spiritual Basis of Real Prosperity $5.00 [ ] An Easy Guide to Ayurveda $5.00 [ ] In the Sanctuary of Silence $2.00 [ ] Living Consciously in God $5.00 [ ] Seven Lessons in Conscious Living $7.00 [ ] The Eternal Way Inner Meaning of the Bhagavad Gita $8.00 [ ] Satisfying Our Innate Desire to Know God $4.95 [ ] Absolute Knowledge That Liberates Consciousness $7.95 [ ] Paramahansa Yogananda As I Knew Him hc $12.00 [ ] The Science of Self-Realization yoga-sutras hc $10.00 [ ] DVD Our Awakening World $10.00 [ ] DVD Infinite Life 2010 Kriya Yoga Congress Talks $10.00 [ ] DVD Know Your True Nature & the Reality of God $10.00 [ ] 3 DVDs Light on the Spiritual Path $20.00 [ ] DVD 6 Questions Every Person Should Ask $5.00 [ ] DVD Experiences With Paramahansa Yogananda $7.00 [ ] CD Meditation Instruction & Guided Practice $5.00 [ ] CD Know Your True Nature & the Reality of God $5.00 [ ] CD 6 Questions Every Person Should Ask $5.00 [ ] 3 Audio CDs Light On the Spiritual Path $15.00 [ ] CD Conscious Living & Superconscious Meditation $5.00 [ ] 2 CDs Paramahansa Yogananda As I Knew Him $10.00 [ ] 4 CDs Absolute Knowledge (audio book) $20.00 Book/CD/DVD Total Packing and shipping Truth Journal new[ ] renewal[ ] U.S. $10.00 Foreign $15.00 Total With check [ ] Visa [ ] MasterCard [ ] Discover [ ] American Express [ ] Credit card # expires / Last 3 digits on back of card 4 digits on front of Amex card Name on card Tel: Name Address Center for Spiritual Awareness P.O. Box 7 Lakemont, Georgia Weekdays Order online:

31 United Kingdom: Gazelle Book Services Ltd. White Cross Mills, Hightown, Lancaster LA1 4XS India: Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi. (10 of Mr. Davis books) web site: And at Motilal Banarsidass bookstores in Delhi, Patna, Varanasi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Pune. B. Jain Publishers, New Delhi. An Easy Guide to Ayurveda Full Circle Publisher, New Delhi. Paramahansa Yogananda As I Knew Him (English and Hindi) Abolute Knowledge That Liberates Consciousness Dr. L. Mahadevan ayurved@sancharnet.in Paramahansa Yogananda As I Knew Him (Tamil edition) How to Live Consciously in God (Tamil edition) Italy: Marco Valerio Editore. Paramahansa Yogananda Così come l ho conosciuto La scienza della realizzazione del sé La strada maestra per la meditazione e la crescita spirituale Srimad Bagavad Gita / La Via Eterna Insegnamenti sul percorso spirituale del kriya yoga La base spirituale della vera prosperità Immortalita cosciente Guida All Ayurveda Libertà e consapevolezza la conoscenza dell assoluto Il desiderio innato di conoscere Dio Germany: Harald and Marlies Reiske. Pfad des Lichts Paramahansa Yogananda wie ich ihn kannte

32 In 7 Languages PARAMAHANSA YOGANANDA As I Knew Him Experiences, Observations, and Reflections of a Direct Disciple of the Author of Autobiography of a Yogi U.S. English Hardcover 160 pages 16 pages of b/w & color photos $12.00 Also at Amazon.com Printed edition or Kindle e-book and at Apple ibooks Selected Readings From the Book 2 Audio CDS 2 hours:30 minutes $10.00 Use the order form or online at Spanish: Read or download free at In Europe. Italian: marcovalerio.com German: In India. English and Hindi editions: Tamil: ayurved@sancharnet.in In Turkey: Contact