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MEDITATIONS IN THE THIRD CIRCLE Hello fellow human being. This file contains eight very easy and simple, yet quite powerful meditations, or exercises, or means, or aids, or sign-posts to any spiritual quest and journey. These eight meditations are included in The Third Circle (TTC), which is an opening to all-that-is and up to infinity. As simple as it is, each one of these eight exercises may facilitate and aid progress at any spiritual stand, from the first steps of interest and curiosity about the spiritual, or an attraction to it, and up to achieving the ultimate, supreme, attainment - Self-realization, or enlightenment. TTC contains many more sign-posts. The eight ones presented here are to enable and facilitate a spring-board, a start, to a spiritual quest, TTC and the unbounded ocean of truth and wisdom lying in the silent chambers of our hearts. There other files in preparation, some practical, some theoretical, or philosophical. If you wish to be informed when those files will be uploaded to the library, please email me. A good book containing some other meditations and useful sign-posts for connecting the Higher Self is: "Edgar Cayce On Channeling Your Higher Self" by Henry Reed, published by Warner Books, Inc., New York. Please feel free to ask and comment by email, I'll do my best to reply promptly and as clearly as I can. You can email to: CompuServe: White Eagle, 100320,2244. Internet: eagle@netvision.net.il (White Eagle). --- Please feel free to share this file and it's content, or any part of it, with all who may be interested, but not for any commercial purpose - not for money, not for commercial profit, not in any commercially published book, or any commercial media. Please include this note when sharing this file. This file, it's text, it's content and the label, or term, or name "The Third Circle" are under copyright. Copyright (C) 1995 by Joshua Gomeh, P.O.Box 1093, Givatayim 53 110, Israel. --- P.S., Please accept my apologies for any possible flaws in the verbal expression, for English is not my mother's tongue. *** PREFACE TO MEDITATIONS IN TTC Eight meditations, or sign-posts, or aids, or means, or exercises are presented below. It is: "relaxation", "praying/asking", "shielding", "Body-Feeling Meditation", "The Silence Meditation", "Mother Earth Consciousness", "Mother Earth Meditation" and "Peace On Earth Meditation". You may choose practicing, or trying, only one of them, all of them, or any combination - at your choice. As everything in The Third Circle (TTC), there are no set rules or dogmas here. Each and every one is welcomed to exercise one's own Self-Source-Of-Authority (SSOA), choose for oneself and take responsibility for one's choices and it's consequences. TTC presents sign-posts, or recommendations. What to do and how exactly to do it is ultimately up to each and every individual. A brief introduction to the eight meditations, or sign-posts: --- * Relaxation: A very basic and simple relaxation exercise, yet, quite an effective one. Good to be practiced whenever one may be tensed, and at the beginning of every meditation. --- * Praying/asking: Experience reveals praying or asking to be very useful and helpful. Believing in God or not, being a member of a particular religion or not, doesn't make much difference here. TTC is not a religion, not a part of any religion and not connected to any religion. Praying is very useful and helpful, regardless whether praying, or asking God, or the universe, is done in a religious context or not. Here, in TTC, there is no religious context to praying, that is - not to any formal religion. What counts here is our attitude and behavior, not any dogma. Yet, it is the individual's choice whether to pray in a religious context or not. In our experience, praying, or asking, is very useful, regardless to whether it's being done in a religious context or not. TTC, in the context of prayer, have no recommendation pro or con any religion. One of the reasons that praying or asking is very helpful is that by praying or asking we direct our attention away from our small ego to a higher ideal. It serves us in widening our perspective, expanding our boundaries. Another reason for it being beneficial is that by praying or asking we direct our attention to the desired results and goals. Directing our attention serves the flow of energy to and from the desired result or attainment. This energy flow assists in the actual attainment of our goals. After all, there may really be God, so, why not? --- * Shielding: It is an energetic and astral grounding and shielding. Good to be practiced in any case, especially when we may feel being attacked, or drained energetically. It is a suggested protection for meditations, aiding in blocking unwanted energies and entities from entering our meditations. Please bear in mind that in the relative universe nothing is absolute, thus - there is no absolute protection and shielding. Ultimately, one's free will and choices are the best protection one may have - over time. Nevertheless, this shielding exercise is a recommended practice. Some choose to practice it as part of one's daily routine, some choose to practice it as the first stage of every meditation, some choose to practice it when feeling a need, and some choose not to practice it at all. It's up to you. --- * Body-Feeling Meditation: At times, if you may feel very tired, moody, tensed, agitated, with low energies, irritated, impatient, drained, spaced-out, disconnected, the mind is not clear, etc - it is recommended to elevate your feeling, mood or energies by the Body-feeling Meditation. This meditation is very effective in releasing stress and strain from our nervous system and physical body. By releasing stress and strain from the physical body and nervous system, simultaneously we are releasing mental and psychological stress and blocks, opening our energy channels for a better flow, enabling a clearer mind and consciousness. Another benefit of this meditation is increasing our awareness to our body. This meditation can be practiced, upon getting acquainted with it, anytime anyplace, while walking, talking, driving etc. --- * The Silence Meditation: The Silence Meditation is the Jewel-Crest of all spiritual practices. Specifying all it's benefits will take many pages. In brief: it is the most effective and direct means to connect the unbounded ocean of truth and wisdom lying inside the silent chambers of our hearts. It is a great aid in connecting our Higher Self and, ultimately, our Supreme Self. This meditation is relaxing and have numerous beneficial effects on our body and mind, health, consciousness, clarity of thinking, energy level, developing our intuition, widening our perspective and expanding our boundaries. The Silence Meditation may serve as a spring-board to all other spiritual practices and exercises. It is very natural, very easy to practice. It is devoid of any connection to any teaching, tradition, dogma or religion. (TTC is an opening, not a teaching). Connecting the ocean of silence inside gives momentum to all our actions, facilitates and speeds up attaining all goals. Ultimately, The Silence Meditation is a great aid in attaining Self-realization - upon aspiring this supreme attainment. --- * Mother Earth Consciousness: It is extremely simple, yet quite powerful exercise, developing and increasing our connectedness to and consciousness of nature and Mother Earth. A great aid in widening our perspective beyond our immediate personal needs and wants. It helps developing our love and caring to all-that-is. --- * Mother Earth Meditation: A visualization of humanity moving to a higher step in it's evolution by recreating and increasing connectedness and caring to nature and Mother Earth. It is a practical application and implementation of our widened perspective, consciousness, caring and love. In turn, practicing this meditation and our practical caring for a wider cause serves us in widening our perspective. Some say that humanity is degrading itself into too much materialism. Some say that humanity is destroying itself and our planet Earth. Whether it is true or not, to whatever degree it is accurate or not - it feels like the call of our time for each and everyone to actually do the best one can to care for humanity and Mother Earth. This meditation is quite an effective mean towards this end. --- * Peace On Earth Meditation: A visualization of peace on earth. The importance and benefits are similar to those of Mother Earth Meditation. Quite an effective aid to develop and increase peace and love in our own hearts and actually spreading peace and love vibrations all over the universe. Peace may be attained by bringing in peace, not by fighting war. Peace attracts peace, fighting brings war, the same attracts the same. We actually attract to our lives that which our mind, intent and focus are directed to - that in which we delve. It is an attraction of energies and essences. Directing our attention to peace on earth facilitates and aids actually bringing it. This is one of the meanings that we create our own reality. It is good to actively and intentionally create whatever we want to exist. One of the best uses of our volition is facilitating and aiding peace on earth. *** *** *** RELAXATION PSA 23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. PSA 29:11 The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. PSA 37:37 Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. --- * Foreword: This is a very basic and simple relaxation exercise, yet, quite an effective one. Good to be practiced whenever one may be tensed, and at the beginning of every meditation. It is best being practiced sitting, eyes closed, though it may be practiced at any posture and situation. --- * Instructions to relaxation: Take a deep breath, hold it for few seconds and exhale. Repeat it few times. You may add asking or praying for relaxation. Feel, or imagine, getting more and more relaxed. You may feel, or imagine, your limbs getting relaxed one by one. You may start from your feet and going up gradually, through your legs, torso, hands, neck, and up to your face and head. Feel, or imagine, that your whole body is very calm and relaxed. Usually it shouldn't take very long, may be about a minute, or few minutes. If you may be very tensed, you can practice it for as long as you feel like. When being practiced while standing, or in a public place, you can just take deep breath, hold it for few seconds and exhale. You may repeat it few times. *** PRAYING / ASKING PSA 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. PSA 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. PSA 31:3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me. LUK 11:9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. LUK 11:10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. --- * Foreword: Praying or asking is a great aid in itself. It is said that there is a cosmic law that one should ask in order to receive. At times, one gets much more than one have asked for. It is said that it's beneficial to sincerely intend whatever we are striving for and to actively ask for it. It is not necessary to have any particular belief in order to pray or ask, not even a belief in God, or in God's existence. Believing in God or not, being a member of a particular religion or not, doesn't make much difference here. TTC is not a religion, not a part of any religion and not connected to any religion. Praying is very useful and helpful, regardless whether praying, or asking, is done in a religious context or not. Here, in TTC, there is no intended religious context to praying. What counts here is our attitude and behavior, our motives and actions - not any dogma. Yet, it is the individual's choice whether to pray in a religious context or not. In our experience, praying, or asking, is very useful, regardless to whether it's being done in a religious context or not. TTC, in the context of prayer, have no recommendation pro or con any religion. One of the reasons that praying or asking is very helpful is that by praying or asking we direct our attention away from our small ego to a higher ideal. It serves us in widening our perspective and scope, increasing our boundaries. Another reason is that by praying or asking we direct our attention to the desired results and goals. Directing our attention serves the flow of energy to and from the desired result or attainment. This energy flow assists in the actual attainment of our goals. After all, there may really be God, so, why not? It is recommended to ask or pray before every meditation, though, ultimately it's our individual choice. It is recommended to ask or pray for protection before or during the shielding. --- * Instructions for praying/asking: Pray or ask silently to God, or the universe, or all-that-is, or the Supreme Self, or pure consciousness, or the silence within, or the godhead within. It is your choice as for who or what to address your praying or asking, yet, it is recommended to address it to the highest ideal or concept you can bring to mind. You may pray or ask aloud, though in our view-point silent praying may be more effective. Ask God, or the universe, or any other address of your choice, for whatever you want to achieve and attain in your life. The highest goals, attainments and ideals one have in mind, the best. Asking for the highest includes all the steps and stepping stones on the way. You may add asking for shielding and protection. Your own words are are as good as any other. You may well use your own words or any prescribed text. The intention is more important here than the exact words. Do the best you can to mean, to sincerely intend, whatever you ask or pray for. Intending is an important and a very powerful aid in itself. The more one brings to mind and sincerely intend one's wishes and highest ideal, the better. (It doesn't mean reducing one's practical attitude and behavior due to day-dreaming). A very important point is to pry or ask innocently. That is, ask or pray, yet, it is a good attitude to accept one's lot in humility. Your prayer or asking may be answered, and it may not, it may be answered sooner, or later. Accepting one's lot, or one's Karma, or the will of God - whatever the result may be, is both a sign of spiritual maturity and an aid to grow in it. This humility, innocence and acceptance of one's lot, or one's Karma, or God's will, is expressed in the following verses: PSA 37:11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. LUK 18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. LUK 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. --- It is recommended to be cautious in asking "small" things. For instance, one may ask for money and actually get it, only one may be oblivious of a possible price in personal happiness, or in available time to dedicate to one's family, one may pay for earning that money. So, it is recommended to ask for as broader and higher goal one can bring to mind. In any case, it is good to be mindful and cautious about what we ask. It is perfectly legitimate to ask for personal, or "small" things, only a measure of caution would better be practiced. When asking for a personal, or "small" thing, one may add asking for attaining one's highest ideal, or a very broad goal, that may contain in it the specific, "small" goal, asked for. It is a good practice to add praying or asking for the welfare of the whole, the whole of humanity as well as nature, or Mother Earth. Both humanity and Mother Earth needs it and may be benefited from it. By asking for the welfare of the whole there is a benefit for the individual as well. One point is that it aids widening one's heart and perspective. Another point is that it's being added to one's merits, or good Karma. --- * P.S.: It may be helpful to bear in mind that for attaining our aspirations and goals, actually acting upon it and working towards achieving our goals is effective no less than praying or asking for it. Praying, or asking, and actually doing and working towards our goals are complementary to one another. As Edgar Cayce said: "Pray intently as if everything is in God's hands, but work hard, as if everything is in your hands". Spirituality doesn't mean detaching from practicality, it is not intended to replace practicality. *** SHIELDING PSA 7:10 My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart. PSA 17:5 Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not. PSA 18:35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. --- * Foreword: This is an energetic and astral shielding. It may be helpful as a first stage of every meditation, and it may be practiced in itself. Whenever one may feel, or fear, an energy drain or an energetic attack, or psychic intruding - shielding may be helpful. It is recommended to shield ourselves before we meditate. You can shield yourself as often as you may feel a need to, even when not meditating. The shielding takes usually between few seconds and up to one minute, yet - it is up to you to determine the length of time you feel like doing it, or you want to do it. --- * Instructions to shielding: Imagine an extension, a cord, or a root, coming out from the bottom end of your spine. Imagine that this root is going deep down into the ground, deeper and deeper, spreading shoots to the sides. The imagining may be visual, or verbal. Feel, or imagine yourself being connected to Mother Earth. Think of Mother earth and feel, or imagine, Her protecting you. This root keeps you grounded and drains possible negative energies to the ground. Imagine an egg-shaped balloon of semi-transparent golden-white light engulfing you. A possible size of this imagined balloon may be about one meter (three feet) in diameter to the sides, and about 2.5 to three meters (seven to nine feet) in height. You may imagine it having any size that appeals to you. Feel, or imagine this balloon of light protecting you. Feel, or imagine, that you are being protected - open to love and light, to positive energies, yet protected from any unwanted ones. It is a good practice to add praying or asking for shielding and protection before, or while, exercising this shielding. --- * P.S.: Please bear in mind that in the relative universe nothing is absolute, thus there is no absolute protection and shielding. Ultimately, one's free will and choices are the best protection one may have - over time. Nevertheless, this shielding exercise may be a good practice. *** BODY-FEELING MEDITATION PSA 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. PSA 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? PSA 32:7 Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. --- * Foreword: At times, if you may feel very tired, moody, tensed, agitated, with low energies, irritated, impatient, drained, spaced-out, disconnected, the mind is not clear, etc - it is recommended to elevate your feeling, mood or energies by this Body-feeling Meditation. This meditation is very effective in releasing stress and strain from our nervous system and physical body. By releasing stress and strain from the physical body and nervous system, simultaneously we are releasing mental, psychological and spiritual stress and blocks, opening our energy channels for a better flow. Another benefit of this meditation is increasing our awareness to our body. Though one may practice this type of meditation as much as one wants to, it is *not* recommended to practice it as the only meditation, or as the major meditation, over a long period of time (months and years) - unless one's predicament may persist. The reason is that we may want to transcend, or to break-through, our attachment to the body-consciousness, not to hang on to it. That is, we may want to expand our perspective, or consciousness, beyond the boundaries and the bindings of our body. Yet, at times we may need to first loosen up extra stress and strain. It is recommended to start practicing this meditation sitting, eyes closed. Later on, when one may get the hang of it, it can be practiced while walking, talking, driving, working, etc. Though it's possible to practice it alongside other activities, it's not recommended to do so over long periods of time. The reason for this is that we may not want to split our attention, we may want to increase our focusing ability, not to diffuse it. --- * Instructions for Body-feeling Meditation: The meditation itself is very simple. Sit quietly. Notice whether there is any sensation in any part of the body. Usually, most of the time, there will be one. It can be *any* sensation, even one that is barely being noticed. It can be sensation of any kind, pleasant or unpleasant - doesn't matter. Be with your attention on that feeling, or sensation, in the body. No need to force anything, no need to try to focus, no need to try anything. Just let your attention be easily and naturally with whatever sensation may be there. Let your attention be with, or on, the sensation until it subsides, or until your attention may drift elsewhere. Upon noticing that your attention have drifted elsewhere, bring it back easily and naturally to the sensation in your body. When the sensation subsides, "look" and find some other sensation in any part of the body, and so on. If your attention may have drifted elsewhere, bring it back very easily and naturally to the sensation in the body. --- * P.S.: One may practice this meditation as many times a day as one may want to, for any chosen length of time. No rules here. At times of very high tension, moodiness, impatience etc, it is recommended to practice this meditation at least twice a day, for at least 15 minutes each time. *** THE SILENCE MEDITATION PSA 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. PSA 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. PSA 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: JOH 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. LUK 18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. --- * Preface: It is recommended to begin meditations with shielding which serves as protection, like the shielding exercise described above. It is recommended to pray or ask whatever one may want to attain in life at the beginning of every meditation. One may add asking for protection and shielding in this particular meditation. It is very good to intend. Allow yourself few seconds to bring to your mind your intentions in this meditation and in life. Bring to your mind your highest ideal(s) or inspiration(s) or aspiration(s). Intending is a great aid in itself, even outside meditation - it helps opening energy channels to and from the aimed goal. Like any other meditation, it is very good to start this one with a relaxation. You may choose the relaxation exercise described above, or any other relaxation practice you are familiar with and comfortable with. After some time, your body may get relaxed automatically upon starting to meditate. When this is the case, there is no more a need to exercise relaxation before meditation. At times, if you may feel very tired, moody, tensed, agitated, with low energies, irritated, impatient, drained, spaced-out, disconnected, the mind is not clear, etc - it is recommended to elevate your feeling, mood or energies by the Body-feeling Meditation described above. If you may feel too impatient or moody to practice the Silence Meditation, it may be good to calm down and get stabilized by practicing the Body-feeling Meditation for a while. After getting better, or getting stabilized, one may resume practicing the Silence Meditation. That is, you can start with the Body-feeling Meditation until you calm down or get stabilized, and then switch to the Silence Meditation in the same sitting. At other times, when you may not calm down enough during the whole sitting, all the exercise will be the Body-feeling Meditation. It may take a while, a period of time - it's OK, there is no point in forcing oneself. This meditation is the best aid I know of. It's the best aid for connecting the Higher Self, as well as for Self-realization. The practical benefits of this meditation in daily life are numerous, in all fields of life. Regularity in practice is highly recommended, though it's better to practice irregularly than not at all. The best will be twice a day, morning and evening, for between 10 to 40 minutes each time. It's better to determine the time beforehand, not to stop meditation because of any feelings or thoughts that may arise during meditation. Marking the time with an alarm clock may be jolting at times, so it's best to peep at your watch when you think it may be time. It is not recommended to meditate on one's own for more than 3 times a day and for longer than an hour each time, or for longer than two hours a day altogether. If ever you may feel getting disconnected from practical avenues of life, if you may feel spaced-out, it is a good practice to cut down the time of practicing the Silence Meditation to no more than twice a day, no more than 20 minutes each time. If after cutting down meditation time you may still feel disconnected or spaced-out, it is better still to switch from practicing the Silence Meditation to practicing the Body-feeling Meditation instead. It is not recommended to stop meditating altogether. Please bear in mind, our view-point is that meditation is an aid to our life, we meditate in order to improving our life, we do not live in order to meditate. Even when one aspires at Self-realization, meditation is only a tool, not an aim in itself - it is a means, not the goal. It is not any meditation which will make one Self-realized, it is the individual who may do it, out of free choice and self-endeavor. When short in time, even 3 or 5 minute is better than nothing. If necessary, better in a park, your parked car, or any other public place than not at all. Better not to meditate on a full stomach. Better to take shower before, rather than after meditation. In spite those recommendations, better to meditate anyhow than to skip meditation because one is with full stomach etc. If you are very hungry, eat something light before meditating, a fruit or so. It is not recommended to meditate late at night, for one may come out of meditation very refreshed and awake and may have difficulty in falling asleep later. If one decides to meditate late at night, the best is to meditate sitting in bed, and right at the end of meditation to lie down. Than probably one will have no problem falling asleep. Prepare yourself not to be interrupted during meditation. Disconnect the phone, notify the people you are living with, etc. Please remember that I'm available to answer any possible questions by email. I'll do my best to answer and clarify, as much as it can be done verbally. If you will find a way to connect the inner silence, other than the suggestions below, please share by email. --- * Foreword: The aim and purpose of this meditation is to connect the silence within. There is no need to create this silence, it is already there, inside. All it takes is connecting that which is inside us, our innermost silent being. In TTC there are no set rules or instructions for the way to do it - each may find for oneself the way that works best for him/her. Below, few suggestions are given. Try them and find out for yourself how to do this meditation, the way that works best for you. Generally, this meditation is best practiced sitting comfortably with eyes closed. It is recommended not to cross your legs and arms (unless you are used to Eastern stile sitting and it is comfortable for you). It is recommended that the back, neck and head would be straight, as long as it's comfortable. If the head drops down during meditation, when you notice, easily lift it up. You can try any one of the suggestions given below, or any other way you may find. Better to try one at a time. It's good to try one of the suggestions quite few times, until you'll become familiar with it. In time you'll find out what works best for you. --- * Suggestions to connect the silence within: 1. Sit, eyes closed, quietly for a while. It is a very good to practice relaxation for a short while - if you choose so. Most probably thoughts will be there. Most probably you will notice some silence, some quietness, alongside the thoughts. When you notice that silence, that quietness, just dive into it, just be aware of it, just be with it. 2. Imagine a natural scenery where there is a lake. The lake is very peaceful and silent. There are no waves and no motion in that lake. Imagine yourself entering that lake and diving into the silence that is in the lake. Just be with this silence, just be aware of it. All imaginings may be visual or verbal. 3. Imagine that inside you there is a pool of infinite silence, a conscious silence. It is motionless conscious silence. Conscious, yet conscious of nothing in particular. Dive into that pool of silence, be aware of that conscious silence, be with that conscious silence. 4. Just sit as relaxed and as awake as you may be. Just be as relaxed and as awake as you may be during the entire meditation. 5. Try to find out for yourself how to do it, how to connect to the silence inside. You may use a combination of the above suggestions, or something different altogether. If you'll find something different, please share it, others may gain from it. Dive into this silence and just be with this silence, just be aware of it. --- * General: Be with this silence regardless of whether there are or there are no thoughts alongside it. That's all - being with that silence, being aware of this silence whenever you may notice it, to whatever degree you may be with it or may be aware of it. It is better not to force anything coming in and not to force anything going away. The only thing recommended for you to initiate is coming back to the silence, naturally, comfortably and easily, whenever you may find that your mind was drifting away from it. That is, bring your attention back to this silence, just be with it, just be aware of it. The most important thing to bear in mind is that the meditation would better be practiced easily and naturally all along. Nothing should be forced - ever. There is but a little volitional directing of what happens - for most parts we just accept things as they come. We connect the silence inside, or bring our attention to it, and then take things as they come. It is so much easy and simple that it may take some time to get used to it's ease and simplicity. Our experience is that it is not possible to be fully connected to the silence, without any thoughts, all the time. Whenever you may find that your attention have drifted and you are immersed in thoughts - very easily, comfortably and naturally come back to the silence inside, bring your attention to the silence, just be with it. All this without resisting thought, without trying to stop it, or wishing that thoughts would not be there. Thoughts are no barrier for being with the inner silence. Better not to push thoughts away, not to resist thoughts, not to wish that thoughts will not be there, not to control or contrive anything. Better to accept anything and everything that comes in this meditation as it comes. The only volitional act on your part is, whenever you find that you were immersed in thoughts, or that your attention had drifted away, very easily and naturally come back to the silence inside, bring your attention to the silence, just be with it. If thoughts persists, it's OK, do not try to push it away, do not try to stop it, do not wish that it will not be there. By thoughts it is meant also images, sounds, colors, feelings - anything other than the silence. As for the Silence Meditation - easy does it. Effort, trying, manipulating, controlling or contriving, are not likely to help connecting the silence. The less volition one is using - the better. It is not our doing that creates connection to the inner silence - it is non-doing that does it. This meditation is basically aiming at, intending to connect the inner silence, directing our attention towards this aim - and then not doing anything volitional, just being with what's there. The Silence Meditation is a meditation of non-doing, rather than a meditation of doing. There is no such thing as a successful or unsuccessful meditation. All there is is the practice, preferred regularly. The results of meditation are accumulated over time, over weeks, months and years. The results of meditating would better not be judged by one session, only over time. Some results are very subtle and may be noticed only after being accumulated over time. At times we may have overwhelming experiences in meditation. The fact that an experience is overwhelming does not say anything about its quality or value. It is better to meditate innocently, not to look for any specific results, not to anticipate anything. Whatever results may be there, it will come in due course, of its own accord. Better to let nature and consciousness work without manipulations on our part. Our volition may be directed towards regularity in practice; better let the invincible force of the inner silence and of nature take care of the results. As some of us may be habituated to a sophisticated way of life, it may take some time and practice to get the innocence one would best have in regard of the Silence Meditation. Please bear in mind - there are ways and means to actively create a desired reality for ourselves in our lives. TTC contains such means - though it's outside the scope of this file. As for the Silence Meditation -innocence does it. That is, best is to exercise our volition in regularity of practice; as for the results - best let the cosmic laws and forces take care of it. In time you may find out increased communication with your Higher Self. Eventually Self-realization may be attained (if sincerely and intently aspired and if proper starting position, or Karma, is there). You may find many things in you and in your life being improved, yet, better not to expect and not to anticipate any specific result at any specific time. Innocence assists this meditation more than any other attitude. At times we may receive guidance from the Higher Self in meditations. At times thoughts in meditation are just the working of the mind. It is not recommended to automatically take everything that comes to mind in meditation to be a guidance from your Higher Self. If you think that something that came in meditation may be a guidance - better check it outside meditation with your common sense and with your intuition, or your inner feeling. As a rule, intuition, or inner feeling, is the best guide one may have. Intuition is a major way in which our Higher Self communicates with our conscious mind. It is recommended not to come out of meditation because of any tension, irritation, agitation, restlessness or any peculiar thought that may come up during meditation. If such a tension or irritation may occur, it is better to remain sitting with eyes closed, but to switch from the Silence Meditation to the Body-feeling Mediation until that tension or irritation subsides. Once it have subsided, you can switch back to the Silence meditation. Even if there may be a period that all your meditations will be Body-feeling ones - it's OK. There is no point in forcing anything, better to accept one's condition - whatever that condition may be. As for thoughts in meditation, peculiar ones or ordinary ones - better to evaluate it outside of meditation. *** MOTHER EARTH CONSCIOUSNESS PSA 23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. PSA 29:3 The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters. PSA 115:16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD's: but the earth hath he given to the children of men. --- * Foreword: This is an extremely simple, yet quit a powerful exercise, developing and increasing our connectedness to Mother Earth and our consciousness of Her. A great aid in widening our perspective beyond our immediate personal needs and wants. It helps developing our love and caring to all-that-is. It is a great aid in breaking-through the boundaries and limitations of our thinking mind, our conditioning and self-centeredness. This meditation is best exercised in a forest, or by a river, or by a lake or by the sea. It is best exercised when in seclusion, when one is not likely to be interrupted by other people. Yet, it can be practiced at any city or village park. It can be practiced at any back yard or front yard. It can be also practiced in any house or room. Whenever possible, it is best being practiced outdoors, yet, when convenient, indoors works as well. When being practiced outdoors, it is very good to start with some walking. Walk calmly, at ease. Feel the contact of your feet with the ground, feel your contact with nature around you, nature as a whole or any part of it you may perceive. It is good to walk leisurely, enjoying it, or at least - aiming at enjoying it as much as you can. You may stand, or sit, in front of any natural object. It may be a tree, a bush, a flower, a river, a lake, a sea, a shell, a rock, a stone, a shrub, a fruit, a bud, a leaf, a grain of sand, a blade of grass - any natural object. It is not recommended to practice this particular exercise with man made or man processed objects, crystals, gems, metallic objects, totems or power objects. Usually this exercise is practiced with open eyes, though you may choose to practice it with closed eyes. --- * Instructions for Mother Earth Consciousness: The exercise is doing one of the following: 1. Try to perceive the consciousness of the object in front of you. 2. Try to feel what the object feels, or imagine it. 3. Try to feel, or imagine, the way the object is feeling about itself and the whole of it's surrounding, or the entire world. 4. Try to perceive the way the object is perceiving itself and it's surrounding, or imagine it. 5. Try to merge your consciousness with the object's consciousness, or imagine it. 6. Try to unite, to be one, with object; to become the object - or imagine it. --- * P.S.: This meditation is best being practiced with one object at a time. It may be practiced for few minutes at a time, or for a longer period - at your choice. Results may be apparent fairly soon, and for a while it may seem that nothing happens. Either way, it is a very effective and powerful exercise. With practice, in time, results are bound to be there. Whatever the pace of progress is, regularity in practice is highly recommended. *** MOTHER EARTH MEDITATION PSA 47:7 For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding. PSA 61:2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. PSA 72:3 The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness. --- * Preface: This meditation is of the guided imagery type. It is a visualization of humanity moving to a higher step in it's evolution by recreating and increasing connectedness and caring to Mother Earth. It is a practical application and implementation of our widened perspective, consciousness, caring and love. In turn, practicing this meditation and our practical caring serves us in widening our hearts and our perspective. Some say that humanity is degrading itself into too much materialism. Some say that humanity is destroying itself and our planet Earth. Whether it is true or not, to whatever degree it is accurate or not - it feels like the call of our time for each and everyone to actually do the best one can to care for humanity and Mother Earth. This meditation is a very effective mean towards this end. --- * Foreword: This meditation is best practiced sitting, eyes closed. One may start with relaxation, praying or asking and shielding - at your choice. This meditation, much like all guided imagery meditations, is utmost effective when it is being practiced following 5 - 15 minutes of practicing The Silence Meditation. That is, practice the Silence Meditation for a while and while sitting, eyes closed, switch to Mother Earth Meditation. All imagining may be visual or verbal. --- * Instructions to Mother Earth Meditation: The meditation is imagining a future utopian ideal state of affairs in which humanity as a whole and all humans, or the majority of humans, are having a high degree of connectedness, caring and affinity to nature and to Mother Earth. People are having a deep and genuine respect to nature and all it's aspects, to Mother Earth. It is very good to try and have as better and as ideal picture as one may have. It is good to go into details, seeing ways in which people are respecting and caring for Mother earth, seeing nature prospering and blooming, seeing mutual love, respect and affinity between people and nature. --- * P.S.: Sitting is not mandatory. It can be practiced at any time and any place, while working (if the nature of your work allows), while walking, etc. Just bring to mind this ideal imagery, or your on caring and respect to nature, whenever and wherever possible. Practically and actively doing something towards this ideal imagery is very helpful to the meditation. It may be "small" things, within one's means. It may be practically feeling love, caring respect and affinity to nature or to natural objects. It may be feeling respect and love to a plant, an animal, or to nature, every now and then. It may be speaking up one's voice on the issue in the proper place and time. Whatever it may be, the actual doing is part and parcel of the meditation itself. Much as in all spiritual practices - validity is in the implementation. *** PEACE ON EARTH MEDITATION PSA 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. PSA 29:11 The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. PSA 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. LUK 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. --- * Preface: This meditation is of the guided imagery type. It is a visualization of peace on earth. A visualization of humanity moving to a higher step in it's evolution by having peace between nations, races, communities, religions and individuals. It is a practical application and implementation of our widened perspective, consciousness, caring and love. In turn, practicing this meditation and our practical caring serves us in widening our perspective. It is a very effective aid to develop and increase peace and love in our own hearts and actually spreading love and peace vibrations all over the universe. Peace may be attained by bringing in peace, not by fighting war. Peace draws peace, fighting brings war - the same attracts the same. We actually attract to our lives that which our mind, intent and focus are directed to. It is an attraction of energies and essences. Directing our attention to peace on earth facilitates and aids actually bringing it. This is one of the ways in which we create our own reality. It is good to actively and intentionally create whatever we want to have. One of the best uses of our volition is facilitating and aiding peace on earth. Some say that humanity is degrading itself into too much materialism. Some say that humanity is destroying itself and our planet Earth. Whether it is true or not, to whatever degree it is accurate or not - it feels like the call of our time for each and everyone to actually do the best one can to care for our fellow humans and for humanity as a whole. This meditation is an effective mean towards this end. --- * Foreword: This meditation is best practiced sitting, eyes closed. One may start with relaxation, praying or asking and shielding - at your choice. This meditation, much like all guided imagery meditations, is utmost effective when it is being practiced following 5 - 15 minutes of practicing The Silence Meditation. That is, practice the Silence Meditation for a while and while sitting, eyes closed, switch to Peace On Earth Meditation. All imagining may be visual or verbal. --- * Instructions for Peace On Earth Meditation: The meditation is imagining a future utopian ideal state of affairs in which humanity as a whole and all humans, or the majority of humans, are having a peace with each other, on the national level and on the personal level. All nations, societies, races and religions are having peace. People are having a deep and genuine respect and caring for one another. It is very good to try and have as better and as ideal picture as one may have. It is good to go into details, seeing ways in which people are respecting and caring for one another, seeing nations and humans all over the planet prospering and blooming, seeing mutual love and affinity between people and nations. It is good to actually feel, or imagine, peace and love in your heart while meditating. --- * P.S.: Sitting is not mandatory. It can be practiced at any time and any place, while working (if the nature of your work allows), while walking, etc. Just bring to mind this ideal whenever and wherever possible, or come into contact with your own feelings and attitude of peace and love. Practically and actively doing something towards this ideal is very helpful to the meditation. It may be "small" things, within one's means. It may be practically feeling love, peace, caring and affinity towards other people, nations, races and religions. It may be getting off a possible angry mood or feeling, or just feeling peace, love, respect, or caring towards others. It may be speaking up one's voice on the issue in the proper place and time, and in the proper manner. Whatever it may be, the actual doing is part and parcel of the meditation itself. Much as in all spiritual practices - validity is in the implementation. Please bear in mind that our view-point and the philosophy underlying TTC are not a life in denial. We do not mean to say that people should deny their genuine emotions and attitudes. At times we may be angry, or moody, or we may flare up. At times we may be in pain. All this is part of life, part of being human. We do not mean denying our condition and feelings. What is meant here - coming into contact with our inner love and peace whenever possible, whenever it comes naturally by our remembrance. We do ot recommend forcing anything, or manipulating, or acting against our nature or against our natural state of affairs. It is good to bring up to our consciousness our own love and peace, yet, it is good to do so in a natural way - not to force anything, not to deny anything. At times we tend to overlook the fact that we all are subjects to the human conditioning. At times we act and react out of our conditioning, though some may wish they would act always like angels. TTC recommends accepting our lot, condition and conditioning at every given moment. This does not contradict striving to evolve and acting upon our growth. Only, evolving and growing up is best done out of acceptance, not out of denial. It is good to bring up to our consciousness our own love and peace. It is good to do so when it comes natural, when it agrees with our present condition. May peace be with you. *** PSA 34:3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. PSA 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. PSA 121:8 The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. JOH 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. LUK 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. AUM SHANTI AUM. --- May your own Light and Love guide you.