Thursday, September 17, 2009
Newsletter for Anam Cara
(Here is the newsletter from Anam Cara, a spiritual organization headed by Lawrence Edwards, Ph. D.,a leading authority on Kundalini. I strongly recommend his workshops and retreats for those who can attend.)
September 17, 2009
Anam Cara Foundation
Perennial Wisdom For The Soul's Journey
Sophia's Gifts
Events
* The Divine Within
* Kundalini Rising: Exploring the Energy of Awakening
* Upcoming Programs
Quick Links
* Newsletter Archive
* Lawrence Edwards, Ph.D.
* Sacred Poetry
Join our mailing list!
Greetings and Namaste!
What if there was a hidden program on your computer capable of unleashing quantum advances in all the functions of the hardware and software on your computer, unlocking uniquely designed programs that stun you with their elegant beauty, simplify your life in numerous ways and ease all kinds of suffering?
Wouldn't you be extremely eager to know about such a secret component on the computer you already own? You might even want to run home right this minute to check it out!
The Divine Within
by Lawrence Edwards
Now, what if that computer is really your mind/body and the secret built-in program is the inherent power of grace - known as Kundalini in the ancient yogic traditions - the power of transformation and revelation - awaiting its time to awaken and totally transform your experience of life?
For Christians this is the true baptism of Fire, the influx of the Holy Spirit that transforms the vessel of our individuality to hold Divine Wisdom and Grace, thus allowing us to genuinely know and serve the Divine.
For Buddhists it is awakening to the Buddha within, the true empowerment that extinguishes the cause of suffering and enables one to live spontaneously as a perfect expression of Dharma, relieving the suffering of all beings who take refuge there.
For the yogi this is the awakening of Kundalini, the ultimate innate power of transformation and revelation that purifies mind and body of all obstructions, bringing the ego mind into surrendered service to the Divine.
The Kabbalist awakens to the knowledge that individuals appear empty, like cracked vessels made of God's Light and longing to be full. We are instantly filled with the living Light of the Divine when the leaks are sealed by good and loving deeds.
Every spiritual tradition has its ways of speaking of this Power of Grace, Illumination, and Revelation. They also point out the dynamics of the ordinary ego mind's resistance to surrendering to It. Most teachings, in fact, aim at the workings of the mind. No words can approach the Divine, so all that's left to speak of is the mind! How to get it to become still, how to cajole it into submission, how to prevent it from inflicting suffering on others or itself, and rules and practices to accomplish this!
The ego-mind loathes to truly admit a Power and Presence greater than itself, but when confronted with the overwhelming power of the revelation and transformation, it folds to the floor in awe and wonder! When Lord Krisha reveals his true nature to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita, the great warrior Arjuna, overwhelmed, ends up on his knees begging the Lord to return to his ordinary form. In the end Arjuna surrenders completely, famously stating to the Lord, "I shall do thy bidding."
True seekers throughout time have sought the wellspring of the power of Grace that effortlessly brings the mind into its proper place. The wellspring lies within. Tat Twam Asi. "Though art that," proclaims the Vedas. "The Kingdom of Heaven lies within," proclaimed the Christ.
So where do you think the King and Queen dwell?
Go within, go within - this is the message of every spiritual tradition. Go beyond mere philosophies and techniques. Go to the Source, go to the Wellspring. Meditate with enthusiasm and joy!
Kundalini Rising: Exploring the Energy of Awakening
A new book by Lawrence Edwards, et al
From book cover "Kundalini Rising: Exploring the Energy of Awakening is the contemporary voice to guide a new generation of seekers through the uncertainty of life's most intimate journey. This is the book that you'll hand to your children with pride while wishing "
Gregg Bradden, New York Times bestselling author of The Divine Matrix and Fractal Time.
Upcoming Programs
Anam Cara Foundation, Bedford, NY
Fri. Oct 2nd - Sun. Oct. 4th
Autumn Biofeedback and Yoga Conference Retreat
Northeast Regional Biofeedback Society and the Himalayan Institute team up to offer this uniquely informative weekend at the Himalayan Institute in Honesdale, PA. Dr. Edwards will be one of the presenters. Visit the Himalayan Institute or NRBS for details.
Nov. 6-9, 2009, Friday Evening-Sunday Afternoon
Mysteries of the Divine Feminine and Kundalini Empowerment Retreat
Led by Lawrence Edwards, Ph.D.
The extraordinary power of Consciousness that allows us to directly know the Infinite is called Kundalini in the yogic tradition. In this retreat you will be guided through ancient practices that awaken and unfold the inner power of meditation and yoga, Kundalini
Through this innate power of Consciousness we will explore the archetypal realms of transcendence, wisdom and grace. Through the power of mantra, chanting, breath work, and the profound tales of mystical traditions, including the Black Madonna, Inanna, Kali and Kundalini, we will further access the inner source of true knowledge and ultimate freedom. That source is the Divine within. Through this process you will be empowered to deepen and sustain your meditation practice at home. Many people take this retreat repeatedly in order to delve more and more deeply into the mysteries of true meditation and further unfold the power of Kundalini.
Sharings from others who have taken the retreat can be found through the program link below.
Pre-registration is required. Fee: $270, includes meals but not accommodations.
Sat. Sept. 26th and Oct. 31st- 7:00pm
Monthly Kirtan Night!
With Satya, Ma and Kalidas. Join us in this ancient and ecstatic practice of chanting the names of the Divine. Everyone is welcome!
Meditation Group Every Tuesday Evening:
Starts promptly at 7:30pm at our center at the Anam Cara Foundation in Bedford, NY. All are welcome! Directions are on the Anam Cara website. If you wonder whether the group is being held on a particular Tuesday evening there will always be a message stating if it is cancelled on that night on 914-234-4800.
Fall Courses will soon be posted to the website!
For more information please visit our Events page (click here)
Thank you all for your notes of appreciation for our newsletter.
Everyone has the heart to be a true friend of the soul, an Anam Cara. By embodying that ideal ourselves we may serve to help another to find love and compassion within themselves.
Our highest nature is always manifest in relationship - to all other beings, to the environment, in relation to our own body and mind. Becoming mindful of the quality of our relationships allows us to learn where the light shines and where it needs to shine more. The ideal of Anam Cara is to continuously endeaver to expand the depth and the inclusiveness of the loving kindness we bring into every relationship, every moment, every breath.
If you have any suggestions, comments or sharings, for our newsletter please don't hesitate to e-mail me and I'll do my best to respond.
The Anam Cara Foundation is a 501 (C) 3, non-profit educational organization dedicated to teaching meditative practices. Our non- denominational programs are open to all. There are free meditation instructions and downloadable audio files of guided meditations on our website.
Thank you for the many ways you have shown support for The Anam Cara Foundation. Because of your gifts we can offer free programs and instruction to thousands of people. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation please send it to address listed below.
I look forward to welcoming you in person to our programs.
With all my appreciation and love,
I thank you all.
May all beings realize complete freedom from suffering and may all our actions reflect only wisdom, compassion, patience and loving kindness.
Lawrence signature
Lawrence Edwards, Ph.D.
Founder and Director
The Anam Cara Foundation
All newsletter contents copyrighted 2009
email: le@anamcara-ny.org
phone: 914-234-4800
web: http://www.anamcara-ny.org
The Anam Cara Foundation | P.O. Box 215 | Bedford Hills | NY | 10507