The Most Famous Buddhist In The World by Lama Surya Das

Q. How did the Dalai Lama become the most famous Buddhist in the world?

A: Spiritually speaking, many people assume that the Dalai Lama is like the pope of Buddhism. This is not true. For one thing, the Dalai Lama is the highest-ranking lama in Tibetan Buddhism, but he is not officially recognized as a leader among the other schools of Buddhism.
For example, although Tibetan Buddhism is the state religion of Bhutan, the last independent Buddhist kingdom in the world, Bhutan has its own head lama. Other schools of Buddhism have their own chief monks or sangha leaders. The Sangha Raja (Sovereign Monk) is the supreme patriarch of Buddhists in Thailand. There are also other heads of large Buddhist sects, such as Fuji-san, head of Japan's Nichirin, or Pure Land, sect of so-called "chanting" Buddhists, who are known for building "peace pagodas" around the world.

The Dalai Lama's role differs from the pope's in other ways, too. Buddhism is not arranged in so hierarchical a fashion as is the Catholic Church, and there is no single head or ascendant ruling school. In fact, in Tibetan Buddhism, there are four sects or schools, and the Dalai Lama is head of only one of them, the Gelugpa school.

The dramatic escape in January from Tibet of the 17th Karmapa Lama underscores the interrelationship of the various sects and their high lamas: the Karmapa (which literally means "man of Buddha activity"), is the third-highest ranking lama in Tibet and the head of another large sect, the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism, founded 900 years ago.

The Panchen Lama, Gendun Choekyi Nyima, meanwhile, is the second-highest ranking Gelugpa Tibetan lama after the Dalai Lama. Human rights groups call the young Panchen Lama, who would now be 10 or 11, the world's youngest political prisoner. After the Dalai Lama officially proclaimed him Panchen Lama in 1995, the boy was almost immediately abducted and imprisoned by the Chinese government and has not been seen in public since. It is feared that he is dead. All three of these lamas--the Dalai Lama, the Karmapa, and the Panchen Lama--are revered spiritual leaders and vital symbols of Tibetan independence both within and outside their homeland.

The Dalai Lama is also Tibet's political leader. He remains the head of the Tibetan government-in-exile, which he established in the Indian hill station of Dharamsala 40 years ago, through the grace of Pandit Nehru and the Indian government, after escaping into exile himself in 1959. From there, he leads the fight for Tibetan cultural preservation and autonomy, if not complete political freedom and independence from Chinese rule. In each of the last 10 years, he has visited 50 or more countries on his mission of peace, nonviolence, and human rights. For his humanitarian work and peaceful resistance to Chinese Communist rule in formerly independent Tibet, the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

Historically, the Dalai Lamas, like most Tibetans, remained isolated from the rest of the globe. The current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is only the second ever to have traveled as far from his country as India and China, and he is the first to venture further into the outside world. Indeed, his own charisma and accomplishments--largely in response to Tibet's occupation by China--have had more to do with his stance among spiritual leaders today than does his position as Dalai Lama in Tibet.

The rise of the Dalai Lamas as an institution within Tibetan Buddhism has taken an tortuous course across six centuries. And only in the last 300 years have the Dalai Lamas held the position of spiritual and temporal sovereign of Tibet. Beyond fulfilling their political duties, the Dalai Lamas have included great poets, scholars, and adepts who have brought ever higher honor to the title.

Since the 17th century, when the term came into use, each Dalai Lama has been regarded as the incarnation of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig, in Tibetan) and is considered the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama. Tibetans believe that the timeless Buddha's emanation in this world alleviates the suffering and confusion of all beings and takes the form of the incarnations of the Dalai Lama, the Karmapa Lama, and other tulkus (incarnated lamas). This practice of recognizing reincarnated saints and sages is unique to Tibetan Buddhism, although there are variations of it elsewhere in world religions.

The first lama to earn the title Dalai Lama was a learned and renowned monk named Gendun Drub (1391-1474). A disciple of the founder of the Gelugpa sect, the saintly religious reformer Master Tsongkhapa (1357-1419), Gendun Drub established the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery and University. which grew to become the largest monastery in the world, a spiritual training ground for as many as 8,000 resident monks. This master later came to be known as the First Dalai Lama, in honor of his extraordinary attainments.

As soon as he was old enough to speak, the second Dalai Lama, Gendun Gyatso (1475-1542), revealed that he was the reincarnation of Gendun Drub, and expressed his wish to be reunited with his disciples at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery.

The third Dalai Lama was Sonam Gyatso (1543-1588) and it was only during his lifetime that the term Dalai Lama came into use. After being converted by him to the nonviolent way of Buddhism, a war-like Mongol king named Altan Khan proclaimed Sonam Gyamtso the "Dalai Lama." Dalai is Mongolian for ocean or, by extension, oceanic or infinitely vast. The title Dalai Lama means teacher whose wisdom is as vast as the ocean. From the 16th century onward, the title Dalai Lama became the honorific for these grand lamas.

In 1642, the "Great Fifth" Dalai Lama (1617-1682), through a complicated series of sectarian shifts, consolidated leadership over all Tibet. Ever since, the Dalai Lamas have been the spiritual and temporal leaders of Tibet, and their Gelug sect ascendant among the four great, and eight lesser, schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

Many people today believe the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, may come to be known as one of the very greatest Dalai Lamas. It remains to be seen if he will be successful in effecting his own and his people's return to their former freedom of religion and independence in Tibet. The Dalai Lama has repeatedly stated that if and when Tibetans regain their country's autonomy, he would return to Tibet, call for a democratic system to be installed rather than reinstituting a theocracy, hold a general democratic election for the political leadership of his country, and retire to pursue his spiritual practice.

About The Author:
Lama Surya Das has spent more than 30 years studying with the great spiritual masters of Asia, including 15 in India and the Himalayas and eight years in a cloistered Tibetan retreat. He has brought many Tibetan lamas to North America to teach and reside. He is a leading spokesman for Buddhism and contemporary spirituality, as well as a poet, translator, spiritual teacher, and a lama in the Tibetan Buddhist order. Surya leads meditation retreats, workshops, and lectures worldwide. Lama Surya Das is the founder and spiritual director of the Dzogchen Foundation in Massachusetts and California, and organized the Western Buddhist Teachers Network weeklong conferences with the Dalai Lama. Surya is the author of several books, including the national best-seller "Awakening the Buddha Within: Tibetan Wisdom for the Modern World," and is active in interfaith dialogue. He lives in Concord, Massachusetts.

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Violence and Judgment & Weather Patterns by Norma Gentile

VIOLENCE and JUDGMENT
(Some notes on information received from Archangel Michael and Atamira)

This past weekend (July 23-24) we began receiving a huge wash of masculine energy from Sirian star system. This happens each year at this time, and lasts until mid-September. This portal allows us in the Earth plane a chance to explore how we might utilize Sacred Masculine energies to recreate our world. Think of it as us as the teenagers who are allowed to drive the Porsche, rather than the old sedan, for a while.

Each year humanity's shared collective unconsciousness uses this energy to clear an issue. At this moment there is a movement afoot in the planetary consciousness which ignites all masculine energies and interprets them into violence. This is an interpretation, based on our beliefs, of what male, or active, energies ought to be like. It is our collective agreement as humans to allow this to happen. As the Sacred Masculine energies pass through the morphogenetic field (literally an electromagnetic field into which each human being is unconsciously connected) our shared beliefs turn otherwise Sacred Masculine (or actively charged) energies into energies of violence.

Remember, it is only by exposing something to the light of love that we can accurately see it for what it is and then choose to change it. In this way we (humanity) is exposing the misuse of masculine energies.

Holding the space of being, of Divine Feminine or receptivity, is most difficult at this moment. It requires the ability to be present with the non-sacred masculine blade of violence, and yet be in such a state that the blade does no harm.

It is not any one person’s learning. This is an issue of the group collective consciousness. We are all learning how we create violence and use the blade. And we are each learning how to embody the Divine Feminine chalice.

The energies that enter through the Sirian Portal magnify that which is already afoot. Since Mercury in retrograde until Aug 14th, the effects are apt to be more and more obvious. Look for unusual effects, beyond that of mere computers and communications. Monitor your own intuition, and know that it will tell you with much more accuracy than any external media what is truly happening in your life.

Humanity is not used to the quality of energy that the Sacred Masculine brings. We, as a planet, are adjusting to Divine Feminine energies, which is the first step in awakening this time around. There needs to be Divine Feminine energies first in order for there to be an accurate reception of male energies. The feminine aspect, space, allows there to be a chalice into which masculine energies come to rest. The chalice then attracts energies that are in tune with it.

I recall seeing pictures of how lightening strikes the Earth. The lightening comes within several hundred feet and then there is an energy response from the land. That energy response creates the remaining hundred feet or so of what we see as a lightening strike.In this way the land determines where exactly the lightening will complete its journey into the Earth.

The blade of non-sacred energies is created when the Sacred Masculine energies of Sirius pass through the shared consciousness of our planet. They are turned and twisted, and can then be more easily interpreted as a call to violent
action. But each and every twisting and turning is a reflection of humanities, and our own personal, inner tumult. Unresolved issues that are not connecting us to spirit turn to violence. Just as the lightening comes to within a certain point of the Earth, these same Sacred Masculine energies come only so far. It is our own inner issues that determine how the external violence will be framed.

Remember; masculine energy is merely a quality of energy promoting action. Feminine energy is a quality of energy promoting Being and introspection. It is the balance of these two that we as humans seek in order to enter into Unity.

In order to allow the masculine energies to enter at a sacred level it is needful to allow the element of compassion to be present. Where there is compassion there is no judgment. Non-sacred masculine energies, which appear to me as a violent blade, are drawn particularly strongly to strike out at judgment. As the chalice, our heart, is tuned to compassion, the blade passes us by. As the chalice of our heart is tuned to judgment, we will feel its sting.

May all those who read this find a blessing according to their desire,

Norma Gentile
With Atamira and Archangel Michael

CREATING NEW WEATHER PATTERNS
- Thoth, through Norma Gentile

For eons your planet has existed within the walls of Divine Free Will. That wall has come down. As the new cycle approaches you are free to choose any path, sacred or profane, for yourselves. Each daily choice reflects your path
toward Divine Will or away from it.

There is no right or wrong. There is your heart. When you choose with your heart you experience energy flowing freely through your entire body. This indicates that you are choosing your Divine Will. Choices are about exactly this: To move within your own divine state so profoundly that you cease to be aware of being contained within Divinity.

It is as two dancers, moving in perfect mirror images to each other. At a moment one ceases to focus on the other, rather the focus becomes the shared space between. The act of creation allows one to forget even that they are creating.

--What are Weather patterns?

Weather reflects your separation from our own (each one of you) Divine Will. It is not only about the patterns of living. Weather reflects those emotions that you cease to desire to reflect to one another. Weather patterns are one way for Gaia and the elementals (those of the second and first dimensions) to process on your behalf emotionally charged energies.

--How do we change weather patterns?

Live anew. Live as you would desire the weather to be. Cry and it will rain. Grieve and it will thunder and clear the air. Open your hearts and rain and sun shall balance. It is the Earth herself, the quality of etheric energies over the land in each area, which draws to itself the appropriate weather pattern.

--How do we as humans live now with these extreme climates?

Go outside whenever possible. Love the land which supports your feet and blesses your eyes with beauty. This love nourishes the land and those elementals working within your eyesight. Love without boundaries all that you behold. Transmute judgment of buildings and garbage into beauty. It is your judgment, which creates energetic grids around such things, and locks them into a stagnant way of being.

--Final thoughts?

Know that the time is not yet upon you. When you experience this much tumult it is natural for your physical bodies begin to tense, anticipating even greater changes. The more deeply you can relax, the easier it will be for you and your bodies to receive the continuation of changes. As your bodies dance more easily with each change, so too can Gaia’s body, the Earth, change and continue to support your bodies.

What is the Bible quote; “Love one another”. And if you so love all that is in your environment; the weather patterns, the piles of garbage, the buildings and factories, as you would want the most tender lover to treat your body, then their energies will be so shifted that they will become the quality of that most tender and cherished lover. Treat each element as you would wish to be treated. And so you change your world.

Thoth and the Ascended Masters
7/25/05

-Norma Gentile
PO Box 971020, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
info@healingchants.com or 734-330-3997
www.healingchants.com

Used with Permission

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YOUR ARTICLE HERE!

If you have an article or thoughts to share on life, please consider submitting your article to UB Newsletter! It's free and all we ask is that you allow us to share it with the world! You can submit articles to the editor Dekora at dekora@centurytel.net with "newsletter article submission" in the subject. Please just copy your article into the body of the email. Dekora reserves the right to refuse any articles she doesn't feel are appropriate for the newsletter - but most likely it'll be printed!

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Feng Shui for Your Car by Carole Hyder

Just like your home, your car is an extension of yourself. If it's "running on fumes" and in need of fuel, chances are that you are in need of regeneration as well. If the brakes squeal, reminding you of the potential for brake failure when you least expect it, you may be risking a "brake" down. It may be time to slow down and stop running.

If there's a slow oil leak under the hood, you too may be experiencing some leakage of energy or time in your life. Any oil change or tune-up is indicative of regenerating your own resources to help you run better and smoother. If the tires are low or bald, it's harder for you to get ahead, for you can't get the traction you need. If the windshield has a crack running across it, your vision around some issue may be impaired - you can't see the situation clearly.

If the exhaust system is causing some problems, check to see if it might not reflect some digestive problems you're dealing with. If the starter goes out, perhaps your energy to initiate needed changes is at an all-time low. Get the starter fixed so you can rev up your life again.

To help your car run better, you might try naming it. Anything that you name (your house, your computer, your favorite armchair) will run better and last longer, because you now relate to it on a personal basis, and have formed an intimate connection with it.

Further, the more you use your car's name, the better its overall energy will be. You will be more inclined to take care of problems as soon as they come up and before they become major hassles if you realize their impact on your own life. If you deal with problems with your automobile with determined assertiveness, you will be more likely to deal with other problems the same way.

About The Author: Carole J. Hyder has accomplished international success as a Feng Shui consultant, speaker, teacher, author and trainer. She has been a Feng Shui consultant since 1992, having studied with Professor Thomas Lin Yun, a master Feng Shui teacher of the Black Sect tradition, as well as Roger Green, a master in the traditional Compass school perspective. To explore more of her work, visit her website, carolehyder.com, or send her an email.

Used with Permission

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Compassion By Carrie Hart & Quado

Today would be a wonderful day for you to open your heart to compassion, tolerance and acceptance. When your mind begins to criticize, stop and breathe deeply. Feel your heart opening wide and allowing the object of your criticism to be. Accept each person as he or she is, without asking that she change, without asking that he be something other.

See each person as being just like you, a shining light, underneath the fear and the doubt. See that each person wants approval, wants to find a way to make life meaningful. See that each person is searching for a sign that she is important, that his life has meaning, that she is worthwhile.

Help each person to achieve this through simple acceptance and tolerance. Help each person feel your love, caring and compassion, through your words, through your actions and yes, even through your thoughts.

For your critical thoughts are transmitted, your annoyance and irritation are conveyed. Today, do not even think in that way. Stop that judgment and criticism even as they begin. And in their place, send a silent blessing of love, so that each person may shine a little brighter today, simply because you helped them remove one layer of fear and doubt. Shine brightly from your own heart of love and see how it lets everyone else do the same.

Here is a little prayer for today.

Today, I open my heart wide. I feel my heart opening and pouring out love to all who walk the earth. Today, I open my mind and allow others to think and feel and act differently than I do, and I accept them just as they are.

Today, I feel my kinship with all humanity, and I understand my brothers and sisters and ask them to be one with me in love.

Today, I am generous of spirit and forgiving in my mind and heart.

Today, I am healed and healing through the act of giving love, through the conscious practice of tolerance and compassion. Today, I know and live the power of love.

I am love. I am compassion and caring. I am.

About The Author

Carrie Hart is a spiritual healer and channeler of Quado. Go to http://www.carriehart.com to read more messages from Quado and learn how Carrie became a spiritual healer & what services she is now offering. Carrie Hart is the author of "There is a Garden", the story of her spiritual journey from stressed executive to spiritualist and channeler of Quado. This book, Carrie's CDs of original music, as well as daily messages by Quado are available on www.carriehart.com.

Copyright 2005 - Carrie Hart

Reprinted with Permission

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Spirit Signs - August 2005 Trading Vehicles By Robyn Johnston

Greetings fellow Spirit Travelers. August marks the one year anniversary of the Spirit Signs newsletter. It is a pure delight to share with you what comes through from my spiritual team. To celebrate the one year publication anniversary, I am including a special offer at the end of this month’s newsletter for those interested in scheduling a consultation. Thanks for being such a great audience and remember that you are not walking this journey alone, there is much love and support offered to you each moment and every day that you are here on earth.

Have you noticed the vehicle buzz lately? Incentives for buying new vehicles at “employee discounts” are abounding around here. Interesting timing too, with the rush of the four tree year and the thunder (aggression) of a three tree month, we have some valuable observations to make regarding the state of our environment, planet and her people. Gas prices are soaring to a record high and the last time I checked most vehicles are not even close to being as fuel efficient as they could be. (I am not complaining, just making an observation here!) I also find it interesting that in today’s world, given the advanced technology that is present; our vehicles are a bit in the stone age. We can drive these beautifully designed and spacious SUV’s, yet they burn through a tank of gas in no time flat. This is not as supportive for our environment or our pocketbooks. It doesn’t make sense. Oh sure, I could ! choose to drive a smaller make and model of vehicle, but I do think it would be a bit of a challenge to get three car seats and a dog into a Jetta! Not impossible, but a challenge for sure!

I took this observation to my spirit team. I was a bit frustrated when I fueled up last week and spent $50 on a tank of gas. It felt painful to spend so much money in this way. Old fears and past poverty consciousness, that I thought had long been released, came flooding back. I am conscious of my thoughts and so I tuned in to see what this fear energy was all about. The longer we allow fears to reside inside our spirits, the more we shut down and cut off the vital flow of divine energy in our lives. It was time for a transformational healing session of my own!

In mediation, my guides shared what I thought was a brilliant comparison to vehicle shopping. I am delighted to share it with you. Perhaps it will ease your burden, lighten your load, and give you something else to think about or even cause you to smile. Especially if you’ve just filled up your vehicle or if your “vehicle” is just fed up!

We’ve all heard that our bodies are the shell or outer covering of our spirits, a spiritual vehicle if you will. Have you ever looked in the mirror and longed for a change? Maybe you vehicle doesn’t look so good, but it runs well! Or perhaps it looks great, but only runs occasionally! Let’s do a bit of visualizing, shall we? If you could snap your fingers right now, what model or make would you like? How fast do you want it to go? What bells and whistles do you want on this one? Trading vehicles might just take some research, so let’s take a few minutes to look over the options, shall we?

Remember we’re talking about spiritual vehicles, not those with four wheels! We’ll be looking at areas of your life and the forms of transportation (thoughts) that you’ve used to get to this point in your life. Now, except for the physical body, you haven’t known someone who has driven the same car their whole life have you? It’s possible, I suppose, but most of us find it’s easier to trade for an updated vehicle rather than drive the same one during their entire life. Our inner thoughts are the same way, sometimes they become outdated and we can simply choose to “trade” them in for new, positive thoughts and affirmations. Ones with, you know, more space to grow and move around in!

We do this simply by becoming aware of our thoughts, learning what limits us and taking steps to heal and release the old energy that keeps us locked in place. In this way, the make and model of our spiritual vehicle begins to take shape and in essence, this is what begins to drive our physical bodies, not our ego selves being in the driver’s seat all the time. (Good news, for those earth personalities in the 9*ki, the ones that don’t always like change and prefer to hang on and collect, you can keep the same body style you’ve driven for a long time, if you’re willing to make the necessary repairs and adjustments on the inside to keep it running in mint condition!)

First we need to recognize that our world, environment and lives are in a state of constant change. This is one of the basic feng shui principles. By choosing to embrace this condition, we can better understand the endless possibilities that come with anchoring this key concept. Just like one would research to buy the right vehicle for their lifestyle, we can also take time to research, and meditate upon how we would like our lives to be, what would the greatest vision of your life include? Be specific, in imagining what your ideal life would look like, include a description of each bagua of your life; health, wealth/finances, relationships, career, fame/reputation, family, children, creativity, helpful people,

In the realm of spirit vehicles, there is an endless variety of makes and models available for your pleasure. Though each appears different on this plane, in truth all brands are connected to the same divine source, our Creator. Though there appear to be variations, we know at the soul level we are all one. Because we are such divine masters, we have the freedom to choose how we can best reflect this Divine Light each of us carries. Be creative, be specific and have fun. Isn’t that what shopping is all about?

As we go through life, we find our vehicle needs may change. Nothing stays the same, especially in a four tree year! Many persons upgrade to a larger model as their family grows, or they downsize after the kids leave. We too outgrow our spiritual vehicles in one capacity or another. Two very common areas of our lives that we outgrow involve relationships and careers. We find that what used to offer us challenge and enjoyment, no longer enhances our spirit in that way it used to. We show up for work, but only in body. Our minds drift to that place, far away, where we love doing what we were meant to do. Sometimes we find we can no longer communicate effectively with those around us. We feel disconnected, frazzled, scattered, exhausted or even bored! These might be clues that its time to upgrade!

How about relationships? Have you found that the one you thought you would be with forever no longer fits your ideals and values? Truly I am not a proponent for divorce, but in my work I meet people who stay in relationships long past the point of nourishment and learning. Keep in mind too, that as we ascend into higher vibrations, we can outgrow friendships and family connections that we once thought we could never live without. People come in and out of our lives for the purpose of learning and growth. These situations are not always perceived as easy or pleasant, but often they are needed for the soul to evolve and heal issues. Change is a natural part of the plane we now inhibit. In looking at where we are, it’s important to identify what we’ll need and want in future relationships. This derives from knowing who we are, where we are going and ultimately what we are here to do. It is import! ant to remember that we can change our vehicle anytime we desire.

If something is not working in any particular area of our life, it is a direct sign from spirit that this is an area that needs attention, it needs your conscious recognition, awareness and healing. You can trade in your “old” model for a new one via your thoughts, perceptions and beliefs. It is easier now than it has ever been to make this trade. Why drive a model that’s broken down and rusty, when you can be in one that is more comfortable, efficient and really makes your heart sing! Identifying limited thinking, or false perceptions, and taking steps to heal and release them will assist in making your trade go smoothly.

Oh! You don’t have the money to trade right now? You need to see if you can get a loan? Ahhhh. This is another common issue that is often faced in making transitions. Would it help if I shared that in terms of spirit, you have all the support and abundance you need, right now. It’s true. You may need to rewire some beliefs, and release some limited thinking, but I assure you that this is yet another invitation to move from a smaller, outdated model to one that houses the luxury of trust and confidence, in who you are as a divine co-creator in your life.

Nancy Santopietro, author of Feng Shui and Health: The Anatomy of a Home, offers this valuable insight for those wishing to trade in their old models, “The challenge of this level is that sometimes when we outgrow a job, a salary, or a relationship that is supporting us financially, we are forced to make the change before the new source of abundance has manifested. This in-between period can be very stressful and sometimes create feelings of distrust or our own intuition and decision making-abilities. As we address and face this conflict directly, we also face the fears and uncertainties that go with our ability to provide for ourselves and care for our needs. The transition period from scarcity to abundance will bring with it a newfound sense of prosperity and trust in the higher plan.”

Think of how nice it will be to “drive your soul” in the comfort of a job that supports you not only spiritually but financially. See yourself surrounded by loved ones that understand and fully support the work that you are here to carry out. Imagine the feeling that comes from doing only what you really love and supporting yourself fully in this. Is your spirit vehicle experiencing a rocky road with relationships? Here is an opportunity for you to identify what is no longer working for you and a chance to clarify what it is that you want and deserve right now. Keep in mind that relationships, wealth, health, career and family are all divine reflections of ourselves and the life purpose that we have come to this plane to fulfill. We are the living vehicle of this reflection each moment. To have the make and model you desire, tune into your spirit team and the free guidance available to all. Un! like some “shifty” car dealers, they always look out for your best interest and want you to enjoy the ride to the fullest possible extent. Will you be driving the Cadillac or the Camero? The choice is yours. And the really cool thing is, if you don’t like it, just trade it in! There’s no charge on test drives!

You don’t have to keep driving the same, worn out old model that you came in with. You can begin to create a new vehicle, one of your own design. Begin to release old thoughts and patterns that limit your creativity and block the divine flow of abundance. Open yourself to these new perceptions and abilities by being open to where spirit leads you. Let go of the way you thing things should be or need to be, and instead, focus only on what YOU want. Create treasure maps, write your intentions through affirmations, use feng shui to anchor these ideas in your physical environment. Set your heart on the models of your choice, but be open to the assistance that is always available through your spiritual bank account. Find the area of our life that is not in alignment and pull it into the spiritual garage for a tune up! The answers are right there within. Just like our cars and truck require regular ! oil changes, our spirits benefit regular attention and maintenance as well!

If you find your career, relationship, health, finances, or any other area is feeling a little cramped, then you know its time for a trade. It can be a fun and enjoyable experience to upgrade your vehicle. You deserve to be driving the best one around. You have a long journey ahead too; you’ll want a dependable vehicle to help you navigate through rough spots of fear, icy roads of doubt, and detours of the ego. Remember to keep servicing your vehicle with the spiritual fuel of positive thoughts, love and encouragement.

Our journeys are not about what we are here to do, as much as who we are becoming in the process. Our greatest achievement isn’t becoming rich or famous, writing and publishing a book or solving a great world problem, our greatest aspiration is to learn to be in the moment, loving ourselves and all those around us, reflecting love from Divine Source. So as you choose the make and model of your next vehicle, tune into the spiritual mechanics who are wired to assist you at every turn. They know what vehicle will get you to where you are going as well as the adjustments and repairs that need to be made. Yes, put your vehicle on cruise control every now and then and allow them to be in the driver’s seat!

*This newsletter marks the one year anniversary of Spirit Signs! Many changes and transformations have taken place in the last 12 months, with many more on the way. For the month of August I am offering reduced rates on nine star ki readings and other transformational healing services. My readings are designed to assist you in clarifying your thoughts and direction, answering questions that you most want to know, while helping you heal on a soul level. To receive more information about the special pricing offers, you may reach me at rainbowcanyonreiki@yahoo.com. I look forward to sharing my gifts of clarity and direction with you.

Happy Trails!

Robyn R. Johnston, Spiritual Guide

About the Author

Robyn Johnston is a Feng Shui practitioner, Nine Star Ki Consultant and Reiki Master. She is available for residential and business consultations, energetic readings and distance reiki sessions. Robyn also offers personal coaching and intuitive guidance through these tools. If you would like to schedule a consultation, reading or session with Robyn, she can be contacted through email at rainbowcanyonreiki@yahoo.com. Be sure to also check out her website for online Nine Star Ki Readings and Distant Healing! For details on the unique services that Robyn offers, please check out her website http://www.freewebs.com/9starki/index.htm

Reprinted with permission, submitted by author

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Today I live at the level of love and acceptance, where solutions and resolutions are easily discovered.

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Recommended Reading

ON DEKORA'S BEDSIDE TABLE...

"Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness" by Sharon Salzberg For anyone looking to discover the peace and stillness of Loving Kindness Meditation, this book serves as a wonderful introduction to this style of meditation. I am only part way into the book, but am already highly recommending it to everyone! Sharon's style of writing is easy to understand, honest and insightful with lots of wonderful meditation exercises that lead you easily into the style of Loving Kindness Meditation.

"The Wisdom of No Escape: And The Path of Loving Kindness" by Pema Chodron This was the first book that introduced me to the path of Loving Kindness and Mindfulness Meditation. It was chosen for our Mindfulness Meditation Group as our group study. I highly recommend it! Pema does a great job of introducing one to both styles of meditation: Mindfulness and Loving Kindness. I recommend starting with this book and Mindfulness Meditation, and then moving on to "Lovingkindness" by Sharon Salzberg and that style of meditation.

"The Hidden Messages in Water" by Masaru Emoto If you've ever wondered about how our thoughts and words create our reality, this wonderful little book will help you see it in another light! Dr. Emoto took photos of frozen water crystals to show how words placed near the water influence the formation of the crystals. Negative words and sentences caused the water to not even FORM crystals, whereas loving words like love, gratitude, thank you and so on formed beautiful snowflake-like crystals. I highly recommend this wonderful little work to learn more about Dr. Emoto's work.

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Healing Circle

This is an area I'd like to offer to our subscribers for distant healing services. If you have a need for distant healing or prayer and energy work, or you know of someone who would like some, please send me an email at dekora@centurytel.net with "newsletter healing request" in the subject and the person's name, location and reason for the need of healing in the main email. This isn't just for healing, it can be also a request for extra energy for another reason (ie. please send energy to help Sandra find a new job), all requests for love and help will be honoured.

Each month I will post the new people who need healing in this area of the newsletter and encourage all members to send distant healing, prayer and energy to the people in the healing circle.

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