Parable 2 - The Illusion of Love

King Arinok’s penetrating stare cooled the candle flame. His thin body folded in to a full lotus position. He exhaled, disturbed by the screams of his people. No, he was devastated by the pains of war.

The Rajashans were well built, strong and fast. Led by King Tunggul they bludgeoned the Kidans. Captain Norigg staggered into Arinok’s camp, bleeding he fell on to his wasted carcass.

Startled, Arinok leaped to the almost lifeless Norigg, shouldering the wounded head on his lap. “Your Majesty, we are falling,” escaped from the cracked lips of a great Kidans legend. It was now up to Arinok to hold the fort but he was no material for plunging swords and clashing spears. He was a holy man, one that preached the religion of brotherhood and unity. A rare king he was that remained loyal to one wife and lived amongst the peasants.

The heartbroken Arinok dashed out of his encampment. He blew the royal horn. The sound traveled across the berated land reaching the ears of Tunggul. It was a call he was glad to receive. He bulldozed over wretched faces and limbs, mounted his feisty horse and rode into the grip of bitter-sweet childhood memories.

“We are brothers, Tunggul. Our fathers came from the same root. Why are we fighting against each other?”

Tunggul laughed. “It is because we are brothers, little Ari that I must groom you to be a man. There can be many kings but only one emperor. And you have to earn it.”

The peace-loving Arinok wept. He pleaded to Tunggul to call off his troops. The air in the canopy whirred as Norigg watched his beloved sire begging on his knees. He inhaled for last time; the air deflected his disappointment to the angels.

Arinok quietly said a prayer for his faithful captain as tears washed the dust on his blistered fingers. “I give you my throne. Just stop this madness,” he said.

Tunggul refrained from assaulting Arinok. He threw his sword on the ground and demanded for Arinok to wield it like a warrior. He removed his amour and exposed his muscular chest. “Arinok! Kill me this instant if you want to keep your throne and safe your people. I dare you to do it.”

A pair of lifeless hands picked the sword and returned it to the grip of its owner. “No my brother. No life should be sacrificed for the vanity of power, control and wealth. Enough.”

Tunggul marched out with anger welding in his eyes. He did not understand the philosophy that terminated the spirit of his cousin brother. One that had forgotten the role of a king was in the building of an empire for the glory of the nation’s flag. No citizen will die in vain protecting his country whether or not victory was on his side. He shall die a hero if it was to serve his people. Those who hide behind the banner of peace were cowards even if victory was theirs to claim.

Tunggul raised Kidan to the pit and won. He took over the state but was fair to the Kidans as he was to the Rajashans. Food was equally divided, children were taught to read and write while the collection of tax was regulated to stop bribery. Arinok and his family were treated like nobles but he had decided to take a different route.

Arinok visited his wife and son. He spoke to them and assured that everything will be fine. He will find a solution. An answer shall be revealed to him.

He sat in his study. Took out a razor blade and sharpened it on the belt. The first flock of hair touched the floor. He chanted the name of the creator as he shaved himself bald. He did not sleep the entire night but was in deep meditation. At the first break of dawn he left the Kidan capital without any possession but a walking stick, a water bottle, a wooden bowl and a thick blanket to cover his body. Arinok started his journey to salvation leaving behind his kingly past.

The roads led Arinok to Nirut a small village to the south of the Kidan capital where he decided to stay a little longer. At the beginning some people might have recognized him but because of his unkempt appearance they discarded the possibility of his real identity. He moved along unnoticed and was fairly pleased with it.

At Nirut he sat under a tree near a shed. He sometimes sat for days without moving absorb in his state of bliss. In this position he asked the fundamental question of why people dominated each other. What is the purpose peace if it instigates violence? Most importantly what was the purpose of his birth? But he received no answers and nothing was shown to him except for silence.

In the world outside of him people still fought over a sweet potato, a woman and who owned the biggest cow. What he didn’t notice was that since Tunggul took over the reign things were kept in better order. There were less looting and many illegal gambling joints were closed down. For some strange reasons peace was beginning to recover.

A group of misfits approached Arinok. They frisked his body and found nothing valuable except for his water bottle. There were some figs in his wooden bowl and the think blanket was stained with mud. He opened his eyes and saw three young men probably between the ages of seventeen and twenty. He smiled and told them to take what they wanted for none belonged to him. The boys felt insulted because a beggar was offering to them his stale belongings. They instead beat him up to teach him a lesson on humility.

Passing by was a beautiful maiden named Shirta. She shouted at the boys and told them to stop bullying a beggar. The moment they saw her they began to harass her; touching her hair, molesting her breasts and one held her waist from behind allowing the other two to pin her down. Arinok was shocked and a weird sense of anger bellowed in his stomach. He instantaneously felt that he needed to do something. He had to take action.
Arinok stood up, grabbed a stone with his right hand and hit one of the attackers on the head. Without much hesitation he smacked another on the throat and the final one was hurt in the stomach. His breathing grew heavy as he looked at the three boys rolling in pain on the ground. And slowly fears crept in. What did the peace-loving Arinok do?

Shirta pulled Arinok away from the scene to the river bank. He threw himself on the grass. His heart was bulging with guilt and disbelief. He looked at the blood stained stone and lunge it into the river. He shut his eyes and released a loud scream.

Feeling nervous, Shirta placed herself next to Arinok. “I am sorry, I didn’t mean to,” she stuttered. Arinok looked at her almost perfect face, the cute button nose and the rose bud lips. “My apologies, ma’am. It is just that I have not caused another human to suffer physically before. It is not right to do so under any circumstances.”

“You are a holy man, master. Although your attire is untidy and your hair unwashed I know you are a good man. So please don’t blame yourself. Those boys deserved it.”

Arinok shook his head. “No, ma’am. This is not the case. I must do what I preach, walk my talk of peace and unity. And here I am exercising violence on three innocent lives. I am ashamed of myself.”

“But surely you must have acted in self-defense or protected loved ones from harm. It is a normal and noble thing to do. But you know master, it is the first time for me too,” she said with a shy smile on her face.

“Your first time?”

“Yes. The first time ever a man kept me from danger and did not fight another to go to bed with me.”

“I beg your pardon?” Arinok lowered his gaze.

“I was born into the brothel and have since served men when I turned sixteen. It was a late age the owner complained because they couldn’t make more money out of me earlier.” She paused and looked at the glances of dismay that were directed toward her.

Arinok was quiet. “Why don’t you leave the place of vice? There are many things that you can do at Kidan,” his words were hard and fell upon Shirta’s ears like daggers.

“Do you regret saving me from them? That you had to taint your sacred hands for a woman that sells her body? You are judging me, sir.”

“No! This is not what I mean. I mean you have a choice of walking out from doing anything that you do not like. You have a choice.”

“Are you born free? Is this what you like to do?” she asked gesturing at Arinok’s appearance.

“I like peace on Earth, ma’am,” he replied in a solemn tone.
Shirta smiled. “I like that too. I want to get out of that horrid place. Work for five more years to make enough money and I will run away with my daughter. Get the hell out of there”

“Your daughter?”

“Of course,” she chuckled humouring herself. “I am not proud of being part of three generations of brothel girls. No one should stay in that stinking hole especially my little girl.”

Arinok nodded. His world suddenly expanded. He was promoting peace, love and unity but was not aware of the real pain and sufferings of the human race. He thought that by demoting his status he could inspire but it showed to him that he what he did was stemming from arrogance. It was his narrow belief that it was unfair he was born into prosperity and high power. But he didn’t know that he could not teach others peace if he was not peaceful within himself.

They watched the sun set together that evening. Arinok’s buzzing questions rested as the stars filled the sky. He slept dreaming of his wife and son.

Arinok lifted a fig and placed it in his mouth. He slowly chewed on them when all of a sudden a violent thud landed on his face. The misfits were back with two more helpers. They kicked, punched and assailed him. They dragged him to the river side tied a heavy boulder to his foot and drowned him. The last thing Arinok felt was blood running down his face and the stinging sensation of water filling up his nostrils, eyes and lungs. Darkness surrounded him.

Two loud voices accompanied Arinok’s awakening. He looked around. It was an unfamiliar place. It seemed as if he was in a cave and he was placed before two judges. They were odd looking. One was round and bald and had thick eye brows. The other was a midget wearing a red suit. They were seated behind a huge oblong-shaped table on two steel chairs that didn’t seem to belong to any kingdom he knew. They were chattering and discussing, writing and flipping through pieces of papers.

“I see that our inmate is alert, “said the round one. “I am Wendoo, the guardian of the gates of Hell.”

“I am Lowdoo, the keeper of the gates of Hell.” The midget’s voice sounded like a mousy teenage boy.

“What? What hell?”

“To make things simple for you, Arinok son of Palinogg, you died,” Wendoo replied twitching his eyebrow.

“Oh! Don’t believe him. You are technically not dead yet that’s why you can’t enter Hell and are held at the gates. Some foolish humans are trying to revive you. So you have a seventy …”

“A seventy percent chance of making Hell your new home,” Wendoo interrupted.

Arinok sat up and examined where he was. He pinched himself and tried to recall what happened. He knew the misfits came by for revenge and he was brought to the river side and drowned.

“Why am I in hell? Shouldn’t I be in heaven?”

Wendoo and Lowdoo gasped and laughed so loud that Lowdoo nearly fell of his chair. “Well, there is a quota. And you didn’t get in. So welcome to Hell.”

“No! There must be a mistake. How can that be? I didn’t harm anyone and I was a peaceful king. I was kind and caring and I loved my wife. I was loyal to her. I looked after my son, my people and my state. I was a good man. I am a holy man.”

Lowdoo was busy scribbling down Arinok’s confession while Wendoo explained to Arinok. “That my friend is your greatest sins. From our records, you didn’t do anything for others. You only did things for yourself. You were selfish. You merely wanted to look “good”. Be a good king, love everyone, no war. But when your state is attacked, you allowed your soldiers to die for you while you pray and pray and pray out of fear! By the way, we love it when you do that. It is our favourite dessert.”

“King Arinok’s prayers. Delicious!” Lowdoo chipped in while his pen was still jotting down notes.

“So you are guilty as charged. You failed to carry out your duties as a king. If you don’t get it by now, there is a reason why you were born a king. I know, don’t tell me. You wanted to be like Baddhu and Sejus. They are great souls. Even from the depths of hell we respect them although they are not my cup of tea. They are just too nice. The problem with you Arinok son of Palinogg is that you copied the steps of the Baddhu without understanding what in heaven he was teaching. Not that I do or else I won’t be here.” Wendoo threw his head back and snickered.

“That was supposed to be funny, by the way…now where was I? Yes! You basically wanted to preserve your ideology of peace at the expense of your people who sincerely looked up to for protection.”

“How could I have taken the life of another human? That is the work of devils, like you!”

Lowdoo stopped writing, jumped down from his chair and walked toward Arinok. He was serious, almost menacing. “Look here King Arinok!” He inched closer. “You didn’t take the life of a man with your hands but your cowardice and selfish intentions allowed half the people of your nation to die in vain. You allowed an enemy soldier to slash down your maids because you couldn’t kill that bloke. Haven’t you heard, be in battle at times of war, be in peace at times of peace but have the brains to know the difference. Although in Hell we are constantly at war so you don’t need your brains!”

“But Baddhu said that…” Arinok stammered.

“But…but…but…you are not Baddhu, so quit pretending to be him,” Wendoo exclaimed. “And remember Baddhu said don’t follow his foot steps blindly. Test, learn and decide for yourself. You are your own Baddhu. Why am I telling you things about the Baddhu? I can’t believe this. I need to re-wire my head.”

“The point is you are guilty and you shall be punished,” said Lowdoo grinning from ear to ear.

Arinok started to cough. Wendoo and Lowdoo looked at each other. They panicked. He felt as if his entire head was tied in ropes and that he was being pulled up. There was an immense shot of electricity running through that caused him to scream and squirm. He lost consciousness.

Sunlight permeated all over him and recharged Arinok’s drenched body. He heard the murmurs of people around him and someone was shaking him gently. He opened his eyes, sat up slowly and released out a big pool of water. He was catching his breath as a heavily built man slapped his back to allow him to vomit out more liquid.

“Ah! He is alive,” a woman said.

Arinok calmly entered the capital of Kidan. He climbed up to the tallest tower with a bucket of water. He cleaned himself and cut his long entangled hair. He looked down at the busy streets and saw that the Rajashans were getting along well with the Kidans. Children were giggling and playing. The people were happy. He gazed upon heaven a place he knew his prayers didn’t reach. With that he summoned his people for the final time.

“My dear Kidans. This is your king. No, the one who used to be your king is hoping to speak to you.” Everyone stopped what they were doing. Parents commanded for their child to be quiet. They arched their necks and glared at Arinok.

“This is Arinok son of Palinogg. My father was a great king. He brought peace to you where I failed. My father was a brave warrior while I was weak, hiding behind the strength of my soldiers, which should be honoured and held in high esteem. When I ran from my responsibility, you fought and sacrificed yourself. I owe you everything but my life is worthless for I have not done anything for Kidan. My speech of peace was meaningless as it is obscured by the wind…”

Underneath a tree, Wendoo and Lowdoo were watching the Kidans. “It is very touching. So do we get Arinok again?” Wendoo asked.

Lowdoo opened his books and shook his head. “No. It is unfortunate. He is going to heaven.”

“Why? Because of his great suicide speech?” Wendoo raised his voice.

“Our quota is full. There are way too many human dramas. Arinok’s is excusable.”

“That’s a shame. I was having so much of fun with him.”

The crowd muttered as Arinok dived head down into the main city square. Wendoo and Lowdoo were anticipating an out roar.

Someone shouted, “Hail King Arinok! He is the true man of peace!” And very naturally everyone said the same thing in unison. Their voices echoed as Wendoo and Lowdoo shudder in disgust.

“Don’t worry, brother. The will remember Arinok as the man of love and pillar of peace. They will erect a statue right when he died. And schools will be set up because he is a martyr. He died in the name of peace, his philosophy will be taught and man will go to war again to prove his interpretation is correct and the others are wrong. Either way, our quota will always be full which means there will be more work for me!” Lowdoo lamented.

“More work for me too! But I don’t mind losing some weight,” said Wendoo squeezing his bloated stomach.

Arinok’s remains were covered with the nation’s flag. Tunggul knelt beside him and wept. The citizens of Kidan paid their respect. The priest was thinking of canonizing Arinok remembering him as the man of love and pillar of peace.

Long live King Arinok!

Parable 1 – The Illusion of Abundance

Once upon a time there was peace in a land named Hearth. All was so beautiful and serene that no one ever experienced poverty or lack. There was an endless supply of food, water, shelter and everything imagined. The life forms need not fight for anything because wherever they turned there were fruit orchards, beautiful crystal caves as homes and love was the only emotion that existed as a long spectrum of colours. They lived as one with nature and communed with all kinds of existence. All understood that everything is pure energy that is manifested in forms through thoughts.

The concept of ownership was never heard of. The life forms did not own houses, properties or corporatized any work. They communicated telepathically, no words were formed and everyone’s thoughts and desires were openly shared. Privacy was not necessary because there was no threat that motivated a life form to keep secrets. It was a place that was referred to as Heaven.

Along the process of coming, going and beyond, the first fruit tree was contaminated. It was known as the first corruption. How it happened was not revealed but it alarmed all life forms demonstrating that total destruction was indeed possible. They suddenly lost touch with the truth that all is energy and thus cannot be destroyed. A strange feeling that was not known to the life forms crept in. They didn’t name it but began to avoid what brought fear to them. This gave rise to the first denial and the first lie.

With the advent of the first corruption the life forms started to block their thoughts and telepathic communication was flawed. The spectrum of love was divided and as a result they started to feel the sensitivity of justice. Since the corruption injustice and loss were played out. They appreciated what they owned and therefore possession and territory were developed. The value of life increased and this gave birth to the preservation of relationship with one another. This gestated the first marriage as a way to seek companionship with another life form as the fear of separation was the strongest motivation.

Love’s full spectrum was dissected in to incomplete pieces. Each fragment was given a label such as; compassion, kindness, care, authenticity, patience and honesty. And the life forms only held on to a portion of the love spectrum as they pro-created and educated their progenies and they further corrupted the pieces with their own prejudices.

The life forms built compartmentalized homes and arranged fences to fend off other life forms that they were not familiar with. They were doubtful because the first corruption, the first denial and the first lie were deeply ingrained in them. Work was corporatized; schools were constructed to teach the life forms as education became a necessity. This was the only way to bring them closer to the full spectrum of love. Nevertheless most education systems were formalized to draw the life forms further away from love.

The measurement of profits was another invention to monitor and minimize loss and to maximize gain for the fear of lack seeped in stronger into the psyche of the life forms. A symbol through paper and metal was initiated to control the exchange of goods and services. Structures, governance and rules were enacted to manage one another to ensure that the rights of the life forms were safeguarded. Hearth thus became a stage and a soccer field. From the grounds of unlimited possibilities they transformed into a limited game of winner against loser or winner against winner. And yet all was compulsory for the life forms have chosen to no longer trust the flow of love. The fragmentation of the spectrum facilitated the festering of systematic living amongst the life forms. Heaven was no more.

A miracle was needed to salvage the life forms from further depletion. A magic tree was grown. A tree that bore fruits through out the seasons; the life forms were at awe. When the love spectrum was intact nature was in full communion with the life forms and they never saw themselves as being unattached. They were nature itself. But as the life forms assembled more concretized matter, nature was also extracted from their living. Until one day warnings were given through fire, water, wind and earth that collapsed the marvels of steel and bricks.

The life forms turned to the magic tree.

Some were inspired by the magic and wanted to empower themselves in observing beyond the physical. They were enthralled by energies and mystical mirages. Some wanted to protect the tree for fear of it decaying and that nature was dying. Some thought it was a hoax like many institutionalized creeds. Some brought tourists to visit the site and printed clothing bearing the emblem. Some wrote and made moving pictures about the tree. But a group of young life forms approached the tree and realized the potential that they too were the magic tree. It was the first tree that was corrupted, one that the ancient life forms believed to have been destroyed. And yet the tree merely went into hibernation.

The group of young life forms communicated with the tree and experienced a breakthrough when they could hear each other’s thoughts. They surrendered to what they didn’t understand at first to be the full spectrum of love. But they did it nonetheless because deep within them as with other life forms laid the buried treasure of unlimited possibilities.

They formed a community of like-minded friends near the tree. They did not worship the tree nor was it consecrated as a holy object. The tree was respected equally as with all other types of living beings. Peace started to infest the community and in no time other life forms broke away from their regimes and joined them.

This was the Promised Land where there was an endless flow of food, water and shelter. Everything else was easily garnered. Barriers were torn down, structures were slowly forgotten and the feeling of lack was released. The spectrum of love was completed. The life forms were bound into a higher level of telepathic communion. Bliss and joy were restored for many generations in Hearth.

One day the insufferable thing happened. The magic tree began to die. The life forms gathered around the tree and connected with it through the spectrum of love. They had an unknown awareness within them that that the tree was merely leaving its current form and that it was natural to do so. It was absolutely healthy. And this did not interrupt with the flow of infinite possibilities that the life forms were enjoying. They laughed and rejoiced that they discovered a new truth.

In the consciousness of the life forms the spectrum of love finally combined with the age of wisdom. Until a group of life forms took a portion of the magic tree with the hope of duplicating it for future use.

The first crack occurred.

The Kung Fu Master

Master Lin was an old and powerful master who lived alone in a monastery for away from civilization. He was a very well known fighter and his skills were beyond reproach. Many young and aspiring young men wished to learn from him but he turned all of them away.

Ah Seng hailed from a farming village and it was his ambition to be the best martial artist in China. Since young he learned from many teachers but in no time he mastered all the moves, tricks and nothing else interested him. But his ultimate aim was to train under the tutelage of Master Lin.

One day Ah Seng convinced his best friend Ah Han to accompany him to search for Master Lin. After nearly a year of hardships, they located the neurotic master. Ah Seng and Ah Han knelt before him for seven days and seven nights under the hot sun and in the storm. Finally, Master Lin was touched by their devotion and agreed to take them in as his disciples.

It was no surprise that Ah Seng was a fast learner and absorbed all the poses and stance that Master Lin showed them. But there was one last move that Ah Seng could not conquer. He asked Master Lin to teach him but the wise old man said that “This move cannot be taught but discovered within oneself.” This infuriated Ah Seng as he found the grumpy strange man selfish and stingy in knowledge. On the other hand, Ah Han took his time to understand the tactic of each move and therefore was only half as advanced as Ah Seng.

After eight years of training, Master Lin advised his two students to depart and to go back to their village. Their skills were not meant to be used for confrontational purposes but it was at best a form of self-defense. Unless it was extremely necessary one was not to bring harm to another. Ah Han took his master’s advice to heart and followed it diligently. Ah Seng was ever ready to take up any challenge or he sometimes instigated others to fight him.

In no time, Ah Seng was feared by many. He was the strongest martial artist in Northern China. But legend has it that in Southern China lived a mysterious fighter named Duke Warrior. Ah Seng was frustrated that there existed another person who could surpass his might and aptitude in kung fu. He travelled all the way to Southern China and challenged Duke to a duel. Ah Han had seen how vicious and agile Duke was and he was definitely faster and better than Ah Seng. He warned Ah Seng that he should not fight Duke. Of course Ah Seng was offended and cautioned Ah Han to stay out of his business.

On the day of the battle, Ah Han secretly followed Ah Seng. He was worried that his friend will be sacrificed in this clash. True enough, Ah Seng was no match for Duke’s speed and dexterity. Ah Seng could not go pass his own limitation and to execute the last move of Master Lin’s teachings. He didn’t know how to go within himself to discover the technique. Duke was merciless and was preparing to give Ah Seng his fatal blow.

And from the bushes Ah Han jumped out and protected Ah Seng. Within matter of a few punches and kicks, Ah Han was severely injured. He had fallen. Duke ripped the last breath from Ah Han.

At that moment, Ah Seng dropped his desire to win and understood for the first time that all his endeavours were focused mainly on selfishly proving himself but what for? The death of Ah Han awakened his sleeping mind and heart. The once egoistical youth finally mastered his vulnerability and fears. He went within himself and discovered the last technique.

Duke attacked Ah Seng but now Ah Seng was able to comprehend the true spirit of martial arts. It was a way to find one’s true self. He was able to defeat Duke effortlessly. Duke was surprised but was prepared to surrender his life. However Ah Seng retreated and said to Duke that he will never battle for the sake of glory anymore.

From that day onwards, Ah Seng became a wanderer and only used his martial arts to defend the weak. But deep down he was yearning to see Master Lin and to inform him that he learned the final tactic.

After six years of travel Ah Seng stopped by a small restaurant in a village. From a distance he saw a familiar figure serving dim sum. It was Master Lin! But what was he doing serving dim sum at a small dingy restaurant?

Ah Seng approached the old man and recognized him to be Master Lin. Although the old man said his name was Fu Gwai. Master Lin died many years ago. Ah Seng was surprised. He explained to Fu Gwai that he had learned all the moves even the final technique. Fu Gwai said that he was only a dim sum master and knew nothing of kung fu. He said that when one had reached a stage of mastery it was dangerous to stay attached to one’s achievements. It was wise to let go and start afresh and to continue to learn new things. Fu Gwai said that he was more than happy to teach him his latest recipe.

Ah Seng laughed and said, “Master Fu Gwai, my name is Ah Tin, a dim sum apprentice.”

Living in Twilight - 12:12

It is December 12th tomorrow. What a beautiful symmetrical pair of numbers -12:12. Just nineteen days away from the end of 2009 and many are apprehensive, excited or are simply looking forward to Christmas. The festive season is in the air with both children and adults alike planning for their holidays and a brand new year. Nevertheless there are some that are ushering in new energies and universal consciousness as the clock strikes midnight tonight.

What does 12:12 signify? It is on the surface just another date that has occurred for at least two thousand and nine times. Why is it so special this time? Because our understanding and consciousness have reached a higher level whereby we are able to detect, integrate and comprehend the unseen. When during the medieval era, the posting of this article would land me physically in fire, humanity’s hearts and minds have tremendously opened up to considering the possibilities of the unknown. The advent of science in the fields of astronomy and cosmology is pushing the limits of what we deem to be real and unreal. I can’t prove that these cosmic shifts are occurring except to share with you my own experience but suffice it to say that when we pause to raise a doubt and inquire on our realities, we have set the stone rolling.

To be honest, if you search the Internet, there are countless websites carrying channeled messages on 12:12 and they offer various explanations and guidance. And due credits and respect are given to their hard work and candid posting.

For me 12:12 is a milestone that we as a group of beings have set since the beginningless creation of this cosmos. This landmark is a reminder that triggers off our cosmic awakening. In English this means it is an alarm clock that will ring when the moment arrives and if we are receptive enough to pick up its buzz we will hear its calling. Imagine the alarm clock sings the tune of a dog whistle that is impossible for our human ears to register. However as the human race transforms, grows and accept the intolerable our sensitivity increases. As a result of which we notice that we are able to hear the humming of the dog-whistle-alarm-clock. Granted that not many are responding to this process and those that are answering there are doubts and uncertainties.

But doubts are good as they place before us aspects of life that are clogged and stagnant. The queasy feeling encourages us to re-examine and re-wire concepts and ideas that lock us in such as “What the eyes cannot see is not real and is wrong.”

You can choose to incorporate the awakening brought about by 12:12, as a point of reference that safely allows you to complete unfinished tasks or to release them without prejudice back to the Universe. There is no imposition of punishment for unaccomplished business and rewards for completed projects. What is important is for one to realize the lessons learned. Walk out of a training program that is not inline with your belief if it makes you a stronger person as you are standing up for what you believe-in. Then not completing the training is a gift. But if you condemn yourself for wasting time and money, you might have just missed the lesson.

Your question would be why can’t this be done on any other day? The answer is that it can be and should be constantly executed with joy as often as one can. But December 12th is a day that harbours in energies and frequencies that supports these releases and it is the height of completion. And I am saying this because I am responding to the dog-whistle-alarm clock that has been whispering to me for the past eight hours. It is listening to your Higher or Wise Self talking to the eager student residing within your heart. It is “knowing” when to slow down your car before being aware that a child would dash across the street. It is “knowing” without reasoning and analyzing. It is trusting without actually knowing. Can you Trust the unknown?

Twelve in numerology (in a nutshell the study of relationship between numbers and physical things) defines completion that forms a harmonious whole. This calls for a proper closure of anything that you no longer wish to continue in your life or to give praise and thanks for that which has served you long enough and in the past. It is time to create the new.

Let’s break down the number 12. One is the first born and the beginning of everything and it is also the first separation from One-ness. It is independence, starting a new track and the call to an adventure. Two is partnership, choice and relationships. Thus from being all alone we join another person to build an alliance and that is why 1 + 2 = 3. Three is the number of creation, birth, abundance and communication. But in creation also lies the seed of destruction for 1 + 2 must dissolve to shape 3. And so we see here a complete triad of birth – sustaining through unity - destruction / creation. Thus there is the completion of birth, old age, disease and death.

The date 12:12 indicates a two-tier journey; the first 12 being the completion of your personal voyage and the next 12 being the creation of the blue print for the next. So, please choose carefully.

How you wish to welcome the gems of 12:12 is left to your creativity and vocation. You are free to meditate, draw, dance, throw a party, sing or just slack around. Ultimately, it is your intention and willingness to embrace and make the necessary changes that you feel drawn to which gives you the quantum leap. Your word is the Truth and nothing else matters.

Happy 12:12!

Messages from Guan Goong - Love Fear

When a country is at peace, there is no need for patriotism. The teachings and passing of the concept of heroic deeds in protecting your country are based on old energy. It is such that we know as fear. What is fear? In this session we will talk about fear.

Let’s examine fear as type of energy. It is a sense of having not enough, being not good enough and being not up to standard. If you deduce further, you will know that this sensing is a result of comparisons. That there exists another individual whether real or imagined that is better than you. He is richer than you. She is more beautiful than you, they are smarter than you. My God is better than your God. And if you go deeper, you see ownership. That without owning or possessing there is no security. And if we take one level down, you will be part of a battle of wanting to own more. Because more is better and thus from this the motivation starts. There are manipulators that know of these characteristics that decided to walk away. But they are not because they then perpetuate more fear by suggesting that certain status is higher, staying with this community dishes out regality. Then fear changes to action

Now fear as action. It is control in all forms – whether through religion, politics, the economy and war. People control people through these means riding on the energy of fear. Remember that you are being controlled because you know the effects of fear on yourself and others. It is because you have experienced it that you take action to either avoid or exert on others this energy. You put form into this energy. If not it remains just like gas, formless. So you can reverse the experience and not choose to solidify this energy. Because you know that the other side of fear is LOVE.

Look at fear as LOVE. Do you think it is queer? Here we experience fear as nothingness. Fear and love are two sides of the same coin. We say go beyond it! You memorize sutras, Vedas, Bible and verses telling that you must go beyond duality. Then you ask us, how? We remained silent. And it is not our attempt to answer you this time because all answers from this perspective are not complete - because you are the lacking element. You are the observer and Experiencer. The Experiencer must first exist for it to merge into something else to form a new substance. This is not set in stone and it is not absolute but it aids in our explanation.

YOU + SUBJECT = EXPERIENCE (Y + S = E)

Your experiences are not complete because you don’t allow the process of merging to take place – because there are no YOU in this formula. You are replaced by FEAR.

FEAR + SUBJECT = MORE FEAR (F + S = MF)

And we can replace FEAR with EGO because EGO is an amour that YOU create to protect yourself from FEAR that you generate.

EGO + SUBJECT = HUGE EGO (E + S = HE)

Let us share with you what is subject. This subject is life - the situations, relationships and happenings that you encounter and agree to be part of in order to experience. But let’s just say that most of you have forgotten that and thus, YOU no longer participate but created an EGO to play the game that breeds much fear.

Now let’s look at this formula and see if you intuitively feel that you are consciousness that there is no YOU per se. That you are just this vast being-ness, this combination of many formless formations. And since you don’t see yourself as separate, you are then ONE. You are then of love and light.

CONSIOUSCNESS + SUBJECT = LOVE

For there to be love, fear must be replaced by consciousness but in that process, you have to find YOU so that you learn and accept and know that you are consciousness. And it is through participations in daily affairs that are naturally spiritual, LOVE is the inevitable answer.

With more fear You will never merge. That is why we have asked you for the longest times to study yourself. It is only through YOU that you can find ONEness. It is not through us, those that you deemed to be Higher Beings, Masters, Angels, Deities. We are here to help, assist and guide. But we cannot find YOU for you. Do you understand, young friends?

Now look at your country, in fact, study the world from the continent to your own household and personal relationships. Examine if there is even a spec of fear in your action and inaction. And then beware what the root of it is and how fear comes to you and what are your responses.

Please ponder upon this: Can you LOVE fear?

Love & light.

Messages from Master General Guan Yu - Walking the Path of Loyalty

My honourable Masters and Angels,

The basic energy of loyalty is service and it is not about service in return for favours. For these favours perpetuate one’s control over others to achieve one’s selfish requests. This is loyalty cloaked in ultimate treachery.

When one declares that he is loyal to a captain, state, an empire or a cause, it is not done in exchange for protection or the surrendering of one’s mandate but in spite of it. This means one needs to answer truthfully to the question of whether he can sincerely serve a peer not because he is a leader that can offer shelter and profits or for some temporal mutual benefits but because it is our basic nature to serve one’s fellow brothers and sisters?

Electing a leader to set a common goal is supplementary to the fulfillment of the goal. And this goal goes to the heart of every man’s dreams. Loyalty is not offered to the man because of his power, might and status. It must never be demanded out of fear and trepidation. Under no circumstances can a brother be coerced through violence, treat and emotional blackmail to obey the commands of anyone including the source that is deemed as God.

Loyalty is not a special quality that is only of concern during conflicts, competition and when one is challenged. It is the under current that determines our being, values and perceptions. And this points to the fact that no living creature, man and beasts are an island. We do not live in isolation but in service of each other and nature is such that we support her growth while she nurtures our lives. And all this is not done for the sake of ripping rewards but simply IS.

Thus dear masters and angels, it is natural then what we do and say affect not only ourselves but those that are immediately within our environment reaching further to the four corners of the world. So when we believe that we are loyal to a particular leader and creed, it is limiting our instinctive nature to be loyal to humanity and all of life force itself. In other words it is a false belief when certain organizations indoctrinate mankind that he is born free and only by maintaining loyalty to these organizations will his freedom be guaranteed. If man is born free, why would another man need to guarantee it? When a general takes a group of soldiers to battle, it is his duty to serve them and their duties to serve him out of selfLESS desires.

You are a free man by birth and not by choice and definitely not determined by circumstances.

Devotion without wisdom is a dangerous state.
Devotion with wisdom breaks barriers.
Wisdom without devotion strengthens the ego.
Wisdom with devotion removes all illusions.

And so it is.

In your service and of Light, Integrity and Brotherhood,

Guan Yu

Messages from Master General Guan Yu 1.0

Greetings Masters!

This is the time of irony and thus calls for the power of integrity to flow in abundance into your life. Souls are awakening from deep sleep and are returning to Source. Some whose speed hastens like a fleeting arrow and some are pacing with deliberate ease. Whatever the choice, it is fine. There is no punishment and reward for time is a concept that changes with intention.

Now a matter of greater attention is in relation to the ego’s need to conquer the internal battle. Emotions are still part and parcel of the master rein. They take the lead and pull us by the neck but Soul has matured enough to know that at Source level it is all a gentle agreement to learn and experience the essence of human-hood. Thus my dear masters and angels, remember that this tug-of-war will test your patience and determination. Soul will operate from love and Ego will come from the shadow.

And therefore take heed that choosing one while neglecting the other is not a righteous act for we are all spiritual beings having a human experience. This tension exists so long as we are in three dimensional existence and we choose to fulfill our agreements.

And thus dear comrades, an act of integrity is to accept that Soul will never leave the Ego. When we choose a spiritual route it is easy to hallucinate that troubles will leave us. But beware that shadow appears when we stand in the way of light and so long as there exists a physical body, there will be shadows. Remember now that it is critical to hold the light of integrity so as to not use light to condemn shadow. For this is not true light but an act of cowardice from the creeks of fear and anger.

The friction between Soul and Ego is a strong path. But my dear warriors we are all on this path. Therefore love it, flow with it and accept it.

Blessings dear Masters and Angels.

In your service and of Light, Integrity and Brotherhood,

Guan Yu

The Soul Flower

Standing behind the door, you wonder if you should open it. Your hands tremble. You do not know what lies beyond this entrance. What does the door look like? Is it made of wood, metal or layers and layers of thick curtains block the passage way? Again you hesitate; this familiar opening is the one thing that you refused to walk through. But you know that unless you take the first step, this path is forever closed. Your thoughts roll about like thunder while your emotions tango like wild fire.

You are tired. Whatever issues that bother you are wearing you thin and you are now aware that you longer can think or drink yourself out of troubles. You have set foot on every road and unturned all stones looking for solutions except for this particular door. And at last you surrender to the unknown.

Very gently you remove the concealing partition. As you peered through the first creak of space, you see a garden. What does the garden look like to you? Is it majestic with a grand gazebo and water fountains lined up in pairs along the courtyard? Alternatively it could be a never ending park stretching out underneath clear blue skies with rows and rows of obedient pine trees standing attentively in your face. But do not discount that crawling before you are vines and bushes that outgrow the congested garden. It is dark, gloomy and uninviting. However the garden appears to be, it makes no difference because you know what you are looking for the moment you opened the door and decided to walk this path. You will know it when you see it.

You walk. Not knowing where to turn you followed your heart. Not knowing what to search for you closed your eyes. The road could be bumpy and even dangerous, you trust. You continued walking.

You stop. Something signals to you that the object is nearby. It could be presented on a silver platter or buried underneath layers of dirt and rubbish. You know it is there. Your heart sings. A beautiful flower of purest energy radiates amidst the chaos and order of your garden.

There it stands - magnificent. It is your soul flower, your essence, the very core of who you are. It has been calling out to you. Each time you are besieged by problems or overwhelmed by human injustice your soul drops hints that there is great strength in you that is bigger that your difficulties. But the door to this garden is shut and it will be until you consciously make a choice to unlock it and allow the best of you to flow through.

You are much more than all the complications and demands in you life. You are not even your thoughts and feelings combined simply because there lies the exalted you deep within waiting to be unleashed. Just lift the veil. The light of the soul flower shines for eternity.

The Day I Met Connie

I am a writer and as one, I narrate in words stories I heard, read or shared by an eager old lady who sat next to me in the bus; the reason I subscribe to public rides. Every face tells many stories. Locked in their vocal cords a soft voice sings, perhaps a nursery rhyme, an Aerosmith guitar riffs or a serious romantic ballad building to a crescendo loud enough to excite my fingers. My quiet heart listens.

What I am is a pen that scribbles, the ink that flows but never the words that steal the glory. Because I am a mere conduit in most occasions unless I recount from my experiences of let’s say a visit to the dentist to fix my teeth, then I dare claim ownership of the pain. However the dentist’s affair with the nurse remains their business and if it ends up in my novella, it is an observation. The wisdom to write with passion and detachment creates a world that is real and yet surreal because it very much reflects the reality we live in. Thus giving rise to multiple heroes like Harry Potter, Superman, Batman and Jamal from Slumdog Millionaire.

This tale is about how I met Connie. You see, I am drawn to many appropriate places because of certain peculiarities I have. If I needed to visit a restroom while I am outside, I’d prefer the sparkling ones at five-star-hotels. Due to my unabashed habit, I strolled into a particular lobby and whizzed to ease myself. Feeling lighter, I plan for lunch but the pouring sky stop me from leaving. My umbrella sits sixty five kilometers away on the bed and my clothes refuse to get wet.

What now brown cow?

Frustrated, hungry and not attracted to hotel food, I surrender to the comfort of the over-worked, over-sat and yet loving white cushion; whatever will be will be. It is when I allow the softness of the sofa to envelope my being that company came without invitation.

She is tall, slim and colorless, about forty five of age. Her skin is nearly transparent with no blood underneath. A pleasant odor frisk about in her blonde hair and that’s when I notice her folding blind cane. I clumsily move my bag to the floor, reach out to help her, jump to my feet, sit down again, kick the bag nearer and adjust my butt all within ten seconds. Mission accomplished. She smiled and said thank you. By the way, she is not Connie.

Her name is Joy and she is from Nevada. She is in a Kuala Lumpur to visit her healer-friends and to host some healing sessions for the right people.

“Healer?” I asked.

“Yes. I appear to those who call and need my services.”

By the sound of it, she is surely one appealing soul to talk to. I am curious.
“What kind of healer are you?”

“I heal humans, animals, plants and at times the planet.”

“That’s interesting,” I pause to consider if the rain is a better option. The conversation is not so appealing after all.

Joy turned to stare at me and in that silence her green eyes seem to have found mine. They open the latch to a part of me that I didn’t know existed.

“We all heal humans, animals, plants and the planet in our own ways. Some choose to be doctors, psychologists, surgeons or vets to help themselves and others get rid of the illusions – this thing we call pain. And even you, when your friend is crying and wants you to be there you’d probably give her a hug. She allows you to help her heal,” Joy said. Her voice is persuasive but kind. “And animals, you have pets?” she asked raising an eye brow.

“Yes, I have a cat and two hamsters.”

“They ever fall ill or your cat ever feels moody and you try to cheer her up?”

“Sure. She is cranky whenever I don’t let her scratch the walls. But I play ball with her.”

“There you go, writer. You nurse your pets that are sick and you cheer your sad kitty up. She responds by purring and twisting all over your legs. She likes what you do. You also heal your pets. You make them feel better if they want it. And I know gardening is not your thing. But have you seen how someone shapes and nurtures a bonsai? When the plant is sick, they have a million ways to bring it back to health. Isn’t that healing?”

“Yes, I guess so,” I said awestruck by her explanation. “But wait a minute, how did you know I am a writer and that I don’t like gardening?”

Joy ignores my questions and continues with her talk. “Mother Earth, she needs all the loving and healing we can give her. We recycle, we plant trees and we come up with all the eco-stuffs that we can think of. You recycle, yes?”

“I do more than that,” I replied. “But how do you know I am a writer? Do I know you from somewhere before this?”

Again, my inquiries are of no interest to her. “I just choose to heal on different levels. Because my experiences have changed my understanding of what everything is, I see differently from you. And most important of all, we constantly heal ourselves and that’s what we must be doing.”

“I am sure you see things in a whole distinct perspective,” I said only to regret lashing my sharp tongue too soon. “Oh! I mean, you must have a plethora of mystical experiences in your field of work.”

“I don’t have very much in me to be offended, dear friend. One day you will know that there is really nothing to take offense to. In fact you do know.” She appears almost saintly as she clasps her frail hands together.

A certain part of me grasped the depth of her statements like a lodged diamond in carbon. Although an obnoxious voice reminds me to apologize, this is something that I do whenever I am afraid to hurt another person. I react to the carbon but ignore the diamond within.

“I am sorry, Joy” out came the auto-respond. “I should be more tactful in my speech.”

“You said sorry because you are scared that you’d made me feel bad? Because I am blind?”

“Yes,” I said out of guilt. “No, I mean not because you are blind.”

Joy takes my hand in hers and at that moment I wonder if her eyes could see more than I expected.

“Dear writer, you didn’t apologize because you are afraid that you’d hurt my feelings. You can’t hurt my feelings. You just don’t want to feel bad yourself and are terrified that a blind stranger like me will dislike you. You want to be loved by others. So it is about you and not me.”

Whatever she said flooded the sewers and tanks in my body. A huge command flushes through and I was swept along by the current. She is spot on. Joy releases her hand and puts them on her lap. She chuckles to herself.

“Fifteen years ago, I was like you, young, energetic, foolish but passionate. Until one day, my sight decides to go on permanent vacation. Retina detachment and a whole lot of internal bleeding slowly clouded light from coming through. I was going blind, gradually. The thought of waking up one day and not being able to see frightened the life out of me. Imagine not being able to see my children, my husband and all the beauty in this world.”

I absorb the sadness in her tone but also detected a tiny point of intense light tied to every syllable like a floating balloon. “Until I met Connie,” she continued after twitching her nose a couple of times.

“One day I woke up getting a call from Reno. I bought a bus ticket and went there without knowing where I was heading. I packed a few change of clothes, left a note on the kitchen table and then off I go on my adventure.”

“Who is Connie?”

Joy angles her head to the left and then to the right with skills of an Indian dancer. I am not sure what prompted her erratic reactions; whether it was my interruption or the mention of Connie’s name.

“The lovely healer who told me I will meet you,” her reply dry and prompt. I take the bag from the ground and hug it like a koala bear clutching a tree. I require time to process the information and holding something familiar provides the fuel that runs the engine.

“I don’t understand. How can Connie know you will meet me and how do you know it is me when you are blind?” I asked gripping the bark with the strength of a grizzly bear.

“It started to drizzle when I was sitting at the bus station having absolutely no idea what to do next. But the thing is, I wasn’t scared or worried. I knew someone was waiting for me and I had to come to meet this person,” her account is caving into Alice’s wonderland and she yet again shreds my questions into oblivion.

“That time I can still see, maybe about thirty percent gone. And so like moving shadows, I saw this child-like figure dragging her feet as she walks to me. She was tiny. I don’t know. Maybe about four feet. She had a very serious look. Although she was very kind, I just sensed it. She said she called for me and that she is glad I was stupid enough to come.”

“She called you meaning she has your number? But you don’t know her at all?”

“Connie telepathically called me. You know, two minds zap zap?”

“Ok.”

“Cut that scientific thinking crap, at least until after I finish my story,” Joy said. “Anyway where were we? Yes. She asked me to follow her home. Crazy, don’t you think? Follow a stranger to an unknown place. But I did. She stayed at downtown Reno in a neat little house with a huge garden with rows and rows and rows of lily and pink rose. Behind her house was a room, some sort of a hut that she used as a healing place.

The rain becomes a thunderstorm, it impedes my escape plan. I am not rude but the heaviness and credibility of our casual talk are challenging my wellbeing.

“I am not going to take up very much of your time. So, just bear with me.” At this point, I totally accept that she is psychic and I’d better not put out another negative thought.

“She knew of my conditions before I can explain. But she said it is not up to her to heal me. I was completely devastated. I don’t know why she made me come all the way to tell me that there is no cure. It took me years to get it until the first of the three events she told me happened.” Joy pauses as if it is time for a commercial break.

“Connie was a psychic surgeon. She puts her hands into your body to remove all the bad stuff and tumors inside of you. Amazing, eh? I think so too. No cutting, no anesthetic. You won’t even know it is over. All you see when you wake up is buckets of blood. I saw her do it to two people in that holy place of hers. She said I could watch and this can heal me. I thought she meant I’d not go blind but alas! Darkness caught up one afternoon. And the strange thing is I got the vision almost the next day.”

“Vision? Something that Connie predicted?”

“Yes. She said I will see the most extraordinary things. I did but at first I resented it because they were different.”

“What did you see? What are you seeing now?”

“A splendid energy blob known as the physical Wendy. You are like a kaleidoscope, continuously changing colours, patterns, shapes as your thoughts change and as you interact with all around you, including bacteria, chairs, tables, cars, air, trees, people, stones – everything. The only shit is that I can’t judge distance. I am not very good at it. That’s my blind spot,” she laughed.

“Do you feel cheated? I mean, you no longer see. Connie could have healed you,” the journalist in me pressed for sentimental details.

“Just say that from what you call vision 2020 you can now see like an owl. Do you feel cheated or blessed? How would you slant your story?”

I searched for a reply that I am accustomed to.

“You have to give up something to gain this. You lost something precious,” I defended my position.

Joy stretches her arms over her head and yawns. “Then dear friend, it is your choice to curse and swear like I did. This is how you’d tell this story and it is not wrong, you know. There will be readers out there who will agree or disagree with you whichever path you take. But is this all you can write?”

Speaking disappears.

“Connie has been ill all her life,” Joy broke the silence. She passed on in 2001. Bless her great soul. She has had fourteen major operations and had nearly every organ cut up and sewed back. But she so wanted to serve others and to help though she was sick. The only thing that was intact was her hands. She went to the hut behind her house, locked the door and started praying. She asked that her hands be used for whatever they could do. She repeated her prayers again and again. ‘Use my hands. Use my hands. Use my hands.’ And then one fine day, when her husband came home from work, she touched him and her hand went through his body. She was so scared that poor Connie hid in her room and cry and cry and cry. Until she got to accept the strange feat, more of a miracle, I’d say. And learn how to use her talent to help others.”

I did not know what to make of Joy’s bizarre narrative. I can easily discount it as a pack of metaphysical lies, which anyone in the right mind might do. But maybe I didn’t believe what logic dictates because many times I too asked for my hands to be used; that words surged and messages conveyed. I prayed for stories to be told from every aspect of the world, that we share cross-cultural tales to inspire and demystify.

“Use my hands, use my hands, use my hands,” I pray not knowing to which God I send my pleas to. It doesn’t mater because there is only one God and this God resides inside of us. It doesn’t matter because when I truly accept my God, I will equally accept and respect your God. It doesn’t matter because when I truly love myself, I equally love my brothers. I truly love myself when I love my anger, hatred, jealousy, codependency and every idiosyncrasy – I no longer judge and pick on my flaws found in my brothers. “Use my hands. Just use my hands,” I pray.

Joy didn’t tell me why Connie said we will meet. In fact it was redundant to ask as on some levels I understand our odd acquaintance. It is as if William Shakespeare meets Florence Nightingale in Mars when one is going to England and the other to America. We never saw each other again although our story carries on in different regions. As we parted ways when her friend came, she left in me a new pair of eyes.

The sky is clear. It is time to let the stomach decide on my next destination. Sushi followed by ice cream; a perfect combination.

Note: This short story is inspired by an ACIM session with Dr. T. Aaron Lim.

April 9, 2009

The channel did not actively contact the Animal spirits for many months. And finally the calling is back and thus action follows. Aho!

Bat came and Salmon came.

Brother Bat is blind and so the saying goes. He hunts at night and is cloaked in mystery as darkness hides the unknown. But from the concealed corners are born insights and ideas. This nocturnal creature is here to remind us that we are to leave behind some things that are already dying its natural death. And to allow what’s been kept far beneath to surface. Maybe it is a relationship that is dragging on and on like a broken Ferris wheel that is spinning round and round and round. It is time to cut the cord although it would hurt but you need not suffer longer than necessary. How can the new come when the old is longingly held on to? Perhaps many would say it is out of sentimentality and it is to preserve a particular culture. Let’s examine what it means to preserve. If it calls for rigidity and strict compliance then whatever we defend will break in our own hands as we squeeze them too tight. Brother Bat tells us to let go but not blindly; we are to trust our entire senses to help us determine what, how, where, when and which to release.

Sister Salmon says, “Dear friends, you are all wise beings.” And some are shocked and some find this statement cliché. But it rings true subtly that one part of us resonates like a tuning fork. There are days when we are clear, all of life sparkled even in broad day light. But minutes later we are confused and the glitter is legally stolen by the fire theft. We feel wisdom-deprived. At times like these – stop – and breathe. Follow Sister Salmon’s leap out of the water to hook some fresh air. She advises us to shut all naysayers, gossipers and those that manipulate. We are exposed to all sorts of knowledge, information and teachings but what works for you is your own decision. When you believe that you don’t know which one to choose, then this will be your reality. This is your state of mind. What is wisdom? There are no answers and you are the answer. Sister Salmon spins around for another packet of oxygen.

When Brother Bat and Sister Salmon came, I was aware of the changes that ensued as I was feeling anxious, a tug at the pit of my stomach. They bring the omens of change to those that have been too complacent and are proud of certain achievements. Those who reject the signs will chastise and curse shouting “This must be crazy!” – drive up a storm and leave feeling all grumpy. But there are natural warnings that cannot be denied. “Open your eyes, dear friend,” say Brother Bat and Sister Salmon. And so it is.

Blessings on our journey. Aho!

Power Animal Oracle Readings

October 31, 2008

Skunk came and Spider Came.

Brother Skunk and Lady Spider are here to teach us about self-respect and creating our web of life with determination. As we are quite acquainted with Brother Skunk’s ability to sabotage our sense of smell, we are reminded that we don’t have to bully others or to use force and power to control. If we have a point to utter, we just have to be sincere and speak the truth. Just like Brother Skunk releasing his fragrance and it is entirely effective. There is a certain amount of respect that we offer to this little guy although he doesn’t bite or inject venomous substance into our body. We know we won’t be harmed but we are aware that our black and white friend has the capacity to threaten our senses. Thus we learn from Brother Skunk that we ought to respect our own capabilities to bring in to realization our ideas and thoughts. It is because that we respect ourselves that others respect us.

Lady Spider is highly mysterious, beautiful and at the same time dangerous. She is amazingly captivating to watch as she spins her web with much concentration, aptitude and creativity. Thus she brings with her the medicine of creation. She asks if your life is want you want it to be? What are you creating - love, pain, dishonesty or great bliss? What you are experiencing now is the result of your own doing and choices. Others can say words to hurt you or take actions that cause you great pain, but it is entirely your choice to live and drown in them. Lady Spider can spin her web in any direction and produce radiating patterns because she is in-charged. If she allows anything else to direct her, then she will not be generating the web that she prefers but one that imitates the poor reflections of others.

When Brother Skunk and Lady Spider appear together, they remind us to pay attention to ourselves and what is the message that we are telling others by the way we speak, act and think. If we have no respect and love for ourselves, then we will attract into our lives some people who tend to challenge our reputation and self-worth not knowing how to handle the situation amicably. We will feel that we are constantly being cornered and intimidated, the reason being that we think of ourselves in the exact way others view us. Thus the web we spin will only replicate who we are within. Look into our inner world and decide if that’s what you like – find out if you want to change anything. And so it is.

Blessings on our journey. Aho!

Daily Musings - On Faith 1

It is very easy to have faith in God, religion, an ideology, our family, lovers, friends, an idea, science and art when life is not troubled by broken dreams and death. When the nectar of paradise is the only substance our tongue tastes each time we open our eyes, we believe that our faith in whatever it is works and nothing will ever go wrong. To the contrary, once we are surrounded by problems, challenges and obstacles, we either cling on to our faith to help us through or question its validity and reliability.

But what is faith? Maybe the question should be, why do need to have faith in anything? Very often, it is about having convictions in something outside of ourselves like our complete devotion to a particular religious creed, a system, a person, an opinion or some sacred texts. By having something to believe in externally, it provides us the security of not being alone. That something bigger and infinite are constantly watching over us to put us on the right passageway. It is safe and certain to have a sure way of life and to follow a proper code of conduct.

We prefer to believe (or have faith in) that we have freedom of choice, speech and thought. The American constitution guarantees this and so do many constitutions of the democratic world. What is intriguing is that our most basic right to talk, to choose what we want in life and what views we wish to follow have to be written down in a piece of parchment, signed and sealed by some fellows who swear to protect us from tyranny and nepotism. But then, who practices autocracy in the name of democracy? Who oppresses the impoverished to earn more profits only to donate them again in the name of charity?

It is amazing what faith can do to man. It is equally puzzling how the lack of faith can weaken man. Since the beginning of mankind, we have always sought for answers to the same question – our creation, the mysteries of life itself. Until today, we are still dabbling on the fringes of reality. One theory is as probable as the next. Every hypothesis debunks itself and all is in a constant flux. And so faith keeps our feet planted firmly on the ground and offers temporary satisfactions until we connect fully to our soul and highest selves. And so it is. Aho!