The Truth Revealed

"I had a dream. In that dream I said everything I had to say, felt what I really felt, and released to the aether what needed to be released. It was just a dream but its intensity trembled the Pillars of Reality. It was so real, it jolted me awake. Did it wake you up too?"

If only what we do, say, smell, hear, taste, feel, etc etc in our dreams were real... We wouldn't have to go through all the trouble of breaking through the barriers of the material plane.

The Shaman

It was one of those seemingly uneventful starless nights when all that was visible amidst the dark backdrop was just the Moon, pregnant with light. I had been chasing a wild animal yet I was stopped in my tracks because as I was gaining speed and about to let go of my bowstring, the animal’s eyes flashed with reflected moonlight and caught me off guard. The beast ran away into the woods and I stood on that bare spot, dazed and dumbfounded. I then felt a sudden pain in my chest, as if I have been hit by my own arrow but I wasn’t. I didn’t know what to do so I decided to retreat and go home.

While walking and chasing my dark shadow, I felt again the unbearable pain in my chest and heard the incessant throbbing of my heart. I believed that I would collapse and lose my consciousness if I could not get to the tribe shaman’s tepee sooner. As I followed the trail of smoke that distinctively arose from his tent, I was surprised to see him come out of it and greeted me with his open arms. Teary-eyed, I was moved. It was like coming home to a father, even though he was not. Every person in our tribe treated him like he was our father and he in return treated all of us like his own children. Being the father we saw him to be, he must have felt my presence from afar and realized that I needed comfort that’s why I sought him.

He parted the entrance to the tepee and led me inside. There was a small pot hanging on top of the flames and he went to it, poured out the piping hot liquid into a wooden cup, and ordered me to drink. I followed his order hastily and I almost burned my tongue; I barely tasted the concoction of herbs which almost instantly made me feel a little bit better. He ordered me to sit down and I found my way to the block of wood where I always sat whenever I went there for a visit. He on the other hand, sat at the center of the Circle, beside the fire, where the flames reflect the Wisdom in his eyes.

“My child, I know that you are aware why you are feeling this way…and it’s not because you have failed to conquer what you have been chasing. You are not like most women in this village and you have proven that time and again, sometimes to the extent of becoming the subject of idle chit-chat among your peers. They will never understand you unless you will let yourself be understood. However, you don’t owe anybody an explanation of how you became who you are. I just want to remind you though that most of the troubles you are experiencing now are rooted inside of yourself. Don’t you think it is better that you slow down and maybe reflect for a while on what you really intend to do in your life? Have you ever thought of doing less strenuous work in the village instead of running around and hunting in the woods? Or have you considered arranging a union with a man and raise a family perhaps?”

I was taken aback by his questions. The shaman never spoke of those things to me whenever we had a chance to sit down in conversation. I was quite adamant and hurriedly replied, “I never thought my hunting is something people should talk about behind my back, nor my not choosing to settle down and make a family and become an obligatory wife to whoever woos me according to his whims! I didn’t grow up in a home where I felt what it is like to be in a real family. The whole village raised me and is my family, yet I never really felt what it is like to have my own mother and my own father that’s why I can’t say if I would ever want to have a family of my own. I don’t know if I will be able to fulfill that role. I am a wandering orphan, I lived my days at the mercy of those who pity my sorry state. I will not yield to domesticity just because I am a woman!” 

The shaman fed some twigs to the flame and the fire crackled as I raised my voice. He understood what I meant, he always did but the look in his eyes told me that what he wanted to point out was that I have become too resistant of so many possibilities that came my way; I may have blocked many creative opportunities and in that process have forgotten my principles. As a student of the shaman, I went to him often and learned more about nature and the spirit world as well as other worlds not seen by the naked eye. I have learned and came to believe that everything around us is the Work of One Hand and that Creator resides not only in the things and beings around us but also within us. Vision quests in the past have opened my inner eye to worlds and possibilities I have never imagined; sadly, I got myself distracted with my progress by preventing the changes on this plane from taking its natural course.

In a somber tone the shaman spoke, “Contrary to what you think, not all men are the same. We may all seem identical in your eyes but you know in your heart that we are not! Ha ha ha! Not all men are tough and insensitive. Not all men are weak and defensive. Like women, we could be complicated too but at the end of the day, we only want to rest in the arms of our beloved and feel peace.” 

I was silent for a few moments. I have never felt this awkward in his presence. I have always never felt comfortable talking to anybody regarding relationships and other related topics. Maybe he inserted that light laugh to ease the air a little bit. He then continued, “I know there’s somebody out there who tried to dance by the bonfire with you many moons ago but you ran off even before he got near you…and you’ve been running away ever since. Why? The answer is this: you are surprised that you are not the only one who knows the secrets I have shown you and you are threatened that you may be discovered by that person that you are not as tough as what most people think. I know everything about you my child, so don’t deny it. I know too that you have tried to open yourself and your being to that soul but as you always are, you became threatened that if you showed more of yourself, you will never be the same again.” 

I wanted to curl myself up in a ball and cry. I can never hide from the Truth and from the shaman who easily taps into It. I tried to hold back my tears while I tried to sit up straight and looked up to the hole where the smoke comes out from the tent. I thought that maybe if I remained in that position, the tears will not fall down. 

The shaman started talking again and his tone became more authoritative, “You have become engrossed with teaching that man how to tap into the Divine Spirit in him and around him, you have forgotten that the Divine Spirit also dwells in you and in him. You have become obsessed with teaching him how to do that and on the process, you have forgotten to teach yourself the lessons you need to learn. You have become preoccupied with the thought of helping him connect to the Source, you on the other hand are on the verge of becoming disconnected because you keep on avoiding the Divine Spirit in you to be tapped.” 

I have never expected that the shaman would talk of such things to me. I was appalled and silent. He continued to talk and said, “You have to remember this my child: the more you guard your heart, the farther you become from the Source. There are some things you need to experience in this life and you just have to let things be so you will learn the lessons that come after the challenges.” 

After saying what I felt was enough of what he wanted to say, he stood up and stood next to me. I thought he was going to ask me to leave but what he did was pick up my spear, my bow, and my quiver of arrows. He took them and went back to his seat in the Circle. I was prepared for another barrage of wise words but he kept silent. What happened next was something I never expected. The beast I had been chasing earlier, a white wolf, went into the tent and sat by my feet. As a hunter, I squirmed when I saw my failed conquest and I wanted to kill it immediately. However, as an unarmed woman, I decided to sit still and let things be. I knew the shaman would make sure that I would leave his tent unharmed. 

The shaman beckoned me to go near him and also gave the same gesture to the wolf. It felt awkward approaching the wise man with an animal by my side yet I trusted that there is a greater purpose why we had to do what we were told to do. When we reached the spot where the shaman sat, he showed us a bowl with water. What we saw were our reflections – I saw my face and the face of the white furred animal. The shaman then took out a pouch and from it, sprinkled a reddish powder into the bowl. Scentless fumes rose up from the water and he made us look into the bowl again. Again I saw my face and the visage of the wolf, but a few moments later, something weird happened to the water in the bowl. My reflection changed and so did the wolf’s. My face became the face of a black wolf while the white wolf’s reflection changed into a man’s face. 

Was it magick? Was it witchery? I touched my cheek to feel if my face did become an animal’s face and I was pleased my face remained the same. I turned my head to look at the wolf but I was surprised the one sitting beside me was the man I have been evading for many moons. 

The shaman cleared his throat and said this with a smile, “My children, the world has many questions which we want the answers to be made available to us. However, we must remember that the mysteries we seek to unfold are already inside our hearts.” With that said, the shaman stood up and left the tent. 

I remained seated by the fire and just stared at my companion. From a distance, I heard a howl break the silence. I just couldn’t help myself but smile. 

Then I woke up….

Another Flaming Sword

Cherubim and the Flaming Sword  
by J. Kirk Richards

A year ago, I dreamt of The Angel With The Flaming Sword.  It was a very insightful dream and all the characters in that dream surely went on a spiritual journey with me whether they intended to or not.  Most of us went separate ways and some chose to pass through the same portals.  Some may have went wayward while others played safe; there were also those who followed their hearts.  One way or another, all paths lead to the same destination.  With that dream and all the experiences that happened in the past year, this resoundingly comes to mind:

"Howsoever men may approach me, even so do I accept them; for, on all sides, whatever path they may choose is mine." - Bhagavad Gita 4:11

Last night, I heard that satsang once again - the one about the Warriors of Light.  I recalled my old blog post.  I also recalled the movies I have seen recently; most of them had swords and sword fights with knights in armor old and new.  I am not surprised that tonight, my random page from the book Heart (1932) from the Agni Yoga Society (El Morya's messages courtesy of Nicholas and Helena Roerich), is about spiritual armor.

157. The flaming sword is the ray of spiritual armor. The symbol of the swordlike ray has passed through all Teachings as a sign of the utmost rigor. Even peaceful symbols have affirmed the sword. This is not intended to represent the purpose of forcing, but a readiness to defend the most sacred. Thus, amidst the raging fire one can see a thin sword above the forehead of the warrior of spirit. It is a pity that the retention of the aura on a film is as yet so imperfect in the earthly world. Evident proofs of rays and other fires could be given.

I also recall a message about spiritual armor which I have encountered not too long ago.

Humility is finding strength in vulnerability.  Sometimes we need to take off the armour we have painstakingly put on ourselves to deflect the harsh realities if life.  We could humbly acknowledge our frailties by facing each day, stripping off barriers and buffers that easily rust, and clothe ourselves with armour made brilliant by the Light of Christ.  The breastplate of Righteousness, the belt of Truth, the shield of Faith and the sword of Will may all be figurative but they are more capable of bringing out the Warrior Within than the illusory trappings we have assumed could protect us.  Aside from these elements of the Light, the greatest weapon we could possess lies within our hearts.  True knights don't just possess shining armour but also hearts that bloom like roses.  This greatest weapon is useless with pride.  It has been said that Love is the greatest force in the Universe -- yet few know that only those who are truly humble could possess it.  - Leagan LaCapus

Dreaming of flaming swords quite too often is something that must not be dismissed.  To meditate upon this symbol is a must.  To meditate I must do NOW.  Until then...........

The Fireplace

Detail of Saint Sophia The Almighty Wisdom (1932)
Tempera on Canvas
by Nicholas Roerich

IT has been a while since she last set foot on the Master’s abode and she became ecstatic because she was finally allowed to enter the inner chamber and talk with Him. For many months, she thought that her journey on the Path has finally ended and she would not be allowed to go a step further. Nevertheless, reflecting and learning from her transgressions made her realize that everything that has transpired is a fragment of the Cosmic Plan and it is up to her to give up or keep going. 

With her heart beating in quadruple time, she finally reached the chamber portal and was left by her escort at the threshold. When she entered the door, she was surprised because the room seemed empty, she thought maybe she had to wait a while before she would be given the privilege of an audience. She walked around then found Him sitting by the fireplace, feeding logs to the golden flames. 

She hurriedly approached Him and knelt to kiss His feet, doing the exact same gesture she did the last time they seriously talked. As per usual, He commanded her to stand up and ignore the honorifics. She was so elated with the rare occasion and thus hurriedly exclaimed, “Oh Master, there You are! I am so happy to see You again! I have missed you for so long. I know that You have chosen not to see me for months because I have been lacking in tact when I talked about the things that You have said to me to those who were not ready to learn from them. I was wrong, I myself had not been ready to learn from what You have said. Now I can talk to You again and I am eager to learn more. I promise to be more careful this time. I am honored for this exceptional moment. Thank You!” 

“Ahh My child, I have been here all along, you just didn’t see Me because you have been too preoccupied in trying to disprove what I have told you a year ago. Can you still clearly remember what I have told you?” He asked her while giving her the same sly smile He gave her the previous year as he motioned her to sit with Him by the fire. 

She earnestly replied, “Yes, Teacher. I can still remember what You told me and it haunted me for many months! You are right, I had been trying too hard to disprove what You said and You are fully aware why I have been trying to fight it. I was just not prepared to face the challenges that came along my path. Everything flew by like a whirlwind and I didn’t know what to do. I have been trying to squeeze my brain dry for answers and all along, I missed the point of the whole reason WHY You told me what You said then.” 

“And what was the point?” He asked her. 

She was quite adamant but possibly, due to the circumstances that took place for the past year and maybe due to the effect of the mantra she had been seriously chanting for more than forty days, she resorted to yield and said, “The heart is where You dwell, and if I really want to become Your student that is where I will always find You. However, I have misinterpreted what You said. I believed then that what You said was quite vague and I took it seriously on its face value. I asked a sincere question and You gave me a sincere answer but I was just so blinded with many things I have overlooked what You really meant. I am sorry it took me too long to realize that.” 

He smiled and patted her right shoulder. He said, “You did nothing wrong. How you interpreted what I said was how it was supposed to be understood by you a year ago. How you went about with the choices you have made based on that interpretation was not wrong too because things were meant to happen as they were so you would finally reach this point where you are now at, so you would realize the true meaning of My answer. The thing with you My child, is that you had been too hard on yourself. You didn’t enjoy how the things in your inner and outer life unfolded because you were too concerned of what’s going to happen outside of you instead of what was to happen inside of you. You tried to stop things from happening smoothly in your outer world that’s why your inner world experienced what you have experienced. Am I right?” 

She knew that what He said was true and because of that she bowed her head. She then said, “Yes, You are right Master. I had been too concerned of what’s outside of me instead of what’s inside of me that’s why my life is in shambles. I kept asking for help from You and from the Others but I felt my pleas were never heard maybe because I was so preoccupied, trying to rationalize every single thing and not going with the natural flow of the Cosmos that’s why I didn’t realize then that You were with me all along…and You always will be!” She then timidly said, “I still have a question though, are You willing to take me now?” 

“Are you sure you want to be with Me now and become My serious disciple?” He retorted, albeit lovingly. 

With a deep sigh she replied, “In the physical world, You asked me a couple of months ago if I wanted to go with You and be among Your chosen Warriors but I said I was not sure. But I know that You knew then that in my heart I would go with You if you told me to. You did not force me to. I could have turned my back on everything and went with You. However, I have realized that You did not use force or coercion because You honor what we ordinary folk deem as free will and I believed that You still want me to learn what I need to learn in my world. During these past months, I have realized that I will be following You for eternity, but not in the usual conventional ways. You know what I really want, right? I will still keep the promise I gave You not too long ago. Lately my life became more challenging and I still believe I could give You what You want of me and my soul even though I am not physically near You. Twice I have failed to see You again in the flesh but both times, You sent Your messages to me through my friends so I could finally see You again right here, right now. I am grateful for everything. Thank You for putting wonderful souls on my path. I owe them a lot for helping me get closer to Your Light once more.” 

He placed another log into the fireplace and it was immediately licked by the flames. He spoke sincerely, “My dear child, when your friends came to see Me, I knew that a part of you was with them that is why I spoke of things I knew you will learn through them. There were some things of course which are solely for them to learn from. However, those that are also meant for you, you are now aware of. Use them wisely so that one day you could help others become aware of those gems of Wisdom too.“ 

She stared at the fire and tried to applied that experiment which gave one the power to change the color of the flames. She stared too long at one blazing tongue and whether her eyes were playing tricks on her or not, it turned into a deep violet. Silently she whispered, “I want to become a writer and write of the Path and all the glorious and sometimes unglamorous things that lead to It. I want to write from the perspective of a student who learns a thing or two from every opportunity and obstacle or challenge that sprouts up on the Path. These past few years of technical writing have stripped off the spark from my creativity and I want to revive that spark! Could You help me with that? I want to paint too! I know I could do better than what I have done before and I want to dip my brush into the Soul of the Universe so I could help others remember where we all came from. I also miss poetry. You are a poet; I hope You could give me some pointers.” 

The fire crackled and it snapped her out from her deep concentration and all the flames were golden once more. She looked at Him whom she hadn’t noticed had already stood up and stretched His arms and legs. She stood up too and expected that her visit already came to an end. 

“You already know what to do. Just always remember that I AM always with you. You may not see Me often but You know where I dwell. My face is just a face of an ordinary man, but You could still see Me in the faces and hearts of other men and women. You are already aware of this; you just have to remember and keep believing in it. Keep practicing what you need to practice and in due time you and the rest will know all of Me. Visit me again soon my child. If you will not come, I will visit you!” His serious tone then turned into a roar of laughter which somehow confused her. 

He led her to the door and made the salutation He taught her in a previous encounter and she was assured that His laughter was to lighten up her spirits, to relieve her from her drama. She gave Him the same salutation.  As the door opened, she turned and was about to ask him one more question for the road. However, when she turned and looked back, He was no longer in sight. 

Then she woke up. 

She inhaled the cool air of the morning and parted the window curtains in order to see and say hello to the Sun. She looked at her bedside table and picked up the blazing red and orange book, one of the many books she borrowed from her friends. She randomly opens a page or two every day and reflects on the first verse that catches her eye. 

She remembered that she didn’t have the chance to ask Him her last question before she woke up. Yet He gave her the answer she needed: 

150. If I say that I am always with you, will many believe it? They would even fear to believe in the united consciousness. For them, each such union is an intrusion upon their selfhood, and as such is entirely intolerable. They will never appreciate the tenfold multiplication of energy born of the cooperation of consciousnesses. But without such cooperation the entire Teaching of the Heart would be impossible. Why all details if there cannot be mutual fortification? But if this principle is attainable, then its enlargement to the full union of consciousnesses, which is called "Paloria," is also possible. But, then, how greatly can the work of those who acknowledge and have attained the unification of consciousnesses be extended for the General Good! Of course, I speak of the inner spiritual work, which the blind can neither perceive nor appreciate. 

The summons to a unity of consciousnesses is necessary everywhere, because this is the simplest introduction into the life of the heart. This is not sorcery but a physical law that can weave a salutary net around the planet. Thus, everyone who follows the law of Being can justly consider himself a citizen of the Universe.

 © The blog author reserves the rights to this story.  

I Dreamt of Amarna

Trials, Errors, Prototypes

For many nights, I have been pressured to come up with the souvenirs that we will be giving away on the fast-approaching World Convention.  I wasn't the only one put up with the task but in the long run, I was left alone to crack my brains out and figure out what to make during the initial stages of the project.

Fast forward a few months later, my boss on the project said he wants something Egyptian.  Of course, a stream of ideas piled up and in the long run we decided on tablets with the faces of Akhenaten, Maat, and Nefertiti.  Fast forward a couple of weeks more, I have been bothered by the choice of designs.  A realization that came through a dream reminded me that in Akhenaten's reign, the Aten was placed above all the other deities of the Egyptian pantheon.  Maat should be pulled out from the equation and should be replaced by Aten.

I was glad that my boss gave me free reign on how I should come up with the prototypes and was given ample budget just to get things done.  We have decided to get it done with plaster of Paris and should be painted with different colors.  I had problems on how to put the base on the tablets but a dream helped me find a solution.

The mass production of the souvenirs had been paused for a few times because I was encouraged to come up with a convincing prototype that would meet the boss's standards.  One time I brought a sample still wet with paint and was told that it looked like a project of an elementary student.  I was pressured to give the best that I could give or the whole project will be terminated and the burden of its failure would have to rest on my shoulders since I did not set an organized time frame to get things done.  I was just glad that after so much pressure the prototypes finally had a seal of approval.

Now that was just the easy part.  After a week of insomnia and painstakingly producing plaster figurines with silicone molds, the cleaning part came next.  For sure I couldn't do it by myself with the little time left on the board and the boss and apprentice didn't have enough hands either.  That's the part where the rest of the team came in and though the beginning caused a misunderstanding, I am glad they volunteered to help.

It took us about three days of tiring cleaning (carving, smoothing) the plaster items before we finally had to paint them.  Not all of those who volunteered to help were experienced painters though they really did try their best to make the items look good.  However, the boss has such discriminating taste that he only wants the best to be distributed on the Big Day.  Nefertiti with her regal splendor was such a challenging lady, she had to be set aside and pulled out from the project because not everyone gave justice to her beauty.  Sleepless nights followed for painting and when we were finally done, we were tired.  Tired but fulfilled.

Amidst the tribulations and the obstacles that kept appearing on our path, we're finally done with our task.  I couldn't have done it without the souls who sacrificed their time, energy, effort, and sleep time just to get things done.  Love for God, Love for the Orders and Love for Service became the driving force of those who made the souvenirs.  May they have Cosmic blessings for the rest of this lifetime and in the next...  Now we can sleep.  

And I could now continue dreaming of Amarna, the land of the Aten in my previous life...

These folks made it into the goody bag! Bye Nef, until we meet again!

The Angel With The Flaming Sword

One night while walking through the forest, the band of seemingly lost travelers finally found three portals surrounded with ivy and vines. As they were arguing on which threshold they should pass through and end a phase of their journey, an angel suddenly appeared.

As what most angels are perceived to be, the angel was garbed in robes and was glowing with a light that emanated from within. The angel spoke and said he (or was it a she?) has a message for the travelers.

The angel was tight lipped and spoke only through the mind; never did it open its mouth but its voice was loud and clear.

"The left hand path and the right hand path are extreme paths. These are very challenging paths and those who choose to go through them should be prepared for the best and the worst that they could ever experience in their whole existence. Total indulgence and total renunciation could be very dangerous for those who would not be able to withstand the obstacles on the way.

"The middle path is the path where the best and worst of the two other paths meet. However, the middle path is not as easy as how many presumed it to be. There are more obstacles and challenges on the middle path than in the other paths; and these obstacles are the ones that could push you either to the left or to the right.

"In order for you to survive the perils of the obstacles on the middle path or any path you choose, you must have the Warrior's Sword with you." The angel then pulled out a flaming sword out of thin air. The travelers were so amazed with the sword, their eyes glowed with glee.

Then the angel spoke again, "The real Warrior's Sword is not a physical sword. You cannot find it just about anywhere. You could only find it within yourselves. The Warrior's Sword is your WILL. Your will is more powerful than any tool or weapon that you could use to get through anything that hinders your path. Use your will wisely so that you can continue walking the path towards your goal."

The angel then lifted the flaming sword and pointed it to the heavens. The travelers just watched in awe.

The Message

“I don’t know what to do,” she said exasperatedly as she diverted her eyes to the now empty football field. They always sit on the same bench whenever they watch matches and engage into conversation.
“You do know what to do,” He said.
She turned her head and stared at the wounds on His wrists. The location of the wounds assured her that she’s not with a charlatan. He lifted His right hand, touched her left cheek gently and looked her in the eye, “Remember, the message is Love.”


She woke up from her reverie and wept. Those gold-speckled brown eyes will haunt her forever.

Tarot de Marseilles

Happy 3rd birthday to you my dear Tarot de Marsailles! I wish that we will have better years ahead!

It's just funny though that during this time of celebration I woke up at dawn because I had a scary dream... Knock on wood... If it's my fate, I just hope it wouldn't happen soon.

Dreams are scarier than Tarot cards...