Tuesday, December 30, 2008

The Wilderness (An Inner Journey)


The Wilderness is a Metaphor which describes an Inner Journey.

Ancient Teachings from all civilizations speak of Great Masters
who traveled into the Wilderness seeking a place of Solitude
where they could Meditate and Pray.

These Teachings go on to say that, while in the Wilderness, these
Great Masters would grapple with Demons that resided there.

We are also taught that this Journey of Solitude, and the conquering
of Demons, was a task (a trial) that the Master needed to face and
overcome alone.

Once the Master completed His time in the Wilderness, and
conquered His Demons, He left the Wilderness having achieved
a Higher Level of Consciousness.

But what is this Wilderness, and why do all the Great Masters
journey into it?

The Wilderness Symbolizes a Time and a Place in the Master's
life where his Journey "pauses" so that He can confront and
conquer an Inner-Conflict that is blocking His Spiritual Path.

The Physical Wilderness is a real place to where the Master
Travels in order to be alone. Once He is in the Physical Wilderness,
he is able to relax, meditate and explore the Secret Realm of His
Spiritual Wilderness. His Spiritual Wilderness is where His
innermost Thoughts, Feelings and Conflicts reside.

The Demons that the Master "grapples with" are His deepest
and darkest fears and doubts. They are the Specters of his
Subconscious; the Beasts that only He can Confront, Conquer
and Banish.

Once these Demons are defeated, and exorcised, the Master leaves
the physical wilderness Spiritually Cleansed. This Spiritual Cleansing
is His Rite of Passage. It is the process by which the Master
Initiates Himself into a Higher Realm of Consciousness.

Each one of us is capable of experiencing this same Inner Journey
undertaken by the Great Masters of Antiquity. We simply need
to follow their example: seek a place of Solitude...Meditate...
Banish our Inner Demons...and insure that the Road we are
traveling is in Harmony with our Divine Nature

(Note: I have used the masculine gender for literary simplicity.
However, Ancient Masters have been both men and women.
Therefore, both genders equally apply.)

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008
Facebook StumbleUpon Technorati Delicious squidoo Google Bookmark
Yahoo mister-wong blogmarks spurl BlinkList Furl

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Transcending Duality
(Symbol Of The Unattached Observer)


What does it mean to Transcend Duality and how
do we recognize this concept in Symbolism?


Symbolism:
"Symbolically", Duality is represented by two parallel, vertical lines
of equal length ( I I ). These lines can also be depicted as two equal
and parallel trees, obelisks, pillars, etc.

Transcending Duality is represented, Symbolically, by these same
two vertical lines but with a taller vertical line between them.
We normally see this symbolized by a fleur-de-lis, a trident, or a
large cross between two smaller crosses.

In addition, Transcendence of Duality can also be illustrated as a
pathway Traveling between two equal mountains, Towers, trees,
etc. The large center line, and the pathway, represent rising above,
and Traveling through, Duality.

Transcending Duality:
Every argument, prejudice, and "noble cause" consists of two sides
of a single issue (Duality).

To Transcend Duality means to "ascend to", or "Travel to", a
Higher Realm of Consciousness where the Dual Nature of the
material realm no longer disturbs or concerns us. It is being
Aware of, and Indifferent to, the arguments, prejudices, and
"noble causes" that govern and control the lives of so many
people.

Transcending Duality means Becoming "unattached observers" of
the Events happening all around us and understanding that we are
"in this world, but not of it".

In this material realm we are often tempted to become involved
in the external battles and "noble causes" created by others: battles
and "causes" which have two different points of view and very
rarely concern us.

Getting ourselves involved in these issues is almost always a waste
of both Time and energy. They are exercises in futility that impede
our Spiritual Growth and drain our Creative Energies. All of the
Great Masters understood this.

Although "noble causes" and opposing arguments are always
present, it is up to us to recognize them for what they are: nothing
more than two Contrary Points of View. They are the Mountains
of Duality that lie on either side of our Divine Path. It is by
remaining on the Divine Path, which Travels between these two
Mountains, that we are able to Transcend Duality. This is the
Pathway that takes us to the Higher Realms of Consciousness
where Wisdom and Enlightenment await us.

(Images via Wikipedia)

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008
Facebook StumbleUpon Technorati Delicious squidoo Google Bookmark
Yahoo mister-wong blogmarks spurl BlinkList Furl

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Horizons (Legendary Adventures)


"Beyond this point there be Dragons!"
-Old Mapmaker Legend

The Old Mapmakers had a unique way of describing the uncharted
and unknown expanses that lay beyond the Horizon. They would
Symbolically draw a line on the map that indicated the boundary of
the then-known world and inscribe the following:
"Beyond this point there be Dragons!"

This advised the Traveler that the lands and seas beyond this point
were uncharted and contained unknown dangers.

Needless to say, most people heeded the warnings of the
Mapmakers and did not risk Traveling beyond these boundaries.
However, every so often a Seeker would arrive whose curiosity
was too strong to be confined to an arbitrary line drawn by a
Mapmaker.

These Seekers enthusiastically ventured beyond the limits of
the then-known world, bravely venturing forth into the Realm
of Dragons. In their Quest into the Unknown they not only
encountered unknown dangers (Dragons), they also experienced
the Marvelous and the Wondrous. These Travelers discovered
Treasures both unknown and unimaginable.

As would be expected, these Adventures had a very profound
affect on these Travelers. When they finally did return to their
homeland they returned as a very Changed person. And although
these Travelers enchanted the masses with their tales of danger
and discovery, these masses could never truly understand and
appreciate what these Travelers had experienced and Learned.

A Rift of Experiences had developed between those who ventured
forth and those who remained behind. The "tempered excitements"
experienced by their countrymen who remained at home in no way
compared with the Legendary Adventures these Travelers had
experienced in the Realm of Dragons.

Although still friends, these two groups could never have the same
"bond" that they once shared. Those who stayed behind were just
as comfortable and correct with their Decision as those who
Traveled forth. The big difference was in their experiences. Those
who ventured forth experienced Dragons while those who remained
at home could only imagine Dragons.

Once the Traveler, Seeker, and Wanderer, ventures beyond the
Horizon of Familiarity, their Adventures and experiences change
them forever. And while the Traveler changes dramatically, those
who stay behind remain pretty much unchanged.

And so it is today. Those of us who leave our homeland and venture
forth to new lands, and realms, experience the same Changes in
ourselves that those Ancient Travelers experienced.

As with the Ancient Travelers, we also look forward to returning to
our homeland to enchant our friends and relatives with tales of our
Adventures. And although these people are interested in hearing
tales of "far away places with strange sounding names", their hearts
and minds belong to their "old neighborhood" and familiar friends.
Our Horizons have expanded while theirs have remained the same.

Although both sides are correct in their Decisions, it is we, the
Curious Traveler and Lone Wolf, who experience that discomforting
Melancholy when we return to visit the land of our youth. We
discover what all past Travelers, and Trailblazers, experienced:
that although we can go back "home", we can never return to that
free-spirited Home of our Past that lingers as a fond fairy-tale in the
deep recesses of our mind.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008
Facebook StumbleUpon Technorati Delicious squidoo Google Bookmark
Yahoo mister-wong blogmarks spurl BlinkList Furl

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Mist - As A Symbol


Symbolically: Mist is similar to the Veil. However, where the
Veil is a solid fabric that hides and protects what is behind it, Mist
is a slow drizzle that blurs, and distorts, our vision and Perception;
it prevents us from "seeing" clearly. Mist is that discomforting
confusion that we must wade through just prior to experiencing
Clarity. It is the feeling that what we are looking for is not yet
ready for us to understand.

Mist also Symbolizes a state of transition just prior to "seeing things
clearly" and resolving our current dilemma. It is like the Sphinx
that blocks the Path of our Journey until we can solve its one final
riddle.

Metaphorically: Mist creates a blurred vision of something
real and True that is not meant to be completely understood by
our rational mind; or, at least not meant to be understood by us
at that moment.

However: Mist is also a Gift from the Spiritual Realm. Mist is the
Gentle Rain of Fertility: the Sacred Substance that impregnates our
mind and spirit, enabling our Thoughts and insights to grow and
blossom. It is the warm, enveloping caress of Divinity letting us
know that what we are looking for is almost within our sight. It is
the feeling that soon we will be leaving the Valley of Mist behind us
and ascending to the higher ground of Sunlight and Clarity.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008
Facebook StumbleUpon Technorati Delicious squidoo Google Bookmark
Yahoo mister-wong blogmarks spurl BlinkList Furl

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Saturn: The Teacher - Symbol and Myth


Saturn is the most distant planet from Earth that can be seen
with the naked-eye. It is one of the seven "Wanderers", or
"Wandering Stars", that were observed and charted by the
Astronomers and Astrologers of Antiquity. The other six being:
the Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars and Jupiter.

The Roman Saturn is the same Divine Principle that the Greeks
earlier referred to as Cronos (Kronos). Cronos is the origin of the
word Chronometer which refers to a timepiece. Saturn, like Cronos,
is depicted holding an hour-glass and is referred to as "Father Time".

As the most distant visible planet, Saturn takes the longest time
to orbit the Sun. It's long, slow orbit, just like a lazy River, represents
the passing of Time.

Mythologically, Saturn is the patient Teacher. His Lessons can either
be easy or difficult. The choice is entirely ours.

Astrologically, a Saturn Return is often referred to as a Re-Teaching
of Hard Lessons. A Saturn Return occurs when Saturn re-appears
on our current Astrological chart in the same position that it
occupied in our Natal (Birth) Chart.

Many people fear a Saturn Return on their Astrological Chart
because it means that Saturn, the Teacher, will now force them to
learn the Lessons they refused to learn their first time around.
However, when we take a closer look at the myth, metaphor, and
Symbolism associated with Saturn, we find a much kinder
interpretation.

Saturn represents two things: the Teacher, and the Flow of Time.
Our lives are filled with Lessons, and to learn anything worthwhile
takes Time. We can either invest the Time required to learn the
Lessons that Life puts before us, or we can Choose to ignore our
Lessons and squander our Time.

When we take the necessary Time to learn a Lesson, we acquire the
knowledge that that particular Lesson teaches us. Each Lesson we
learn provides us with the Insight, Good Fortune, and Common Sense
that is so valuable to us as we journey through Life.

When we are too lazy to learn our Lessons, Choosing instead to
squander our Time, we continue making the same mistakes. This,
in turn, causes us to grumble about the same misfortunes that befall
us Time after Time.

Lessons only become "Hard Lessons" if we do not learn them the
first Time they are presented to us. By taking the Time to learn
our Lessons the first Time, Saturn becomes our Teacher. By
Choosing to ignore our Lessons, thereby repeating our mistakes,
Saturn becomes our Taskmaster...our Teacher of Hard Lessons.

In the end, as always, the Choice is always ours. We can either
cower from Saturn the Taskmaster, or we can welcome, and
embrace, Saturn the Teacher.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008, 2009, 2010
Facebook StumbleUpon Technorati Delicious squidoo Google Bookmark
Yahoo mister-wong blogmarks spurl BlinkList Furl

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Hobbit Thoughts - Symbol And Metaphor


"All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost."
"The Hobbit", J.R.R. Tolkien

This enchanting little poem, which appears in "The Hobbit",
contains some interesting metaphor and Symbolism. Let's
examine the lines and unVeil their Magical meaning.

All that is gold does not glitter: Gold is rare, precious,
and pure. Gold is the one metal that does not oxidize or corrode
when exposed to air, or buried in the ground. Therefore, as a
Symbol, Gold represents any person, thing, Action, or Quest
which is uncorruptible or untarnishable.

Since remote antiquity, Gold has been used as a means of exchange.
And, due to its Purity, it is the metal of choice in jewelry and
adornments. Gold does not sparkle or glitter. It shines...like the sun.

To "glitter", to "sparkle", means to draw attention to oneself.
It is the showman, the Trickster, and the latest "fad" that uses
glitter and sparkle ("Fool's Gold") to attract the masses. Those
who are charmed by the glitter and sparkle of Fool's Gold seldom,
if ever, acquire true Gold.

Sacred Knowledge, Timeless Wisdom, and Eternal Truth do not
attract attention to themselves; they do not glitter. Like Gold
Nuggets these shining Treasures lie buried; waiting to be discovered
by the True Seeker.

Not all those who wander are lost: Just like the prospectors
who wandered to remote lands looking for Eldorado, the Seeker
wanders to remote lands, realms, and dimensions looking for Truth
and Wisdom. Wandering does not mean that the Seeker is lost.
It simply means that the Seeker is on a Quest.

The old that is strong does not wither: Ancient Wisdom is
the backbone, the Strength, of all that is True. These Wisdoms,
these Laws, are just as valid today as when they were first forged
in the long-forgotten Mists of the Remote Past. This backbone of
Truth and Wisdom does not wither regardless of how many ages
and kingdoms come and go throughout the Endless Cycles of Eternity.

Deep roots are not reached by the frost: The Deep Roots
represent our Strength Of Character. By searching for, discovering,
and absorbing Sacred Wisdom we develop Internal Strength.
This is a Strength that is True and Unwavering. It is a Strength
that cannot be touched by the heat, or cold, of any external Event.
It is the Strength of Wisdom. It is the Strength of Inner Peace.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008
Facebook StumbleUpon Technorati Delicious squidoo Google Bookmark
Yahoo mister-wong blogmarks spurl BlinkList Furl

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Awareness (Foresight)


"Awareness: to observe and understand"
- Joseph Panek

Awareness is the Divine Faculty that allows us to be Unattached
Observers of the Events happening all around us. It is the ability
to see things as they really are; not the way we want them to be.

Awareness lets us determine which Events, if any, we should be
concerned with and which Events we should disregard. Awareness
protects us from being "pulled" off course and becoming "bogged
down" in the problems and crises of others which neither concern
us nor benefit us. Awareness is the Gift that allows us to steer clear
of danger and make sound Decisions.

Metaphorically, Awareness likens us to the Captain of a ship.
Although the Captain is Aware of sea conditions, rocks and
weather for as far as the eye can see, he is only concerned with
the conditions that actually affect the course his ship is sailing.
He is focused on his destination and knows how to maneuver
around any difficulties that may present themselves during his
Voyage.

There are times, however, when the Captain encounters
unavoidable danger that must be met head-on. It is at times like
these that the Captain's Gift of Awareness enables him to
recognize the real danger well in advance. By foreseeing the
potential dangers lying in his Path, the Captain is able to calmly
assess the situation, prepare his ship, and steer safely through the
crisis.

The Odyssey of Odysseus provides us with a great Metaphor
for Awareness. As Odysseus and his crew sailed home from the
Trojan War, Odysseus was Aware that their ship would have to
sail past the land of the Sirens. The Sirens were temptresses who
lured sailors to their deaths by way of their intoxicating Siren Song.
Odysseus ordered his men to seal his ears and tie him to the mast
of the ship until he steered it safely past the Siren's lair.

It was Odysseus' Awareness that enabled him to foresee, understand,
and calmly solve the Riddle of sailing past the Sirens.

Rocks, rough seas, bad weather, and Sirens are all part of our Voyage
on the Sea of Life. Awareness allows us to foresee and prepare for
these obstacles before they are upon us. It enables us to determine
how we will steer our ship safely, and calmly, around these hazards,
stay on course, and continue on to our Destination...Our Destiny!

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008
Facebook StumbleUpon Technorati Delicious squidoo Google Bookmark
Yahoo mister-wong blogmarks spurl BlinkList Furl

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Veil Of Isis - Symbol and Mythology


"No mortal shall pierce the Veil of Isis."
-Ancient Egyptian Mystery

This Ancient and Sacred statement is very similar to the
opening cryptic lines of the Tao Teh Ching.

And although this statement tells us that no "mortal" shall pierce the
Veil of Isis, it also alludes to the fact that The Veil can be pierced.
However, it does not tell us how to pierce the Veil.

As with many Ancient Teachings, we must look "inside" the
Lesson itself in order to discover its True Meaning.

Symbolically, a Veil represents something hidden; something
concealed. The Veil shrouds a Secret, a Mystery. In this instance,
the Veil shrouds Esoteric Knowledge.

And what is "Esoteric Knowledge"? Esoteric Knowledge is Sacred
Wisdom that can only be bestowed upon a worthy Initiate; a worthy
Seeker of Truth.

But how can a Seeker or Initiate, who is mortal, "pierce" this Veil
that we are told "no mortal shall pierce"?

We must always remember that Infinite Truths cannot be accessed
by the finite mind. The Infinite can only be accessed by the Spiritual
side of Our Divine Nature.

The Seeker pierces the Veil not by using the mortal faculties of
mind, reason, and logic, but by using the Spiritual Faculties of
meditation, insight, and intuition.

It is through meditation, insight, and intuition that the Seeker slowly
peels away, one layer at a time, the Mysteries that wrap themselves
around, and conceal, Eternal Spiritual Truths.

Likewise, it is by Learning and using these same Spiritual Disciplines
that we too can acquire the ability to Un-veil the Divine Mysteries
that are cryptically "hidden" in Ancient Teachings.

See also: "The Known, The Unknown and The Unknowable"

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008
Facebook StumbleUpon Technorati Delicious squidoo Google Bookmark
Yahoo mister-wong blogmarks spurl BlinkList Furl

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

The Wizard's Staff - Symbol and Mythology


The Wizard's Staff "represents" the contents of Sacred Books and
Esoteric Teachings that the Wizard leans on for support during his
earthly Journey. It Symbolizes the Wisdom and Knowledge that the
Wizard has Earned from all of his Studies and Experiences.

Sacred Books and Esoteric Teachings contain all the Secrets of the
Universe. However, these Secrets reveal their Truths very slowly.
And Esoteric Knowledge, although available to everyone, is only
intelligible to a select few.

The Magical Skills of the Wizard are both a Great Gift and an
Enormous Responsibility. Although the Wizard has tremendous
powers (Knowledge), he exercises extreme caution in the use of
these powers (Wisdom).

Most often the Wizard appears to be a Traveler or a vagabond. The
Wizard only reveals his true nature to a very select few and only at
the appropriate Time (again, Wisdom).

As we Travel through life we too "lean" on our experiences and
knowledge for support. However, we must always ask ourselves
what exactly it is that we are leaning upon. Are we leaning on
Wisdom, Knowledge, and Truth? Or, are we leaning on hearsay,
Opinion, gossip, rumors, and "news"?

If we are leaning on the latter than we are merely a directionless
vagabond who is stumbling through our Current Incarnation
confusing Phantoms for Guides.

And, although the Wizard listens to opinions and rumors He always
leans upon His Staff to determine whether or not they are True. For
The Wizard is only concerned with that which is True.

It is only through diligent effort that we are able to obtain the
Wisdom of the Wizard's Staff, understand its Value, and respect its
Power. And it is by leaning on our Wizard's Staff that we acquire the
Gift of Insight which enables us to Un-Veil what it is that we are
Truly observing as we Travel the Path that leads us to our
Personal Destiny.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008
Facebook StumbleUpon Technorati Delicious squidoo Google Bookmark
Yahoo mister-wong blogmarks spurl BlinkList Furl

Monday, December 1, 2008

Choosing Our Thoughts


"Whether you think you can
or whether you think you can't,
either way you are right!"
-Henry Ford

Think about this. What if most of what we have been Taught in
life is wrong?

Look at a child. A child has an unlimited Imagination and is full of
excitement. However, there comes a time when we turn this excited,
imaginative child over to society in order Learn how to become
"mature". We strip this child of Individuality and replace it with
conformity.

After a short period of time this enthusiastic, adventurous child
becomes a dispassionate, purposeless adult who is taught to
pursue the Specters of Conformity and mediocrity. This child is
taught to live a life not of their own creation, but a life based
upon the expectations of "society".

How very sad.

We can all relate to this scenario because, at one time, each one
of us was that excited, imaginative child who looked forward to
Becoming an adult in order to pursue our dreams and Adventures.

But, something happened along the way. We were told that our
dreams were immature and childish; that it was now time for us
to "grow up".

We Believed this Advice because it came to us from well-meaning
parents and teachers. We abandoned our childhood dreams and
succumbed to adulthood only to feel that "something is missing"...
"something is wrong".

For those of us who feel that life has somehow misled us, there is
good news!

That excited, imaginative child still lives within every one of us. This
Child is not dead; it is merely suppressed and is aching for a way
to re-become itself.

How do we re-become our Child-Self? We simply Change our
State Of Mind.

Ask anyone who has achieved Greatness in any field and they all
have one thing in common. Every one of these people is quoted
as saying that "it was their Thoughts that Created the person that
they ultimately became"!

Many of us believe that we must suppress our dreams and follow
the crowd.

By joining the crowd, we become "the crowd" and reap whatever
benefits, or shortcomings, which crowd-membership brings upon us.

However, there is always that small minority who refuse to follow
the "way-of-the-crowd". These Lone Wolves follow their own Path,
chase their own Dreams and Value their own Thoughts.

From this minority come the Individuals who go on to achieve
Greatness. They are the Individuals who ultimately become our
Heroes.

It is interesting to consider that each one these Heroes had been
told by the masses that what they want to achieve "could not be
done". It is only after their achievements were realized that the
masses worshipped these achievers as Heroes.

To be like everyone else does not make us Special. We can only
be Special by being different from, and standing apart from,
"the crowd". We do this by having a different State Of Mind.

But, what is this State Of Mind that retains the Excitement Of
Youth?

It is our Free Will to Choose. It is a Choice to Dream, Imagine, and
Fantasize.

It is a Decision to use Today as a building block for Tomorrow. It is
a Choice to look upon every day, every Action, and every Event as
an Adventure.

It is the Decision to discard the shackles of conformity in order to
pursue the Dreams that are forever within us and are desperately
Seeking a way to express themselves through us.

It is a Choice to Travel our own Path; to live in a different World.

Those who are Eternally Young understand, and live by, this
principle. They are the Adventurers who measure their lives
not in "earth-years", as most people do, but by their Experiences
and Pursuits.

Each one of us has the ability to remain Eternally Young...Travel
our own Path...create our own life...and experience new and
fulfilling Adventures.

We simply have to turn the Key that opens these doors to us. And
that Sacred Key is our State Of Mind. It is never too late to
Change our State Of Mind, re-become our Inner Child and pursue
the Dreams that still live within us...and excite us!

See also: "Your Choices Define Your Destiny"

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.


© copyright Joseph Panek 2008
Facebook StumbleUpon Technorati Delicious squidoo Google Bookmark
Yahoo mister-wong blogmarks spurl BlinkList Furl

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Our Time In History (Our Incarnation)


"For even you were not produced when you pleased,
but when the world had need of you."
-Epictetus, Roman Philosopher

This quotation from one of history's greatest philosophers tells
us two things:

First: We were born to experience this particular time in History;
this Unique
Cycle within Eternity

No matter how much we wish we could live in another Time, this
is the only Time that has been granted to us in our Current
Incarnation. We were not created to long for the "good old days",
or for some other interesting Time in history. Nor were we created
to "wait" for some "better" future.

The "good old days", whether from history or from our personal
Past, are simply Guides, Teachers, and Experiences we can refer to,
and lean on, when making Decisions.

And as for The Future, it will arrive at its appropriate Time.

Second: We were born when the world needed us.

Albert Einstein wasn't born in 1327. Benjamin Franklin wasn't
born in 1123. Isaac Newton wasn't born in 2008. These great
people, just like all the other great names of history, were born
"when the world had need of them".

Once we understand what Epictetus is saying, we realize that
each one of us was born with unique talents and abilities that
the world was in need of at that particular Time.

We are, in fact, Stewards who have been entrusted with a specific
"piece" of Time. Do we accept our Stewardship or do we pass this
responsibility on to someone else to "take care of for us"?

When we ignore our responsibilities, squander our Gifts, and expect
someone else to be responsible for what has been entrusted to us,
we become victims, rather than masters, of our Incarnation.

However, by embracing our responsibilities and making the best
use of our Divine Gifts (Our Divine Nature) we experience all the
Abundance, Joy, and Satisfaction that has been reserved for us
during our Current Incarnation.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008
Facebook StumbleUpon Technorati Delicious squidoo Google Bookmark
Yahoo mister-wong blogmarks spurl BlinkList Furl

Sunday, November 23, 2008

The Road (Our Personal Journey)


"The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began."
"The Hobbit" - J.R.R. Tolkien

The "door where it all began" is the moment of our birth.
From that moment on the Journey down our personal Road begins.

There are Times when our Road is clearly defined and our Journey
is smooth. Then there are times when our Road is rough and gnarly;
or perhaps just a faint trail. These are the times when our Journey
is frustrating and difficult and we must proceed with caution.
And finally, there are times when Our Road vanishes and we must
work hard to "pick up the trail". These are the times that we
experience confusion and fear and wonder if we will ever get back
"on track". However, these are also the times when we can forge
our greatest strengths, learn our greatest Lessons, build Strength
of Character, and define who we truly are.

The road of our earthly Journey is a very long Road! Our Road
does not end when we reach a detour, a roadblock, a setback, or
when we stop at an Inn along the way in order to rest and celebrate.
Once our obstacles and respites are complete, we continue our
Journey down The Road of our life.

No single Event, whether a success or failure, defines our Journey.
These Events are simply the experiences that become the
Teachers that accompany us down Our Road.

To think that getting a job, getting married, receiving a long awaited
promotion or reaching retirement is the crowning achievement of
our life's purpose only leads to disappointment and frustration.
These Events, no matter how important they may seem, are
simply one solitary Event; merely one cobblestone in the Road of
our life's Journey. They may be crowning events in our Journey,
but once these events pass our Journey resumes.

It is important to remember that just as each of our achievements
is simply an Event, an experience, a cobblestone, so also is failure
merely one lone cobblestone in our long Road. Once failure passes,
it too becomes just one more experience for us to lean on and learn
from as we continue our Journey.

Whether we Choose to move on down Our Road with enthusiasm,
or Choose to quit looking ahead, Our Road will continue and we will
be either willing, or reluctant, Travelers.

By greeting each new day, each new step, and each new cobblestone
with enthusiasm we are able to prepare for, and meet, the new
Adventures that await us along Our Road.

However, it is when we try to avoid Traveling any further down
Our Road that our greatest disappointments occur. These
disappointments happen because we have Chosen to make ourselves
unwilling, unprepared, and fearful Travelers. And as with any
unprepared and fearful Traveler we run the risk of meeting the
Highwayman who jumps from the bushes demanding we "stand and
deliver." Either we are the Master of our Travels, or our Travels will
master, and subdue, us.

Remembering that our "road goes ever on and on", and that each
one of our experiences is but a cobblestone that paves our way,
let us embrace our Adventure and and enjoy all the surprises and
achievements that await us on our personal Journey into the future.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008
Facebook StumbleUpon Technorati Delicious squidoo Google Bookmark
Yahoo mister-wong blogmarks spurl BlinkList Furl

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Cycles Of Eternity


"Like a circle in a spiral
Like a wheel within a wheel
Never ending or beginning
On an ever-spinning reel"
-"The Windmills Of Your Mind", Lyrics

Symbolically, the ever-repeating Cycles Of Eternity is represented
by the Ouroboros. The Ouroboros is a serpent in the shape of a
Circle that is devouring its own tail. As the serpent continues to
devour itself, the size of its Circle spirals into smaller and smaller
Circles. Once the serpent completely devours itself, that particular
Cycle (Circle) is ended and a new Cycle is ready to begin.

Good times begin and good times end...Difficult times begin and
difficult times end...Civilizations begin and civilizations end...
Cycles are the Normal Rhythms of the Universe.

Cycles can be infinitesimally short, infinitely long, or somewhere
in-between. We have daily Cycles (as the earth rotates on its axis),
monthly (lunar) Cycles and annual (solar) Cycles, just to name a few.
But, above all, we have Cycles within Cycles (wheels within wheels)
as alluded to in the lyrics above and described in Ezekiel's Wheel.

What is happening today will ultimately come to an end and be
replaced by another Cycle within the Wheel of Eternity. When the
Ferris Wheel reaches its peak, it must descend. When Time is up,
Change is imminent!

When we read the histories of ancient civilizations such as Assyria,
Babylonia, Mesopotamia and Sumeria we find mention of wealthy
families and kings that ruled these great and powerful civilizations.
Today, not only have these wealthy families vanished, but so have
their great and powerful civilizations. They have vanished so
completely that we can barely find traces of their ruined structures.
All things created by man come to an end!

The Tarot teaches us about Cycles by way of two cards:
"The Wheel of Fortune" and "The Tower".

"The Wheel of Fortune" represents the Cycles of Eternity that
are forever spinning. It is also the 10th card of the Major Arcana.
The number 10 represents completion and tells us that when one
Cycle ends a new Cycle begins.

"The Tower" teaches us that all material things come to an end.
Destruction of the old is necessary for the Creation of the new.
This is the way of the Universe.

"The Tower" portrays a castle built on a solid mountain-top that is
struck by Lightening. The castle is in flames, the king is thrown from
one of its windows, and his crown has fallen from his head.

"The Tower" symbolizes that no matter how strong the structure
and how solid its foundation, the Lightening Bolt of Eternity will one
day bring it to an end. The once "revered" and pompous king is
separated from his crown of "symbolic rulership" to rule no more.
This king, like all vanished kings and civilizations, has built his
physical structures, and man-made laws, on the ever-turning Axle
of Eternity only to be eventually overthrown by Destiny. For
physical structures, and man-made laws, can never endure the
never-ending Cyclical Changes of Time.

There is nothing wrong with acquiring Abundance and comforts.
It is our right to acquire, and enjoy, these pleasures. But Abundance
and comforts must be coupled with Peace of Mind and Contentment
of Spirit in order for us to experience happiness and serenity
during our Personal Cycle of Life within the Great Spinning Wheel
of Eternity.

(Images via Wikipedia)

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008
Facebook StumbleUpon Technorati Delicious squidoo Google Bookmark
Yahoo mister-wong blogmarks spurl BlinkList Furl

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

The Sword - Symbol Of The Mind


In the physical realm The Sword is a Symbol of Authority.
It is an instrument used by a king or queen to confer Knighthood.
Knighthood elevates a person to a higher "station" in society by
recognizing that persons achievements and qualities as being far
above normal and thereby worthy of a higher status. Very few
persons have been worthy of having Knighthood conferred upon
them by The Sword.

We see this Spiritual Excellence in King Arthur's Knights of the
Round Table. Each of King Arthur's Knights possessed Purity of
Heart and Fearless Valor. Their Knighthood was bestowed upon
each one of them by King Arthur first touching one of their
shoulders with the flat part of the Sword then raising the Sword
over their head (their Mind) to touch the other shoulder.

Esoterically, The Sword Symbolizes The Mind. Just as The Sword
can cut in both directions, so too can The Mind dissect both sides of
an issue until the basic fact (Truth) is revealed. We use the term
"double-edged sword" as a metaphor when referring to the rewards
and risks we must Weigh in our Decision making processes.

The Sword, as a symbol of The Mind, is alluded to in both myth and
legend.

The Sword In The Stone: Although many persons tried, only
King Arthur was able to remove the Sword from the Stone.
Symbolically, the Stone represents matter and all the mundane
aspects of matter. The Sword represents the highest aspects of
The Mind. King Arthur was able to pull the Sword from the Stone
because his Spiritually Illuminated Mind was far above the
petty bickering, selfishness, and Ignorance of the material world.
Pulling the Sword from the Stone "represents" separating the
Spiritually Evolved Mind from the entrapments of the material
world. Only King Arthur had the Spiritual Ability to accomplish
this task.

The Garden Of Eden: When man was cast out of the Garden Of
Eden an Angel with a "Flaming Sword" was sent to guard the
entrance to the Garden. The Angel was not sent to prevent man
from ever re-entering The Garden. The Angel was sent to simply
guard the entrance; to insure that only those with Pure, Illuminated
Minds may re-enter The Garden.

The Garden Of Eden is a metaphor for:
The Realm of Divine Unity...The Spiritual Womb.

This is a very powerful Metaphor. The Angel is a Neter (Divine
Principle) whose Symbol is a Flaming Sword. Flame is Fire, and
Fire represents Illumination! The Sword represents The Mind.
A "Flaming Sword", therefore, Symbolizes The Illuminated Mind.

Metaphorically, this teaches us that only those persons with
Illuminated Minds will be allowed to pass by the Angel with the
Flaming Sword and re-enter the Garden of Eden; The Spiritual
Womb.

The Lesson of The Sword is an Esoteric and Sacred Instruction. It
teaches us that by putting our Mind to Its highest and best Spiritual
use, each one of us can Pull Our Sword from The Stone and
Re-enter The Garden Of Eden!

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008
Facebook StumbleUpon Technorati Delicious squidoo Google Bookmark
Yahoo mister-wong blogmarks spurl BlinkList Furl

Sunday, November 16, 2008

The Egyptian Neter
(God And Goddess Symbolism)


"Nature never breaks her own laws."
- Leonardo da Vinci

The Egyptian Neter is depicted in two ways. One way is that of
a male or female figure having the head of an animal. The second
way is by depicting a male or female figure with a Symbol above
their head. the Symbol can be a Star, Scorpion, Crossed Arrows,
Feather, etc. Neters are generally described as Egyptian gods and
goddesses. However, Neters actually represent Divine Principles,
Spiritual Principles, or Aspects of Nature such as Forces of Nature,
Attributes of Creation, Primary Causes, Abstract Concepts and
Universal Laws.

Neters are Symbolic Archetypes which represent the unchangeable
and permanent aspects of Nature. They are the Cosmic Principles
that exist outside the realm of Time.

If the Neter is depicting a female Principle of Nature it will have
a woman's body. If the Neter is depicting a male Principle of Nature
it will have a man's body. Feminine principles are passive, receptive,
intuitive, and subconscious. Masculine principles are assertive,
bestowing, logical, and conscious. Some examples of Divine
Principles are: Truth, Justice, Order, and Harmony.

As Symbolic representatives of Divine Principles the Neters are
non-judgmental; they represent Universal Laws that simply ARE.
Something is either True or it is not True. Something is either in
Harmony or it is not in Harmony. There are no "Yeah, buts..."
where Neters and Divine Principles are involved.

To give an example of a Neter on the material plane, let us consider
the Principle of Gravity. Gravity will cause something to fall to earth
regardless of what it is that is falling. The object will fall whether it is
a rock or a person. Gravity does not decide what will fall and what
will not fall. Gravity does not say, "Its only a rock, that's ok" or
"Yeah, but its a person and I can't let that person fall off the cliff".
Gravity is gravity; all things will fall in accordance with Gravity's
Universal Law.

On the material realm our laws and decisions are confused and
corrupted with "Yeah buts..."such as: "Yeah, but my parents
abused me"...Yeah, but it was only a joke"..."Yeah, but my
judgment was clouded"..."Yeah, but I really didn't mean it".

However, unlike the material realm, there are no "Yeah, buts..."
when it comes to the Neters and Their Divine Principles.
In the Spiritual Realm we are responsible for our Actions.
We either enjoy the rewards, or suffer the punishments, of our
Actions.

When a Neter tells us that disobeying them will be met with
"calamity" it means that we will suffer the fate, or Karma, of our
action if it is not in Harmony with Divine Law. These warnings have
often been interpreted as "curses" when, in reality, the warning is a
reminder that Divine Law (and Laws of Nature), when broken or
ignored, will result in the "sky falling upon us".

We are all familiar with Spiritual Laws. Each one of us has the
Free Will to either live in accordance with, or ignore, Spiritual Laws.
The fact that we can "cheat" a confused justice system on the
physical plane does not absolve us from facing the responsibility
of our Actions in the Justice System of the Spiritual Plane.

How we choose to honor, or dishonor, Divine Principles determines
the person we will Become, and who we will associate ourselves
with, during our earthly journey. It determines the Simplicity,
or Difficulty, of our lives. Our Choices and Actions are our sole
responsibilities and the Neters will always be there to either
reward our Choices or cause the "sky to fall upon us".

(See also: "Nature Spirits and Elemental Beings")

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008
Facebook StumbleUpon Technorati Delicious squidoo Google Bookmark
Yahoo mister-wong blogmarks spurl BlinkList Furl

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

The Higher Cause


"It is a far, far better thing that I do,
than I have ever done;
It is a far, far better rest that I go to
than I have ever known."

- Sydney Carton, on his way to the guillotine,
in Charles Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities"

To give up something that is extremely important to us for a
Higher Cause is both the Ultimate Sacrifice and Ultimate
Reward. This "Thing" can be our life, our safety, or something
(or someone) very dear to us.

A powerful example of The Higher cause comes to us in the very
touching final scene from "Casablanca". In this scene Rick Blaine
(Humphrey Bogart) gives up the woman he Loves, Ilsa Lund
(Ingrid Bergman), because he realizes that she will be a much more
valuable asset to her husband Victor Laszlo, who is the leader of a
multi-national Resistance Movement fighting the Nazis in World
War Two. Rick and Ilsa met and fell in Love at a time when Victor
Laszlo was reported to have died in a Nazi concentration camp.
It is in this scene that Rick tells Ilsa that "...the problems of two
people don't amount to a Hill of Beans..." in comparison to the
Higher Cause of the Resistance Movement during the "dark days"
of World War Two.

We see another admirable example of The Higher Cause in Charles
Dickens' "A Tale Of Two Cities". Sydney Carton trades places with
his look-alike, Charles Darnay, and goes to the guillotine in Darnay's
place. This allows Darnay and his wife to escape and carry out their
Work during the brutal oppression of the French Revolution. We
are left mesmerized by Carton's final Words on his way to the
guillotine: "It is a far, far better thing that I do than I have ever
done..."

The Higher Cause manifests itself over and over again in everyday
life:

...A fireman going into a burning building to rescue an infant;
...A passerby pulling an injured person from a wrecked car just
before the car catches fire;
...Someone without any life-saving experience risking their life
to save another person from drowning.

The list goes on but the elements of the story are always the same.
Someone risks their life in order to rescue a total stranger from
extreme danger; asking for neither recognition nor reward.
This person risks their life for A Higher Cause that is so
important that personal safety is not even a consideration.

When the "Hero" is later asked what prompted them to risk their
life for this Cause their reply is always the same, "I don't know...
I just did it."

The Truth is, we really don't know why we do what we do when
confronted with a Higher Cause, we just "do it".

At this moment some kind of a Higher Power consumes us. All of
our concerns about death, injury, doubt, and fear vanish. A powerful
force is awakened in us. We acquire a Strength and an
Unquestionable Sureness that enables us to carry out our Heroic
feat. We risk our life, or we give up something very valuable, for this
Higher Cause. And, again, we do this with no expectation of
recognition or reward.

It is a highly Spiritual and exhilarating, yet humble, experience.
It is a part of our Spiritual Nature. It is the overwhelming Power
of The Higher Cause.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008
Facebook StumbleUpon Technorati Delicious squidoo Google Bookmark
Yahoo mister-wong blogmarks spurl BlinkList Furl

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Borders Between Realms


Border Areas between two different Realms have always been
sacred in Ancient Teachings as they represent the Union of Duality.
It is in these slightly overlapping border areas, Doorways, and
Thresholds, that life-forms and energies from both realms interact
and co-exist in Harmony.

Examples of Border Areas in the Material Realm are:
...where a River meets land
...where the ocean meets the sandy shore
...where the desert ends and vegetation begins
It is in these "narrow" border areas that life-forms from both
Material Realms interact and co-exist in Harmony on our planet.

Examples of Border Areas in the Spiritual Realm are:
...where the Horizon meets the sky
...where a mountain peak meets the sky
...where night meets the first light of day
...where sleep meets consciousness
...the Vesica Piscis
These Spiritual Realms are Sacred Areas that Symbolically
represent the Union Of Duality.

The border area between the Horizon and the sky is considered
The Crack In The Universe. It is the Doorway through which the
souls of the departed were believed to re-enter the afterlife, and
was also referred to as Heaven's Gate.

The border area between the mountain peak and the sky is
considered to be the closest we can get to the Infinite while still
here on earth. It is here that Gods and Wise Men reside and interact
with each other.

The border area between night and first light is the Tipping Point
where light chases away darkness; a metaphor for Illumination
(Wisdom) chasing away Ignorance.

The border area, or Doorway, between sleep and consciousness
is accessed through meditation. It is in this area where we, while
still conscious, can access not only our own Subconscious but also
the Great Eternal Consciousness where all Knowledge and Wisdom
exists.

The Vesica Piscis is a product of Sacred Geometry and Symbolically
represents the narrow Doorway whereby two different Realms
overlap and co-exist in Harmony.

The Ancients were very aware of the Harmony and Balance that
exist in the border areas between two different realms. They passed
this knowledge down through Metaphor, Symbolism, and Myth in
order to teach us that Balance, Harmony, and Truth exist in the
Middle-Ground between two "extremes".

It is up to us to incorporate this Wisdom when evaluating any
argument or Decision regarding two "extremes" of the same issue
and realize that ...The Truth Lies Somewhere In-Between!

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008
Facebook StumbleUpon Technorati Delicious squidoo Google Bookmark
Yahoo mister-wong blogmarks spurl BlinkList Furl

Friday, November 7, 2008

Prayer (A Spiritual Conversation)


Prayer is a Peaceful and Solemn conversation we have with our
Inner Self, Our God-Within, Our Atman. It is the same kind of
Simple, sincere, and Honest conversation we would have if we
were speaking to our best friend. When we access Our God-Within
through Prayer we are, in fact, having a conversation with our best
friend...our best Spiritual Friend.

We can have this Spiritual Conversation any time we Choose.
We can have this Conversation while lying in bed at night or while
taking a walk. All it requires is a calm, peaceful mind and a specific
topic on which we are Seeking Guidance.

This Spiritual Conversation has been called by many names: Prayer,
Meditation, and Thought Experiments (such as practiced by Albert
Einstein, Isaac Newton and others). This Spiritual Conversation can
even be called Imagination.

Regardless of what it is called, Spiritual Conversation (Prayer) is
simply accessing Our God-Within and asking for Guidance, Answers
and Strength.

We begin by taking all the Time we feel necessary to describe the
topic, or issue, that is concerning us. The longer we take to describe
our "issue" the more relaxed and peaceful we find ourselves
Becoming. There is no reason to hurry this process.

Finally, we end our Spiritual Conversation by asking Our God-Within
to "Show me how to...","Guide me...", "Teach me what I need to
learn to..." This is the Magical Process by which Prayer is created,
received and answered.

We need not go to any "designated place" to pray. Our Sacred Place,
our "Holy of Holies", is within us. We need not pray to a statue, idol,
or image. These are all external, material objects which simply
"represent" Sacred Essences. They are not Sacred Essences in and
of themselves.

Tragedy and "dire need" cause many people to "pray" for help and
rescue. However, this is not True Prayer. This kind of "praying" is
based on fear, desperation, and emotion and is directed outward
toward some "assumed" authority figure instead of inward toward
Our God-Within. This kind of "praying" is seldom, if ever, answered.

It is through Peaceful, Solemn Conversation (Prayer) with Our
God-Within that we obtain Calmness, Stability, Strength and
Awareness. Calmness, Stability, Strength, and Awareness are
Spiritual Tools that enable us to steer our way through the
ever-Changing currents of the Great Sea of Life.

Furthermore:

As any Seeker of Spiritual Truth will attest: One must exercise
patience and dig deeply when attempting to understand the
metaphors, parables, and quotations contained within scripture.

For this is the only way by which the Seeker can un-Veil the
Esoteric Lesson which lies hidden beneath the exoteric, or
common, story which that particular scripture presents.

Does modern scripture confirm what Prayer is?  Does
modern scripture teach us how to Pray? And is modern
scripture consistent with ancient teachings in regard to
Our God-Within; Our Atman?

The answer to these questions is a resounding "Yes"!

Let us look at one example:

The Lord's Prayer begins with "Our Father, which art in Heaven....."

Luke 17:20-21 tells us: "The Kingdom of God [ Heaven ] is within
you..."

Therefore, as per Luke: as God [ heaven ] is within us,
The Lord's Prayer is instructing us to Pray thusly:

"Our Father, which art within me..." OR "My Father, which art
within me..."

Therefore, The Lord's Prayer is Instructing us to recognize and
direct our Prayers to the God-Source...the Divine-Source...the
Atman which resides within us and is, IN FACT, our Spiritual Self.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008
Facebook StumbleUpon Technorati Delicious squidoo Google Bookmark
Yahoo mister-wong blogmarks spurl BlinkList Furl

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Atman (God Within)


"Within you there is a stillness and a sanctuary
to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself."

-Hermann Hesse

Atman is derived from Ancient Sanskrit and translates as
"God within us". Our Atman is our Higher Self; our Ba; our Soul.
It is our personal connection to the Eternal and Infinite Great Spirit
which permeates all things.

Each one of us has two sets of Parents. We have our Spiritual Parent
and we have our biological parents. Our Spiritual Parent is Divinity.
Divinity is The All, The One, The Eternal Spiritual Life Force that
governs everything and is within everything.

Our biological parents are, of course, our physical mother and father.

Just as our physical DNA connects us with our biological parents,
so does our Spiritual DNA connect us with our Spiritual Parent. And
just as we can communicate with our biological parents through
spoken and written Words in the material plane, so too can we
communicate with our Spiritual Parent through both spoken and
unspoken Words, and Thoughts, in the Spiritual Plane by way of a
Spiritual Conversation which we call Prayer.

Distance can separate us from our physical parents but distance can
never separate us from our Spiritual Parent; our Atman. Our Atman
is forever within us. We can communicate with our Atman any time
we Choose. Our Atman is always available, attentive, and receptive
to our Spiritual Conversations...our Prayers.

Our Atman, and Its intimate Relationship with the Eternal All, is
what is referred to when we read: "I and My Father are One"...and...
"I am in My Father and My Father is in Me".

But, most profoundly, we find the presence and power of our
"God Within" best expressed in psalm 82:6 which states:
I have said, you are Gods; and children of the most High".

Once we realize, and accept the fact, that we are One with our
Spiritual Parent we then know that we can accomplish anything
we Choose. We become Aware that The Universe, and its Eternal
Truths, has never been beyond us...It Is Within Us!

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008
Facebook StumbleUpon Technorati Delicious squidoo Google Bookmark
Yahoo mister-wong blogmarks spurl BlinkList Furl

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Tao - Infinite Mysteries


"One who understands the Tao cannot tell it."
-Opening verse of the "Tao Teh Ching" by Lao Tzu

"Infinite Mysteries cannot be understood with finite minds."
- Joseph Panek

Tao means "Path" or "Way"
Teh means "Virtue"
Ching means "Book" or "Lesson"

The "Tao Teh Ching" translates as "The Book of The Virtuous Path".

As with many Ancient, Sacred Texts the "Tao Teh Ching" begins
with what seems to be a confusing, cryptic statement:
"One who understands the Tao cannot tell it".

This statement, as with similar statements in other Sacred Writings,
is often interpreted to mean that someone who understands
The Tao (The Way) is "forbidden" to tell it; "forbidden" to reveal
it under penalty of death. This interpretation is Incorrect!

What this statement actually means is that someone who
understands The Tao Spiritually is simply unable to communicate
this understanding rationally.

Words, which dominate the Material (rational) Realm, do not have
the ability to fully describe the Teachings (Wisdom) of the Spiritual
Realm. Words are limiting and clumsy. Once we "attach" a Word to
something we define and limit the thing we are describing. Eternal
Wisdom has no limits or boundaries. Therefore, Eternal Wisdom
cannot be rationally explained; It just IS.

The Wisdom of the Spiritual Realm can only be understood through
Insight and Intuition. "Infinite Mysteries cannot be understood
with finite minds"
. It is only through Meditation and Contemplation
that we are able to Unfold (understand) the True Mysteries of
Ancient Teachings.

These Ancient Truths are available to each one of us to understand
and apply. It is up to us to Seek, discover, and understand them.
Once we understand these Mysteries they are no longer mysteries.
They then become Truths that we can use to govern our daily lives.
However, it is up to us to Choose whether or not we will pursue
these Truths. No one else can do this for us.

"Knock and the Door will Open. Seek and you will Find. Ask and
you will be Given".
It is up to us to Knock, Seek, and Ask.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008
Facebook StumbleUpon Technorati Delicious squidoo Google Bookmark
Yahoo mister-wong blogmarks spurl BlinkList Furl

Monday, November 3, 2008

Neith - Egyptian Goddess Of Weaving
(Symbol and Myth)


Duality is "Symbolically" represented by two separate, parallel lines
( I I ). When referring to Thoughts, Duality can refer to either two
entirely different Thoughts or Beliefs, or, it can refer to two similar,
but not exact, Thoughts, Beliefs, ideas, notions, or concepts.

Union of Duality is represented by two crossed lines ( X ). The
Point where the two lines intersect represents the "Meeting-of-the-
Minds". It is the Point where Two Different Worlds Meet. It is the
Point where two different Thoughts, Beliefs, ideas, notions, or
concepts interact. This Point represents the Magic of Creation;
it is the Point where new ideas and concepts are born.

Keeping in mind that nothing can manifest in the material world
without first being a Thought, this point of intersection is the
meeting place, or Crossroad, where two existing Thoughts merge
so that new ideas can be created. These New Ideas then manifest
themselves in the material world as new inventions or new ways
of life. Nothing can be "born" in the material world until the
"two lines", or two aspects, of Duality intersect and Create.

This concept is wonderfully Symbolized by the Egyptian Neter
(goddess) Neith. Neith is an Ancient Divine Principle who
represents the concept of Weaving. She is portrayed with
either two crossed-arrows, two crossed-bows, or a patch of
cloth above her head.

Neith also represents the Divine Principles of "Reasoning"
and "Discernment".

The crossed-arrows, crossed-bows, and patch-of -cloth which
appear above the head of Neith Symbolize the following concepts:

An Arrow represents Thought. Two crossed-arrows represent the
union of two different Thoughts, ideas, or notions.

The two Crossed-Bows represent the Vesica Piscis, or Border
Between Realms, where two separate ideas, concepts, or Beliefs
merge with each other and live in Peace and Harmony.

The Patch-of-Cloth Symbolizes the Final Fabric that is created
from the Weaving together of Individual Threads. The Final
Fabric is synergistically stronger than the total strength of
all of its Individual Threads.

Neith Symbolizes the person we ultimately become by way of the
Weaving together of all of our prior Thoughts and Actions. She
reminds us that we must be very cautious of the Thoughts we
harbor because Our Thoughts are the Threads that Weave
the Tapestry of our Lives!

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008
Facebook StumbleUpon Technorati Delicious squidoo Google Bookmark
Yahoo mister-wong blogmarks spurl BlinkList Furl

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Vesica Piscis - As A Symbol


Symbolically, the Vesica Piscis consists of two Circles of equal
size that slightly overlap. One Circle represents Spirit and the
other Circle represents Matter (our Dual Nature).

The almond-shaped area where these two Circles overlap is the
Vesica Piscis. It represents the Doorway between our Spiritual
and Material Realms. It is the area where our Dual Nature of
Spirit and Matter exist in Balance, Harmony, and Peace.

When we clearly understand and experience both aspects of our
Divine Nature we are living in Balance, Harmony, and Peace. It is
when we move away from the Vesica Piscis, the Doorway of our
Dual Nature, that we experience imbalance in our inner and outer
worlds.

To carry this concept further, the two overlapping circles can
represent Duality in ANY form. Whenever there are two different
ideas, Beliefs, or natures, there is Duality. Duality by itself
represents Separation. When United, Duality becomes Balance and
Harmony.

When we occupy the Vesica Piscis, the Doorway, that Unites two
different Thoughts, ideas, or realms, we are in Harmony with those
Dualities; we clearly "see" both sides of an issue.

When we embrace only one side of an issue, idea, or Belief we move
away from Harmony. And the deeper we venture into one side of an
issue, the less we are able to "see" the other side of the same issue;
we Become more and more Imbalanced. This is the primary cause
of our frustrations and aggressions.

By occupying the "Doorway" between Dualities (the Vesica Piscis)
we are able to "see" both sides of any issue, access the Spiritual
Kingdom while occupying the World of Matter, live in Balance and
Harmony, and experience the best that both worlds of
Duality have to offer.

(Image via Wikipedia)

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008
Facebook StumbleUpon Technorati Delicious squidoo Google Bookmark
Yahoo mister-wong blogmarks spurl BlinkList Furl