Author: Robert A. Reimondi, M. A.

The saintly stance involves a kindhearted regard for something or someone. And it is done through a full recognition of their attributes; without evaluation leading to either acceptance or rejection of the actuality. Remembering their sacred relation to you, and allowing the divine will to shape your feelings, moves you to a neutral position; one devoid of judgement. It is here that one finds peace and bliss in each and every moment. And bestows upon the world and others the holy kiss.

When understood as a state of mind, as conscious awareness, ego is never released or killed, but is transcended and included in a new and larger transpersonal awareness. Awareness changes from identifying with a body, and being within that body separate from its surroundings, to feeling expanded beyond these limits and connected with all that is beyond the body. One experiences this subjectively as a visceral expansion of one’s individual self, and as union with other objects. All the while, one subconsciously feels that one is the egoic individual self; and simultaneously and predominantly, the larger self of world, universe, and beyond. 

Wisdom reminds me,

blessings are not beyond setbacks and misfortune.

The world owes me nothing,

and when it grants good fortune or benefit,

I remember “this too will pass”.

Respecting all life circumstances as the simple Truth,

I’m moved through illusion, and brought closer to God.

Courtship of, and eventual marriage to divinity is realized through emptying of the self, not through religiously prescribed heroic actions. One empties the self through adoration, devotion, and surrender to the Beloved. Putting aside one’s willful identity results in one filling up on divinity, and strengthening one’s sacred union with God. Humility, suffering, and blessings have served to strengthen one’s transpersonal character. All, as long as the ego does not seize the credit, fill the space, and boast of these ways as its own. 

What to do if you have trouble with religion in general? Or with one in particular? The best approach is to turn to spirituality. Spirituality is simply feeling a oneness with all that is, its creations, its fruits. Seriously consider developing this within the tradition that bothers you so, especially if it is the one you grew up with. Or another if you wish, no matter really, it’s up to you. What matters is that you study the mystic element of that approach, allowing it to bring you to the spiritual oneness. Make use of its theology, and most especially its practices. Done correctly, no cutting corners or rolling through stop signs, this participation in the sacred marriage between religion and spirituality is healing. Both within a tradition, as well as across traditions. But remember, doing so means you’ll be identifying with what many in most religions think of as the black sheep of the family. But you’ll be doing so while bringing religion to its very salvation.

Love and bliss are heavenly feelings. Feeling eternity we declare heaven an everlasting state of awareness. A wonderful mind to have. Add pleasing scenery and it becomes archetypal. Often, a deity is required as well. 

Hell is the tortured mind. The one that shows up when we’d really prefer to be asleep but we keep having disturbing thoughts. Dreaming troubled times, and feeling trapped in the never ending darkness. Add the smell of burning flesh to make it more archetypal. With groaning coming from the shadows.

Mystic, the world does not owe you anything. It does not concern itself with what you want or feel you deserve. Though, that is not to say you are not worthy, only that the world is not indebted to you in that way.

Actually you are to give all you have to the world; that is, all of your being, with full love and justice. Showing compassion and forgiveness, giving to everything and everyone. Never holding back, regardless of condition or situation. Emptying oneself is the Way.

And do not want, ask, or demand a similar gift. Rather, be pushed to selflessness, thrive on virtue, and serve the divine principle. And the loving God will always be by your side.

Notice the trust you put in others every day. Trusting that the driver coming your way will stay on his or her side of the road and not crash into you. A product you have bought is, and will do what it claims. The people on the crowded sidewalk next to you will not assault you. There’s help given to us from strangers when we’re in need. We take this for granted, and in doing so, rob it of its value. Thereby adding to our tendency to focus on the exceptions to this civility and care. Ultimately this results in our degrading the human race and its inherent ability to love. And then we foolishly ask where is God. And all the while the answer is that God is whenever we love.

On the spiritual journey conflict arises between our philosophy, our everyday beliefs, and our actions. Realism and idealism clash. What we observe in the world goes against our metaphysical worldview and challenges our effort to be our better selves. Our attempts at compassionate and righteous actions fall short of the Divine prescription. At these times we must make the effort to insure that purity triumphs over nihilism. It is incumbent upon us to remain committed to applying wisdom and remaining devoted to the Divine. This requires we accept that we are to undergo the immediate trials and tribulations of the challenge before us. Though it is strong, we resist the temptation to declare existence inherently disordered and meaningless; and instead embrace this as an opportunity for personal transformation. By doing so we also prevent ourselves from taking license to behave irresponsibly and erroneously calling it liberation. Instead we honor Truth and what it requires of us. Strong in our faith that remaining committed to shunning darkness and embracing purity, our spirit will evolve and contribute to a better world.