Spiritual Portal

Life is so meaningful. There are so many intense encounters with others and so many moments really lived and enjoyed. Sometimes i wonder when and if i will meet these people again. In the meantime what can I do but pray for them and thank God they crossed my path. Some people have really made a difference in my life. They really stand out as enriching my life. There are those that recognize... with all our differences how we were fortunate to spend time together. To experience this thing called life and be a part of each others experience of this greatness that is life.

What amazes me is that when and if you do connect with the past and people from the past - the amazing different responses you get. On a limited level i have done so. These are some of the responses i recieved: Some people said that they appreciated my friendship when others were ostracizing them. I have had one person say i was stalking them when I was a long distance away (trying to get in touch or stay in contact on the internet can apparently be considered stalking.)... another said they loved me more than any relationship they had... some will ignore you.... some one said they wondered why i did not respond to an old letter. Someone said not to contact them again. A couple people asked me to come and live with them. Some called me and hoped i would move back in their area. One person became much closer and more of a friend than before.  i have had some pass to the next life and wished i had contacted them before it happened. Some said they were glad to hear from me and hoped to stay in touch. There have been apologies on both sides and sometimes no regrets except not staying in touch. Someone said i was the best friend they ever had. What a variety of responses.... which leads me to believe that how we feel about the past and what happened is very subjective.

i believe it is worth it to see where people have gone and to express your appreciation of them and the times you spent together. Some people may not appreciate it but you can always leave them alone and take satisfaction in the fact that there are others who were and still are wonderful friends that you can meet up with from life to life.

I believe that every person we meet this life, for any length of time is from the past anyhow. That is what the Master's have said. We are just given a fresh start to make things better this time around or build on what we have worked on previously. We can't control the response of others but we can be kind from our end.

Isn't it too much to say that we already met 'every person we meet in this life'? I mean, you make it sound as if there is no room for new meetings.

Notice i said 'for any length of time'. I remember Anandamoy saying 'when you see people together for a period of time it is not by coincidence but something they have put much work into from life to life.' Regardless of the relationship. Do you have a different insight? I do not claim to be an expert on this. I recall various Buddhist texts saying that we have lived so many life times that every person we have come in contact with is someone we have seen before. i suppose it would depend somewhat on how new of a soul we were to being in the human drama as opposed to being in the animal kingdom. I doubt that new souls would spend very much time with us since they are on a long adventure... ours is getting more and more repetitive in the human drama with insights into still higher dimensions from the astral and causal worlds. Yet there is plenty of open terrain to explore in shuttling between the terrestrial and celestial realms.

who meets who?

Steve: I really have no particular insight. If you say for any lenght of time in the sense 'for some significant lenght of time' then maybe it's more sensible

Yes. I think we can surmise that these people we are spending time with played some significant role in past scenarios.
When we get insights on it we can understand why those around us often act in ways that may not apply to current events:They are still seeing us in that old role from a past life... although it usually is very unconscious on their part.

I don't see much benefit in making too many speculations about past lives.

Speculations? To see a vision? To go to a doctor and find out there is nothing wrong with you? It is good to find out why you thought there was. Sure; Aren't we all trying get out of the dark halls of speculation hence: meditation Through meditation we begin to see we are trapped on one picture frame with many frames preceding and following. To see the whole picture though... not just one frame. To see from beginning to end and all in the now.

Some of these things go from one life to another and we continue playing out old roles. Sometime we have to break out of these roles.It helps to be conscious of the role we continue playing out that is no longer helping us this time around. You too act out things unconsciously. We all do it. Where does this behavior originate? Certainly we could just work on the symtoms but it often helps to see the causes. Seeing the cause makes it easier to recognize the unconscious symtoms - so we can recognize why others may treat us certain ways they themselves may be unconscious of. We no longer need to play out these old roles that are no longer helping us. We also can work on strengths we have gained from the past if we are aware of them.

We are in the age of space annihilation but a higher age to come will be; the time annihilators.

You and I both came to into this life under the rays of the Moon which is the ruler of Cancer. This position denotes a need to let go and also an incredible tenacity - the crab can hold on with its claws. In this sense it is important - in my observations - to release old relationships that manifest from the past: If these people no longer serve a useful purpose in our development. They can live stagnate in the past that we once shared with them while new soul soldiers from the past arise to take their place on the battle field kurushetra; the spiritual battle field of life.

Jitendra

Yes well I can say that all the people I have met for any significant amount of time are important in my life and they are still with me. They may feel differently about me but I ask this; Does not God think of us whether or not we think of him? Especially those who are on that final long stretch homeward.

Most probably so, expressed in limited human concepts.

i do not know the answers to such questions mccoy. i know i have heard the monks say that the people we meet this life we have met before.... to what extent this is true or untrue i have no way of knowing at this stage in my evolution. i have learned this though; Some people we meet and share love with r not capable of friendships or love. They only can 'love' and express friendship in a very limited personal way. If for some reason your outlook towards them is not satisfactory with their conception of friendship they often will make a break with you and blame the conditions of parting on you. It is very childish and shows a lack of spiritual understanding.

Taking it personally and feeling dejected only makes things worst and often people try to punish their 'friends and lovers' with different levels of abandonment. This is 10 year old behavior. Often people like this wonder why they were abandoned themselves by others. But to a observer it is obvious they r only perpetuating what they themselves have experienced. The vicious merry-go-round of karmic events continues. It is best for us to jump off while it is possible to sustain light injuries.

My personal realization at this point is that I I'm not looking for more friendship or companionship. I'm pretty busy with my job(s) and with family so cannot socialize and do not feel the need for it. I just tend to be friendly with colleaugues at work, accordingly to their willingness. Also I have no difficulties to befriend people in extra-job activities, if they are willing to socialize friendly. But I cannot give more time to such people than the time strictly necessary to carry out the activity (like now I'm playing in a jazz lab but I have no time to hang out playing outside the lab).

I also like international environments so these fora are pretty much suited to me, cultivating friendship in a spiritual environment and according to time available.

i understand what u mean by time availability. I think the alternative is having partners. Associates if you will. This is more of a relationship by convenience. Based on; You do this for me.... I do this for you. True service though would imply being of spiritual help and support. Other things are passing. Spirituality... true spirituality is lasting.

At times we may feel regret in loving others....it is caused by our own expectations. When we find others who we feel are unworthy of our love...we must also look at ourselves and consider that we have been unworthy of love in the past and not always as appreciative as we could have been for the wonderful people and conditions that came into our lives. We often blame others for our own karma.

It is often only when these conditions and people are gone that we recognize just how much love God has given us.
Sometimes we feel faced with the unworthiness of loving others who are unable or unwilling to love us only because we ourselves have not always been receptive to the love offered us. But as time goes on we find that we do get love from others...but not always in the way we thought it should be given to us.

Thank you friend. Recently I am feeling blessed more for the moment and the friendships in my current dynamic.

My good friend shared his Guru with me and from him I learned,
With each breath we are born anew.

This same friend told me to let go of the past, let go of guilt and to start my new adventures. It has taken a long time but in meditation today I sent my Beloved Ex white spiraling light and enveloped her with love. In my minds eye we hugged before I bid her farewell. I may not have had the opportunity to do it in person the way I wanted, I may not have the opportunity again but it's not for me to worry about. I have not only lost my ex due to karmic factors but other friends and even almost my own family... What is real is the Love felt for these souls and despite it all- that's all I wish to hold on to, Love. Should any of our paths cross again I hope forgiveness and compassion reigns... That we may all feel peace in thoughts of each other and share once again in friendship- the greatest gift of all. If this moment does not happen, it's not for me to get upset or even ruminate on. I needn't know about the other or worry about transgressions anymore- I've done that enough... Instead, it's time to recognize the Love in all its forms as you have mentioned above Steve...

Peace...
_^_

Wisdom free from time.

Namaste.

Yes you are so rite...because trapped in time it is difficult to see beyond our own subjective attitudes. However freed from the constraints of time we recognize the wisdom gained and the beauty of the time spent. Thanks Eric...it is a strange feeling I have about you...but I think I can express it now. You are like a slice of time...we have shared so much with others over the years. You represent all those experiences. When I think of you I remember all the wonderful  experiences we have had here with so many people...and I am thankful for those memories  and ...everything they represent. It is all part of our spiritual  unfoldment..and the experience  of love God conveys  shared by friends.

Thank you Brother. I am interested in learning more of your visions from our past life connection. You are a good friend and this forum is filled with Love. I hope those who have shared here visit from time to time, it's not for me to ask anyone to stay but to welcome those who wish to share their hearts while this medium still exist. The portal is a wonderful place.

Kindest Regards.

Nothing specific Eric. I feel we can tell about people and their love for us in their loyalty and support to noble projects and aspirations regardless of how they were created. We have often worked on such projects from life to life and we become familiar with those projects and the people who have been with us in serving. If it was not for our service it would be difficult to receive the grace of God-the greatest server of all-in times of spiritual difficulty and when we need support when we are in material need.

Thank you for bumping the thread by Sri Yukteswar. There are so many inspiring quotes- I had been reflecting on my relationship with Jessica and understood that I had lost my way. By over-indulging the self via greed, perverse attitudes corrupted the Love which was mirrored back in real time and evident by the dying connection.

Then to read this after your resurrecting the thread,


I thought maybe to bump these sayings in the recent Self-Control thread which is also full of inspiration.

Here seems most appropriate, in line with my recent ruminations as I reflect on friends and lovers. I found this quote below equally relevant and hope others benefit too.


Here I am not forgetting but am letting go of the darkness and reevaluating the experience to aid my aspirations. I hope to fulfill my role as a man, transform my mind and reflect the divine. May we have the strength to mold our future and the dignity to accept our past.

And of course, when reflecting on others- may we be content by their Happiness.


Yukteswar is a rishi.
"Yogananda gave Sri Yukteswar the title Gyanavatar, 'an incarnation of wisdom' and he called Lahiri Mahasaya a Yogavatar, 'an incarnation of yoga'. Babaji is known as Mahavatar, or Great Avatar."
https://www.ananda.org/ask/was-yogananda-an-avatar-incarnation-of-god/

You can see that some people are a temporary tool to alleviate and satisfy certain temporary desires and to work out karmic factors. While other relationships stand the test of time. They are  those we carry with us from life to life building and growing with, on our journey back from where we came.

Thank you Steve for having a space for members to express themselves. I have had the freedom to express my spiritual interest and unique experiences here over the years- it has been very therapeutic writing and ruminating. I hope more members feel encouraged to take advantage of this free therapy.

I see my old desires are aligned with my current, how to be a fatherly figure in my community.

I've let things like lust and bullheadishness get in the way... Observing the mind is another practice that proves beneficial, if we're willing to listen. Meditation or even, coming out here to write on your forum while the sun sets and the atmosphere is quiet, is a way to calm restless peeks.

Though I can't say what is the cause of restlessness I can say that shallow desires tend to manifest from the stirrings of an eager or restless mind.
Swami Vidyadhishananda has said restlessness stems from a type of anxiety and a need to be entertained.

I can agree I have lived out desires in relationships and have been the catalyst for others as well- whether that means recognizing a pattern that needed breaking or learning something about our selves in the process. Whether in harmony or discord, there is always an opportunity for understanding. I know I seek harmony over discord. I recognize it isn't always going to be that way.

A lot has happened these past two weeks... Dreams, synchronicities, real loss and real matrimony. No I'm not the one who was married. Just that I've witnessed and experienced a lot in such a short time. I hope to share a little when I can- I'm just not sure how to go about piecing it all together yet.

“Swami Vidyadhishananda has said restlessness stems from a type of anxiety and a need to be entertained.

I can agree I have lived out desires in relationships and have been the catalyst for others as well- whether that means recognizing a pattern that needed breaking or learning something about our selves in the process. Whether in harmony or discord, there is always an opportunity for understanding. I know I seek harmony over discord. I recognize it isn't always going to be that way.“

Hello sometimes I get caught up in old texts that seem to be just as pertinent today as many years ago. You have given us something to ponder on with your quote by swami. I believe that we should add to that quote; unfulfilled desire. But even fulfilling desires does not usually lead to happiness. I think we are all recognizing patterns that need breaking and learning about ourselves in all our encounters. I recognize the importance of seeking harmony over discord, although at times we must stand up to our convictions even though our convictions do not align with those of others. Yet we still think of our friends and remember them. We often must practice testing ourselves; that we are able to get along with the differences we encounter with others despite the discord we may experience. Those who we have found our lives dependent upon may return to give us needed understanding. That is what I’ve been experiencing lately.

I have included some synonyms for anxiety disorders since swami said that restlessness stems from anxiety;
Symptoms
Common anxiety signs and symptoms include:
Feeling nervous, restless or tense.
 Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom.
 Having an increased heart rate.
 Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation).
 Sweating.
 Trembling....
From yahoo search

And entertained from an AI at yahoo;

Synonyms for "entertained" include:

Engaged
Captivated
Involved
Absorbed
Amused
Delighted
Pleased
Diverted
Occupied
Busy
Preoccupied
Engrossed
Diverted
Distracted
Detoured
Redirected
These synonyms can vary slightly in meaning based on context, so it's important to choose the one that best fits the situation.