Spiritual Superhighway

New Book: Sufism for Western Seekers

Local PA Resident Publishes Newest Book “Sufism for Western Seekers”

Dr. Stewart Bitkoff

 

November 30, 2011, Stroudsburg, PA – Dr. Stewart Bitkoff, a local resident of 11 years, recently published his latest book, Sufism for Western Seekers. The book makes easy a complicated concept – spirituality.  Many are often off-put by the term spirituality believing that it is something intended to replace their religion. In actuality, it is meant to be added to formal religion. 

If you have ever wondered exactly how all spiritual paths and major religions connect and how this commonality might be experienced and used in your daily life, then Sufism for Western Seekers is your book. A first-hand account of spiritual learning in two modern mystical schools, the book speaks to the notion that spirituality is something that everyone can partake in. Through the exploration of Sufism, this book brings the true essence of spirituality to life. Aldous Huxley and others have referred to Sufism as the primordial tradition or perennial philosophy. You can purchase your copy of Sufism for Western Seekers, which is published by CreateSpace/Amazon, for $10.95 by visiting Amazon.com or CreateSpace.com and searching for the title.

About the author: Dr. Bitkoff is an avid student of Sufi Mysticism and the perennial philosophy. Professionally specializing in the healing applications of therapeutic recreation, psychiatric rehabilitation and mental health treatment, Bitkoff holds a doctorate in education and served as a faculty member for six colleges and universities. He has authored two other books A Commuter’s Guide to Enlightenment, Llewellyn, 2008 and Journey of Light: Trilogy, Authorhouse, 2004 and currently lives in the Poconos.  He grew up in New York City and spent most of his professional career living and working in the New York City area. Visit his blog www.stewartbitkoff.com, a one-stop shop where you will find all of his latest blog posts, poetry, information on recent books, publications, events, and spiritual insights. Don’t limit the possibilities.

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10 Daily Meditations

The following are some thoughts, ideas and concepts which can be used to help make your journey through your day a spiritual experience. From this list, select a meditation that appeals to you.  Write it on a piece of paper and during your day when conditions are right and do not require your full attention- concentrate and repeat it twice.  Remember- say the words slowly and consider their meaning. Imagine Light emanating from the words. Feel the energy; its peace and beauty. Experience the Light as it embraces you. Stay with this meditation for a brief period- no more than two minutes.

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1) That which you have been Given is enough for the journey.

 

2) Number the wonders of this realm. 

Do you believe the worlds to come

will be any less majestic? 

The Road is a long one,

but O the many riches.

 

3) Of necessity, that which originates in another realm must undergo change to manifest in this one.

 

4) Man is the creator of many of his own problems; giving far too much credit to God in this regard.  While unaware of those areas in which God actually works.

 

5) The Teaching is discontinuous.  Yet, we expect it to unfold at a given time, in a specific place, and at a regular frequency.  This is the manner to which we have been accustomed.

 

6) Brief is our stay in this realm.  Yet, as we disconnect from our higher nature, these hours seem like an eternity.

 

7) He/she is master

who reigns supreme

in their own kingdom.

 

8) The hardest battles are not fought in fields or on seas, but within ourselves.  We are the enemy who ravages every defenseless position.

 

9) To concentrate and truly be in the present, one with God, is to transcend time and space.

 

10) Everything you ever wanted or ever dreamed is waiting within.  All you need is the key.  Pick it up!  It too is within reach.

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To contact author go to: www.stewartbitkoff.com or e-mail: goldpath@ptd.net.

 

The Tapestry

Traveler: O Holy One, I have climbed the mountains and traveled the roads. I have made my way through wind, rain, sunshine and now snow to find you. Please tell me, in order to sit at your side, why must the road be so long and the journey so varied?

Master: Before I answer your question, first, you must answer one of mine.  Do you agree to this arrangement?

Traveler: Hesitantly and with some annoyance in his voice, he replied, “yes.”

Master:  And from all this going and doing, what have you learned?

Traveler: After pausing and considering an answer, the tired traveler remembered one moment of clarity he had around an evening camp fire and offered-up this singular insight as answer. “Each day, while filled with a variety of disparate experience- looking back at day’s end- they combine to make one journey . . .”

Master: “Now you are beginning to understand.  Life, death, hardship, and joy are all part of the journey; combining to form the tapestry of life: from which you learn and move forward.”

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Announcing a new book- Sufism for Western Seekers: Path of the Spiritual Traveler in Everyday Life.  In next few weeks, look for it on CreateSpace and Amazon; more information to follow.

Save The Date: Hear my guest appearance on Godspeed Institute Radio Show, with hosts Carol and Michael Hallunbaek, Sunday, December 11, 2011, 2-3 pm.

Topic: I will be discussing, The Path of the Spiritual Traveler in Everyday Life and my new book Sufism for Western Seekers.

Want to listen, go to: www.progressiveradionetwork.com, click on Listen Live Button, 12/11/11, 2 – 3 pm.

To contact author go to: www.stewartbitkoff.com or e-mail: goldpath@ptd.net.

Who We Are?

According to tradition, humanity originated ‘far beyond the stars’ and is on a journey back to its Source.  While in the earth phase, there are numerous opportunities to embrace ‘our real’ or ‘lasting nature’ and begin the spiritual journey back home.  In this physical world, because we are in a sense estranged from our real or lasting nature, which is spiritual, there is an unease and inner hunger that pushes us onward to search and make the connection back home. While in this world, many become fooled and the fill the inner hunger with all manner of things and further compound the problem of remembering who they are.

Like ET in the movie, we need to contact home, through our inner awareness, so the factors can align and we can start the return journey.

Now while in the earth phase, because of its diversity, beauty and splendor, each spiritual traveler has the opportunity to create and join in Kingship with the Creator. Daily, we create our own multiple level realities and in this world of opposites, we create multiple opportunities to express who we are.  Inside each of us is a spark a piece of the Life Force; that is our guiding element and leads us through the many worlds back home.

O spiritual traveler, rise-up and know who you really are; temporarily, shed the identity that has been placed about you by others and the wondrous physical form you have taken. On some levels this physical form is an illusion, a contrast and story, created to help, hurt, contain and even set you free.  Even though many are well intentioned, there were fooled by this riddle of physicality and spirituality; ultimately, the contrast and duality exists to help you, and you may enjoy the wonders.  You can experience and create it all, as long as you Remember- go deep within and experience who you really are- you are a child of Light.

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Save The Date: Hear my guest appearance on Godspeed Institute Radio Show, with hosts Carol and Michael Hallunbaek, Sunday, December 11, 2011, 2-3 pm.

Topic: I will be discussing, The Path of the Spiritual Traveler in Everyday Life and my new book Sufism for Western Seekers.

Want to listen, go to: www.progressiveradionetwork.com, click on Listen Live Button, 12/11/11, 2 – 3 pm.

Announcing a new book- Sufism for Western Seekers: Path of the Spiritual Traveler in Everyday Life.  In next few weeks, look for it on CreateSpace and Amazon; more information to follow.

To contact author go to: www.stewartbitkoff.com or e-mail: goldpath@ptd.net