Spiritual Superhighway

The Rainbow Bridge

Every child grows-up

Hoping to claim the treasure

At the end of the rainbow bridge.

 

On those rare days, after the storm,

Magically the rainbow appears, gladdening each heart.

The sky is renewed with a variety of colors

And each child dreams

Of traveling on their favorite color

In search of the pot of gold.

 

Within each heart

The hope is eternal

We can transcend our fears

And arrive at heart’s desire.

 

Yes, like the rainbow,

Within each soul

There is a glorious bridge

To the eternal riches.

For each temperament there is a path

And the journey, on an inner level,

Consists of embracing the different colors.

 

The rainbow has its origin in the storm;

For without the wind and rain

The colors would not reflect.

Each color represents the seasons of a soul;

And to every heart there is a season of love.

The traveler who seeks the Lord

Must journey the seasons of their heart.

 

Some say

This life is ravaged by storms,

Remember, they speak the truth

As they see it.

This life is shaded by dark colors,

But the Light is waiting to reflect

Upon each heart.

If you ask the Beloved

He/She will show you the treasure

That is waiting in your soul.

 

And when the light begins to shine

Upon your heart;

Your journey through this world

Will be a celebration of colors.

You will join the rainbow

And travel to the horizon

And be greeted by the Lord.

 

Like the rainbow-

Prayer is a bridge

To the hidden riches.

In the quiet of the evening

And the early hours of the morning-

Sing God’s praise.

 

Journey on-

Following the colors in your heart.

And, as God Wills,

One day

You will become the hidden treasure;

Having embraced all the colors of the rainbow bridge.

            SB

Meditation(s) For The Day

 

That which you have been Given

Is enough for the Journey. SB

*     *

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. SB

*     *

The Holy Name

Those were the days. For as I was in the teacher's presence, the Light was always about me.  Then the day came when my novitiate was over. It was time for me to leave and return to the town of my birth.  I had learned all that I needed and the teacher called me to his side.

"By God's Mercy, I found you at the gate of the temple and lifted you out of despair. During the years you have spent by my side you have learned many things. Chief among them is the Holy Name. The Holy Name gives meaning to life and will lead you to the next world. Once you fully realize this, you will be complete. During your days with me you have striven to keep God foremost in your mind and you have learned your lessons well.  Now it is time for you to return to the town of your birth and as God Will's travelers will arrive at your door.  Yet fear not, you are my charge and I will always be with you.  Just as you will one day have sheep, so, you remain one of my flock."

So I retuned to the town where I had been a weaver and I have been here ever since. At first, most of my old friends didn't recognize me and said I had changed.  Some said although I could not see, my sensitivity to the world and those about me made it seem as if I had many eyes.  Some thought there was an energy about me and said this had attracted them.  I don't know how much of what the town folk said was true, but everyone treated me with kindness and respect.  I never had to resume a trade for it seemed as if people were competing to have me as their guest.  In exchange for the shelter and food so many provided, I spoke to them about the Beloved.

 

 

Slowly students began to arrive from all the provinces and we set-up a school in this town.  But as the years passed, I found that I could best serve the Beloved by meeting travelers along side this road. Some I offer beverages; others a piece of bread; and still others the Holy Name.

To me, this highway represents the world and we are all on a journey. And just as my teacher was a sign-post for me in the darkness, so, I will serve by helping travelers along their Way.  Whoever God Sends, I meet and tell them of God's Glory.*

_________

*Taken from, The Blindman's Reality, unpublished manuscript, 1980.

Also by Dr. Bitkoff, A Commuter’s Guide to Enlightenment, Llewellyn, 2008 and Journey of Light: Trilogy, Authorhouse, 2004. These books are available on Amazon.Com or from publisher.

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

As The Hour Glass Drains- 3 Texts

As the hour glass drains

what is important to you?

Each grain is a precious moment

that cannot be reclaimed.

What have you left undone?

What else do you wish to accomplish?

Consider your answers well.

You are not promised another day.

*   *

 

The hour of one's death is fixed.

What is not fixed

is how we spend our life.

Use these hours well.

They are as precious

as any treasure

you will ever find.

*   *

 

If you were about to die

and the Angel of Death

gave you time to do one thing,

what would that be?

Consider your answer well.

It will describe

how you lived your life.

And if you are unhappy

with your answer,

remember, while you are alive

there is still time to change!

*   *

 

Light of Hope

There is a story about a youth

Who lived in a land of darkness and in this land

No one had ever seen the Light.

This youth was different than his friends;

In the quiet of the endless darkness

He would hear whispers

That seemed to originate from within his heart.

These whispers urged him to climb the mountains

That surrounded his home and wait.

 

For many years, this youth gave little thought

To the inner voice and its promise.

He continued his everyday affairs

And at the end of the week, as was the custom,

Would indulge every sensory whim.

 

Finally, after years of endless pleasures,

In the midst of a drunken stupor

He was awakened by the inner voice.

            You choose darkness to the Light

            You are foolish.

            With the sunrise

            Is the promise of a new day.

 

And with these words the drunkenness left.

Impulsively this youth began to run toward the mountains.

With all the urgency of a lover

In flight to his beloved,

He scaled the mountains

And began to wait.

 

After many hours, the silence was broken

And the inner voice commanded.

            Turn toward the east.

            The Light shall be revealed

            And you will know the promise

            Of your Lord.

 

And amidst the darkness of his world,

Gradually, the Light was revealed-

Ray after ray.

And from that moment

He was aware of his own full potential.

 

 

As this first sunrise was heralded

By faint rays of Light,

So, hope is eternal, proclaiming

That today will be brighter.

 

Although this world is filled with darkness,

Hope waters the heart of each traveler.

For He/She that created the darkness

Also created the Light;

Darkness and Light follow each other,

And in each heart a candle is waiting

To be caressed and rekindled-

By the Light of Eternity.

 

O spiritual traveler, remember

As you pray each evening

Climb the mountain of your desires;

And in the morning

Your lips will be caressed by Sunlight.

 

______________

Also by Dr. Bitkoff, A Commuter’s Guide to Enlightenment, Llewellyn, 2008 and Journey of Light: Trilogy, Authorhouse, 2004. These books are available on Amazon.Com or from publisher.

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

 

God Men & God Consciousness

Q:  Is the completed person, one who has achieved God Consciousness, a God?  This is what some traditions claim. Can you clarify this point?

First, we must discuss limitations on our discussion. The claims of different traditions have to be viewed from within that tradition. It is very difficult for an observe to understand or fully comprehend what is operating unless the observer has first hand experience; we operate under the assumption that all faiths are true at a certain level.

Also, it is very difficult to put into words a spiritual state, or a spiritual level that one has not yet attained.  However, useful comparisons may be made.  Last, we must take into account historical perspective.  When each of the great faiths was initiated and when the title of ‘god’ was conferred, the term may have meant something a little different than what it means today in our monotheistic culture. Many cultures acknowledge the existence of spiritual entities that govern plants, forests, and mountains.  In these traditions, there are different levels of ‘gods’ and ‘gods’ for all natural phenomena. 

With our strides in science and present focus upon exploration of self and religion, we are beginning to understand some of these miraculous ‘phenomena’ as an extension of natural laws.  Interestingly enough, that is what the wise ones have always said concerning their ‘miracles.’

The outcome of all mystery traditions and human development systems is the completed person.  In some traditions, these spiritually developed individuals are called Buddha, Sadhu, and enlightened one, servant of God, saint, mystic, or heretic.  Yet, what each of these people have in common is they have achieved a level of spiritual development, which in the context of their faith, is extraordinary.  Along with this level of spiritual development are capacities that appear miraculous, simply because they are not understood.  Yet, the person who uses these capacities, when questioned, describes them as extensions of natural laws, which they intuitively and purposefully direct to carry out their function.

Also, part of the confusion surrounding this issue comes about due to specific statements made by individuals who were deemed highly spiritually developed. Some of these statements were termed heretical and people were executed for making them.

Part of the mystical path, is a state, called annihilation.  In this state, the worldly consciousness is annihilated or destroyed and the spirit is unified and briefly becomes one with Truth/God.  In this state, should the person speak and sometimes the energy is so strong and joyous, they assert out loud, “I Am The Way.”  Or, “I Am The Truth.” 

When this happens, it is not the person speaking, but the spirit or energy that is moving through them, asserting itself. This energy, is the Logos, or Spirit of God; for this energy, or Light, is the binding force of the universe and is the Way and the Truth.  It is suggested that Jesus, in part, was killed for making this statement.  Similarly, a Muslim Saint, Al-Hallaj was disemboweled for making this claim.

From our perspective, that which is greater than the universe, is different than that which is created.  Although a part of God is in everyone, no matter how well advanced a spiritual entity, we are not the Creator or the same as the Creator.

Some traditions assert the Logos takes on a human form to carry out its mission.  Perhaps, this is true and this is a wonderful event, however, is this the same as the Creator entering the world of forms?  Each must come to a decision about this on their own, and, it is suggested, the event be viewed within the context of the specific faith asserting this.

 

Multiple Truths

Q:   Can two things, seemingly different, be true at the same time?

Yes.  Have you ever gotten into a discussion with your significant other where both were at polar opposites?  For example, one wishes to paint the house and the other does not.  In this situation, we are not considering if the house needs paint, to what degree and by who’s standard but simply if the people involved want it painted.  In this scenario there is no correct answer and in time a compromise is reached, one gives into another, or the matter remains unresolved.

Now, one of the characteristics of indoctrination systems is they foster particular beliefs and assert others who disagree are incorrect.  This type of belief system is rigid with little room for difference and is the most difficult to engage in compromise.  Examples, of indoctrination systems exist within political, religious, and extremist groups.  Followers of indoctrination systems often oppose anyone who does not believe similarly.

Let us turn for a moment to specific religious or spiritual beliefs.  For example, does reincarnation exist or not?  People’s beliefs, opinions and religious doctrines are all over the place on this.  Some religions claim reincarnation is true and others do not.  Additionally, some religions state specific circumstances under which it occurs and many details.  Yet, to someone of another faith, this is not a central issue and according to his or her belief system, reincarnation does not exist.

Well which view is correct?  As with our example with painting the house, perhaps, both or neither. Also, in this matter we must consider the energy produced by believing and the effect it has upon reality.  In the medical field, doctors and other healers are becoming aware people who believe they are going to get well have a greater chance of recovering from serious illness. The energy around belief, in part, leads to recovery.

Or perhaps there is a dimension, or energy engendered by belief, when attached to a possibility serves as a catalyst and causes things to occur.

The universe is a vast place, and it is possible for all kinds of things to be true simultaneously.

Now, one person believes there is a God and another does not.  Are both correct?  On one level- yes. On the level of personal belief and experience both are correct. Yet, ultimately, in the larger universe, only one is accurate.

It is possible for people to believe things that are not true for others and in time, it is possible for them to accept something else.  People believe and accept at the level to which they are most comfortable.  Also, it is possible for people to believe something and cause it to happen.  The person who goes around believing they are accident prone, creates a state of consciousness that helps pull mishaps toward them.

Starfish, Angel of Death, Formless

Starfish

A brown hair boy
searching for starfish by the ocean shore.
Keeping all he finds
wanting to possess beauty.

Placed in a pail
the starfish lives evaporated
with the sea water.

A grown man remembers
and will not contain
another living thing.
****************************************************************
Angel of Death

If you were about to die
and the Angel of Death
gave you time to do one thing,
what would that be?

Consider well your answer.
In the main, it will describe
how you lived your life.

And if you are unhappy
with your answer,
remember, while you are alive
there is still time to change.
****************************************************************
Formless

That which is formless
takes on a physical shape,
so, you may know it.

Blind to the Truth,* Remember

The traveler questioned, “Master why don’t more of the people take what you offer them? In your hand you hold a wondrous element that can transform their lives.”

The Master replied, “I extend my hand to everyone, yet few see what I hold. Most never open their eyes.”

“Then why don’t you teach them to open their eyes,” inquired the traveler.

“First they must be willing and able to learn,” replied the Master.

________

*The above teaching encounter first appeared, In the Bookseller’s Hand, from Journey of Light: Trilogy, Authorhouse, 2004.

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

*     *

Remember

Life is fundamentally a spiritual experience. Everything inside and around us, in this magnificent universe, draws its life substance from a spiritual fabric.

The trouble is, most people fail to "Remember' this basic Truth and call it into consciousness, daily, as they go through their lives. For if they did this- based their actions upon spiritual principles- this world would be a more wonderful experience for all.

This failure to 'Remember'- and call to consciousness, daily, through purposeful activity- is our primal and continuing fall from Grace.

For you see, we are all daughters and sons of a King; and as such have a Regal, spiritual, mission and destiny.

*   * 

World of Pond Fables (3)

1)     Self-Importance

Two honeybees were flying from flower to flower gathering pollen.  The first said to the second, “hurry, hurry, we have to get to the flowers before the others. I want to be the best gatherer of pollen that I can be. I want to reach my full potential and show the Queen, Mother who is best.”

The second bee thought, “That is a fine goal, but I have no such desire to impress the Queen. I gather pollen because it is my job and I want to do it well. Besides I don’t know what else to do.”

So after a time, when their sacks were full the 2 bees returned to the hive.  And as the Guard to the Hive examined each sack, only the second bee’s load was accepted.

The Lesson

Many times it isn’t always a question of what we do, but how we do it. Often personal motives are essential to an under taking.  Consider a gift given out of love, although less costly, many times is worth more to the recipient that a more costly item given only to impress.

*     *

2)     A Search

It was dark and Turtle was looking about his burrow muttering to himself.  “Where have I placed it?  If I don’t find it, what will become of me?  Surely I am ruined!”

Then Turtle thought to himself, “Get a hold on your emotions. If you’re going to be successful, you must search in an organized pattern.” So Turtle devised a plan and then put it into action. First he felt around on the ceiling. Then he groped around on the floor; all without success.

After a time Turtle began to grow sad. He was afraid it was gone forever and he would never find it. Suddenly an idea occurred to him. “Perhaps I am going about this in the wrong way? What I need is a candle to help me see in the dark.”

So Turtle set about the task of finding a candle and some matches.  This took a good part of the evening; eventually he was successful.  After Turtle lit the candle and could see more clearly, he figured out his next step.

“What I will do is search the left, then, the right side of my burrow. And after some hours of searching the left side, without success, it was time to search the right.  But the candle was burning low and Turtle was tired. So Turtle sat down on the right side of the burrow, and closed his eyes.

As the candle burned low, Turtle fell asleep.  When he awoke, it was morning and lo and behold! He found himself resting beside his small bag of gold.  It was undisturbed in the hole he had dug to protect it. Turtle had forgotten it was waiting for him all the time.

The Lesson

While trying to solve a problem, often different factors and approaches must come together. In this story, Turtle quickly realizes that a random search isn’t helping him much; so he adds a piece of technology to brighten the darkness. Next he devises a rationale plan and puts it to work; unfortunately before he can complete the plan, he grows tired and falls asleep.  As the situation develops, and as luck or fate would have it, simultaneously another part of Turtle’s brain is functioning; and on a subconscious level, Turtle intuitively falls asleep right next to his gold.

Similarly, if a spiritual quest is to be successful, the right elements must combine. It must be the right time, in the right place, and with the right people.  Also, at work must be Baraka or Divine Light to brighten the seeker’s inner darkness and help them find the gold. This is represented by our candle which helped lead Turtle to the spot.

*     * 

3)     Three Sisters

Once there was a dandelion that had 3 beautiful, yellow children.  These sisters used to play in the wind together and were known across the meadow for their sweet fragrance and striking color.  One morning as the 3 sisters opened to the sun, the appearance of one of the flowers was changed. Its blossom, although fuller, was now comprised of tiny, white seedlings.

The 2 other sisters were frightened by their sister’s new appearance and questioned, ‘What has happened to you? Are you alright?’

Gently the third sister replied, ‘Do not be frightened. I know I look different, but inside I am still the same.  Remember mother said this was a natural process.  Also there is a voice inside me which is whispering, ‘You have been waiting for this all your life.’

As the days passed, the 2 sisters grew embarrassed by their sister’s changed appearance and rarely spoke to her.  This made the third sister very sad, but her inner voice told her not to give-up.  Eventually she would know the meaning of her altered state.

One windy afternoon as the 3 sisters swayed on the building breeze, the small, white seedlings detached and lifted up into to the wind.  And as the seedlings sailed across the meadow, searching for a place to land and their new home, the flower rejoiced.

The next morning, there were only 2 sisters left to open to the sun and both had turned white.

The Lesson

Change is the Divine chord of the universe; daily like the dandelions: we grow closer to our journey upon the wind and Light. 

Remember, surrendering to the breeze is natural as breathing; and it is only our fear that blinds us to the excitement of a new life across the meadow.

________

Also by Dr. Bitkoff, A Commuter’s Guide to Enlightenment, Llewellyn, 2008 and Journey of Light: Trilogy, Authorhouse, 2004. These books are available on Amazon.Com or from publisher.

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