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.

                                        *      *

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.

_________

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

World of Pond Fables (3)

The Right Way (1)

Turtle was thrashing about in the pond and splashing water higher and higher into the air.  Grasshopper called out, “Turtle, what are you doing? You can’t swim about like that for very long; soon you’ll get tired!”

Turtle called back, “I’m not swimming. I’m trying to catch flies!”

Grasshopper laughed, calling back, “How can you catch flies splashing water high into the air? Don’t you know it isn’t done that way?”

Turtle replied, “It doesn’t matter what you think; it’s what the fly thinks that is important.”

The Lesson

Many times, we are imprisoned by our thoughts and the way we are taught to look at things (solve problems).  Often the traveler who thinks outside the box- is considered a madman.

Turtle is showing grasshopper, there are many ways to solve a problem (catching flies); clearly, as in this case, some ways are better than others.

_____ 

Missed Opportunity (2)

Turtle crouched, hidden, behind his favorite rock waiting for breakfast to swim by.  After a time, a tiny silver minnow came along, but Turtle exclaimed, “This fellow is too small for me to waste my time on. I’ll just be patient and wait until something bigger comes along.” 

About mid-morning along came a tadpole.  Turtle thought, “I like tadpoles, but I love frogs even more. I’ll wait until the tadpole grows-up. Then I’ll really enjoy myself.”

Later in the morning, Turtle was growing weak from hunger and vowed, “No matter what, I’m going to take a bite out of the next thing to swim by and have my breakfast.” About 20 minutes later along came a water bug.  Turtle exclaimed, “Augh! A water bug; I hate water bugs! They’re so hard.”  Before Turtle could change his mind, the bug was gone.

Turtle looked up at the sun and saw it was almost noon.  Then, Turtle remembered he was on a diet and never ate lunch. So still hungry, Turtle began swimming back to his burrow.

The Lesson

-Sometimes, it is not a matter of what we do- but that we do something. Taking action often sets in motion all kinds of hidden factors- and we gain the prize.

- Also, usually procrastination makes us uneasy, nervous and fearful. To reach fulfillment, we must learn to play the different stations in our mind and know when to take action.

____ 

A Snail’s View (3)

Two snails were having a race up a rock.  The first snail said, “I’m the fastest creature who ever lived.  No one has ever been faster!”

The second snail thought, as he raced up the rock, “If I can keep-up with this fellow, then, I too will be the fastest creature who ever lived.”

After a very long, long time, both snails arrived at the top of the rock at precisely the same moment.

Then both snails started down the rock to tell the whole snail world of their speedy exploits.

The Lesson

-In your own mind, you might be the fastest creature (snail) alive; until along comes an ant and shows you real speed.

-No matter your personal view of reality, there is always a larger, grander view.

______

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.

 

 

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 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 all 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 your heart-

And you will have become the rainbow bridge.

            SB

 

_______

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.

'New' Golden Rule: Selfish Altruism

The Path is none other than service of the people.

                        -Saadi

Each day as I grow a little older, the more troubled I become, over the seeming inability to solve many of our pressing, social and economic problems. While human’s can be extraordinary problem solvers often events have to rise to a crisis level before any real meaningful action is taken. Then for many events and circumstances, it is too late to avert a catastrophe of sorts.

Part of the reason for all of this is that by nature, we humans are basically self-centered and it is very difficult for governments, corporations, and individual citizens to move past their own individual interests.

Of late, there is a growing awareness of a term called selfish altruism; seemingly more and more social scientists, moralists, and everyday citizens are beginning to realize that it is in our own best interest to take care of our neighbor.  Part of the complaint of the Wall Street Protest movement seems to center on the very real fact that there are too many greedy people in the world, who have accumulated too much wealth at the expense of others. These takers haven’t come to the realization, that it is an awfully big world out there and we all have to learn to share and not hoard the earth’s resources.

Today in the NEWS, some problems and issues of concern:

• One of the statistics being thrown around that in America alone, there are 45 million people on food stamps. These people are living at the basic subsistence level and across the world, thousands die of starvation each day. And I’m sitting here, trying to figure out how to loose 15 pounds; yes some of us have more than others.
• Also, I received an e-mail today that quoted one of the Forbes Brothers stating that in America alone, there is more oil in the ground than in all the Middle Eastern countries combined. If this is true, one has to wonder why gasoline will soon be $5.00 a gallon. I guess drilling in America is too much of an expense or problem for the big oil companies? Financially, it is easier for them to let the consumer continue to be gouged by inflated oil prices.  When you are wealthy, $5.00 a gallon is no biggie; if you are an average American family this rising price and its ripple effect on food costs, trucking, and everything else- can break your budget
• Also today, supposedly, the seventh billion human being was born and arrived on this planet. How can anyone accurately keep track of this number of people, and what are we all supposed to do here? Look out for ourselves only or help each other share the earth’s resources. You know, each moment, we do have the choice to help or hurt?

No matter what we publicly say, I guess as a nation, we are not really interested in affordable gasoline or feeding our poor, disabled, and hungry. From my years of working in social service agencies, seems to me, this is something that we come to very grudgingly. These 2 problems have been with us a very long time now, and I guess will get solved, only when there is a crisis of sorts. Then, we will slip back into the old way of being selfish, again. We are fighting against human nature and people not realizing that in helping our neighbor we are helping ourselves. This sort of idea takes generations to filter to a level where it makes a real difference.

Or perhaps not? With the internet, maybe it will take less than one generation? After all, we can be hopeful that people will quickly embrace the ‘New’ Golden Rule and realize selfish altruism.

The selfish altruism principle is exemplified by a story of the great Indian nationalist leader Mahatma Gandhi. It was known that once he settled in a village he would immediately begin to serve the needs of its people. When a friend inquired if his reasons for serving the poor were purely humanitarian, Gandhi answered, "Not at all. Rather," he said, "I am here to serve myself only, to find my own self-realization through the service of others." True compassion toward our fellow human beings simultaneously serves our selves-it is a mutual healing. Such generosity of spirit must be extended to all things, not just other human beings, to be considered ethical and merciful.*

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*Selfish altruism, only one for all makes one for one, published on July 2, 2009 by T. Byram Karasu, M.D. in The Mystery of Happiness, appearing online: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-mystery-happiness/200907/selfish-altruism.

_______

 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.