Frances Vaughan and Roger
Walsh (Gifts from A Course In Miracles,
1995).
Recently we are having and
sharing deeper experiences of One-ness, or Non-Duality. What does this mean to
us?
We have been clear from the outset that we are interested only in experiencing Divine Presence, not following a specific doctrine or religion of any kind. We agree that Truth reveals itself when we are ready. It is a heart knowing, not an intellectual or pro-scribed explanation written by someone outside of ourselves. It does not aim to convince or convert.
At Light Tree we only want
to know what is true. We don’t concern ourselves with established teachings
unless we sit with them and they resonate within us in some way. Even then, we
surrender what we think we know and ask our Divine guidance for clarity. Only
by quiet contemplation and prayer can we begin to glimpse what our inner Self
is conveying in each moment.
Buddhism has established a
time-tested methodology for awakening. Many of us who are born in the west have
longed for a way into an authentic experience of ourselves, but are
disinterested in mainstream religious practices and ideologies that do not ring
true for us. At Light Tree, The Course In
Miracles continues to be the gold standard for non-dualism because it
clearly shows us how to un-do the ego and its limited world-view.
Having said this, we have
found many contemporary teachers that can be accessed through the miracle of
e-technologies or books. Non-Duality
reveals itself through many traditions and many teachers, our Selves included.
Cynthia Bourgeault, Episcopalian Minister and established scholar of Contemplative Christianity aims to recapture
the original teachings of Jesus. She ably demonstrates ways that we can apply
this direct knowing in our everyday lives.
In The Wisdom Jesus and The
Meaning of Mary Magdalene she
reveals simple and well established practices that are accessible to those who
are more familiar with the Christian tradition. Centering prayer and Lectio
divina are indispensable tools for those wanting a direct experience of
Divine One-ness.
In the next series of blogs
we aim to explore some of the direct teachings we have experienced and hope
that by discussing them we will be better able to deepen our understanding of
these rich resources. We trust you will be inspired to delve deeper into your
own awakening process as a result.