Devotion and Destiny
by Guru Rattana, Ph.D. - Issue #39, November 25, 2001
Destiny
We live in a powerful and tumultuous time. As we make the transition from the Piscean to the Aquarian Age, we are individually and collectively faced with many challenges. Many of us are asking what can we do to help. How can we personally contribute to the creation of a world founded in love, not based on fear? We ask what is my purpose? Why am I here? If we do not know, we may feel an unidentified sense of frustration or urgency. Be reassured, however, that if you are asking these questions, you are already part of the solution. You are being guided. The nature of your contribution will be made known to you in divine timing.
The real problem is for those who are not asking these questions; who bury themselves in anger and desire for revenge. It is important at this time to discern between thoughts and attitudes that create inner peace, and those that perpetuate inner conflict. We must be careful to choose behaviors and actions that create, not destroy, life. Since our inner reality creates our outer reality, our contribution begins and continues in our minds and hearts.
Some people will find that their purpose is to serve as pillars to hold the space of peace. You will simply go about what may seem to be your normal daily lives without a grand project. If you are one of these pillars, do not underestimate the importance of your assignment. Love can only manifest on the Planet through our attentive embodiment of peace and light. Carry out your mission with diligence wherever you are posted, and appreciate yourself for volunteering for this assignment.
Others are being given more action-oriented assignments. You are being asked to serve humanity by orchestrating or facilitating specific projects. Whatever service you are asked to perform, remember to always carry the vibration of love in your heart, and space of neutrality in your mind. Your attitude will facilitate or sabotage your best intentions. Wherever, you are called upon to serve, serve with grace as your style, gratitude as your attitude, and humility as your touchstone.
The Sun is in Sagittarius from November 21 through December 20. Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, the planet of expansion and good fortune. This is a great time to tune into your life purpose, identify your destiny path and truly follow your heart. There will be time for serious work when the Sun goes into Capricorn December 21. Now is the time to allow the conscious expansion of your soul into your human embodiment, and rejoice in your spiritual awakening.
Devotion
Yogi Bhajan recently shared the inspirational thought that we find our purpose through devotion. We find our destiny inside, not outside, ourselves.
Devotion is cultivated through any form of prayer, meditation, chanting, ritual or reading of sacred scriptures. There are many, many devotional practices which humble us before the Divine, and open our hearts to connect with the Infinite Source. It is our connection with the Divine that opens us to our Soul Essence. It is our connection with our Soul that awakens us to the experience of Oneness. In Oneness our destiny path is revealed.
Devotional Practices - Kundalini Yoga
The morning meditation series that Yogi Bhajan has given us to chant daily through 2011 ends with 5 minutes of the mantra Guru Guru Wha He Guru Guru Ram Das Guru.
Chanting 5-11 minutes of this mantra is a great way to end any yoga and meditation practice and to set the vibration for our day. This beautiful devotional chant evokes the healing energy of Guru Ram Das, who embodied the divine essences of humility, healing, service and love. This mantra can be chanted in a monotone, or sung in any tune you make up. Many enticing versions of this chant have been recorded on Sadhana CDs.
Chanting 3-11 minutes of long Saaaaaaaaaat Nam's with your hands on your heart or in prayer pose is also a simple way to evoke devotional heart energy. Simply inhale deeply and chant SAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT until breath is almost done, and then complete with a short well enunciated NAM.
Below I share a poem that I wrote in 1997.(1) It was inspired by a short verse from Sikh scripture the Siri Guru Grant Sahib. I have written hundreds of these essay poems, and this is one of my favorites. I send it you with my prayer that the light of your destiny path will awaken in your heart.
Claim Your Gift and Come Home
Each human life is rich, complex and elegant.
Within each of us are all the powers and the wisdom of the Universe.
We are each God's highest experiment of being "ME"
Each of our lives is about initiating the small "me" into the consciousness of the expanded "ME" —
gracefully expanding from our personality into our Soul.
Our human journey is a lifetime process called self-initiation.
Self-initiation is a series of tests whereby we learn to unravel the mysteries of life.
Our foremost task is to align our body, mind and emotions with the universal vibration of peace and love.
For the Universe rewards us according to our internal state of affairs.
When we are aligned and vibrate in unison with the Universe,
the Cosmos easily and effortlessly hears our prayers and computes our requests.
Connected to Source, we are supported and propelled forward on our destiny path.
The secret is to delight in being who we are — to celebrate the ecstasy of our Soul each step of the way.
The key is to want what we already have.
The formula is to open ourselves up to receive what is already ours.
Our touchstone is our willingness to live the destiny written on our forehead.
Now is the time. Each precious moment is an opening
to let go of our pain and struggle
to joyfully reconnect with our Soul
to rejoice in the company of other divine beings and
to return home once again.
We ask, how do we find our way home? The answers resonate within our hearts.
Clear the way for your soul's journey on your destiny path
by renouncing your fears and frivolous preoccupations
by abandoning entanglements that cause emotional pain and chaos
by releasing your resistance to the expression of your own perfection.
Allow your body and all your chakras to freely vibrate with the symphony of the cosmos.
Choose to follow the path of your heart in every thought, communication and action.
In your heart feel the presence of Divine love and with honor you will return to your true home. Gently allow yourself
to open your heart to consciously reconnect with the Divine Mother
to match your vibration with the vibration of Her universal love
to go deeply within and free yourself from all external attachments
to attach yourself only to the Name of the Divine and the reality of your soul.
Anchor in these feelings by using nature and the precious gifts of life as your touchstones.
As the ocean cleanses the beach
let the silent sound of the infinite
quiet your inner turmoil.
As the lullaby calms the baby
invite the gentle caress of the Divine Mother
to bring harmony to your emotions.
As a pillar supports a palace
feel the energy in your spine
be the primal pillar of your body — the temple of your soul.
As a lamp gives light to darkness
feel the warm sun
fill your heart with joy and contentment.
As the stars decorate the sky
allow the beauty of your spirit
to be the glowing ornament in your aura.
By focusing totally on yourself, your energy, your feelings, and your heart, gather and claim the special gifts that only you can give.
Load your gifts on your vehicle called "MY LIFE."
In your mind's eye, see yourself
setting out with other seekers on your path
gracefully sharing your gifts along the way
blessing and being blessed by everyone you meet.
Your face is radiating love for all to see.
Your soul is glowing at the divine portal.
Rare are those persons who engage in the trade of their own precious gifts.
It is in sharing your gifts
that you receive your rewards.
It is in offering your gifts
that you obtain grace.
It is in living your gifts
that you partake in the celebration of life.
It is in gratitude for your gifts
that you find your way home.
It is in realizing that your gift is the gift of SELF
that your self-initiation is complete
that the destiny on your forehead is recorded forever.
May the long time sun shine upon you. All love surround you. And the pure light within you, guide your way home.
References and Footnotes
1. Inspired by a reading from the Siri Guru Granth Sahib. Poem 463, Copyright May 1, 1997 and April 17, 1998 by Guru Rattana, Ph.D.
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