The first part of this session can be read in the September issue here.
11th July 2008
This is part two of Barbara Brodsky's reflections on her healing trips to Casa de Dom Inácio. Click here to read part one.
September 26, 2007 - Wednesday Night with Aaron, excerpt
The resolution of violence / power of compassion / evolution / catalysts of the incarnation as the opportunity for learning
9th June 2008
Barbara: We’ve been reading the transcript 070926 about co-responsibility for peace or violence in the world. You have spoken about this before. In 4 months we have a presidential election. Of course all of us want world peace, but we differ on our views of how to attain peace, and thus, on which candidate can best lead us there. I certainly am not asking you to endorse a candidate, but can you give us some suggestions of how to best invite this elusive peace we wish to see.
Aaron: I am Aaron. My blessings and love to you. Do you remember years ago, on personal retreat, you stayed at a house with large woods just down the road? There was a troublesome dog who ran out to the road snarling and snapping every time you walked past his house. You wanted to walk in the woods but were afraid of and angry about the dog. So there was desire for the lovely refuge of the woods, and also ambivalence because the dog threatened. You did not know how best to approach the situation.
Should you forget about walking in the woods and avoid the dog? Should you walk past and ignore the dog, hoping he would not attack? Should you confront the dog with angry voice or stick? In the end, you offered statements of metta (loving-kindness) to the dog and yourself as you walked past, knowing that would not guarantee he would not attack. It would only serve to open your heart so you did not have an attitude of self-identity with the fear and anger that arose. This open heart would change your energy so the dog might perceive you differently. And he did. He still snarled at you, but not nearly as fiercely. It also freed you from the unwholesome karma of your antagonism to the dog.
Question: You've said our lives don't have to be painful if we learn to pay attention when there's no pain, and I understand that intellectually. How do we learn to pay attention without pain? Can we ever live in perfect peace? If, as you say, things are far less cruel on this planet now than thousands of years ago, and if we continue moving in a positive direction, can this planet eventually be the paradise it has the potential to be. Or MUST there be pain for growth? In short, can this world ever be a 'garden of Eden'?'
Aaron: It would first be useful to ask how you define Eden. By this term do you picture a totally painfree environment where all is provided in abundance, where there is never anger, never illness, never any discomfort of any sort? How can this be? Within the limits of this physical environment, the rain that allows food to grow to abundance also may be disturbing to those who wish for sunshine. Had you in mind a planet where it only rains over growing fields, perhaps only from 11 P.M. to 5 A.M.?
Q: What I am learning about our spiritual journey is very beautiful. How can I share it with my parents (spouse/children/friends)?
As you find your path opening before you, of course you want to share the beauty with your loved ones. That is fine. Tell them what you are learning, but be prepared for a less than enthusiastic response.
All beings are on a spiritual path, whether or not they are conscious of that path. We are all on our way home. Remember that we travel by many routes and are in different places, each on our own unique path.
Q: Why am I depressed, Aaron? What do I do about it? If my learning doesn’t have to be painful, why is it painful? I think I’m paying attention, but there’s still so much pain.
My dear one, you are light. Each thing seeks its own kind: light seeks light, darkness seeks darkness, joy seeks joy, and sorrow seeks sorrow. When you’re fully able to enter into the experience of yourself as light, everything seems lighter around you. You know yourself to be part of that Ground of all love, call it God or whatever you prefer.
December 19, 2007
Aaron: Barbara said this is one of her favorite annual events. I think it’s my favorite. I especially love the many young people joining us here. Thank you for coming.
For those who have not heard me before and are sitting there wonder am I real, are you real (looking at one new guest)?
Q: I’m real.
Q: You often talk about meditation. What does meditation mean to you? Why do you advise us to meditate? Is there another way to learn those things meditation teaches?
You have several questions here. Let us take them one at a time. Is there any other way to learn? Bluntly, no. That is not as limited as it may seem, since meditation takes many forms. Your personality and where you are on your journey determine the best form of meditation for you. Rarely is only one form of meditation adhered to throughout life. As you grow and change, a new method may become appropriate. Try it on like a suit of clothes and, if it fits you, wear it for a time. Allow it to become comfortable and familiar until it becomes like a second skin. Then you are no longer performing an action when you meditate, but simply experiencing, or being, meditation. By that phrase I mean resting in the meditative mind, resting in pure Being, rather than performing an action as planned by the discursive mind.
