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The Ishaya Tradition Newsletter |
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Change |
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Change is a natural part of life. The human body constantly changes and renews itself. Our thoughts and perceptions change. Our experiences change. Our environments and the people in it change. Our dislikes and likes change. Even who we think we are and identify ourselves to be changes.
Why, if this is so, do we resist change then so much?
Deep inside of us we know that there is a level of truth to reality that is unchanging and ever the same. Our mistake for eons of time has been trying to find That in a wrong direction. Desperately we have tried to solidify our sensory perception of reality into some kind of stability. If I have enough money I will be ok, or if I find a perfect mate or a secure job then I will be happy and safe. We cling onto the illusion of steadiness and safety that we have found on some outer conditions, and suffer when it changes and evolves into something new. And the pain increases as we struggle to maintain what is naturally growing and transforming.
As we direct our awareness to the unchanging Ascendant One inside of us a new way of experiencing our life naturally opens. True appreciation of reality becomes our state of being. We become much more able to let go and allow changes to happen in our life from this place of inner stability. This allows us to evolve in consciousness with greater speed and ease. We can return to the innocence and effortlessness that we witness in children as they are growing up. It is a simple choice, and one that needs to be made.
Ascension has certainly changed my life in a big way, and I have had my share of resistance to that process as well. At the same I have committed more and more deeply to anchor myself in the changeless reality of the Ascendant One. All the changes and challenges have been divinely designed to push me deeper into the desire to fully wake up in this life. To flow freely in the upward rising currents of God's creation. What would life be like if it was a constant expansion in joy and love?
Nataraja Ishaya
Resisting change |
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It is natural for life to change more and more quickly as a result of regular Ascension. Choice becomes more important, not less, as one evolves further and further. If we attempt to hold onto to our past as we are being swept down the river, we will be torn by the brambles and rocks along the shoreline. It is better to let go and let the flood of changes carry you ahead. It is only our active attention that keeps the door locked on our Good. All we have to do is let go and get out of the way. Then life will move ahead at an ever-accelerating pace; joy, health, love and happiness will increase faster and faster. We need do so little to gain so much. All of the universe exists to serve us; Ascension is the master key to open us to our good.
MSI
Letting go |
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Change is an essential characteristic of life itself. If the atoms and cells and systems of the body didn’t move and change, life wouldn’t happen. And yet we tend to want to hold onto life as we have it now, perhaps afraid that too much change will lead to somewhere we don’t want to go or we might not be able to handle it when we get there. But that sort of control is an illusion anyway. We are not aware of nor do we have control of the changes the atoms and cells make. We’re somewhat aware of the changes that happen in our local vicinity. But we’re not much aware at all of the larger forces that shape our world and affect our lives. And a good deal of what we do believe about how it all works simply isn’t so.
With the very first attitude it becomes clear that life is not in our hands in the way we thought it was anyway. But then if the Highest Force for Good in the Universe is bringing all good to us at all times and we begin to become aware of that fact, it becomes easier to let the river of life carry us where it will. In fact we may even begin to become aware that it was all our desire that set it in motion in the first place.
Built into the practice of ascending is the practice of letting go. After each time we think the Ascension Attitude we let go and let whatever happens happen. Our small, narrow view of life gives way to the experience of the infinite. Over time our experience grows and our trust increases that yes indeed we wanted it this way. Waking up to the larger truth of who we are is much more important than the security or comfort we think we have now. In fact knowing who you really are is infinitely more important than anything else imaginable.
Sankara Ishaya
The walls are tumbling down |
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There have been many changes in my life in the past year, selling my house, attending Teacher Training, being a student, taking vows, moving to the West Coast. These are some big changes that have taken place. It is the day to day changes that are a constant source of amazement to me. When I think my life or desires should look a certain way, I become acutely aware, how limiting I am being. When I focus on the Ascension Attitude and let whatever happens, happen, drop my old way of thinking and just allow the presence of the Holy Spirit to move freely, I am awestruck. I find myself thinking, wow how cool, there is so much more going on than meets the eye.
There are so many instances everyday that are presented to me when I open my heart to them. The other day I was looking for a coffee shop to hold an introductory lecture, the shop was not longer there. What was there was a sign for easels on sale, I had forgotten I needed to buy a whiteboard for a class being taught that evening, and voila there was God reminding me. Thank you God! I was given the opportunity to change my thought from what I was not finding to the gift of what was presented before me. Another instance I am reminded of is while picking rocks on the beach. I could not find the “perfect” rocks I was looking for. When I let go of my limiting thought and focused on an Ascension Attitude a number of “perfect” rocks were right in front of me. When I changed my perception, then I was able to Praise the entire process.
Painting recently has been the most wonderful classroom and an opportunity to experience change instantly. One year ago if you would have found me painting you would have heard many obscenities. Today I enjoy the transformation of the room or house and the transformation in myself. When I think the Ascension Attitudes the lines are straight the brush flows with ease and grace. When my attention goes outward, even for a moment, the line is crooked, the judgment starts, I try to fix it and it only gets worse. When I focus again on what are real, the Ascendant and the Ascension Attitudes, the paint once again flows on straight, the judgment stops, the illusion dissipates and reality returns.
There are still times I find myself not always open to change, but I also know I can change that thought. Choice becomes more important not less as one evolves further and further. When I Practice the Art of Ascension, the changes and the blessings that are presented to me are astoundingly abundant. I am blessed. When I open myself to change, the walls that are built within come tumbling down for a new way to begin. It is natural for life to change more and more quickly as a result of regular Ascension. Thanks to Ascension I witness Praise, Gratitude, Love and Compassion in change, in my life.
Isvari Ishaya
Enlightenment! Pada III Sutra 15 |
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This, then, is the royal road to the transformation of every aspect of life -- change the level of consciousness and every manifestation of consciousness in life will automatically change. All of life vibrates in harmony with the relationship to the Ascendant. The more perfectly in tune with the Ascendant, the more perfectly life dances in flowing rhythms of progress and sings in accomplishment….
This sutra therefore clarifies the cause of the changes in life --life changes because consciousness evolves; it is not that consciousness evolves because life changes. The source of success in life is thus the transformation of consciousness. Many have misunderstood the path for the goal. Life changes as consciousness changes, but to try to change life to change consciousness is not only a waste of time, it is potentially quite destructive, for introduction of strain in order to evolve puts more stress into the nervous system and can therefore significantly slow growth. One will never evolve by copying the behavior of the enlightened. Activity of thought and behavior change with different states of consciousness. Attempting to live the natural activity of a different state of consciousness is potentially deranging. This is not the path to success for anyone.
MSI
Leading edge of change |
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The leading edge of all change begins with a single individual. At first, the fact that the change is happening at all may be unknown to practically everyone, but it grows more and more rapidly with time. From the first person, it spreads naturally to everyone. This process is automatic; if the individual responsible for introducing the change chooses to engage in action to help promote it, this is not required: that would be generous redundancy.
Our thoughts are not hidden away inside us. We commonly believe they are; we believe (and hope!) some thoughts and beliefs are somehow private, are somehow secret from the rest of the Universe. This is an illusion. Every thought affects everyone and everything everywhere at all times. Because of this, it becomes absurdly easy to change the world: we need only to change one person. If I change me, everyone will benefit. The greatest gift you can give to those you love is the example of your own life working.
Even if you cannot accept the full range of possibility represented by this concept -- that your improvement improves everyone else -- still there can be no question that you certainly must desire to improve your own life for your own sake. The fortunate truth is that this is not hard to do. In fact, it is extremely easy. Anyone who declared it hard to improve was undoubtedly speaking from his or her own experience -- but that experience must have had as a premise the belief that beneficial change is difficult. The reality of the human condition is that beneficial change is extremely easy, as long as there is competent guidance. There is no problem, physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual that cannot be solved effortlessly. The techniques of Ascension are designed to assist in this healing process from the inside out.
MSI, Ascension!
Accelerating change |
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As change accelerates because of regular Ascension, the ride either becomes much smoother or much rougher. What causes the difference? The regular experience of Reality caused by Ascending shakes all the former beliefs about life. All the old habits and addictions surface for review. Any area of life where integrity has been compromised comes clearly into focus, allowing us to choose again whether or not we wish to continue with the old behavior patterns -- or adopt new ones, based on our changing experience of life.
There are no “do’s and don’ts” in Ascension -- none are required or desirable. With regular experience of the underlying Truth, anything that does not serve drops away naturally and inevitably. Even though this is true, there is a transition zone. Are we willing to embrace the changes of Evolution? Or do we resist and attempt to hold onto the past? Attempting to hold on results in pain. It is like trying to squeeze into a suit that is three sizes too small. It hurts.
The river of life pulls us ahead ever more swiftly. If we resist and attempt to hold onto the shore, we get cut and bruised and torn by the rigid boundaries of the land. If we let go and flow, on the other hand, we swiftly flow ahead into a bold new future of adventure and discovery. It is a simple choice, really, and one that can be consciously made at any time. Regardless how strong the tendency to grasp onto things or beliefs, nothing can long resist the wholly beneficial power of correctly practiced Ascension.
MSI, Ascension!
Upcoming First Spheres and other events |
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Special announcement!
Ascension retreat in Italy October 2008
I am excited to announce that we are holding an intensive in Italy in October 11th to 18th of 2008. The location is a beautiful retreat center in the Sabina hills about an hour from Rome. You can view it at http://www.insabina.com. For more details contact Ishtar Ishaya at ishtarishaya@hotmail.com or call 541-994 3381
Go to the link below to see all our courses and intensives around the world!
Teacher Training 2008 |
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The course begins October 1st 2007.
The price is $10,800 (US). The deposit is $2200 and it is due September 1st 2007.
The duration of the course is 6 months.
Space is limited so 1st come - 1st serve. Once the deposit is paid it will hold the space.
A minimum of one week intensive prior to the Teacher Training is strongly recommended (but not required).
Further information is available through The Ishaya Tradition.
The Websites |
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The Ishaya Tradition
This website is entirely changed and very much worth a visit!!!
http://www.theishayatradition.org
Hong Kong center website
Michigan center website
http://michiganascension.tripod.com
Europe center website
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This is the 27th edition of the Ishaya Tradition newsletter, which will be appearing monthly in your email from now on. If you wish to unsubscribe please email artofascension@ishaya.biz and let us know. email: theishayatradition@yahoo.com (USA) or artofascension@ishaya.biz (Europe) |
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