The Information Channel Felist.Com -*-------------------------------------------------------------------------- UNITY WAY June 15, 2003 ------------------------------------------------------ Search for the Truth: Be Still and Know By Andrei Yashurin Since we are made of Truth, it is logical to assume that the Truth is looking for ways to reveal itself to us, to be known and understood. The most important quality of a Truth seeker, therefore, is his/her receptivity. It our daily lives, many of us are goal-oriented. We set before ourselves goals. We work diligently, making all possible efforts to fulfill our plans. We are busy with a lot of different things. I don't imply that this is bad quite the opposite, our work is being rewarded, and we enjoy success and fulfillment. However, when it comes to inner life, there is other dynamic we need to be aware of. Contrary to the popular interpretation of Jesus' words, the Kingdom of God is not taken by force. "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). We come to the accurate knowledge God and the Truth by being still in the Presence. When our minds are restless, the understanding we seek flees from us. And, if we are not careful, we may end up with a bunch of limited and shortcut ideas about God. It is important for all of us to learn how to meditate, to enter the silence, where the Truth of God abides, awaiting our recognition. A question could be asked, "Did Jesus ever teach meditation?" Certainly He did, even though this particular word never appears in the gospels. Jesus taught listening, and this is what meditation is all about. "He who have ears to hear, let him hear". Jesus did not give His disciples a ritual to follow, but revealed to them important principles of receptivity. Therefore, we are free to follow any method which seems to be useful to us, and which produces good results - as long as we know that meditation is important, and make a room for it. "Prove all things, hold fast to the good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21), said Paul. Millions of people testify that the practice of being still and mentally relaxed for some time during a day is good and healthy even for people that do not give it any particular religious significance. Infinitely more blessings we will gain from meditation when we will be entering the silence, expecting to hear God. Many believers I know of pray, but don't meditate. Sad to say, but it makes their spiritual life a bit unhealthy. Most of prayers consist of our talking to God about what we want, or what we think we should want, or what we think God wants. But the longer we talk, the lesser are the chances that we will truly stay attuned to the still small voice within. "But you, when you pray, enter into your room. And shutting your door, pray to your Father in secret". Matthew 6:6 This "secret room" is in found our consciousness. As Jesus pointed out, we need to shut our door, in other words, to avoid all inner and outer distractions. For the beginning, it is important to find a peaceful place somewhere, of create such a place by readjusting of our lives. In the New Testament we read how Jesus often stayed awake at night and went to remote places to be alone with the Father. It is good for us to do likewise. Don't try to make your mind blank, because nature abhors vacuum. Let your mind be centered on God's qualities, such as divine love, divine wisdom, divine presence, divine power, divine abundance. Don't ask for anything. Just be. Just be still. Be still, and watch how your understanding of Truth will unfold. ------------------------------------------------------ Andrei Yashurin: admin@unityway.net http://unityway.net/zine Positive Christianity E-zine If you like our list, please recommend it to others. All messages (c) 2003 by Andrei Yashurin -*-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unsubscribe: http://felist.com/member/unsub?grp=lit.unityway&email= http://felist.com/ mailto:ask@felist.com