ShivaShaktiMEdwards05
February 14, 2009
 
 Anam Cara Foundation
 Perennial Wisdom For The Soul's Journey
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Greetings and Namaste!

Valentine's Day is a perfect time for remembering not only those whom we love, but our capacity to choose love and to be chosen, embraced by love. In the face of calamity, turmoil, the malignant horrors that humans are able to inflict upon each other, whether in Tibet, Iraq, Rwanda, New Orleans, or countless other places, we're all inspired by the light that shines through stories of love, like a brilliant blossom in a scorched desert, tenaciously alive, asserting its living presence through a person's choice to be loving, forgiving, kind and compassionate, even in the most dire circumstances.

Each and everyone of us has the capacity, moment-by-moment to choose love, to be aware of the other choices we make and change course, to choose love, this instant, the next instant and the one after that. At all times, in all places, choose Love. This is the way of the Buddha, of Christ, of Gandhi, of countless anonymous saints and sages of all traditions. Choose love. Not just when it is easy, coated in chocolate, wrapped in attractive cloth, but when it means embracing what is right there, present, in any shape, form or situation.

The Flames of Love

Let the flames of Love cleanse you
Of all clinging to illusion.
Let Love illumine the Truth.

Love is the most precious gift.
Love is the most sublime path.
Love is the most profound meditation.
Love is the highest attainment.

In Love - the fullness of compassion.
In Love - timeless patience.
In Love - unbounded awareness.
In Love - all is illuminated.
In Love - vast spaciousness.
In Love - form and emptiness embrace.
In Love - I and Thou disappear.
In Love -

Kalidas
2007

 Ryokan
 19 Century Japanese Zen Master

Poem Composed Following A Terrible Earthquake

Day after day,
At noon and midnight, the cold was piercing,
The sky was thick with black clouds that blocked out the sun.
Fierce winds howled, snow swirled violently.
Wild waves stormed heaven, buffeting monster fish.
Walls trembled and shook, people shrieked in terror.
Looking back the past forty years,
I now see that things were racing out of control:
People had grown lax and indifferent,
Forming factions and fighting among themselves.
The forgot about obligations and duty,
Ignored notions of loyalty and justice,
And only thought of themselves.
Full of self-conceit, they cheated each other,
Creating an endless, filthy mess.
The world was rife with madness,
No one shared my concern.
Things got worse until the final disaster struck -
Few were aware that the world was star-crossed
And dreadfully out of kilter.
If you really want to understand this tragedy, look deep inside
Rather than helplessly bemoan your cruel fate.
Leave off your mad rush for gold and jewels -
I've got something far more precious for you:
A bright pearl that sparkles more brilliantly than the sun and moon
And illuminates each and every eye.
Lose it and you'll wallow in a sea of pain;
Find it and you'll safely reach the other shore.
I'd freely present this treasure to anyone
But hardly anyone asks for it.

Ryokan
From Dewdrops On A Lotus Leaf
John Stevens, translator


 


 Winter Programs
 Anam Cara, Bedford, NY


Saturday Feb. 21 and March 21 7:30pm
Kirtan Night!
With Satya, Ma and Kalidas. Join us in this ancient and ecstatic practice of chanting the names of the Divine. Everyone is welcome!

February 27-March 1, 2009, Friday Evening-Sunday Afternoon
Mysteries of the Divine Feminine and
Kundalini Empowerment Retreat

Led by Lawrence Edwards, Ph.D.


The extraordinary power of Consciousness that allows us to directly know the Infinite is called Kundalini in the yogic tradition. In this retreat you will be guided through ancient practices that awaken and unfold the inner power of meditation and yoga, Kundalini.

Through this innate power of Consciousness we will explore the archetypal realms of transcendence, wisdom and grace. Through the power of mantra, chanting, breath work, and the profound tales of mystical traditions, including the Black Madonna, Inanna, Kali and Kundalini, we will further access the inner source of true knowledge and ultimate freedom. That source is the Divine within. Through this process you will be empowered to deepen and sustain your meditation practice at home. Many people take this retreat repeatedly in order to delve more and more deeply into the mysteries of true meditation and further unfold the power of Kundalini. Sharings from others who have taken the retreat can be found through the program link below. Pre-registration is required. Fee: $270, includes meals but not accommodations.

Meditation Group Every Tuesday Evening: starts promptly at 7:30pm at our center at the Anam Cara Foundation in Bedford, NY. All are welcome! Directions are on the Anam Cara website. If you wonder whether the group is being held on a particular Tuesday evening there will always be a message stating if it is cancelled on that night on 914-234-4800.


Click here to find out more about the programs.... 


Thank you all for your notes of appreciation for our newsletter.

Everyone has the heart to be a true friend of the soul, an Anam Cara. By embodying that ideal ourselves we may help another to find it in themselves.

Our highest nature is always manifest in relationship - to all other beings, to the environment, in relation to our own body and mind. Becoming mindful of the quality of our relationships allows us to learn where the light shines and where it needs to shine more. The ideal of Anam Cara is to continuously endeaver to expand the depth and the inclusiveness of the loving kindness we bring into every relationship.

If you have any suggestions, comments or sharings, for our newsletter please don't hesitate to e-mail me and I'll do my best to respond.

The Anam Cara Foundation is a 501 (C) 3, non-profit educational organization dedicated to teaching meditative practices. Our non-denominational programs are open to all. There are free meditation instructions and downloadable audio files of guided meditations on our
website.

Thank you for the many ways you have shown support for The Anam Cara Foundation. Because of your gifts we can offer free programs and instruction to thousands of people. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation please send it to address listed below.

I look forward to welcoming you in person to our programs.

With great appreciation and love,
I thank you all.

May all beings realize complete freedom from suffering and may all our actions reflect only wisdom, compassion, patience and loving kindness.

Lawrence signature
Lawrence Edwards, Ph.D.
Founder and Director
The Anam Cara Foundation

Lawrence on the Isle of Iona, Scotland
All newsletter contents copyrighted 2007


phone: 914-234-4800
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