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Since college, I always had a natural interest in the mystical and hidden, or occult, aspects of life. I was never satisfied with some of the superficial answers that religions gave me when it came to understanding our existence. I was asked to simply accept a bunch of stories and myths and not question them. I was never asked to go on a journey of discovery and then be able to bear witness firsthand to truth. Then, one day, about a decade ago, I finally ran into the esoteric teachings of Buddhism, finally to learn about the Sacred Syllable OM, and what it means and stands for. I found OM to be an experience unlike any other. Finally, I had discovered something that I could experience, and not just believe in, that would really unite the theoretical and experiential aspects of my life. Finally all became one.

However, with this discovery, I asked myself, what now? How do I balance this discovery with my everyday responsibilities? How do I continue without losing my passion for truth if I have to face the mundane each day? How do I balance material and spiritual life?

Well, there is actually an ancient Hindu perspective on life that says life can be broken down into “phases” or “stages”. The first stage is that of student, where we learn about life and how to do things. Next, we either marry or live as a single person serving society through work and public works of different kinds. Finally, there is retirement. But here is where it is different in the ancient Hindu way of thinking - retirement is time to prepare for death and the afterlife. Retirement is not a time to indulge in food, sex, travel, or our egos. Rather, it is a time to renounce life as a human being and prepare for oneness with our Divine Source - Brahman. So, one’s retirement years in the ancient Hindu world was focused on meditation, prayer, silence, simplicity, awareness, encouraging those who are still young and facing the world’s challenges. Herein we find a balance. The first two “thirds” of our life can be indeed spent in a normal way - school, work, family, friends, etc. However, the last “third” can be spent in time of reflection, gratitude, simplicity, renunciation, and preparation for “that” which has yet to come, and that marks the beginning of a new chapter in our existential journeys.

Written by Keith Johnson September 19th, 2008 Add Comment »

There are more religions on the planet than any one of us can imagine. In fact, each of us carries within ourselves our very own “version” of whatever religion or philosophy we hold sacred. Even two Tibetan monks have different “religions” because each monk is a unique individual and has unique views on things. This is why there is always dissension from within religions and also between religions, among other things. Whomever you hold sacred - I don’t care who it is - Buddha, Christ, Mohammad, Moses, Mozart, Beethoven, your third grade teacher, your piano teacher, your boss, your secretary, your husband, your wife, or even your best friend - all such individuals are unique expressions of OM according to the sages of Vedanta. So, even though our societies ask us to think a certain way and hold fast to certain indoctrinations, within our hearts is a unique and special “someone” we hold to be super-sacred and that nobody else can seem to understand why. Feel free to acknowledge this individual as the present form of OM that the universe wants you to currently spend time with and enjoy for the time being. All names and forms change, but for this moment right now, that is just fine. Vedanta says “all this is OM”. And indeed it is. Our attachment to form is completely natural, and because of the dynamic nature of life and our needs, we can verily say that all people we hold sacred are special forms of OM and in this way we unify our material vision with our spiritual vision. Whomever you hold sacred is, in a way, a guru of yours because you value what they have to say. The word guru simply means “teacher” and “dispeller of darkness”. And such it is with a beloved friend and guide in our lives who is there to address our current needs and concerns.

Written by Keith Johnson September 16th, 2008 Add Comment »

Energizing is the secret behind the success of many spiritual leaders and business leaders. They know that our “source energy” is the resource that will give them “what they need” so that they can help others. Here are ten ways to tap into “source energy” so that you can remain productive and enhance your personal productivity, both professionally and personally:

One. Be passionate about what you are doing. Do what you love - people will notice.

Two. Limit your time online. Just like Marcia of The Brady Bunch tried to get instant popularity by joining all the clubs of her school - but failed, so it is with the Internet. Join just a few sites, but also spend time in your local community to get to network personally. Networking is about people.

Three. Complete tough tasks first. One way to remain with a strong sense of optimism is to take on the most difficult tasks you have before you, first. Then, tackle the easier ones. You will feel a surge of adrenalin when you get the toughest tasks done first - then the other ones will seem really easy.

Four. Select your endeavors wisely. There are tasks on your plate which you do not need to do. Eliminate them or get someone else to do them. Collaboration is about task sharing, not micro-managing. Do what you feel you can and should do and then try to delegate the rest.

Five. Limit Meetings as much as possible. Some people live for meetings, but they can be a waste of time too. Try to write down your milestones ahead and work toward them, even if there are no formal meetings in your department or business.

Six. Wisdom of Ben Franklin. “EARLY TO BED AND EARLY TO RISE MAKES ONE HEALTHY WEALTHY AND WISE.” I totally agree with the wisdom of Ben Franklin, here. If we get our proper rest, we will be totally energized for the day and more able to accomplish things, overall.

Seven. Stretch! There is nothing like a good stretch, say, two or three times during the day. Especially for those of us who work on computers, stretching helps the blood to regain its circulation through the body. We cannot always go for a walk, but we can most surely stretch

Eight. Lots of water and liquids. As you work, you expend mental energy - so replenish this with lots of fluids - water, tea, gatorade, and things like that. This will keep your body well, and away from dehydration.

Nine. Get some sun. During your lunch or breaks, try to get at least ten to fifteen minutes of exposure to direct sunlight, even if you live in the deep south or southwest, where it is hot. Sunlight has a positive effect on the body and mind and will help you re-energize.

Ten. Read good books. Good books will give you a sense of optimism and new hope for your life and endeavors, both personally and professionally. We are all on the path of life together and can learn from one another, most surely.

Written by Keith Johnson September 14th, 2008 1 Comment »

According to the late spiritual master and author His Holiness Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh, India, the entire purpose of human life is “self-realization” or the experience by which we transcend our limited perspective as flesh and blood beings and see things from the perspective of our common source: Brahman (as the yogis say in the ancient Sanskrit language of India). Brahman is another way of saying “Divine Spirit” or “That which defines our existential source, yet is beyond definition”.

After many, many millenia, the conclusion of the greatest men of India, those who have exclusively pursued truth, is that the sacred invocation, or sacred syllable “OM” is the way we connect perfectly with our Divine Source. The Bible echoes this truth in the Book of St. John where it is written that “the Word was with God and the Word was God.” Because the Absolute Plane of Existence is beyond our ability to describe in words or ideas, we need another method, and that method is the invocation of a “holy sound” that perfectly represents the Absolute Itself. And this sound is “OM”.

Is “OM” God? Actually, this is a question that really should not be asked, because we are placing false or potentially superstitious meaning into “OM” if we ourselves have a wrong notion of God or the Absolute. OM is a way, a technique, and a vehicle that helps us to attain the right perspective on things, so that we overcome all negativities and can exist and abide in everlasting peace and happiness, that is, peace and happiness on the Transcendental level.

Written by Keith Johnson September 11th, 2008 Add Comment »

By far one of the most frustrating aspects of spirituality is the “business” or “money” aspect. There are tons of people out there trying to use spirituality to become multi-millionaires. I disagree with this totally. The entire purpose of spirituality is solidarity, oneness, sharing, collaboration, and bringing people together where we all can learn to work together as a unit. Using spiritual truth to become a millionaire is really quite outlandish, and is a direct offense against the entire purpose of the dharma.

Any money made through books, speaking, or service to the dharma should necessary be funneled directly back to an ends that can be shared by all. This means putting money into a temple, shrine, or holy place that people can visit, as well as using the money to help people in a community who are suffering materially. A person who talks spirituality but has a million dollar boat is an insult to the dharma and all it stands for. It is like preaching against alcohol and then going to a bar and getting blitzed, or really drunk. One is making a mockery of truth and endeavors toward personal and collective wellness.

So, yes, money is a reality and a part of the spiritual business, however, the way you can tell if someone is really dedicated to the dharma is how they spend any monies they have received. If they are driving around in a BMW or Mercedes while all followers or community members go without a car, then these people are capitalists using the dharma to enrich their wallets, only. They are false proponents of the dharma, and in the near future this will catch up with them. It is important that we practice humility, simplicity, and respect towards others by not being excessive ourselves. We must practice what we preach for us to be truly spiritual. This way, all business services rendered are truly considered “OK” in the eyes of the dharma masters who look down upon us all.

Written by Keith Johnson September 8th, 2008 2 Comments »

2012. Some say this year is the end of life as we know it. Others say it is the beginning of a New Era.
What do you think? Will there be a major change in the planet’s rotation or will there be another planet we don’t know about that will pass by closely thereby upsetting the ecosystem we have right now? Will there be aliens arriving to tell us something important? Will there be a sudden overcoming of all religious and political obstacles that have kept man at war since the dawn of time? Will Jesus Christ descend from heaven with his angels? What do you think?

For those of you who don’t know this fact: 2012 has become a most controversial year because the Mayan calendar (of the Mayan Indians of ancient Mexico) formally “ends” in 2012. There is debate about the specific date in 2012, but some believe we can actually mark 12-20-2012 as the actual date upon which their calendar ends its count of time, as they had it documented. In fact, one of the most fascinating aspects of the Mayan calendar was the accuracy with with they were able to predict and forecast future events. There have been some really good documentaries on the History Channel about this ancient civilization and its dedication to prophecy and world events.

Well, for me, as a practitioner of Vedanta Philosophy, only one thing is certain: the Sacred Syllable OM. According to the countless yogis of the Himalayas who have foregone vain lives of materialism, and who have dedicated their lives to the cultivation of Absolute Truth and Understanding, “OM” is the Original Manifestation of the Absolute Divine Source from which we all emanate: Brahman, as they say in Ancient Sanskrit. Brahman is essentially “THAT” which is beyond all definitions and causality. However, to be able to have meaning within relativity, a method was needed, and this method was the Sacred Syllable, or Divine Sound, “OM”. From “OM”, “all this” has emanated and manifested. So, who we are physically, mentally, emotionally, as well as all other life forms, concepts, ideas, in all ways, are simply relative and minute expressions of the Limitless and Totally Transcendental OM.

Therefore OM is the way in which we find TRUE and LASTING meaning for our lives, since all other things are relative and eventually will dissolve (whatever goes up must come down, etc). Our lives are marked by uncertainty, and indeed the controversy surrounding 2012 is no exception. However, from within the platform of Vedanta Philosophy, there is no need to worry. We cannot, anyway, make temporary things last and endure. This is against the fundamental principle of the universe. The only “thing” that “lasts” is OM, say the Himalayan Yogis. OM alone is eternal. OM TAT SAT - this was Krishna’s conclusion of his divine discourse the “Bhagavad Gita” meaning “Song of God” in ancient Sanskrit of ancient India. When you meditate on OM, you feel a great presence and peace. This is a taste of the timeless and limitless presence of our Divine Source, Brahman. All relative things - including all technologies that we have developed as a race - are purely temporal and one way will have to give way to higher ways of communication, self-preservation, etc. This is simply the way the universe works. Once we accept this, life becomes much better and we have greater peace.

The year 2012 is simply a point of reflection and if the end is coming, we need to accept this. There is nothing we can do - the forces of the universe are much more powerful than mankind. However, if we greet this year with our awareness grounded in spiritual awareness of “OM” then whatever changes take place will be handled with much greater success. Surely, I am attached to many of the incredible things man has developed, technology-wise.

However, whatever the universe deals like a deck of cards, it is our responsibility as a race to understand the game, so that we play our hand effectively. Until 2012, let us learn to collaborate and work together, so that if nothing happens, we will have learned to value life more, especially the lives of all people - rich and poor alike. We can all make the planet a peaceful place and a place without war and strife - however this will only come through collaboration and awareness. It can be done - and spiritual awareness is the way, for sure

Written by Keith Johnson September 7th, 2008 2 Comments »

As a practitioner of New Thought, I have reflected many times upon the “feared and dreaded” Bible passage about Satan and how his number is “666″. I have thought to myself, “what does this really mean?” Well, after considerable reflection, I think I have formulated something quite unique, and I hope you will find similar interest in this viewpoint.

Mathematically, “666″ is another way of saying 2000 divided by 3000, because if you divide 2 by 3, you get as a result .6666 (ongoing). So, really what we are looking at here is the relationship of 2 “over” or “divided by” three.

If you take the Abraham Maslow “Hierarchy of Needs” chart and divide it into three sections, addressing the most fundamental needs of the individual: physical survival needs, socialization needs, and spiritual needs, soon we can see the self-evident correlation.

“666″ simply means that man is, at this time in history, mostly concerned about only two-thirds of his total needs. He is addressing, for the most part, needs that are on the levels of physical wellness and social wellness. However, there is alot of neglect in the third section of needs: spiritual needs.

So, like the above diagram shows us, the bottom two sections of human needs, according to Maslow, are being addressed. However, the third, is either not being addressed in certain parts of the world or it is being done with major flaws, hence the great differences between people of different belief systems. So, we can safely conclude, within this limited model of reflection, that “666″ really implies that man is leading a somewhat materialistic life, focused mostly on worldly concerns and failing to address and meet spiritual needs - and this is most unfortunate since, according to the Hindu Vedas and other related schools of thought like Theosophy, that we are spiritual beings right now experiencing human life and its challenges.

So, there you have it: 666, at least within this limited new-thought model, is not about devils or demons or anything like that. Rather, it is a number that suggests we are only focusing on the first two of three major needs we all have: physical, social, and spiritual. Let’s see what we can do to address all, and in this way we can leave behind us, collectively, all concerns and false beliefs associated with this infamous number in the Bible’s Book of Revelation.

Written by Keith Johnson September 4th, 2008 1 Comment »

One of the greatest concerns of modern man is personal freedom. Indeed, this is a noble and great concept. However, from the perspective of both medical science and traditional eastern yoga schools, one needs to understand the reality that lies behind the appearance of youth and wellness.

Our physical senses can only stand a certain amount of sensory input or gratification. If we go beyond such levels, then pleasure and happiness turns into pain and suffering. For example, I eat a modest meal and tea or water leaving about 20% of my stomach empty. Some people will say I have denied myself. OK, now let’s consider this. I eat to the point of 100% capacity. Very soon, I will feel like I have actually poisoned myself, and will soon expel the food, in one of two highly painful ways (you can imagine what these are).

So, the lesson here is that moderation with respect to sense gratification allows us to enjoy, but only if we consume with this awareness in mind. This is the first step to freedom: understanding the limitations of the physical body. So, if you were to ask your medical doctor and or yoga instructor, both will tell you that the less you abuse your physical body, the more you are allowing a natural and spontaneous “inner freedom” to take place.

Meditation is just that. You are sitting or walking and just observing. You are not consuming anything nor are you trying to prove anything to anybody. You are just experiencing the moment and what it feels like “to be”. This reminds me greatly of the Beatles’ song “Let It Be”. I am sure they had this idea in mind of meditation as an expression of true inner freedom that we cannot “produce” but rather we must allow for a state of relaxation to manifest that does not depend upon the exertion of force on the senses in any way. If anything, we are giving the senses a rest in meditation.

So, there you have it. Freedom is the experience of “being”. It is the ability to really enjoy the moment and it is a letting go of all anxiety about the past and future. Like Buddha once said “if you can really live in the present moment, then you will achieve Buddhahood.” It is indeed nice to know that millions of dollars or euros cannot buy me freedom. Rather, just by sitting down or walking somewhere, totally absorbed in the present moment, I can experience a freedom that is truly unparalleled. Indeed, this is a spiritual truth to be cherished, and really good for us when we are experiencing physical stress and anxiety.

Meditation is the greatest way to inner freedom and relaxation.

Written by Keith Johnson September 2nd, 2008 Add Comment »

As children, we grow up listening to stories of great men and women. We are also introduced to mythological figures who we say we can count on in times of trouble. I personally feel this is a great injustice to children and to all who are forced into such indoctrinations. Let me explain why.

Mythological indoctrinations give “indoctrinees” a false sense of hope and expectation, and then when things go wrong in life we are left to question the entire belief system that we were forced into or were encouraged into. As a boy, I was told that Jesus was born from a “virgin” birth and that after death he arose into heaven where he sits next to God The Father on some kind of throne, surrounded by angels, overlooking creation. Well, this Jesus mythology is not very comforting when you consider the vast amount of suffering that has transpired over the past two thousand years. To think that such a god sits in a throne, all comfortable in heaven, while nations of men threaten the very existence of the human race with ever-increasing destructive technologies is a terrible charade, the say the least. As a parent, if I were to watch passively as a child walked into the street only to get hit by an oncoming car, what would you call me if I saw the car coming but cared not to intercede and save the child? I personally believe I would be a cold and callous person. Now, what to say of such a mythological image of a god in a throne in heaven sitting there while man edges every day closer to worldwide destruction and self-destruction? All of this is the result of the mythological mentality that we are indoctrinated into. We are asked to believe in something that does not exist.

The message of the Himalayan yogis is simple: when you sit in meditation, what do you hear? The Cosmic Hum or OM, that is all! So, for these great and simple and virtuous men, that is what they want you to believe in - that which you can perceive firsthand in meditation, without any silly mythologies that set you up for a false belief and then let you down when life becomes overwhelming. Last night there was a program on 20/20 - an ABC News special Friday night program - where people more than ever are jumping to their death from San Francisco’s Golden Gate bridge. Surely, the reality of mythology has caused them at least in part to bring them to the point of self-collapse, where their god has seemingly abandoned them, or has not appeared to help, and thus they feel no more hope and thus have lost their will to live.

The opposite side of mythology is also prevalent in the Islamic faith. Fundamental Islamics are told they will go to heaven and men will gain seven virgins in heaven if they kill anyone who is not a professed Islamic. Such is the malevolent power of mythology.

In fundamentalist Christianity, whomever does not conform to a very strict doctrinal view that the Bible is the literal word of God and that not adhering to this viewpoint means eternal damnation in hellfire after death, is yet another monstrous manifestation of mythology that is forced on people and that forever shapes society and human beings.

False mythologies have moved man to the brink of self-destruction. There is only one hope: the experience of meditation and in meditation we see that there in no need to believe in anything. The “authority” of religionists, in my opinion, is completely bogus. They are more lost than the average person. They are conspirators in the near-destruction of people. The yogis are the saviors because they say “forget all that you have been taught. Just meditate and let the truth manifest directly to you, apart from the ignorance of those who profit from your non-awareness.”

Meditation is the path “beyond faith” and “beyond belief”. It is the path of direct experience, and what could possibly be better than that? I say nothing, absolutely nothing. We need to establish meditation centers across the world so that we can all have solidarity, unity, and oneness through a common life experience, not through false mythological beliefs which cause us to further subdivide.

Mythology is verily poison to the human being and human soul.

Meditation is its solution and definitive remedy and elixir.

Written by Keith Johnson August 30th, 2008 Add Comment »

Competition was the essence of my life experience through college. It was all about performance. Your personal, social, and societal status was totally based upon your membership in different organizations, clubs, sports, activities, not to mention school. If you failed to perform for one reason or another, you were simply “out” or considered “a loser” because you “failed to measure up to something”.

As an adult, nothing could be farther from the essence and truth of our human experience than competition. Competition creates and fosters hatred, separation and animosity, to just scratch the surface. Wars have come into being due to competition. Just look at Helen of Troy - ultimately two nations went to war to win Helen. Such is the incredible power of competition.

Compassion, on the other hand, is a feeling of unconditional connection with others that is not based upon performance in any way. Rather, this connection is the simple result of “being”. Compassion is a powerful spiritual energy that allows for healing to take place. In the late 1990s, I had the opportunity to meet a very prominent Tibetan Lama who listened with great attention to my questions and concerns about life. It brought me to tears, because I had experienced compassion for the first time in my life - true spiritual compassion. His listening was the greatest act of love I had ever experienced, and he had no self-interest to get in the way of true listening. For this reason, I ask you to consider the place of compassion in your life. Do you feel disconnected with others? Then practice some compassion. It will change your life for the better - forever. Here are ten reasons to practice:

1. Conversation. People will be glad to know that you are really listening to them.

2. Work. Co-workers will be glad to know that you are working with collaboration in mind.

3. School. Teachers will be glad to see students paying attention to their lessons.

4. Family. Family members will be glad to see you helping in group activities around the house.

5. Morale. Compassion boosts morale greatly when there is great stress and tension.

6. Mental Health. Compassion allows the mind to heal knowing that a friendly presence is nearby.

7. Physical Health. Compassion allows the physical body to heal.

8. Creativity. Compassion allows the mind to once again tap into its innate creative forces.

9. Relationships. People with compassion are generally more able to reciprocate in relationships.

10. Peace. Compassion gives one the inner power to change things for the better, just by small acts of kindness. This generates within the practitioner a great sense of inner peace.

Written by Keith Johnson August 27th, 2008 Add Comment »