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A Comprehensive Model

A Comprehensive Model I thought it might be nice to step-back and discuss a bit of the bigger picture of the sources of mental health/unhealth. In this way we can each start to spot some of our blind-spots and biases. Also if we want to go beyond dealing with crises and with problems as their arise - if we want to develop a pro-active approach to psychic health, we will want an over-all model of human health/unhealth. This is an initial sketch of one such model. This model will discuss five major dimensions of human's being and health, some of which have sub-categories. The categories are: Absolute awareness, Psychic senses, Mundane faculties: intellectual, emotional, physical, Dissociated psychic material, and Our environment: spiritual, intellectual, emotional, physical. Absolute/Divine awareness - A massive subject that I don't want to say too much about this right now. It is the very core of our being, and is always inherently pure, however our recognition of it can b...
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Introducing the Guide

In both the Vajrayana and Hesychastic traditions the path begins with and is inseparable from the guide, called the guru in the Vajrayana and the spiritual father in the Hesychastic. The importance that both of these traditions place on one's relationship with the guide cannot be overstated. The English word "teacher," is inadequate here, implying as it does a person who simply passes along some information. Rather, the relationship with the teacher is absolutely central to the training, and might be better, although still imperfectly, likened to the relationship with a lover, as one of the primary motivations on the path is a desire to meet the guide with an ever purer intimacy and devotion. In future posts, I will have much to say about the many facets of the relationship with the guide, and the way that it develops our virtue and awakening. I especially want to discuss how those without a formal guide relationship can begin to take advantage of the wisdom that these ...
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A prayer technique for working with unpleasant emotions

First, remember that these thoughts and feelings are your own mind's energy, and that however unpleasant they may be you do not need to be afraid of them.  Second, bring to mind the most loving being you have ever experienced or can imagine, and take a momen t of joy in the fact that such a being exists or that you can even imagine it. The very fact of recognizing or imagining such virtue means this kind of virtue has already dawned within your mind, that you are capable of it. Finally, place yourself under this being's protection and ask it to guide you and reveal the same qualities of love in your own being. As you go through the day, keep turning your mind toward this being and the light that it is shining on your mind and situation. Don't cling to it as though trying to turn away from your experiences, but gently remember its presence and the joyous qualities which is it bringing to bear on your situation.
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