What an exciting day it was at Sunburst Sanctuary on Saturday, May 28th as Reverend Ron Gibbons guided all participants through a meditative journey of soul exploration through mandala painting. Signifying the wholeness of creation, the word mandala is derived from Tibetan Sanskrit. Mandala translates “to be in possession of,” or “to know oneself.” A well-seasoned teacher on this topic, Reverend Gibbons touched on some of the historical aspects of mandalas reflected in both Eastern and Western renderings. He said:
Representing the order beneath the change and apparent chaos of our lives, it is the invisible thread that ties our existence into a living net, or the spokes of our turning wheel. It is then the relationship between the individual and his life situation, the seeing of the relations between things, and the vividness of life as it is.
The mandala is universal, with one constant, the principle of the center. The center is the beginning and origin of all forms and processes, including the extension of form into time. Nature paints for us the most magnificent mandalas in flowers, snowflakes, galaxies, the rings of a tree, even the eye, all emanating from the grand center of creation, the mind of God.
The speaker’s words and the visual slide show inspired participants to enter their “inner garden” during a guided meditation. Some amazing revelations emerged, and were later shared—unique experiences coming from a Higher Self. A personal mandala rendering by each participant expressed this significance, no matter one’s artistic talents.
A mystical, magical time, it was as evidenced by the healing that occurred for one person, the overall clarity that most experienced as it pertained to their present life situations, and the overall excitement and joy that pervaded the room.
One cannot but feel the childlike anticipation of intrigue that further inspirations might hold. We continue to meditate and embellish our individual works of art, or create new ones. A joyful, healing and meditative journey of exploration still unfolding, one must reflect in awe the power of the mandala. And, as Reverend Gibbons cited:
The center of the mandala is not only the external constant of space, but also of time. The center of time is now, living totally in the now of one’s existence is to unfold like a mandala.
So often I listen to beautiful songs sung, hear beautiful words read, feel uplifted in my soul, yet watch the cosmic play unfold in mockery to those songs, those words, those pleasant platitudes.
Even as a child I wondered about this, having my talks with God in secret: “Lord, why is the world so bad—even the same people who say nice things and read the good books to us?” Being a child, I would innocently blurt out what I saw, then be reprimanded then for speaking my mind. By my elders, I was branded “disrespectful” for noting that some speakers we heard were proud, parroting other’s insights. Their audiences were appeased, yet all week so few were nice.
My grandfather stood always on my side. He was a man of great integrity and honesty, and many would seek his counsel in the neighborhood. I was naughty, for I would occasionally whisper in his ear, “Nana, that’s not a nice person.”
Grandfather would smile and say to me, “My child, they don’t know any better.” Of course I would protest, “But Nana, they’re big; if they don’t know, then why do they play boss?” In local jargon that meant “Why on earth did they behave as if they knew!”
The shackles of a child’s body were unbearable and confusing, were it not for the fun part, playing games—and not having to worry about cooking or laundry, and all the things adults worry about. “What else is there?” I thought. When would I ever be able to speak my mind without being told to “hush?”
Well, being a grown up became an eye opener. I wasn’t being told to hush anymore; it was worse. I had to know when and how to speak my mind without hurting someone, or when to simply be quiet even though it hurt to do so!
Yes, decades have passed. The same movie of life is still being shown over and over again; however, I’ve learned that I’m not here to change anyone, only to be an instrument of change in the world by being honest in front of my Maker. It’s only to my Divine Parents that I have to prove myself, even though they do not ask for it. It is only before them that I can truly bare my soul and say, “Lord, I know I’m not perfect in this human body, but help me please to think and act in such a way toward all my brothers and sisters, and all of nature, so that my thoughts and actions may be pleasing to thee, Lord. Please, guide me by Thy divine hand.”
Thy Divine Hand
In thought, word and deed O Lord I pray Make me an instrument for Thy loving hand In virtue, dignity and commitment to stand, Ever guided in all things by Thy divine hand
Each day Lord, make me an instrument of love, Let not my ego above good judgment command In heart-centered action toward all I ask Give me strength to be guided by Thy divine hand
Seeking not to be controlled, nor to control any Let me, in free spirit undertake all tasks at hand In sincerity, humility, and integrity let me stand Give me courage to be guided by Thy divine hand
I know not what’s best but know enough though That when my heart’s open, Thy energy to it can flow Sculpting my day, my intentions, dreams, and plans That all will be well when guided by Thy divine hand
All are Thy creatures, Thy children, Thy creation dear How can I in honesty one above another show care? Let me not for a single moment, on this sacred land Stray from Thy light, Thy love, from Thy divine hand
Recently, sitting, wondering what I might write about and figuring it would come to me, I decided to lay it to rest for a moment and turned on the tv just in time to see an older man holding on to a young fellow by his collar admonishing him, “I’m gonna get you to add another virtue to your list – how about telling the truth?”
“Wow!” I thought, “That’s what I’ll write about!”
The twelve virtues have been referred to again and again in many disciplines, being expressed also as the predominant energy of its astrological counterpart. Reflecting on the Sunburst teachings, one of the paths of conscious living happens to be Speech. Looking further, I realized that its counterpart among the twelve virtues is Honesty.
Thinking about this and focusing on the topic of “Telling the truth,” I realized that it takes great Courage to be truthful every day—before oneself, before God, and even more so before others. It takes Perseverance to continually practice being truthful. It takes Patience to offer with tender words the truth. It takes Humility to tell the truth, not caring in what light others may cast us for doing so. It takes Forgiveness and Compassion to honor someone who is being truthful, even if that truth may tug at our sensitive nerves. And above all, it takes great Love to be able to rise above the aftermath that truth often engenders.
In the following excerpt, Victoria Raynor writes regarding the great philosopher and mystic, Aristotle:
“He believed that the function of a human was to engage in an activity of the soul in accordance with virtue.”
Reflecting on why certain companies, foundations, and spiritual organizations have endured, grown, thrived and gained respect over decades, one salient feature seems to stand out—that to the best of their abilities, they operated being truthful to their mission—to offer good products and services, operate in integrity, and take good financial care of all those upon whom their success depended. Respect for each other was key. People were more than workers or members; they were invaluable to the long-term survival of the whole.
As this New Year dawned, millions of people made new resolutions. It’s been said, however, that only a tiny percentage of resolutions are actually kept. Thinking about this, I realized that the reason might be two-fold: Firstly, that our old habits of thinking and behaving die hard. And secondly, that if we live truthfully in our lives, the very Universe would bend to our assistance, ensuring that our dreams, desires, and resolutions are fulfilled, bringing us more joy in our lives.
At Sunburst EarthLight Fellowship, a sacred seed ceremony was held to commemorate the dawning of the New Year and a new energy. Beautiful melodies filled the air as each participant offered into the fire the seeds of old habits, old thoughts and old desires. Prayers and seeds of new desires and good habits were also offered into the fire for divine blessings.
What an amazing feeling it was to release the old and bring in the new in such lovely settings, surrounded by loving soul travelers and filled with the blessings of Divine Spirit! How gratifying the thought that the New Year brings another opportunity for telling the truth, and living the truth.
Help me Oh Lord that in truth I may stand
‘Though tattered, worn, disappointed I may be.
I know that perfection yet a myth is to me,
But Lord keep me rooted in truth before thee.
May the good that I seek for myself of use be,
To all brothers and sisters thou hast sent to me.
Help me to carry out thy greatest command,
That with the same love, as for myself I hold,
I may take tenderly each brother’s, sister’s hand.
Sunburst’s founder, Norman Paulsen, once wrote, “If God is indeed all things, then all images should be treated with respect. With this in mind, waste not that which God has created. Be temperate in all pursuits.” The virtue of Temperance and good Earth stewardship were singular threads that wove together an intricate tapestry of expression in a recent Intro to Permaculture event sponsored by Sunburst.
The Permaculture teachings that were presented are predicated on people living and working harmoniously in loving and respectful relationships with each other, with the Earth, with all life forms, and with the world at large. Warren Brush, internationally known Permaculture expert, was the presenter.
All ancestors from the four cardinal directions were called upon and honored. We petitioned for their guidance and blessings as we completed a hilltop Wheel of Life. There, a 360-degree vista mirrored the circular Earth as we projected future endeavors for Sunburst. Like tiny hummingbirds, we each drank from the nectar of this undertaking, aware that we were reenacting an ancient sacred ritual symbolic of harmony, balance, and peaceful interaction among all living beings.
The Wheel represented the sacred cycle of life (birth, death, rebirth), its four cardinal directions, as well as its connecting points for Mother Earth and Father Sky. The center represented us, and our connection with the four elements (earth, air, fire and water), with each direction offering its own lessons.
The Twelve Virtues and Eightfold Path have been the backbone of Sunburst’s teachings and good stewardship of the Earth has been a practice for decades. It was evident that the concept of Fair Share in Permaculture embodied beautifully the virtue of Charity. Perseverance and Equanimity are critical factors necessary for maintaining sustainable, peaceful communities.
As we learnt the logistics of building a compost heap, I was struck by the teacher’s comment that even the small pile that we had built was adequate for growing enough food to feed one person for an entire year! I could not imagine that the loving efforts of one person who had gathered leaves, kitchen scraps, straw and horse manure for a few weeks could have helped produce such a magical piece of sculpture. And, I couldn’t have imagined that placing shovels-full of horse manure and smelly vegetables on a heap could be so much fun!
We ended our workshop with a Gratitude Circle, each holding a sacred stone infused with the energy of thousands of people worldwide who had sat in a similar circle. Not uncommon among participants were tears of release from old thought restrictions, as well as expressions of joy, excitement and deep gratitude.
Each participant was deeply touched and inspired. Warren Brush reminded us all of the power of stories to not only recount history but to create history! At every level of our being we were nourished. It was indeed An Unforgettable Weekend!
On the 21st of December we celebrated the winter solstice; the day of least sunlight had arrived. From that point forward day length has been increasing by about one minute each day, and will continue to increase until the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Winter solstice is a joy because light is on the increase!
We had a bonfire before dawn, by the labyrinth—the NEW labyrinth. As the sun rose over the eastern hills, Craig and John Henry set a marker where the tall, winter solstice stone was to stand. Later a huge stone pillar replaced the marker, completing the new labyrinth. Every winter solstice the sun will rise exactly over that tall stone—we have marked the spot!
When I saw the smooth-looking, crushed granite pathways of the new labyrinth, I wanted to take off my boots and socks, despite the bitter cold temperature. Barefoot, I stood at the entrance and made my way in.
Immediately, I felt my feet freeze and the cold rising up painfully through my ankles and calves. I felt the tiny pieces of granite pierce the tender bottoms of my feet. I wanted to turn around and walk (preferably run) out of the labyrinth and put my socks and boots back on.
Straightaway my mind flashed back to a lesson I had previously learned regarding a doable, if hardly bearable, challenge. The lesson was: “You have started this thing; now you finish!” I perceived this predicament as a test of my will and desire for mastery over myself; “How strong is that desire?”
I walked on. Every once in awhile I’d brush off the tiny stones sticking to my feet, like pins in a pincushion. “A measure of mercy should not be considered cheating!” I told my doubtful mind. My agonizing was made bearable by my memory of Paramahansa Yogananda’s poem, “The Boatman” in which he vows:
I will come again and again!
Crossing a million crags of suffering,
With bleeding feet, I will come—
If need be, a trillion times—
As long as I know
One stray brother is left behind.
Finally reaching the center of the labyrinth I renewed my dedication to live for God alone. Miracle of miracles—on my long return walk back to the entrance, I felt no more pain!
What a powerful morning it was, preparing for the new year in a good way: a labyrinth adventure.
A monthly weekend celebration at Sunburst Sanctuary
by Dawn King
On Saturday I hurried to the gym for Patty’s “Celebrate Life!” gentle yoga class. Somehow, I’d gotten there 30 minutes early. My first thought was of distress over all the chores at home that I could have been doing for 30 minutes. Immediately, my right shoulder good angel piped up: “You’re not that important, Dawn. Chill out!”
This was rather humbling to hear. But, I realized this meant home chores would wait, spiritual awareness is more important, and I needed to de-stress. Maybe this was an opportunity to chat with some of the people in the dining room. I found the conversations going on at that moment were quite deep, and seemed hard to join for someone as amped as I was.
I went outside and cleaned the sidewalk. Sunburst’s is a sanctuary for wildlife as well as Spirt. The sidewalk leading to the temple and lodge is used by deer, wild turkeys and pigs, bobcats, foxes, great blue, as well as, white herons and more. It’s a surprise each day to see what tracks and droppings appear there. Meanwhile, everyone enjoys seeing all these wild creatures quite close up. Since no one bothers them, they are very comfortable around people.
Finally, I joined a few folks resting quietly on yoga mats for the last few minutes before class started. This gave me time to contemplate humility and thankfulness, Sunburst’s themes this month. I thanked God for my opportunity to enjoy soul attunement with like-minded friends, some newly made.Later, all who cared to, enjoyed a fun Sacred Geometry presentation and hands-on activity, led by Craig Hanson.
This “Celebrate Life!” weekend of activities took place just before Thanksgiving and Chanukah, which coincide this year. It was beautiful crisp fall weather, with warm days and spirit-warming activities. Each of these monthly celebrations includes: Friday evening restorative yoga, Saturday a.m. guided meditation, light breakfast and gentle yoga, lunch followed by a special activity, early dinner and evening music with short meditation. There’s plenty of time to relax or socialize between events. Sunday’s spiritual grand finale is a deeply inspiring service followed by a lovingly prepared brunch.A lot of connecting, healing, helping, releasing, relaxing and spiritual growing takes place during these wonderful events.
If you have a story to share about your experience at Sunburst’s “Celebrate Life!” please leave a comment below.
Thy Divine Hand
A well-seasoned teacher on this topic, Reverend Gibbons touched on some of the historical aspects of mandalas reflected in both Eastern and Western renderings. He said:
A mystical, magical time, it was as evidenced by the healing that occurred for one person, the overall clarity that most experienced as it pertained to their present life situations, and the overall excitement and joy that pervaded the room.
The center of the mandala is not only the external constant of space, but also of time. The center of time is now, living totally in the now of one’s existence is to unfold like a mandala.