IS TODAY’S SPIRITUALITY A FAKE?

Cho Tab Khen Zambuling

If you happen to enter the Internet, and put the word “spirituality” in Google, you will find an infinite number of references/citations.  If you put the words “spirituality, meditation, and yoga” you will find billions of citations.  If you put the words “spiritual teachings” you will find millions of citations.  And if you put the words “spiritual centers, organizations” you will find also many citations.  You can multiply to the power of ten if you add the word “religion” into the hopper.

In this era of information and informatics, open to all, any one may open a blog, or a website, or any form of cybernetic space, to bring information to the people.  In this case, I am talking about spiritual information, recommendations, teachings, advice, etc.  Anyone has the possibility to open that space and make a mark on so-called spirituality.  This has allowed many of us to have access to an incredibly important list of writings, teachings, sacred texts, translations from languages we do not know (like Pali, Sanskrit), etc.

During my 4 months of silent retreat, access to Google was essential.  I had to review, learn, and practice a series of teachings that I would have never been able to do without the Internet.  Thus, I applaud this information revolution as it has democratized fundamental knowledge that otherwise, would not be available to the masses.

However, there is another face to this information revolution.  This is a major warning!  And, I would like to express this warning via a very fundamental question: “Are those teachings valid, real, correct, or useful?”  Not easy to say, because I have no time to browse, open, read, understand, realize and understood all that is available.  Nobody can.

To read the complete article, click HERE.

Today, June 27th, Alfredo announced the passing away of his father Alberto Sfeir. In his announcement, he indicated that prayers and meditation for his father were needed to assist in his transition. His request has been answered by many, many who hold his father in light and prayerful consideration as he makes his transition from a life long-lived and of noteworthy contributions to his country, his homeland of origin, his profession of dentistry, and his family.

Alfredo sends his love and appreciation for your wholehearted response and prayerful attention.

AN APPEAL TO THOSE WHO DO NOT FLY
A SPIRITUAL HELICOPTER;
JUST KNOW “WALKING SPIRITUALITY”

“Spiritual Masonry: One Brick At A Time”
Cho Tab Khen Zambuling

One of the important life conclusions is that I am a “spiritual mason”. Not an architect, not an engineer, not a project manager, not an owner… Just a mason!

I possess no spiritual helicopter, I just know how to transform myself and, sometimes, others through “walking spirituality”. No major quantum jumps or spiritual DNA transmutations. No Hollywood or Bollywood spirituality.

This is why, in this short text, I appeal to those who may feel that their spiritual transformation is too slow moving, or to those who see with consternation the world out there, where spirituality is part of the largest shopping malls ever available to consumers. Those who have been exposed to conversations like: “I am the reincarnation of so and so”; “last night I had a tremendous channeling and I learned so and so”; “I am protected by this deity whom transforms the world inside me”; “my life changed in one second and now I saw the true light”; etc.

Do not worry, you are fine!

Let me start by saying that out there, within the world I know and experience, both nationally and internationally, I often find it difficult to identify other spiritual masons; but I have not lost my hope. Probably, they are quiet, unassuming, and hardworking somewhere.

There is this inner feeling that a few people like to be spiritual masons. Most feel much better and, of course, accomplished if they play the role of, or believe they are, spiritual engineers, designers, senior advisors, bosses, executives, or the like. One sees this phenomenon in the way these people speak, teach, behave, and promote spirituality. The way they project themselves is unique and, now, it is widespread within the spiritual world. It is similar to what happens in the army: all want to be generals.

As in any métier, there are only a few who are the true masters; others, are top class, and many are apprentices.

When I lived in the USA, we had a tremendous experience watching a “master roofer” repair the massive, old roof of our house that was truly in a state of collapse. The house was constructed in 1922. He did an impeccable job, in a situation that was difficult, delicate, and risky. But, little by little he did it. We were amazed by the way he got this job done and, furthermore, by the quality of his craftsmanship. As the French say: chapeau! This master roofer was older (sixties), unassuming, rather quiet, observant, and fully engaged (step by step). He knew how to organize the ‘top guns’ and the apprentices. It ended up being an orchestra where each played its role harmoniously.

It has also been my experience that the good mason sees quickly when, for example, the engineers and architects are recommending something will prove wrong in the calculation and design. I remember listening to a mason who, in very simple words, explained to me that what the high level professionals had recommended was neither doable nor able to work over the longer-term. Or, masons also make good recommendations about the materials to be used and the combination of elements that are being suggested for a given structure.

The Master Mason based their judgment and choices on experience and self-realization. They know it because they have done it. It is not a theoretical proposition. And, this experience and knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation.

The Master Masons know also that, no matter what structure you are building, a fundamental and essential aspect of that structure is its foundation. It is also the details of how that foundation is to be made. It is clear to them that without a solid foundation, one may have the nicest looking structure (house, palace) but, which under any unexpected condition, will eventually collapse. Being from Chile, the country of major earthquakes, I can easily relate to that. In fact, we were directly affected by the February 2010 earthquake.

Building a foundation of one’s own spirituality is essential, before even aspiring towards, or having, what sounds like a ‘new age’ talk, or approach, to everything under the sun. Today, the use of spiritual words is in fashion. Words like karma, nirvana, enlightenment, meditation, etc. are used in daily conversations; even in the world of economics and business! One observes daily the title of spiritual courses, books, teleconferences and seminars; these are such that most people expect that all the wishes in life will be fulfilled. It often takes just one short weekend and a couple of hundred dollars, to become spiritual and accomplished. There are millions of certificates and diplomas offered and, through these certificates and diplomas, some people go out and provide services to others as a professional deal. The prices of these services are going up by the minute.

As a spiritual mason I am committed to build what I hope is the strongest foundation, one brick at a time. It is not, and it has not been easy. It is not quick. It is not glorious. Maybe I will die and I will still be building the foundation, with as much rigor as I possibly can.

But, in my last few years, I begin to note that I am putting some brick layers a little bit higher above the basic spiritual foundation. In doing so, I take a brick in my hands, soak it into a bucket of spiritual water, observe its size and composition, touch its rough edges, calculate how it will fit with the ones already there and those to come, put the magic spiritual mix and mortar where needed and, finally, I accommodate it on the existing spiritual structure.

I look at the structure, or the higher walls, and there are times when I do not particularly like it. Then I go back, and build it again. It is hard work, but I know it has to be done. It reminds me of the story of Milarepa: he had to build many times a house before his Master approved of it. When I look back, I see a similar pattern: build, torn down, and build again. Not like the great Milarepa, in my case I am still building this last house with the hope that, this one, will be “approved”.

Does it sound familiar to you? Do not feel discourage! Every time you build a new one, it is better and more appropriate for your next stage of spiritual realization. Nothing is lost.

In the last few years, many people have been very critical of the system of education, and rightly so in my view. In general it is only producing so-called high qualified professionals (doctors, lawyers, engineers…), and there are not really good institutions to produce professionals located in other parts of this wide spectrum (there are exceptions to this perception). We need to have formal education for masons, plumbers, electricians, roof specialist… Without them, it all will end in chaos.

This also applies to spirituality and to spiritual development and human transformation. Come and let us join hands, and together let us form the best community of spiritual masons in the world. We want to meet all the spiritual-master-masons that are around so that they can teach the true spiritual fundamentals. This will, in the end, avoid a spiritual catastrophe of major proportions.

How do we know who is really a spiritual mason? Mostly in action, confronting difficult spiritual situations, and finding right and practical solutions to people’s problems and challenges.

Let us also be proud of being the spiritual masons, even if our hands are often dirty; let us not be afraid of doing the heavy lifting that is necessary so the spiritual house is solid, beautiful, and useful.

Spiritual masons of the world, unite!
Let us change the world now: one brick at a time!

by Cho Tab Khen Zambuling
(Alfredo Sfeir-Younis)

As you have observed, many important events are happening around the world. These are the results of our own doing. And, it is very important to acknowledge this responsibility.

Given the level of interdependence we have, almost everything happening in one side of the world affects all of us, no matter whom we are and where we are.

This interdependence is also present at the level of our thoughts and intentions. Thoughts move very fast and across entire oceans. Our intent, which may be defined as the kinetic energy and the element defining both the direction and trajectory of our lives, also is able to cross all political boundaries.

Similarly, our right thinking, right language, and right actions impact all living beings on this Planet. In other words, your spirituality is now the true mover and shaker in the world. The material world has lost its true power.

Trying to establish the grounds for a society that is materially rich and spiritually poor will simply destroy humanity. The moment has come to attain a balance between material and spiritual transformation. There is no more time to wait.

It is important to stop our indifference (passivity) and our constant criticisms of the other, or others. This is the time to shift to a new plateau, where our collective transformation is at the center stage of our lives. We, together, have to establish the foundations and to construct the collective vehicle to build a new collective future for human beings and for all sentient beings.

The alchemy of destiny –the rules of change and transformation and the primordial composition of our destination—is to be developed now.

In this process we have to become one with nature.

The only solution to world problems lies in strengthening the spiritual basis of our lives is the expansion of our collective consciousness.

It is imperative to have a new vision of our own destiny. This vision must open us up to new forms of collective creation and distribution of wealth; to the collective elimination of all toxins from all forms of substances including fertilizers, pesticides, drugs, etc.; to total love and compassion with no more boundaries; and to new forms of human interaction where we are all One and One is all.

The supreme challenge of Yoga/UNION (world union) is clearly in front of us today. This is not just an option. It is our only destiny. This UNION is to be attained at a certain pace (rhythm) and time. And we are to become part and parcel of this pace and time. Otherwise we will continue to see more disasters around the world.

It is essential that the total balance be achieved between spiritual and material transformation. Material transformation alone will not be possible in peace and safety without a strong, well balanced, and advance form of spiritual transformation. This is the key. This is the path.

The time is now. There is no more time.

In union with all of you, walking the path,

Cho Tab Khen Zambuling

In the Fall/Winter 2010 issue of Kosmos Journal, Dr. Alfredo Sfeir-Younis contributed an article that many hail as most valuable for our times. He outlines the essential dimensions of our new reality that he calls, ‘New Grand Variables (NGV). The wisdom here is that once our inner awareness awakens to these variables, then uncertainty begins to diminish.

To read further visit, http://www.kosmosjournal.org/kjo2/backissue/f2010/index.shtml or write to us at silentpeace.media@gmail.com to request a copy of the article. Please put in the subject line of your email, Article Request.

If you are in Portugal, join Alfredo at one of the events below. If you are interested in specific details, please contact Zita at zita.heliodoro@gmail.com or call her at +351 917642711.

28 January, 9pm — Porto, Formal Presentation and debate on “How to Get Out of the Crises: Economics, Ethics and Morality”
Location: Rua Arquitecto Marques Da Silva, 200, Massarelos, 4150-483 Porto

29 January, 6pm — Lisbon, Formal Presentation on “Spirituality in the 21st century: Is it Subject To Evolution”
Location:Colegio Sagrado Coracao de Maria, Av. Manuel da Maia, n.º 2 – 1000-201 Lisboa

31 January, 8:30pm — Bombarral“The Eight Dimensions For a Change In Collective Consciousness”
Location: Bombarral in Auditório Municipal de Bombarral (near City Hall)

4 February, 8:30pm — Batalha  Open Event “The Power of Silence” Silent Meditation For World Peace
Location: In front of Mosteiro da Batalha, will be outside, so bring warm clothes and a blanket.

Today, it is Dr. Martin Luther King’s holiday in the United States of America.  I am not certain that many other nations celebrate this holiday.  But having been in the USA for so many years, it is impossible for me to forget the importance of Mr. King in my daily life or to ignore his invaluable teachings.  Thus, I decided to express some reflections while in Chile.

Every nation should have a similar holiday, even if it is does not honor Dr. King, specifically.

Today we are to celebrate the unfolding of a new horizon of humanity as a collective whole.  Every nation should stop and be in a moment of silence and reflection remembering, in this case, someone who died from a brutal act of violence.

Maybe, if Dr. King were alive today, he would be in the White House.

I play, time and time again, his very outstanding speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.  It was a masterpiece of the heart.

Yes, Dr. King, “I do have a dream”, and maybe my dream is similar to yours: that we live in one world of peace and love.  One of your most important legacies was to allow many of us to dream.  Simply, to dream.  You created the inner and outer spaces so that dreaming becomes a legitimate and effective instrument of human transformation.

You reminded us that a dream may indeed become like the sacred acupuncture needle that creates and leads humanity toward the right vision of its future.

Dr. King, today, many millions of people are not allowed to dream any longer.  If someone says she/he is a utopian, they are often ridiculed as naïve, unrealistic and impractical.  For billions of poor and disadvantaged people, the sky is not the limit any longer.

Discrimination, racism, and xenophobia still exist in many of our societies.  Gender discrimination persists. In the USA racism is by the color of the skin.  In Latin America racism is based on ethnicity and wealth differentials.

I do not know what you see from where you are now, but from where I stand, I see lots of violence, crime, social disintegration, and human insecurity.  These are happening within a huge ocean of material wealth in the hands of a few, incredibly interesting technological advances, and brewing new forms of entrepreneurship.  Our Mother Nature is suffering from incredible environmental devastation.

But, I also see the rising of a new generation of people who are diligently working to make this world a better place for all.  There are some leaders who are guiding humanity to more advanced levels of consciousness and awareness.  My hopes are really up, as I experience different forms of human realities.  My heart rejoices when people in prisons are ready to change their lives for a better future.  My soul experiences great joy when some communities around the world are organizing themselves to live sustainably, and willing to open their arms to everyone in need.

Dr. King, I salute your indelible legacy today.  Thank you for being an example of a strong, dedicated, compassionate being.

Alfredo Sfeir-Younis

January 17, 2011

From me to you in 2011: An Unconditional Love to Nature

Cho Tab Khen Zambuling

(Alfredo Sfeir-Younis)

2009 was the year when fundamental material transformation of humanity should have taken place. And, as we all know, it did not happen, and the world continues ailing on the material side of life. The golden rule, or the guiding principle, of that year was, and still is: “There is no issue in living with matter, or having material wealth, the issue arises when material wealth lives in you”. Most people are trapped in this materialistic existence. Even happiness has been conditioned by material possessions.

2010 was the year when we had to enter into meaningful processes of spiritual transformation. This includes both individual and collective transformation. Many people did transform, and we do notice it in many instances when peace and love are to be shared. However, we also know that much more is to be done, in order to be able to address the challenges humanity faces today. Spirituality is seen outside us and as something to be attained somewhere. While we know that the core of spirituality is inside us. It is the process of recovering our inner memory and, later, the process of self realization, of our agreed mission on this Planet Earth. A significant number of people live on this Planet without knowing what their missions are, and engage mostly in the ‘doing’ and ‘having’ rather than in the ‘being’ and ‘becoming’.

2011 is the year of total connection and full interdependence with Mother Nature. It is the year of unconditional love with Mother Nature. It is the year of healing Nature. It is the year of unfolding our gross and subtle existence with all living beings. This is the year when we and Nature must become One. When we must realize that the Divine in us and in Nature is exactly the same. This is the time when we become fully aware that our inner gardens must be taken care of now, so that the outer gardens will be in full alignment with Natural Law.

There should be no more dichotomies between you and Nature. This is the moment when the cosmovision of our indigenous nations must come to the fore, for us to learn, practice, and self realize, so that we become united with all that surround us. This is the year when our inner wisdom becomes One with the wisdom of Mother Nature.

Healing ourselves necessitates healing Nature. This is a fundamental dialectic process of infinite manifestations in the spiritual and material realms.

Let us not waste any time. Act now before it is too late.

Within this context, I would suggest you become actively involved in your own area. Do not look anywhere else!

However, some of you may not have immediate ideas of what to do right at this moment. The Zambuling Institute for Human Transformation is actively engaged in various programs within the context of three basic axis: (i) Trees for Peace and Bees for Peace; (ii) pilgrimages to the sacred sites of the countries we visit (with special emphasis in Latin America); and (iii) a serious engagement in world peace. Several items are associated to each of them. But you may translate these ideas into your own environments and cultural milieu.

The Trees for Peace Program is essentially to plant as many trees as people inhabiting this Planet. Not as a reforestation program but as a Healing The Earth Program. This is so simple. It could be a fruit tree or any tree for that matter. If you have a family of 4, just plant 4 trees. Of course you can do more. Welcome the trees, bless the trees, open the planting with a special spiritual prayer to enhance your interdependence with Nature.

The Bees for Peace Program is the same. Let us bring the bees to heal nature.  Many bees are dying as a result of pollution and other human created factors. This will assist many people in poverty and will create social integration in many parts of the world.

In fact, we have also thought of Greens For Peace Programs, which consist of teaching people to plant organic gardens for their own benefit as well as for the benefit of so many people who go hungry every night. There are immense advancements in ideas and technologies to do this. It has been proven that even one square meter of these gardens can feed a family sustainably for a rather long time.

Mobilize your communities. And, as they are mobilized, great human benefits will begin to unfold and a snow ball effect will end up benefiting millions of world citizens.

We are very aware of the need to touch and enliven the Sacred Places of this Planet, so that we have the support we are seeking at the material and spiritual levels. It does not matter what religion you profess. You are an agent of change, and because of that, we all can enliven many places around the Planet for the benefit of humanity. Use silence in those pilgrimages. It is not about socializing, it is rather about self realizing.

Silence is the most powerful force for inner healing and awakening the Spirit.

Peace is at the center stage of all of our ideas and actions.

World peace is not just an option. It is our only destiny.

Let me wish you a unique experience for this year 2011. This year is ‘the bridge’ before we enter 2012. This is the year of awakening a new form of consciousness embedded in the divine, expressed in millions of ways and forms, including Nature. Be active and engaged. We live on one Earth, it is ours, it is us, it is all.

For peace to prevail on our Planet, we must heal it and heal ourselves.

With love and commitment,

Cho Tab Khen Zambuling

January 2011

Alfredo will hold a retreat in Venezuela and will offer several talks to a wide range of organizations during his November 2010 visit. There are currently six speaking engagements scheduled from November 22 to 24th. Please see the link below for all event times and dates.

Click Here to View All Event Posters