Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is this:

IMHO, and proudly I say I graduated and I move on and up the ladder.  Thank you Nishtha, your blog is a wake up call. 
Just like my opinion of Ken Wilber and his philosophy, he just found “new” words to old and ancient wisdoms that he just collected from the Vedas, Upanishads, Sutras, etc.  I respect him and his philosophy but not tied to him.
samme

Thanks for posting this video.  I think Cohen does a good job in the video of stating an important and basic stance of the “new age” view.  It's only a tiny bit of it, too!  I see him reaching out to catch people's imaginations, to catch their hearts, so that they will want to know more and live at a more fulfilling level.  I think we “need” leaders like Cohen, because people think they need “permission” to think outside whatever box they've become accustomed to living in.  I see him as, through the video, inviting them to give themselves permission to see things in new ways… 

right on, Nishtha!! I couldn't even watch the video clip you posted – that's how much I don't want to be around Andrew Cohen's energy – I've read his words in WIE, and although I believe he carries some wisdom, I also believe he carries an extreme amount of arrogance and narcissism, and at times I find it hard to believe that he has so many followers – but on a deeper level I trust that people get what they need and that he must be serving an important purpose in the lives of some – (I would not list him in the same breath as Jesus and Buddha, by the way) – at any rate, I agree with what you're saying and definitely believe that “graduating” and becoming your own guru is an important developmental achievement

we certainly can.

i don't see how Jesus or siddartha could be delighted with the many kinds of distortions of their message. but perhaps they understand better than i can how badly most of us need to worship someone, how it could be a stepping stone to something better…

but like you, i am uneasy even at the mental image of all these women adoring Andrew. it's good if he does not absorb that projection but is he unaffected? i wonder when i read some of his writings, and especially when i read the words of ex-disciples like his mother.

What I am looking for are people with whom I can walk alongside for a time, gather with at crossroads for conversation, inspiration and motivation and/or to wave hello and goodbye to as our paths cross in our times of life and living.

Oh, Monisha. Exactly. I too was born without a guru-gene (that is, I've never felt called toward a teacher and while I harbor no ill-will or judgment against those who take that path, it's not something I easily understand), and this post spoke so beautifully to my own feelings about it. Isn't it curious how many male gurus there are, too?

Thich Naht Hahn said that the next Buddha will not be a person, but will come in the form of a sangha (community). I love this.

thanks for your comment, Nishtha – my experience of Andrew Cohen has been 100% from reading WIE, and my impressions of his narcissism come especially from reading his Guru and Pandit conversations with Ken Wilber – there's a way in which he often just oozes a “one-up” attitude, like “those poor schmucks – they just don't listen to my brilliant ideas” – I don't think brilliant or enlightened people have earned the right to toss out their humility – one of the most brilliant people I know, Richard Schwartz (founder of the Internal Family Systems model), knows he's onto something really big, yet he doesn't ooze arrogance – he probably has an arrogant subpersonality, in which case I'm guessing he's in right relationship with it (which is a big piece of what IFS is about)

I honestly don't know enough about Andrew Cohen to say anything more – I just find this whole thing about women adoring their gurus to be offensive – my sister had a guru who got busted in a sex scandal, which really made the point for me – she was adoring her own disowned wisdom, empowerment, and brilliance

I agree with you completely that we can do better – hopefully humanity is evolving toward that…

What a great conversation! Unfortunately, my life is currently in a world-win and time has not permitted me to be as active as I would like and strongly desire at this time.  I look forward to the moment when things settle so that I can grow with the knowledge that is in front of me…with that said, I would like to reply to your question: Nishtha; ” The question my heart screams is:  “When will people stop trying to walk in the footsteps of Jesus the Christ and/or the Gautama Buddha?!!”

Forgive me if what I am saying was previously stated.  I was unable to read all of the entries.  But the day is near when time will permit.

People will never stop trying to walk in the footsteps of those who offer the greatest demonstration of Love, Peace, Wisdom or those who have achieved great things.  We are trained to be the best we can be.  I often imagined what would it take for me to be as wise, forgiving and as loving as Jesus.  I own the tapes of The Four Noble Truths, and joke about only being able to get to the Third truth before accepting that I will never be Budda-like.  Now I can state with confidence that; until, through awareness, it becomes clear and accepting of what is necessary in authenticating one's “own” existence, the attempt to live “like” others or “as”  others is based on the claim that their (the perpatraitor's) “understanding” is real….We know better, but the imitator does not. The imitator is not aware.  Has not started to “arouse” or “awake”.  How to get over the fear of being authentic is the hardest struggle.  In my opinion, I think it also takes the longest time. 

Does it make sense? Did I completly loose you? I will one day soon, possess the talent of expressing my thoughts as well as my other mentor; Siona! I'm learning. :~)

I'm moving this week and will be off line from Thursday or Friday (Aug. 28 or 29th).  Internet service won't be re-established until Sept. 3rd.

I will miss everyone. You know, your fantasitic and supportive energy. 


I send miles of smiles your way, with thoughts of perfect health, prosperity, and love to all who read these words. Also to all who intend on reading these words but don't have time. :~)

With Giggles

Val

Nisththa: It's funny, but I just had one of those impromptu cafe conversations recently about how it seems there've been more and more female spiritual teachers coming to the west recently, from Amma to Mother Meera to Guru Mayi. These beings seem more to focus on presence and being rather than speaking or developing a campus or dedicated following, and it's curious to me to notice the difference in these approaches… even if they do still charge an arm and a leg. ;)

i do trust your sensing, Nishtha, and that is reassuring to know that Andrew is not an energy vampire… good points, Val and Siona. the money thing sickens me too, I agree, time to turn over some tables in the temple…

Greetings to All; I think it is time to own up to my thiefin-ways…Nicole I love your “Open Window”, I loved Sky's pic of the sky, I loved someones “green-shady-place” and others.  I have copied and put these lovely pictures in my photo gallery! (Yours will be placed after this post, Nicole).  Please feel free to tell me -Hands off! I will respect your wises.  I love eye-candy or art that touches me deeply.  That's why I continuosly change my “Thumb-visiable picture that identifies me. 

Thanks Jess and Sky for visiting my grapevine.  I love those quick and loving messages!

Back to the conversation, eventually I will ask everyone who commented in this “thread” to honor me with your friendship.  Like Siona, I enjoy walking the path and chatting with everyone.  I know, lets have a picnic!  (….there I go in never-never land again.)

Did I mention that I now refer to the Gaia Community as “The GAIA Nation”?  If that has not been mentioned before, than as of this moment, this space in time, this mementous occassion, your are now a nation: 168,000 strong! (I'm over dramatic, so read those words with a loud, moving conviction). Yes, I'm often silly …..giggles.

Right…, getting back to the post.  Great timing! I'm reading “When Fear Falls Away”, by Jan Frazier.  It is her story of a Sudden Awakening. I'm searching for more answers in reference to what might be my own sudden awakening.  Because it is so new to me, I am not able to verbally substantiate the claim.  But you're pick-up on alot of Loving Energy from me these days.

Jan, in her book, spoke about her encountes with Gurumayi and during one of her (Jan's) encounters, during a situation that was mentioned in reference to people who “Fawn” over Guru's, Jan was “chastized” when attempting to move out of the way in the crowd of people waiting to get a glimpse of Gurumayi and stumbled. Gurumayi stated to Jan ” There is room for you too in this hallway.  Don't allow yourself to be knocked off balance. ” Jan came to the conclusion (She is a student of Gurumayi) that she meant ” You are no less than I am.  Stop your delusion.” 

Nishtha , I believe this supports your statement, “ I believe that they have stumbled upon a Truth that works for them and they are called to share their Truth with others. I see that, their calling, as very Noble.” 
To take it further, what evey money is paid or not (as in your Uncles case), is based on how we see the (our-own) reality. Don't get caught up in the delusions.  Don't lose focus of your own “true-intentions”  Get yourself out of the way, so that you will awake.  I have never met a Guru, but I am impressed with reading about the arthurs encounters.  Will I ever seek a Guru? I have learned to never say “never”.

Can I offer a little humor at this time.  Nishtha, you have one too many “h's in your name. Remember: Miles of Smiles or S(miles).  I like it.

Now I leave you with interesting quotes and an even more interesting astrological reading.  I love science and I tell you, we should pay closer attention to a science that has the energy or divinity to cycle as a women's body does!  We only need to “feel” those that are not commercalized.

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Eleanor Roosevelt

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Albert Schweitzer

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Jim Rohn

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James Russell Lowell

 My Today's Horoscope

If you do any writing or artwork today, it will seem to come from a source outside of yourself, dear Virgo. Is this the divine muse you've heard others talk about? Possibly, or perhaps it is just your own natural talent shining through at last. Today is also auspicious for relationships, so be sure to take time for friends and loved ones, whether old or new.

My own feeling is that I love and trust the universe, or the intelligence that created it , big mind, God, All that Is, collective consciousness, whatever name you choose. I still don't have answers to all the big questions but I have examined all major religions and rejected the dogma, defined my own philosophy/ belief. I am also suspicious of money changing hands, energy vampires etc and those who claim to have found The Truth. I trust my own inner truth and bow to yours. Everywhere we look in the universe we find uniqueness, even each snowflake is unique, and my feeling is that this has purpose,  benefits the universe as a whole, All that Is. I try to respect this diversity, and through love to come closer to oneness and unity. I believe encouraging people to think for themselves and express their uniqueness is beneficial to us all as long as it is done with love and respect for others need to do likewise.

Val, feel free to use anything from my photos, it's all open to all! hugs

thanks for explaining that, Nishtha, I'm always learning cool new things about you! love to you all

You said it. Nishtha

JM

I didn't read the comments yet and I didn't watch the video and I am not sure I am even know who he is, but I did resonate with what you said about gurus. I was thinking the very thing myself, maybe yesterday. I feel a little out of place, that I don't have a guru and so many say you have to have one. That you have to have a master and I am wondering why. Is it okay not to have one? Can you find God or whatever you want call it on your own? Your blog has inspired me because maybe you feel the same way. Do we always have to have a teacher. I am sure they help but do we have to make them some kind of personification of God. Well, thanks for letting me vent. I will go back now and watch the video and read the comments and then probably feel stupid for writing this but I hope not.

Hello Dear Friends! I'm baaaacccckkkk! Nishtha, your lovely name has a soul…..thanks so much for explaining the “birth” of your name, and I no longer believe you have one too many “h's” in your name.  I would like to add another “tha” to your name because I'm certain we are “soul-sisters”! Nishthatha…:~)

Thanks Nicole for granting me permission to put a copy of your thumb-nail picture in my photo gallery.  I also must add your lovelightsinger to my gallery. I think I need to add names to the photo's so that I can remember who shared their loving spirit/energy with me.

I love these conversations on the path.  I really envision us talking while walking down a beautiful tree lined path, with many faces of flowers witnessing our conversations from the soul and laughing always.

Dear Jenni,
No you don't need to have a Guru to awaken.  I have just Awakened and I have never met a Guru, nor have I attended a church in many years.  Because this is so new, and I don't know how to explain what has happened, I have read “When Fear Falls Away” by Jan Frazier.  She shares her experience about awakening/no more suffering and also her experience with Guru Mayi.  I am currently reading “The Call” By Oriah Mountain Dreamer who is Author of  “The Invitation” and “The Dance” Both beautiful poems!

I thought I pin-pointed the moment when it happened to me.  (I rambled-on about it in a posting above. ) I have sensed realized that it was happening much earlier than I initialy thought, but the determining moment is memorable when fear fell away. 

I am so thankful to have found the GAIA Nation(community) when I did.  I do beleive I was divinly directed to this site for the support and environment of Love. The energy is off the scale.  It is uplifing and succeeds in helping to maintain focus of only the positive, learning, sharing, and uplifting spirit. I could say much more, but I have a terrible habit of rambling.  And yes, I continue to work on refining the ruff edges.  As Jan Frazier wrote  “When Fear Fall Away” states: “I am still human, but I am now Fully human”.  

Feel free to ask questions, that may be the only way to share what my experience was/is.  I can tell you that until that very moment, I was positively focused on maintaing positive intentions (for many years).  I am very faithful in beleiving that everything that happens is for a positive (right) reason. Both good and bad.  And I know that I have lived my life up until the moment of “enlightenment” with many delusions.  I have wandered why me? I have laughed at the thought that I would never ever experience “awakening or enlightment”.  I was not disciplined in my meditation, but I was very “intentive” (is that a word?) of praying while doing all kinds of things.  My prayers were thankful, requesting help, understanding, forgivness, prosperity and what ever I needed at the moment.  I am compassionate.  Finally, I must state that between the months of January and February, I have experienced both Humility and Grace. I am also aware that no matter what I write about my experience, there will always be  situations or circumstances that I can re-count that may have attributed to my blessing of awakening.  I think it could probably be traced back many years and I firmly believe that every single thing that happens in a life time is for the purpose of awakening.  Ok, I think I better stop there.  I've stated before, that this year, more people will awaken that ever before.  I just know that, and I also know that when unsual things have happened to me in the past or a thought that I thought was original, it appears and becomes “known” to many.  I no longer doubt that awareness and insight. 


Sending many kisses, hugs, and love to all. Also Loads-of-laughs

Val

Nishtha, your words, that I have read almost a month later, once again show me the clarity and awareness of your experience. I like the way you have described the somatic sensations and value the balance you bring to your sharing.

what you've written about gurus and followers: I see as a closed system, feeding off each other:each of us finds the teacher we would like at various times in our life; sometimes it is a person who is known as the ones you've mentioned; at other times a person not famous but we meet as wholistic teachers, who help to light us to another level [as I have found in my very not-wanting-any-guru-life]; and at other times, people like your father.

I'd once written that it is the people whom we venerate are “made” by us–they fulfill some need/expectation/belief of ours, as it is usually their memory or our own perceptions of them and reaction to them that propel our behavior. [How does a person become a god?]

As Siona has pointed out; it is the sangha in which there is the second coming. I actually feel that it was so even for the first 'coming'. Even now, while Cohen is alive; who actually knows him fully except thru our own perceptions/reactions or lack thereof?

And as to Buddha and Jesus whom we follow as if they are historical figures; if their soul is immortal, surely they're with us still; and we may find them as inner teachers.

VEry thought provoking blog and comments indeed. Thank you.