The Purpose of Evil and Darkness

White Eagle says: ‘The real purpose of so-called evil or darkness is to bring forth good. In the beginning there was darkness, but also in the beginning God said: “Let there be light”, and there was light. All the dark conditions and inharmonies of earth are really for human benefit.’

When we hear on the news of terrible things happening, such as the abduction of the little girl April, it can be difficult not to question, ‘How can God and the angels allow such a thing as this to happen?’  I have been thinking about this a lot in the last few days, as no doubt you have too. I have just opened the October issue of our magazine Stella Polaris and read White Eagle’s words in this on the subject of darkness and light, and I do recommend this to you and also what I have written in my ‘Links of Light’ opening letter in the same issue.

Returning to the story of April, I truly believe the best thing we can all do is to try to concentrate all our attention on sending healing light to all involved, and keep our thoughts centred on the Star. It is indeed hard to come to terms with the question of why, and not fall into judgement, blame or fear, but somehow I feel we must try to be constant in our belief in God’s love and that ultimately valuable lessons are learned through awful things, and our hearts are opened in deeper compassion and unconditional love. It is also a call to our faith in the principle White Eagle has given us that the essence of every human being is love and goodness, even if this is obscured and covered up. This does not, of course, condone acts of cruelty, but I believe it is our work to serve the Master in looking to the light within everyone and helping to bring it forth by our belief in it and by our thoughts, so that the pull towards violence of any kind loses its hold.

‘Within you all are the two aspects of life, the positive and negative, wisdom and ignorance, light and darkness, spirit and the pull of the body; of earthiness. Your true purpose is to develop the son of God within your soul. We understand the conflict which ever rages in the hearts of men and women. We do not blame. We do not condemn. We see instead a process of spiritual unfoldment taking place.’  White Eagle

Peace is a Dynamic Power

‘Peace is a dynamic power. From the heart of peace comes right action.’  (White Eagle)

I am sure you have enjoyed as much as I have all the positive stories in the media in recent weeks about our Olympic and Paralympic heroes. It is always so encouraging to read of courageous endeavour and high principles. Last week, by chance, I watched a deeply moving documentary about the Nobel Peace Prize winner, Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese politician who spent nearly 20 years under house arrest by the country’s military junta, and became a global symbol of the power of peaceful resistance. What a moving story it is. She is a truly remarkable woman and as I watched the film about her, and heard her quiet, gentle, yet strong words, I felt that here indeed is someone who is working under the ray of the Star of Brotherhood. One thing that struck me very much is how she told some of her assistants, when they were going on a possibly dangerous trip across the country, ‘Anyone who retaliates will not be on the next trip’. All her actions and speeches are about reconciliation (now she is no longer under house arrest), never recrimination or revenge. This does not mean that she is passive in a negative way. I wrote down her words: ‘Wanting something is not enough. You must dare to do it’. She truly is a demonstration of what White Eagle says: ‘Peace is a dynamic power’. She is now in dialogue with the military leaders and says that this is the way to bring change, not revolution. She begins each day with meditation and says that it brings her a sense of calm and awareness.

White Eagle says:

‘When there is conflict in the mind there is no peace in the soul, but when the spirit controls the mind and the nervous system, then peace and tranquility rule. The love, the light in the heart, is pure spirit; and human life must be guided by the spirit. Once you can relax and relinquish your problems to God, all conflict ceases and health, wholeness and holiness return.’

'Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining'

This is really just a postscript to my earlier posting about the inspiration of the Paralympics…

I don’t know what the coverage has been in countries outside the UK, but here media interest seems to grow day by day, as we were all more and more inspired by the extraordinary courage, dedication and ability of these amazing people who, far from sitting down and complaining about their disability, have turned it into something truly positive in their lives. Such an inspiration for us all, and so in accord with White Eagle’s teaching of karmic opportunity.  David Cameron, our Prime Minister, seems to speak for many of us in saying: ‘We will never think of sport the same way; we will never think of disability the same way.’ In this year 2012, which so many people have feared, it is a wonderful example that seemingly difficult situations, and a difficult prognosis for the future, can in fact be turned around. As the proverb goes: ‘Every cloud has a silver lining!’ White Eagle says:

‘You are dismayed with the suffering and the cruelty in the world; but could you look from the mountain top of spiritual understanding you would be overawed with the beauty of God’s creation.

Always keep this as your star then, and allow it to guide your life, because today is eternity. Those vibrations which you set in motion today are your future. Take fast hold of this ideal of truth and beauty and loveliness throughout life, and you are creating tomorrow.’

At the same time as writing this, I had an email from a brother who said:

‘All the wonderful things that have occurred and the spirit generated and rediscovered with regard to the Olympics and Paralympics I, like many others, have felt so strongly over these past few weeks, and the vision of those involved in organising the games has been so inspirational and enlightening, for both Britain and the world.

‘I believe that something very, very special has been happening, and could be regarded as an example of how the Light in Britain can shine so strongly within this country and out across the globe, and help to raise levels of awareness in many ways. A truly Aquarian experience.’

The Harmonies of the Universe

‘The temples and structures of old were built upon the formation of the trees. Trunk and branch taught the builders the secrets of pillar and arch and groin. The harmonies of the universe find expression in the trees, as in your own body; and in the architecture of the temples of old you can

find expressed in miniature the Grand Temple of the Universe.’  White Eagle

Here in the UK, September has brought the golden sunshine that we longed for on many days during our wet summer. I think New Lands and the Temple gardens look very beautiful (and they will soon to be even lovelier when our volunteer Garden Gang arrive)—radiant in both physical and spiritual light as we prepare for our Autumn re-opening with our PEACE DAY on Sunday 16^th September, and Harvest Festival the following Sunday.

Already it seems there is a subtle change in the air as the days move onward towards the equinox. It is the beauty of the trees which catches my attention as their leaves start to turn gold. It is significant, I feel, that the new moon on 16^th, when the Sun is still in the Earth sign of Virgo of service and practical endeavour, falls so near this year to the equinoxal energy of Libra - of beauty, harmony, peace and balance. It makes me feel I want to embrace the energy of the new moon, and breathe in new harmony, peace and wellbeing with every breath…

I found this teaching from White Eagle particularly right for this time: ‘As did the great Lord Buddha, let us too at this moment assemble under the canopy of heaven, shaded by the branches of the universal Tree of Life——and absorb the heavenly blessing of peace. We stand in worship at the foot of our brothers the trees; we raise our hearts to the heavens, and hear the sounds, the music, the harmonies of the universe.’

Good Coming from Adversity

Just recently I heard a wonderful story about one of our brothers. She had suffered an inexplicable illness for many years. Then, she discovered a miracle cure using the humble teasel plant. A teasel could be thought of as unattractive. Yes, a rose has thorns and prickles, but who would compare a teasel with such a beautiful flower as the rose? Who would think of it as a symbol?

‘By chance’ Anna had this picture of a teasel open on her computer screen when I was talking with her the other day. Seeing this image struck such a deep chord in my heart. It felt to me like a symbol of our spiritual journey. At times our lives can seem full of adversity and yet, through these very challenges, we have the opportunity to bring forth hidden strength and talent, and unfold far deeper compassion and understanding for others. As I looked at the photo of the teasel—really looked at it—it became so very beautiful, quite as lovely as any rose.

The truth of ultimate good, greater inner strength and spiritual growth coming out of difficulty is inherent in White Eagle’s wise teaching and I am sure will be in all our thoughts as we witness the heroic efforts of athletes in the forthcoming Paralympic Games. What adversity indeed these brave souls overcome! What strength they find! What an example for us all.

I thought you would like this paragraph taken from Seeking Serenity: ‘Live in the unwavering consciousness that with God—good, love—all things are possible. God holds the power for you, and every experience is to bring you right into the heart of God’s love. This is your goal, and the happenings on earth are all stepping stones leading you to your goal.’

Families and Fun

For me, this week of our family camp is truly one of the highlights of our Temple year, bringing families together, children of all ages—including, this year, more teenagers than ever before—in the beautiful environment of White Eagle’s home.

The theme this year drew inspiration from the recent Olympics, ‘The Ancient Greeks’. There were such innovative and inspiring ways this was developed during the week by our wonderful group of helpers and volunteer mums and dads. In ‘our’ opening ceremony the five interlocking circles of the Olympic symbol were created by five ‘getting to know you’ groups—‘after just a little chaos’! Then ‘our Olympic torch’ was carried out of the Temple to light the fire in the middle of the circle of tents on the hilltop.

I know White Eagle is very happy at this annual event, so reminiscent of his tribal family gatherings in days gone by when he lived in physical incarnation as the Iroquois chief White Eagle.

On this first year that Ylana has not been able to join us physically, she was certainly with us in her younger and vibrant ‘body of light’. Tribute was paid to her in the final camp event—the gloriously creative and talented ‘end of camp show’. I know she was very amused at the happy rendition of one of her favourite songs! In fact, I am writing this the day after what would have been her 96^th birthday, 20^th August. She is so clearly with me now and in her own dynamic way urging us on in all our endeavours to ‘live brotherhood’ in our family lives, in our community service and in every way we can.

Walking in the Sunlight!

I am sending you greetings from a very warm and sunny New Lands.  At last summer has come to England and we are bathing in the glory of the physical sunshine, as well as the spiritual light.

Recently I have been walking round our beautiful cross-within-the-circle path, mown in the grass on the large field adjacent to the Temple, where Jeremy led our walking attunement on our Earth Healing Day on Sunday 24^th June.  Since then the wild flowers and grass surrounding the walk have grown even more,  and I love the magical experience of being part of this wild flower meadow, with the blue sunlit sky above and the birds singing.  Truly heaven!  Many here in the UK may be preparing for or returning from summer holidays, and some of you may have had poor weather.  But what a happy thought it is, that at the inner level it is always sunny (if we wish that).  So, whatever our physical restrictions, heavenly freedom is always there, and we can walk inwardly in ‘sacred places’.  You can even come in your body of light and walk on this ancient hill top!