Eric McGough

Details: Parent Category: Uncategorised; Hits: 3947

Death - The Ultimate Councillor

DEATH4 Only one event is inevitable in our lives – all else is subject to review and change. That one inevitable event is our imminent death. I say imminent because death is an essential and constant aspect of life. It is not possible to have either one without the other. If we are wise we will see death as our constant companion on the journey of life.

We are constantly dying and being reborn – from the cells in our bodies to the thoughts in our minds. All aspects of our ‘little selves’ are in a constant state of flux and reflux. Such is the flow of what we call life –even for the stars and galaxies, the only difference being the time spans involved.

But this is not a morbid or sad affair; rather it’s a source of strength and stability. We none of us know when our life’s journey will come to an end. It doesn’t matter if we are young or old, strong or weak, or if we have great plans or a whole string of accomplishments to our credit. The stark fact is that we don’t know from one moment to the next how much time we have left to us on this awesome world.

This uncertainty can be a crippling thing, causing us to fear living, because in a strange way fear of death constricts our openness to life. If we fear death we will tend to chose limited lives, seeking mostly what is perceived to be the ‘safe option’ in most things. But this need not be the case; we can choose a much better view of death and live our life to the full by the benefit of its wise council.

How then do the truly wise among us use death as the ultimate councillor?

To begin with it is necessary to acknowledge your death as a constant companion, to understand that it is always there by your side (literally about an arm’s length to your left). It witnesses everything that you do, never sleeping, never leaving your side.

It is well understood these days that everyone has a guardian (or guiding) angel, and that this angel is always with us. If we can accept that idea we should just as easily accept the idea that we may perhaps have other angels walking with us. But to be real about this we must also recognise the fact that life has dark as well as light energies in equal measure.

When a light is lit it creates shadows. We are lights – we are spiritual presences, beings of light in a physical world. When we are born, and our light shines forth in this dark world, we immediately cast shadows. One of those shadows is our death. When we enter this life angels are present at the birth. One of those angels is an angel of death – a shadow cast in such a way that it can never be separated from us, until the day we die.

All living things are tied to their death because what we call living is in fact the participation in a mutual coming together of separate and individual energies to a common purpose. You and I are an arrangement of billions of individual lives. The sum total of these lives in the physical world is what we call our body. But this arrangement can not be permanent because each of these tiny lives has their own evolution to see to. They come together only for as long as that arrangement is mutually beneficent, then they go their own way. The angel of death knows exactly when that time has arrived. It has the interests of the billions of lives in its care. What you want in this matter is of no importance, the benefit to every one of those lives is paramount.

When life is hard, when things are getting you down, when you feel like everything is going wrong, when you think that you are about to be destroyed turn to your death and seek its council – your death will tell you that you are wrong; that nothing really matters other than its touch. Your death will tell you “I haven’t touched you yet!”

How easy it is for us to become petty, to sink into negative moods, and to indulge in self concerns. The wise among us take heed of their death at such times and just as easily shake such negativity off like so much water. Death says “You don’t have the time to waste on such pettiness. I can reach out and touch you at any time”. Such wise council is priceless, and the truly wise live their lives prepared to die at any moment. Lived in this way – knowing that death is imminent – life is precious. It is of immense importance, and it is not something that we can afford to waste a single moment of.

I died...... last spring. But it wasn’t the real thing; it wasn’t the gentle tap on the shoulder of the angel of my imminent death, it was a rehearsal, a warning. My death whispered in my ear and five seconds later I was dead. A powerful vibration swept up the back of my neck, an energy that made everything blaze with dazzling light. It passed over the top of my head and ran down my face like ice water...... and then blackness. It happened in just about the length of time it is taking you to read this sentence.

I was in hospital at the time, in intensive care, and I was wired to a heart monitor and other assorted tubes. My wife was at my side and saw the monitor display the flat line – registering no output from the heart. The medical team was only a few feet away when the warning alarm sounded on my monitor. Because I was already wired up they only had to press a button to shock my heart back into beating, and I came back.

It can be that simple. Just a few seconds and it's over. No time to indulge in regrets or put right some wrong that burns your conscience. There is a realisation that you haven’t done so many things that you always thought you would someday – when you had the time. The instant recognition that it’s too soon – that you want to enjoy the experience of living more. That life is so very precious, so very necessary, and that there is so much more that you wanted to learn, to be, and to feel.

Human evolution at this time (Aquarius), for those of us who are concerned with spiritual growth, is really all about awakening. It is our task to become as fully conscious and spiritually aware as possible and to help and encourage each other in that task is our spiritual work for this age. An awakened soul, whose awareness has expanded to take into focus the higher or inner worlds, radiates powerful light into this otherwise dark world. This spiritual light benefits the whole of humanity and all life on earth. But such awakening can only be achieved while we are here, in the physical classroom of life. There is much to learn, to realise, and to put into practice. Once we have left this place we must join the queue to return again in order to continue our development towards a complete awakening.

Death is the ultimate councillor. It won’t indulge you. It won’t pander to your vanity. It won’t tell you what you want to hear so that you can pretend to yourself. All we need to benefit from its wise council is simply to be aware of its presence, our constant companion on the roadway of our life.

Eric McGough

Details: Parent Category: Uncategorised; Hits: 3347

Dragonflies

dragonfly Late afternoon on a sunny autumn day and I’m sitting by a pond in the slanting sunbeams. The light is mellow, warm, and softly glowing on the foliage of the trees and shrubs around me. There is peace. Not the peace of silence, because traffic murmurs not far off on the main road and a neighbour’s dog barks a greeting to its returning owner, but the peace of the rightness of things. All of the sounds, smells, sights, all of my senses are receptive and alive, and all is as it should be. This is the harmony of just being. I am observing, nothing more, just simply observing what is.

I started – some twenty minutes before – by trying to just observe my breath as it came and went through my body. But this had not been an easy thing to do. At first, I found myself making mental comments, announcing that the out-breath had begun, and then that it should to be a certain length. Then I told myself that it had finished and started a debate about whether there should be a suitable pause before the in-breath began again. What was a suitable pause, and should I be aiming to make both breaths the same length? But then I realised that I was not simply observing – in fact, I had started a dialogue from the very outset.

So I started again. This time I had managed to get through a couple of cycles of breath before I started commenting, assessing, and debating. Part of this was to congratulate myself on not commenting! But before that, just briefly, I had experienced something quite wonderful, peace and a calmness that was extraordinary for its subtle depth.

Holding on to that memory, I contented myself with single cycles, just one out and one in a breath at a time. This time it was easier; just dealing with one breath carried none of the concerns of duration, of keeping going. Now I was able to resist mental interruptions and the peace and calmness became continuous for a while. It was quite simple really; just watching the breath as it is, without controlling it in some way or talking to myself about it. What brings this peace and calmness is allowing the breath to work on its own, just as it has since the day I was born. Even when I’m asleep my breath goes in and out without me controlling it or making comments. All I have to do is simply observe.

But at some point, there would be the inevitable intrusion into my watchfulness, some noise or sensation that distracted my attention. At first, this felt like another form of failure. I was no longer mentally verbalising about my breath but the motor bike with the defective silencer just had to be commented on – didn’t it? Or the sudden itching on my neck, which was beyond my control – surely. I can’t be expected to ignore these things – can I?

No, but I’m not ignoring my breathing either. The idea is not to ignore things but to simply observe them. It doesn’t matter what those things are I simply need to watch them and allow them to be – to exist just as I exist. There is no need to start verbalising thoughts about them, those thoughts only result in me excusing myself for no longer being content to observe. And where are the peace and the calmness then?

But now I have passed all that, I have given everything its due, contented myself that all that is happening is simply what is. There has emerged rightness to the world at this time, in this place, and between me and the space around me. I am an observer, nothing more, nothing less, and peace and calmness are both within and outside of me.

I observe the effect of the sunlight on the water as it plays along the margins of the pond. A swarm of mosquitoes cavort above the lilies, in a pattern all of their own sense and purpose. Wasps buzz in and out of secret places looking for winter lodgings for their queen. Birds flit from tree to tree calling their personal messages of life. A soft breeze plays exquisite sensations on my face and hands. I watch, I observe contentedly, and I am at peace, at one.

There is no sense of fullness, no sense of emptiness, no sense of this or that proportion to my experience – to my peace. It is what it is, and that changes as it will, I just watch. Yet there is more beauty in the world than we will ever experience at any given time. The world is harmony, my experience is total. Then a new element enters my world, something unexpected, and something magic; something that draws me beyond myself.

An iridescent blue and green Dragonfly hovers above the water before my watchful gaze. It is joined by another, and then four more. They hover in juxtaposition to each other before swinging at incredible speed into new arrangements. This is a dance, the very dance of life, and I am its silent witness.

My sense of being overflows, unable to be contained in the ordinary mind – however silent and still - I am somehow enlarged, removed one step back from my normal spatial awareness. I am the observer, a me that is usually so interwoven with its thinking and judgments, thoughts, and comments that it does not know itself. But now it is the very centre of awareness.

This is mindfulness. It is the subject of the first session of the audio course 'The Heart of Meditation'. The practice of being mindful, of simply observing, has many rewarding effects. And it can be done in virtually any situation. Once we can learn to let go of our interfering thoughts and simply observe we are not only entering peace and calmness but also accepting things as they are. This is a powerful tool in the quest for spiritual development. It helps us to cut through our conditioning and find the greater reality which is otherwise obscured by it.

Eric McGough

Details: Parent Category: Uncategorised

ME kreivila

WELCOME TO ericmcgough.com

Eric is an author and writer. He has written and produced several, widely acclaimed audio courses on Theosophy. He was President of the English Section of the Theosophical Society from 2008 to 2014.

For the last fourteen years, he has run the English TS' Diploma in Theosophy Course, which is subscribed to by students from across the world. Eric is a published author with four novels in print The Tears of a God series. His book, 'Astral Awareness,' is selling well and has excellent reviews.

Details: Parent Category: Uncategorised

THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY IN WALES discussion group

A GUIDE FOR STARTING THEOSOPHICAL MEETINGS

To make the Wisdom of Theosophy available to all people.

To dismiss religious dogma, to dispel futile superstition, And to enlighten a dark and materialistic world

Written by J. Cunningham Org. Sec. for Wales

Life and Teacher - Mind the Creator - Love the Healer

The Theosophical Society - Offers interesting and inspiring talks

Theosophical principles have been restated in different ways by seers and sages throughout human history, they are the Ancient Esoteric Teachings that lie behind all religions, myths, and legends.
The Theosophical Society was formed in 1875 by H. P. Blavatsky for the purpose of making the ageless wisdom available to everyone.
It is now active in over 50 countries. -
HP Blavatsky gathered together the oldest and the most profound ancient wisdom.
She gave it to the world as Theosophy. She has been described as 'The Grandmother of the New Age'.
The Society is composed of people belonging to any belief system or to none.
Central to the Concerns of theosophy is the desire to promote understanding and brotherhood among people of all races, creeds and philosophies.
Devotion to truth, love for all living beings and commitment to a life of altruism marks the true Theosophist.
Second hand Spiritual and 'Self - Help' books are for sale at most meetings
Free Refreshments are available at meetings.
New enquirers are always welcome.

The Sprit of Truth by H.P.B.

When the artificial chilly flame of modern materialism is extinguished for lack of fuel, those for whom the great hope of existence beyond the grave is a vexation, should prepare for the greatest disappointment they could possibly have.
For out of the deep muddy waters of materiality a mystic force is rising.
It is the first rustling but it is a superhuman rustling, it is supernatural only to the superstitious and the ignorant.
The spirit of Truth is passing now over the face of the dark waters; and in parting them, is compelling them to reveal their spiritual treasures; this spirit is a force that can never be hindered and can never, never be stopped.

Be Present in all that you do Master Invocation

May those who are the embodiment of love immortal,
Bless this Society that was founded to assist their work.
May we be guided by their wisdom.
May we be strengthened by their power.
"And may we be inspired by their love.

That which is their work becomes ours -
To make the Wisdom of Theosophy available to all people.
To dismiss religious dogma, to dispel futile superstition And to enlighten a dark and materialistic world.
PEACE TO ALL BEINGS

Starting new Theosophical Centres

New enquirers are encouraged to join the T.S. as UNATTACHED MEMBERS.
Eventually they could form new independent Centres or Lodges.
If two or more members of the TS want to start holding meetings, they should contact their local TS for advice and support.
They should also contact any people who are already members of the TS in their area to ask for support.
To begin, The Organising Secretary in Wales or the President in England will arrange a speaker and funds to pay for the hire of a room to hold a Public Meeting.
At the meeting those attending are asked if they would like to start regular meetings.
Names & details are collected Sometimes more than one public meeting is needed.

Strategy and Working Method

The Organising Secretary will provide the necessary skills to organise the group; answer enquiries, organise regular speakers, provide study materials, collect funds, take enquirers details, and provide printed adverts and program.
When the group becomes established, they will form a Committee, this will enable the group to make democratic decisions about the structure of meetings and the programme etc.
They can then become a Lodge/Branch and will be able to organise themselves.
The Lodge/Branch will be able to provide one member to represent their group and to vote on the National Council.

Finding a venue

Quaker Meeting Houses are very good, reasonable rates and have a peaceful atmosphere.
Look at places where other similar groups meet.
Private homes and public houses are unsuitable as the organisers will not have full control of the meeting.
Or who is allowed to attend.
When you choose a particular night make sure it does not clash with other popular interests in the area.
PLACE ADVERTS – posters and leaflets
Your Organizing Secretary will provide posters but you must place them - libraries, shops, and notice boards.
Find a magazine, or free sheet etc. which advertises meetings for spiritual/alternative groups.
WRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR saying that you intend to offer courses on Theosophy and ask him to publish it.
Email ---- Collect every new enquirers email address so that you can make an email list.
Send details of meetings by email a few days before.

Attendance Book - Register

The Attendance book serves to keep an accurate record of the meeting and those who have attended.
It has been found to be really helpful. Register -
Large A4 size - Layout - DATE, SUBJECT, SPEAKER, PRESENT, email or Phone number
Because this book is available for everyone to read It should not contain addresses.

Two Kinds of Meetings could be offered -

Public Meeting

A speaker is employed and everyone is welcome.
Lodges/Branches will thrive if they offer a varied programme, even the New Age Movement had its beginnings in Theosophy.
There are as many roads to Enlightenment as there are pilgrims.

Members Meeting

Every Lodge/Branch should hold meetings to encourage group study, and discussion of Theosophy.
The Theosophical Society encourages freedom of thought.
Study meetings can be open to none-members or kept exclusively for members only to avoid disruption of study.

Study Course by Eric McGough -

Give form and structure to members meetings. -
Encourage membership if public are invited. -
Ensure that all members understand some Theosophy.
Lodges have been using Eric's Courses to good effect.

The Course can be presented in two ways or you may find your own way.

1. Each session of the audio course is played to the group and discussion is encouraged at various points throughout the session.
At the end of the meeting the session notes are handed out as a reminder of the content of the session.
These will build into a folder of the complete course.

2. The group leader reads a paragraph or page from the notes then gives his explanation and invites discussion.
The complete course on Cds are available for sale.
Gathering to listen and discuss the sessions like this builds a strong sense of fellowship and creates an atmosphere which encourages enquirers to become members.
This helps members and enquirers to study with friends, sharing and receiving in a lodge environment rather than studying in isolation at home.
Offering a recorded AUDIO study course is a good way of starting a group and for regenerating a failing lodge.

A Study course is -

- A series of talks which promotes discussion.
- In a form which is not afraid of using new terms and concepts but that introduces them gradually.
- Inspiring to all. Containing insight for the beginner and deep enough to hold the interest of the veteran.

Course Notes

There are a four or five pages of notes to be given out to each person at the end of each session.
Do not give out the notes at the beginning of the meeting, they will start reading them and their attention may be lost.
Course notes are a helpful reminder of what has been said and eliminate the necessity of taking notes.
Students can then give their full attention to the speaker.
The notes can be downloaded free.
They will then have to be duplicated for giving to each student.
This can be done a session at a time by printing from a computer or photo copying at local stores.

Founding a Lodge or Branch of the Theosophical Society in Wales. -

The organising Secretary will encourage established groups to become a Lodge/Branch and to organise themselves
but he/she is always ready to step in and help in any capacity.

The Theosophical Society in Wales - National Rules

Every group Lodge or Branch is subject to the Rules of the TS in WALES and to decisions made by the democratically elected Welsh Regional Council.
The Regional Organising Secretary.
Membership applications must be submitted to the Organising Secretary.
‘Membership of the TS is at the discretion of the Organising Secretary"(National Rules 6b) ‘
'The Organising Secretary will advise on the implementation of the National Rules and can take the chair at any meeting".(National Rules 18)
The National Treasurer. Receives the annual subscriptions of every member, payable to the '‘Theosophical Society in Wales'.

In ENGLAND - The Green Book

England has produced a handbook for Lodges the 'Green Book' which is A VERY COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE and contains detailed information about the structure, organisation and rules of the English Section.

Contact 50 Gloucester Place LONDON W1U 8EA
Tel - 020 7563 9817

The President of the English TS will assist in the setting up and running of public lectures, meetings, Study Centres, and Lodges/Branches

Details: Parent Category: Uncategorised

Dragon Flies

Late afternoon on a sunny autumn day and I’m sitting by a pond in the slanting sunbeams. The light is mellow, warm, and softly glowing on the foliage of the trees and shrubs around me. There is peace. Not the peace of silence, because traffic murmurs not far off on the main road and a neighbour’s dog barks a greeting to its returning owner, but the peace of the rightness of things. All of the sounds, smells, sights, all of my senses are receptive and alive, and all is as it should be. This is the harmony of just being. I am observing, nothing more, just simply observing what is.......... - Read more

Death - The Ultimate Counsellor

Only one event is inevitable in our lives – all else is subject to review and change. That one inevitable event is our imminent death. I say imminent because death is an essential and constant aspect of life. It is not possible to have either one without the other. If we are wise we will see death as our constant companion on the journey of life.......... - Read more

The Coming of Man

An old Hindu legend tells a story of the coming of man in the dawn of the morning of the world. In this legend, the Gods began to feel threatened by the quality of man’s activity, his power, and his immortality. They started to perceive man as a real threat to their own sovereignty. And so, fearing that man would eventually overthrow them, the Gods took steps to reduce man’s powers.......... - Read more

Intuition – Solar Fire

We, humans, are endowed with two kinds of mind. These are commonly referred to as lower mind and higher mind, but esoteric science has other names. Two of these names are, respectively, Lunar and Solar. The Lunar mind is linked with the emotional nature, or lunar aspect, and seeks pleasure, satisfaction, and expression in the physical world. The Solar mind is linked with the Buddhi nature, and seeks the perfect expression of spiritual ideals.......... - Read more

The Wisdom of Angels

Almost every culture acknowledges angels as existing in one form or another and fulfilling some vital role in creation. We see this in myth, personal accounts, sacred texts, and of course in religions. According to a gallop pole over seventy percent of Americans believe in angels – even more than attend church (I couldn’t find figures for the UK).......... - Read more

What is War?

We are at war! Are we not? Every evening the TV news brings us pictures of conflict, of soldiers with guns patrolling occupied territory while the populations plot to blow them up. We see a nation despising nation, terrorists bombing innocents in unsuspecting busy streets, and religious fervour calling for revenge and death sentences. Politicians incite hatred and justify the use of terrifying and deadly force. Hatred is piled upon hatred and fear upon fear. Big Brother is in his element, and all in the name of justice. We are at war – otherwise, where is the peace?......... - Read more