by Carolion Grailbear
Member since:
September 22, 2006

The Lotus

June 10, 2008 01:39 PM EDT (Updated: December 19, 2008 05:47 PM EST)
views: 57 | rating: 10/10 (12 votes) | comments: 24

I think of the Lotus often, since it was the first shamanic practice gifted to me by Spirit: a group healing journey called "Lotus Intention."

One becomes one with the Lotus in a meditative or journey state, remembering that:

  • The Lotus is Rooted in Muck (Shadow....Our dark side....what some religions call our "sinful nature"). This is its Source of Nourishment.
  • The Stem of the Lotus is the Path we traverse between Earth and Sky, Shadow and Light, Suffering and Ascension.........And the Stem is how the Flower is nourished, empowered....the Stem Awareness transforms our rich and often painful Ignorance [character defects at personal and group levels] into Bliss.
  • The Leaf / Lily Pad of the Lotus is a resting place for all beings traversing the vibrations of Earth-Water-Sky-Sun/Moon & StarFire.  The Leaf is a place that's betwixt and between, and therefore is a state of awareness suitable for divination.
  • The Lotus Flower is the Awakened HeartMind, which is all forgiveness, all compassion, all healing, all creativity, all connection, all love.........

Please remember this one thing when relating to those whose various spiritual gifts have not yet opened, or those who are beginners in the excitement of awakening:

The "extras" or gifts like telepathy, clairvoyance, healing power, etc., are not the main point. The main point is Simplicity of Heart. Courageous Compassion. The Love of GodSelf which becomes the Radiant Heart, which brings all into Oneness.

Self-forgiveness is key here.

That comes when Serenity is treasured.

The greatest gift one can give is the service of supporting the inner peace of the Other.

This is the path of Loving the "Enemy" [Stranger, Partner, Other].

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Comments: 24

Rosa See Ya Jun 10, 2008, 3:49pm EDT
Oh, I like knowing that vision of the Lotus and its parts. It's interesting that you portray the dark side as Muck. That's what it's called in poker when you fold em. Everything nobody wants goes in the muck, LOL. I was reading in my new book and the author called the dark side dysfunction, and said the Hindus called it "maya" or the veil of delusion. Buddhism calls it "dukkha" or suffering and Christians call it "original sin" or to miss the mark. He saw it as madness, still others call it forgetfulness, but I like that word muck.

The steam, the leaf, the flower ~ you have opened a new thought for me here. Thank you.
Erica Hidvegi Jun 10, 2008, 5:22pm EDT
I LOVEEEEEEEEE your style of writing, use of 'betwixt and between', is so purposefully multidimensional. I feel the flower most representative of the 'human being housing subtle spirit energy', is the Lotus, just like you siad, so creatively !
sharing the light,
Carla G. Jun 10, 2008, 10:16pm EDT
The lotus rises up out of the "muck". I have known many who have arisen out of the muck. They are all stronger and more beautiful because of it. Thanks, Carolion!
Kamran Qureshi Jun 11, 2008, 12:14am EDT
Carolion: Thanks! This is some food for thought. I liked the way you described the lotus in four steps.
Carolion Grailbear Jun 11, 2008, 12:56am EDT
Kamran - indeed. These days I've been thinking that perhaps the whole planet is one big monastery, and all of us are traversing the steps of initiation: novice, acolyte, nun-monk, priest-priestess.

Other days I think perhaps we're all butterflies: egg, caterpillar, coccoon, butterfly...
Carolion Grailbear Jun 11, 2008, 12:57am EDT
Rosa, my gratitude for your concept research here. Everyone who reads your comment will benefit.
Carolion Grailbear Jun 11, 2008, 12:58am EDT
Erica - another multidimensional "spot": the interface between the pollinating insect and the emanation of the flower.
Carolion Grailbear Jun 11, 2008, 12:59am EDT
Carla, I don't know about you, but I have very strong memories of losing my shoes in muck from time to time. (c:*
Marinela Kotsina Jun 11, 2008, 3:41am EDT
This is a wonderful way to describe the Lotus.
I think that the extra gifts you are talking about are part of the simplicity , love and light of the soul. What do you think?
thank you for sharing
Carolion Grailbear Jun 11, 2008, 9:59am EDT
Oh yes, I agree entirely, Marinela - but when people focus too much outside the central Earth school initiation path of Courageous Compassion, they may be able to open their "extras" first, and then run the risk of using them without integrity. They may not be able to deepen spiritually, because they're fooling with the "extras."

When everything is in good order, then all gifts work together in perfect harmony for the greater good - the service we're given to do.

What do you think? How have you seen all this working?
Laura Serena aka AstroGirl Jun 11, 2008, 10:07am EDT
The main point is Simplicity of Heart. Courageous Compassion. The Love of GodSelf which becomes the Radiant Heart, which brings all into Oneness.


Really nice thought. Thank you.
I have had no knowledge of this...it sounds fascinating! thanks for sharing
Carolion Grailbear Jun 11, 2008, 9:05pm EDT
Mandi, I'm so glad you stopped by. Follow that Lotus!
Carolion Grailbear Jun 11, 2008, 9:06pm EDT
I was just over checking AstroGirl's articles - and there's a BIG shot of hope for us all in the article about S. African unionists refusing to unload a weapons shipment that could have caused horrendous doings over in Zimbabwe. Do go read it!
Carolion Grailbear Jun 12, 2008, 10:11am EDT
C.F., one of the things about loving-the-enemy is to simply relax judgement by detatching just for a moment and going into "witness consciousness," then simply allowing divine love to move through you to the Other (whether it be enemy, friend, partner, relative, weather, earthquake, whatever).

The only real changes are made by love. All other apparent changes are not permanent.

This statement begs the question of change wrought by hateful destruction....Many have thought along these lines, and I'm curious about what others think here:
Laura Serena aka AstroGirl Jun 12, 2008, 10:24am EDT
Thank you, Carolion. And C.F., I love your icon. One of my favorite bands.
Lyn Owen Jun 13, 2008, 1:07pm EDT
Great article.
Ayat Olwan Jun 13, 2008, 8:32pm EDT
~The greatest gift one can give is the service of supporting the inner peace of the Other.~
~This is the path of Loving the "Enemy" [Stranger, Partner, Other].~

"The only real changes are made by love." The Truth!

I love you, Carolion. :-) Salaam!
Carolion Grailbear Jun 16, 2008, 9:47am EDT
My heart is smiling.
Quinn (aka Entwife) Blackburn Jun 16, 2008, 9:53am EDT
Thank you for sharing this lovely view of the sacred Lotus.

..
U wishing you laughter
Bill's Spirit Jun 16, 2008, 10:29am EDT
What an excellent meditation.

Much to be contemplated, much to be remembered and much to be nurtured to fruition.

Great insights.

Thank you for sharing it with us, Carolion.
Carolion Grailbear Jun 17, 2008, 8:57am EDT
Quinn, and Bill, it feels so fine to be back in touch you both, and so many other fine writers here in Gather. Thank you for visiting this piece.
Krystal Harwell Mar 27, 2009, 1:39am EDT
*thought i'd go thru all my new gather friend's posts!! thanks for being a gather friend!*

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