Read

March/April 2005 Spirituality
Equanimity in Turbulent Times

by Kathlyn Kingdon

The current times may offer some serious challenges to establishing a life grounded in equanimity. In the wake of recent events in southern Asia, you may be deeply touched by the level of suffering so great in the aftermath of the December tsunami. Without denying the experience of the world around you, can you cut through the veil of suffering with great and profound compassion? Without ignoring the suffering of others, can you face the events currently arising on the planet with both the courage and compassion of a Buddha? Even more, can you rise to the level where you have deep and compassionate understanding that your suffering – no matter how tiny – only increases theirs?

Be thankful that you have been spared direct physical experience of the massive tsunami, but do not be fooled by the ego mind’s desire to put a "spin" on your condition that attempts to convince you (or others) that your karma is somehow more advanced than that of those who are now forced to suffer by the tsunami. Compassionately seek to understand how the events of the past few months must appear to them. Surely, the tsunami appears to have brought forth an "end of the world" experience to life as they have previously known it.

While it may seem otherwise, all suffering comes from the mind. If you can understand this, you have both the privilege and the responsibility to go beyond suffering. While such is not an easy task, know that each of you has within you all the resources you need to accomplish this "going beyond." Do not try to determine why such things happen. Rather, rise up in your Buddha nature, your Christ consciousness, and bless this world with your presence; grace it with your deep dedication to cut through all levels of suffering. Many will cry out, "Why, Lord?" Few will rise up in their inner lordship (leaving their own petty levels of suffering) and stretch forth to be a part of the solution that ends suffering – a solution which is profoundly needed at this time.

Having officially entered the Age of Aquarius just about a year ago, most who are aware are noticing this "Age" is starting off highly charged, and it is likely to be an Age of profound manifestation. Of course, the arising manifestation is directly related to the power of collective thought. For example, many people on this planet still believe in the need for war, and those beliefs (even if outdated) are, nonetheless, most powerful. Indeed, in this age of manifestation, if humanity continues to wage war, it/they can only expect powerful earthly repercussions – such as earthquakes and tsunamis.

When you live in times of great suffering, know that your time is also one of great potential for transcendence. Clearly, none of you can assuage the suffering of the entire world. Accept such as a fact, but do not use it as an excuse to climb into some cave of apathy or desperation. Use difficult times to be more than you might be in times that require less of you.

*Kathlyn Kingdon is a channel for the Ascended Master Djwhal Khul

Mother’s Day Weekend, May 6-8, 2005, Master Djwhal Khul, in honor of Mother Earth, will be facilitating a Peace Convocation, located on Hood Canal, Washington. This convocation is entitled "Making Peace with our Mother – the Earth." For more information contact the Vajra Flame Foundation, Ltd., 5082 East Hampden Avenue, Suite 123, Denver, CO 80222, (303-554-9881, or visit their website at www.vajraflame.org.