~ Visiting most website, you read a little bit, check things out, look at pictures, play a video, click on links, listen, buy something, etc.  The Internet is such a wonderful and powerful tool and I have always tried to find new and meaningful ways to use it. ~ 

I n v i t a t i o n

Dear Friend,

     Described here for your consideration is a wonderful opportunity. If you would like to participate, simply send an e-mail to let me know. The length of this program will be entirely left to you, meaning that you are under no obligation for any set period of time.

     From 1965 - 1968 I was living in California and studying at the Institute of Ability.   I was personally involved in the development, structure and principles that have been used to formulate the unique meditation mentioned below. Even today, in different parts of the world, you will find these same techniques being practiced by some of my fellow students, from over 40 years ago.

     Although not exclusive to His teachings, the subject matter of this meditation and its enormous value has been set forth by Lord Jesus Christ when he said, You should love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, mind, and soul. 

     Love of God has also been discussed in great depth by many Indian saints. These include Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, The Six Goswamis of Vrindavan, Shrila Prabhupada, and so many others …all of them key participants in the great bhakti (devotional) movement of the Vaishnava community.

     During this meditation, what you and I will be doing outwardly is best described as an exchange of e-mails. The 4-month session will be divided into two parts. For the first 2 months I will start by asking you the question, What is Love? You will then send me your answer. Next, I will send you another e-mail and ask, What is not Love?  And again, you will send me your answer.

     This will repeat back and forth, for 2 months. You set the pace. The second half of the meditation will center around, faith. I will be asking you, What is faith? …What is not faith? 
 

     And remember, if for any reason you choose to no longer participate, just let me know.

     To understand how this meditation works, consider an onion and how its center is surrounded by so many layers.  It is at the very center and the deepest understanding of love and faith that we want to reach.  Just like an onion and the process of “peeling away” to reach its center, asking these questions over and over again is very similar.

     My role in this process is to understand exactly what your answers are. As for your part, of course you have to answer the questions and stay with it. You would be surprised how many people like to change the subject, entirely. That will not work. So this is also my task, to make sure that we stay on the right track.

     You set the pace. Meaning, that you could reply once or twice a day, or once every few days, or once a week. A goal of 2 to 4 times a day would be best.

     I personally spent countless hours participating in this type of “give and take” and know first hand that it works. The special ingredient that accelerates this type of meditation is the communication that takes place between us, asking the proper questions, replying properly, and then having your answers actually understood by another person.

     Of course, it is also important that you approach this meditation seriously.  However, I do not mean that you have to take an unusual amount of time to answer, because we want those spontaneous thoughts, as well. But your answer may also consist of many paragraphs.  Long or short, I will read what you say with care, acknowledge what you have said, and send you the next question. Again, like the peeling away of layers, you never know exactly what will come up next; long answer or short; simple or complex.

     As far as the types of answers, there are different kinds. You will probably come up with many matter-of-fact definitions. So straight forward definitions are good. Next, you can give examples from hypothetical situations that you create to answer the questions ...to illustrate your response: “Well, let’s say that little Susie was walking to town and ….”

     Even better would be examples taken directly from your own life. Things that have happened in the past. present, or possibly may happen in the future: “When I was seventeen …….” or, “I know this fellow at work, Jim, and if I were to……”  These real life examples can be used to convey your answers.

     If you have any questions before making up you mind about participating, please feel free to e-mail me. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

    

Ronald Boutelle
ronaldboutelle@yahoo.com