Oneness: Getting to the Heart of the matter.

This morning I had an interesting conversation about Oneness. A situation arose in my friend’s life where she chose to finish a relationship with some friends as it was no longer serving her. However some “spiritual” friends think this is not in oneness and is not an appropriate course of action.

My response is it depends whether oneness is a belief and concept originating in the mind or something that is felt in the heart. The problem with beliefs is that they are always changing – what is true today may not be tomorrow. They are also limiting and lead to judgements of right and wrong. If I believe in oneness does that mean I don’t believe in twoness?

We live in a world of maya or illusion where the ego believes that I am the centre of the Universe. The ego’s perspective is one of separation – me and you, him and her. Ironically once the ego has surrendered it turns out that not only am I the centre of the Universe, I am the Universe! And so are you because there is only one of us in the room.

Now to the Heart of the matter. Is it possible to feel oneness with somebody in the heart even though you are not talking to them? I suggested to my friend that it absolutely is. There may be times when it is appropriate to withdraw from a relationship because there is so much entanglement that it is the only way to stay sane and find oneself within all the chaos. Once things have settled it is easier to gain a higher perspective and see the learning and perfection in this part of the play in creation.

One of the pitfalls of spiritual activists or new agers is that they can become very “nice” and allow people to hurt them or dishonour ones boundaries because we “should” all be one and love each other no matter what. You may have heard of tough love when it is appropriate to put down boundaries and in certain situations withdraw for the highest good of all parties.

The ultimate truth is that we are all one. However as long as there is ego there will be perceived separation. When ego is prevalent oneness stays as a belief in our minds rather than something that is felt and lived from the heart.

Magic Moments with Mother Amma

1) She enters the hall and I am in the centre. She is standing up and puts her hands above her head She acknowledges us as embodiments of love and the supreme consciousness. I find myself putting my hands above my head in response and for a moment it is just us acknowledging each other. I couldn’t believe it! I looked straight at her and my vision was blurred as though I was wondering whether this was real – me and Amma acknowledging each other. Of course, it was. This is a huge blessing for Amma to acknowledge me in this way.

2) It is a few minutes before the evening program and Amma is expected to arrive very soon. Suddenly I feel restless and get up to leave the hall. As I am walking out I hear that Amma is coming through the kitchen entrance. I don’t hesitate and walk straight to the kitchen. I wait near the exit into the main hall. Within 30 seconds Amma walks down this passageway with her closest disciples. Again I cannot believe it. It is like a dream. She is walking in all her glory towards me. Wow! This experience is beyond words.

A few days later I remember a dream where this happening. It’s Deja Vu. Three security people were in front of me when Amma walked past. As I was feeling so peaceful it didn’t bother me at all. I know Amma is on the inside, not just the outside.

3) I arrived in the RV (Mobile Home) at the Hyatt hotel in Dallas. I am allowed to park in a back entrance where trucks unload. At 11pm I suddenly hear some commotion and look outside the window. Amma’s RV has arrived! Without hesitation I go to it without putting my shoes on as she could appear at any second. Sure enough after a minute or so the door opens and she appears in all her splendour. She pauses at the door as if blessing the place. Then she briefly looks in my direction and I see a mischievous smile as if she’s saying “Surprise, here I am.”

I feel huge gratitude for this opportunity to see Amma at such close quarters without lots of devotees all around. I go back to rest in the RV and am aware that my heart is wide open and am feeling huge love for Amma and this creation.