FAQ Spirituality
Here are some questions and answers about the subjects of: spirituality, finding guidance, the path of inner growth and also other related topics.
Q & A Spiritual Guidance
Exploring Modern Awakening with Shanti Rose .
Question:
Hi...I am afraid whether my question
comes under your expertise or otherwise; but
still would like to ask you under the category
"Inner Growth".
I do not have a clue, except
that I have dreaded it ever since becoming
conscious of it...I mean "What exactly is
death?"
The deaths of relatives yielded no
answers. They simply dissolved into nothingness
and I am still pondering on this question, all
the time. It disturbs a lot to my studies as
well.
Thanks...
Raj (India)
Answer:
Dear Raj;
To accept the concept of death is difficult
since we are all very attached to our life and
our individual identities (which is just
natural).The overview for death is that it is
simply a transmutation of our outer form (called
"the body").
This being so, besides the
(physical) body, still the inner self or spirit
continues on as energy and merges into the
origination of existence.
Fear of death is attachment to the physical
form and fear of losing what the individual self
finds solid, real, and familiar. Also societies
and cultures fear death so there is often an
element of our upbringing that can make this an
on-going issue in our minds as well.
Important in so many ways to be clear &
to separate your individual reactions about
death from those of the people and society
around you.
Also it may be helpful to try to
see the overview of life and nature that has a
season and higher reason for everything. This
overview could give you a perspective in a more
balanced and accepting manner.
(Birth, childhood, growth, middle age, old age, and
finally death, this is just the natural sequence
of events experienced in a lifetime, etc.).
Really death is just a part of a natural
progression and nothing to be feared or to be
overly concerned about.
Take walks in nature
when possible, breathe in its color and beauty,
and feed your mind with thoughts that uplift,
honor life, and inspire.
Namaste, Shanti
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Subject: guidance
Question:
I have been having problems really
listening to my inner guidance and knowing
what's a sign and what isn't. I guess i get
worried as well.
For the things that matter, I
am very unsure and try to listen wtihin and hear
that small voice or find out what my heart says
but i just don't know. i feel disconnected. I
was wondering if you can any advice on how I can
be more intune and truly KNOW the answers i
seek.
I do meditate and get snippets of things
but it only happens once in a while. Thanks for
any guidance. Sorry for being so long but I
just wanted to give some background.
M. (USA)
Answer:
Dear M. ;
Seems that inner guidance usually comes in a
subtle form so it can be a challenge to choose
wisely what to accept.
One approach is to keep
your focus on being centered and grounded when
seeking messages from within. This can keep
things more real and can also keep any
information received integrated more into your
daily life overall.
This approach will create more of an actual
benefit when listening to the messages found
within. Also the purpose of meditation (and
inner listening) is to create an ongoing sense
of well being and harmony in your day to day
life.
Do not seek "signs" and such for their
novelty as this is not their main purpose and
could put your attention on a form of
"entertainment" within instead of knowledge and
spiritual growth (if these are the goals and
purpose you have for searching within).
Two books that may be helpful overall for
spiritual growth and guidance are: 1. "Peace Is
Every Step" by Thich Nhat Hahn and 2. "A New
Earth, Awakening To Your Life's Purpose" by
Eckhart Tolle.
(This second book was
featured with the author Eckhart Tolle at
Oprah's online class about spiritual awakening
that had its classes in 2008. To find out
more, go to: www.Oprah.com ).
Thank you for your thoughtful question here and
I hope you find this helpful in some way.
Namaste, Shanti
________________________________________________
Subject: naming religion
Question:
Aloha,
I am having trouble giving a name to my new
beliefs. Maybe you can help me?
I do not believe in One higher power that judges
over us, for I believe that We are all this
thing many call God. Yet, I also believe in
reincarnation.
Is there a certain religion that understands my
beliefs?
Thank you for your time.
Mahalo,
Raym (USA)
Answer:
Dear Raym;
Your question is interesting in that it brings
out the whole essence of spirituality which is
beyond organizations, institutions, and rigid
definitions. Your beliefs are not those aligned
with any one specific religion, in my opinion,
actually.
Perhaps giving a certain name to your beliefs
is not required for your own personal spiritual
path and growth at this time. In all spiritual
life the most important thing is actually
seeking the connection to the essence of
spirituality within.
This is actually a profound and personal thing
for each seeker in
its most pure and genuine sense.
You can learn perhaps from several sources and
choose to look into the teachings and beliefs
from several different religions. You may be in
alignment for this approach with parts of
Buddhism, Native American Spirituality, Taoism,
Zen and more.
None of these follow what your
stated beliefs are exactly but you can add to
your spiritual life and growth by seeing what
they each have to say.
Again your personal path is the most important
thing here and so for spiritual life you may
want to look into many religious beliefs and
then, over time, learn from what rings true for
you with each one (and leave the rest).
This will honor your own personal spiritual
path and also enhance and further your inner
growth. (Again my main point here is that the
true spiritual path goes beyond all concepts,
organizations, and also the idea of "naming
religion").
Thank you for your creative question here today
and I hope you find this helpful in some way.
Namaste,
Shanti
________
Subject: Spiritual Awakening, etc.
Question:
How do I know what my main life
purpose is here on earth, how do I learn to be
enlightened, and understand all spiritual
understanding i want to understand it all ,and
how do I know if I am a lightworker?
Rachel (USA)
Answer:
Dear Rachel;
Your question is multiple and covers alot of
ground here! Actually I advise you consider
reading the book: "A New Earth Awakening To
Your Life's Purpose" by Eckhart Tolle.
His information is direct and from his own personal
experience and journey of spiritual realization
(and is not aligned to any one religion).
Since his work and teachings are aimed at
modern seekers, they can be a good approach in
these times of overall transition and
transformation that is happening right now on the
planet.
He is a reliable guide for learning
about enlightenment and spiritual understanding
on a deep and profound level.
As far as knowing if you are a lightworker, it
is a matter of combined study and also practices
such as meditation, contemplation, etc., to
purify and awaken the inner self.
I appreciate your question here today and hope
this can be helpful to you in some way on your
spiritual path.
Namaste,
Shanti
Spiritual Counseling
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