Edward Viljoen: January 2009

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Spirit, the Changeless

Creation does not mean making something out of nothing.
Creation is the passing of Spirit into form and is eternally
going on. Spirit cannot change, for being All, there is nothing for It to change into. This is self-evident.

Ernest Holmes

Friday, January 30, 2009

David Engle - Life Celebration 1/31

http://www.drdavidengle.com/dengle12.jpg

Celebrating The Life And Spirit Of David Nur Engle

SAT JAN 31, 2 to 8PM

Sebastopol Community Center

PRAYER STORIES MUSIC DANCE POT LUCK

On January 6, 2009, our friend, David Nur Engle, passed on after a near 3 month long struggle with cancer. His loving and generous spirit touched many. To honor the life of this beautiful man, we will have a gathering at the Sebastopol Community Center. The ceremony is from 2-5pm. Please arrive on time. Dance Party 5-8pm. As David would want it, all expressions and emotions are welcome. We will celebrate his life and OUR LIVES with STORIES, PRAYERS, SONG and DANCE! Let us join together to honor life and the beautiful inspiration of our beloved friend, David Nur Engle.

VEGETARIAN POT LUCK
Let¹s celebrate together with food! Guidelines: If your LAST NAME begins with A - K = please bring a Main Dish, L - R = Salad, S- Z = Dessert. If you can bring your own place setting, including glass, that will be helpful, too.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2-8pm

At the MAIN Community Center

390 Morris Street, Sebastopol CA

To read about David¹s journey, go to David's Blog at:

http://courageousjourney.blogspot.com/

All are welcome to add to the tapestry of musings. Send your

story,experience, sentiments to Kelly: tofollowyourbliss@hotmail.com.

The First Great Discovery

The first great discovery man made was that he could think. This was the day when he first said "1 am." This marked his first day of personal attainment. From that day, man became an individual and had to make all further progress himself. From that day, there was no compulsory evolution; he had to work in conscious union with Life.

Ernest Holmes

Thursday, January 29, 2009

The Voice of God in Creation

The argument has been something after this manner: The Ultimate Cause back of all things must be ONE, since Life cannot be divided against Itself. The Infinite must be ONE, for there could not be two Infinite Beings. Whatever change takes place must take place within this ONE. But this ONE must be Changeless, for being One and Only, It could not change into anything but Itself.

All seeming change is merely the play of Life upon Itself; and all that happens must happen by and through some inner action upon Itself. What would be the nature of this inner action? It could not be physical-as we understand physics-but would have to be by the Power of some inner movement of Life, Le., the Voice of God-God standing for the First Great and Only Cause of all that is.

Ernest Holmes

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Compasssion / Empathy

Parts two and three available on YouTube. Search for "edwardviljoen"

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Holiday Dinner Dance Memories for you

In February our focus is Celebrating Spiritual Community through Loving One Another. I remembered the holiday dinner dance when I read this month theme and I remembered that the Center for Spiritual Living began as an idea in a much smaller community in a living room on Clark Street - a group of people who found their lives enriched by the idea that the natural home of Spirit is everywhere. There were just a few of them in the beginning, and as I heard the story, they listed to sermons on reel to reel tapes and would try to lure ministers up from Southern California now and then. Over time, the idea took, and here we are.

Monday, January 26, 2009

What We Believe

Science of Mind and Spirit, video by Keith Eggel, credits for music and participants at the end, words adapted from the original of Ernest Holmes, Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa. I am working on the audio sync issue. will repost when corrected.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

The Value of Diversity - One of Three

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Wat Pho

Wat Pho is the one of the largest and oldest wat in Bangkok (with an area of 50 rai, 80,000 square metres), and is home to more than one thousand Buddha images, as well as one of the largest single Buddha images: the Reclining Buddha (Phra Buddhasaiyas, Thai พระพุทธไสยาสน์).

Made as part of Rama III's restoration, the Reclining Buddha is forty-six metres long and fifteen metres high, decorated with gold plating on his body and mother of pearl on his eyes and the soles of his feet. The latter display 108 auspicious scenes in Chinese and Indian styles. The Wat Pho complex consists of two walled compounds bisected by Soi Chetuphon running east-west. The northern walled compound is where the reclining Buddha and massage school are found. The southern walled compound, Tukgawee, is a working Buddhist monastery with monks in residence and a school. (wikipedia)

Just for You - A Moment of Silence

Courtesy of Allan Yeager (see his blog in the link below)

"The creator of this cartoon from The New Yorker had YOU in mind!!"
Allan Yeager
blog: http://hillsidelodge.blogspot.com/

Click here for an article by me "Online Social Networking - Using It To Support Your Ministry Or Non-Profit"

From George Washington To Barack Obama - A Long Way - Original Video

Thanks to Sue Adams for the word on this video.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Thailand 2009

I have added new photos!

Edward has shared an album with you. To view the album or to reply to the message, follow this link:

http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=533464736&k=46GY5VV3VVYM51GCPJ2TYU

Walking Through China Town

Bangkok Thailand China Town - Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa "Kingdom Within Tour" 2009 - Bangkok's vibrant Chinatown district runs along Yaowarat Road from Odeon Circle, where a huge Chinese gate marks the entrance.

Chinatown is an easy place to explore on foot, and in fact there really isn't any other way. The Chinese community in Bangkok pre-dates the founding of the Thai capital where the grand palace is today - it was originally a community of Chinese traders. When King Rama I decided to establish the capital on the site of the village of Bangkok, he asked the traders to move. They settled to the east of the new city, along the river. In 1902, the community petitioned the king for a larger road. Yaowarat Road was built as a result, and the celebration of the road's 111th birthday was the highlight of Chinatown's 2003 Chinese New Year celebration.

Kingdom of Thailand Tour

The Group Arrives in Bangkok

Thai Dancing with Tourists (two years later)

Search for "thai dancing with tourists" and you'll find the same group of folk dancing at the same hotel with the same music TWO YEARS LATER - what a hoot. Do they do this show every week for years? William Abel and Jim Cramer, two of the folk on the Kingdom within Tour to Thailand with the Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa. More photos of the tour in the archived messages

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

To The Airport

No comment
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The Bigger Buddah

We're saying farewell to Thailand tonight - with a seafood basket of Lobster, Red Snapper, Crab, Squid and Shrimp - we're all out of Bahts - send donations now! Ha ha!!!

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Dinner On The Beach

Gazing at the Asian sky trying to figure out why the constellations seem upside down - maybe because here one drives on the other side, turns the faucette the other way. Ya know! It's all mixed up.
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Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Faces

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I'm Pooped

We just walked from Bo Phut to tje Big Buddah in the morning sun. I am drenched and crabby! And I stubbed my toe last night and I am thirsty and I can't find the bell I want to buy.

AND WE HAVE A NEW PRESIDENT

Yipeeeee

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Monday, January 19, 2009

Young Adult Group

Hello anyone that is connected to Santa Rosa's young adult group,

We will have a workshop February 15 that is being created and run by
Adrianne Bowes. She is a fun engaging woman from our center who just so happens to be in Science of Mind ministerial school.

More information to come, but save this Sunday evening in your calendar.

- Lionel Church, Young Adult Group Coordinator

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William the Great.jpg

On the boat
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Monks in Chiang Mai.jpg

Photo by Jim Cramer
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Anatara Hotel

View at night - one side ocean the other lanterns palms and ponds
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Sunday, January 18, 2009

Saying Farewell

The bulk of the group has piled on the busses and left. Now it's up to Will and me to explore what is left of the Island.
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Which is Which?

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Yum

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Nate and Patrice

Enjoying dinner at Zazen - the next day we went to Koh Samui, islands of coconuts, for a day long snorkeling excursion.

It was a great break from the bustling streets and busy temples. Sitting quietly on the white sand and watching the impossibly blue ocean I remembered our pilgrimage to Doi Suthep, the temple on the mountain in Chaingmai where a golden Stupa houses a relic of the Lord Buddha.

People of all faiths join in the circumnavigation of the Stupa, reciting prayers and ringing bells. They purchase bells and write the something significant on the Bodhi Tree Leaf that hangs from each bell and then hang it on the gates that surround the stupa so that walking pilgrims can ring the bell as the pray touching each bell and symbollically raising the intention on the leaf to the heavens.

We hung a bell for the Center for Spiritual Living and its being touched and rung right now raising us up and lifting our spirits. I thought of our departed brother and sister, Linda Webb-Khakakaba and David Engel as I marched solemnly around the stupa.

Later I had my fortune read, and I am pleased to report that I will shortly be having a boy-child.

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Friday, January 16, 2009

Monkey See

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Rising Up From the Muck

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Lotus

Hey, the lotus is behind you!!!
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Thai Cat

To Andrew: you can be replaced!
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Jim and Dottie

Making an offering at the Big Buddha
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Big Buddha

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Treatment

In the stillness of this moment, I commune with the Divine Presence. I live and have my being in a sea of limitless possibility. I accept the privilege of bringing this infinite possibility into form and expression.

I know this beloved Spiritual Community is an aspect of the Divine. I speak the word of truth for UCSL and its members, friends, practitioners, ministers and ministries. I know that we are toucing lives, healing hurts and revealing Truth. I know all that is necessary for the perfect unfoldment of this spiritual community - people, resources and money - is right now easily and abundantly supplied. I know that God is making Itself known as peace and joy, love and harmony, and as abundance and fulfillment.

We are blessed and a blessing. Life is good and all is well! In joy and thanksgiving,

I release this word knowing that it is so right now!And so it is. Amen

Rev. Marty Bacher

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On The Way to the Big Buddha

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The Community Blessing Each Other

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Thursday, January 15, 2009

Expectation and Codes

Steps in the United States have rules. So after some time a person can climb a stairway without much reference to footfall because the depth and height is predictable for each step.

So when suddenly those rules are removed, the simple act of climbing stairs becomes perilous.

The last step on each landing on the way up to my third floor room obviously has to compensate for some building measurement snaffoo because its about an inch higher than all the rest and a little deeper - and deep in my inner world as I ascend the steps I stepped a step in accordance with my exsteptations to find I hadn't ascended enough.

Funny how annoying such a little thing can be.

Hidden Beliefs emerge: it shouldn't be this way!

Funny that.

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When the cats away...

Who are these women?

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The Menu

It reads;

Heaven on Earth. Transformation of the world through the same Intelligence that Creates a Beautiful Lotus from the mud.

At a restaurant!

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News from Bal Ashram

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From: "shivani"
Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2009 07:33:51 +0530
To: <viljoen@pacbell.net>
Subject: Namaste from Bal Ashram, 13 Jan 2009

SonoMa Ashram

News from Bal Ashram

Safe home for children in Varanasi, India

Dear Friends,

Greetings from Varanasi, India, home of our Bal Ashram safe home for children. First and foremost, we wish you a New Year filled with meaning, fulfillment and peace.

Enclosed is a link to a PDF file with the first update of this winter’s three-month stay. Please click here (or the photo) to read more: http://sonomaashram.org/pdf/2009_Jan_11_Update.pdf.

Every morning, the children say prayers and chant various mantras, one of which is the Shanti Mantra, a prayer for peace. Here, they are around a big peepal tree across the river on the future eco-park land, chanting the Shanti Mantra as an offering for world peace.

Bal Ashram is SonoMa Ashram’s primary service project in the holy city of Varanasi, India. Children without parents find a loving home, quality education and nurturing for all aspects of their life. More information about Bal Ashram can be found on our website at: http://sonomaashram.org/bal_ashram.php

Namasté,

shivani

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Freshly Blessed

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Ayutayah

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Ayuttaya

The ancient city. Quick, we have to catch the bus - no time to take in this centuries old ruin - take the darn picture already!!!!

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Mooo

A young cow thought she'd inspect us for possible food. She was quite tame and absolutely unconcerned about matters such as personal space or manners or politeness.

We want to bring her home.

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Elephants

Jim and Dottie on an elephant ride.

We approached the camp with some trepidation concerned about parading animals for human pleasure, but what we found there was exxxquisite! The relationship between man and elephant is complex and beautiful (we ancountered no women trainers).

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Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Mayhem

Will and I rode on Mayhem, that's her name, 22 year old feisty girl who had more interest in the twigs and branches off the path than on the path. Her ears look like drapes, soft, pink, freckled. And she seems to be constantly hungry. She eats 440 pounds of bananas a day, peels and all, and the string that ties it all together.

She's got quite a swing in her hips - I think she is flirting with the elephant behind us.

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Elephants

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Chiangmai

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Pi-William"s favorite

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Desert

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Don and Brenda in Chaingmai

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Monday, January 12, 2009

Number 25

It's all pretty simple, sometimes. For example, if it's Monday you wear yellow. Or if a customer shows up at 8 p.m., your store is obviously open. Yellow on Monday because that's the day the King was born and yellow is his color. Store is open for business whenever business is present. It's pretty simple that way.

Like the time we went for a massage at 8:00 p.m. Somewhere downtown Bangkok and the staff said "yes yes yes we can" and they russled up the therapists, number 25 was mine.

Number 25 wore yellow. Probably in her sixties and tiny enough to blow away, and yet she weilded a massage like Attilla the Hun conquering places in my back and shoulders that had been hopeless for years.

Number 25 was cheerful, precise, silly and delightful. She called her colleagues into the room to examine the tattoo on my butt between oo's aah's and high pitched fast paced language and laighter (I don't think it was ordinary Thai).

She also stayed in the room while I showered and changed. She was so present for her work that it was easy to like her.

She said at the end of two blissfully painful hours 'you new person now'.

Nameless number twenty five. I asked her how old she was - big toothy grin - "45, just like you!"

We laughed. We're both not 45 and haven't been for a while.

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An Alley in the Flowermarket

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Jim and Dottie

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Cambodian Style Temple of the Dawn

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Sunday, January 11, 2009

Lord

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They Put the Heads Back

It's bright out today. The statues have been restored, last year they were headless
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The Battle against the Burmese

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Chappel art Ayutaya

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Wake Up

On the way to the old city to see the ruins, pay hommage and sail back to Bangkok on the river.

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Thai Truths

If a young woman sleeps past sunrise, she will never ever get married. That's one of the gazzillion superstitions of Thailand.
Our guide says there always some crafty logic behind superstitions, especially this one. Country families need thje girls to get up and help with the cooking so a lazy teenager is a problem, says the guide.

Did you know that the present King changed Thai law ro allow a girl to be crowned princess? Before only boys could succeed - Thailand has never had a queen in throne - but one day it might!

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The Executive Lounge

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Bhagavad-Gita For Beginners

The Bhagavad Gita: The Song of God Retold in Simplified English is the latest title in the Essential Wisdom Library. This unique edition of the timeless epic is designed to be accessible for readers without any prior experience of Hinduism. Not merely a translation of the original, Viljoen has simplified and restated the Gita’s complex ideas, so that a first-time reader can fully appreciate the scope and beauty of this magnificent Indian classic. Written in concise, modern language, the retelling vividly captures the power and depth of the original work.

Reviews

“While goodness, kindness, compassion, and faith might seem like ordinary concepts, when it comes to actually living them in the face of life’s daily challenges, it’s easy to get stuck. Edward Viljoen has given us a gentle, illuminating, compassionate guidebook to living from the goodness that lies at the heart of who we really are.”
—Alan Seale, founder of the Center for Transformational Presence, and author of Create A World That Works and Intuitive Living

“Ordinary Goodness reminds me I can see goodness and kindness every day. Edward reminds all of us, that despite our failings, we really can be both good and kind. Brew a cup of tea and curl up with this insightful and achingly beautiful account of the mystery, paradox, and wonder of your life. You’ll be glad you did!”
—Petra Weldes, author of Joyous Living Journal

“If kindness were a country, Ordinary Goodness would be its travel guide. In this book, Edward Viljoen delves into a perfectly ordinary yet arguably neglected virtue—kindness—and reveals its source, its rewards, and a well-defined approach for integrating kindness into your very bones. Combining his personal history with his decades of experience as a minister, Viljoen is eminently qualified to teach us that the ordinariness of kindness may actually be the most dazzling quality we might possess.”
—Randall Friesen, publisher of Newt List Books

Edward Viljoen was a recent guest to my radio show, "In The Spirit." I had read his book, "Ordinary Goodness" and was happy to talk with him about it. I like the way he inserts stories from his own life to illustrate various points. In this cynical age, this book is a tonic a guide to live a good life by being good to others. We cannot be truly happy until we do. Thank you, Edward for bringing a much needed topic to our attention.

—Gary Goldberg, host of In The Spirit

The Power of Meditation

“Edward Viljoen’s new book, The Power of Meditation, is a gift. It serves as a practical guidebook for those who are new at spiritual practice, as well as a beautiful reminder of simplicity and essence for those who have been engaged in spiritual practice for a lifetime. Edward helps us find the strength we need to be present with whatever life brings. He takes the reader by the hand, dispels the mysteries, and makes this elusive thing called meditation very real and doable.” —Alan Seal, author of Create a World That Works

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Saturday, January 31, 2009

Friday, January 30, 2009

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Monday, January 26, 2009

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Friday, January 23, 2009

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Monday, January 19, 2009

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Friday, January 16, 2009

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Monday, January 12, 2009

Sunday, January 11, 2009

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