The last in my series on transformation falls into a unique category called receiving help. J.G. Bennett delineated this as the fourth source. How do we actually receive? What is defined as help? We have to put ourselves in the pathway of help; whether that is help from above, help from colleagues and friends, help by striving to evolve into elevated consciousness. We cannot receive help if we don’t think we deserve it. Putting ourselves in the pathway requires knowing how to ask and how to receive. We may only sit and pray when we are desperate, when life has … [read more]
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Sacrifice
The third source of transformation according to John G. Bennett is sacrifice. Sacrifice is a misunderstood concept, to say the least, and perhaps is more easily understood by doing it. There is a reason the idea and act of sacrifice comes after learning and struggle. It requires more from us. We come to know what we can bear and when we bear something, great rewards ensue. We cannot, however, approach sacrifice with the idea of reward in mind for then it is no longer a sacrifice. The very definition of sacrifice is deliberately releasing attachment without any expectations. The other … [read more]
Right Effort and The Power of Struggle
Right effort and the power of struggle is the second source of transformation in John Bennett’s book, Transformation. There are countless writings on right effort from the Zoroastrian tradition to Buddhist teachings. We all struggle with something, but much of that is avoidable, if we learn the deeper meaning of right effort. To intentionally struggle with our own negative states is the path, but this gets completely misunderstood. This article is an attempt to clarify the meaning of conscious labor and intentional suffering. We are familiar with the saying no pain, no gain, but many frown upon this in the … [read more]
Bennett’s Four Sources of Transformation
The Awareness School is constantly studying the foundation for transformation, and we often draw from Fourth Way writers. One of my teacher’s teacher was John Bennett, who surrounded himself with many types of teachers, including Sufi mystics, Hindu mystics, and of course, Gurdjieff. My teacher also sought spiritual wisdom other than the Gurdjieff Work, namely Hasan Shushud in Konya Turkey and Christian mystics. I myself had already been steeped in Zen Buddhism for 6 years before I met John MacPherson with whom I stayed 12 years, and thereafter studied the 20 count medicine wheel and shamanism. All of these influences … [read more]
True Prosperity and Our Authentic Nature
As we ring in the new year, many are thinking of prosperity. We make resolutions for abundance from health to money. We bring energy to our intentions. We push the refresh button. By March, most of our resolutions and commitments have failed more than once. Some have faded to a mere wish. Some have engendered feelings of guilt around the matter. There is a reason making resolutions does not work. They often come from ego-driven desire though they are masked in very healthy habits. We benefit from our abstinence of drugs or adherence to a more astringent exercise program, but … [read more]
Grieving the Loss of My Dog
I have written several articles on grief, and now deeply grieving the death of my precious dog Sweetie. I thought it apropos to write once again on this subject. I have lost a very close friend and companion; a presence that has been literally by my side for twelve years. Only now in her absence do I realize the impact of this telepathic presence on me. Her energy is everywhere. I believe Sweetie was my teacher in ways that a human or a being has never been. It took this special and unique bond to transmit certain feelings and certain … [read more]