Pillars of Spirituality

Spiritual Radiations
Source: iamavatar.org

It seems likely that most people would consider love and compassion as universal qualities of a spiritual person. At the same time, study of the life of prominent spiritual figures such as Jesus and Buddha demonstrate other important attributes of a spiritual being.

The Four Immeasurables, also known as the Four Perfect Virtues, or as I prefer to call them, the Divine Virtues, are part of a more expansive integrated and intertwined spiritual wholeness. In my view, they are the four pillars of spirituality. The Divine Virtues can be seen as composing the “body” of the spirit. They are “internal organs” of the spirit. They keep it healthy, alive, and functioning the way it is intended.

The Divine Virtues of love, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity interact with, and inform one another. They are mutually inclusive. There is no need to reconcile one with the other; they all comprise a single being and a singular way of being.

Our personal joy and happiness arise naturally from practice of the Divine Virtues. Empathetic joy refers to joy in us arising from witnessing the special talents, successes, and good fortune of others. Empathetic joy radiates our love for the person being observed, and our gratitude for their God-given gifts.

Equanimity is mental calm, composure, and even temper in all situations. In the context of spirituality, it is a state of inner peace from which we are able to view the world objectively, without prejudice, judgement, or emotional reaction. It is a place from which love and compassion radiate.

The inner peace that fosters equanimity can be achieved through meditation, prayer, and for some, through Chinese internal energy arts such as qigong which incorporate mindfulness into the practice. All of these serve to calm and nurture the spirit, mind, and body.

Love and compassion go hand-in-hand and lead to joy and happiness. There can be no compassion if the element of love is missing and vice versa.

How can one have empathetic joy for the happiness and special gifts we see in others without love?

How can one have love, compassion, or joy in the midst of one’s own anger, hate, jealousy, greed, fear, or emotional reaction to difficult situations?

Through equanimity, we tame our emotions and reactions so that we can clearly and objectively hear and see what is before us, and seek understanding and appreciation through patience, love, and compassion. Equanimity provides the peaceful environment within which the other three Divine Virtues thrive, grow, and radiate.

As discussion of spiritual radiation can be found here

You might like to also see the following related articles:

The Four Immeasurable Minds

How is My Divine Self Revealed?

Spirituality as a State of Being

The Essence of Spirituality

Jun22

Girl with a Pearl Earring
Johannes Vermeer 1665

Ultimately, spirituality is about people and how they interact with one another.

Like art, it is a personal expression of beauty, emotion, and soul.

We Exist in the Ethereal Spaces Between the Atoms

Jun4

We Exist in the Ethereal Spaces Between the Atoms
Copyright 2013 by Blair Atherton

Reblogged from livingthelifeofspirit.com

As noted in my book and in previous blog articles, I believe that our true life is one of spirit. That is why I promote the idea of living a life of spirit rather than one anchored in the physical world.

We were created in spirit and will remain so forever more. Our spiritual existence does not stop or go into abeyance during the brief periods when we are clothed with a physical body. We may lose touch with our spirit-self from time to time, stupefied by the many distractions of the physical world.

But in the background, out of the din, our spirit cries out for expression. The challenge is to have the presence of mind and desire to hear it.

Our spirit calls to us with the sweet, soft voice of a lover, to remind us that we exist in the ethereal spaces between the atoms of the physical world. We are merely passers by and should consider what spiritual legacy we wish to leave behind in the physical world, because that is the only thing that will follow us when it is time move on.

While all that is composed will eventually be decomposed, our spirits will continue to exist as a part of our everlasting Creator. Just as He has always existed and always will, so shall we.

Note: The last paragraph above relates to my blog article of August 2, 2013 titled All That Is Composed Shall Be Decomposed.

A Face of God

May25

Where beauty, hope, and joy abide…look deeply and see one of the myriad faces of God!

Background:

These little flowers are less than a centimeter in diameter. They sprung from a weed growing in my backyard. I have been struggling with weeds in my yard for some time. I was totally disarmed by these guys. This was a reminder to me that, although oftentimes overlooked or unappreciated, there is beauty everywhere around us and in all things.

Charity Doth Call My Spirit Forth

May18

Exploring Spirituality Beyond Religion

Charity that comes from the heart is an act of love and compassion where the spirit reveals itself in all of its divine glory. It raises us up ever so slightly so that our feet seem to lose touch with the ground, if only briefly. With each charitable act, a wave of happiness and fulfillment washes over us and for those few moments, we understand the meaning and purpose of life. We realize that our joy comes from giving of ourselves—our spirit selves—to others.

But too often these moments are fleeting. When our feet touch the ground again, we find ourselves yearning to soar once more, free of the constraints, obligations, and selfish desires of the physical life. But it is not our time to fly away just yet. We must prove ourselves worthy of wings.

It is my belief that charity is a human and spiritual responsibility. We…

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A Way to Communicate with Loved Ones in the Hospital with COVID-19

Apr28

One of the many devastations arising from COVID-19 is the inability to be with a loved one who is sick in the hospital. Sometimes it is not even possible to give support or say goodbye over the phone or by video. There is another way which requires, for some, a leap of faith.

When you love someone there is not just a physical connection but also a spiritual one. As such, we are able to communicate on a spiritual level as well as by physical means. If you can be open minded to this idea, then you will be able to tell your loved one everything you would if you could be with them physically.

You can do this by way of a spiritual meditation. Sit in a quiet place where you will not be disturbed or distracted. Visualize your loved one. You can visualize them in their hospital bed or as the previously healthy person they once were. Focus on that image and how much you love them. Try not to let your emotions overwhelm you; instead focus only on your feelings of love.

Once you have your emotions under control, you are ready to tell them everything you would if you were physically with them. Focus on their image and speak to them from the heart.

It is important to control your emotions because, if you do not, your communication channel will be weakened and it will be difficult for them to hear you clearly. If you’re having trouble, take a break and then try again.

If your loved one is destined to pass away, then this process may make their transition easier. If they are to survive, it may strengthen their will to live.

I understand that some may be skeptical of this method of communication, but what have you got to lose? Skepticism is healthy but not at the expense of being open-minded. You will feel better whether you believe in spiritual communication or not.

If you believe in prayer, then you believe in spiritual communication.

Divine Insight

Feb29

“There can be no love without compassion.”

-From the spirit called Compassion via the Medical Medium.

The Coming of a New Day

Nov2

A New Day Dawns
Credit Unknown

…And Spirit said: All of the pain, suffering, social turmoil, and destruction happening around the world heralds the coming of a new day. It is leading humanity toward greater humility, nobility, compassion, and virtue. Be strong, but do not resist your transformation!

You might like to see the following related articles:

The Universal Religion

I Had a Vision

Disasters: An Awakening