CENTRE OF LIGHT
DIVINE SCIENCE EXTENSION CAMPUS

  AUGUST 2006 NEWSLETTER

MINISTERS
Helen Penfold
Mallory Kretzmann

FOUNDER
Rev. Dr. June Jones

It is so important in our daily lives, to apply practically, what we read, learn and study, spiritually. Our spiritual understanding needs also to be put into practice at all levels of living. We have heard people say: “What earthly good is that?” And while some of us would value time spent meditating on the mountain top, even Jesus did not remove himself completely but carried out most of his work on a practical level, amongst the people. By doing this he did not lose his consciousness of oneness with God, but allowed It (this consciousness) to go before him. He was mindful of being in the Presence – in fact it would seem that at all times he was centred in the presence of God.

Although most of us know, logically and intellectually that as offspring of the divine, we too are in the Presence, most of the time we go through life unaware of this. When we look in a mirror we recognize ourselves – this is our human and physical identity. But this physical body is only temporary. We have another identity – a permanent one – and this is our true identity. The same as we recognize ourselves physically when looking in a mirror, we need to recognize this permanent self that we are. In order to identify with who we are in truth, we need to go within (in stillness) and in this stillness, we will touch and make contact with our true selves.

I sat down to relax and watch a programme on TV the other evening. I was all set with a rug over my feet (plus the dog) and a warm drink, when suddenly the channel I had chosen “disappeared”. The height of frustration! I took hold of the remote and decided to re-tune the channel. Disaster followed …… I managed to loose all the channels! I could not even watch an old video as somehow I had managed to lose the video channel as well. My daughter was scheduled to be in town the next day and she is very good with this sort of problem. It just so happened that her day was so full she did not have time to tune the TV channels for me.

So … I sat on the carpet in front of the set with the manual and without effort, proceeded to follow instructions. To cut a long story short, it worked!!! And I now have all my channels. This got me thinking … we seek to tune in to God … we have the desire to go within, to know who we truly are; to experience the inner Presence; yet how many times are we unsuccessful because we try too hard. Just as I tried too hard the first time to tune in the TV set.

The channels were there – just as God is here – but I, in my haste and frustration, was missing the connection. God is always here for us. We need to tune in; to find the right way to do so. Interestingly, we are always tuned-in to something – a belief of some sort. We always believe something; we do not live in a vacuum.

This episode with the TV was such a wonderful illustration, because even when I had my “fuzzy” channels, I was tuned-in to a degree. It just was not clear – there were squiggly lines superimposed upon what should have been a clear picture. Often when we become still to meditate, our busy minds superimpose their acitivity and distort our connection.

We go back to the reflection in the mirror being but the temporary temple that houses our true being, and realize that to make the connection we have to let go of what has gone before and let go of any future expectations. We miss the connection if we try to superimpose the past or future, because the connection is in the now. There is only one. And each of us is an individualized expression of that one, now.

It takes practice, perseverence and persistence to break through the “flotsam and jetsam” of the world and consciously be, in the presence of God.

So when you look into the mirror, look deeply and know that there is more to you than meets the eye. And gradually, through gentle practice, perseverance and persistence, you will know the presence of God. And when you look in the mirror again, your eyes will reflect this Truth.

So, even if the channels seem fuzzy and distorted at first, keep on …you will be tuned-in to God – the I Am within you. And as we experience the Oneness, the world will experience it too; as a gentle ripple it will spread across mass consciousness.

6 WEEK WORKSHOP ON FORGIVENESS:

Choose love instead of fear and learn to find your inner peace, power and joy.

Commences Thursday 7 September at 19:15. Cost (including notes) R150-00 per person. Presented by Mallory Kretzmann. There will be a list for names on the notice board in the hall or you may call the office to book your place.

SUBSCRIPTION RENEWALS:

Thank you all for the prompt response. Your co-operation is much appreciated!

WEEKEND RETREAT:

The weekend programme includes walks and a game drive. Join us for a special experience in nature from Saturday morning, 23rd to Monday midday, 25th September. Accommodation is available for 14 people (sharing). There is a list for names on the notice board. Distance from Port Elizabeth is 270 kilometers, the last 60 being on dirt road. Directions will be made available to participants closer to the time. Please indicate if you are able to offer a lift to anyone. Cost, including all meals, is R300-00 per person.

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS:

14th – Rosemary Batchelor

23rd – Punji Naidoo

26th – Colleen Clark

As you celebrate, may these days serve to remind you of who you are in Truth! Happy Birthday from us all!

SPIRITUAL CINEMA:

At the time of going to press, no programme available – please watch the notice board for details.

In closing …… I share with you these words from the book, “The Secret Path”, by Paul Brunton:

“Truth is written into the organism of man not less surely than into the inspired books. In the spacious society of the universe, man possesses a better status than he is aware of. Mostly in moments of secret mental quiet are hints brought to him concerning the grandeur which is native to the soul.

This wisdom is the oldest wisdom in the world. Far back as our foremost minds can peer, before the first pen was ever put to paper, ages beyond Buddha and Zoroaster, this single and simple truth that man can consciously unite with the divine while in the body was taught to those who aspired.’

Bountiful Blessings
MALLORY