Some things are easier said than done. Creating and maintaining harmony in our relationships – with our significant other, friends, family, and coworkers – is probably one of the most difficult tasks given to the spiritual aspirant. If you disagree, you are advanced beyond the need to read further! Harmony is a two-way street. Or is it? It requires effort from both parties. Or does it? Think back to when you’ve gotten into an argument with someone. Did the other … Read More
Ups and Downs
“Mrs. Romano, I’m going to have to do a lumbar puncture on you.” The ER doctor at St. John’s hospital was kindly warning me – something was coming that wouldn’t be pleasant. Not having had a lumbar puncture before, I thought to myself, “How bad can it be? She’s just going to stick me in the side to get some fluid.” What I didn’t realize is that a lumbar puncture is when a needle is put into your spinal column … Read More
Soul Confirmation
“You won’t be confirmed, Philip!” My mother was appalled at the thought that I might not become a member of the Catholic Church. What happened? At the age of sixteen, I missed some of the Church classes required for confirmation because I had gone on a ski trip. Because of my absence, the local priest threatened I would not be confirmed. “So what?” I responded to the priest and my mother. Certainly, I could have been more respectful in my … Read More
Make It Happen for Him!
Growing up in the American Northeast, I met a lot of characters (some were members of my own family!). When I was in high school, my soccer teammates and I trained during the summer for the upcoming fall season. Part of our training included weight lifting so we looked for a local gym. Before becoming members, we went to check out a prospective fitness studio where we met John Helane — a sales consultant whom we would never forget. He … Read More
The Value of Utter Desperation
There’s an old saying: “Necessity is the mother of invention.” When you desperately need an answer, the universe responds. I remember when I was working in the financial markets in New York City I experienced this value of utter desperation. My life had become increasingly busy and stressful. So much so that I reached a point of despair thinking: What is the purpose of life? How can I know my purpose and why I’m here? In response to these inner … Read More
“Use Both Your Hands!”
My grandfather, Phil Maita, was old school. Urban legends surrounded him like conspiracy theories around the current pandemic. For example, years after my grandfather had passed away my father picked up Dharmadevi and me from the airport. As he was driving my Dad pointed out an old industrial building we were passing. “Philip, you see that building…Your grandfather couldn’t read or write and he walked in there and gave them an estimate of how much pipe they needed within a … Read More
Where Has My Love Gone?
We visited the Emergency Room for the third time in four weeks. Dharmadevi’s body has been going through some type of karmic cleansing period. A week ago, her fever began to spike (yet again) and she was having severe abdominal pains. Out of precaution we went back to the ER. One of the nurses said to her, “Oh, I remember you…you were so kind the last time you visited.” Apparently, ER nurses are part of Dharmadevi’s new ministry! Even though … Read More
From The Road Ahead
The Need to Prepare How will you and your family and friends fare in the years to come? Will you continue to eat well? to drive your own cars? to own your own homes? Will you still be able to vote in free elections? to choose your own line of work? to live and travel where you please? Are world wars now a thing of the past? Is mankind moving toward greater plenty, security, and social justice? Or are we … Read More
Brothers
Out of the darkness, an almost pitch black backdrop, I saw a figure. He stood alone. All of a sudden, he gripped what appeared to be a weapon preparing for battle. His face clearly strained as he stood strong upholding what I now could tell was a cross made of white light. With all his might and both hands he thrust the cross above his head like a spiritual sword. His self effort drew some greater power to his aid … Read More
Compassion for All
This past weekend around the country, a population largely still in self-isolation came out to protest a long-standing issue of our nation. When the protests turned to looting and violence in many of our cities, including Los Angeles, the question many of us asked was: what can I do? A few years ago, Nayaswami Jyotish shared a story about Indu Bhan, a key assistant and good friend of Swami Kriyananda. Mahavatar Babaji would come visit Indu Bhan’s mother Rani and … Read More
