Monthly Meditation Themes
At the beginning of every month, TRIUNE members receive an electronic newsletter which also includes a seed thought for meditation. If they choose, members are encouraged to incorporate these thoughts into their own daily meditation routines. Meditation themes are usually seasonal and/or address a specific topic or situation needing immediate attention. Please feel free to join us in meditative focus.
OCTOBER 2024
There is certainly much suffering and chaos in our world. Trouble spots like Ukraine, Sudan or the Middle East draw much of our attention at the international level. Most other countries are dealing with their own problems, like food shortages, high unemployment, internal strife, economic hardship or providing for surges in migration.
Here in the United States, we are in the throes of what might be called an existential crisis about our future role in all this, exacerbated by the negative atmosphere surrounding our upcoming Presidential and Congressional elections. Fueled by things like hate-filled social media postings, things have gotten particularly nasty, divisive, and even violent.
It is impossible to ignore or even to take an extended "break" from all this negativity. This is because we have long surpassed crude political ads or nasty rhetoric from campaigns. The hate and cruelty has filtered down into our very neighborhoods, permeating every aspect of daily life. On some of our roads, we pass homes posting profanity-laced banners and signs demonizing the political candidates they don't support. These are the same roads on which our neighborhood school children pass each day on their school buses. The negative vibrations emanating from these displays and the thought-forms behind them must affect the children as much as they do the rest of us.
Naturally, there is nothing wrong with vibrant political discourse. All opinions are valuable and should be heard and respected. However, when the situation devolves into cruelty, hate and violence, something must be done. No one can think clearly or act rationally under this type of continuous strain, and it sets back humanity's spiritual progress in general.
While particularly troublesome here at this time, this lack of civility and common respect is not limited to the United States. We can extend beyond the U.S. a request to "cool down" the particularly nasty rhetoric and in-fighting and help stabilize the depressive negativity we are all experiencing. Please consider helping us to counteract this trend by mentally sending optimistic, calming, positive, cooperative, balancing energies to the area where you live and as much of your immediately surrounding geographical location as you feel able.
You might like to also augment your meditations by using sound, such as ringing a brass bell to break up the negativity. Another suggestion is flooding the ethers of your specific geographical area by mentally visualizing violet flame engulfing and purifying it.
As it says in the agni yoga teachings (Brotherhood, sloka 519): "People must not lose individuality, yet in a chorus each voice contributes to the common success." We value the chorus of respectful and kind individual voices and opinions; but cruelty, hate and disrespect only creates dissonance.
SEPTEMBER 2024
For many people, particularly those living in the northern hemisphere, September marks the end of the relaxing summer season, a return to work or school, and a feeling of seriously "settling in" for the duties of the months ahead. At this time of year, things have more of a sense of urgency and a need to return to important matters from the personal to the universal, especially those which may have been left untouched during the summer season. For September, Tasha Halpert has provided a helpful meditation/visualization to this end and/or for use in finding answers to personal issues.
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September Meditation by Tasha Halpert
We all need to feel a sense of confidence in the teachings we receive, whether in meditation or from inspiration in the moment. Always have a paper and pen to record what you may receive whether from this meditation or another. This meditation is designed to help you access your best guidance or find a teacher to be of help to do so. For best results, it may help to frame your issue ahead of time.
Begin by taking three deep breaths and settle yourself comfortably, back straight. Visualize or invoke a cloak of Light, and envision or affirm it covers you from head to toe. Breathing gently, say to yourself, "any teachings I receive must come to me from the highest source. I affirm that this is so."
Now begin by imagining that you are walking along a wooded path. Note any wildflowers, friendly insects, shrubbery, and trees you see as you walk. Enjoy the gentle sounds of birds and insects, the feel of the sunlight as it filters through the trees and falls on the path ahead. Looking through the trees ahead, you see a young child walking by him or herself. Perhaps the child is skipping or walking in a joyful manner. ( Note that the child is a symbol of our inner child self and he or she is a guide to the Higher Self who is a clear and untarnished Messenger. This concept may be found in more than one discipline, including Hawaiian Huna.)
As you grow closer, find yourself walking beside the child. He or she extends his or her hand, and you take it in yours. The child smiles up at you and you continue on, hand in hand. You feel content and happy. As you come through the trees you see someone sitting on a bench. He or she pats the bench beside them and you let go of the child's hand. The child smiles, waves and skips or walks on as you sit down.
The person on the bench nods, smiles and says, " What do you wish to know?" At this point you may ask your question or voice your concern. If you seek a teacher, ask now where he or she may be found. If you want information, ask for that. Whatever your issue, this is the time to seek it. When you have received what you need, or been aimed toward it, express your gratitude.
Invoke the Light once more and this time, send it out to the universe with this affirmation: "May all be guided to their highest good in peace and with joy in their hearts." Remain in a tranquil state as long as you wish, then take three deep breaths and return to your everyday state of mind. Write down what you wish to record of your experience.
JULY 2024
In July, the 2024 Summer Olympic Games will be held in France, and the whole world will be watching. This is such a special event, not just for sports fans, but also because of what the Olympics represents -- a peaceful gathering of people from all over the world in joyous celebration. At this time in particular when brutal conflicts are raging in several countries, it's gratifying to witness such cooperation, respect and friendly competition among citizens from so many different places and differing cultures.
While the Olympics represents peaceful interaction at the global level, practicing non-violence and non-conflict begins within each of us individually. This month, Tasha Halpert has provided a meditation (see below) which helps us to do just that.
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July Meditation by Tasha Halpert
There is much strife going on in the world these days. It can engender a feeling of helplessness. What can anyone do to help? I am reminded of the many fables in which a small effort can make a big difference. The more we can focus on peace in the world the better, of course; however, we must back that up by seeking peace in our own individual world, in our everyday lives.
When we seek peace with a sincere heart we add to the sum of peace in the world. We can do that by focusing on our own everyday reactions and responses to the daily conflicts we deal with. Now choose something you encounter frequently that is a source of annoyance or irritation. This could be a condition such as a sore knee or any personal physical condition, a difficult person at work or a recalcitrant child, whatever situation you wish.
When you are done with thinking, take three deep, full breaths. Become aware of any discomforts—physical, mental, or emotional, and relax them. Just let them go. Feel yourself inhaling and exhaling bright golden light, Now envision* a beautiful ball of glowing, golden light in front of you. Let it gradually resolve into glowing letters to form the word "peace". Breathe evenly and see the letters glow even more brightly. Focus intently on your breath and on the bright letters.
Now say these words: I seek peace in my situation and in all my concerns. Repeat them as many times as you wish, but at least three. Make your peace with the situation complete by affirming "may it be so." Gradually return your consciousness to the here and now, and ground yourself, becoming aware of your feet or however you are used to doing.
Most importantly, try to continue this on a regular basis. Any time you encounter any aspect of your chosen situation, simply say, "peace" and repeat the word as you breathe until you feel peaceful. If it resolves, perhaps you can choose another and bring even more peace into not only your world but the wider one.
*Note: If you do not envision, simply affirm and the effect will be the same.
MAY 2024
We thank Dean Carter for providing this month's meditation theme. Dean is a sound healer and active participant in our healing network. Below he explains a bit about sound healing and provides a simple prayer/meditation/mantra anyone can recite to help achieve personal balance, clear the ethers of negativity, and help those who are suffering.
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May Meditation by Dean Carter
Our Divine Union Soundbaths are so called because they facilitate through Pure Sound the re-balancing of left- and right- brain, ChokhMah and Binah, Wisdom and Understanding, yin and yang/ lunar and solar energies that comes about automatically once the listener drops down into the deeper brainwave patterns of Alpha, Theta and Delta, the 'Divine Union' sought after by all forms of meditation and spiritual work). Each and every soundbath event is in itself a ritual, I create a sonic magic circle, literally, with my 12 crystal bowls in the 'New Jerusalem' pattern/Universal Mandala, its visual form and harmony created by the intervals of the universal overtone scale itself, and aligned always with the Buddhas of the directions and the elements, each bowl containing the prayer flag appropriate to Amitabha (West), Amoghasiddhi (North), Akshobhya (East), Ratnsambhava (South), and Vairochana of the centre/above and below.
Before we begin, we dedicate the merit of the sound to go out not only to the people in the room, but to all who suffer (including those formally on the Healing List) via the short prayer below.
The pure sine-waves of the crystal bowls and overtones and undertones of the Tibetan bowls and my own overtone singing is a very potent medium for the transference of energy in this way. We also encourage anyone to 'tune in' if they can.
My email to go on the mailing list or for other queries: ahiahel@live.com. Also, a recent interview giving a good overview of the work, its effect, and where I'm coming from as a sound healer can be found on this link: https://www.mysticmag.com/psychic-reading/interview-dean-carter/
The Four Immeasurables
By the power and the truth of this practice:
May all sentient beings enjoy happiness and the causes of happiness,
Be free from suffering and the causes of suffering.
May they never be separated from the great happiness that is devoid of suffering, (Joy/bliss/ānanda, our true state),
And may they dwell in the great equanimity that is free of ignorance, attachment, and aversion.
APRIL 2024
This month, we wish to thank Roza and Margarita Riaikkenen, coordinators of our Agni Yoga study group, for providing the April meditation theme below. They discuss the meaning of "being in spirit" and experiencing the oneness of the fundamental, all-pervasive primal energy of which all things are composed and through which we live and move and have our being.
In our work, and particularly while we meditate, we do much active visualization. When meditating, however, sometimes simply sitting and "being in spirit" with no visualizations, no expectations, and no specific "goals" in mind is even more effective and produces the most surprising and productive results. It is at times like this when we are truly at one with the primal energy of which Roza and Margarita speak.
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April Meditation by Roza and Margarita Riaikkenen
Being in Spirit is being in a state of Nothing/ Everything. The state where there is no Judgement, there is no Good or Bad; there is no Before or After. We are in a state of Awareness of pure Agni energy that is neither far nor close. It is here. In January 1948, Helena Roerich wrote about this energy:
"It is necessary to explain to all who study the Agni Yoga books that the Primary fiery energy is one and the same as the names: fiery energy, heart energy, mental, and psychic energy. They are all names that are, in essence, just different aspects of one and the same fundamental primal energy, or the energy of Be-ness. It is possible simply to say that psychic energy is a higher quality of primal energy. Thus, spirit and consciousness are inseparable from psychic energy. To better understand the meaning of the activity of psychic energy, it is necessary to include some paragraph on spirit and other subtle energies. This can broaden the understanding about its innumerable qualities." (Helena Roerich, At the Threshold of the New World: Dreams, Visions and Letters of Helena Roerich, White Mountain Education Association, Inc. 2020, Prescott, Arizona)
We would like to invite everyone to join our Agni Yoga Study Group. The very goal of Agni Yoga is to show us the way of inner transformation and evolution into the higher state of spirituality. In Agni Yoga we can find the keys to a lot of our questions. It is a rigorous teaching of selflessness, courage, compassion and sacrifice. And also of collaboration and co-creation. Of collective action and personal heroism, of scientific discoveries and self-discovery, of aspiration and achievement. And also of joy from the participation in this inspirational work, spiritual joy, fiery joy: "Understand the beneficence of fiery joy. It expands the consciousness, and draws all the best accumulations towards itself, as a fiery magnet. The essence of man is transformed and his outward nature is burned away" (Agni Yoga, Supermundane 4).
MARCH 2024
There is much chaos and exhaustion in the world right now, and our work necessarily pulls us into this orbit. However, it is difficult (and ultimately counter-productive) for us to continually stay focused only on negativity. There is also much beauty and joy to celebrate in this life, and we should also acknowledge this. So for this month, we want to provide a refreshing and rejuvenating meditation which acknowledges beauty, joy and renewal.
Spring begins in March here in the northern hemisphere, and Tasha Halpert has provided a lovely spring meditation (below) to address this. Because it pertains to the northern hemisphere's season, we ask that those of you in the southern hemisphere who are awaiting the start of your autumn season adapt the meditation for your own use as well. We feel this meditation, through visualization, can be equally as refreshing and rejuvenating anywhere, any time of year.
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March Meditation by Tasha Halpert
Rebirth and renewal begin in the springtime, and we can attune to these natural frequencies to become part of the process. As we allow ourselves to become one with these energies, we add our own small portion to the whole and help the process increase its benevolent effect on all. We are always part of the All, and as we attune to harmony and delight, so we increase Its effect.
Begin by envisioning the beautiful colors of spring. At first, let them be faint and indistinct, this is how spring starts. Envision or affirm pale yellow and green, to begin, then slowly add in faint traces of pink. Hear a few notes of birdsong, still somewhat tentative. At the same time, envision or affirm the buds at the ends of twigs beginning to swell just a little, becoming plumper as they engorge with the new energy of the season.
Let your mind focus now on the spring flowers as they begin to emerge from their growing roots, bulbs, and rhizomes. Watch as the stems grow longer. At first slowly then faster, although they stay nearly closed, the petals begin to become more evident. Then as the buds grow larger see them begin to open further, until they are fully open. Perhaps some gentle raindrops fall into the hearts of the flowers, dripping down the stems and off the leaves.
Return your attention to the trees. Watch as their leaves begin to emerge, their colors stronger now. Feel the trees welcome the energy that rises from their roots, emerging into the ends of the twigs, feeding the leaves. Listen as the birds sing their welcoming songs with loud, cheerful voices.
Embrace your vision fully. Breathe deeply. Take as much joy from these moments as you can. When you are done, open your eyes and return to your everyday consciousness, feeling well, refreshed, and renewed.
FEBRUARY 2024
As tensions in Ukraine and the Middle East escalate and a wider conflict seems inevitable, our thoughts are on the terrible human toll these wars have already taken. Equally heartbreaking is the horrific environmental destruction which has taken place and which threatens to decimate entire ecosystems. Our thoughts are also with the poor, suffering animals -- the always innocent victims of humankind's propensity for violence and war as a means to settle conflicts.
We turn to the writing of TRIUNE member Heathclyff St. James Deville of Australia. A vegan and dedicated animal rights activist, Heathclyff has written the following seed thought/prayer for our meditations.
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MEDITATION by Heathclyff St. James Deville
As we reflect on the situation in both the Palestinian-Israeli and the Ukrainian-Russian situations, please send out your positive thoughts and prayers for the birds, animals and insects of these regions, and for the healing of the environment. These are the hidden casualties of war. The following prayer may be used as a focal point to assist you.
We pray to the One Spirit that gives Life to All.
For the beautiful birds and animals – the insects too!
Who are dying as the innocent victims of a disharmonious world,
As Some Folk seek to subdue that of other folk
Under the guise of war – rather than under the Truth of Greed.
We pray that people everywhere stop, rest and then, resting,
Reflect upon the enormity of the loss of Nature's Beings
― the birds, animals, and the insects too!
As they seek out a Sanctuary of Peace and of Safety
From the bombs and the guns and the screams of other Beings.
This is our prayer – this is our meditation and, believe us , dear Spirit ― this is our one hope for a senseless war to cease,
A hope that may turn the image of our hope to that of a reality.
So Mote It Be.
Fly free Dear Birds, run peacefully our animal friends,
And gather without fear, you beautiful insect Beings;
And may the tears of the Trees turn to the sound of laughter,
And the verdant grass grow again as wild flowers appear once more.
DECEMBER 2023
As we enter the month of December and approach the solstice, gentle thoughts of Light and Love predominate. Festivals of Light are celebrated by all the major religions at this time of year, and everyone seems more open to the ideals of unity, synthesis and universal brotherhood.
It is likely that many people long for a fresh start in 2024, for 2023 has been a trying year for most everyone around the globe. Tasha Halpert, who has provided this month's meditation, refers to these "suffering multitudes" in her piece below. If you incorporate Tasha's meditation into your regular routine, when envisioning "the star" she mentions, you may wish to use the silvery-blue-white star of the Ashram of Synthesis.
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Meditation by Tasha Halpert:
Sit quietly until your mind settles, and gradually focus on your breathing. When you have quieted yourself, and feel focused, envision a night sky with a lovely star on the horizon. With focus, watch it rise to the center of the sky and then watch it radiate. Let the beams extend until they fill the sky and let them illuminate the ground as well. You are seeing a barren desert stretching out in all directions.
Envision yourself riding now, beneath and toward the star. As you ride and gaze upon the star, you feel more and more peaceful. You see a small structure in the distance. The star seems to hover over it. As you draw closer, you see figures kneeling there. You dismount and join them. Kneeling there you raise your eyes and see both a young baby lying in a manger, and an overlay of multitudes of suffering people.
Keeping your focus, you let the love you are feeling fill you, and then breathe it out to the child and at the same time to the suffering multitudes. Continue to do this as long as you wish. Eventually you will feel yourself coming back into your body and your everyday consciousness.
OCTOBER 2023
By Tasha Halpert:
The bursting colors of fall resemble a Kind of blossoming, a culmination of the gathered energy of the year. Let us begin by envisioning a hillside brilliant with fall color. Breathe deeply of the beauty. Let it fill you with a thrilling joy. Take a few moments to fully absorb the feelings.
Now envision one by one, those you know who are in need of healing, whether physical, mental, psychological or emotional. Take as much time as you need to do this. As each name or face appears in your inner vision, envelop the person with as much of this joy as you can. Envision it like a cloak of the fall colors, perhaps even made of petals or feathers. As you feel complete with each person give thanks for their healing and move on to the next until the list is complete. Give thanks.
Now envision the globe, our Earth. Again, envision the colors. Make them brilliant in your mind's eye. Breathe deeply and absorb them. Focus on the globe fully now, and invoke peace wherever in the world there is conflict. Place special emphasis on Libya and the Ukraine. Breathe and focus on the breath as you envision a healing sense of peace flow through the colors that surround the planet.
Return your thoughts to the present moment for yourself. Let yourself breathe in the colors once again, this time filling every corner of your current life experience. Affirm that Peace fills your life and overflows into the world you live in. Feel yourself cloaked in the lovely fall colors and give thanks.
Slowly return to yourself as you are in the world, and stretch until you feel fully embodied. At any time in the future you feel discombobulated or upset about your life or those you love, return yourself to the cloak of colors and Invoke the cloak of peace with your breath, affirming that sense of peace as being over and above any surface discomfort. Give thanks and move on.
SEPTEMBER 2023
September is traditionally the time for children to return to school after their summer holiday. The war in Ukraine rages on, yet her children are also trying to return to school and some sense of normalcy, despite the rampant chaos and suffering their country is enduring. With all the crises going on in the world right now, we must not become complacent and forget about the situation in Ukraine, particularly the lifelong psychological trauma so many of her weary children may experience from living through this war.
Let's concentrate our meditation efforts on the children of Ukraine, an end to the bombings and violence, and a return to peace and productivity in the region. We can include in our meditation periods the following Peace Invocation.
Let the Forces of Light bring illumination to humanity.
Let the Spirit of Peace be spread everywhere.
May all people of goodwill meet in a spirit of cooperation.
May forgiveness on the part of humanity be the keynote of this time.
Let power attend the efforts of the Great Ones.
So let it be, and help us to do our part.
OM, OM, OM.
Monthly Meditation Theme Archives