November 2008
In this issue:
Paradox is inherent in the structure of existence. Everything is paradoxical in nature. Conflicting perspectives are at every turn. To deal with paradox is to deal with conflict. Yet, all conflict is rooted in the harmony of oneness. No wonder life's journey can be so challenging.
The Relationship Sutras
I still adhere to a routine that began years ago in the ashram. I start my morning somewhere between 1 and 3 a.m. with a long meditation. Everything at that time is so still, so silent. In those meditations, I often feel enraptured in communion with God. It feels like there is no separation. I fully merge with the Beloved. It is an experience of absolute, unbounded ecstasy. It is said that God is unfathomable, unknowable. In those moments, I am almost embarrassed to say, it feels to me that is not true. I feel so fully merged with God that I feel I know God fully. Nothing is hidden. There are no secrets.
One morning, I had a thought that really humbled me. God comes in many forms. As it is said, "Everything is God." Every person you will ever meet is a manifestation of God. How unfathomable we all are. How unfathomable every relationship is. How remarkable to feel so fully merged with the Divine, while simultaneously being so humbled by that same divinity.
Like the path of life, the path of relationships is one of humility. The Relationship Sutras is a book that conveys the delicate and delightful nature of relationship. These sutras emerged from within me as if they birthed themselves. I imagine some would say they were cognized. It feels as though they exist eternally within the Absolute and I was simply the vehicle they used to come forth.
Click here for more information. Now Available.
Call 1.828.355.5867 to order The Relationship Sutras, $14.99 per book.
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Upcoming Meditation Retreats
KAIVALYA RETREAT COURSE
 Give your nervous system the deep rest it longs for at the Kaivalya Retreat Course. This six-week course takes place from February 7 (Saturday) through March 21 (Saturday). We encourage you to attend as much of the Kaivalya Retreat Course as you can. Such a deep dive into the Transcendent in this supportive atmosphere is quite an opportunity for personal evolution. Shorter course options are available and are spelled out in detail on the website.
WINTER SURYA RAM MEDITATION RETREAT
Join us for this week-long retreat, March 14-21 (Sat-Sat). This week is the last week of the Kaivalya Course. Plans are to welcome Sanjay and Sarbani Rath to give Jyotish readings and talks throughout the week.
The cost of the one-week retreat is $815 (meals included).
Learn more / Register
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Michael's Blog - New Email Notification
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Conflicts - A New Article by Michael
It is always a difficult time when conflicts arise. It's usually a sign that someone is out of balance. If neither party is out of balance, conflicts resolve. If you are in a conflict, the first question to ask is, "Who is out of balance here? Is it me? Is it them? Is it both of us?".
Read more
An Excerpt from The Relationship Sutras by Michael Mamas
 From Number 13.
Your preconceived notions determine
how you feel things are
as well as
how you feel they should be.
They prevent you from seeing
what actually is.
It is said
the swan can separate milk from water.
To nurture your relationships,
separate Truth from preconceived notions.
Take care, lest your preconceived notions
become your children's truths.
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Closing Thought
"Our identity is how we define ourselves: who we are, who other people are, who or what God is, what is true, and what is false. This is the world of identity. The trick is to function through it without losing yourself to it." - Michael Mamas |
