Dear Friends,
“There is equality of God within ourselves.” Meister Eckhart
A month or so ago, I came across something very interesting on the internet, about a song festival that takes place every 5 years in Estonia. This has been happening for 140 years, and is held as an enormous open-air choir-concert at the Tallin Song Festival grounds with the participation of thousands of singers.
The average number of singers on the stage is 18,000. Only the best choirs make it to the festival – the competition is stiff and they practice for years beforehand. In the open-air grounds there is space for more than 100,000 spectators. The first song festival was held in June 1869.
Now I am not going to go into all the facts but there is a belief that the Estonians sang themselves free from the Soviet occupation, and I quote briefly from one of the articles I
downloaded: “Every five years since 1869, Estonians have come together around a unique choral event called Laulupidu. This year, 2014, more than 33,000 singers performed for an audience of 153,000. Laulupidu has been a force for helping this country of 1.3 million endure occupation and oppression.”
I watched the Laulupidu (which took place this year on 6 July), on U-tube, and was so amazed at the huge connectedness of the people; both on the stage and as spectators. An experience of up-lifted consciousness; everyone linked in song and music, lifted above and beyond the material world with all of its conflict.
Frank Fitzpatrick, a musician, stated the following:
“The spiritual nature of music cannot be defined by religion, culture or genre. Music precedes and transcends all of these frameworks. To even compare music and spirituality as if they were independent concepts feels a bit odd to me. Music is, at its essence, the sound of spirit. When created with the heart and with truth and pure intention, music is a spiritual expression of the most universal nature and the highest order.”
The Estonian people seem, over the years, to have outgrown their problems of occupation and oppression by growing (transforming) in consciousness with the help of their music. Much is going on in the world today that could be changed by people outgrowing the problem. And the fight is basically a human need for more, when as stated by Meister Eckhart, “There is equality of God within ourselves.” But this equality can only be realized in consciousness and then brought into our world experience. And here Jesus was our perfect example. According to Richard Rohr, Jesus transformed religion, but then we (mankind) created a problem by worshipping Jesus instead of following Him on His path. So we made Jesus into a mere religion instead of a journey toward union with God.
Rabbi Rami Shapiro states it well when he says: (and I paraphrase)
I love Jesus because I love Christ, that awakened mind that reveals the unity of God, woman, man, and nature. (John 10:30) My problem with Christianity is that it teaches Christians to worship Jesus rather than to become Christ. Of course you might challenge me, saying, “but that’s because you aren’t a Christian.” And I would respond, “that’s why I’m not a Christian!” If Christianity taught me to be Christ, to awaken to my truest Self and realize that all beings are manifestation of the singular Be-ing that is God, I would be drawn to it like a moth to a flame.
Are we staying stuck in certain issues and problems or are we taking time to realize who we are in truth? Are we heeding the call when Jesus said: “what is that to thee….follow thou me.?” Is our intended journey toward union with God?
As I watched the Estonian song festival unfold, I felt so lifted up by the experience. The joy, the inclusive participation between singers and spectators was amazing. With so much upheaval in different parts of the world, it is certainly heartening to see the transformation taking place in others. And I do believe it is a transformation in consciousness.
Yes, we all share equally the originating Source of all Life that breathes us, sustains and maintains us, and is the very heart beat of all creation. So let us then be the outlets for the Voice of Creation, as we joyously acknowledge our truth.
SUNDAY SERVICES: All are welcome to join us each week as we take time to Be Still, in Silent Meditation, and then share a Lesson in Truth Principles. Childcare is available except during school holidays.
Meditation – 09:30 to 09:45
Service – 09:45 to 10:30
SPEAKERS – SEPTEMBER
07– Rosemary Batchelor
14– Rev. Colleen Deane (guest from Murraysburg)
21– Sylvia van Zyl
28 – Rev. Elizabeth Dugmore
Please note this roster is subject to change without notice.
ABUNDANCE CLUB: We congratulate Marita Fourie, again, winner of the July Draw. And we would remind those who have not yet signed up that you can do so for the months of September to November inclusive, and pay R150-00. The next draw will take place at our function after the Service on Sunday, 31 August.
DOODLE DAYS: Fifth session ……. in a Creative Adventure with Sara McKenna (from the U.K.). Those who attended the August Doodle Day, so enjoyed being in creative mode. With gentle music and real concentration, it was most peaceful and productive at the same time. The next date is set, see below, and we do thank Sara most sincerely for her sharing of time and talent, as the donations are all in support of ACT. Watch this space for project details.
Workshop date: Saturday 20 September from 2pm – 5pm
Investment: R50.00 – tea, coffee included. Venue: Association of Creative Thought 15, 7th Ave, Walmer.
Space limited so please call 041-5813309 to book.
LIBRARY: A reminder that our library is stocked with a variety of interesting books. Unfortunately due to past experience with many, many wonderful books not being returned, membership of the library is only available to full ACT members.
DIVINE SCIENCE CLASS – BIBLE, NEW TESTAMENT:
This class is scheduled to begin on Thursday, 02 October. Join Mallory for 10 weeks of growing in awareness, as we focus on an in-depth study of the inner meaning of the teachings and example of Jesus through His Christ Consciousness. Time: 13:30; Cost: R450-00; Pre-requisite – Divine Science Basic Principles and Divine Science Bible, Old Testament classes need to have been completed. There is a list on the notice board for names and you may also call us on 041-5813309, to book.
CELEBRATING TWO YEARS – in our “new” spiritual home – and we look forward to a spring salad and burger brunch after the Service on Sunday 31 August.
In Closing…..
“It is always a sign of some higher and more spiritually awakened influence being near when any kind of shaking-up is taking place.”
H.B. Jeffery – Mystical Teachings
Bountiful blessings,
MALLORY