(plus "The Wisdom of Geese")

(AIM can be used as and individual project and/or a group project)

PURPOSE: The purpose of Project A I M is to seek harmony and balance within the individual and society at large through: (A) Spiritual or Soul-Realization, (I) individual development which extends to one's group affiliations (specifically a religion) and (M) diversity training or the recognition of the many great religions. The purpose of Project A I M is not merely to create another link in an unending chain, however special or sacred, but to uncover the spiritual thread that flows through and connects all the many diverse beads or links. Project A I M's purpose is to neither make one religion the "only one" nor to do away with religion but rather to go through one's chosen religion which naturally and wisely leads to transcendent (mystical) spiritual/religious experience. Unity in diversity; not in sameness and not in blindness.

EXPLANATION: A "A" stands for Atmana which is the Sanskrit term for the Soul within every human. Rearranging the letters A, I, M one gets I AM. I am what? Basic Hindu theology: Tat Tvam Asi (Thou Art That/Soul) answers this primal question. This Soul/Spiritual Reality is also found in the Hindu greeting "Namaste;" i.e., "I bow to the Soul in you." The Truth (Sat) of the Atmana is that it consists of Light/Energy (chid) and Love/Bliss (ananda). Satchidananda is the Atmana of everyone around which we have a physical, mental and emotional covering. All three of these qualities exist within every human in varying degrees (to be developed). This common sense, experiential Spiritual-Realization is the Soul of humanity regardless of outer differences. The Atmana is the first sphere of influence to be recognized and the first ball in the art of juggling.

I Of course the "I" refers to the individual self. In an English translation of Hindu theology the word self refers to the "I" while Self refers to the Atmana. The "I" is the body, emotions and mind. This self manifests as an ego with a personality with thoughts and emotional likes and dislikes. It is of course important for each individual to develop a healthy body, emotions, mind and a positive sense of self-esteem. Each individual "I" also becomes involved in numerous group "I's" which often includes one of the great religions of the world.

METHOD:

A is the Atmana. First discover what is the Atmana/Soul or the essential nature of each and every human; i.e., Energy/Light/Love. Simply contemplate on this scientific and experiential reality. Then, consider the many ways to experience and expand on these three qualities which would of course take into consideration the "I" or self which is body, emotions and mind. The many religions also (more or less) lay down a foundation of ethics, devotion, meditation and intellectual study and inner contemplation that assist in Soul/Spiritual experiences.

I is the individual I. Recognize your complex nature; i.e., body, emotions and mind. Take care of each of these bodies. There is of course much overlapping of these bodies but for the sake of clarity the following advice is offered:

Body: Exercise (aerobic, strengthening and stretching). Control the diet including more vegetarian items. Get adequate sleep. Avoid harmful substances.

Mind: Study profound subject matter that you find of interest. Seek creative activities. Practice meditation within your chosen religion.

Emotions: Seek positive and creative outlets; i.e., music and the arts and crafts. Strive to exercise some measure of emotional control.

Classical Yoga students should seek to understand and incorporate into their life the classical Yoga/Hindu life-style; i.e., Karma Yoga (ethics), Bhakti Yoga (devotion), Hatha Yoga (worshipful postures), Raja Yoga (meditation) and Jnana Yoga (outer and inner study). Students should seek to learn more about the specific religious path known as Sanatana Dharma/Hinduism: The religion of Classical (Dharma) Yoga.

Group I: Seek out groups of interest in which you positively serve as a member. Regarding the many religions: seek out one that interests you (if you are not already in one) and strive to become a committed, productive and educated member of that spiritual/religious tradition. The individual helps the group and the group helps the individual.

M: Take the time to learn something about the many great religions of the world; read about them; learn about their unique practices and beliefs as well as any similarities. When possible, visit the people and sanctuaries of these many great religions. Peace and prosperity through understanding and communication.

THE EFFECTS OF NOT LEARNING TO A I M:

If the formula is I M A, "I'm" a what? The "I" does take precedence in our life. One becomes self-centered which, to a degree, is necessary but in its extreme develops selfishness. We need the ego; not egoism. We have dogma (opinions); but we need not be dogmatic (opinionated or holding to false dogma). We need fundamentals; but we do not have to be a fundamentalist. We may follow a religion/sect; but we need not be sectarian.

Focusing only on the "M," we may misunderstand the Manyness. When we focus on either the "I" or the "M" to the exclusion of the other, we are equally extreme and lacking in depth. The Individual and the Many need to come together to realize that they compliment each other. Creating "One" creates the "Other." The Many or the whole is equal to the sum of its parts. In its extreme, the "I" individual and individual group is fundamentalism. A fundamentalist monotheistic doctrine lays the potential foundation for violence (and, ironically, is the antithesis of Democracy). "My One against your One."

It is when extremists within this limited doctrine emerge that violence is inevitable. However, in what is often a knee-jerk reaction to fundamentalism, "universalism" is very similar in its extreme position. Universalism is actually defined as: "the doctrine in which all men will eventually be saved" which is merely another form of the "sameness" of fundamentalism. True, a "universalist" will probably not be apt to commit the same level of violence as a fundamentalist, but it is also an inherently limited position.

Universalists recognize that there are other religions but feel that their "new path" is all inclusive. This "new-age" extremism actually denies specific religious paths ironically becoming similar in ideology to the fundamentalist. Paradoxically the "new-age" movement would not exist without the many specific religions from which they "borrow." There are many modern examples of universalists/universalism which often intertwines with fundamentalism. For example, many Christians will say that "Christianity is not a religion but the universal way." The Hare Krishna movement states that Krishna is not merely another way but the universal Deity from which all the diversity flows. The Sai Baba movement makes the same claim about their leader. Universalist "yoga" cults abound. This modern so-called "yoga" movement also claims to not be a religion (though it is of course essentially Hinduism) but to be the "Universal way." Of course any thinking person will ask the question: Will the real universal way or prophet please stand up? The words "sameness" and "blindness" could be equally applied to either extreme. True unity in diversity is to recognize and respect the Individual groups and the "Manyness" with a Soulful core, or spiritual thread, that flows through all humanity. Unity in Diversity; not in sameness and not in blindness.

There are several cliches that are used to justify the extreme positions of "I" and "M." Those stuck in "the one true religion" camp often state: "how can there be more than one truth?" Many truths are relative perceptions existing within relative time. For example, reflect on what was "true" in your life in the past as opposed to what is now "true." However, there are also common sense observable and provable facts/truths or rights and wrongs. For example, ingesting harmful substances will more rapidly deteriorate the body a fact that is not subjective to simply relative perception. Knowing the difference between these two realities makes all the difference. Those stuck in the extreme "M" position often have difficulty with the common sense observable facts and rely on the cliche that "everything is relative." A Universalist will often claim "there is no right or wrong" and "who is to judge," when in fact, there are rights and wrongs and a time for wise judgement. Another common universalist cliche is "All is One" which is of course simplistic, at best. However, the "I" and "M" extremes are necessary parts of the evolutionary triangle though they must ultimately come together. When the "A" is put at the center, it eventually becomes the top point of the triangle, and the symbolic pyramid/mountain picture is complete. As mature humans, we must learn to juggle all three aspects.

NOT LEARNING TO JUGGLE OR PRACTICING DECEPTION:

If we do not learn this art of juggling, the quality of our life experience will be limited. The dictionary also defines juggling as "practicing deception; a trickster; a cheat." In the most direct sense of this definition, we have to admit that we are often under the sway of various forms of delusions (Skr. Mohan). If we think we are just the "I" or just the "M" or even just the "A" (while in creation, we must learn to respect and work with duality), we suffer from varying degrees of delusion. The process of human evolution is to gradually break free of many of these illusions/delusions which are simply the product of ignorance. However, many times we choose to consciously deceive another. For example, a magician practices slight of hand, and we all know that it is merely an artful trick. However if one performs a deception and consciously uses this to deceive another, one becomes a cheat or charlatan. These unethical deceptions happen in many arenas of life and certainly including the spiritual/religious realm.

THE ART OF JUGGLING:

Take the balls marked A I M and first feel comfortable catching the "A" in your left hand (if you are right-handed). Next, take the "I" and "M" balls in your "comfort hand" and learn to throw them up and alternately catch them. Next, learn to throw the "A" ball into the mix which is a figure 8 pattern: right, left, right, left. This physical exercise will prove to be a great challenge which will require practice, patience and focus. You will also get an important exercise simply chasing after your mistakes!

The vital importance of this exercise is to reinforce the fact that one can (and must) ultimately learn to artfully juggle these spheres of influence. In other words, one should cultivate their body, mind/emotions and spirit. One can thoroughly enjoy and participate in their chosen religion. One can simultaneously appreciate the many other religions (without creating merely another blind form of "universalism"). The important key is to always remember the Soul of humanity that is our common bond, or spiritual thread, that flows through the necessary outer differences.

It is important to note that the essential meaning of the word "religion" ("religio") means "to link" to the Spirit which also the same meaning as the Sanskrit word "yoga;" i.e., "to yoke" to the Spirit. Understanding what is supposed to be the intent of religion dispels the myth that one can be spiritual but not religious which is simply another form of divisive elitism. Understanding the similarity of the words "religion" and "yoga" also dispels the myth that "yoga is not (a) religion."

Violence has it roots in "meism," when we feel more or less threatened by another. Very often we take aiM and fire back at this "other" with extreme negative thoughts and emotions, or with rocks, guns and bombs. Though there is room for wise judgement towards another, the real problem is often with "me." When we feel ready to strike out (in which case everbody loses), why not take A I M within and work on ourself ? Practice:

Ready - A I M - Juggle!

THE WISDOM OF GEESE

The following bit of relationship wisdom was composed by Rev. Ervin G. Roorda

Fact One: As each [Canada] goose flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the birds that follow. And by flying in a V formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range and is able to fly 75% faster than if each bird flew alone.

Lesson: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they're going quicker and easier because they're traveling on the thrust of one another.

Fact Two: Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the other birds immediately in front of it.

Lesson: If we have a much sense as a goose, we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go [provided it is in an ethical and honest direction]. We're willing to accept their help and to give help to others.

Fact Three: When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies into the point position.

Lesson: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. As with geese, people are interdependent of each other's skills, capabilities, and unique arrangements of gifts, talents, or resources.

Fact Four: The Canada geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. 

Lesson: We need to make sure our honking is encouragement. In a group where there is encouragement, the production is always greater.

Fact Five: When a goose gets sick, wounded, or shot, two other geese always drop out of formation and follow it down to help or protect it. They stay with it either until it dies or is able to fly again. Then they launch out with another formation and catch up with the flock.

Lesson: If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.

What a great testament to the wisdom of human re-lationships; to re-ligion; to re-linking; to yoking; to Yoga/Hinduism!

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