LEVEL I
 
The Basics

   

BIRD WITH HEART-SHAPE BALLOON 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Seeking Universal Truth as your foundation and breaking OUT of the box of apathy.

There are three (3) exercises at this level

 

 

Universal Truth \n\ 1: A truth that is universal; 2: A common, identifiable thread to the body of real things, events and facts with a predicable of logic; 3: a behavioral pattern inherent in all cultures outlining a transcendent fundamental or spiritual reality of the universe; 4: Fidelity to all things real and factual without limit or exception.


The basic characteristics of good and evil are absolute in foundation; thus definable with Universal Truths. Discovery of our passions to establish measurable differences between good and evil is one of Life's greatest challenges. There are vast, in-depth expressions of spiritual truth which boggle the mind; and likewise, deceptions so painful to realize, it breaks the heart. Universal Truths remain a guidepost to our senses and help our souls to be steadfast in the face of uncertainty. Universal Truths help us build a fail-safe foundation, impossible to contradict--once we learn them.

Defining what are and what are not Universal Truths is a challenge requiring courage. Individuals must discern Universal Truths for themselves. This is why hidden manna is called 'hidden'.

Here are some BASIC Universal Truths:

  • The truth shall set you free.
  • Objects have no spiritual power of their own.
  • Good is ultimately victorious over Evil.
  • God exists. Evil exists. You have a soul.
  • Deceptions distort reality.
  • What comes around, goes around.
  • To really know of Love is to know of God.

    • What do you think of these?

     

     

    Exercise 1: (By yourself or with a friend) Take a moment and write out as many Universal Truths you can think of on a piece of paper or in a journal. Give yourself a few minutes to complete the task. Think about the truths you claimed to be Universal. Are the items you selected really Universal Truths or cultural beliefs? What is the difference between cultural beliefs and Universal Truths? Is there any way to test what you have written? Try to test them. Keep what you have written in a safe place and refer to it from time to time, making revisions when needed.

     

    BASICS

    Universal Truths apply to one and all on a basic level. They are the groundwork of reality. Although they may be contradicted by cultural beliefs, they are nevertheless true. After all is said and done, Universal Truths remain. Let's think about the power of good for example: Good always triumphs over evil, but it may require time. The reason why good may require time is a detail to which we may not have an answer. If we get bogged down in details, we may forget our original premise: good over evil.

    Given the nature of evil, it will inevitably fail when confronted with the power of good. It is a fact that evil steals energy from others, thus it has no energy source of its own. We eventually conclude this is more than fact, it is a Universal Truth. Evil will fail when confronted with the always aware and self-sourced power of good. Regardless of our fears and doubts, Universal Truths will remain constant -- even if the details seem to change over time. Although illusions are commonplace, reality remains true to itself. Truth cannot deviate from being true, whatever happens, but cultural beliefs change dramatically over time.

    There are both sane and insane cultural beliefs around this world. Cultural beliefs are often patterned after local religions, and since God is not religious we must seek to look for ties which bind them all together. This does not mean we should embrace every religion or cult as possessing Universal Truth, instead we should focus our attentions on the foundations of those beliefs and give respect where respect should be given. Yet we must also be weary immediately upon discovering any violation of Universal Truth - for that is the sign of misguidance. An example of this is the Christian who hatefully judges others. Most religions view a single God as the Almighty, which is true. Many religions have prophets or Saviors. Regardless of their faults, religions are a valuable tool for helping us to establish some of the most basic parameters of Universal Truths.

    There are religions and cults which have no foundation in Universal Truth, or the truths to which they clung have been twisted over time. Good intentions often go astray for many reasons. We must find the clarity to see things for what they are, and the strength to reject warped versions of truth even though it may not be politically correct. The only way to find this clarity and strength is your own absolution to discern Universal Truth. God loves truth seekers and helps them in unimaginable ways.

    Many cultural beliefs and attitudes around the world have no foundation in truth, and are actually based upon ignorance and complete denial of truth. Violence and murder are glamorized. Sexual lusts are idolized. Greed for worldly possessions and power is coveted. The forces behind such wicked immaturity is beyond our grasp. The world seeks to destroy the soul's growth on any level. It is easy to fall victim to the world's irrationale as to why it does what it does. But there is no logic or truth to it.

    There can be no misunderstandings about simple Universal Truths once learned, because the elements are BASIC. The only misunderstandings about Universal Truths lay in applications. This is why we must not judge. When we begin to authoritatively judge others to the innumerable applications of truth according to personal tastes, we can fall victim to illusions. We each have different ways of applying truth to our own lives. If individual applications are different, that is to be respected. If the truth we are applying is different, then a closer examination is needed.

    Although we should not judge others, we must readily be able to defend the truth. The defense and proliferation of truth is a seeker's prime directive. Final judgment is reserved for the wisdom of God. However, there is a big difference in judging others and making a judgment call to any given circumstance. Determining an individual who denounces God is insane and needs help is far different than condemning that person to hell.

    In order to find clarity, we must seek to look beyond trivial details and to rise above the insanity of the world. Humbly seeking Universal Truths enable us to focus towards such aspirations. If we get caught up in details, we begin to loose our ability to discern. This is much like the old adage: "I can't see the forest because of the trees". It is also very important to note Universal Truth is not politically correct, nor does truth always seem just. Should we harbor a falsehood as a truth for a long period of time, we are often unwilling to open our eyes. Pride gets in the way. Being a humble student is vital to remember.

     

    (An interesting reading companion to this workshop is the Cowboys Canons of Love, found in The Library of this site. While I do not consider the Cowboy Canons of Love to be pure Universal Truth, I do consider them important lessons and personal insights I've learned along the way. Please enjoy!)

     

     

    Exercise 2: (alone) Honestly ask yourself these questions:

     

    FOUNDATION

    God is love and whosoever dwells in Love, dwells in God and God in them. Without dwelling in Love, we can't discern truth. Seeking truth is mostly a private matter between you and God. Yet, it seems to involve everyone and everything around us at times. This contradiction often feels like a paradox. Learning new and powerful dynamics of communication can be a very exciting and a very disturbing experience all at the same time. When we take a stand as a seeker, our position is mysteriously made known to others. It is impossible to hide a light in a dark room, nor should we try. This is very intimidating as the world discourages truth and consistently tries to knock us down. Knowing illusions cannot harm us is where we begin to find strength in the reality of Love. This is part of the foundation.

    An individual must develop a solid foundation, otherwise they can't stand, nor grow spiritually. A righteous foundation begins with confronting the nature of the supernatural and seeking to internalize basic differences between good and evil. As a soul begins to understand basic differences between good and evil, our choices simply become a matter of sanity. Truth helps us establish the footings to build such a foundation. If an individual builds their foundation strictly upon a book(s) like the bible, as most do, they are not seeing the forest because of the trees.

    No one can help build your foundation, we each must start building it ourselves -- then help will surely come. God helps those who first help themselves. There are no books to read or lectures to attend or web sites to surf which exactly provide us hidden manna. The wisdom of Truth is earned through trial and error -- this is why forgiveness is paramount to our success. We will make mistakes, it is our nature. And at times we must act decisively, as we have little time to ponder right or wrong. Evil seeks to rush us in order to cloud our judgment. The only way to stand strong in storms of fear and confusion is to make use of your foundation of Truth as a reference tool. There are no welfare programs which build your spiritual foundation for you.

    Your personal responsibility and efforts are mandatory.

     



      Exercise 3: (God and you) Many people don't pray unless in a church or in danger. This is a shame because prayer is communicating directly with God. Speaking outloud to God requires courage at first because we are shy or ashamed of our imperfections. Many people feel unworthy to talk with God. There is no need for these fears, and in time prayer becomes as necessary to our existence as food or water.

    If you have or have never prayed before, do so now. Find a quiet, private place and clear your thoughts. Perhaps go into a room and shut the door so nothing will interfere. Personally, I always call God "The Good Father" or "Good Shepherd". Use whatever name you know, as long as you distinguish The Good Father from anything else. Use Christ as an intermediary if you believe it necessary. The purpose of this prayer session is to ask God to help you onto the path of truth. Use the prayer below if you wish, or use your own words coming from your own heart.

    Respectfully call out to God: "Good Shepherd, I come to You trying to open my heart and open my mind to Your Love. Please be with me this moment. Please be with me, within me. In Your mercy, allow me to be a vessel for You to fill. I am thankful for Your guidance and love. I am thankful for Your patience and grace. I am seeking to join with You more closely because I am attempting to be a truth seeker. God, I have many questions and a great void within me. I feel lost and confused in this world. Please help me find the strength to accept the way of seeking truth so that I may grow closer unto You and better learn the ways of Love".

    Your sincerity and your conviction to learn about the truth are admirable, and prayer is very powerful. Know what you ask for, you shall receive. God is not deaf, but our own eyes can be blind. So often when we pray, we forget to look for the answers to what we have asked, for surely they will come. The next step is preparing to receive for what you have asked.

    May God be forever gentle and patient to the students of truth.

     

     

       

     

     

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