THE 8 SPIRITUAL POWERS

 As the soul sits in silent remembrance of the Supreme, it fills with strength which manifests in spiritual powers.

The Power To Withdraw

With full awareness that I am an entity different from my body, I can withdraw from the senses whenever I wish and become a point. In the same way that a tortoise retreats into its shell in a moment of danger, or just to rest, I am able to retract myself from any situation and remain protected. Going within at regular intervals enables me to both accumulate and draw on my resource of inner strength.  

The Power To Pack-Up

With the ability to go within, I learn how to pack up all wasteful thinking in a second, so that there is a lightness and freedom from burdens and worries. Though there may be many responsibilities, I cease to worry about them. At the time of discharging my duties there is full attention, concentration and economy of thought, but at the time of meditation, thoughts or speculation about worldly obligations do not intrude. I have an automatic "escape-valve" of going deep into the self, checking thoughts on a subtle level and experiencing a relationship with God. Preoccupations with limited external activities, past, present or future, are "packed-up" and the soul's unlimited consciousness is revealed.

The Power Of Tolerance 

In this light frame of mind, I am able to tolerate all types of situations and people to the extent that there is no sense at all of having to tolerate some-thing or someone. With the understanding that each one is simply playing their role in this immense world-drama, impatience, irritation and annoyance disappear like mists before a strong sun. The soul sits under the kalpa tree enjoying the variety of branches and scenes of existence. There is natural comprehension of all.

The Power To Accommodate

Just as the ocean accepts all the different rivers that flow into it, whether polluted or clean, I am able to adjust myself to all that is happening around me. Just as a person dresses fit for an occasion, I learn to "dress" myself with the appropriate knowledge for a person or scene and thereby maximise each opportunity to create benefit. It doesn't mean that I adjust to an atmosphere which could be weak and impure, but that I press the right "internal buttons" so that any weakness and impurity does not affect me. Not only that, but I am able to change such a scene into one of benefit. Let us take an example of adjusting oneself to a particular person. The person in front of me is dying of thirst, but I don't know that and try to give him diamonds, gold, anything except water. All he wants is something simple, and will value nothing else. If I don't have the power to adjust myself to another, I will not perceive exactly what he needs but try to give him what I think is right for him.

The Power of Judgement

Through this self-adjustment, I can accurately assess any situation with clarity and confidence. In a detached, impartial state of mind I judge my own thoughts, words and actions to see if they are beneficial to the scene in which I find myself. I become the judge of myself, never the judge of others. This is reflected in a balance of love and law; spiritual love for all others and the discipline to keep myself within the boundaries of the highest code of conduct. If I see someone breaching the divine laws, there are two possible attitudes. If he is acting wrongly and doesn't even perceive it, then I can feel mercy and the will to inspire him to correct himself through my own example. If he does perceive it and is making an effort to overcome it, I can feel respect and will him farther towards divinisation with my thoughts.

The Power of Discrimination

With such equilibrium I can discriminate accurately between the real truth and the apparent truth, between things of temporary value and those of eternal value and between the superficial and the subtle. This power helps me recognise the traps that Maya (illusion) puts before me, however sweetly decorated and enticing. It seems that it is Maya's job to constantly test the soul and so falsehood comes disguised as truth many times to examine one's level of progress. Only with discrimination power can I see through the disguises and act confidently in the most positive way.

The Power to Face

Having confidence in one's spiritual state brings the courage to face any type of situation. Believing that I am God's instrument in thought, word and action, allows me not only to confront any scene but to influence it in a positive way. For example, a close member of the family "dies" (leaves the body). Without tears and with knowledge, I face it to such an extent that my confidence and compassion takes away the grief of the other members of the family. The power to face reality comes when I have conquered all fear and doubt, especially about my abilities. If I know myself, my talents and specialities and have the company of the Supreme Soul, I can take on anything and emerge having caused benefit.

The Power to Co-operate

The natural result of all the powers is that I am able to share with others the tasks and qualities that my Father has given me. There is no feeling of competition, so I can give as well as accept suggestions as to how to proceed with the task of world upliftment. Co-operation allows me to share my virtues and specialities and to learn from the qualities and talents of those I am co-operating with.