There was an article by V. Rt. Rev. Lewis Bostwick titled “Seniority to Spirit,” that describes my dilemma. However, I have recently come to terms with this part, as I have realized that I am an extremely undeveloped creature, so it is to my benefit to have help to reach higher levels and without the help, I am completely lost on my own. I tried it and I am empty, as there is nothing there. So when I listen, I become full or filled up, as it’s hard to explain.

I was wondering if you have any thoughts on the benefits of using an image for meditation versus using the sound of a mantra.

I have recently begun the practice of trataka meditations. It seems most powerful. I have read some things warning that the advanced forms  are “dangerous” without the guidance of a teacher or guru. In the past couple of years, I have experienced what I can only describe as a rapid vertical growth trajectory. Given my past  experience with sudden and extreme kundalini, I’m wondering what is meant by “dangerous” and if I should be concerned about this. While this whole opening and re-awakening thing is still pretty amazing, I don’t want to trigger another episode of the same confused,  uncharacteristic and unexplainable personality behavior. Thanks for your advice.

What do you thing of doing 'affirmations' to manifest the 'things' one wants in his/her life.

Answer:
Affirmations can be a helpful tool in helping you manifest your wants and needs in life, but more important than the wording, the repetition or the visualization of your affirmation is the depth of consciousness from which you are intending from. Even the most diligent routine of affirmation practice will only yield mediocre results if one’s awareness is shallow and fragmented. If consciousness is fully awakened and functioning in full accord with the creative  flow of the universe, then even the mildest intention is manifested effortlessly.

Love,
Deepak

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Question:
I would like to ask your advice on how to raise a boy (4) who comes from a family of hot tempered and impatient people. He emulates everything he sees and is easily distracted. However he is a quick learner! My concern is…he is already being a bully towards his mum and grandmother and has a bad temper. A lot of his behaviour is his environment at home I know this. I realise that raising a child is not only nature but how we nurture them but then how can I teach an “old dog new tricks?” with my family including me? I would like for him to approach life with peace and calm….

I always have feelings in the fall that seem sad. The leaves are dropping, its colder out, there's less sunlight, and it feels like everyone isn't themselves? Am I projecting this or do others share these feelings?

Answer:
While many people do share your feelings during the autumn months, it wouldn’t be accurate to say that during the fall, no one feels like their normal selves. As the seasons change from summer to fall, the world around us undergoes a cyclic transformation from laws of nature that  express an active outer radiance of vitality to a  more restful, inward directed  energy. Those who are sensitive to this shift in nature may feel emotionally less exuberant and, by extension, perhaps some sadness in contrast with the previous season.

Recently I came across the following in one your books; after you have asked for something you have desire for, it is important to "detach" yourself from what you have asked for and at the same time you keep the strong desire in yourself. Does it mean you have the desire but you shouldn't "think" about it? But if you have a strong desire for something it is very difficult not to think about it.

I would be most grateful if you would explain this to me.

My question involves getting darshan from a saint, and I wondered if you could help me. I actually found the experience rather gross and detached, and I know that I have to look within myself to recognize what was so unpleasant for me. I think that I am upset with myself that I did not experience some sense of peacefulness from this meeting. Does the fact that I found the experience lacking in spiritual connection reflect that I have not yet made a connection with my higher Self?

I once attended one of your seminars on Synchrodestiny and one of the things you said then has left its mark:

a) true synchrodestiny goes beyond the personal to the archetypal...and the universal.
b) one should ask the archetypes within us to come into our bodies and meet us....

The problem for me is that my archetypes, without my knowing, have completely taken over my emotional life, especially the Mother Goddess one, and this since childhood, so that I have no access to my personal, ordinary, normal female self. This normal self is only visible to me, all others see the blessed Goddess and react accordingly. The result, inevitably, is a lot of confusion (for them) and a lot of pain (for me).

Would you pleas explain the VMAT2 gene, the "God gene"? Is that really the soul?

Answer:
No, a gene cannot be equated with the soul, nor is it equivalent to an experience of God. The connection with theVMAT2 gene with God is made by the geneticist Dean Hamer. The basic idea is that this gene is associated with the breakdown of monoamines, the neurotransmitters that are loosely connected to a kind of spiritual receptivity that is composed of the tendencies of: self-forgetfulness, connectivity to the universe, and an openness to accepting the unprovable.