We cannot simply replicate traditional spiritual practices and expect them to work — not only because they may not be ours to employ, through cultural or ancestral inheritance, but also because their forms were created in response to the world as it once was, and embedded in a context that has changed significantly since these practices were first developed.
The work that our ancestors did forms the ground on which we stand. And the work we do today, will become the ground on which our descendants stand.
We are the ancestors of the evolving world. We are being called to cultivate deep relationships with the subtle energy beings that hold the essence or soul qualities that gave rise to these traditional forms. And then to partner with them to create patterns and forms of practice that are directly applicable to the world as it is now, and the world we are in the process of shaping for our descendants and on behalf of all the beings with whom we share this planet.
To do this effectively requires us to develop power, sovereignty and strength, because the Devas will not partner with us if we are unable to meet them from a place of inner sovereignty and equality. The age of gurus has passed. Each of us is a source of the world in which we want to live.
In what ways do you diminish your power and sovereignty? If you believe that who you are — your personhood — is not enough, then chances are, you surrender your sovereignty to others whom you believe have greater knowledge, wisdom, power, or some other quality that you believe you lack.
Self-doubt erects barriers to communion with your own soul, and with the Devas. It is not benign; it is dangerous, and insidious.
Be proud of who you are. This is not hubris. Rather, it’s a celebration of the truth of your being, and essential to effective, generative partnership.