Dear Ones:

As we complete the first half of this year, it is good to take stock of what 2001 has thus far brought forth. As we review these six months, I am sure you can appreciate the force of the transitions and transformations in the world around you. You may even be experiencing some changes yourself. Remember: grace, dignity and cheerfulness are needed as you are called to move through any type of transition. Just keep watching your mind, and resolve not to fall under the negative or manipulative influences of those ego strategies. Should you discover you have moments where you slip out of focus, catch yourself as quickly as you can, and return your focus to your spiritual path, your Teacher and the precious teachings you have been fortunate enough to secure in this lifetime. Gratitude is always helpful when a little ego slips in and tries to convince you things are too difficult for you to manage. Remember, others before you have cut through illusions, so you have great support. Take confidence in the fact that others have gone before, blessing you with their own spiritual completion.

Energetically speaking, the coming months look quite intriguing. It will be important to be aware of both the big picture (i.e. the world arena) as well as the smaller picture (your own life and growth) to fully comprehend the magnitude of the time. While this summer could certainly produce points of struggle at a collective level, it may also present opportunities to generate massive waves of compassion so far-reaching as to influence the course of world history. Now before you get too caught up in the glamour of that statement, let's return to the recognition that these are the times you came to influence, facilitate and witness. This is the work you felt compelled to complete for Earth as you generate your own path to enlightenment. Now of course you knew it might be somewhat demanding of your time, energy and resources, but in considering the potential benefit to Earth, you generously offered yourself and this life of yours to the greater healing and wholing of this beautiful planet. I, of course, said I would help you remember what you said you would do. What a combination! What opportunities for service we afford each other!

Returning to the energy at hand, you may find that July actually becomes a sort of "kick-off" month, or a catalyst for getting movement started. Astrologically, you will notice a strong similarity to the conditions that brought about the "revolutionary" energy of the Sixties decade. Of course, this is not to say the energy will be applied in the same way now as some 35 years ago. Those of you who well remember the Sixties may find the solutions and ideas that arise from the application of a new generation's philosophy, work ethic and social awareness quite provocative. Remember: avoid taking a condemning or judgmental attitude. Rather, try to be open to discovering simplicity and truth, no matter what may be the influence pushing such into arising.

A likely note of similarity is the matter of redefining social morays and ethical issues. As some of you have already noticed, the issue of capital punishment is now front and center for public consideration in the US. The recent two executions by the US government is forcing people to look at their own feelings about executing criminals once again. Also, the matters of caring for the sick and the aged, as well as caring for the environment are likely to reappear on the American scene, with vociferous lobbying on all sides of the issues. Since many of you are, politically speaking, at odds with the current US administration, the summer will afford an opportunity for you to "seed" the collective awareness with other possibilities. This is a good time to reach out to inter-national friends, particularly for Americans who have friends in other western nations, nations which may have dealt with these matters in ways that more accurately reflect your own ideals and beliefs. When all is said and done, you may be surprised who comes down on which side of the coin!

At the personal level, you should have ample opportunities for growth. Many of you will find that consider-able shifts are taking place within you just as without. For some of you, relationships are the area of awakening. For others, awakening is more likely in areas of work or home setting. For still others, the alarm clock is about ready to go off in all three! Know that in a very real way, you are not separated from your cultural evolution, nor that of your world. Again, make an effort to be open to the "fresh air" that times of change bring. Yes, sometimes you do have to breathe the smoke of battle before you get the fresh air, but the smoke does makes the fresh air precious and sweet.

Please join me in July in listening to A New Code of Ethics, a telephone lecture I just did for the Placerville (CA) group on June 19 of this year. I have chosen it because of the topic's timeliness. May it inspire you to stretch to new levels of planetary service, and to give thanks for the blessings you already enjoy. May you experience harmony within yourself and with those around you.

Continue sitting from noon until 12:15 p.m. in your own time zone on Sundays, dedicating your efforts to the liberation of all sentient beings. Gently relax and breathe deeply into your body. Experience gratitude for the magnificence of human form and the wondrous way in which your body works to fulfill the requirements of your life everyday. Now spend about five minutes asking yourself: "How do I do harm to this exquisite body?" Simply ask the question, and then wait to hear what your mind has to say back. When you have gotten an answer (a thought, a feeling, a knowing or a symbolic representation), ask the question again. Continue asking for the full five minutes.

As you complete the five minutes, just dissolve away all images, sensations, thoughts, beliefs, symbols or words that have come to you. Take a few deep breaths, continuing to dissolve any form of thought that arises. When your mind has settled into quietness, spend another five minutes asking yourself: "How do I harm this impressionable mind?" Again, just ask the question, then wait to experience your mind's response. Continue in the same manner as you did with the first question for the second period of five minutes.

Having thus completed the second five-minute block, once again, dissolve away all images, sensations, thoughts, beliefs, emotional content and judgments, that have come to you. Take a few more deep breaths, dissolving any content that arises. When your mind has again settled into quietness, spend a third five-minute block of time asking yourself: "How do I harm others with my thoughts, my words or my actions?" Repeat the process of asking and waiting for your mind's response. When the third five-minute block is complete, take a few more deep breaths and relax, completely letting go of the focus for this meditation. In softness, reflect upon the power of harmful thoughts, words and actions. Let yourself be cleansed of all past indiscretions of thoughts, words and actions. Reflect on the peace that comes with letting go, then affirm: "May all beings everywhere be happy and peaceful."

Next bring your focus to the photo of the Dob-dob monk from the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Tibet. Notice the focus he brings to his preparation for blowing the conch shell at a religious festival. His beard is gray, his face weathered, and the veins of his arms stand out from heavy manual labor. Know that he has spent years training his mind to be fully present for just such moments as this. When he blows the conch, he will represent all the conch blowers of previous generations. He will experience all of them blowing this conch through himself. In the moment of blowing, he will lose all sense of himself as separated from those who blew before him. He will become one with the wind, the mountains and the sunshine, and he will experience himself as an extension of each of them. Additionally, he will become one with all sentient beings, and the cry of the conch will represent the collective plea for liberation from suffering. When the conch sounds, he will become one with it, feeling his entire body vibrate as air is forced through the shell.

As you look at him, think of some activity of your own that could present you with the experience and/or opportunity to become one with all. Then, imagine yourself doing it with as full a focus and as strong an intention as he holds. In truth, he brings as much focus and attention to the construction projects he works on in the monastery as he does to blowing the conch shell. In the week that follows, discover if you can bring heightened awareness and focus to all the tasks you do. Let the image of this monk remain in your mind as you create the work and play of this month.

Djwhal Khul

Dob-dob Monk