Subject Index:
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Questions follow this short introduction from Shamani: Both ancient and
modern wisdom is contained within this page. The sparrow
sings a song for each of you. Are you ready to hear what it has to say?
Nature is all around you, it is the basis of life. Covet thy soul with
the sounds of nature: raindrops falling gently on a leaf, the leaves
rustling in the wind, the insects singing to each other, the wolf
howling at the night sky, and the eagle flapping its wings in prayer.
What song do you hear in your heart, when you think of these sounds?
The insects, animals, trees, rocks, sand, and lakes and oceans may not
speak in a human voice, but each has a voice nonetheless. And if you
open your mind and heart, you too can hear their voices. Oh precious
Earth, that which gives you life. Simple yet complex enough to sustain
an infinite amount of creatures, living and non-living. Yes, you are one
of these creatures. So, take responsibility for what you consume and
produce, seek a balance between these two. For if you do, you will see
that the world around you will provide you with an infinite source of
knowledge and wisdom. As you read each question, remember that truly the answers lie within
you. After you have read the answer, think about how your life can
change for the better. You can learn so much from a grain of sand, a
rock, and a mountain. But in order to reach the mountain and truly
recognize and understand its beauty, you must first ask yourself, What
can I learn from a grain of sand? (Shamani)
Questions:
What can we learn from a grain of sand?
What are our most important personal concerns at this time?
What can we learn from the trees?
What can we learn from the flowers?
What can we learn from the sunflower?
Where do rainbows come from?
What do we get from the color yellow?
What do we get from the color green?
Where did the mountains come from?
Why do we have night and day?
Why do the seasons change?
What can we learn from the snow?
What relationship should we have with the animals?
What relationships do animals have with us?
What can we learn from the insects?
What can we learn from the birds?
What can we learn from the sky?
What can we learn from a grain of sand?
A grain of sand is symbolic of the importance of one. One is everything
and everything is one. If you have trouble understanding this concept,
think of the universe. There is one universe which contains everything.
But, everything collectively defines the universe.
A grain of sand is a universe unto itself. If you look at a grain of
sand and put it under a magnifier or a microscope, you will see much
more than you can with your naked eye. Each grain of sand has individual
characteristics of shape, size, translucence, transparence, color,
weight, and composition. No two grains of sand are alike, just as no two
people or souls are alike. You could spend a lifetime studying one grain
of sand.
Some grains of sand are more than a billion years old. Think of a
billion years of wisdom and knowledge contained in one grain of sand. If
only the grain of sand could speak to you, what would it say? Would you
live your life differently?
A grain of sand teaches you that beauty can be found in one thing. A
separate universe of wisdom and knowledge can be found in one thing. You
are a universe unto yourself. Now, I ask you to explore your own
universe and find beauty and love in yourself. Remember, the universe is
limitless. (Shamani) [top]
What are our most important personal concerns at this time?
Cathedrals of the heart, you build a monument to yourself. The trees
stand individually in the forest. Each tree must sustain itself by
utilizing the resources available to it. The air and the land provide
nutrients for the tree. The tree coexists in balance with the air and
the land. So I say, it is the same with you (humans). Learn to coexist
with the land, air, and water. As individuals, it is your personal
responsibility to live in balance with the earth. The earth will provide
all the nutrients you need.
In order to be in balance with the earth, you must first be in balance
with yourself. Balance yourself in mind, body, and spirit. The body
cannot survive without the mind and spirit, and vice versa.
It is up to each and every one of you to find balance. Many can lead you
to it, but only you, the individual, can choose it.
As I have said, your most important personal concern is the balance of
your mind, body, and spirit. When you achieve this balance, you are like
the tree standing in the forest. The tree stands still on its own,
plants its roots firmly, and allows the wind to flow naturally through
its leaves. (Asmuth) [top]
What can we learn from the trees?
Trees, the keepers of knowledge and eternal wisdom. Look at the tree,
standing tall and majestic in the forest. Like you, it grows from a
seedling, reaching for the sky to achieve new heights. It branches out,
feeling the air rushing between its leaves. It is free and so are you.
Although, it stands tall and firm like a statue in the wind. It sways
and rocks, content in knowing that should it fall, the wind shall catch
it. The wind is the great protector. So like the tree, be free. Let the
wind rush between your fingers, and stand tall and firm. (Shamani)
Trees, the givers of life, full of fruits, nourishment for the body and
soul. Bearers of fruit, new ideas, new concepts—this is what you can
learn. Listen to the tree, it tells a story. It is a book, a book to be
opened. You may think me crazy, but I tell you, many trees have spoken
to me. Stand still and listen to the leaves rustling, the trunk swaying
and creaking. Most trees have been on earth longer than people. See how
they stand the test of time. (Asmuth) [top]
What can we learn from the flowers?
The flowers, a rainbow of colors glistening in the sunlight. The sun
shines down upon them, bringing a renewed sense of life. They reach for
the sun to show their brilliance and beauty. Flowers, they are for you
to enjoy. A gift from the heart, a symbol of my love for you.
Place a flower in your hand, caress it, feel its softness. Run the
petals through your fingers.
Smell the flowers, the essence (scent) of each one is different.
Look at the flowers, they are a symbol of spirit personified.
So I say to you, take time to touch, smell, and see the flowers. You
have the gift of touch, smell, and sight—learn to appreciate these
gifts.
In a flower, I can see love. It is not the physical appearance itself,
but the essence of the flower. The flowers can teach you that there is
beauty and love in everyone and everything, if you are willing to look
beneath the surface. (Shamani) [top]
What can we learn from the sunflower?
Oh flower of brilliant radiance, it reaches out to capture the sun. From
one sunflower comes many seeds, nourishment for the birds, insects, and
humans.
If you look closely, you can see the face of the sun in the sunflower.
Petals of yellow and leaves of green, from a seed these were born. The
thousands of seeds in one sunflower are symbolic of a human’s thoughts
and feelings. From one seed (you), a thousand thoughts and feelings are
created.
Like the fruit inside the sunflower seed, your thoughts and feelings are
encased in a shell. Only until you open the shell can you see what truly
lies within each thought and feeling.
Each of you represents a seed in a garden of paradise. Each of you will
grow at your own rate. You are like sunflowers. Some of you have
blossomed into flowers, while others are still growing. Remember that
each of you has the ability to blossom into flowers and bear fruit.
Just as each seed in the sunflower can create a new life, so too can
each of your thoughts and feelings create a new life. Even if the seed
never falls to the ground and develops into a plant, the seed still
provides life for the bird or insect that eats it. Furthermore, if the
bird or insect reproduces, the life energy of the sunflower seed will
live on in the next generation of birds or insects.
The same is with your thoughts and feelings. The seeds you plant provide
nourishment for others. The energy in each thought and feeling can be
passed on for several generations. Also, remember that thoughts and
feelings can be positive or negative. And so, you must be careful to
plant only the seeds of love.
The garden of wisdom has many plants in it. Each plant or flower can
teach you something. Open yourself like the sunflower and receive the
light. (Asmuth) [top]
Where do rainbows come from?
The Roman soldiers prepare for battle. What stories will they later
tell? Will it be stories of bloodshed, or hope and love? This is where
the rainbows of love begin.
See the many colors of the rainbow, those you can see and those you can
not see. The color purple emanates brilliantly from the rainbow. What
does the color purple symbolize? Why, healing of course. And are you not
filled with love and joy when you see a rainbow? The love and joy you
feel is part of you, you are a symbol of beauty. You are a rainbow in
disguise.
You see a rainbow most often in the sky, although sometimes you may see
it in a crystal. So you ask, where do rainbows come from? Nature, the
greatest provider of what you’ve come to know as beauty. What is nature
but the embodiment of love and peace. See the doves which fly in the
sky. When you see two doves, does this not remind you of love? Love is
the union of all things, “living” and “non-living.” Nature is the
provider and caretaker of all things.
So you see, the rainbow is an extension of nature’s love for you. A
rainbow is a true expression of beauty and love. Remember that you are a
symbol of beauty and love too. If you let your colors shine through,
others will see you as a rainbow of love and peace. Let your true colors
shine through, you will soon see how beautiful you really are. Then you
will no longer need to look outside yourself to recognize beauty.
(Asmuth) [top]
What do we get from the color yellow?
The leaves of gold shine upon you to show you the path. The path to the
truth is lined with goldenrod (flowers).
The sun bursts out of the nighttime sky in such dramatic fashion. Rising
above the horizon to greet you, heralding the start of a new day. The
new day awakens new visions in you who are ready to receive them. The
visions you receive may not always be profound but they are nonetheless
important.
The truth can be found in any color. Do you see color as just a
color—something intangible? Well, I tell you, you can see, hear, feel,
taste, and smell color.
Many of you may think this is impossible. But I say that you do not know
color. For until you have embraced all that color is, you do not know
color.
So I say, do not limit your perception to the surface of things. If you
go through life only seeing color in every person, place, or thing, what
will you truly learn? You will only recognize and categorize everything
in your world on what you see on the surface. There is so much that lies
beneath the surface.
Color is only a coating, used to enhance the vibrational energy of the
object which wears it.
Do you often judge others (people, places, or things) by the color of
their skin or what they wear? Do you criticize others based on their
color? Do you love others because they share the same color? Remember
that color is only skin deep.
I ask you to look beyond the color and coating of all things of
creation. Beneath the surface of everyone and everything lies a soul.
The soul is colorless but you can recognize it in each other, if you
only open your eyes. Look up and see that the golden leaves shine upon
you to show you the path. (Shamani) [top]
What do we get from the color green? You see the color green every day, in your actions, thoughts, and
feelings. The color green is a part of the landscape. See the plants and
trees, such a colorful green.
Many of you are green with envy, envious of what another person, place,
or thing has. I see many of you flashing green pieces of paper at each
other.
You attach much significance to this color, it seems to be the basis of
your society. But I ask you to think of this—if you were born in
darkness and never saw the color green, what significance would it have?
Would battles of will and wars of ego be prevalent on the earth plane?
There is much beauty in the plants and trees. There are an infinite
number of shades of green. But it is not the color green that is
important. Green is just your perception of color and the importance you
assign to it.
What does the object which you perceive as green embody? The answer is
spirit, the essence of life. The trees and plants breathe so that you
and all life on Earth may live. Now, do you see why the color green is
so important? If you choose money and greed over plants and trees, you
will soon be green with envy, envious of the life you do not have. (Shamani) [top]
Where did the mountains come from?
The mountains were conceived from the light and in the light, as well as
all things of creation. From the light was born a universe. The universe
gave “birth” to a child which you know as Earth. The Earth is an entity
unto itself. Unto the Earth, you were born. So the same is with the
mountains. Many before you have created myths and legends about where
the mountains came from. Many of you still argue about the origin of the
mountains.
Now I will tell you. The Earth is a “living” being, not in the
traditional sense of life as you know and express it. It is a creation
by which no other thing can be measured. Think of the earth as a glowing
ember, radiating energy outward. Think of the core of the earth as its
soul. All light radiates from the soul.
The essence of the Earth can be found in its soul. It is from its soul
that the mountains were born.
You see the mountains as being the highest points on earth. The
mountains reach into the sky like the fingers of a child. A symbol of
strength, can their enormous presence also be a symbol of beauty? Their
counterparts, the oceans, seemingly the lowest points on earth, are also
a symbol of strength and beauty. Could the mountains and oceans have
manifested themselves, devoid of the Earth’s soul? So I ask you to
recognize that your soul is the core of your being. Reach for the
highest and lowest points of yourself, and bring both into the middle,
the core of your being. See the Earth as you do yourself, a creation by
which no other thing can be measured. (Shamani) [top]
Why do we have night and day?
Why do we have life and death? Throughout the universe, there are
contrasts. Light, circles of light and darkness.
Some live by night, others live by day. Daylight brings the joy of a new
day. Light helps the plants and animals grow.
Think if you never saw the sunrise or never saw the full moon. Both sun
and moon, radiantly glowing, awakening our souls.
Why is there black and white? Think if there were no contrasts, if
everything were the same. Would we learn at the same rate?
Differences bring people together. Are you not always seeking something
different: a new idea, a new emotion, a new thought? The differences are
our own perceptions, just as the perception of night and day is
different for everyone. (Asmuth) [top]
Why do the seasons change?
Change is ever present, nothing stays the same. So too it is with the
seasons. On earth, the seasons change, from winter comes rebirth into
spring. Summer is abundant with life and then to autumn, a time of
change. It is a complete cycle of life for some creatures. For other
creatures, each season is a time of renewal.
Think of the polar bear, it relishes the return of winter. It thrives in
the cold whereas other creatures die or seek shelter. Each creature
lives or dies by the season.
The seasons change as a tribute to the earth, for the earth, and of the
earth. The earth consists of cycles, and the earth itself rotates within
the universal cycle.
The four seasons on earth symbolize the four stages of human life. Your
life begins in the spring as a seed in the ground. You emerge from the
ground and grow as a child. Once you reach the summer of your life, you
are a young adult, much like the leaves on a tree. You do much of your
growth during this period. You will have to weather many storms during
this period. This will be a test of survival. The third quarter of your
life is like autumn. The leaves on the tree begin to change colors and
the tree must shed its leaves in order to survive. The same is true for
you, you begin to change, the old ideas don’t work anymore, you must
change in order to survive. As winter draws near, so does the end of
your life. But there is peace and solitude in the forest after a fresh
blanket of snow has fallen. This is what awaits you.
So you see, if the seasons did not change, there would be no birth, no
death, and no rebirth. The birds, butterflies, frogs, plants, animals,
and insects would be gone forever. And soon you would be gone, for your
life is dependent on them.
May the seasons of your life be filled with spontaneity, love, grace,
and purpose. (Shamani) [top]
What can we learn from the snow?
Snow, a symbol of purity. A soft blanket of white covers the landscape.
The ground you saw yesterday is but a distant memory today. Do you know
what truly lies beneath what you can not see? Think of the snow as white
feathers which caress and cover the ground. What is snow but a
protective cover for the earth.
In the spring, the snow melts and provides water for many of you to
drink. Think of the mountains as huge reservoirs of water waiting to be
tapped. But conserve the water you have, frivolous use only denies your
fellow beings the benefit of water. Count your blessings if you have an
abundance of water, for those in arid climates can only hope that the
skies shall open and drop rain.
A freshly laid blanket of snow is always a welcome sight. It may cause
you inconvenience but think of the inconvenience of having no water to
drink or bathe with. Enjoy the snow if you live in a cold climate. It is
nice to look at and play in.
Remember, snow gives life to the landscape and you. Learn to live with
it, as it has learned to live with you. The best gift you can give to
the earth is love and respect for all things. The earth provides you
with an environment which you can survive in. Accept the gifts the earth
has given you, namely the snow. Without the snow, you may never be able
to recognize the simplicity and purity of all things, living and
non-living. (Shamani) [top]
What relationship should we have with the animals?
Coexistence is the key, walk hand in hand with them. They are sacred
beings, beings born of the light, as you are. They
understand the language of the trees. Animals harbor no resentment, they
understand and trust the natural flow of life. Learn from the animals
how to coexist. Learn self-preservation, it is the way of the land. Land
for all to inhabit.
Certain animals are symbols for you. Some are revered more than others.
But I say to you, if you revere one, revere the other. The falcon is no
more important than the killer whale. Each has its place in the order of
things. The order of things is that which you call nature.
Natural selection is a way of weeding out that which doesn’t work (which
isn’t working), that which resists the natural flow. Human selection is
quite another story, choosing what you think doesn’t work. It is not
your decision, the natural flow is interrupted. Dam the rivers and you
kill the fish. This you know already, but I tire telling it over and
over. It falls on deaf ears.
All my relations. Brothers and sisters, we are one. One born in the
spirit. (Shamani) [top]
What relationships do animals have with us?
Lighthouses of gold, beacons of light. The light we shine down upon
thee. Rivers of gold, ascension by will. Feathers of gold.
Purple pyramids, healing light—the light surrounds us. We are safe, we
are well-protected.
Blue earth and sky—the mystery awaits us. Clothe yourself in loincloth.
The whale, majestic in size, is keeper of the deep.
Recognize the beauty of all creatures. Life is interwoven. Even the
insects in the grass are part of the circle of life. Life takes many
forms, it is not up to you to decide which is right. (Asmuth) [top]
What can we learn from the insects?
The insects, seemingly insignificant and primitive, but I say they are
most important. They are very important creatures which are necessary
for your survival. On earth, there is a reason and purpose for every
life. Divine order is a most efficient system. All life depends on other
life. The magic of being is present in every thing. Being is life, life
has many forms. It encompasses all that you term “living” and
“non-living.” There are no coincidences or accidents, there is only
life. Life is as it is meant to be. All that is and will ever be is
life. Many of you may deny these words and see them as a fabrication. I
say to you, can you disprove what I say? There is truth in all I say, if
only you look beneath the words. Do the insects question the truth?
The insects are an advanced form of life. They incorporate a
communication network which is far superior to human communication.
Think of the lifespan of an insect, it seems so short. Indeed it is in
your eyes, but look at how much an insect can accomplish. Look at an ant
colony—there is an entire system devoted to a purpose. All of the ants
work as a unit for the good of all. The ant carries many times its
weight. Can the same be said for other animals? I only illustrate
differences and attribute superiority to certain things for your
understanding and knowledge. I feel I must remind you that all things
are equal. I only try to help you understand the concept of universal
equality through these examples.
The insects perform the tasks they are best suited for, just as humans
do. The whole earth plane is based on a system of cooperation.
Everything has a purpose, and in purpose there is everything.
See the insects as creatures that you can learn from. Take notice of
their methods of communication and attentiveness to purpose. Remember
that learning can be attained on any level, there are no boundaries to
learning. Even the smallest creature on the earth can teach you, if you
only open your mind. The thought transferred from that insect to you may
be the most profound thought in the universe.
Remember that all things have a spirit (soul). Together, we are all one
bound by the magic of love. Love all things and in all things you shall
find love. (Asmuth) [top]
What can we learn from the birds?
Birds, believers-in-flight. The winged ones travel great distances.
Always moving, ever changing, bringing life to the forest.
Learn the call of the bird, the honest uninhibited call of the wild. Let
the wild essence of yourself take flight. Go in search of the hidden
truths, uncover stones just as the bird does to find worms. It is
beneath the stones that the truth lies.
The bird flies high above the earth, encircling its prey. You, the bird
of prey, strike down upon your prey and seize the moment.
Your birds—the space shuttles—are birds of prey, going out into space to
seek and destroy. Those who want to fly to other galaxies, I say, why
aren’t you there? You have the power and the means. Play with the toys,
the weapons of destruction. The birds of prey fall mightily.
The doves of peace, a symbol to all who seek it. (Shamani) [top]
What can we learn from the sky?
Sacred sky, keeper of ancient secrets and wisdom. The sky is as endless
as your mind. An unimaginable number of breaths of air puffed into the
sky from everything that has ever lived on earth. The countless thoughts
and ideas which float along the ethers, waiting for someone or something
to bring them to life again.
The breaths of a million warriors, their lives stood in peril. The wars
may be over but the memories are etched in the sky.
Have you ever tried to reach up and touch the sky? Ah, it seems endless
and impossible to touch. The sky is ever elusive, what is there to touch
but air and a perceived color (blue, white, gray, or black).
The sky is a symbol of life without end and your unlimited potential to
love. Love is as endless and dimensionless as the sky. Many of you put
dimensions and limits on the sky in a system of three. By this I refer
to the idea of three dimensions. There are more dimensions than you
perceive. And so, love is not finite and can not be placed in a box.
Love defies definition, for it is all that is.
The sky is ever changing from day to night, sunrise to sunset, sunny to
cloudy, blue to orange to white, and foggy to clear. The changing sky is
much like your emotions. Yet in everything, there is purpose and
balance. Although today may be a dismal day, tomorrow may be brighter.
Just as you, the sky can use many disguises. But there is no disguise
for the spirit (the soul). The spirit of the sky and everything on earth
radiates in all its splendor.
Watch as I drop a feather from the sky. If you see the feather as just a
feather of length, width, and height, you only see the limits of your
perception. I ask you to watch as the feather floats effortlessly
through the air. Catch the feather in your hand, place it between your
fingers. See it, touch it, taste it, and become one with it. Once you
are one with it, you will know the secrets of the sacred sky.
And so I ask you, do not confine your spirit to the sky. Allow your
spirit to soar. May the breaths of all souls, past and present, support
your flight. Think about all that I have said, for the secrets and
wisdom of the sacred sky can be found in these words. (Shamani) [top]
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