Transforming Self to Give the Future a Chance—An Intentional Movement

Transforming Self to Give the Future a Chance—An Intentional Movement
Organic Inquiry and Integral Spirituality for a Global Change of Heart
Vrinda (Estela Pujals)
California Institute of Integral Studies


Abstract
This study in time, past and future, examines the dynamics and effects that have shaped us. Errors of past eras are explained through the lens of the perennial wisdom of Eastern spirituality, covering a time when deception had reached its climax until there emerged a new awakening. During the 20th and 21st centuries, the time when madness ruled, monstrous elites seized power and explored the limits of technology over Nature. The exploitation of organic support systems led to a catastrophic destruction of life on Earth; but the passivity of all the victimized people stopped when they understood that they were living under an undeclared and unreported Nuclear War. A global intentional movement arose from the people. This movement was the result of a Spiritual awakening. The methods discussed describe the progressive power of the ancient yogic tradition of Kundalini Integral Yoga and the metaphor of chakras; both systems within the science of Integral Yoga. As compassionate human beings, became aware of the operation of their higher chakras, war on Earth was no longer supported, it ended. The corrupt fell into an expiatory spiritual crisis. This theory and its implementation can be described in numerous epistemologies—each stage can also be approached in terms of Organic Inquiry, Complex Systems Science, and Squiggle Science; and it can also be described using other theories. Though, it is significant to note that on this Earth there is no more hatred or killing anymore. In 2110, the functions of the mind are regarded as Divine entities, and each individual sees a Presence Divine in the other.






Transforming Self to Give the Future a Chance—
Organic Inquiry and Integral Spirituality for a Global Change of Heart
There came a time when the wisdom of ancient traditions was the only antidote for the maddening pride of technological productions, uncontrolled utilitarian and destructive application of science, and the exploitation of the wealth of the Earth. When the mysteries of all life were deconstructed and stripped of their subtle spiritual value by those in power (a bunch of spiritual materialists), humanity entered into a stage best described in the 2nd Chapter of the Gita, an intense stage of existential depression, and the feeling of meaninglessness and emptiness afflicted the proud. It was under these conditions that the wisdom of ancient yogis, shamans and sages emerged from the hearts and minds of the adepts who had kept the sacred traditions alive. These traditions were not corrupted by the influences of those with vested interests; so they remained pristine, transparent in their message. That is why now, we go back to be informed by the messages of Rumi, the Gita and the Upanishads, among others. These are all oral traditions, where the wisdom is passed from elders to the young in an uninterrupted line. This is an attempt to explain the societal transformation that manifested in the span of one century from the perspective of Kundalini Yoga, an ancient system, which has also inspired newer scientific systems for sustainability throughout time and space.

Now, in a new beginning, we hope to grasp, hold dear, treasure and support this perennial wisdom and tradition that has helped us become whole once again. In this vision we emphasize Integral Yoga as the first System Science applied to social support systems, and hope that this tendency is explored further by other leaders, social scientists and systems thinkers interested in this study, which finds interesting compatibility with Organic Inquiry and Consciousness studies as they emerged in academic programs in the 21st century.

A need for change was heard in all parts of the world, the critical mass reached its tipping point and the domino effect tapped its way to a tragic end and a marvelous beginning. The early years of the 21st century were times of intense chaos—but an invisible movement stirred humanity towards Oneness.

What was the unifying force? It has been invisible, but immensely tangible to all. A feeling of compassion took over one and all. Nobody was capable of hurting anyone else. This new and natural sense of universal ethics continued producing a rippling effect of transformation in all human functions and abilities. Business became the business of caring for nature and its creatures, and leaders engaged in generative education supporting the arts, social and spiritual upliftment for an increasing fulfillment of a total and ethical human experience. The human experience was defined in terms of improving our responsibility to learn from each other, as well as from the plant and animal kingdom.

During the 2010´s decade, changes kept fluttering in the hearts of all human beings and a brotherhood and sisterhood of humanity began to prevail on this Earth. The Seven Chakras had been dormant in humanity throughout what was called “Modern Civilization”, in reality a barbaric mode of living in which one culture could decimate millions of inhabitants from another culture for ransacking the fossil fuels that were extracted from the Earth at alarming speed in a period between one or two generations. Meanwhile, as a spiritual tidal wave—or what some called the domino effect, tipping point or critical mass—approached, more and more people felt their three lower chakras attuned to the preservation of all life on Earth—including mineral forces, plant life, and human divine life.

The principles behind the Seven Chakras came to Earth from pre-Socratic times, during the advanced stages of Hindu civilization over 40,000 years ago, in the Kali yuga. The invasions that followed helped keep this knowledge hidden for many centuries. The Seven Chakras are divided into three planes of existence: physical, mental and spiritual. The three planes are complimentary and interrelated in nature, similar to the explanations given in the Squiggle Theory by J. A. Scott Kelso and David A. Engstrom, the polarized social constructs do not serve us, they have proven to lead to destructive versions of reality. In The Complimentary Nature (2006), the complimentary pairs, and coordination dynamics, “…the polarized world and the world in between can be reconciled…” (Kelso, J.A. & Engstrom, D., 2006). When applying theory, there is the need for sustained vigilance, to understand and implement ways of living that move us through the in between we must apply discipline and rigor. This is an attempt to describe the ways of understanding how we manage a spiritual evolution, expansion of consciousness in terms of the Kundalini shakti.

After Einstein´s efforts to formulate the unified theory, a multidisciplinary effort in the sciences attempted to create a new language of Oneness, combining the philosophy of Vedanta, principles of Integral Yoga, Systems Thinking, Zen-Buddhist psychology, Artificial Intelligence, Organic Inquiry, Consciousness Studies, connecting many more branches of knowledge. All their efforts have come to fruition in our times, since the energy that flows through the channels of the Kundalini also moves all changes in the universe, and we are immersed in this experience. Here we will detail the effects of the passage of this energy through the chakras. This is a journey towards personal and global transformation.

In 2010, Joel Kotkin wrote, “The America of 2050 may not stride the world like a hegemonic giant, but it will evolve into the one truly transcendent superpower in terms of society, technology and culture... Its greatest power will be its identification with notions of personal liberty, constitutional protections and universalism.” And when the rest of humanity joined in this intentional movement to change and be the change and joined forces with social justice movements, then the corrupt who supported injustices were exposed in all their horror. The networks of this solidarious intentional movement led to further spirituality, which led us to uncertainty and uncertainty has led us to a state of sustained faith in the human potential.

The Seven Chakras of Kundalini
The undeclared and unreported Nuclear War had an unexpected positive effect in the victimized members of the “2nd and 3rd world” countries. At the individual level, there emerged an awakening of consciousness at the chakras systems of all individuals. This marked the beginning of our collective movement from darkness to light.

The chakras are junctures or centers best described in English as wheels of action; the chakras are also described in yogic mysticism as lotuses. The chakras also correspond to ascending mental planes, also called lokas or world systems (the term used by ancient yogis to describe their psychic experiences of galaxies and multiple universes). But the chakras are also levels of experience that hold an immense storehouse of psychic energy. For our purposes in understanding the chakras of Kundalini it is helpful to know that the blossoming of the chakras also represents and enable the whole spectrum of internal mental attitudes, levels of understanding, human qualities, abilities and perceptions that allow for ascending as well as descending values (also called expansion and contraction of consciousness) that manifest from demoniac to divine qualities, and encompass an inner journey from darkness to light. Here was this profound theory of human potential that has assisted humanity in uncovering the full potential of who we are, the question of our chosen identity addressed from all directions, and we did not begin to use it as a collective body of knowledge for improving the lives of all people until the year 2012 when we faced massive destruction. What does that tell us? I wonder, in spite of all the geniuses and the advances in science mostly applied to making technological toys, why we humans have been slow learners.

The Chakras System: Muladhara is the root chakra, this center encompasses and manifests as Earth, land, solidity, it is the chakra of basic human needs: the need to belong to a tribe, the need to heal, to have shelter, to be protected from dangers and feel relatively secure. We have come to understand that these needs are not personal but universal; but this was understood a hundred years ago, but this understanding was not yet implemented as a way for social action. The full blossoming of the land chakra at the base of the torso later supported a resurgence in the practices of organic agriculture and manifold kinds of collaborative works to decontaminate the earth, waterways and air. People now feel well connected when considering the vulnerabilities as well as the strengths of our life here on Earth. Most people now live in eco-communities away from urban areas and collaborate in community parenting and home schooling. There are also many partnership communities as envisioned by Riane Eisler and her legacy elaborated in The Real Wealth of Nations and all her books, but especially as detailed in the principles of a “Full Spectrum Economy” to support all life forms (2007).

Swadhishthan chakra, the next in an ascending order represents the water element. Just as the Ocean is symbolically seen as mother of life on Earth, since water is the principle behind the reproduction of life, and the function of water systems are responsible for the reproduction of life, this chakra supported by water holds the dance of the feminine and masculine energies that manifest in the functions of sexuality, the need for relationships and for creating life on Earth. When leaders acted under the grip of greed and egoism, the generative resources of this chakra were suppressed by the dominant pathologies (described as positive/negative, or healthy and sick). When people explored the creative drive in the tactile realm, a seventh sense or intuition (in addition to the more known five senses and the sixth, the sense of mind) began to emerge. In our times all people honor the divine nature of relationships. Inter-village relationships and countless networks are dynamic contributors to our abundance and the ways we are able to share with all.

Manipura chakra, the navel plexus or fire chakra is that plane of awareness that contains the drive to compete and to win, either in a playful or in hurtful manner—the world system of power struggles, ego and will interplays in its negative manifestations when this energy is descending, and the chakra is said to be closing—in metaphorical terms—and the person experiences an all consuming drive for more power. On the other hand, when its energies are blossoming in an ascending movement the experience of body and mind is luminous, and dynamic. Its light illumines dharma, the light of reason for ethical actions and righteous responsibility in leaders for creating kind environments that benefit all. Amicable consensus, participatory democracy, a barter economy, partnership and spiritual aspiration are some of the values that come to prominence when the solar plexus begins to blossom.

It has been more than fifty years now since the blossoming in the navel plexus in all of humanity manifested in our feeling for each other in one big family. The blossoming of the solar plexus chakra also manifests in qualities like charisma and ethics which begin to flow in the inherent aspiration of fire to ascend. Another example of a positive quality felt in the navel plexus is righteous indignation, an experience that tends to move leaders to intervene for social justice and the goodwill of all. People have often reported that they have a very strong gut feeling and that it feels like fire in the belly—this feeling arises from the Manipura chakra. And when applied in an egoless manner it generates positive karmas that contribute to expansion of consciousness.

One of the most difficult stages of our world consciousness took place when we were experiencing a transition between the manipura chakra and the anahata chakra, the heart center. The “distance” in terms of levels of mental expansion and understanding between the three lower chakras—which support almost exclusively the physical plane of existence—manifested in another immense leap of faith for humanity. So, in order to invoke the spirit of harmonious transitions people gathered day and night to chant and pray for the preservation of spiritual aspiration and dharma. The iterative method of mantra repetition, also called mantra japa, is a powerful method that yogis have used for centuries as an important discipline to transform the contents of the conscious and the unconscious mind from negative to positive. The power of mantra far surpasses nuclear and galactic power, it is subtler and it moves the world of matter, the seen and the unseen, the contents of the conscious and the unconscious. As mantric vibrations reach the innermost areas of mind, the unconscious erroneous mentations begin to disappear. The iteration of mantra and the diligent aspiration in our family of humanity, gathered such critical mass force that the sound vibrations created the global conditions for Dharma mega to manifest. Dharma mega, the “cloud of virtue” first drizzled like a soft mist and gradually rained upon us healing all that needed to be healed. Its spiritual influence manifested sublimating grosser energies that had lingered from the collective unconscious and negative qualities were joyously transformed by the mantric vibratory level supporting the emerging cloud of Grace or dharma mega.

The lower three chakras correspond to processes that support self-actualization by appreciating, co-creating and sustaining all physical living systems. The movement through the next three chakras in ascending order generates the inspiration to continue our progress towards Enlightenment.

Anahata chakra, the heart center is the plane for further expansion of consciousness that most of us are exploring now. Air is the predominant element in the heart center. One hundred years ago expansion of consciousness still a topic in the fringes of academia, the heart chakra was experienced by people then as the fluttering of the heart when feeling joy, thrill or a creative upsurge. But for us now, the experience of the blossoming of the anahata chakra is taking us deeper into the exploration of our psychic abilities. However, we still have obstacles to overcome in this plane of experience. We still encounter the internal battles described in the Gita between the forces of light and the forces of darkness; in terms of mystic yogic language. The main obstacles now are the three knots of the heart: kama, krodha and avidya, respectively desires, anger and ignorance. We are now experimenting with a more advanced form of identity inquiry that require more time for introspection, as well as implementing Integral Yoga disciplines for entering deeper into our divine identity to ascend further towards the next chakra, the third eye or psychic center of control. The heart chakra opens the mind to the infinite awareness of space. This awareness continues in the blossoming of the heart united with intellect and emotions, without the shadows of doubts. We are also experiencing an ever expanding fulfillment arising from ever increasing Divine qualities like compassion and kindness towards all aspects of creation. Everyone is developing their chosen artistic talent in a way which brings fulfillment and joy to themselves and to others. That is why we call our times the Heart Era.

Vishudhi chakra is the 5th chakra in ascending order; it is located in the area of the throat. It is supported by subtle space, chidhakash or space of consciousness—which is internal. We look forward to bring a better balance between the internal work and the external works. This level of expansion of consciousness brings about what Gandhi called, “simple living and high thinking,” or the highest form of culture, an enlightened society. At this level of consciousness, some of us are experiencing the serene joy of blissful sleep, paradoxically, as we move, walk, talk and every moment of life; what has been described as the yogic sleepless dream state, or a mind immersed in bliss. The blossoming of the vishudhi chakra liberates the awareness from fear of death, perception of an aging and ailing body and illness identifications, and other limiting identities. The divine identities are empowered to inspire and convey the beauty of existence beyond worries and concerns for the calamities of birth and death. This chakra holds the secret to the storehouse of karmas accumulated from previous lives and the way to shed light to remove the minutest traces of darkness. This chakra is also the center of memory or the loss of memory.

Ajna chakra, or the third eye, is psychically located within the eyebrows. Advanced yogis experience its activities and are spontaneously witness to subconscious processes of the mind. The third eye is the center of psychic control, but psychic control refers more to self-control as opposed to the negative implications it had a hundred years ago. In our times, we yield most external control to the spiritual wisdom inherent in Nature.

A student of Mirra Richard, also called the Mother in Pondicheri, India recorded a series of “…personal conversations with her, Mother's Agenda is the complete logbook of her exploration in the cellular consciousness of the human body. It covers 23 years of experiences which parallel some of the most recent theories of modern physics…” in India´s sacred traditions we see the way that rigor, discipline, which in some texts is translated as self-control, is compared to the way that a mother guides, keeps an infant from danger, while at the same time, this Mother is herself an embodiment of compassion, a godly manifestation and her intentions will always come from an integrated personality where body, speech, mind, intellect and spirit move in unison to support the emergence of Divinity in the young. This is a more accurate description of what is meant by the psychic control and powers that arise from the Ajna chakra, it is a power that is best described in the language of human tenderly love of a mother for her infant. All expansion of consciousness is a movement brought about by adopting integration of personality in an integral way.

The ajna chakra is also of utmost importance in the development of leaderly ways of relating and to promote enlightened leadership. The preparatory qualifications and qualities required for this chakra to fully blossom have already required an unprecedented ability for enduring the pairs of opposites in life without reacting, complaining or disturbing the lives of others and our environment. By pairs of opposites we mean, enduring heat and cold, praise and censure, likes and dislikes, and all the subtleties that arise from profound introspection on the short and long term value and joy that is bound to arise from putting these qualities into practice. We are now patient people, we have become our own therapists, our own psychologists, we study our own minds by seeing the positive in others and reflecting on what we need to improve in ourselves, so that the outcome in the form of our psychic or mystic experience from our own research in the laboratory of our own minds. The past tragedies in humanity, which where shaped in an atmosphere of pathological levels of egocentrism, justified in the few and penalized in masses, the societal double standards and institutionalized cruelty were expressions of a society in spiritual crisis. And as much as the advancements in our present identities and ways of relating manifest from an expansion in consciousness, the inhumanity of some of our ancestors a century ago was also a manifestation of contraction in consciousness, and an intentional movement driven by the pathologies that arise when leaders deny the inherent value of the divine in human identity.

The unchecked ego, lack of discernment and thrift led to excesses in many directions. Power corrupted the leaders of this Earth for many generations, and corrupt leaders whipped society into a collective madness where those who thrived on praise were driven to be more efficient for more praise until the demands from a corrupt system drove good people into obsessive-compulsive disorders, those who complied were praised, while corrupt leaders demanded more. The drive for profit of a few at the cost of an enslaved society was finally unmasked a little less than a hundred years ago. Now good people no longer have to hide their divine identity. Our leaders are ethical leaders, spiritually enlightened leaders. This gives us profound satisfaction, joy and sense of fulfillment.

On the other hand, we pay more attention to developing self-control as a portal to a fulfilling inner life, or a way of relating to ourselves and others that leads to a more fulfilling life experience. Our time for active work, imaginative involvement with the arts, community gathering time and time to enjoy solitude and introspection arises from within each in a spontaneous, balanced and playful way. From the experience of expansion of consciousness at this plane of existence, we build a psychic/spiritual bridge between the conscious mind and the unconscious that leads us to full Illumination. After the third eye opens, the yogi can relax any concerns for the negative to overtake the positive or divine qualities. Now there is no falling back into a state of ignorance, contraction of consciousness, and corrupted inclinations will never manifest again. Peter Schwartz, wisely declared that sustainability is “a niche that gradually expands to the full system” (1991). On this note, it is interesting to add that the ajna chakra serves as the bridge between the world of relativity and the transcendental; thereby, it works as riverbed of sustainability.

Sahasrar Chakra, the seventh chakra, is also artistically depicted as a thousand petalled lotus, and symbolizes the transcendent experience of absolute knowledge, infinite existence and unlimited bliss, also known as Enlightenment or Nirvana. Our gift to future generations is to hand them down a civilization that aspires for Enlightenment, the highest attainment in human evolution. The blossoming of the seventh chakra at the crown of the head corresponds to the attainment of Nirvana, complete extinction of the fire of craving and base desires, Enlightenment. The enlightened beings with us, live free of the pressures of time, space and causation. Wisdom shines forth from these sages that conduct themselves in daily life in a state of double consciousness: beyond awareness of duality, still operating within the laws of different planes of existence. Divine light beings surround us and we enjoy the inspirations and emanations of powerful divine light that comes to us from them.

The preservation of the Heart Era is not easy. We are still working to keep at bay the effects of one of the most dreadful products of the post-industrial era: robotics. The remaining robots from the Uncivilized Era still threaten the human race, but we have learned to see the positive in the negative. We consider that the presence of some negative forces are important to help us stay alert and not slacken in our effort for maintaining a Divine balance within ourselves; vigilance is required until one reaches the higher levels of divine awareness. Our solidarity and prayer circles produce a powerful protection from any destructive presence. We use the power of mantric vibrations to maintain harmony inside and outside. But though these robots still possess some negative instincts, for the most part, their energies are being neutralized and they contribute the “magic” of science to reduce pain and suffering in all.

Conclusion
After countless cultures have come and gone—either through self-destruction or as the result of invasions—we awoke to this empowering awareness that we can “lift” ourselves by our own positive self-effort and degrade or lower ourselves by our own selfish and negative effort (Gita). Back in 2010, if anyone said that all we needed was to transform the human mind-heart, from one centered on materialistic needs to one centered on a transcendent spiritual experience, just as stated by the seers of India in ancient times, most people would have laughed. But it was in that year that Joseph Jaworski said, “You know, when all is said and done, the only change that will make a difference is the transformation of the human heart (Jaworski, 2004).” Like the natural drive in a child to search for that which has already been discovered, for the pleasure of asserting having “found it”, we rediscovered that which was already known thousands of years ago, the principles of ancient philosophies which pointed out to the simple values of simple living and high thinking (Gandhi)—the changes have led us to sustainable ways of living and relating to all as sacred that bring us unimaginable satisfaction when compared to the living conditions of societies of one hundred years ago. The value of internalizing qualities that support the strength of spirit, what in Integral Yoga is described as sadhana chatushtaya, or the fourfold qualifications: discernment, detachment (from lesser values to higher values), shatsampat or sixfold ethical principles—tranquility of mind, restraint, renunciation of the lower or base nature, endurance (as in enduring insult and injury without retaliation), faith, concentration—and the fourth, a burning aspiration or passion for Enlightenment or a higher purpose in life, has now become an everyday experience of people on Earth. The year 2012 was the beginning of the end of hierarchical pride, egocentric nationalism and other self-inflicted maladies in the human race. Unfortunately, at that time, most people were not ready, though science advanced very fast, the minds had lagged behind and justified qualities that dragged from the times of the Dark Ages, like the disregard and ignorance about the inherent goodness of spirit, the powers of the mind and the Kundalini shakti kept most people pitted against each other in semi-animal mental states.

Now the new listen to the ancient in Oneness of heart. Humanity ended wars and true civilization began. Magnanimous kindness is now awake every being. Here we want to honor the good people who endured much during the 21st century catastrophic era of genocides, people who were born to manifest the Civil Rights Movement, which were covertly taken away in a restructuring of profit structures, it was the same that inspired that generation in their advanced years, before departing from Earth, to do more than hope for a better world and work hard to begin the process of aligning our identities with higher mental frequencies so that compassionate cosmic entities informed our ways for seeking a greater purpose in life.




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