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The Art of Positivity in the Face of Adversity: Insights from The Vedas, Buddhism, and Hinduism

We might never know why someone is attacking us. They might be deeply traumatized or they might have a sprinkle of evil within them.

The reason you might be experiencing adversity or attacks is most likely due to karma from a prior life. It might also be a divine intervention to inspire you to unearth a handful of feelings or vibrations that trapped within your core. Sometimes a provoking event can truly and fully free us. You might also have secret intentions or attitudes that include a form of Self-hatred or violence, which can attract similar attributes in our oppressors and challengers. 

We attract what will uplevel us in all circumstances – but only if we yield to the nature of the event and choose to heal what is within us and rise above it all.

There is no exception. Regardless of the infraction, we always have the option to choose at least a sprinkle of gratitude. Doing so, avails us to our inner master and wisdom, opens our hearts,releases stifled emotions, and improves the states of our hearts and minds.

In the tapestry of life, challenges and adversities are inevitable threads. The ancient wisdom of the Vedas, Buddhism, and Hinduism offers profound insights on how to stay proactive, even positive in the face of attacks or oppression.

Drawing on the teachings of enlightened masters, these rich traditions guide us toward resilience, love, and encouragement even in the darkest moments.

Cultivating Inner Strength through The Vedas

The Vedas, the ancient scriptures of India, teach us that adversity is an inherent part of the human journey. Yet, they also provide a roadmap for maintaining positivity in the face of attacks. The Bhagavad Gita, a revered text within the Vedas, imparts wisdom on navigating challenges with grace.

Sage Yajnavalkya reminds us, “When you are insulted, you should remain silent; when praised, you should be equally silent.”

This ancient teaching encourages us to cultivate inner strength by not letting external circumstances dictate our inner state. The Vedas invite us to look beyond the surface of attacks and oppression, understanding that our true essence remains untouched by external forces.

Buddhism’s Noble Path to Resilience

Buddhism, rooted in the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, offers a transformative perspective on responding to adversity.

The Four Noble Truths

The Four Noble Truths, foundational to Buddhist philosophy, acknowledge the existence of suffering but also provide a path toward liberation from it. By embracing the truth of suffering without succumbing to negativity, we can find the strength to endure attacks.

These ancient and penetrative truths are a foundational concept in Buddhism, setting forth the essential principles that form the framework of the Buddha’s teachings. These truths encapsulate the nature of human suffering and the path to liberation. Here are the Four Noble Truths:

Dukkha (Suffering): The first noble truth acknowledges the inherent nature of suffering (dukkha) in human existence. Dukkha encompasses not only overt pain but also the more subtle forms of dissatisfaction, unease, and impermanence that are integral to life. It serves as a recognition that suffering is an intrinsic part of the human condition.

Samudaya (Cause of Suffering): The second noble truth identifies the cause of suffering, known as samudaya. This cause is often attributed to craving or attachment (tanha). The insatiable desire for pleasure, possessions, and the continuation of existence contributes to the perpetuation of suffering. Recognizing and understanding the origins of suffering are crucial steps on the path to liberation.

Nirodha (Cessation of Suffering): The third noble truth introduces the concept of nirodha, which signifies the cessation or end of suffering. Liberation from suffering is attainable by eliminating the root cause, namely craving or attachment. Achieving a state of mental tranquility, known as Nirvana, is the ultimate goal. It involves breaking free from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) and attaining a state of complete liberation.

Magga (Path to the Cessation of Suffering): The fourth noble truth outlines the path leading to the cessation of suffering, known as the Eightfold Path (Magga). The Eightfold Path consists of ethical and mental guidelines that practitioners follow to cultivate wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline.

The path comprises Right Understanding, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration. Following the Eightfold Path enables individuals to overcome craving, attain insight, and eventually achieve liberation from suffering.

If you find this process helpful, you might also check out The Shankara Oracle. You might also love The Sedona Method, created by Lester Levensen. It can be quite healing and helpful.

The Four Noble Truths provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the nature of suffering, its origins, the possibility of liberation, and the path to achieving it. This foundational teaching forms the basis of Buddhist philosophy and serves as a guide for practitioners seeking to transcend the cycle of suffering and attain enlightenment.

Thich Nhat Hanh, a contemporary Buddhist monk, offers guidance on embracing suffering with mindfulness:

“The seed of suffering in you may be strong, but don’t wait until you have no more suffering before allowing yourself to be happy.”

This teaching encourages us to remain positive even amid challenges, finding moments of joy and resilience despite external pressures.

Hinduism’s Call to Detachment and Love

In Hinduism, the concept of detachment from the fruits of one’s actions, as outlined in the Bhagavad Gita, offers a powerful tool for maintaining positivity under attack. Lord Krishna advises Arjuna, “You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.”

This teaching encourages us to focus on our efforts without being overly attached to the outcomes. By doing so, we can weather attacks with a positive spirit, understanding that our actions are expressions of our inner values, regardless of external responses.

Enlightened Masters’ Wisdom

Enlightened masters from these traditions provide profound insights into staying positive under attack. Swami Vivekananda, a key figure in Vedanta philosophy, speaks of the power of resilience:

“Arise, awake, and stop not until the goal is reached.”

His words inspire us to persevere with unwavering positivity, recognizing that challenges are but stepping stones on our journey.

From the Buddhist tradition, the Dalai Lama emphasizes compassion as a response to hostility:

“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.”

This teaching underscores the transformative power of love in the face of adversity.

Swami Sivananda, a revered Hindu spiritual teacher, offers guidance on responding to oppression:

“Do not be ruled by three D’s – Deha (body), Dhan (wealth), and Dampatya (family). Have control over the Indriyas (senses).”

This advice encourages us to rise above material attachments and societal expectations, finding strength within ourselves.

Practical Steps Toward Positivity

Meditation – Meditation takes you deep within the Self where no external influence can disturb you, namely in the face of attacks. Allow yourself a moment of pause and meditation before reacting, giving space for a deeper awareness of yourself and your triggers, while also inspire a thoughtful and positive response.

Cultivate Empathy – Respond to oppression with empathy and compassion. As the Amma suggests, when we grow empathy and compassion, we exercise our divine nature.

Mata Amritanandamayi, affectionately known as Amma or the Hugging Saint, often shares profound insights on empathy and compassion. While exact quotes may vary, her teachings consistently emphasize the importance of cultivating compassion and understanding for others. Here’s a sentiment aligned with her teachings:

“Compassion is the essence of true wealth. It means having an understanding heart that embraces all of creation.”

~ Amma

This quote encapsulates Amma’s emphasis on compassion as a transformative force that goes beyond individual or material wealth. It conveys the idea that true richness lies in the capacity to understand, embrace, and extend compassion to all beings.

Amma’s teachings inspire people to embody empathy and compassion in their daily lives, fostering a more compassionate and interconnected world.

Focus on Virtue – When faced with attacks, draw strength from your inner values. Remember that your actions are a reflection of your character, and staying true to your principles can bring a sense of purpose and positivity.

Self-Inquiry – Looking deep within and seeking answers to the tougher questions can free you over time. If you can release deep-seated emotions and get into addressing the roots of your traumas, you will improve your Self-understanding and greatly improve your perspective and life.

Summary

In the symphony of life, maintaining positivity in the face of attacks or oppression is an art that draws inspiration from the ancient wisdom of Vedas, Buddhism, and Hinduism.

As we navigate the complexities of existence, enlightened masters guide us toward resilience, love, and encouragement.

By embracing these teachings, we not only find strength within ourselves but also contribute to a more compassionate and positive world. Remember, even in the stormiest moments, the light of positivity can guide us to calmer shores.

 

If you find this process helpful, you might also check out The Shankara Oracle. You might also love The Sedona Method, created by Lester Levensen. It can be quite healing and helpful.

 

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Embracing Positivity: Wisdom from Divine Mothers Mata Amritanandamayi, Mother Meera, and Anandamayi Ma

In the realm of spiritual guidance, the wisdom of enlightened Beings carries a profound resonance. Through your relationship with an enlightened master, your journey to liberation is akin to a rocket ship ride.

Three remarkable souls come to mind, each of whom can be described as A Divine Mother: Mata Amritanandamayi (Amma), Mother Meera, and Anandamayi Ma, all exemplify the essence of love, compassion, and positivity.

As we navigate the complexities of life, the teachings of these holy Mothers illuminate the paths to staying positive, nurturing a spirit of love and encouragement that transcends ego, desires, and all challenges we might encounter throughout our lives.

Mata Amritanandamayi: The Hugging Saint’s Message of Love

Known as the “Hugging Saint,” Mata Amritanandamayi has touched the hearts of millions with her boundless love and compassion. Her teachings emphasize the transformative power of love in cultivating a positive outlook on life. Mata Amritanandamayi often shares insights on the importance of selfless service, acceptance, and embracing challenges with a loving heart.

Quoting Mata Amritanandamayi, “In reality, service is not when you do something for someone else. True service is when you see the other person as yourself.” This profound teaching invites us to expand our hearts and cultivate a positive mindset by recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings.

Mother Meera: The Silent Force of Divine Presence

Mother Meera, often referred to as the “Divine Mother,” is renowned for her silent transmission of light and grace. Her teachings, though conveyed in silence, resonate deeply with the transformative power of inner peace and positivity. Mother Meera emphasizes the importance of turning inward to discover the wellspring of love and positivity within.

Mother Meera’s guidance echoes in her silent presence: “I am here to help, to establish a deeper connection to the Divine in your own heart.” Through this connection, individuals can tap into an infinite source of positivity that transcends external circumstances.

Anandamayi Ma: The Joy-Infused Divine Mother

Anandamayi Ma, often addressed as the “Joy-Permeated Mother,” radiated boundless joy and love throughout her life. Her teachings reflect the simplicity and spontaneity of a heart immersed in divine love. Anandamayi Ma’s approach to positivity involves surrendering to the flow of life with trust and joy.

Quoting Anandamayi Ma, “You live in this world with great joy and delight, knowing that God Himself is your very own.” Her teachings encourage us to view life as a playground of joy, recognizing the divine presence in every moment. This perspective transforms challenges into opportunities for growth and positivity.

Practical Steps to Embrace Positivity

Cultivate Gratitude: Mata Amritanandamayi, Amma.org, often speaks about the transformative power of gratitude. By focusing on the positive aspects of our lives, we can shift our perspective and foster a sense of appreciation for the blessings that surround us.

Inner Silence and Stillness: Mother Meera’s emphasis on inner silence highlights the importance of finding moments of stillness amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. Through practices such as meditation, we can connect with the inner reservoir of peace that sustains positivity.

Surrender to Divine Will: Anandamayi Ma’s teachings on surrender invite us to release our attachment to outcomes and trust in the divine plan. This surrender empowers us to stay positive even in the face of uncertainty, recognizing that every experience is an expression of divine wisdom.

Extend Love and Compassion: All three divine mothers underscore the significance of love and compassion. By extending kindness to ourselves and others, we create a positive ripple effect that contributes to the collective well-being of humanity.

Conclusion

In the radiant teachings of Mata Amritanandamayi, Mother Meera, and Anandamayi Ma, we find an enduring invitation to embrace positivity as a way of life. Their wisdom transcends cultural and religious boundaries, offering a universal path to a heart-centered existence.

As we integrate their teachings into our lives, we not only nurture our individual well-being but also contribute to the creation of a more loving and positive world. In the words of these divine mothers, let us embody love, encouragement, and positivity, recognizing that within each heartbeat lies the potential for boundless joy and divine grace.

If you find this process helpful, you might also check out The Shankara Oracle. 

Meet Paul Wagner

Paul Wagner (Shri Krishna Kalesh) is an intuitive mystic, clairvoyant reader, and a loving life & business coach. He created “THE PERSONALITY CARDS,” a powerful Oracle-Tarot deck that’s helpful in life, love, and relationships.

He created The Shankara Oracle, a profound divination tool that includes 18 gemstones, a lavishly designed divination board, and over 300 penetrative oracle cards – all to help you heal to your core and illuminate your Being.

Paul studied with Lakota elders in the Pecos Wilderness, who nurtured his empathic abilities and taught him the sacred rituals. He has lived at ashrams with enlightened masters, including Amma, the Hugging Saint, for whom he’s delivered keynotes at Her worldwide events.

Paul tours the world lecturing on spiritual liberation. He lovingly offers intuitive readings, inspirational coaching, and illuminating courses to help others with self-discovery, decision-making, healing, and forgiveness. Book a session with Paul: HERE

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Nurturing Positivity: Ancient Wisdom from The Vedas, Buddhism, and Hinduism

In a world brimming with challenges, the pursuit of positivity has become a universal quest within the realms of Self-worth, well-being, and fulfillment.

The ancient teachings of the Vedas, Buddhism, and Hinduism offer profound insights into the art of staying positive, proactive, prayerful, and grateful – even amid the most difficult conditions.

Through the wisdom of enlightened masters, these rich traditions provide timeless guidance on fostering a positive mindset, navigating challenges, and cultivating Self-love and a mindset of service in our lives.

The Power of Positivity in The Vedas

Rooted in the ancient scriptures of India, the Vedas impart timeless wisdom on leading a positive life. According to the Vedas, positivity is not just a fleeting emotion but a state of Being that aligns us with the natural order of The Universe.

The Rigveda encourages us to find joy within and recognize the interconnectedness of all life. By immersing ourselves in the knowledge of our connectedness to all Beings and allowing ourselves to be present to the concept of non-duality (where all is ONE, Always), we awaken our divine nature and become more present to the bliss in the core of our Beings.

Quoting the sage Yajnavalkya, “When one’s mind is serene, sorrow-free, stainless, and unperturbed, that is the ultimate aim of life.”

The Vedas emphasize the importance of Self-awareness, mindfulness, and cultivating a positive mindset as essential steps toward lasting happiness – and toward Moksha – our liberation from Samsara – the cycles of life, death, birth, rebirth and all desires and related suffering.

Buddhism and the Art of Mindfulness

Buddhism, a path forged by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, teaches us the transformative power of mindfulness. Central to Buddhist philosophy is the Noble Eightfold Path, a guide to ethical and mental development.

Right mindfulness and right intention, integral components of the Eightfold Path, emphasize the cultivation of positive thoughts and actions.

The Buddha himself proclaimed, “What we think, we become.” This profound teaching underscores the immense influence our thoughts have on our reality.

By cultivating mindfulness and choosing positive intentions, we can shape a brighter, more compassionate existence.

Hinduism’s Call to Love and Encouragement

In Hinduism, an ancient spiritual tradition that encompasses a diverse array of teachings, the essence of positivity is captured in the concept of Dharma – righteous living in harmony with the cosmic order.

The Bhagavad Gita, a revered scripture in Hinduism, emphasizes the importance of performing one’s duties with love and devotion.

The great sage Patanjali, in his Yoga Sutras, outlines the eight limbs of yoga, providing a roadmap to mental and spiritual well-being. Through practices such as meditation and self-discipline, individuals can transcend negativity and connect with their higher selves.

Enlightened Masters’ Perspectives

The wisdom of enlightened masters from these traditions resonates through the ages, offering profound insights into the nature of positivity.

Sri Ramakrishna, a revered figure in Vedanta philosophy, once said, “The winds of grace are always blowing, but you have to raise the sail.”

This metaphor encapsulates the idea that positivity is not merely a response to external circumstances; it is an active engagement with life.

From the Buddhist tradition, Thich Nhat Hanh, a contemporary mindfulness teacher, teaches the importance of being present. He beautifully articulates,

“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.”

Mindful awareness allows us to appreciate the beauty inherent in each moment, fostering a positive outlook on life.

Swami Vivekananda, a key figure in the introduction of Hindu philosophies to the Western world, emphasizes the transformative power of positive thinking.

“Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life – think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.”

Practical Steps Toward Positivity

Here are some things to consider as you thrust joyfully forward in your life:

Mindful Awareness – Embrace the present moment through mindfulness practices such as meditation and conscious breathing. By grounding ourselves in the now, we foster a positive connection with our surroundings.

Cultivate Positive Thoughts – Actively choose positive thoughts and intentions. As the Buddha noted, “All that we are is the result of what we have thought.” Redirect your mind toward uplifting thoughts, fostering a more positive inner dialogue.

Practice Self-Love – Hinduism encourages self-love as an essential component of positive living. Recognize and appreciate your inherent worth, allowing love to emanate from within.

Acts of Kindness – Engage in acts of kindness toward others. As the Dalai Lama suggests, “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” Small gestures of kindness create a ripple effect, fostering positivity in the world.

Gratitude – When we live in the state of gratitude, we attract more of the same things to our lives that give us peace, joy, and pleasure. Being grateful for our biggest challenges awakens our inner warrior and puts on the path to profound spiritual growth.

Divination Practices – Using divination tools like tarot cards and The Shankara Oracle can awaken your divinity and avail you to a deep understanding of your Self, others, and all realities. 

Summary

The teachings of Vedas, Buddhism, and Hinduism converge on the transformative power of positivity. Through mindfulness, cultivating positive thoughts, and embracing love and encouragement, individuals can navigate life’s challenges with resilience and grace.

As we align ourselves with these ancient teachings, we not only enhance our personal well-being but also contribute to a more positive and compassionate world.

Remember, positivity is not just a state of mind; it is a way of life.

If you find this process helpful, you might also check out The Shankara Oracle. You might also love The Sedona Method, created by Lester Levensen. It can be quite healing and helpful.

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The Teachings of Gabor Mate

We all go through trauma in our lives. Whether that is addiction, disease, childhood trauma, alienation or even stresses in the household, the wounds that we carry with us can resonate with us for our entire lives, if we let it. This trauma can be passed along to our children and manifest in our bodies as physical illness, leading to chronic pain and other degenerative diseases that were entirely preventable if we showed ourselves kindness. The good thing is, is that you can overcome this trauma and heal, and that is the core of the fundamental teachings of the award-winning author, Dr Gabor Maté.

Early Life in Hungary And Immigration To Canada

To understand how Gabor Maté became a world-renowned physician, psychologist and author, we must look at what influenced him to do so. Originally from Hungary, his family fled the war-torn nation, as his family experienced devasting trauma from World War II. During the war, his maternal grandparents were killed in Auschwitz and his own father had to endure forced labor by the National Socialist German Workers Party.  They immigrated to Canada in 1956 when Dr Maté was just twelve years old.

The Influence of Vancouver

When Dr Gabor Maté established his own family practice after graduating medical school, he found himself setting up a family practice in one of the poorest neighbourhoods in Canada: the Downtown Eastside (DTES) of Vancouver.  The social-economic climate of this area greatly influenced and impacted much of Dr. Gabor Maté’s work, where high levels of drug use, homelessness, poverty, crime, mental illness, and sex work, were common amongst its residents. There, Dr Gabor Maté ran a medical practice for over 20 years, where he consistently worked with patients suffering from mental health issues and substance abuse concerns, eventually leading him to write about his experiences with trauma and the connection between the mind, body and soul.

The Gabor Maté Approach

The road to healing trauma is long and can seem like it’s an up-hill battle, but it is entirely possible.  By combining scientific research, case studies, and personal experience, Dr. Gabor Maté believes that we have the innate power to heal ourselves from trauma, if we know where to look and what to listen to. Once we have healed ourselves, we become whole, and can then work to help to heal others. That is the true cycle of healing.

Uncovering Trauma

Dr. Gabor Maté’s approach to addiction focuses on the trauma his patients have suffered and uses it as a part of their recovery process.  In simplest terms, trauma is a lasting, emotional response that is sustained from a distressing event and carried throughout one’s life.  Trauma does not refer to what has happened to you, but rather what happens inside your mind as a result. How you internalize those events and the way that they manifest physically, will depend on if you work through your trauma, or let it rule you.

To begin the process of healing, you must understand where the trauma begins.  Of course, some of these trauma memories may not be easily accessible to individuals and are repressed for survival reasons. We don’t want to engage with feelings or thoughts that make us uncomfortable.  However, Dr. Maté disagrees with this idea stating that all you need to do is ask the right questions to get to the root cause of your trauma.

Substance Abuse and It’s Connection To Trauma

Dr. Maté believes that addiction is any behaviour or substance that a person relies on to relieve short-term pain, which will unfortunately lead to negative long-term consequences.  Like trauma, this pain needs to be addressed, otherwise the individual will crave further release and be susceptible to relapse.

Gabor’s approach to addiction, called the “Compassionate Inquiry” involves both the individual and therapist to peel back the individual’s consciousness, mental climate, hidden assumptions, and implicit memories to reveal the unconscious dynamics that run their lives.  The purpose of this is to get to the core of the individual to see what they are telling themselves unconsciously and how this unconscious self-talk is dictating the way they live their lives.  This approach is studied by many therapists, physicians, and counselors internationally.

The Written Works of Dr. Maté

Dr. Maté dedicates his time educating people on topics relating to mental health and psychology through his writings.  In addition to being a regular columnist for Vancouver Sun and The Globe and Mail, and his works highlight the role of psychological trauma and stress in addiction, and the importance of relationships and social attachment for learning and health.

  • Scattered Minds: A New Look at the Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder – This book provides a new perspective on ADD based on Dr. Maté’s personal experience with the disorder.
  • When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress – This book discusses the effect that stress has on the mind and the body, and how one’s emotional makeup can impact and individual’s susceptibility to diseases.
  • Hold on to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers (Co-authored with Dr. Gordon Neufeld) – This book examines the breakdown of parental influence in recent years as children look to their peers for direction.
  • In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction – This book details Dr. Maté’s experiences working in DTES and his observations on addiction while working with Canada’s most vulnerable.
  • The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness and Healing in a Toxic Culture – This book dissects the irony in Western healthcare systems that pride themselves in its effectiveness is seeing an alarming increase in chronic illness, prescription drug use, high blood pressure, and mental illness.
  • Hello Again: A Fresh Start for Parents and Their Adult Children (to be released in 2023 with Daniel Maté) – This book, co-written with his son, is written to guide parents and adult children to navigate their respective paths into adulthood.

Philanthropic Work

Dr. Maté is a passionate activist, using his influence and credentials to bring awareness and end the stigmatization of mental health, psychology, and drug use. In 2008, he defended physicians working at Insite, a legal and supervised safe injection site after being attacked as unethical by the Canadian Minister of Heath at the time.  By standing up for the physicians working at the site, Dr. Maté prevented the further stigmatization of drug use in Canada. In 2010, Maté became interested in plant medicine for the potential of treating addictions.  Using this knowledge, he partnered with a traditional Peruvian shamanic healer to organize multi-day retreats for addiction treatments.

Learning From Dr. Maté

As individuals, we have our own personal issues and problems that plague us.  But with the power of healing and strength in numbers, there is a possibility to overcome our hardships if we learn to ask the right questions and welcome the healing process.  That is the hope that keeps us moving forward.

In the words of Dr. Maté, “Hope is about wishing for something to happen in the future. It is absconding from the present. Noam Chomsky was asked once if he was an optimist or a pessimist and he said, ‘Strategically, I’m an optimist, and tactically, I’m a pessimist.’ Like him, in the long term, I see the possibilities of human beings. In the short term, I see all kinds of problems. I see the possibility of healing and transformation both on the social and the personal level, but I see that possibility in the present.”

Be kind to yourself and others, and seek out help when you need it. Don’t feel shame or embarrassment, be compassionate to yourself on your journey and live with integrity. Everyone has their own trauma and issues, and it’s a good thing that there are people like Dr Mate who work hard and share their knowledge with us all, to help us become better people and to find joy and peace in our lives.

Meet Paul Wagner

Paul Wagner is an Intuitive Life & Business Coach, clairvoyant reader, and a five-time EMMY Award-winning writer. He created “THE PERSONALITY CARDS,” a powerful Oracle-Tarot deck that’s helpful in life, love, and relationships. Paul studied with Lakota elders in the Pecos Wilderness, who nurtured his empathic abilities and taught him the sacred rituals. He has lived at ashrams with enlightened masters, including Amma, the Hugging Saint, for whom he’s delivered keynotes at Her worldwide events.

Paul tours the world lecturing on spiritual liberation. He lovingly offers intuitive readings, inspirational coaching, and illuminating courses to help others with self-discovery, decision-making, healing, and forgiveness. Book a session with Paul: HERE

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Personality Cards: Extension of Carl Jung’s 9 Archetypes

Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, originally Sigmund Freud’s follower, developed the analytical psychology approach and expanded on the idea that the unconscious is vital in behavior and personality, not just the personal unconscious but also the collective unconscious. He believed that the body, mind, and soul, or the human psyche, are made up of three parts; the collective unconscious, the ego, and the personal unconscious. The ego represents the conscious mind; in the personal unconscious, there are memories, even the suppressed ones, and finally, the archetypes are in the collective unconscious. The difference between the collective and personal unconscious is that the personal unconscious is unique to each individual. In contrast, the collective unconscious contains all the memories that the whole of humanity shares.

According to Carl Jung, we inherit biological, fundamental, and unconscious aspects from our ancestors. These archetypes are remnants of joys, sorrows, fate, and psychology repeated countlessly throughout history. Jung believes that this part of the human psyche; the collective unconscious, contains all the experiences and knowledge that humans, as species, share, and this theory goes against the ancient Greek concept of tabula rasa, believing that at birth, the human mind is a blank slate to be filled only with experience.

These archetypes serve as a basis for how to be human and how we experience some things. They symbolize fundamental human values, personalities, ambitions, beliefs, morals, and motivations. Jung felt that although each archetype had a vital role in personality, most people had a specific dominant archetype. The expression of archetypes depends on unique personal experiences, and cultural influences, among others. We can conclude the existence of archetypes by looking at religion, art, literature, and dreams since they cannot be directly apparent to the naked eye. There are an unlimited number of archetypes that may be in existence. However, Carl Jung identifies four major archetypes with a suggestion of two different personality centers.

Carl Jung’s Four Major Archetypes

The four main archetypes identified by Carl Jung represent the union of the conscious and unconscious. These archetypes are; the self, the Persona, the animus or anima, and the shadow. Here is a detailed analysis of these archetypes.

  1. The Persona

A derivation from a Latin word meaning mask, this archetype defines how we present ourselves to others; socially, it shows the different masks we wear when with our families, when at work, and when out with friends, to name a few. Based on our upbringing, the environment we are in, and our culture, our Persona takes different forms. It reflects our adaptation to our surroundings; we can protect ourselves or fit in depending on the groups and situations and protects the ego from negative images.

The Persona, according to Carl, takes different forms and may appear in dreams. This figurative social mask keeps one in check and ensures that they contain socially unacceptable impulses, emotions, and primitive urges. For instance, children, from a young age, are taught that to fit societal norms and expectations, they have to behave and act in a certain way. The downside to this archetype is that it can lead one to lose their true self as one tries to keep up with everyone else’s expectations and norms.

  1. The Shadow

In this archetype, humans have two sides; the dark and the light. While we want to show our light side, we choose to suppress the dark side, which becomes our shadow. Contained in the unconscious mind are personality aspects we are unaware of and those we don’t like. We can only realize through automatic responses; they arise without warming, more like reflexes. The Shadow archetype has our weaknesses, desires, repressed ideas, shortcomings, biases, prejudices, and instincts. This archetype represents chaos, wildness, and the unknown and is often referred to as the darker side of the psyche. It forms when we attempt to build our PersonaPersona and adapt to societal norms; all the things unacceptable to society and one’s morals form the shadow. Some things we repress and are found in the shadow include hate, envy, greed, and aggression.

According to Jung, this archetype, just like the Persona, can appear in dreams and may take various forms. It can also appear in visions and may appear as some dark, exotic, or wild figure like a demon, snake, or even a dragon, to name a few. We all have this side and often project it onto others as we deny it ourselves.

  1. The Animus or Anima

Anima is a woman, representing the femininity or feminine image in a man’s psyche. At the same time, the animus is a man and a representation of the masculine image or masculinity in a woman’s psyche. A combination of the animus and anima is referred to as the divine couple or syzygy and represents wholeness, unification, and completion.

How we perceive the world results from what we experience, our way of life, and how we are brought up. According to Jung, these three teach us what an ideal person should be like. He also believed that gender identities and the development of sex roles resulted from social influence and physiological changes. The encouragement in many cultures to adopt the traditional gender roles among men and women and exercise rigidity to anything contrary has undermined psychological development.

The personal unconscious has experiences with brothers, husbands, and boyfriends that contribute to a man’s image. In contrast, the collective unconscious contains information and notions on how men are supposed to behave, and the same applies to women. This archetype represents not what we present to others but who we are and acts as a principal source of communication with the personal and collective unconscious.

  1. The Self

This archetype is a result of merging the unconscious and conscious states with the ego. Here, you cannot find two similar personalities, everyone is unique, and their unique experiences in life help shape their individuality. This archetype is often referred to as mandala, square, or circle.

Other archetypes

The Jungian archetypes are not only limited to the four that have been mentioned above. There is no fixed number of archetypes in existence. These archetypes can combine, overlap, and intermingle to form more archetypes. According to Jung, the four main archetypes can combine to give rise to the following 12 archetypical images or figures.

      • Explorer
      • Rebel
      • Hero
      • Wizard
      • Lover
      • Caregiver
      • Sage
      • Innocent
      • Jester
      • Creator/artist
      • Everyman
      • Ruler

These 12 archetypical figures can be divided into four depending on their orientation and what they seek to realize. The ego type wants to impact the world and leave a mark; the freedom type desires paradise; the social type seeks to connect with other people; the order type yearns to provide or create structure in the world.

Paul Wagner’s Personality Cards: An Extension of Carl Jung

Each person is unique; there is no replica of you anywhere else in the world, even with the belief that you have almost seven replicas. That being said, we all cannot identify with these 12 archetypical figures. The personality cards by Paul Wagner have 78 personality cards that aim at inspiring people divinely in relationships, life, and matters of love. These cards help one not only discover their personalities but also act as a guide to help people navigate issues like forgiveness and other situations. Each card has a symbolic image that is unique to a person. These cards are an extension of Carl Jung’s archetypes; they include;

  • The Heart collector, the Family Fable, the Softie, the Transparent, the Innocent Rascal, the Disconnected, the Feral Storm, the Squeeze, the Contradictor, the Mystic, the Disruptor, the Conscious Twist, the Interrupter, the Whimsical, the Small stepper, the Cowboy, the Bull Rider, the Naïve, the Electricity, the Calculated, the Seeking Solace, the Skater, the Copycat, the Comedian, the Cuddler, the Serpentine, the Two Minds, the Indifferent, the Mosaic, the Regurgitator, the Fearless, The Partial Truth, the Coiled, the Frail, the Observer, the Lover, the Little Devil, the Bumble Bee.
  • The Empty Space, the Forgetful, the Feeler, the Rekindled, the Once-enchanted, the Harness, the Grouch, the Networker, the Awakened, the Disconnected, the Unattached, the Do-gooder, the Righteous Beast, the Yearning, the Wanderer, the King, the Jester, the Influencer, the Incredulous, the Noble, the Hermit, the Money, the Verge, the Repeater, the Socializer, the Outrageous, the Shifter, the Untouchable, the Floating, the Judge, the Healer, the Dogmatist, the Hedonist, the Menace, the Yesterday, the Asserter, the Respite, the Silent, the Facilitator, the Enticer, the Covert.

A look into these cards will help you discover yourself and how to navigate your relationships with others. The messages at the back of the card give a simple reading into the personality the card identifies with. Which ones resonate most with you?

Meet Paul Wagner

Paul Wagner is an Intuitive Life & Business Coach, clairvoyant reader, and a five-time EMMY Award-winning writer. He created “THE PERSONALITY CARDS,” a powerful Oracle-Tarot deck that’s helpful in life, love, and relationships. Paul studied with Lakota elders in the Pecos Wilderness, who nurtured his empathic abilities and taught him the sacred rituals. He has lived at ashrams with enlightened masters, including Amma, the Hugging Saint, for whom he’s delivered keynotes at Her worldwide events.

Paul tours the world lecturing on spiritual liberation. He lovingly offers intuitive readings, inspirational coaching, and illuminating courses to help others with self-discovery, decision-making, healing, and forgiveness. Book a session with Paul: HERE

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How Empaths Can Build A Beautiful Intentional Life

Amma is a living enlightened Being, the ultimate Empath. Learn more at Amma.org. 

 

How To Build Intentional Lives As Empaths

As a coach, clients and friends will often seek my counsel. While each of their challenges appears to be unique, I believe many of the problems, especially the recurring ones, stem from one simple idea: We have yet to release the past, forgive everything, and construct new, durable personas (temporary self-identities) – ones that can establish and sustain an enjoyable, stable life.

Instead of plunging into forward movement, we tend to repeatedly reaffirm the past and go in circles.

We can change this. We can recreate our lives with the purest, clearest, and most focused intentions. Living an intentional life is not for everyone, but it’s the only path to liberation and peace.

Even amid being pummeled by karmic repercussions that stem from prior lives, if we establish a strong and deeply rooted self-concept, we can withstand any storm.

Let’s Dive In, Empaths!

From the moments of our births, we begin to build temporary self-identities or personas to maneuver through our lives. These personas are most often born from outdated beliefs, confused family dogma, codependent social paradigms, and limiting religious doctrine. Along the way, we weave guilt, shame, and regret into the fabric of our personas to the point of imprisoning ourselves in loops of repeated behaviors, decisions, and addictions.

Because of this, most of us live as if we’re strapped to rollercoasters, whereby we continuously react to external stimuli as if we have no control. In the short term, we enjoy the results of our impulses. In the long term, we find ourselves in complex situations that erode our senses of Self and peace.

Over time, consequences and complications emerge. We cope, medicate, and try to assemble a quick-fix response to it all. 

We try everything but eventually find that quick fixes do little to address the deeper issues. We look at every aspect of our lives and realize that our marriages, jobs, and environments are not aligned with who we know ourselves to be. 

In a moment, we understand that we are not self-aware, and therefore, we are not free.

This is the moment of decision. 

Do we continue to shrink and hide or do we choose the road less traveled, finally embracing our true Self as beautiful empaths?

If we choose the latter, we begin to wake up!

We soon feel or sense deep-seated emotions and regrets. We might feel anxious or panicked, feeling unable to source remedies. We finally see the weight that we’ve amassed atop our souls. We remember the stories and justifications we used to keep our outdated personas in charge and in motion for so long.

In a pure moment of delight, we decide enough is enough!

Intentional Spiritual Living is a decision and commitment of the mind and heart to live a fully conscious, pre-meditated life according to our deepest values, ethics, and beliefs, without story or excuse. 

We build an intentional life through self-inquiry, ritual, ceremony, and forgiveness. We own and acknowledge every aspect of our choices amid our tumultuous lives. We own it all – from every teensie bit of minutia to every decision we’ve made.

Empaths! We take responsibility for EVERYTHING. 

We blame NO ONE.

Beginning an intentional life often comes with a year or more of crying a few hours every day. It requires complete transparency with our core Self, God, and the eternal consciousness. We can no longer hide. We refuse to hide. We are now on a mission to unearth every truth about ourselves and the nature of the Universe.

We begin to imagine a new persona, one that is built upon virtue, transparency, vulnerability, and truth. We no longer carry regret or shame. We no longer blame. We own it all – every molecule of every instant.

We process it all, pounding the earth in anger and crying for every lost moment. We cry to God and the Universe to nurture and save us. We do this until we are drained of all projection, attitude, and ego. We realize we know nothing and we are nothing. 

From there, we build our new, more durable, more holy persona – not from the rubble, rather, from the truths we’ve uncovered and become.

We grow our personas into emotionally, psychologically, and financially stable warriors – through whatever means. With meditation, mantra, and Divine grace, we begin to strengthen and stabilize. 

We continually release emotions, attachments, and the past. 

“The past is a canceled check. It no longer exists.” – Amma

After some time, we realize that we’ve become warriors of self-care, self-responsibility, and self-awareness. 

Having built an intentional spiritual persona, we can now build an intentional spiritual life.

How Do We Do This as Empaths?

      • We are careful welcoming people into our lives
      • With a new friend, we are careful when choosing to engage in sex. While sex is certainly wonderful, it can be distracting and harmful. Get to know your friends before jumping into bed with them.
      • We are careful before solidifying a marriage. According to the rishis, it is best to know and live with someone for 3 years prior to committing to a marriage.
      • We carefully research and plan job and home changes
      • We don’t “jump” into anything, instead, we pause, reflect, and consider
      • We refrain from feeding our addictions
      • Less screen time and more prayer time, like letter-writing
      • We pray as often as we can
      • We continuously have faith hope
      • We forgive everything
      • We own everything
      • We do not dwell on our negative feelings
      • We remember that we are never a victim
      • We work to completely dissolve our egos
      • We choose our food carefully (organic, grass-fed, no chemicals, lots of greens and vegetables)
      • When we are able, we strive to find the balance between western medicine and naturopathic medicine, knowing that pure food is our best medicine
      • We realize our thoughts sustain us, so we choose them carefully
      • We learn to place our attention on aspects that truly serve and uplift us because we know what we contemplate is what we become. Mediate on the rose and you become the rose.
      • We realize that our self-esteem can only come from ourselves
      • We decide to be happy because happiness is a choice
      • We say goodbye to people and events that do not serve our liberation and peacefulness
      • We say goodbye to deep attachments, except GOD & THE DIVINE
      • We have boundaries
      • We only speak lovingly about ourselves
      • We stop all projection
      • We maintain a healing attitude
      • We find ways to selflessly love and serve others while also not hurting ourselves
      • We root ourselves in self-inquiry, honesty, and love
      • You might enjoy releasing processes and modalities like The Sedona Method (search it, it’s awesome)
      • When we’re ready, we can seek out living enlightened masters like Amma, Karunamayi Ma, and Mother Meera
        • We can ask to receive a mantra from one of them
        • We can ask Her to be our guru or spiritual master which can expedite our pathway to liberation.
      • If we feel so inclined, we honor the purest and most non-judgmental tenets of our birth religions
      • We enjoy our fellow empath birth masters, including Jesus, Buddha, Mohammad, and others

IN ALL THINGS, PLEASE KNOW …

You are more than you realize. You have resources far beyond your wildest imagination. It’s time to commit to a more eternal game. It’s time to release it all and become your most vibrant, eternal, and empowered Self. SURrender!
As you reach toward liberation, you might want to explore having a coach, guide, or therapist to help you along your path. In the meantime, meditate, pray, and chant with loving attention toward the divine.

 

Other articles you might enjoy:

https://www.paulwagner.com/free-yourself-helpful-plans-to-inspire-rebirth/

Amma: The Loving, Hugging, Humanitarian Saint

Transformation Rituals and Ceremonies

Check out Paul’s EMPATH OATH.

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How to Make the World A Lovelier Place

YAY! It’s a Beautiful Shutterstock licensed image!

How to Make the World Lovelier

You are the embodiment of love and light.

Your heart is far bigger and far more expressive than you might realize.

You have stardust in your bones. You’re on a rock that’s spinning thousands of miles an hour, and somehow you have a refrigerator, phone, and loved ones.

If you’re looking to make the world lovelier, that’s just amazing. Let’s explore how!

1. REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE A MIRACLE!

It might be challenging to stay positive when bombarded by news, gossip, and social media. It’s time to take a deep breath! Exhale the negativity. Infuse your mindset with warm and positive light. Want to make the world lovelier? YOU GOT THIS!

To fully embrace your depth of light and love, decide to help the world become a lovelier place to live, both for yourself and those around you!

Are you having difficulty digging yourself out of a rut and don’t know where to begin?

Looking to shed layers of ego and self-abuse so you can feel and affirm your value and divine gifts?

This list will help you nurture and server the world. Every time you roll out of bed, commit to at least one of these things – and you’ll become an even brighter beacon of light.

2. Share Your Positivity to Others

Positivity is contagious! If you encounter other people today, whether they are friends, family, or strangers, you can be sure that they need a positivity boost.

Intentionally share your positive energy and outlook with them by helping them see things in a better light.

Happily share your warm, loving presence.

Whether it’s a hug, a phrase, or just a sweet smile, we always have the ability to add goodness and make the world lovelier with incredible power. 

3. Learn To Listen With Empathy

Are some of the people around you in the middle of a chaotic or challenging situation? Is someone you know hurt, confused, or frustrated? If you love them, do you feel you can help them by lending an ear?

If you can, lend these loved-ones a few minutes out of your day. Listen to them with your heart and help them approach their feelings from a new perspective.

Your loving attention can be life-changing for them. When you help and pray for others, the Universe does the same for us.

For an extra spiritual boon, try to inspire them to pray, meditate, or forgive someone near and dear to them. 

4. Nurture Yourself So You Can Be A Vibrant Light

When we heal ourselves, we send healing vibrations out to the entire Cosmos. Even a subtle shift in our mind and heart can inspire other Living Beings throughout All The Worlds to do the same.

When you deepen or self-acknowledge, you open doors for every soul to transform and transcend their challenges and ego into bright bursts of light.

If you’re finding it challenging to share your goodness with others, you might need a positivity boost, spiritual ceremony, or healing ritual. You might just need to journal and cry. 

Evaluating and attending your own needs first means that you want to practice what you preach. Start your day with prayer and meditation so that you can align your spirit with love and expand yourself.

For many, routines and rituals are wonderful ways to re-establish our balance and peacefulness. If you love rituals, check out my Free Resources pages. You’ll find ancient ceremonies, lovely prayers, and encouragement that you might find helpful during times of change and transition. You might also consider using my Personality Cards – they’re wonderful for all sorts of spiritual work and rituals – they’re far more powerful and precise and self-advancing than tarot. 

Spiritual renewal will come from identifying the negative forces and experiences in our lives and ourselves, then setting goals and courses for change that will help us rebirth. 

After you heal yourself, and own and embody your love and light, you will become effulgent in the light. Doing so, you’ll regularly offer your love and gifts to others without even thinking about it. 

5. Practice Forgiveness

For many people, forgiveness is a mystery. In many religions, it’s become a cliche catch-phrase that most people don’t truly understand.

You can forget someone, but truly forgiving someone requires some effort. To start, open your heart and owning every lesson that you needed to learn from that person or event. Once you own all of your part in these experiences and relationships, you can begin to grow. With a little growth, you can more easily release what you feel is an infringement on you and your life.

Forgiveness is acknowledging that you are a Divine Being and that no one is responsible for your happiness. You are the only one in every intersection. There is no OTHER.

When we fuel our negativity and hold grudges, we are delaying our personal growth and spiritual expansion. When we identify as a victim, we are telling God, “hey, you fucked up.” God did not fuck up. You had an experience and you are denying the deeper lessons and holding onto the past.

The past does not exist. It’s a canceled check. It’s gone.

You cannot resurrect the past.

Since everything has changed, why have you not changed?

The most advanced path to world peace and love is learning forgiveness and practicing it in our daily lives. Forgiveness is the key to making the world a lovelier place for ourselves and humanity.

The Steps To Forgiveness

One: Acknowledge the real-world cost of the experience and your pain.

Two: Own your challenges and shortcomings.

Three: Acknowledge what you need to learn.

Four: Accept those who harmed us as perfect.

Five: Accept that our experiences as perfect.

Six: Ask God/Universe/Divine-Mother to awaken us to our own power to become whole.

Seven: Allow yourself to feel into the pain until it’s unbearable. Notice the pain the body and related pains in your heart, nerves, and mind.

Eight: Accept this pain, own it, love it, and honor it. Speak it’s name. Shout to heavens and celebrate its existence. This is your doorway to transcendence.

Nine: Now – release it all – again and again and again – release ALL OF IT.

Ten: If you have not struck a chord aligned with forgiveness, begin this process again – and repeat it until you arrive at forgiveness.

Take the time to sit with yourself and go through this process being fully vulnerable and open.  

If you’re struggling to find yourself, release your pain, and establish a deep personal peacefulness, I have many tools to share! Check out my wonderful Personality Cards, which can help you assess your life, relationships, career, and more – and help you better respond to your desires, emotions, and core Self!

6. Offer Healing And Selfless Gifts

Is there someone specific in your life right now who is experiencing spiritual and emotional turmoil? As a loving friend, I bet they would love your support. A great way to help others is to surprise them with healing gifts!

Are they in need of spiritual renewal and self-discovery? There are tons of gift choices, big and small, which can help them on this journey. You might consider gifting them crystals, chakra energy jewelry, self-care gift baskets, or even self-development courses. And there’s always my beautiful Personality Cards!

If they’re more receptive to self-help books, gift them a set of self-renewal and spirituality books like The Power Of Now or A Course In Miracles. You can find some lovely spiritually healing books by Amma at Amma.org.

If they’re looking to get more in touch with their mystical self, you can offer them courses in intuition, rituals, and tarot readings. 

You can also gift someone a massage or you can be their masseuse!

7. Do Favors & Perform Small Acts of Kindness

While the former recommendations require forethought, more extended periods of effort, and sometimes money, there are many quick, easy, and free ways to improve the world. There are millions of opportunities every day to do the little things that make a huge difference, even if you never leave the house!

Acts of kindness, and every other altruistic and self-developing practice, require a layer of sacrifice. All kinds of belief systems, religions, and lifestyles rely on selfless service as a way to clear the heart, align one’s spirit with love & light, and truly help others.

What can you do today to share your time and energy in service to others?

Is it someone’s birthday that you haven’t spoken to in a while? Send them an email or text message, and consider striking up a conversation to learn about how they’re doing.

Is there someone that seems lonely, bored, or in need of friendship? Set up a meet over coffee, food, or some other mutual activity that they can look forward to and enjoy.

Do you notice someone that usually gets left out or ignored? Go out of your way to throw them a party on a special day, invite them to events, and engage them in conversation regularly.

Buy a drink or pay for the groceries for the person behind you.

Endeavor to pick up something when dropped by another.

Tell a stranger that God loves them.

When you like someone’s outfit or hair, share the compliment aloud. 

At the very least, show a smile! Smiling is proven to be contagious and uplifting for our moods, even if it’s intentional or forced! Smiling is the most significant small act of kindness you can offer. It can truly make the world a lovelier place to be.

8. Share Some Love When Traveling

When we travel, even if only to a restaurant, store, or to grab a quick bite, there are multitudes of things we can do to improve the conditions and feelings of others. Try a few of these on for size:

Give a humungous tip to someone who appears a little sad or broken – or who is working hard.

Carry small gifts in your car to share with others, a box of Kleenex packets, crayons, and chocolates. When you see someone like a fast-food check-out person who looks a little grumpy, give them a gift!

Carry used clothes, bottles of water, and single dollar bills in your car just in case you see a homeless person who needs some love.

When staying in a hotel, remember to leave at least a $5 tip for each night you stayed in the hotel – and add a loving note to brighten someone’s day! You might even clean the room a little bit by prepping your sheets and towels in easily portable piles. You might also pour all of the trash buckets into one bucket and place it near the door.

Buy a stranger a meal by giving the server some cash. This way they cannot find you to return the favor – which makes it part of the fun.

Help others at airports, especially in security lines! Take your time, make sure those around you know what they’re doing. Ask if you can help them. When you move through the machines, tell the security personnel that you appreciate them.

Clean up public bathrooms to make it more palatable for others. I always wipe off toilet seats and pick up the trash on the floor so that others might feel less uncomfortable when entering.

If you’re feeling naughty, write a little graffiti on the bathroom wall, like, I LOVE YOU. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! AND SO DOES GOD! You can also remove the paintings in hotel rooms and write loving messages on the back. Yes, these things are naughty, but they’re loving and fun!

Make eye contact with everyone you meet, especially those who are clearly working their butts off.

You can check out my article on loving travel tips, too!

Truly, you are the embodiment of God’s love. The more you acknowledge this and fully own it, the more love and light you can spread to the world.

GO FOR IT!

Want to make the world lovelier? REMEMBER!

You are a beautiful Living Being filled with light and love, born from stardust. You are unlimited potential in every direction. With a focus on discipline, virtue, and your own goodness, you can become as expanded and liberated as you desire. Pray for others and the Universe prays for us. 

I love to serve others and make the world lovelier. Learn about my services and let me know if I can help you. It’s always an honor to serve kind, honorable, and loving people like you.

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The 26 Most Inspiring Divine Masters Throughout Time

The 26 Most Inspiring Divine Masters Throughout Time

Guru. Master. Teacher. Sage. There are endless synonyms and titles for the bigger-than-life souls who have graced our planet with their births. Whether they walked among us to lead by word, example, or both, they are beings we must look to for guidance in our journeys.

It is said that when we have a Guru, not just a humble teacher, but a true Enlightened Master, our paths are expedited and we can reach liberation in a much shorter period of time. Since we all have the spark of Love & Light that fills every Divine Being, our fires are already ignited. All we need to do is choose a path and dive into it with all of our hearts. Vulnerability, prayer, mantra, chanting, forgiveness, and rituals are some of the tools.

Divine masters encompass an amazing dualism of both lessons for our physical and spiritual lives. They help us align our bodies with our minds and find the right path for our souls while taking care of our physical health. No matter your concerns and troubles in life, you are sure to find solace and assistance in the lives and lessons of divine masters.

If you are looking for a new role model for your physical and spiritual journey or need consolation in your current life situation, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, I’ve put together the 25 most inspiring divine masters who have ever existed. Within this list, you can learn about their journeys on Earth and the shoes they have left for us to fill.

While the full list of saints and wonderful souls could be endless, this list comprises some of the most popular. Reflect on these figures as you turn inward and apply the lessons of these gurus to your journey. 

Amma the Hugging Saint

Mata Amritanandamayi, better known as Amma, is a revered spiritual leader in India with a mission to comfort the entire world. She is known as the “Hugging Saint” for Her tours in which she lovingly embraces every person who comes to see Her. Amma’s mission is to extend the true love she holds in her heart outward with physical actions that benefit humanity. She has hugged over 40 millions times as of this writing.

Amma has the broadest, most remarkable mission in human history. She has reached more people and blessed them – than any other human figure.

Amma tours, holds retreats, and even has an Ashram in her name. People from all over are welcome to follow her, meet her, and emulate her love for the world.

Mother Meera

To many, Mother Meera is the physical embodiment of the Divine Feminine. She was born in Southern India in 1960 and now resides in the German countryside. She is best known for sharing the blessing of Darshan, which is to be in the presence of the Divine, by offering her time in complete silence to humanity and bestowing light upon the souls who seek it.

If you’re looking for a teacher in the traditional sense, Mother Meera is not the figure for you. She does not offer verbal guidance – instead, she is the presence of the Divine itself from which you can draw peace and enlightenment. 

Thich Nhat Hanh

If a silent presence like Mother Meera isn’t what you’re looking for, then maybe a poet-activist is exactly what you need. Thich Nhat Hanh is famous for his peace, ethics, and mindfulness teachings. Most of all, he preaches that we must live what we teach – and that he does!

At 16 years old, Thich Nhat Hanh became a Buddhist monk in Vietnam. He believed that he could forge a new path for Buddhism in which the religion could respond to the world’s needs in its current political climate. He has since become a published author and influenced many world leaders, calling for peace and reform in many industries.

Jesus the Nazarene: Well-Known Divine Master

Jesus is followed by over a third of the world’s population, standing at the center of Christianity. Jesus was both a historical man and a divine master, devoting his life to the suffering of humanity and lifting them from the depths of temptation and death. He marked the end of the Old Testament understanding of the Jewish God and began both a religious and political movement that would forever change the world. 

Jesus is believed to have performed many miracles on Earth, becoming the champion of the poor, sick, and oppressed. During his lifetime, he preached forgiveness, mercy, and unconditional love for all people. He also stayed close to his mother, Mary, who we also hail as Divine Mother and can invoke through the Hail Mary prayer.

The Buddha

Siddhārtha Gautama, widely known as the Buddha, was a revolutionary born near the Indian border in Nepal. At first, Siddhārtha made contributions to philosophical thought in his local area, but his teachings spread long after his death to form the foundations of Buddhism.

Spiritually, the Buddha teaches rebirth and of the enlightened state of self, called Nirvana. Physically, he leads the life of the “middle way” and exercises moderation and critical thinking. Overall, following the Buddha means letting go of the Ego, finding balance, and achieving peace.

Mohammad ibn Abdullah

Jesus founded Christianity, Siddhārtha founded Buddhism, and Mohammad founded Islam. In Islam, Mohammad was a prophet who received the Quran from God as a final revelation before the world’s end. Suffering persecution early on, Mohammad had few followers and sent many away from his home region to protect them. 

Mohammad preached monotheism despite threats against him from the widely polytheistic society. While Mohammad’s teachings were rebellious to the religious and political leaders of his time, he was a uniting force for many people, converting almost the entire Arabian peninsula to Islam by the time of his death.

Kuan Yin

Kuan-shi Yin, which means “observing the world’s cries,” is recognized across Asia as the Buddhist goddess of compassion and mercy. As a Bodhisattva, Kuan Yin has earned her place as a Buddha but has chosen to dedicate her life to saving humanity instead of enjoying Nirvana. She is often depicted with a thousand arms, representing her vow never to rest until all beings are freed from the cycle of reincarnation and suffering of the world.

Krishna

In Hinduism, Krishna is credited as the creator of the universe and the eighth incarnation of another Hindu god, Vishnu. This hero’s journey is accounted for in sacred Hindu texts, in which at a young age, he fought off many enemies and forces of evil with his advanced weaponry expertise. To save him from those who feared him, his mother disguised him as a commoner in a village. There, he dazzled many with his charm and talent. Now, Krishna is revered as both the bringer of enlightenment and a punisher for bad deeds.

Anandamayi Ma

Sri Ma Anandamayi is a divine presence of self-sufficiency and joy. Born in 1896, she grew into a mysteriously aloof yet warm personality that struck the hearts of all who encountered her. No matter where she traveled, she was met with great reverence, and many came from faraway places just to see her. 

Sri Anandamayi Ma’s teachings are numerous but include achieving a life full of simplicity, love, and good works.

Ramakrishna

Sri Ramakrishna was born near Kolkata in 1836 and grew up utterly uninterested in worldly affairs. Instead, he loved the arts and philosophy. He listened to men in philosophical discourse, singing, and painting. He was known for entering states of ecstasy in which he experienced visions and had a devotion to Mother Kali. 

However, perhaps the most revolutionary thing about Ramakrishna was his ability to achieve the highest levels of revelation in several different religions, including Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism. He preached that all faiths are just different paths to see God.

Babaji

Babaji, reigning from the foothills of the Himalayas, claimed to be a manifestation of God. He did not need to be born into humanity through a woman. When people encountered him, they all saw him as a different person, whether that was young or old, shaved or bearded. One day, he is said to have climbed a mountain and sat in a yogic fashion for 45 days to meditate. Then, he began preaching his message: humanity was in trouble and needed to rebuild society as a humanitarian refuge with their eyes towards God.

Rumi

Jalāl ad-Dīn Mohammad Rūmī is now known as one of the most famous poets to have ever graced the world with his verses. Born in the 13th century, Rumi was a scholar, theologian, and poet. His influence now transcends time and language, spreading his message of infusing love throughout the world with its basis in Islam.

The First Sikh Guru: Nanak

Guru Nanak was the original Sikh, the founder of the religion. Born in Talwandi in 1469, Guru Nanak was born to Hindu parents under Muslim authority. Growing up, Guru Nanak refused to take on the faith handed down by his parents. Instead, he meditated and spoke with holy men in Hindu and Muslim traditions. After an eventful revelation, Guru Nanak realized a new religion and began traveling to spread the good news and turn upside down many of the strict laws of established religions.

The Last Sikh Guru: Gobind Singh

Gobind Singh is the last physical Sikh guru, dying in 1708. He was a philosopher, poet, and warrior and is attributed to starting the Sikh warriors called Khalsa. During his lifetime, Gobind Singh installed the 5 K’s, the articles of faith that the warriors wear, and wrote the Dasam Granth, sacred texts consisting of hymns and stories. Many look to the Sikh Gurus for strength and inner stillness to remain steadfast during storms of change.

Zhang Ying

Master Zhang Ying realized her psychic abilities from an early age. While she was raised within the Buddhist faith, her powers and practices extend beyond the traditional understandings of Buddhism and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Throughout her life, she has been able to heal others through her ability to move chi, diagnose physical and spiritual concerns in her patients, and connect with the spirit realm. 

El Morya, Ranbir Singh

Ranbir Singh was the son of the ruler of the Kashmirs in the 1840s who protected his land against British invasion. When Ranbir took his father’s place, he continued to improve his society by instituting fair civil and criminal laws and uniting divided factions. After his death, he was written into literature as an ascended master called El Morya with ties to Buddhist divine masters and is now channeled for assistance in defense against harm and decision-making.

Master Koot Humi

Koot Humi, also known as K.H. or Kuthumi, is said to have been the inspiration for starting the Theosophical Society in 1875. During his lifetime, he engaged in letters with other theosophists in India and was revered for being strong-willed but logical and calm. He has reincarnated several times, born as figures such as Egyptian Pharaohs, ancient thinkers, Catholic saints, and Indian princes. Students of his life and teachings as a divine master are encouraged to open their hearts, express unconditional love, and seek higher knowledge.

Moses the Prophet

Moses was seen as one of the fathers of the Jewish and Christian faiths, a prophet spoken to by God to bring freedom to the enslaved Jewish people. God also tasked him to provide commandments by which to live. Through faith and determination, Moses did as God asked and thereby performed miracles that allowed him to bring the Jewish people to their promised land. We can look to Moses for leadership skills and steadfastness in the face of adversity.

Merlin: Pop-Culture Divine Master

Myrddin Wyllt, better known as Merlin, was a court magician, bard, and King Arthur’s protector in the 5th century. His legacy involves a dark history of demonic dealings because of his relationship with magic. However, he was a known shapeshifter and prophet who helped King Arthur defeat his enemies and protect his kingdom while still only a teenager. Many people look to him for guidance in decision-making, persevering through troublesome times, and foresight.

Melchizedek

Melchizedek was both a King and Priest, though the only Caananite recognized as a figure of authority in the Bible. Abraham paid tithe to him, and he is revered as a solid father-like figure, although he is never mentioned in the very detailed account of lineage in Genesis. Therefore, Melchizedek’s existence and importance in the Bible and history remains somewhat mysterious. Many channel him for righteousness and oneness with creation.

Maharshi Ramana

Ramana Maharshi, born Dec. 30, 1879, is an ascended master, avatar, liberated Being, and Hindu sage. He died on Apr 14, 1950 as Venkataraman Iyer. To his devotees, he is Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi. As a boy, He would visit a sacred hill known as Arunahala where he embodied the source of The Universe and the complete current (sound, light, energy, electricity) of all reality. He spoke of this embodiment as the true Self, the personal God, or Shiva (Ishwara). His devotees came from all over the world and an ashram emerged around him. He would sit silently and allow for questions, noting that the most advantageous path to liberation is self-inquiry. Remove ignorance and be devoted to The Divine. This will help you surrender fully to the Eternal Self, which is within you.

Yogananda

Paramahansa Yogananda is the father of western Yoga, focusing on self-realization and finding God using the path within. He has built a following for his teachings on spiritual living and meditation using Yoga as a centering practice. He has also traced Yoga back through history and shown how other divine masters, such as Jesus and his disciples, used the same approach in their spiritual lives.

John of God

St. John of God, also known as father to the poor, was a Portuguese soldier in the 1500s who lost his faith and lived a life of temptation and darkness. Later, he realized the error of his ways and turned to a life of work in health care. He tended to the sick, both in body and mind, and was later canonized with a considerable following. He is now channeled for assistance with mental illness, poverty, death, and strength for health care workers. 

Zhang Daoling

During his meditations on Daoism, Zhang Daoling had a revelation claiming that Laozi, the great sage, appeared to him. Laozi told him of the “coming peace” called Taiping. This revelation drove him to begin preaching a new Daoism, keeping the tenet of physical immortality but stressing the need for religious organization. As a result, he founded the Way of the Celestial Masters, also known as the Five Pecks of Rice. He taught that illness resulted from sin-mindfulness and that Daoism offered spiritual healing that many tap into today.

Zoroaster

Zoroaster was an ancient prophet in Persia who started the first historically acknowledged world religion between the 18th and 16th centuries BCE. He wrote the sacred book Zend Avesta in which he recounts a vision he had about the cosmic war being waged between the God of Light and the principle of evil. This concept of choosing between good and evil was the first push towards monotheism in the Middle East and guided Persian civilization. This religion now serves as the basis of the Parsi faith in India. Many draw on Zoroaster for guidance in choosing good over evil.

Confucius

Kong Zi, known in Latin as Confucius, profoundly influenced philosophy and religion throughout Asia by teaching about morality and justice. He tapped into the very truth of the universe and humanity’s existence to draw out guidance for people to live by in their daily lives. He was the first to historically teach the concept of the Golden Rule, which is to only do unto others what you would want to be done to you. Many look to him for balance and guidance in ethics without being tied to organized religion.

Begin a New Path to Self-Realization and Love by Following Divine Masters

With such an expansive list of divine masters, we still have only touched on just a few. You’re sure to find in this list some inspiration, whether you choose to devote your meditation and prayer practices to one, a few, or all of the above-listed gurus and divine personalities. The deeper you dive into your research and relationship with these divine masters, the more inspiration you will find in your journey to self-development and spiritual alignment in your life.

REMEMBER!

You are a beautiful Living Being filled with light and love, born from stardust. You are unlimited potential in every direction. With a focus on discipline, virtue, and your own goodness, you can become as expanded and liberated as you desire. 

Pray for others, and the Universe prays for us. 

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Awakened Masters & Divine Beings: Who Are They and What Do They Do?

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Illuminating Souls: The Divine Masters of India and Their Transformative Influence

Introduction

India, with its rich spiritual heritage, has been the birthplace of numerous enlightened masters who have left an indelible mark on the world. These luminaries, through their teachings and profound spiritual practices, guide us on a transformative journey towards enlightenment, healing, and alignment with divine consciousness.

In this exploration, we delve into the lives and teachings of ten of the most famous enlightened masters born in India, including Amma, Mother Meera, Anandamayi Ma, Ramakrishna, and others.

Their wisdom not only illuminates our lives but also serves as a beacon, leading us towards a harmonious existence rooted in Dharma and the dissolution of karma.

  1. Amma (Mata Amritanandamayi Devi): The Hugging Saint

Amma, often referred to as the Hugging Saint, embodies the essence of love and compassion. Her selfless service and unconditional love have touched millions worldwide. Amma’s embrace, known as a hug of grace, is believed to transmit divine energy, providing solace and healing to those in need.

Her teachings emphasize the importance of selfless service, compassion, and the realization of the interconnectedness of all beings. Through her divine presence, Amma guides us on a path of love and compassion, helping to dissolve the karmic knots that bind us.

  1. Mother Meera: The Silent Illuminator

Known for her mystical silence and profound transmission of light, Mother Meera is regarded as an embodiment of the Divine Feminine. Born in a small village in India, she brings a profound silence that is said to transmit divine consciousness.

Mother Meera’s teachings emphasize the path of surrender and the transformation of the ego. Through the silent transmission of light, she aids in dissolving the karmic imprints, allowing individuals to align with their divine nature and experience inner illumination.

  1. Anandamayi Ma: The Joy-Permeated Mother

Anandamayi Ma, the Joy-Permeated Mother, radiated an unparalleled spiritual presence. Her life was a testament to the spontaneous and natural expression of divine consciousness. Anandamayi Ma emphasized the importance of surrender, love, and devotion on the spiritual path.

Her teachings guide individuals towards harmonizing with the cosmic order (Dharma) and transcending karmic entanglements. The joy that emanated from Anandamayi Ma’s being serves as a source of inspiration for seekers worldwide.

  1. Ramakrishna Paramahansa: The Eclectic Mystic

Ramakrishna Paramahansa, a 19th-century mystic, played a pivotal role in revitalizing Hinduism and fostering interfaith harmony. His teachings emphasized the universality of spiritual truths and the diverse paths to realizing the divine.

Through his deep spiritual practices, including intense devotion and meditation, Ramakrishna dissolved the boundaries of ego and delved into the ocean of divine consciousness. His life and teachings continue to guide individuals in dissolving personal karma and living in alignment with Dharma.

  1. Sri Aurobindo: The Integral Visionary

Sri Aurobindo, a philosopher, poet, and yogi, introduced the concept of integral yoga, aiming for the transformation of all aspects of human existence. His teachings emphasize the evolution of consciousness, leading towards a divine life on earth. Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Yoga seeks to dissolve the dualities of existence and align individuals with their divine nature.

Through practices like meditation, self-awareness, and conscious living, followers of Sri Aurobindo strive to overcome karma and embrace a life in harmony with the divine.

  1. Swami Vivekananda: The Torchbearer of Vedanta

Swami Vivekananda, a disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahansa, played a crucial role in introducing Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world. His teachings emphasized the universality of religion and the divinity within every soul.

Swami Vivekananda’s call for fearlessness and strength has inspired countless individuals to align with their higher selves and dissolve the karmic obstacles that hinder spiritual progress.

  1. Paramahansa Yogananda: The Yogi-Philosopher

Paramahansa Yogananda, author of “Autobiography of a Yogi,” brought the teachings of Kriya Yoga to the West. His spiritual legacy continues through the organization he founded, Self-Realization Fellowship.

Yogananda’s emphasis on direct communion with the divine through meditation provides a practical path for dissolving karma and aligning with the soul’s journey toward self-realization.

  1. Sai Baba of Shirdi: The Miraculous Mystic

Sai Baba of Shirdi, a revered saint in both Hindu and Muslim communities, is known for his miracles and teachings that transcend religious boundaries. Sai Baba emphasized the importance of love, forgiveness, and service to humanity.

His divine presence is believed to bring healing and liberation from karmic entanglements, encouraging followers to live according to Dharma.

  1. Nisargadatta Maharaj: The Sage of Self-Inquiry

Nisargadatta Maharaj, a 20th-century sage, gained recognition for his teachings on Advaita Vedanta and self-inquiry. His emphasis on realizing the true nature of the self through introspection and self-awareness provides a profound path for dissolving the illusions of karma.

Nisargadatta’s teachings guide individuals towards the direct experience of the divine consciousness that resides within.

  1. Jiddu Krishnamurti: The Iconoclastic Philosopher

Jiddu Krishnamurti, a philosopher and spiritual teacher, challenged traditional concepts of spirituality and religion. His teachings centered on the importance of self-discovery, inner freedom, and the dissolution of psychological conditioning.

Krishnamurti’s radical approach encourages individuals to question the nature of karma, cultivate deep self-awareness, and align with the timeless truth beyond cultural and religious boundaries.

Conclusion

The lives and teachings of these enlightened masters born in India offer a diverse tapestry of spiritual wisdom, providing guidance on how to illuminate our lives, heal our souls, and live in alignment with Dharma.

Whether through the transformative power of love and compassion, the silent transmission of divine light, the joy of surrender, or the integral vision of yoga, each master contributes a unique facet to the journey of self-realization.

Their teachings invite us to dissolve the karmic imprints that bind us, align with our divine nature, and awaken to the profound truth that transcends the limitations of ego and duality.

As we explore these paths, we embark on a transformative journey towards inner illumination, healing, and a harmonious existence rooted in divine consciousness.

The enlightened masters serve as beacons of light, guiding us through the labyrinth of existence towards the timeless truth that resides within every soul.

Visit TheShankaraExperience.com to learn about The Shankara Oracle – the most divine oracle on Earth.

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