Part 3

VIII

Inq: At certain times, why do I feel disillusioned with my lack of spiritual progress?

RW: It’s a normal part of the process and it happens to everyone at one time or another. All of a sudden, you become discouraged because you’re judging the expected results of your efforts. Instead of pressing forward or waiting for the right moment to continue your journey - you hesitate and become afraid. Then, you begin to doubt yourself, lose confidence and become disillusioned. When familiarity is gone, panic sets in and all you see is a deep, dark and impassable abyss.

Inq: So, how can I recover from this type of setback?

RW: First, you need to rationalize the situation and become fully aware of it. You have to “map-out” your mental latitude and longitude and understand your psychological coordinates. When you detach yourself and observe your emotions, you’ll be on your way out of the psychological mess you’ve put yourself in. As you proceed on your journey, every once in awhile you may feel the old sense of panic, but the assurance of knowing there’s a way back to calmness, will re-adjust your mind to a state of equilibrium. You can never un-know the lessons you’ve painstakingly learned and you’ll never lose the spiritual knowledge you’ve gained.

Inq: How will I know when I’m being controlled by my ego?

RW: First, you’ll become angry at the suggestion that anything is wrong. This is the most common symptom. Then, you’ll quickly point-out with precision, all the defects in others, institutions, situations and possessions. You’ll notice a constant dissatisfaction in your living situation and social status. You’ll often say, “if only my circumstances were different”, “others were born into a more fortunate lifestyle than I was”, “no one understands me”, “most people are so cold and unsocial toward me”, “why am I the only sincere one in this relationship?” or “my family makes my life so miserable.” Do these phrases sound familiar?

Inq: Unfortunately, yes.

RW: This mindset represents a few of the characteristics of disillusionment caused by the controlling ego. This chaotic maze of thought and resistance is certainly not the voice of the soul speaking. In fact, the soul is cringing as it listens to the whining and moaning of the ego. However, once AWE is ignited, you’ll be able to toss aside your false mask of doom and gloom. When you reach this point of self-observation, you’ll be free from the lower desires of the ego, and you’ll actually laugh at it!

Inq: …and I bet it doesn’t like being laughed at.

RW: That’s right, because it has been slain and AWE has prevailed.

Inq: …and what happens next?

RW: You’ll experience happiness – continuing happiness. You’ll feel a warm radiance filling you up from within. You’ll see your true path unfolding right in front of you. You’ll understand that AWE is inner Truth and you’ll be glad you listened to it. You’ll become busy studying and applying AWE to live a full, rich and interesting life. Your convictions will be filled with enthusiastic determination that will encourage others to move forward as well. You’ll become a constructive force of a higher consciousness, bringing joy to others and yourself.

Inquirer: And now the age-old question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?”

Robert Waxman: You must understand that bad things have happened to every individual, in every nation, at one time or another. You’re not perfect; so don’t expect to have a perfect life. Even the wisest people act carelessly and forget to use their better judgment. Everyone makes a mistake when the ego takes control over important decisions. During these moments of weakness, specific causes will be set in motion that will eventually produce unpleasant effects. The “sins” of the world do not fall on anyone else – they fall upon each and every one of us. Therefore, if you don’t dwell on misfortune by brooding, regretting, blaming others and feeling guilty, you’ll overcome the emotional pain of loss and disappointment.

Inq: Does everything happen for a reason?

RW: Yes, and there’s always a lesson to be learned from each situation. This may sound like a cliché, but it’s true. It may take many years before you understand the meaning of a certain lesson but the moment of realization will eventually come. You must assimilate your emotional pain and triumph over it. From this “dark night of the soul”, a boundless renewed spiritual energy will be ignited. You should never brood over anything that’s happened to you, but you should also be extra careful not to cause unnecessary pain by making bad decisions.

Inq: How long does it usually take to feel the affects of a bad decision?

RW: That’s impossible to say, maybe tomorrow, or maybe 50 years from now. The future affects of a bad decision already exist within the reasons why you made that decision in the first place. So, every action carries with it a resulting reverberation that may be postponed but is always inevitable. You can mitigate the effects of your actions by not reacting and by using The Power of AWE as your guide.

Inq: Do you believe that certain events are predestined?

RW: No. Predestination does not exist. You have the divine gift of free will and it should be used constantly. You always have the choice to be swayed by your ego or to use The Power AWE when making important decisions. You can either sink to the lowest levels of depravity or rise to the highest levels of goodness, compassion and love.

Inq: ….and why do you think there’s so much depravity and cruelty in the world today?

RW: Many people want to control others and they use cruelty as their weapon of choice. Many times, individuals who want to appear superior, are feeling inferior and will feed their egos by “rattling the cage” of others. These people are experts at zeroing-in on everyone else’s vulnerable spots. They don’t care about the pain they inflict on others through innuendo, criticism, derogatory language and cold silence.

Inq: How does someone live or work with this type of cruel individual?

RW: Unfortunately, most of us haven’t achieved an unwavering level of quiet calm. We must depend upon our own spiritual strength to refrain from feeling hostile, vindictive or hatred toward others. Eventually, we must either fix or terminate a relationship with a cruel person.

Inq: But, terminating such a relationship can be very difficult and painful.

RW: True. But, if you become contemptuous of their cruelty, which is thinly veiled sadism, you’ll be sinking down to the lowest levels of consciousness. You’ll also be setting up mental causes that will have unpleasant future effects on your mind and body. You’ll live a much better life by having little or no contact with a habitually cruel person.

Inq: …but, what about those relationships that can be fixed?

RW: In certain instances, practicing kindness, tolerance and genuine friendliness can work. You always have the power to set an example, and sometimes, this will cause great changes in the behavior of others.

Inq: Why can’t people understand that kindness and love work better than unfriendliness and cruelty?

RW: Some cruel individuals have learned that they’ve wasted a lot of time using their energies in a destructive manner. Some will start to realize that their lives could be greatly improved by practicing kindness and compassion in a constructive manner.

Inq: So, how can a cruel person transform into a kind person?

RW: They should be encouraged to use their unique talents as a form of self-expression. People want to feel indispensable in some aspect of their lives. They want someone to acknowledge and appreciate them for who they are. By studying, learning and practicing AWE they can turn their lives around.

Inq: Why don’t more people choose to improve their outlook on life?

RW: They must have the desire within themselves to change for the better. There can be no excuses for doing what is right in all situations. No one has a monopoly on Truth and everyone should express their own Truth, as they know it to be.

Inq: So, how do I pursue the advancement of my own Truth?

RW: By understanding that it’s not just a matter of “doing and acting”; it’s a matter of being yourself at all times. By simply allowing your life to unfold naturally, you’ll eventually experience the wonder of inner illumination.

Inq: …and is that what is meant by “seeing the light?”

RW: Yes, within you shines the light of the world.

Inq: Why is it so difficult for people to look in the mirror and acknowledge who they really are?

RW: Because most people are in denial and don’t see the need for change. However, all civilizations have changed from one age to another. We all have the ability to change and grow. Throughout history, great men and woman realized major changes were desperately needed for the common good. At certain times, there was a growing realization by progressive thinkers, that those in authority needed to be reminded of the timeless Power of AWE.

Inq: And, where are these progressive thinkers today?

RW: There are plenty of them just waiting to be heard. They’ll start receiving much more attention when the majority of the population has the courage to speak their minds in public. Then, the spotlight of public attention will shift over to the progressive thinkers and the world will definitely change for the better.

Inq: Who are these progressive thinkers?

RW: They are people committed to principles of fairness, decency and consistency. When given the chance, they’ll spread the light of a higher consciousness and help destroy constricting societal molds that cause pain and suffering.

Inq: Don’t most people want to ease the pain and suffering of others?

RW: For your children’s sake, I hope so. But desire is not enough. It begins with the realization that dependency on the outside world is futile and the best way to make your life better is to awaken the inside world. A spiritual understanding of yourself brings about this awakening. Hostility and indifference must be overcome and a wise, positive attitude must be adopted. The need to dominate others must be abandoned because it is the antithesis of spirituality. AWE can only be used for good purposes as it flows from the essential nature of your being. You must face the facts about past actions, correct destructive patterns of behavior and right the wrongs of past thinking. This is the most effective way to make the world a better place for future generations.

Inq: How would you define death?

RW: Death is a universal process; it’s the opposite of life. Death is a natural event in the cycle of life. It’s as constant as the setting of the sun every evening. All things around us come into being, have their purpose, begin to decay, and eventually, dissolve. The first clue to understanding death is that it’s completely inter-related to the process of life. Life can be a great plan of progress and most individuals try diligently to progress through its various stages. The body has a certain degree of stamina, strength, resistance and adaptability. It may be overloaded with strain or illness and collapse at an early age or it may be able to withstand these pressures and overcome a bombardment of physical and mental stresses. After a certain point, however, the body can only withstand so much battering and death will result.

Inq: …and what happens after death?

RW: It’s an end, but not the end. Immediately after death, the soul will review your past actions, emotions and thoughts. Then, the soul will evaluate the true meaning of its experiences from a soul’s point of view. This is known as “the life review” and it’s a common experience among those who’ve had a near-death experience (NDE).

Inq: Who judges the soul?

RW: Only the soul judges the soul. And, it does so in the most merciful way possible. This is a very important teaching of AWE: there’s no great being in the image of man sitting on a golden throne, with angels flying around him, judging all souls as they bow down before him. Man has created this human image of God and it’s been taken literally for thousands of years. The image on the throne is the soul itself and it is the soul alone that determines the amount of spiritual progress that was made during the lifetime.

Inq: How do you know this is true?

RW: You’ll find clues to understanding life and death by examining the processes of waking and sleeping. Your entire lifetime is but one day to the soul. Correspondingly, death is but one night to the soul. During death, the soul will experience a beautiful dream, which is known as “the heavenly reward”. The teachings of AWE explain the strong correspondence between waking and sleeping vs. living and dying. By understanding this analogy, you’ll become aware of the divine patterns in nature and the cyclical laws that we’re all subject to.

XII

Inq: Why is it so difficult to live according to spiritual principles?

RW: It shouldn’t be. The power of free choice is a priceless human possession. However, you’ll need to assimilate the truths of AWE to make the best possible decisions. You must think and act by what you perceive to be beneficial for others and yourself. You must choose your path wisely and feel good about it everyday. You must choose to be exactly who you are and accept all self-less opportunities. You should always feel energized by the choices you’ve made.

Inq: Sometimes, isn’t it better to stay on the sidelines and just do nothing?

RW: Yes. Often, in our eagerness to help, we forget that at certain times, we can be of better assistance by withholding our efforts. There are situations when doing nothing is the right choice. Sometimes, it’s better to watch than to act. But, those who naturally enjoy helping others will not lose their sense of compassion if they decide; the best assistance is no assistance.

Inq: So, how do I choose between acting or not acting in different situations?

RW: By acquiring equilibrium and treading your path in a state of balance. Equilibrium is establishing self-control in all situations. Nothing can upset you. When you are unaffected by the wild gyrations of the outside world, you’ll be able to see, choose, act, or refrain from acting from a constant state of equilibrium.

Inq: Does equilibrium create a cheerful disposition?

RW: Yes, being cheerful is often mentioned as a philosophy unto itself. Cheerfulness seems to have some magical power in our daily lives. It gives you the strength to overcome an inclination toward self-pity. People who are genuinely cheerful are a pleasure to associate with and we often turn to them in times of trouble. These individuals know how to speak from the heart and they are always there for you with a smile.

Inq: How can I be sure if someone is genuinely speaking from the heart?

RW: You’ll intuitively feel the love, generosity, gentleness and kindness from a person who is truly genuine. Unfortunately, this type of human disposition is rare and it requires recognition of the oneness of all things and all beings. It’s a viewpoint taken by those who are wise, balanced, poised, steady, fearless and devoted. These illuminated individuals can see through the “eye of the soul” that enables them to see things as they truly are - not what they appear to be.

Inq: What is the “eye of the soul”?

RW: Your soul’s perception. The whole world appears differently when viewed through the eye of the soul. Imagine taking off your sunglasses for the first time to see the sunset. Through the eye of the soul, you can see a person’s true character beneath their surface appearance. You’ll see devious motives behind false pretenses, conflicting issues on both sides of a struggle and the meaning of life’s most painful lessons. When you allow your soul’s perceptive abilities to evolve it will blossom, grow and reach its goals.

Inq: What are the goals of the soul?

RW: To point out the true and warn against the false. To help others open their hearts and minds. To make sure that AWE is never forgotten by your mind. To maintain the highest levels of awareness, so you can live the most unselfish and purest life possible.

Inq: How will my soul accomplish these goals?

RW: During the course of your inner evolution, you will feel the rays of AWE shining within you. Those who persevere will be compelled to assimilate AWE through practice and exercise. The integrity of these individuals is guided by conscience that is imbedded within the soul. The soul’s message is simple and clear: apply, apply and apply - The Power of AWE!

Inq: What’s the most practical way to apply AWE?

RW: There comes a time in every person’s life when they ask: “why am I here?” or “what is my life’s purpose?” Society, family members, government agencies and various organizations have succeeded in filling our minds with all kinds of misconceptions. Many people have been led to believe that life has no purpose at all. But, as people begin to ask themselves about the reasons behind the phenomenon of birth, life and death, the answers will start to become clear. Everywhere - in all kingdoms of nature there is a progressive march toward a higher life. Everywhere - there is an impulse for life to take a higher form. Everywhere - the purpose of life is inner and outer growth, gaining necessary experience and giving love to all beings.

Inq: How can I stay true to the teachings of AWE?

RW: By learning that every thought matters. By living the teachings of AWE and understanding your own essential nature. When you’re in the process of learning, your horizons gradually widen and you’ll remain encouraged to stay true to yourself.

Inq: So, how do I begin living through The Power of Awe?

RW: It starts with a change in the way you think. As you correct your thinking, you‘ll find AWE springing up within you spontaneously. There will be plenty of difficulties along the way, but that’s to be expected. AWE offers you a rational explanation for all the challenges you’ll encounter in every situation. Again, it’s perseverance and knowing your life’s purpose that will help you surmount life’s greatest obstacles. As you put forth dedicated and sustained efforts, you’ll see the true meaning of your life unfolding before you.

Inq: Can everyone’s lives change for the better?

RW: Yes, everybody makes decisions on a wide range of choices on a daily basis. Your habits are limitations imposed on yourself by your will. These patterns of behavior will hold you back from moving in a new positive direction. When you progress toward greater moral responsibility, you’ll abandon many old habits that were non-productive. You’ll formulate a new strategy for living the best life possible. You can start by making a list of all your self-defeating habits: in the minus column, jot down behavioral patterns that waste time, create distractions and aggravate others; in the plus column, write down your commitment to: 1) learning new and useful ways to relate to others, 2) developing your unique talents that express exactly who you are, and 3) practicing the fundamental principles of AWE by listening to the small voice within you everyday. Eventually, your fog will lift, strength will be gained and you’ll see a splendid vision of the future.