It is actually not difficult for an ordinary person to learn the
art of soul awakening. It is possible to rely only on one's own
mind power to accomplish it. However, the most important key is
to cultivate the mind to a state of quietness where not even a single
thought arises. In such a frame of mind, one is not aware of the
physical body, though the body is there; one is conscious, yet one
does not dwell on any thoughts. At this critical moment, if one
enters the juncture that separates waking consciousness from unconsciousness,
one can, in a flash, break through all barriers. A great path of
brightness and splendor will manifest in one's mind. When one walks
on this path following the spiritual guidance provided, one day
there might come the clap of a thunderbolt, as heaven and earth
start to shatter, and the Universal Truth is disclosed to one. If
one wants to become acquainted with one's "true soul,"
one can use the following method:
1) First prepare a clean room, such as a study, in which one
will not be disturbed. As the lotus posture used by meditators
is usually quite difficult for ordinary people to attempt, one
may instead sit on a chair. Buddhists or Taoists can light an
incense stick, then sit for the duration of the burning of the
incense. Join both palms and hold them in a relaxed manner in
front of the chest. If one is a Christian, there is no need to
light incense. Buddhists should silently chant the name of Amitabha,
Taoists should chant the epithet of the Jade Pond Golden Mother,
and Christians should chant the name of Jesus Christ.
Every five minutes, one should add this phrase, "please
help my true soul to reawaken."
2) Since the characteristics and stage of development are different
in each soul, the time taken for each soul to reawaken will also
vary. Some people might be able to succeed with one attempt, while
others may require at least three sittings. If one can receive
help from a spiritual adept, there will be twice the result with
half the effort. Do not, however, become discouraged. There was
one woman in her forties who, after sitting for seven consecutive
days, attained the unexpected result of divine eyesight.
3) Underlying both meditation and soul awakening is the tenet
that a quiet state of mind is of paramount importance. "When
the mind is still, all Dharmas are empty of characterstics. In
such a state, Enlightenment is realized." Although meditation
appears to be a very simple act, it is not easy for someone to
sit quietly, maintaining a high concentration, while the mind
rests in a totally pure state. How many individuals can enter
into this state of mind? Most people bustle about in their lives.
It is very seldom that one can sit down for half an hour with
the mind in stillness. A person who can sit with his mind totally
quiet for half an hour is definitely no ordinary person.
4) People who are learning to awaken their souls must remember
that the moment the spiritual light shines is also the moment
when one's mind is completely quiet and still. At such moments,
when no thought arises, one realizes the true nature of the mind,
attains liberation and self-mastery.
5) Please note that when the moment of understanding dawns, one's
limbs might start moving on their own in a dance. I will not elaborate
on it as one can experience directly the surge of spiritual energy
within oneself when the soul awakens. Although the power to awaken
the soul comes from oneself, why not also ask help from the spiritual
realm? After the soul is awakened, one may then embark on the
very long journey of cultivation towards spiritual maturation.
In fact, the awakening of the soul is a relatively easy step compared
to the challenges on the path of spiritual cultivation. At the
final moment, while still sitting in the lotus meditating posture,
one will hear the roaring of thunder in the sky as the soul moves
to the crown energy center. When the energy of the soul is reinforced
by the sound of thunder, the Three Lights will manifest, and one's
soul will soar from one's gross body on earth to return to the
Ocean of Void. One shall attain forever the lofty, magnificent,
and eternal Truth. There are many benefits in having an awakened
soul. I shall explain many of them in the next chapters.
