Raiders of the Lost Spark

“Joy can be real only if people look on their life as a service, and have a definite object in life outside themselves and their personal happiness.” – Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy

In the past week, I wrapped up a 2 month intensive study on Edgar Cayce. One of the concepts that particularly struck me was with regards to relationships, soul mates in particular. I have had a certain belief in the concept of soul mates. My past has several romantic relationships that burned with the intensity of a roaring fire (and I have been convinced that the individual involved was my soul mate), yet fizzled out as if being rained on. When a relationships begins with such energy, is it actually sustainable for the long haul? It has made me question whether a person should, in fact, be in a romantic relationship with an individual who they have a certain timeless connection with. With this connection, it seems likely that a certain amount of emotional unhealthiness could also possibly arise. Cayce suggests that even if there are two souls who have “worked together” in the past, they should not necessarily seek each other out in the present. Selection of a partner should not be made solely based on physical attraction as it will fade; selection should be based on spiritual ideals, mental aspirations, and physical agreements.

This has made me think of my current relationship. We never went through the NRE (New Relationship Energy) stage. In the past, a lack of NRE would have made me believe that something was wrong and the person was not someone I should be with. In the present, I see my lack of NRE as something healthy. Rather than the blinding glare of NRE love, I am experiencing something much more subtle. My current situation is comfortable. In the past, comfort would have signified a lack of passion; a downward journey. In my current mindset, this comfort is something that I want to hold onto and continue to experience. It’s not a stagnant comfort, but one (I hope) with potential for a life time of growth. Appreciation, comfort, contentment, care, respect, and the pleasure of experiencing another human being who is, in many ways, like myself. There is a quiet joy in this. I don’t think he is my soul mate; I hope he will turn out to be my life mate.

I am finally going to explore the Kalpa Bhadra Buddhist Centre in Guelph:

“Heart Jewel” with Lamrim meditation

The Heart Jewel sadhana together with meditation on the Lamrim ( Stages of the path to enlightenment ) is the daily practice of all Kadampa Buddhists. Engaging in this practice we receive the blessings of all enlightened beings. Through the power of these blessings we make progress in our practice of Lamrim. Heart Jewel practice is especially powerful to increase and protect our wisdom and with wisdom we can always solve our daily problems.

It’s not just a romantic love… I am filled with such a love for life these days. My heart and soul are full and everything is magical.