Consider the Source: Rising Above Illusion into the Light
Of Truth

CONSIDER THE SOURCE …

Rising Above Illusion Into the Light

of Truth

Book Five: My Spiritual Awareness Series

Jim Young

iUniverse, Inc.

New York Lincoln Shanghai

CONSIDER THE SOURCE …

Rising Above Illusion Into the Light of Truth

Copyright

© 2007 by James H. Young

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

ISBN-13: 978-0-595-42912-7 (pbk)

ISBN-13: 978-0-5958-7250-3 (ebk)

ISBN-10: 0-595-42912-2 (pbk)

ISBN-10: 0-595-87250-6 (ebk)

Printed in the United States of America

Contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

APPENDIX A

APPENDIX B

ENDNOTES

JIM YOUNG’S WEBSITE

www.creationspirit.net This website contains additional creations to come through Jim Young, including other books and, eventually, collector-quality photography. Speaking services and classes dealing with his writings are also available. Contact: dimitrios@creationspirit.net.

Consider the source and rise above it

—Aristides P. Yannoudis, to his son, Dimitrios.

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom. Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same.

—Author unknown

Acknowledgements

I part, I heartily acknowledge and thank Ralph Waldo Emerson and his coterie of Transcendentalist friends, whose voices are heard through me and, in a way, as Christo Sahbays, throughout the first five books of this MY SPIRITUAL AWARENESS SERIES. They have spoken gently, yet straightforwardly, coming right to the point without mincing words … and yet in everyday terms, so that the reader can return—ever so gradually—to the seat of his or her divinity and express it as the Truth of one’s Being. They are true friends. They are those who have left their wisdom written on my heart, and I shall never be the same. Thank you, one and all.

Also, I want to acknowledge and thank my faithful and talented editorial readers, Cynthia K. Janklow, Janice M. Kirk, Dr. Carolynn Reid-Wallace, and Marsha Havens, who have helped reshape this offering with generosity of Spirit.

I express deep gratitude to my biological father, Aristides Yannoudis (my spelling; naturalized as Harry P. Young), who, in his own very special way was a great man and one who, by his example, inspired me to find my Truth and to be faithful only to That, so I could then respect the same dignity in all. And to my mother, Gertrude Tryczenski Young, who showed me the Beauty found in nature, which reflects the gift It is through all of Life.

Last, and surely not least, I thank all those who continue to encourage and embrace me on this plane, and for this expression. You know who you are, yet I want you to know that you mean more to me than you could ever imagine.

Jim Young

Introduction

Who would have thought that what began as simple homage to Ralph Waldo Emerson, along with testimony of how Transcendentalism can take us to the roots of the divinity each is—and then beyond—could, or would, end up like this? Certainly, I did not anticipate this journey as it has unfolded. As I look back on it, the formulation of what you will find herein is much like Life: a limitless series of invitations or callings to meet the Truth of our Being at the core of our divinity. Of course, we always—at least in this egoic form—have the right to either accept or deny each invitation to engage. Such engagement can seem scary at first, but once we fathom the depths and then reach that which guides us Spiritually, choice turns into simple obedience to the call. Thus we are returned to our Authentic Being and henceforth express only our Truth, and only as That. From that point on, we treat all Life brings us as gift, free from judgment as to good or bad, right or wrong. As we walk in that freedom that makes us free, we do so with a joyful heart and peace-filled Mind.

In CONSIDER THE SOURCE …, as in the other offerings in the MY SPIRITUAL AWARENESS SERIES, you will find words that are highlighted as sacred terms by the use of upper case letters, for example, like God, Truth, Idea, Being, Enlightenment, and Transcendence. Those terms that begin with IN, like INtuition and INsight, are highlighted not only for their sacred nature, but also to focus attention on where such sacred transformation is activated: Within, at the seat of Soul.

Further, you will find the Hindi greeting Namaste (NamaSTAY) used often in this text. Most consider Namaste to be a greeting that connotes the divine in the one being greeted. Christo takes it a giant step forward, indicating its meaning to be that one, being divine, greets and celebrates the divine one being greeted. To imply that one only has divinity in them rather than affirming and validating the divinity each of us is would be to deny the Truth of the expansive One of which we all are the image and likeness.

Should the characters who appear in this offering be unfamiliar to you, it might well be that only their ideas are important. However, if you wish to become more familiar with any of their lives or works, Appendix I offers supplemental information.

Should you wish to pursue the meanings you find within these pages to even greater understanding, there are questions relating to each chapter contained in the SPIRIT NOODLES section at the end of the book. Other serious students of the Way have found this to be a helpful engagement with metaphorical and metaphysical meaning.

The title? Well, you’ll just have to read on to see how it fits the Truth of what is sure to resonate in you. I greatly appreciate you accepting the invitation to participate. Enjoy!

Jim Young

CHAPTER 1 

The Invitation

You have just received an invitation in the mail. It is very unusual, strange even. It is strange both because you don’t even know the one who invited you, and the event itself is so vague as to put you off at first.

YOU ARE INVITED

6:00 in the evening

Sunday, January 1st

124 Precious Lane

In honor of those who celebrate Life and who are interested in learning the true value of the gift of Love Life is, you are invited to a private showing of some spellbinding theater: THE INVITATION. The cast of characters will be very familiar to you, yet to name them at this time would spoil part of the mystery of this offering. We will begin with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres precisely at 6:00 o’clock, followed by the viewing. Dress: formal, suitable for dining with royalty. Please RSVP by December 25.

I look forward to meeting you then.

Sincerely, R.W.E.

Yet, again, its vagueness is intriguing when you let its mystery work on you. After cautiously sitting on the invitation for a few days, you reread it, this time paying attention not to the words but rather to what the inner meaning seems to convey, and you suddenly feel your heart beat, thumping thunderously against the lining of your undergarment. Hearing its resonance with Truth for you, you decide that this could be a rare treat rather than a disaster waiting to happen. Being optimistic and looking for a holiday event beyond the usual, you give in to better judgment and respond in the affirmative.

On the given day, without the usual hangover befitting New Year’s eve celebrations, you don your favorite formal wear. As you look in the mirror in order to make any last minute adjustments, your INtuition beckons you to add a touch of period paraphernalia akin to your favorite era in history. After scrambling to find just the right touch, you then pause to peer in the mirror for affirmation and, to your great surprise and delight, you are deeply touched by what you see: a modern-day figure suddenly transformed into the most elegant character of that period of yesteryear. A chill rushes up your spine and your heart softly warms, like burning embers in an open hearth. One could say that time has stood still, so rapt is your attention focused.

Your shoulders, drooping from the stress and strain imposed by the vast array of holiday parties, suddenly pull back and you realize at the same time that your frame of Mind is lifted. I’m ready! you proclaim, and then proudly strut your stuff out the front door to settle into the horse-drawn carriage that awaits you.

When you arrive, you begin a story about Life that takes you completely by surprise. As you enter the front door of 124 Precious Lane, an array of hosts and hostesses dressed in various period costumes dating from the thirteenth through the early twentieth century graciously greet you. Contrary to its unpretentious outside appearance, on the inside 124 Precious Lane is massive, with the foyer reaching some forty feet to the softly lit chandeliers overhead, with curving staircases rising gracefully from both sides of the entry, adorned with lush holiday boughs hosting bright red candles here and there. A string quartet softly plays your favorite baroque music in the background. Spirited conversation sprinkles the air with excitement. Indeed, as you begin to relax, this night has every promise of the rare treat you had hoped for.

Then, you are taken by surprise as man who looks like he might be in his waning years, yet still strong in demeanor and elegant in word, greets you. You are touched by his presence and he looks familiar, yet his name doesn’t come readily to mind. Then, in his usual inimitable fashion, he reaches out and greets you warmly with a hug that sends a feeling of safety to your bones: Good evening, Penelope he says with a glint in his eyes. I am your host, Ralph Waldo Emerson. My friends call me ‘Waldo,’ and I hope you will call me the same. Please make yourself at home, for, as you will soon see, my Home is your Home. … With an upper-case H on Home … you can almost hear him say; his spiritual intention rings that true to you.

Privately, you are so taken aback by what seems like trickery that you want to bolt. Instead, in but a nanosecond you step beyond fear and decide to let this adventure unfold as it will. Something inside you advises that clearly, its Truth speaking with authority. Thank you, Waldo you respond in a somewhat shaken manner. Your kind host acts to put you at ease, I know this might seem unusual to you, just as it has for the others, but tonight we are celebrating, in part at least, the suspension of time in order to learn about your true self, as well as about Life in general. Bear with me then and, by all means, come in and join the rest.

As you gather yourself from the emotional shock of seemingly having just met Ralph Waldo Emerson, you enter the reception area with measured steps, not yet sure if you will stay the course. Then you realize that there are only a few who appear to be guests like you, and they are mingling with a special coterie to whom they give their focused attention. As you scan the room, you become fully aware of those who command the presence of one and all. You think that somehow they must be Waldo’s friends, for at one time or the other they all nod in his direction as if to indicate to the others with whom they are speaking that this is so.

You recognize these historical giants—or are they just simple people, like you—only masquerading as giants? You decide to engage them in conversation so you can discern for yourself. As you approach a cluster of four, you are amazed to recognize Christo Sahbays, the itinerant metaphysician from northwest Arkansas. Ahah! you say to yourself, now I’ll be able to find out just what’s going on here. Christo will not deceive me; deceit is not in his character. Finally, you greet him …

CHAPTER 2 

Intrigue

Namaste, Christo, how good to see you, you begin cautiously, giving your trusted friend a warm hug that comforts both.

It’s good to see you, too, responds Christo with a warm embrace and a welcoming smile. Namaste. It’s been a few months since we last engaged Truth together. I have a sense that tonight’s affair will be little different—yes, quite the same.

Do you really think so? you ask. I’m not at all sure what to expect.

Well, then, anything will do if you’re not expecting something in particular. The key is to expect nothing, is it not? Simply letting Life have Its way with you is quite enough, isn’t it?

Oh, yes, that; I remember. That’s what got me here: deciding to let Life have its way with me, you say, taking in a deep breath so as to relax.

Oh, excuse me, everyone, let me introduce my friend to you. This is Penelope Browning, a close friend and spiritual confidant who has led many to the threshold of their own Truth.

Penelope blushes at the effusive introduction and curtsies, befitting her period costume.

Penelope, Christo continues, these two gentlemen are from what used to be called Persia. Meet Hafiz and Rumi, two of my very favorite Sufi poets. We’ve just been discussing the nature of Life. Not a bad way to begin an evening, is it?

Namaste, she greets them, which brings warm smiles and hugs representing the power of trust from her new friends.

Penelope is floored by her recognition of these two characters. Knowing that they have long since died, she is momentarily thrown off guard. Christo looks at her with an affirming smile that settles her some, yet she has to question her sanity: Christo, is this really … she begins, only to be interrupted by Christo’s stabilizing response.

No, you’re not imagining things, Penelope. Do you recall Waldo’s words regarding the suspension of time?

Well … yes … but…

There’s no ‘but’ to it, Penelope. In the safety of suspended time, all that is or ever has been just is, right here before us. So you might as well get used to it, and start enjoying it as soon as you can.

Rumi and Hafiz nod affirmatively and smile brightly in Penelope’s direction.

Dear Penelope, Rumi warmly addresses her first, it’s such a delight to finally meet you. Earlier this evening Christo was speaking about your Spiritual prowess. Now that I have met you, I can see with my own eyes, he says, while pressing one hand against his heart, that what Christo has told us is a great understatement of what you are.

Don’t let him get you with that flattery, Hafiz says to Penelope while teasing his compatriot. The next thing you know, he’ll try to seduce you with some of his poetry.

It takes one to know one! says Rumi. Be careful, Penelope. This clever one will try to tame you with his charm and wit, so keep a wary eye.

Penelope laughs at the competitive spirit playfully expressed by her new acquaintances as she engages them. Well then, I’ll look forward to seeing who will end up with my hand by the end of the evening, she says with a more comfortable demeanor than before, and with a returning twinkle in her eye. Unless, of course, Christo wishes to get in the act. After all, he has a considerable lead on you, she admonishes, smiling at Christo.

Not a problem at all, Hafiz responds in kind, Christo is a gentleman and understands that what must be, must be. I can tell that he has no strings attached to anything in this reality.

Don’t you be too sure about that, rejoins Rumi. Hafiz tends to overstate to gain advantage, Penelope, so don’t pay attention to him.

I think I’ll be able to handle the situation, she says. But, listen, I’ve interrupted your conversation. Please, help me catch up.

There’s really nothing to catch up on, Christo implies, you already know all you need to about Life.

Well, maybe yes and maybe no. Let me be the judge of that. Besides, I have long admired the poetic sensibility of these two fine gentlemen, and would enjoy hearing about Life from their own lips, she says with aplomb, now resting more comfortably within her Self-confidence.

Now look who’s the flatterer, Hafiz says jokingly. Just look at her, will you!

No, this is not flattery, Christo comes to Penelope’s defense, this is the real deal speaking now, Hafiz.

See, I told you that he’s not as unattached as he might seem, Rumi says to Hafiz, to which Christo blushes.

Penelope is struck by the response and quickly decides to save Christo from himself. Oh, he’s not attached; we’re more like a brother-sister thing. He can be a little overprotective at times, yet he gives me plenty of room to roam. Christo smiles inwardly at the obvious act of kindness and he acknowledges it with the affirmation of silent acquiescence.

Well, now that this is all settled, by all means let’s get back to our earlier conversation. Just where were we, asks Hafiz, "when