The Law of Attraction: Generating Abundance and the Law of Karma

The Law of Attraction: Generating Abundance and the Law of Karma

– Composed by Duane Steffens, and Edited Glenn Nangaku Leisching

Have you ever felt like the universe conspires to make your dreams come true? Or wondered why certain events seem to align perfectly in your life? This phenomenon is often attributed to the Law of Attraction and the Law of Karma. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of these two powerful Laws and explore how they oppose and work together to shape our reality.

Introduction

The Law of Attraction and the Law of Karma are profound principles that delve into the connection between our thoughts, actions, and the reality we experience. These principles suggest that the energy we emit through our thoughts and actions has a direct influence on what we attract into our lives. What is often not considered is the Karmic consequences of misaligned energy – the distracting dissonance of desire that obscures our navigation toward true purpose.

Understanding the Law of Attraction

The Law of Attraction is the idea that ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ thoughts or stories attract ‘positive’ or ‘negative’ experiences into a person’s life. The Law of Karma is the idea that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. These two laws are often seen as being interconnected – the energy we put out into the world is what we attract back. While they can work in unison, they can also work at cross-purposes.

In the new science of quantum mechanics evidence supports the Law of Attraction. The Law of Karma has less scientific validation. Some people find that focusing on positive thoughts and actions helps them to feel happier and more fulfilled. Others believe that by living a karmically-aligned life, they can create a more positive future for themselves.

Whether or not you believe in the Law of Attraction or the Law of Karma, it is important to be mindful of your thoughts and actions. The energy you put out into the world does have an impact on your life, so try to focus on being kind to others. Consider too that what you may believe to be ‘positive’ another may consider harmful. Attracting a new electric car into your life, for example, has significant environmental impacts – both ‘good’ and ‘bad’.

The Law of Karma

The Cycle of Cause and Effect

Karma is deeply rooted in the idea of cause and effect. It suggests that our actions, whether good or bad, create a cycle that shapes our future experiences. This cycle is often referred to as the “karmic wheel” or the “wheel of life.”

The karmic wheel is said to be divided into three parts: the past, the present, and the future. Our actions in the past have an impact on our present, and our actions in the present will have an impact on our future. This is why it is important to be mindful of our actions and to try to live a karmically-aligned life.

Imagine your life, and the millions of decisions we make, as a pendulum. We use effort to push ourselves into so called ‘better’ realms. In doing so we create an equal and opposite reaction, or the potential energy to return to balance or equilibrium. Every moment we move away from this centeredness we create karma. As our inner-pendulum swings from past to future, from like to dislike, from repulsion to attraction, karma returns us to center.

Along the way we create this karmic ‘debt’. Its important to make ourselves available to settle these debts – experience the full consequences of past actions to clear the slate. Sometimes this is experienced as pain or suffering. Attempting to avoid this debt by attracting ‘feel-good’ activities only serves to increase the karmic debt-load.

Intention and Action

Karma is not solely about actions; it also encompasses intention. The energy behind our actions and thoughts contributes to the karmic cycle, influencing the outcomes we face. For example, if we have the intention to help someone, but we do not actually follow through with our actions, we will still create karmic debt. On the other hand, if we have the intention to harm someone, but we do not actually follow through with our actions, we will still create karmic merit.

The Law of Karma is complex and nuanced but it is an important one to understand if we want to live a grounded, fulfilling life. By being mindful of our actions and intentions, we can create a karmic cycle that is beneficial to ourselves and to others.

The Symbiotic Relationship

The Law of Attraction and the Law of Karma are intertwined. Our thoughts and intentions create an energy that interacts with the karmic cycle. While we are creative generators of abundance we are also transformers of karma. A life cleared of karma is a free, sovereign and enlightened life – one that is on purpose in which you can deliver your innate gift of unique medicine.

Thoughts as Seeds: Planting the Right Ones

Just as seeds grow into plants, our thoughts grow into our reality. Planting thought-seeds in alignment with your life-purpose leads to a generous harvest, in alignment with the Law of Karma.

Reaping What You Sow: Karma in Action

Karma ensures that what we put out into the world comes back to us. By cultivating well-aligned intentions, we invite karmic harmony – the consequence is debt-free abundance.

Overcoming Challenges

Breaking Scarcity Thought Patterns

Scarcity thought patterns are like a prison. They keep us trapped in a cycle of negativity that can be difficult to break free from. However, it is possible to overcome scarcity patterns by becoming aware of them and then consciously choosing to think and act differently.

One way to become aware of your scarcity thought patterns is to keep a journal. Write down your thoughts and feelings throughout the day, and pay attention to any patterns that emerge. Once you are aware of these thought patterns, you can start to challenge them. Ask yourself if your thoughts are really true, and if not, what is a more expansive way to think about the situation.

It is also important to be patient with yourself. It takes time to break old habits and form new ones. Be kind to yourself as you make this journey, and celebrate your progress along the way.

Transforming Karmic Debts

Karmic debts are debts that we owe from past lives (many of them ancestral or inter-generational) and behaviours. They can be caused by actions that we have taken, or by things that we have failed to do. Karmic debts can manifest in our current life in many ways, such as through relationships, health problems, or financial difficulties.

The good news is that karmic debts can be transformed. We can do this by acknowledging our karmic debts, learning from them, and making amends. When we do this, we release the energy of scarcity associated with the debt and open ourselves up to aligned abundance.

There are many ways to transform karmic debts. One way is to simply acknowledge the debt and forgive yourself for whatever caused it. Another way is to do something to make amends, such as apologizing to someone you have wronged or helping someone in need. You can also transform karmic debts through spiritual practices such as meditation or prayer.

No matter how you choose to transform your karmic debts, the important thing is to take action. By doing so, you can free yourself from the negative energy of the past and create a more fulfilling future.

Manifesting Abundance

Cultivating an Aligned Mindset

A prosperity mindset involves supporting your ability to manifest abundance. This self-assuredness aligns your energy with the universe, making you a magnet for truthful expression.

To cultivate a prosperity mindset, you can practice gratitude, affirmations, and visualization.

You can also surround yourself with authentic people and things that remind you of your abundance.

Taking Inspired Action

The Law of Attraction requires proactive steps. Taking inspired action towards your life-purpose not only demonstrates your commitment but also amplifies the energy you radiate.
To take inspired action, align with what feels true for you make a plan, and take small steps towards authentic alignment each day.
You can also ask for help from others and be open to new opportunities.

Here are some additional tips for manifesting abundance:

  • Be specific about manifesting what aligns with your calling.
  • Believe that you can achieve your life-purpose.
  • Take action towards aligning with what is true for you.
  • Be grateful for what you have.
  • Surround yourself with authentic people and universal gifts.
  • Remain present and grounded is every moment.

Have fun!

Living in Harmony

Balancing Personal Desires and Collective Good.

In the journey of manifesting our personal desires, it becomes vital to walk the tightrope of balance between our aspirations and the well-being of others. While it’s only natural to pursue our dreams, it’s equally important to recognize our interconnectedness and the impact our actions have on the world around us. When we approach our goals with sensitivity to the needs of others, we foster an environment of harmony.

Radiating Abundance and Compassion

The power of generativity extends far beyond our immediate sphere. It’s like tossing a pebble into a calm pond—those ripples of authenticity spread outward, touching the lives of people we might not even know. By choosing to radiate alignment with our purpose through our thoughts, words, and actions, we create a chain reaction of goodness. And let’s not forget compassion, that gentle force that reminds us of our shared humanity. When we show compassion, we not only uplift ourselves but also contribute to a broader, more positive collective consciousness. After all, a kind word or a helping hand can create a domino effect of kindness throughout the world.

 

The Ripple Effect

Spreading Positive Alignment Through Energy

Think of energy as a river flowing through every interaction and moment. It’s not confined to a single point; rather, it ripples outward, touching everything it encounters. Just as a smile can brighten someone’s day, our energy has the potential to create a chain reaction of good vibes. It’s fascinating how our actions, no matter how small, can set off a series of events that lead to greater harmony. Sometimes, the impact is subtle and gradual, like sunlight slowly warming up a room. Other times, it’s immediate and powerful, like a wave of laughter infecting everyone in a room. By being mindful of the energy we exude, we contribute to a world where positivity begets positivity.

Attracting Like-Minded Souls

Have you ever noticed that you tend to gravitate towards people who share a similar outlook on life? That’s the Law of Attraction at play. Just as magnets are drawn to each other, so are individuals with compatible energies. When you focus on cultivating and practicing good karma, you emit a certain energy—a vibe that resonates with others who are on a similar wavelength. It’s like a secret language of the universe; you attract those who mirror your mindset. These like-minded souls become your companions on this journey, supporting and uplifting you as you collectively work towards creating a better reality. So, as you refine your energy, remember that you’re not just shaping your own world; you’re also shaping the company you keep

FAQs

Is the Law of Attraction scientifically proven?
The Law of Attraction principles align with the psychology of positive thinking and the energy-matter connection in quantum physics.

Can the Law of Karma be changed?
The Law of Karma emphasizes that our current actions shape our future experiences. By acting positively and consciously redirecting our intentions, we can influence our karmic trajectory.

How long does it take to see results with the Law of Attraction?
Results vary based on individual circumstances, belief systems, and consistent effort. Some experience rapid shifts, while others may take more time to see significant changes.

What are some practical ways to raise my vibrational energy?
Engage in activities that bring joy, practice mindfulness and meditation, cultivate gratitude, surround yourself with positive influences, and engage in acts of kindness.

How does gratitude contribute to attracting abundance?
Gratitude aligns your energy with positivity and abundance. By acknowledging and appreciating what you have, you open yourself to receiving more of the same energy.

 

Dr. Masaru Emoto: How Emotion Influences Water

Dr. Masaru Emoto: How Emotion Influences Water

– Composed by Duane Steffens, and Edited Glenn Nangaku Leisching

Have you ever felt like the universe conspires to make your dreams come true? Or wondered why certain events seem to align perfectly in your life? This phenomenon is often attributed to the Law of Attraction and the Law of Karma. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of these two powerful Laws and explore how they oppose and work together to shape our reality, as explored through the teachings at Born as the Earth Zen Academy (BEZA) in Cape Town.

Introduction

Dr. Masaru Emoto’s Ideas on How Emotion Influences Water

Water, the elixir of life, has been revered for its purity and essential role in sustaining all living beings on our planet. Dr. Masaru Emoto, a Japanese researcher, introduced a fascinating perspective on water’s properties by studying the influence of human emotions on its molecular structure. His pioneering work in the field of water crystal experiments has sparked both wonder and controversy, captivating the minds of many. In this article, we will delve into Dr. Emoto’s ideas, exploring the impact of emotions on water and the implications it holds for our daily lives.

The Water Crystal Experiments

At BEZA, we explore Dr. Emoto’s water crystal experiments, which involved subjecting water samples to various emotions, thoughts, and intentions. By exposing water to different stimuli, he aimed to observe whether these factors would affect the formation of water crystals. Crystalline structures were formed by freezing water droplets and analyzing them under a microscope. These experiments provided a unique lens to investigate water’s response to human influence.

 

The Impact of Positive Emotions on Water

Dr. Emoto’s experiments revealed that positive emotions, such as love, gratitude, and joy, had a profound effect on the structure of water crystals. When water samples were exposed to these emotions, they formed intricate and harmonious crystal formations. These results suggest that positive emotions may have the potential to enhance water’s vitality and promote balance.

Imagine the implications of infusing positivity into the water we consume daily. If our emotions can influence water, and our bodies consist mostly of water, it raises the question of how positive emotions may impact our overall well-being. Perhaps, by cultivating love, gratitude, and joy within ourselves, we can positively influence our own molecular structure and promote a healthier state of being.

 

The Influence of Negative Emotions on Water

Conversely, Dr. Emoto’s experiments also explored the impact of negative emotions on water crystals. When water samples were exposed to emotions like anger, hate, and fear, the resulting crystals appeared distorted and chaotic. These findings suggest that negative emotions may disrupt the natural harmony of water molecules, potentially affecting their ability to support life’s essential processes.

Consider the metaphorical implications of these findings. If negative emotions can cause such disarray in water crystals, which are fundamental to life, it raises awareness about the potential impact of negativity on our own well-being. Recognizing the detrimental effects of anger, hate, and fear allows us to cultivate a more positive emotional landscape, not just for our own benefit but also for the broader interconnectedness of life.

Daily Practices for Integration

The Power of Intention and Thoughts
Dr. Emoto’s work emphasized the power of intention and thoughts in influencing water. He believed that our intentions and the thoughts we direct towards water can directly shape its response. By consciously infusing positive intentions and thoughts into water, we have the potential to affect its molecular structure positively.

This concept parallels the ancient practice of blessings. Across cultures and religions, water has been blessed or prayed upon, imbuing it with positive energy. Dr. Emoto’s experiments offer a scientific lens through which we can understand and appreciate the intention behind these practices. By acknowledging the power of our thoughts and intentions, we can actively contribute to the well-being of the water we interact with daily.

Applying Dr. Emoto’s Ideas in Daily Life

Dr. Emoto’s ideas hold practical applications for our daily lives. We can begin by being mindful of the emotions we carry and the thoughts we project onto the water we consume. To infuse positivity into our drinking water, we can offer blessings, express gratitude, or visualize vibrant and healthy water molecules. Small acts like these have the potential to create a ripple effect, spreading positive energy not only within ourselves but also through the interconnected web of life.

Moreover, considering the impact of emotions on water encourages us to approach interactions and relationships with greater awareness. By consciously cultivating positive emotions, we contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate environment, benefiting not only ourselves but also the collective consciousness of humanity.

Scientific Perspectives and Criticisms

Dr. Emoto’s ideas have received both admiration and skepticism within the scientific community. While his experiments sparked intrigue and inspired further research, some critics questioned the methodology and reproducibility of his findings. It is essential to acknowledge that science demands rigorous experimentation and peer-reviewed studies to establish conclusive evidence.

Nevertheless, the discussions surrounding Dr. Emoto’s work have stimulated broader conversations about the nature of water and its potential for responsiveness to external influences. Rather than dismissing his ideas entirely, these debates encourage curiosity and open-mindedness, urging us to explore the uncharted territories of water’s properties.

The Relevance of Dr. Emoto’s Ideas Today

Despite the criticisms, Dr. Emoto’s ideas continue to resonate with many individuals and have influenced various holistic healing practices. Water, as a powerful medium, holds the potential to mirror and respond to our intentions and emotions. The continued interest and research in water’s properties highlight the underlying human fascination with the interconnectedness of all things.

By acknowledging the influence of emotions on water, we gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate relationship between ourselves and the world around us. Dr. Emoto’s work invites us to embrace a more conscious and intentional way of living, where our thoughts, emotions, and actions can have a profound impact not only on our personal well-being but also on the vibrant tapestry of life itself.

 

Conclusion

Dr. Masaru Emoto’s groundbreaking research on the influence of emotions on water has sparked a paradigm shift in our understanding of this essential element of life. Through his water crystal experiments, he demonstrated the potential impact of both positive and negative emotions on the molecular structure of water. These findings encourage us to recognize the power we hold to shape our own well-being and the world around us.

As we navigate our daily lives, let us remember the significance of water and the role our emotions play in shaping its response. By infusing positivity into the water we consume and cultivating a conscious emotional landscape, we can contribute to a more harmonious and interconnected existence.

FAQs

Can the emotions we feel really influence the molecular structure of water?
Yes, Dr. Masaru Emoto’s water crystal experiments suggest that emotions can influence the molecular structure of water.

How can I infuse positivity into the water I consume daily?
You can infuse positivity into your water by offering blessings, expressing gratitude, or visualizing vibrant and healthy water molecules.

Are there any scientific criticisms of Dr. Emoto’s work?
Yes, Dr. Emoto’s work has faced criticism regarding methodology and reproducibility. The scientific community encourages further research and peer-reviewed studies.

What are some practical applications of Dr. Emoto’s ideas in daily life?
Practical applications include being mindful of your emotions and thoughts, offering blessings to water, and cultivating positive emotions in interactions and relationships.

How does understanding the influence of emotions on water benefit us?
Understanding this influence allows us to be more intentional with our emotions and thoughts, potentially promoting personal well-being and contributing to a more harmonious environment.

Daily Open Meditation Sessions (OMS)

Monday – Friday: 07:00AM – 08:00AM

* Free open meditation space

* Sessions happen live online via Zoom

* Regular supportive space to practice meditation within community

* No training required

* Beginners and advanced meditators welcome

* Basic temple *protocols apply

Zazen | Elemental Meditation Training (ZMT)

*Monthly Online Training

19:00PM – 21:00PM

Tuesdays 7-9pm (SAST)

1 April | 29 April | 1 July | 26 August | 23 September | 28 October | 25 November

Zen Meditation (Zazen) is the ultimate sustainability and resiliency practice. To meditate is completely natural. It is through meditation that we begin to train our mind to become less erratic and more focused. During the unfolding stages you will become increasingly flexible, determined, and clear in body and mind. Zazen (similar in nature to Vipassana) is the meditation practice taught by Shakyamuni Buddha. 'Zen' is the Japanese word for meditation. Zen Buddhism focusses on the practice of meditation to alleviate pain and suffering and is the most direct route to enlightenment. Together we learn how to practice zen on the cushion and off the cushion (in every aspect of our daily lives).

Elemental Meditation applies similar Zen Meditation techniques except where you work with the breath in Zazen - in Elemental Meditation you learn how to meditate with one of the 5 Gateway Elements (Fire, Water, Earth, Nature, Stone). This meditation training focuses your attention on the specific element and develops a profound intimacy with your inner/outer elemental nature. Developing this practice helps you to be in nature with these elements in a more profound way. It also helps to regulate and balance how these cosmological elements are constituted in your being.

Our instructors and teachings offer you personalized guidance on a step-by-step evolutionary path to self-discovery and inner harmony. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, engage this easily accessible opportunity and awaken to your True Nature and find joy and solace in the serene landscapes of your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual body.

Beginners and advanced practitioners welcome.

Meditation training is by DANA subscription.

Why Join?

I want to deepen my practice through expert guidance

I want to build consistency through daily live meditations

I want to cultivate harmony between mind, body, and spirit

I want to connect with a supportive meditation community

Zazen | Elemental Meditation (ZMT)

R300 per month (Africans)

€45 (R900) per month (Internationals)

Live Monthly Online Meditation Training (2-hour session)

Live Meditation Sessions within community (Monday–Friday | 7-8am SAST)

Private Guidance by Ekan Nangaku (Wednesday mornings)

Compassionate WATER Module

Way of Balance

19 March - 3 May 2026

Born as the Earth Zen Academy | BEZA | Elemental | Zen | Mentoring | Meditation | Generational Healing | Ancestors | Divination | Shamanic | Shamanism | Gatekeeper | DANA | Community Council | Buddhism | Spirituality | Nature | Mindfulness | Enlightenment | Awakening | Daido Roshi | Consciousness | Holistic | True Self | Wisdom | Medicine

Learn harmonising techniques - how to sense and relate to others. Access your emotional intelligence. Navigate the complexities of human and non-human relationships. Acquire the skills of meditation; compassion; resonance; resolving dilemma; and shadow work.

Apprentices tune into the rhythms of Water, refining their ability to sense, relate, and respond with Water's energy in motion -- E-motional Intelligence. Water teaches the art of harmonisation—flowing between interactions, sensing the unspoken, and embracing the unseen. Through this fluid connection, apprentices will develop a heightened awareness of balance, sensitivity, and relational depth, discovering how to embody compassion and resonance in both the tangible and intangible aspects of life.
 
Each session will bring apprentices into a deeply intimate relationship with water, not just as a resource, but as a living guide to balance, presence, and relational flow. Emotions are the oscillations of Water, reflecting the ebb and flow of our inner world. Tears become the body's release, like fresh rain cleansing parched earth. Our clear, still Waters hold the weight of what is unspeakable, quietly resolving distortion into clarity. Water teaches us to cleanse, recharge, and realign our inner states, revealing the body itself as a flowing system—a harmonic hologram of the great Waters of the world. By learning to experience deeply, apprentices will cultivate a profound sensitivity, allowing them to respond to themselves and others with openness, clarity, and compassion.
Through meditation, elemental rituals, and reflections on ancient wisdom, apprentices will learn to resolve dilemmas, engage in shadow work, and strengthen their emotional intelligence—enhancing  their understanding of how Water nourishes and connects all life.

Integration after Kensho: How Daily Practices and Community Help

Integration after Kensho: How Daily Practices and Community Help

– Composed by Duane Steffens and Glenn Nangaku Leisching

Introduction

In the realm of spiritual awakening, Kensho represents a profound moment of realization and transcendence. However, the true journey begins after this transformative experience. Integrating Kensho into our daily lives becomes crucial to align our newfound insights with our actions, relationships, and overall well-being. This article explores the changes that occur after Kensho, the significance of integration, and how daily practices and community support aid in this process.

Understanding Kensho

Before delving into the integration process, it’s helpful to have an understanding of Kensho. Kensho, derived from Zen Buddhism, refers to a direct experience of awakening or enlightenment. It involves transcending the illusion of the self and gaining deep insights into the nature of reality. Kensho can be a life-altering event, shattering preconceived notions and revealing the interconnectedness of all things.

The Importance of Integration

While Kensho itself may be a powerful moment, true growth lies in integrating the experience into our daily lives. Integration ensures that the insights gained during Kensho become embodied wisdom rather than fleeting glimpses. It aligns our inner transformation with our external actions, enabling us to live with greater authenticity and purpose.

Changes After Kensho

After Kensho, individuals often experience profound changes in their perspectives, priorities, and behaviors. The realization of the impermanence of existence and the interconnectedness of all beings can lead to a shift in values. Priorities may shift from material possessions to meaningful experiences, and the pursuit of success may be replaced by a deeper yearning for inner fulfillment.

Daily Practices for Integration

After Kensho the varied stimuli of our lives begin to have a different quality to them. Our habitual responses to those stimuli also begin to shift, creating more space for conscious choices.

Daily practices play a vital role in the integration process. Engaging in mindfulness meditation, journaling, taking full responsibility for the state of love and compassion you have for yourself and others, or reflective exercises allows individuals to anchor their Kensho experience and insights into their daily routines. These practices cultivate present-moment awareness, enhance self-reflection, and provide a space for processing emotions and thoughts that arise during the integration journey.

 

The Role of Community

The support of a community can be invaluable during the integration process. Engaging with like-minded individuals who have also undergone Kensho fosters a sense of belonging and understanding. Sharing experiences, insights, and challenges within a supportive community creates a nurturing environment for integration. Community resources, such as workshops, retreats, or online forums, provide opportunities for learning and growth. In a practicing community, breakthroughs like kensho, are vulnerable moments and are welcomed, honoured, and validated.

Techniques for Integration

Several techniques can aid in the integration of Kensho. Embodied practices, such as yoga, tai chi, kinhin (mindful walking), or mindful work, help ground the transformative experience in the physical body. Breathwork techniques, like pranayama, facilitate emotional release and energetic balance. Engaging in creative outlets, such as art or music, allows for self-expression and deepening of the integration process. Rest plays a crucial role too.

Balancing Spiritual Experiences and Daily Life

Integrating Kensho requires finding a delicate balance between spiritual experiences and the demands of daily life. It involves maintaining a connection to the awakened state while fulfilling responsibilities and engaging in relationships. Here are some strategies to achieve this balance:

Establishing Rituals: Create daily rituals that anchor you in the present moment. This could include a morning meditation practice, setting intentions for the day, or engaging in mindful activities like walking or eating.

Setting Boundaries: Learn to set boundaries and prioritize self-care. Understand that it’s okay to say no to commitments that don’t align with your values or drain your energy. Protect your space for spiritual practices and personal growth.

Integrating Mindfulness: Infuse mindfulness into everyday activities. Whether you’re washing dishes, commuting, or having conversations, bring a heightened sense of presence and awareness to the moment. This allows for a seamless integration of Kensho into your daily experiences.

Honoring Reflection: Take regular moments for reflection and self-inquiry. Journaling, contemplating life’s deeper questions, or seeking solitude in nature can help maintain a connection to the insights gained during Kensho.

Overcoming Challenges

The integration process may present challenges and obstacles along the way. It’s important to acknowledge and address these challenges to ensure a smooth integration. Here are some common challenges and strategies to overcome them:

Emotional Turbulence: After Kensho, intense emotions may arise as you navigate the integration process. Practice self-compassion, seek support from loved ones, teachers, or professionals, and explore therapeutic modalities that facilitate emotional healing.

Loss of Connection: There might be moments when you feel disconnected from the awakened state or struggle to maintain the insights gained during Kensho. Remember that these experiences are natural and impermanent. Engage in practices that reconnect you to your inner wisdom, such as meditation, contemplation, or seeking guidance from mentors.

Resistance from Others: Integrating Kensho can sometimes be met with resistance or misunderstanding from others who haven’t experienced similar awakenings. Seek out supportive communities or individuals who can validate your experiences and provide a nurturing environment for growth.

Deepening the Integration Process

Integration is an ongoing journey that evolves over time. Here are some strategies for deepening the integration process:

Cultivating Mindfulness and Self-Reflection: Regularly engage in mindfulness practices, meditation, and self-reflection to deepen your understanding of the Kensho experience. This cultivates a sense of inner awareness and facilitates the integration of insights into daily life.

Nurturing Relationships: Foster meaningful connections with individuals who support your growth and understanding. Surround yourself with people who are open-minded, empathetic, and willing to engage in conversations about spiritual awakening.

Seeking Support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from spiritual teachers, mentors, or therapists who can guide you through the integration process. They can offer valuable insights, tools, and perspectives to help you navigate challenges and facilitate integration.

Living Authentically: Embody the insights gained during Kensho by living authentically. Align your actions, values, and intentions with the awakened state, allowing your true self to shine through in all areas of life.

Conclusion

Integrating the profound experience of Kensho into our daily lives is a transformative journey. It requires dedication, self-compassion, and a willingness to explore new practices and perspectives. By embracing daily rituals, seeking support, and cultivating mindfulness, we can navigate the challenges and deepen our integration process. Through integration, we align our inner awakening with the outer world, fostering greater harmony, purpose, and fulfillment.

FAQs

1. Can anyone experience Kensho?
Kensho can be experienced by individuals who are committed to their spiritual path and engage in practices that cultivate self-awareness and insight. While it may not be a guaranteed outcome for everyone, the potential for awakening is inherent in all beings.

2. How long does the integration process take?
The integration process varies from person to person. It is a unique and personal journey that unfolds at its own pace. Some individuals may experience a more rapid integration, while others may require more time. Patience, self-compassion, and acceptance of the process are key.

3. What if I face resistance from my existing community or loved ones?
Resistance from others is not uncommon, as the awakened state can challenge established belief systems and norms. Seek out like-minded communities or individuals who can provide support and understanding. Engaging in open and compassionate dialogue with loved ones may also help foster acceptance and mutual respect.

4. Are there specific practices that aid in integration?
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, practices such as meditation, mindfulness, journaling, yoga, and breathwork can be helpful in anchoring the Kensho experience into daily life. Experiment with different techniques and find what resonates with you personally.

5. How do I maintain the balance between spiritual experiences and daily responsibilities?
Maintaining balance requires self-awareness, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care. It involves honoring your spiritual practices while fulfilling your obligations. Regularly assess your priorities, communicate your needs, and make conscious choices that support both your spiritual growth and daily responsibilities.

 

Experiencing Depression? How Meditation can help.

Experiencing Depression? How Meditation can help.

– Composed by Rebecca Bourhill and Edited Glenn Nangaku Leisching

Introduction to Depression

Depression is a worldwide problem that can occur at any age. Although more common in people in their 30’s and 40’s, depression is now reaching our younger population due to various factors discussed later in the blog.

Depression drains the life-force from your body, leaving you with little to no energy, lethargy, deep sadness, despair, and hopelessness. If not addressed, extended bouts of depression can cause an individual to be house-bound, secluded, and with chronic health-related conditions.

There are many different forms of depression ranging from chronic mild depression to more severe major depressive disorders like manic depression or bipolar disorder.

Although the exact causes of depression are not known, there are three components that are known to contribute to its development. Factors include chemical or hormone imbalance, genetics and trauma.

Importance of applying Buddhist practices such as mindfulness, compassion, and empathy have been shown to have numerous benefits for mental and emotional well-being.

The Origin of Depression: chemical explanations; trauma; and genetics.

 

Chemical

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers used by nerve cells in the brain to communicate between neurons. In states of depression three primary neurotransmitters are out of balance.

The first is Dopamine. When an individual reaches a milestone, gets a work promotion or accomplishes a goal, dopamine is responsible for the ‘happy feeling’ that pulses through the body. Dopamine is the brain’s reward chemical.

Second, norepinephrine – the fight/flight chemical, if constantly raised due to long or regular exposure to trauma, an individual will tend to live in a state of hypervigilance in preparation for the next trauma inducing event to happen.

The third chemical is serotonin, known as the “feel-good chemical”. If there is an imbalance of serotonin, which can often be the case in depression, SSRIs (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are sometimes used to increase serotonin levels. Not only is this chemical responsible for one’s mood but it also plays a role in other important body functions.

Although it was thought that low levels of these neurotransmitters were the primary cause, research is showing that there are other factors that can bring about depression.

Trauma

A traumatic life event can trigger a depressive episode, along with anxiety. Extended periods of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) caused by trauma, creates a continuous negative thought pattern which can lead to depression. Symptoms of both depression and PTSD overlap and often exist together.

Genetics

Another relatively recent field of study is intergenerational trauma. Evidence is emerging which shows that trauma can be passed from one generation down through the next five generations.

A well-known study of intergenerational trauma using children of Holocaust survivors was published in 1966 by a Canadian psychiatrist. In the article children of Holocaust survivors had an increased likelihood of depression, PTSD and anxiety. Trauma from the Holocaust created a change in the survivor’s genetics due to heightened exposure to the stress hormone cortisol. These genes were passed down to offspring.

Meditation and depression: How the brain responds to meditation

Although the practice of meditation can be traced back in time for many thousands of years, it is only recently that it has become a widely acknowledged tool to manage depression, anxiety, and mental health challenges.

The question needs to be asked: “Why or how does meditation help depressio

To help understand how the brain changes during meditation, we look at the brain’s neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to change and adapt in response to new experiences and environmental changes.

In order for the brain to adapt and change, new neural pathways need to be created. Originally believed to only happen in childhood, it has been proven that new neural pathways are created throughout one’s lifetime. During bouts of depression, the creation of new pathways are disrupted. This is where meditation comes in.

Meditation can not only stop these depression induced pathway disruptors, it is now known that meditation can help rewire the brain and create new neural pathways. These physiological pathways created through meditation enable us to regulate and manage emotions more effectively by changing the structure of the brain’s hippocampus which controls emotional regulation and in the amygdala which manages our flight/flight responses to signs of danger in our environment.

Chemically, meditation reduces cortisol levels. High levels of stress can lead to stress-induced depression. Ultimately, lowering cortisol levels through meditation may reduce the risk of depression.

Meditation as a tool to manage depression

Through meditation we learn to observe our thoughts, feelings, emotions, and sensations without reactivity. Through meditation, the meditator is able to interrupt the unconscious stimulus/response cycle. Learning to recognize, acknowledge and let the stimuli – the thoughts and feelings go and detach from them can help break the cycle of uncontrolled reactive responses.

Having a single focus for the mind, either the breath or a physical sensation, gives you an anchor to come back to when distracting thoughts or emotions arise. Meditation creates space between stimulus and response patterning helping you respond to stressful, emotionally charged situations in new, creative and potentially healing ways. By being able to return to a grounded and centred state we are able to respond from a state of calm instead of from a place of defence or panic.

Conclusion

Depression has become a common mental condition through the world. It occurs in all ages, races, and cultures. The common causes of depression are known to be chemical imbalance, exposure to trauma, and inherited genetic dispositions. There is a growing field of response to help alleviate the consequence of depression in one’s life, work and family constellations. Psychological and psychiatric therapies, natural medicines, diet, and physical exercise are all know to help.

Born as the Earth Zen Academy (BEZA), a Zen School of the Heart, offers several free training programs related to meditation, authentic communication, and Nature Based Wisdom Teachings (NBWT) to help you or someone close to you manage the effects of depression.

References

Schimelpfening, N., (2022), The Chemistry of Depression, Very Well Mind,

https://www.verywellmind.com/the-chemistry-of-depression-1065137

Iliades, C., (2016). How Trauma can Lead to Depression. Everyday Health,

https://www.everydayhealth.com/depression/how-trauma-leads-to-depression.aspx

DeAngelis, T., (2019). The Legacy of Trauma, American Psychological Association,

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/02/legacy-

trauma#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20first%20articles,14).

Coelho, S., (2022). Cortisol and Depression: What to know, PsychCentral,

https://psychcentral.com/depression/cortisol-and-depression