PRAYERS

© 2018 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter October 2018

by Bob Romero

Praying to God is a very personal way to talk to God. Usually when we pray, we are asking God for something. Sometimes we feel guilty because we ask for so much, and we think that maybe we don’t deserve what we want, because we’re not worthy. That’s usually because we have been taught to be humble. Yet in the bible, it says “Ask and ye shall receive”. In my esoteric classes, I have learned that because we are created in God’s image, and God wants us to be happy. So it’s okay to ask for what we want, and more, as long as it’s for good and not tied to ego. The only limits to what we can receive are the limits that we place on ourselves.

We also talk to God to thank Spirit for all of the blessings God has given us. Unfortunately it’s not often that we do this, because this gratitude spurs more blessings and more manifestation. It’s actually very easy to do this every day, because we have so much to be thankful. And the more gratitude we express, the more we receive. Some people may have hardships, or may be on the receiving end of some bad karma, and think that they don’t have anything to be grateful. As we get older though, we realize that waking up each day, is a blessing. And when we take time to look at beautiful blue sky, with the spectacular cloud formations, and the beautiful flowers and trees, or listen to music that inspires us, we appreciate the wonders that are available to us. Then to be blessed with friends and family that uplift us, we are filled with joy and gratitude. The impact of hardships and karma on us, begin to shrink.

We can also just talk to God as we would with anybody. The more we communicate with Spirit, the more Spirit communicates with us. It’s amazing how many problems are resolved just by talking to God about them. There are many informal rituals in many different faiths that invoke Spirit. One that is common, is to light a candle with a special intention. The power of the light of the flame is tremendous, and I have personally experienced the positive results of this ritual.

There are also prayers that have been taught to us or have been written by someone else. These are sometimes referred to as “rote prayers”. At first I was bothered by the definition of rote, as it means learning something by repetition usually without comprehension or understanding. However, if you examine these prayers, they are beautiful and sincere. So if you think about what the words mean, and what your intentions are, and say them as if you’re saying them for the first time, they become much more meaningful. They are like mantras. Just don’t say them in a “rote” way.

This discussion about prayer has been about talking to God in different ways. So far it’s been a one-sided conversation. As with most conversations, it’s important to listen to the other party. Listening to what Spirit has to say is called meditation.

Bob Romero has been a diligent student of esoteric spiritual subjects and metaphysics for many years, with a life-long quest for answers. He has submitted new and original articles that focus on life lessons and experiences he wishes to share with our readers and the world.

A VIEW FROM A DIFFERENT HEAVEN

© 2018 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter October 2018

by Mario C. Veo

Long, long ago, in a time when the ancient Gods and Goddesses ruled this planet, a group of Beings [don’t you dare called them ‘angels’] were gathered together for their daily party. Yes, in this Heaven it was party, party, party all the time… the wine was divine, the music celestial, and the people just loved being here… Well, what’s not to like…?!  It was Heaven at its best !

And in this particular day the main attraction was watching those weird little creatures they had created to populate the planet…and see what foolish things they’d get up to now… Bizarre little creepy things they were, always running around doing crazy things – loving one day, fighting another, it was a wild roller-coaster ride, even though their lives were so short…but man, were they funny! Look at them now, rallying together under some silly pretense to go out and bash each other, vilifying even the most basic courtesies, as they postured and pointed their dirty fingers at those whom they’d decreed ‘were not as good as them!’

Yes, they still thought that they were better than others, without realizing that, from the point of view of Heaven, one dirty savage is no different from another…and still they fought for supremacy, still believed that ‘Might makes right’… and for what ? to gather some measly material possessions, a title or two, some gold or such like… and then they die! What a waste of life…

Well, it was quite amusing to these non-angels… and so they thought of making things even more interesting – they took bets on what it would take to bring about ‘evolution’ to these weird little creatures… Soon two different camps were formed – the first would send down a great leader – a Being of superior intellect, one with many gifts and powers, who – supposedly – would be able to unite these warring tribes, and bring them peace… while the other group would simply create more drama, more attrition, more chaos… and we’ll see who will win … [the wager was a cask of golden nectar, much valued in these lofty realms…] And so it began – this wonderful leader was born on this little dirt ball, and even though he was a great speaker – very passionate fellow, and with good diction too – still, he just didn’t catch on… Ok, so a few people followed him as he went around telling people about stuff like love and kindness and unity… but you see, no one really cared…

Yes, some did build temples in his image, and others even wrote down his most famous words… but greed being what it is, soon many elected themselves as being ‘his Acolytes’, his duly appointed ‘chosen ones’ , who will now speak with his voice, and tell all others what to do, how to do it, and how much to pay… [after all, you didn’t think the temple ran itself, now did you…!]… Oh, yes, and they all still fought one another, killing each other in the name of His Holiness…

So, that sucked… and now it’s the others’ turn…

Well, they had it easy – they sent earthquake after earthquake, tornadoes and volcanoes ripping the land apart, torrential rains devastating the land… thousand, nay, millions of creatures died… famine was everywhere… and what do you think happened …? Crazy people created temples and worshiped these new ‘Angry Gods’, and even offered virgin sacrifices to appease them [yuk ! what a weird thing to do… but hey, what’d you expect, they’s primitives, right !] …and when that didn’t work…then they just blamed each other, and went to  war…and killed, and killed, and killed…

And so it was declared a draw – neither side won, because, after all, what can you expect from such retarded little creatures… and so these mighty non-angels in their wisdom smited these lowly creatures …[smote, smit,  oh heck, killed off the buggers… ] for they were no fun after all… Bummer, after all that works… But hey, don’t worry, the party still goes on…the wine still flows abundantly, everyone still rejoices that they were born superior… and if you wait a while, someone else will create another race of weird little Beings… and the fun will start all over again… But hey, don’t hold your breath, you know what’ll happen – they just go and kill each other again…! What did you expect them to do – be ‘enlightened’…that’s a laugh, they’s primitives, man! Here, have another drink…

Mario C. Veo was born in Italy and grew up in Africa, and has been on multiple spiritual pilgrimages to India and other sacred places.  From an early age his love for Spirituality and Metaphysics led him to study with great Teachers and Masters from around the world. He is a dedicated Spiritual Practitioner and Counselor, a Healer and Shaman Initiate, a senior T’ai Chi / Chi Gong instructor, a Feng Shui Master… Mario is in private practice in Denver, and teaches and guides Spiritual Seekers on the path of Self-Empowerment and Transformation.
You can reach him: /by phone — 303.525.7223
/by email — PathtoSpirit@gmail.com
/by website — www.YourPathtoSpirit.com

Mario is available for personal guidance and consultations on Tuesdays and monthly on the last Sunday at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore in Denver.

IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU...

© 2018 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter September 2018

by Mario C. Veo

I’ve been fascinated by people – different cultures, deep belief systems, amazing sacrifices and even greater successes… It is true that some people really do have a strong and invincible spirit – so much so that, no matter their challenges, they will always overcome them….

Which led me to think: are they ‘special’ in some form or other… are they ‘blessed’ with gifts and abilities that are superior… do they have some ‘hidden secret to success’… or are they just lucky …? or – I shudder to even consider this – does God like them better than the rest of us… ?

The answer is a resounding NO !  They are just like you and me, no more and no less… just your everyday ‘Human’.

So, why do they succeed when so many others don’t ?  Why are they able to overcome even the most challenging situations … and why are they so darn happy !?! [don’t they know that it’s not all just fun and roses… that the whole world has not ever experienced global peace… that it’s a claw-your-way-to-the-top, or be stepped on, dog-eat-dog out there… What is wrong with them… and why are they so darned successful …!!?]

And, after many years of seeking, the answer finally revealed itself – they simply turn within… look at their own Life first , stop getting carried away by all the stupidity and chaos that is far too common in society, AND take care of their own happiness first… [which also includes family and friends].

So – the answer is truly that simple…but has some interesting insights …

We waste far too much time wallowing in gossip, shocked at the stupidity – and brutality – of others; are too often tempted by the lurid details of the latest atrocity, or by the display of ‘righteous indignation’ offered by those with hidden agendas…

Yes, I do realize that it makes for amusing commentaries by late-night talk shows… and yes, it can be quite funny… BUT… is this what you are choosing to give meaning to your Life… all this lower consciousness / manipulation / absurd propaganda / exploitation of your emotional stability… is this what you want your Life to be about …?

Don’t you realize that all this Darkness will rot your brains, and make you a simple puppets in the hands of unscrupulous abusers… and they will tell you – while smiling falsely – that it is all for your own good…

 The Spiritual Law is very clear – Whatever you put out comes back to you … [and yes, it is also in the Bible] Your success – or failure – depends purely on your investment of energy… So now you know – you can squander your Life by focusing on all that is shocking and negative … or you can claim – without a doubt – your right to choose what brings value to your Life…

Don’t you know that the more you receive, the more you have to share with those you love… You can choose to share gossip, negativity and corruption… or love, kindness and beauty [and these are the only energies that will help you overcome every challenge you may face… isn’t it worth it …?]

Mario C. Veo was born in Italy and grew up in Africa, and has been on multiple spiritual pilgrimages to India and other sacred places.  From an early age his love for Spirituality and Metaphysics led him to study with great Teachers and Masters from around the  world. He is a dedicated Spiritual Practitioner and Counselor, a Healer and Shaman Initiate, a senior T’ai Chi / Chi Gong instructor, a Feng Shui Master… Mario is in private practice in Denver, and teaches and guides Spiritual Seekers on the path of Self-Empowerment and Transformation.
You can reach him at 303.525.7223 /
email PathtoSpirit@gmail.com /
website – www.YourPathtoSpirit.com

Mario is available for personal guidance and consultations on Tuesdays and monthly on the last Sunday at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore in Denver.

THE MASK

© 2018 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter September 2018

by Mario C. Veo

Long, long ago, in a land forgotten by time, there was a great empire, one ruled not by the heart, not by kindness and gentle generosity… no, they ruled through the mind, by logical deductions and clear rules and policies… after all, “it is the only way to ensure fairness for all”.
And to ensure that this ‘Justice’ was meted out fairly, they appointed a series of adjudicators who controlled various aspects of society… and, to demonstrate their impartial outlook, they all wore Masks… [even though a few whispered that this was done so no-one would know their identity, and hold them accountable for any – apparent – ‘biased judgment’.

You see them walking around in their white robes [meant to depict ‘purity’], their Masks a sign of power, and how easily the crowds all part to give them their space [after all it is their due]. Their rules were clear, and as long as you followed them, you were considered to be a ‘good citizen’, and was rewarded by your peers … after all, you knew exactly what your place was, and wouldn’t dare do otherwise.

And so this great empire grew and flourished, became very rich, and started spreading its rule to all adjacent lands… Those poor saps didn’t know what hit them – how do you fight against the cold execution of the mind, how do you plead your case to those who don’t know their hearts, how do you implore to be left alone to follow your own individuality…

And so they lost… everything… and because they were conquered, they had little or no Rights.  Yes, of course they had to work, so they could earn the right to live, and eat, and work some more…but never as equals, never in luxury, never as themselves…

No, they were not ‘slaves’ [that is too demeaning to the Mind-born]… no, they were simply ‘inadequate’, and so must be taught to know their place, to follow the rules of their better, to simply accept their subordinate role… as befits them… after all, they were not Mind-born.

To make this whole process absolutely clear it was decided that all Mind-born would now wear Masks… just a simple, expedient way to differentiate between those that have [ehm] ‘earned the right to rule’… versus those that obviously were born to follow and serve…

Thus they thought to make themselves strong, and invincible… and they might even have succeeded, except for a small, little, apparently inconsequential factor… Masks cannot hide your true self… and by creating such an obvious separation between its people, they facilitated those born of the Heart to recognize each other more easily…

Now it has begun… the change is here, for in unity there is power, and ego and corruption is its own downfall… Do not think that simply because one is born of the Heart that that person is weak, or even less than you… Don’t you know that the Heart is mighty in its defense of that which is whole and decent and precious to Life itself…

It begins very subtly – letting greed stuff itself to bursting, letting power corrupt the very vessel it inhabits, letting the ego create its own downfall, and those that have much turn their avarice to others who lust after their wealth… and while all this is going on, the Heart will shelter those who know better, and guide them to wait for the Light to emerge, for it will reveal all that is Dark in the minds of men…

It has already started, the revelation of the Light is here… stand clear in your Heart, and in the Brotherhood you claim as your truth… and hold Darkness accountable, no matter how it hides itself…

This is the tale of a great empire that existed long, long ago, and the downfall caused by those who hid behind their Masks, for even as they prized their Mind, they forgot the Light of their Heart.

Mario C. Veo was born in Italy and grew up in Africa, and has been on multiple spiritual pilgrimages to India and other sacred places.  From an early age his love for Spirituality and Metaphysics led him to study with great Teachers and Masters from around the  world. He is a dedicated Spiritual Practitioner and Counselor, a Healer and Shaman Initiate, a senior T’ai Chi / Chi Gong instructor, a Feng Shui Master… Mario is in private practice in Denver, and teaches and guides Spiritual Seekers on the path of Self-Empowerment and Transformation.
You can reach him at 303.525.7223 /
email PathtoSpirit@gmail.com /
website – www.YourPathtoSpirit.com

Mario is available for personal guidance and consultations on Tuesdays and monthly on the last Sunday at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore in Denver.

RAISE OUR VIBRATION

© 2018 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter September 2018

by Bob Romero

Many spiritual authors and teachers talk about raising your vibration and your radiance in the eyes of Spirit. I’ve heard both teachers and readers say that God does not judge you; he just looks at your radiance. What we call “sins”, actually lower our vibration and energy, thus making us less visible to God. However, we are not the same person that we were when we committed those sins, if we then make the effort to improve our lives. My pastor said that for Lent, maybe Catholics should give up guilt. That way we can truly enjoy the joy of Easter. After all, we are all children of Spirit, who wants us to have happy joyful lives. Enjoying music, art, and nature, and expressing gratitude for all that we have, will lift us higher.

Jesus said that the two greatest commandments are to love God above all else, and to love your neighbor as yourself. The key word is “love” and it is the key to the path of higher consciousness. You don’t love your neighbor because you will get good karmic points; you do it because you sincerely see the goodness in that person.

Serving others will not only increase your radiance in the eyes of Spirit, but it will teach you to experience the love that Jesus and other ascended masters have for us. So doing acts of kindness, helping those in need, and accepting those with different opinions, will raise our vibration to a much a higher level.

Another way to raise your vibration is to start vibrating. The way to do that is through sound vibrations. Spiritual instructors will give their students mantras to chant while meditating. There are also many mantras that you can chant, that invoke Spirit for certain intentions. When I took a class on higher consciousness, one of the topics was on chanting “Om” which is pronounced “Aum”. It is often said at the beginning, and at the end of Yoga classes. My wife told me that she knew that I was chanting “Om”, because the condo was vibrating. A student in the class said that her boyfriend had to leave her house when she was chanting, because the staircase in her house was really vibrating. You can feel the vibration in your voice, and know that Spirit is there in the vibration. When you stop and sit in silence for a few minutes afterwards, you can also hear a real high frequency. This is not to be confused tinnitus, which is ringing in the ears. It is barely audible, but you can definitely hear it. I read that some consider this to be the frequency of God. I feel that there is no better way to honor God than by chanting his name. It is probably one of the most powerful things that you can do.

Not only will chanting relieve stress, and help your blood pressure go down, but you will also notice that your overall health will begin to improve. Your will also notice that things will start going your way. Abundance and manifestation become easier. Your psychic intuition becomes clearer and life becomes more joyful. Eventually you will be able to communicate with your higher guides and angels. All of this happens because your radiance is now a lot more visible to God.

Bob Romero has been a diligent student of esoteric spiritual subjects and metaphysics for many years, with a life-long quest for answers. He has submitted new and original articles that focus on life lessons and experiences he wishes to share with our readers and the world.

THE WISE MAN AND FOLLY

© 2018 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter August 2018

by Mario C. Veo

Long, long ago, in a peaceful land, there lived this wise man way up in the mountains… not too far from this little village. He was a gentle wise man, and so all the little boys of the village liked to spend time with him, listening to his stories of strange lands, and stranger customs. Oh, how they laughed at these foreigners, how they puzzled over the strangers’ incessant lust and greed, how different it all was from their little pristine village… and, at the end of the day the boys would run the whole way back home, shouting gleefully while playing ‘defenders  of the land’… All of them, that is, except for Jon… No, he walks slowly, head turned to the ground, deeply immersed in thought…

The next day Jon is the first to reach the wise man, for he has many questions: “Why do they do this ?” he asks, “Why would anyone engage in such turmoil… Why waste so much of life simply trying to hurt each other…?” There is a look of gentle pity in the wise man’s eyes as he replies “Men who don’t know love…who don’t value  peace and togetherness…who only know how to hurt and abuse others… they are just lonely people, and very, very afraid of what the future will bring… and so they try to make themselves feel important, by hurting and demeaning others.”

Hearing this Jon paled, his eyes shining with unshed tears “But that’s so wrong – if they’d just be nice to  people they would have lots of friends…and they, they wouldn’t need to be so lonely… Why do they do this …?” The old man drew Jon to his chest, holding him in a safe embrace while his tears ran free “Men choose… not out of their hearts, but from their darkest fears” …and held him safe while Jon cried for the loss these strangers would never heal…

Years passed and Jon grew up to be a very serious young man… and the day came when he announced he would go to the strange lands, and seek out those fearful, angry men… and show them love, teach them how to be happy… teach them friendship. He left, without pomp and ceremony, to start his long, long journey… with only the old wise man standing witness for his nobility … [even as he muttered to himself about the folly of youth]

The closer Jon got to the strange lands, the less he recognized – no longer were the trails following the natural contours of the land – no , now they were paved in hard unyielding rock… no longer was the forest free to flow with the rivers – no, now it was cut back so crude fields could be planted in row after row of ugly crops… and what was that stench… what were these people burning as fuel…? Far too soon he came to the city [well, it was really only a small town, but Jon had never seen so many houses together]… and so he stood in the town square [as he had been taught by his elders] and started orating…

In a clear and thrilling voice he told any who passed by about love and friendship, and peace… but all he got back were jeers, people mocking him, laughing at his ‘peasant attitude’… and when he tried – oh, how hard he tried – to make them understand where they went wrong… well then, the crowd got ugly, they started shoving and pushing him, throwing rotten vegetables at him… ugly it was, until the guards came… not to rescue him, but to throw him in jail “For disrupting the peace, inciting a riot , and being a moron”.

The next morning he was before a judge, who took one look at him, at his dirty clothes and unwashed body, and promptly ruled him guilty, sentencing him to three years in a chain-gang, building more ugly roads… and when Jon tried to speak in his defense he was promptly beaten by the guards “For your arrogance, in talking back to the judge”… Three long years later Jon is released, penniless, bruised and battered, to walk back home to his lost village… the road is long and hard, often almost impossible, and only the deep knowledge that love and peace will wait for him in the end sustains him in his journey.

Yes, love and peace… for those who know the true value of life… but, not everyone chooses that… finding their coarse pleasure in greed and hatred… Best leave them to it, then…

Mario C. Veo is a teacher of Spiritual Science and a Healing Arts Practitioner. He teaches classes and individuals on Personal Transformation and the Expansion of Consciousness. Mario is available for personal guidance and consultations on Tuesdays and monthly on the last Sunday at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.

HOW EVIL WINS...

© 2018 - Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore newsletter August 2018

by Mario C. Veo

This is a true story… I should know, it happened to me.

I was in my late thirties, successful business owner, happy with my achievements, with a good and loyal staff, and clients who were very satisfied… So the next logical step was to expand. I looked around for the right premises – could not find anything appropriate… friends looked – nothing came of it… so we did what everyone said I should have done in the first place: get an agent… and, sure enough, within a few days she found what she thought was the perfect place.

… Well, yes, it looked pretty good, just needed a few adjustments, some remodeling, new equipment put in… and it should work just fine… the only thing is, it wasn’t local, but in the next town. Now the question was how to restructure my staff, move key players over, and take on a different role [plus a commute I wasn’t too happy about]… but I was young, successful, really wanted to expand, and thought I could pull it off. The next day the agent and I flew to see the building.  Floor plans in hand we rushed in, did a whirl-wind examination of the main floor only [big mistake on my part], and it all looked good enough. The next day I signed the lease, and started the renovation – I left it all in the hands of trusted contractors, and flew back home. Too good to be true ? You’re so right.

Two weeks later the contractor calls to say that he cannot continue – not because he doesn’t want to [after all, he’s getting good money] but because there is a major discrepancy – the plans did not match the building. And so I flew back, still with the original plans that showed there should have been extensive quarters at the back of the building… but, guess what – the entrance had been bricked up, and the rooms were being used by the business next door [who were as upset as I was by the whole thing, but showed me, quite clearly, that their lease included those rooms] So I called the owners…who referred me to their lawyers, and made an appointment for the next day.

There are times when clichés do come to life… This fat, unctuous, beady-eyed, toad of a man [ shyster by any other name] proceeds to tell me that I didn’t read the plans properly [and not even using polite language]. When I pointed out that I have an engineering background, and I had remodeled 6 houses already… he just laughed at me. Barely hanging onto my temper I showed him the plans where the others rooms were clearly marked… and he tells me it’s just a closet – yes, a big closet… yes, with many other closets… but still, not rooms. I couldn’t believe my ears – the little toad was mocking me… refusing to recognize what any 12 year old could easy see is a whole suite… I must admit I got louder and louder, getting ready to tell him – in no uncertain terms – what I thought of him, and his whole unethical business practice… And then I saw it – that glimmer in his beady eyes, that malevolent look of a carrion-eater that is just waiting for me to cross the line… so he could now sue me for defamation or whatever else he could trump up.

To him it was all a game… if he could taunt me until I became ‘uncouth’ – crude, foul-mouthed, vulgar… just like him – then I would lose… But that is not my nature… I am not such a vile creature… And so I left, without another word… shut down the renovations, paid the contractors, got hold of my lawyer, and sued the owner for misrepresentation… It took many months, and a lot more money, but in the end I ‘won’ [an empty victory at best]… and took many, many showers to get rid of the stench of it all.

So why am I sharing all this with you – well, look around you… look at all the drama, all the pathetic lies that are going around, look at all the crazies that are sprouting off irrational nonsense, refusing to engage in even the most basic intelligence… It is a contamination, a corrosive energy that has infected our country… that makes us pawn in the hands of little, slimy toads, who take pleasure in infecting us all…

Now I’ll challenge you – how much drama are you allowing into your Life… how harshly do you respond to others’ opinions… how many excuses are you using to justify your point-of-view… how hurtful are your words and actions… and have you forgotten about Karma … ? Just how contaminated are you by all this Dark Energy …?

Mario C. Veo is a teacher of Spiritual Science and a Healing Arts Practitioner. He teaches classes and individuals on Personal Transformation and the Expansion of Consciousness. Mario is available for personal guidance and consultations on Tuesdays and monthly on the last Sunday at the Shining Lotus™ Bookstore.