Jesus says, “How shall we picture the kingdom of God, or by what parable shall we present it?” (Mark 4:30)Dubbed the greatest artists of all time the Beatles are synonymous with the heart of the sixties—the great awakening of Love. It is common knowledge that Beatles were one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed bands in the history of popular music, selling over one billion records worldwide. The reason for the Beatles phenomenon is simply that their music penetrates deep within the silent realm of your heart. Of course, the Beatles pushed the envelope on many fronts and were at times very controversial. Perhaps the most well known controversy arose when John Lennon said, “Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I do not know what will go first, rock 'n' roll or Christianity...We're more popular than Jesus now.” This comment sparked international outrage, and conservative groups in the Bible Belt of America staged public burnings of Beatles’ records and memorabilia. Radio stations banned Beatles music and concert venues cancelled performances. Even The Vatican got involved with a public denouncement of Lennon's comments. The Beatles publicly apologized for this statement, but it brought a sudden end to their live performances. John Lennon later commented, “I always remember to thank Jesus for the end of my touring days; if I hadn't said that The Beatles were ‘bigger than Jesus’ and upset the very Christian Klu Klux Klan, well, Lord, I might still be up there with all the other performing fleas! God bless America. Thank you, Jesus."
Jesus says, “How shall we picture the kingdom of God, or by what parable shall we present it?” (Mark 4:30) There is a common thread between the power of parables and the transcendent nature of the Beatles music. Many attribute the power of the Beatles later music to a deep awakening of the soul that occurred when they met the father of Transcendental Meditation, Marharishi Mahesh Yogi, in London. Their meeting with him and subsequent travel to India was the catalyst for composing the famous songs of the White Album and Abbey Road. Today, this auspicious meeting is now the catalyst for the participation of Paul McCartney and Ring Star in the “Change Begins Within” benefit concert. The purpose of this concert is to help troubled youth discover the transcendent power of silence—through meditation. Fundamentally, meditation is an essential tool for understanding the depth of Jesus and his teaching and sadly it is almost non-existent in Christian Churches around the world. What does meditation, the Beatles and the parables of Jesus have in common? And how can it help you understand the teaching of Jesus on an even deeper level?
Jesus spoke in parables to transcend the mind and penetrate the silent depths of your heart. The incredible lyrics of the Beatles music has this same penetrating effect, this same penetrating silence. Jesus illuminates, “It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the soil, though it is smaller than all the seeds that are upon the soil, yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and forms large branches; so that THE BIRDS OF THE AIR can NEST UNDER ITS SHADE.” (Mark 4:31) Jesus often uses seeds to describe the Kingdom of God. If you deeply contemplate the nature of a seed, you will discover even though it might remain dormant for thousands of years it contains the light of life and perhaps more importantly is completely silent.
The world has been filled with bad news. News of war, terrorism, murder, corruption, and natural disasters. All of this news can be very discouraging and lead to more suffering more violence and unrest. Meditation is a way of letting go of the trials of the world as well as the trials that each of us face in our everyday life. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was inspired by his teacher, Swami Brahmananda Sraswati, to help people throughout the world to learn how to meditate. His inspiration became known throughout the world as Transcendental Meditation, which offers classes on the practice of meditation.
Fundamentally, meditation releases you from the endless thoughts that swirl around in your mind and is an effective way of bringing yourself into a state of peace and calm. The Marharishi had a very structured approach to meditation and used specific mantras to aid in deepening your meditation practice. A mantra is a divine incantation, such as, ‘I am the Light of the World.’ When a mantra is repeated silently during meditation it creates a vibration, or more simply a sound, that centers your mind on your heart. Continuous repletion of a mantra acts as a guide to the eternal peace that is alive within you.
Jesus says, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You blind Pharisee,You clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. First clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also.” (Matthew 23:25-26) Is Jesus just talking to the Pharisees of ancient times or is he speaking directly to you, right now in this moment? Is he talking about a cup or is he talking about you? If the cup is you; how do you go about cleaning the endless thoughts that lead to suffering and judgement?
What is the source of negativity within you? How many times have you had a negative thought about yourself or someone else? When you judge someone else, the truth is you are judging yourself. As Jesus reveals, “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:1-2) At the core of everyone is the same light, the same divine presence. Meditation helps you recognize the truth in this for yourself, which releases you from the internal and external suffering that all judgment creates.
Like a mantra, music also has the ability to penetrate deep within the silent realm of your heart. It has the same ability to turn your mind inward, uplift and inspire. The Beatles famous song “Let it Be” is a form of meditation. Let it be is a way to stop following your thoughts outward and instead focus your mind inward. As the song says, “When I find myself in times of trouble Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom: Let it Be!" To release yourself from negative thoughts, question the thoughts. Why do you believe these thoughts? Are they true? Really, are they true? When you stop, when you leave the thoughts alone, or have the wisdom to ‘let them be’, it instantly frees you from this negativity.
Jesus asks, “Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye?”(Matthew 7:3-4) Question this judge. Who is it that sees the speck in someone else’s eye? Who is it that judges? Who is it that meditates? Who is it that thinks? These questions have the power to drive your mind into the depths of your heart, releasing you from the endless thoughts of your mind.
When you stop touching these thoughts, when you stop believing your thoughts and simply be quiet, it gives you the opportunity to ‘let it be’ freeing you from these endless thoughts, specks, that blind you from the truth of who you are, that blind you from the truth of who everyone is a the core—and endless vibration of Light! Whoa!
The sound of music contains this same vibration, this same eternal light. Music can stop your mind and open your heart. The video below is a great example of the incredible power of music to uplift and inspire. It reveals the essence of who you are, who everyone is at the core—pure unending joy!
Jesus says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” (Matthew 25:34) The words of Jesus contain a profound vibration of light—the eternally sound of silence—the infinite song of God.
Let's start at the beginning before the thoughts. Please stop for a moment and listen closely to your heart and you will hear this eternal sound of Silence—The infinite song of pure Joy! Wow!!!!
How will you listen to your heart today?
Dubbed the greatest artists of all time the Beatles are synonymous with the heart of the sixties—the great awakening of Love. It is common knowledge that Beatles were one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed bands in the history of popular music, selling over one billion records worldwide. The reason for the Beatles phenomenon is simply that their music penetrates deep within the silent realm of your heart. Of course, the Beatles pushed the envelope on many fronts and were at times very controversial. Perhaps the most well known controversy arose when John Lennon said, “Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I do not know what will go first, rock 'n' roll or Christianity...We're more popular than Jesus now.” This comment sparked international outrage, and conservative groups in the Bible Belt of America staged public burnings of Beatles’ records and memorabilia. Radio stations banned Beatles music and concert venues cancelled performances. Even The Vatican got involved with a public denouncement of Lennon's comments. The Beatles publicly apologized for this statement, but it brought a sudden end to their live performances. John Lennon later commented, “I always remember to thank Jesus for the end of my touring days; if I hadn't said that The Beatles were ‘bigger than Jesus’ and upset the very Christian Klu Klux Klan, well, Lord, I might still be up there with all the other performing fleas! God bless America. Thank you, Jesus."
Jesus says, “How shall we picture the kingdom of God, or by what parable shall we present it?” (Mark 4:30) There is a common thread between the power of parables and the transcendent nature of the Beatles music. Many attribute the power of the Beatles later music to a deep awakening of the soul that occurred when they met the father of Transcendental Meditation, Marharishi Mahesh Yogi, in London. Their meeting with him and subsequent travel to India was the catalyst for composing the famous songs of the White Album and Abbey Road. Today, this auspicious meeting is now the catalyst for the participation of Paul McCartney and Ring Star in the “Change Begins Within” benefit concert. The purpose of this concert is to help troubled youth discover the transcendent power of silence—through meditation. Fundamentally, meditation is an essential tool for understanding the depth of Jesus and his teaching and sadly it is almost non-existent in Christian Churches around the world. What does meditation, the Beatles and the parables of Jesus have in common? And how can it help you understand the teaching of Jesus on an even deeper level?
Jesus spoke in parables to transcend the mind and penetrate the silent depths of your heart. The incredible lyrics of the Beatles music has this same penetrating effect, this same penetrating silence. Jesus illuminates, “It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the soil, though it is smaller than all the seeds that are upon the soil, yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and forms large branches; so that THE BIRDS OF THE AIR can NEST UNDER ITS SHADE.” (Mark 4:31) Jesus often uses seeds to describe the Kingdom of God. If you deeply contemplate the nature of a seed, you will discover even though it might remain dormant for thousands of years it contains the light of life and perhaps more importantly is completely silent.
The world has been filled with bad news. News of war, terrorism, murder, corruption, and natural disasters. All of this news can be very discouraging and lead to more suffering more violence and unrest. Meditation is a way of letting go of the trials of the world as well as the trials that each of us face in our everyday life. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was inspired by his teacher, Swami Brahmananda Sraswati, to help people throughout the world to learn how to meditate. His inspiration became known throughout the world as Transcendental Meditation, which offers classes on the practice of meditation.
Fundamentally, meditation releases you from the endless thoughts that swirl around in your mind and is an effective way of bringing yourself into a state of peace and calm. The Marharishi had a very structured approach to meditation and used specific mantras to aid in deepening your meditation practice. A mantra is a divine incantation, such as, ‘I am the Light of the World.’ When a mantra is repeated silently during meditation it creates a vibration, or more simply a sound, that centers your mind on your heart. Continuous repletion of a mantra acts as a guide to the eternal peace that is alive within you.
Jesus says, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You blind Pharisee,You clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. First clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also.” (Matthew 23:25-26) Is Jesus just talking to the Pharisees of ancient times or is he speaking directly to you, right now in this moment? Is he talking about a cup or is he talking about you? If the cup is you; how do you go about cleaning the endless thoughts that lead to suffering and judgement?
What is the source of negativity within you? How many times have you had a negative thought about yourself or someone else? When you judge someone else, the truth is you are judging yourself. As Jesus reveals, “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:1-2) At the core of everyone is the same light, the same divine presence. Meditation helps you recognize the truth in this for yourself, which releases you from the internal and external suffering that all judgment creates.
Like a mantra, music also has the ability to penetrate deep within the silent realm of your heart. It has the same ability to turn your mind inward, uplift and inspire. The Beatles famous song “Let it Be” is a form of meditation. Let it be is a way to stop following your thoughts outward and instead focus your mind inward. As the song says, “When I find myself in times of trouble Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom: Let it Be!" To release yourself from negative thoughts, question the thoughts. Why do you believe these thoughts? Are they true? Really, are they true? When you stop, when you leave the thoughts alone, or have the wisdom to ‘let them be’, it instantly frees you from this negativity.
Jesus asks, “Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye?”(Matthew 7:3-4) Question this judge. Who is it that sees the speck in someone else’s eye? Who is it that judges? Who is it that meditates? Who is it that thinks? These questions have the power to drive your mind into the depths of your heart, releasing you from the endless thoughts of your mind.
When you stop touching these thoughts, when you stop believing your thoughts and simply be quiet, it gives you the opportunity to ‘let it be’ freeing you from these endless thoughts, specks, that blind you from the truth of who you are, that blind you from the truth of who everyone is a the core—and endless vibration of Light! Whoa!
The sound of music contains this same vibration, this same eternal light. Music can stop your mind and open your heart. The video below is a great example of the incredible power of music to uplift and inspire. It reveals the essence of who you are, who everyone is at the core—pure unending joy!
Jesus says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” (Matthew 25:34) The words of Jesus contain a profound vibration of light—the eternally sound of silence—the infinite song of God.
Let's start at the beginning before the thoughts. Please stop for a moment and listen closely to your heart and you will hear this eternal sound of Silence—The infinite song of pure Joy! Wow!!!!
How will you listen to your heart today?
