The Fast Path - Shiva's experiences studying with Rama, Dr Frederick Lenz

Chapter 5 - Self-Discovery Outing

On the night of our Self-Discovery Outing with Atmananda, my group gathered in front of the Sheraton Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica. Shawn had everyone wearing our L.I.F.E. Center sweatshirts and we each had notebooks to record our experiences. In this way we planned to draw from successful presentations and incorporate them into our future activities.

I noticed that a long line of people had formed outside the hotel.

"Wonderful!" I thought sarcastically. "There must be some sort of political convention being held here. We will have to wade through all of these people to find out where this seminar is being held."

After inquiring, I was surprised to find that all of these people were also here to attend this meditation. I had no idea that so many people were interested in meditation! We then waited in line and finally made our way into the large meeting room.

I was, once again, astonished at what I saw.

There were about fourteen hundred people. The size of the crowd shocked me. I was also astounded at the quality of spiritual aspirants that were there. All of them seemed so clean and, well, for lack of a better word, pure.

While we registered, I was handed some high quality brochures and a funny little button that said, "Know Thyselves."

I told my friends to pay close attention and to take notes. This fellow was obviously doing something right and I wanted to model my future seminars after him.

About that time Atmananda entered the room surrounded by four bodyguards. I found it odd that he would need security.

We scurried to find a seat as Atmananda sat down and said, "Good evening." He seemed so at ease and friendly as he announced that we were going to meditate to some music by a musical group called Tangerine Dream.

As the music was turned on and the lights dimmed, I felt a subtle but extremely powerful rush of energy. Then the lights in the room started to change. I wondered how he managed to create this wonderful golden glow and have everyone in front of me be outlined in this white light. I couldn't figure it out! Then I realized that I was actually seeing an aura!

I was thirty-six years old and although I had attended scores of self-discovery seminars and meditation retreats, I had never experienced seeing an aura. I'd had friends who could see auras and I myself had read books about them, but I had long since resigned myself to be one of those people who would never see one. I was absolutely blown away. And the energy! It just kept getting stronger and stronger! Words fail me when I start to describe how it was to meditate with him. Waves of energy flowed up my spine. My body was rigid and various parts of my being lit up inside as the meditation energy increased. My thoughts stopped and my mind was clear. I was intensely aware of my surroundings, and yet I did not feel the need to analyze or think about it. I was in a wonderful space - meditation at last! Incredible seems a gross understatement!

At the end of the evening, my group left in a dazed and startled awareness. As we walked outside, everything looked clear and clean, like after a spring rain. I felt energized and astounded by what I had just experienced. I knew that I had to return the next night, no matter what.

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