1. What is Deeksha/ the Oneness Blessing?
The Oneness Blessing (also known as Deeksha or Oneness Deeksha)
is a non- denominational benediction or transfer of an awakened energy
or intelligence which, over time, is designed to bring about the state
of Oneness in the recipient. It has often been said that if you take one
step towards God, then God will take a hundred steps towards you. We
have so many ways to take a step towards the divine: prayer, meditation,
chanting — in fact every kind of spiritual practice in every tradition.
The Oneness Blessing is one way that the divine can reach out to
humanity; it is a gift, a benediction of grace.
There
may have been times in your life when the continuous chatter of the
mind momentarily quieted or stopped altogether; the usual worries,
pressures, and boredom of daily life just fell away, replaced by an
inner calm and vibrant joy in the heart; and a sense of connection or
oneness with everything.
These
experiences happen naturally for many people and vary in intensity from
the profoundly mystical to a quiet, ordinary stillness. They can occur
at any time but are frequently triggered by external events-- observing a
beautiful sunset, the birth of your child, listening to music. Many
athletes and artists, for example, report moments of acute awareness and
presence. You may have experienced such quiet knowing during meditation
or prayer, during a walk in nature, being with someone you love, or
simply spontaneously.
During
these brief moments when we become totally present we see things as
they really are, without judgment or interpretation, in silence. From
this silence arises a deep peace and joy; somehow we have reached a part
of ourselves that exists beyond the mind, a place that recognizes and
expresses the beauty and simplicity of life. The experience is
frequently so profound we are changed forever.
The Oneness Blessing is a process by which we are re-connected with this quiet, intelligent center of ourselves.
The
experience of causeless joy, stillness, and love is available to us in
every moment, but owing to various factors, our life experiences and the
unconsciousness of the world into which we are born, this reality has
become hidden from our sight; we are identified with the mind and things
seem stressful and problematic. We struggle against our life situation,
our family, our work environment, and even against ourselves. This
creates a sense of separation from everything around us, and from this
sense of separation arises fear, confusion, meaninglessness, and
loneliness. We experience life as if we were "an isolated fragment in a
hostile Universe". The Oneness Blessing is a gentle, precise process of
awakening from this state of isolation into an ever-deepening experience
of connection with ourselves and the world around us.
The
Oneness Blessing is a transfer of divine, intelligent energy. The
process works by creating a neurobiological shift in the brain and
awakening certain energy centers in the physical and subtle bodies. This
shift in consciousness frees you from the suffering created by the
mind, balances the body’s natural healing energies, and attunes the
brain with the fields of unity, bringing an end to the illusion of
apparent separation. Once you receive the blessing, a gradual awakening
process begins that leads you naturally to a lasting state of oneness,
inner peace, and well-being.
2. What are the effects of the Oneness Blessing?
Those
who receive the Oneness Blessing, either one time or repeatedly over
weeks or months, report that it impacts their lives in many ways. Most
people report a deeper sense of peace and calm in the midst of external
change, and a sense of joy or happiness that has no outer cause. People
also report health issues clearing up, greater intimacy and harmony in
relationship, greater creativity and capacity to make decisions, often
resulting in greater worldly and financial success and wellbeing.
Ultimately, repeatedly receiving the Oneness Blessing over a prolonged
period leads to a profound and direct Awakening into Oneness with all
that is.
3. How is the Oneness Blessing given?
The
Oneness Blessing is given by a trained facilitator using a very gentle
process to transmit the energy either by laying hands on your head, or
merely by intention. The process takes anywhere from a few seconds to a
couple minutes, and can be done long distance by phone if necessary, or
even by transmittal through photographs.
4. What happens during the transfer of the Oneness Blessing?
The
Oneness Blessing initiates a neurobiological change in the brain that
when complete enables the senses to be free from the interference of the
mind. When the senses are unclouded by the mind’s interpretations, a
natural clarity of perception occurs with accompanying spontaneous
feelings of joy, inner calmness and connection to the oneness in
everything.
For more information about this neurobiological shift, please see question #12 below.
5. What might I experience during the Oneness Blessing? What do I do during the Blessing?
Subjective
experiences during the Oneness Blessing vary enormously from one person
to another, and even for the same person, from one Blessing to another.
It is sometimes felt very strongly, sometimes in a quite subtle way and
many times not subjectively felt at all. It is sometimes blissful,
while sometimes buried memories or feelings are brought to the surface,
and there may be a temporary experience of discomfort. Some people may
experience nothing at all, and only days or even weeks later do they
notice any effect. Ultimately all this does not matter so much, for
whatever the experience, the Blessing initiates a process which leads to
the Awakening into Oneness.
Whatever
the subjective experience, the recipient can trust that the process of
Oneness has begun, a process designed by Divine Grace for your own
nature and uniqueness that will lead gradually (or sometimes
spontaneously) into your own Awakening.
Oneness
Blessings feel different and unique to each individual. Some people
feel rushes of energy in their heads, some see colors, others feel
various emotions, yet others fall into various mystical states, and some
feel nothing at all. Furthermore, the same person may have different
experiences from one blessing to the next. Often, the effects of the
blessings are not fully experienced until hours or days after the
blessing is received. It is important to realize that the intensity or
kind of subjective experience that one has is not an indicator of one
person's blessing being any better or worse than someone else’s, or
their own previous blessings. The important effect is the change in
overall life experience over the course of receiving blessings and over
the course of your life.
There
is nothing for you to do, nothing is asked of you. The blessing cannot
force itself on you and serves only to open a connection with the divine
forces of love, intelligence, and grace. It is important to note that
the facilitator has no intention of his or her own as to how the energy
should work in your life; they are merely a conduit for the divine to
act according to its own intelligence, providing you with exactly what
you need in terms of your own evolution. It may be helpful to spend a
few minutes in silence, meditation, or prayer before and immediately
after receiving the blessing; in this way the mind is less cluttered
with thoughts from the day, and you are more open to the flow of grace.
Experiences
during the transfer vary and can be strong and obvious or subtle and
not so apparent. Sometimes the receiver may experience a tingling
sensation in the head, a feeling of blissful energy flowing through the
body, or you may in fact not feel anything at all; this is not so
important. The receiver can trust that no matter what he or she
experiences during the transfer, a process specific to your own nature
has been initiated that will lead you gradually (or sometimes suddenly)
into your own, personal awakening. Having particular or “spiritual”
experiences during the blessing is in fact not relevant and in no way
should you be concerned if you do not feel something specific.
Most
people have experiences of newfound inner peace, joy, harmony, freedom,
clarity, self-awareness, balance and/or oneness with life. In some
cases, people also have experiences of spiritual awakening, expanded
consciousness, universal oneness or deep realizations about oneself, the
universe, and some even reach God-realization. There are also cases in
which some people feel little or nothing. Generally speaking, it takes a
series of transfers until one begins to truly feel the effects of this
energy. People often have enlightenment experiences and these are meant
to lead to a permanent state of enlightenment. While there is no formula
for this process, generally speaking, the first few blessings are aimed
towards clearing energy blocks so this new energy can be received, the
next few blessings then begin a process of cleansing and purification.
The following blessings then help to move one into a higher state of
being.
6. How does the Oneness Blessing create change or transformation in people’s lives? What are its benefits?Once
the Oneness Blessing is received, a process begins whereby you become
gradually awakened. It is actually a biological process in which each
transfer helps to awaken certain neuro-pathways and crucial energies
related to enlightenment. Other pathways related to the sense of
separation, which are considered the primary reason for our suffering,
become greatly reduced.
The
state of separation is the common experience of human beings. In this
reality, the oneness of life is not seen and instead all things, events,
and people are experienced as separate and non-connected. From this
perspective, such qualities as competitiveness, pride, dominance, the
need to control, loneliness, neediness, insecurity, confusion, boredom
and feelings of emptiness arise. Each transfer will help a person to
move from the sense of separation towards a sense of connectedness and
oneness with other people and eventually with all of life. One begins to
realize a deep state of happiness, joy, and peace that is naturally
arising and free from conditions.
7. Does everyone receive the same effects? What does it depend on?Each
person will undergo a unique process. The degree of transformation that
is received is different for everyone. It depends partly on the
openness of the receiver, but mostly on the intelligence within the
energy that knows what is best for you. For example, you may wish for
lasting peace in your life, however what would actually serve you higher
is to first experience previously unmet or undigested pain—that was
caused to you by another or caused by you to another. Or you may wish
for a deeper, more conscious relationship with your life partner,
however it is shown to you that you must first forgive the pain that was
caused to you by your mother or father, etc. The intelligence which
underlies the Oneness Blessing, the Divine Presence, knows what it is
you need to take the next step in your own evolution. The Blessing thus
serves as a vehicle to connect you with such intelligence and presence.
Having
a strong background in prayer or meditation or another spiritual
practice may be helpful in this process, however sometimes a strong
spiritual background comes with solid concepts which can actually block
one's degree of openness. Many people with virtually no spiritual
background have received beautiful states quite easily. For example, in
the villages of India and Africa or
areas where the people are not highly educated, deep experiences of
oneness broke out as a major phenomenon with many villagers receiving
the state in only one or two blessings. Ultimately, the most important
qualities on the side of the seeker are openness, gratitude, and
sincerity.
8. Who can receive the Oneness Blessing?
Anyone of any age may receive the Oneness Blessing, including children and babies. It is not necessary to attend the Oneness University in
order to receive the Blessing or its corresponding benefits. Along with
human beings, the Oneness Blessing may also be transferred to animals
and other living matter.
9. Who can give the Oneness Blessing?
The
Oneness Blessing can be transferred by one who has received the
transmission and training during a special process now offered around
the world, including in the US. Such people are referred to as Oneness
Facilitators or Oneness Blessing Givers. These ones then work, as an
empty vessel, through which this energy may transfer to the recipient.
Please
see the Events section of this website for places and dates where the
Oneness Blessing is being transferred to the public.
10. Does the Oneness Blessing belong to any religion or require any particular beliefs, rituals, or behaviors?
No. While the Oneness Blessing emerged out of the cultural and religious context of ancient India,
it does not adhere to any religion, any particular belief system, or to
any spiritual path. In fact, it has been said by the founders of the Oneness University that this shift in consciousness is not a religious or spiritual process at all, but rather one of neurobiology.
The
Oneness Blessing brings about changes in the energy in the brain, which
gradually enables the senses to be free from the interference of the
mind. When the senses are unclouded by the mind’s interpretations, a
natural clarity of perception occurs with spontaneous feelings of joy,
inner calm, and intimacy with all that is. All of these changes occur
independently of belief, faith, or philosophy.
The
Oneness Blessing is given every day all over the world by people of all
different races, religions and spiritual practices. It has been
embraced by Christian Bishops and priests, by Muslim Imams, by
Buddhists, Hindus, secular humanists, and agnostics. Each has found that
the Oneness Blessing enhances their particular religious faith (or
worldviews) and experience. It is not necessary to change your religion,
or to adopt any new philosophy, behavior, or practice to give or to
receive the Oneness Blessing.
The
Oneness Blessing does not belong to any religion or belief; it is a
“dogma free” universal energy that can be received by anyone, whichever
path they choose to follow. It works uniquely and intelligently to
connect you directly with the truth of your own being.
It
has been said that, contrary to conventional thinking and perspectives,
religion and spirituality have nothing to do with enlightenment, nor
even spirituality, per se. It is a purely neurobiological phenomenon.
Once enlightened, your guiding light will come from within yourself, and
you will reconnect with the essence within whatever religion or
spiritual tradition you belong to or don’t belong to. Many report that
after a series of Oneness Blessings they come to understand the essence
of their religion or spiritual practice for the first time. Christians
come to know Christ and the qualities he brought into this world;
Muslims come to know the mysteries of Allah; Buddhists come to a direct
experience of emptiness and Buddha-nature; Daoists come to
non-conceptual apprehension of the Daodejing, etc.
11. How and why did the Oneness Blessing come about at this time?
It
is widely accepted that our planet and our species is facing a crisis
of unprecedented proportions. You need only glance at a newspaper or
television to see the immense changes that are occurring at this time.
Many eminent authorities agree that we must pass through a quantum leap
in the evolution of collective consciousness, or possibly perish. Our
planet, and all of humanity, is currently undergoing a major
evolutionary transformation. This is impacting our environment, our
social structures, and our individual and collective consciousness.
The
Oneness Blessing has become available at this particular time as an aid
to our evolution into the collective state of Oneness. Many spiritual
traditions, both classical and indigenous, have spoken of a shift of
consciousness that would make itself available at this time in human
history, as necessary for the next phase of our personal and collective
evolution.
12. What is this neurobiological shift that is said to be catalyzed through receiving the transfer of this energy?
This
area is one of the most complex, controversial, and fascinating aspects
of the Oneness Blessing, and one that the scientific community is
currently exploring. The founders of the Oneness University, along with
the young guides who conduct the University’s courses, have seen that
one’s state of consciousness is a direct result of the flow of certain
patterns of energy within the various parts of the human brain.
In
short, the Oneness Blessing is said to initiate a shift in the brain
which reduces activity in a portion of the brain known as the parietal
lobe—in particular in the right parietal area. Dr. Andrew Newberg, from
the University of Pennsylvania, and others have conducted a tremendous amount of research on persons in deep states of prayer and meditation.
Further,
the Blessing has been seen to increase activity in the frontal lobe, in
particular in the chronically underactive right portion of the frontal
lobe.
The
Oneness Blessing shifts energy from chronically overactive thinking
centers of the brain to underactive frontal lobe calming centers. This
“re-wiring” of the brain enables the senses to become free from the
interference of the mind. When the senses are unclouded by the mind’s
interpretations, a natural clarity of perception occurs with
accompanying feelings of joy, inner peace, connection, and Oneness.
These feelings are causeless in nature and not a product of any
particular experience or life circumstance.
This
experiencing of reality as-it-is, which has been described in many
spiritual traditions, is often referred to as the “natural state.” The
Oneness Blessing provides a doorway to such state, which involves an
experience of reality through the senses without the normal filters of
the mind and its conceptual overlays. Spiritual literature is full of
descriptions of these kinds of shifts, however what is important is for
you to have this direct experience in your own being. While reading
about these states can provide a certain degree of inspiration and
longing, it is your direct experience of them that will create the
personal and planetary shifts that are being called for.
It
happens through means of a transfer of energy known as the Oneness
Blessing, which is programmed by the divine presence to re-pattern the
structure and physiology of the brain. Once this process completes
itself, a person finds himself or herself in a permanent state of
enlightenment. This is not necessarily a mystical state, but simply a
state of experiencing reality as it is, without the limiting filters and
conditioning of the human mind.
For more information about deeksha and the brain, please see the following articles:
Enlightenment and the Brain: A Scientific Commentary on the Teachings of Sri Bhagavan:
The Dark Night of the Soul and Brain Science:
Deeksha and the Brain:
Deeksha and the Hormones of Joy:
12.
This word “enlightenment” or “awakening” is mentioned quite frequently
these days in religious and spiritual circles. What is it really? Is
enlightenment actually possible in this day and age for normal, everyday
people?
The
great spiritual traditions have defined enlightenment in many ways over
the last few thousand years. Simply stated, enlightenment is the
dissolution of the sense of a fixed, separate self. Once we realize that
our concept of the self is an illusion, we become capable of
experiencing ourselves as a flow of consciousness that is no longer
subject to the limits and conditioning of the mind. And yes, it is
possible in this day and age.
Another
way to understand enlightenment is that it represents the natural way
of experiencing reality, as it is, through the senses, without the
continual filtering of the mind. When we look at a rose, for example, do
we truly see the rose? Or is this pure sensory experience being
filtered by the mind and its chatter—“oh, what a beautiful rose,” “I
wonder if I might pick it,” “I remember the time I gave my partner a
rose and she hated it,” “My mother used to love roses.” Most of our
experience is clouded by self-referencing which prevents us from
perceiving the nature of reality, empty of our own concepts. As you
deepen with the blessings, you may find a radical shift in your
perception of yourself and of the phenomenal world. There is nothing
“mystical” about this perception, but rather it is the natural state of
affairs for an awake human being.
Let
go of all expectations. You cannot achieve enlightenment through your
own efforts no matter how hard you try. And if it is your time, you will
be enabled to receive this gift no matter how hard you think you can
resist. All you can do is to open your heart and say ‘yes’ to the
experience. Let the blessings and the divine energy do the rest. The
universe will respond in perfect timing.
