The Sevenfold Path is a spiritual discipline that nourishes the expression of our whole being which includes our body, our mind, our families, culture, ecology and ultimately our spiritual reality. This path proves to be a powerful and effective spiritual model for harmonious living and a peaceful world. The processes support us in the natural expression of living our fullest potential of existence.
The Sevenfold Path comes from the ancient Essenes who lived thousands of years ago and knew that the experience of peace is a personal one. If we ever hope to achieve a collective experience of peace, our first step as individuals is to heal that which hinders our experience of personal peace.
The following are the seven aspects of contemplation for The Sevenfold Path of Peace that was used by the ancient Essenes:
Peace with the Body
We recognize the body as our sacred vehicle, created by spiritual laws of the universe and that in the body are manifested all the laws of life. The Essenes learned the healthful foods, herbs, breathing techniques, etc., that were needed to have a physical body filled with vitality. This contemplation nurtures the power of love and acceptance for our physical expression. It is through our spiritual relationship with our bodies that the ability to heal is mastered.
Peace with the Mind
This contemplation, in regards to the Sevenfold Path of Peace, is thought of as a higher force – far more powerful than either feeling or action, because it is the creator of both. It is important to understand the power of the mind as a tool of manifestation. It is what empowers us to be co-creators with Spirit. It is through the use of the mind that we direct the flow of energy through the choices we make about our thoughts.
Peace with Emotions/Family
As a reflection of our love towards one another, this contemplation governs our relationships with those who are in our close environment and our spiritual families. Through this contemplation, we realize how our families are mirrors in learning more about our feeling physical bodies and ourselves. The Essenes knew that the feeling body is a most influential instrument for the creation of physical vitality, emotional freedom and spiritual happiness.
Peace with Community
A powerful step of the Sevenfold Path, this contemplation refers to harmony between groups of people. The Essenes teach that each of us journeys an exceptional path in helping human evolution, and it is only when we follow our own unique gifts that joy and peace will occur on the planet.
Peace with Wisdom of the Ancients/Culture
In this contemplation, we make use of the gifts of the masters of wisdom from past. The Essenes believed there were three pathways to discovering truth. The path of intuition followed by mystics and prophets; the path of nature – the way of the scientist; and the path of culture – exposure to the great masterpieces of literature and the arts.
This contemplation opens the door to our spiritual ancestors and their spiritual truths. Essenes considered it the responsibility of all to learn from cultural wisdom past down through the ages and pass teachings down to the next generation as a way of contributing to the evolution of humankind.
Peace with Earth Ecology / Environment
This contemplation nurtures how we live in harmony with the Earth and the physical field of existence. It is the knowledge and understanding that our health and wealth is dependent on how we cooperate with the physical planet. As we expand a loving relationship with the Earth, the planet nurtures our own spiritual beings.
Peace with Spirit/ Divine/ God
It is with this step of the Sevenfold Path of Peace that we experience one power and one presence in our lives and in the Universe. A doorway opens in our consciousness that accesses powerful, loving guidance and support from spiritual energies.
The Sevenfold Path of Peace is a way of evaluating ourselves and the way we present ourselves in our world. With every thought, feeling and action we are creating and contributing. The question is are we contributing to greater peace? Am I building up and growing as a spiritual being having a physical reality?
The Sevenfold Path of Peace offers us an opportunity to become aware, awake and conscious. To live in peace is to actively participate in creating Heaven on Earth.
May Peace Be With You!
Lorenna & Shantree
