Empty Yourself That You May Be Filled

If someone is full of themselves, full of their opinions, likes and dislikes, "knowledge" of what is and what should be, then they cannot be filled with God's wisdom and light. A full cup has no room for anything. Only an empty one can be filled, and, I might add, only a clean empty one. Omraam said, "When you need to pour liquid into a container, you check that the container is clean, and if it is dirty you wash it. So, how can anyone whose inner state resembles a dirty container believe that the Holy Spirit will come and live in them?" (See "Be a Crystal Clear Glass" from March 25). This dirt in an empty container are traces of the ego that are left. In Hinduism, they're called leja vidya, the last bits of false knowledge that must be removed before enlightenment is attained.

The process of emptying yourself is called by various names: renunciation, self-denial, giving up, letting go, nonattachment, surrender. It requires disidentification by looking at yourself objectively and asking yourself honestly, "Is this really who I am? Is this truly a part of my being?" The answer will be "No." During this process, you may encounter some emotions of anger, a sense of injustice, or fear, as the ego tries to hold onto some cherished opinions or beliefs it has identified with. These emotions can only be cancelled out by love and gratitude.

Those who succeed in emptying and purifying themselves are filled with the Holy Spirit till they overflow and bless others. These are the saints, the ones who change the world, not just through their words and actions but through their being, their wholeness, their fullness. Throughout history, you see them as the initiators of movements: Saint Francis, Saint Clare, Gandhi, Mother Teresa. They are initiators because they have gone through the initiation of emptying and purification and have left the example of their lives for others to follow.

Jesus, another initiator, said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." He also said, "Any of you who try to save the life you have will lose it. But you who give up your life for me will find true life. So, let go of all the false beliefs, petty thoughts, and negative emotions that fill your tiny ego cup and let God fill the chalice of your being with his light, love, and life that you may offer it to others in a Holy Communion (coming into union) as you become a Christ and sacrifice your life for others.