Thursday, October 30, 2008

Amarantine - Enya

Amarantine preformed by Enya

Amarantine means everlasting or immortal. A truly beautiful music video from Enya. As always Enya's voice is clear and flawless as she sings about love. Magical... a walk through the woods with fairy dust and sparkles everywhere... wow! Album: Amarantine, song: Amarantine (2005). Won the Grammy Award for Best New Age Album for 2007.

enya Enya (Eithne Patricia Ní Bhraonáin) was born on May 17, 1961 in Gaoth Dobhair, County Donegal, Ireland. She is a singer, instrumentalist and composer and Ireland's biggest solo artist. Enya is an approximation of how Eithne is pronounced in her native language. You can read more about Enya at Wikipedia. Visit Enya's website to watch more videos or for the latest news about her music.

~Bonnee

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Aquita Water Fairy

Aquita Water Fairy by Bonnee Klein Gilligan.  © 2008  Bonnee Klein Gilligan. All rights reserved.

Aquita Water Fairy by Bonnee Klein Gilligan (2008) Pastel on paper, 9" x 12"

Aquita is a water fairy or water elemental. A magical creature or Nature Spirit called an Undine. Water is the third basic element; the most primary form in which liquid can exist. It is the origin of everything. Water Fairies draw vitality from the sun are playful and give water energy. They are in charge of the purpose of water. Rhythm, flow and movement is important to their life.

Expressive of self-control, passion, emotion and reproduction. Water elementals sometimes transform to resemble people like the Selkies in Ireland.

Aquita says, "I AM Water – I flow, I reflect, I sustain and nourish life…. I AM Water. I AM cold or frozen, warm, hot or steamy. I AM ethereal and tangible. I AM smooth and liquid. I AM hard and wet. I AM emotion and sexual passion. I AM sensuous. I AM reproduction. I AM Water - I flow in, through and around you. I sustain you. I AM androgynous. I AM all of this and more. I AM Water.”

You can see more of my works at Creative Spiritual Works and purchase prints of Aquita at Spirit Art Gallery. Enjoy!

~Bonnee

Sunday, October 26, 2008

The Blue and the Red

The blue and the red-Jonathon Earl Bowser

The Blue and the Red by Jonathon Earl Bowser Oil on Canvas-Panel - 24" x 16"

This striking painting speaks volumes to me. Creation, movement, life, ensoulment, light... as well Void, stillness, innerspace, non-existence, darkness. The Goddess of Darklight (dark matter, innerspace) - Christenya, the Mother, the womb of Creation. It speaks of energy and matter, light and darkness, duality and Oneness. The infinite nature of 'All That Is'. Of cycles - birth, life, Jonathon Earl Bowser death. Of time as Present Moment.  Fabulous!  Prints are available.

Jonathon Earl Bowser was born in Canada in 1962. He began drawing at age 8, painting at age 18, and graduated from the Alberta College of Art in 1984.

~Bonnee

Friday, October 24, 2008

New Soul - Yael Naim

"New Soul' performed by Yael Naim and David Donatien

A fun song about a new soul learning how to live  in this strange world. I always sing along. The video is so creative, it seems like it's about recreating our world... from a new and different perspective. Very cool. I love them both! Yael & David won the Album of the Year Award in “World Music” at the 2008 Victoires de la Musique annual French award ceremony.  Song: New Soul, album: Eponymous

 

Yael Naim Yael Naim, singer/sonwriter was born in 1978 in Paris. She spent a large part of her childhood in Ramat Hacharon, a small town not far from Tel Aviv. David Donatien, percussionist/producer was born in France. You can watch more videos of Yael and David at their website and listen to more music at their myspace page. Enjoy!

~Bonnee

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

JeShUa…ThE… mIsSiNg…YeArS…

Jeshua the missing Years - painting by Akiane  Kramarik. © Copyright 2000-2008 Akiane Kramarik

'Jeshua the missing years'  by Akiane Kramarik - Acrylic on canvas 48" x 60"

akaine_love This spectacular, inspired and powerful painting of Jesus was done in 2004 by Akiane when she was 10 years old. She is an amazing artist and poet; a messenger who paints and writes for God. Spirit moves through her, I get chills when I hear her talk.  I first saw Akiane and her works in the documentary, 'The Indigo Revolution' by Emissary Productions.

Akiane has been selected as 1 of 20 most accomplished visual artists in the world by Tribute Entertainment (London) and ABI (United States).

Akiane says about 'Jeshua the missing years'...

At 14, during one of his meditations, Jesus is talking with his father in heaven about the new earth, where only joy and peace would reign. In the background the galactic hand is reaching out for love and truth…

You can see more of Akiane's amazing works of art and poetry at: www.artakiane.com.

~Bonnee

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Brahma Nandam - Deva Premal live

Brahma Nandam preformed by Deva Premal and Miten

Deva Premal has one of the most beautiful voices I've ever heard. Clear and perfect, like and angel. You can feel Spirit moving through her as she sings. I got chills as I was listening, as I often do when she sings. Song - Brahma Nandam, album - Dakshina (2005).

Translation of the Lyrics...

Salutations to the inner guru, the inner guiding light.
Who is the embodiment of pure delight,
Who is the giver of supreme happiness.
Who is beyond the dualities of this material world;
Who is as infinite as the sky. 
Who is the sole aspiration and goal of life;
Who is unique, eternal, pure, unwavering.
Who sees with the eyes of wisdom;
Who is beyond emotions and beyond the three gunas (binding aspects of our nature) - Sattva (bliss), Rajas (animal instinct) and Tamas (lethargy).

Lord BrahmaBrahma is defined as the 'one self-existent Spirit , the Absolute'.

Lord Brahma is the Creator of the Universe whose essence makes up the cosmos. The supreme eternal deity. He was born within the void before creation.  The cosmic subtle body is believed to be the creator of the entire universe... this is Brahma, the Creator. Brahma's consort is Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge. Creation cannot be accomplished without Knowledge/Wisdom. Because we are form, or in creation, Brahma is not often worshiped. The exceptions, if one wishes to understand an aspect of Creation or to be inspired with creative ideas which serve all.

The triad of Brahma (creation), Vishnu (maintenance) and Shiva (destruction) represent different aspects of God. Life is a manifestation of those principles (creation, sustenance and destruction) such as  birth, life and death.  Or sunrise, day, sunset; as well sunset, night, sunrise and so forth. Brahma is the essence of Soul or Inner Guiding Light.

 

DevaPramal-Mitten Deva Premal was born in Germany in 1970 and brought up in an atmosphere of mantra and spiritual discipline. Miten born in London, was a rock and roll singer/songwriter in the 70s and 80s.

Deva Premal and Miten's website has a collection of songs you can listen to with a Flash player.

~Bonnee

Friday, October 17, 2008

Mohammed the Prophet

Mohammed the Prophet (1932) by Nicholas Roerich.

Mohammed the Prophet (1929) by Nicholas Roerich - Tempera on canvas 74.2cm x 117.3cm

Beautiful, intense and filled with awe, this painting captures the essence of spiritual inspiration. Magnificent!

Mohammed and Gabriel - Miniature illustration on vellum from the book Jami' al-Tawarikh Mohammed was  born in 570 CE in Mecca. Orphaned at a young age, he was brought up by his uncle. He married at age 25 and worked as a merchant. He was discontented with his life so went into the mountains to meditate and reflect. At age 40, in the month of Ramadan, Mohammed received a revelation from God. The illustration right shows Angel Gabriel giving Mohammed his first revelation. Three years later he began speaking about his revelations. The Noble Qur'an is a collection of God's teachings through Mohammad. It says...

59:24. He is the One GOD; the Creator, the Initiator, the Designer. To Him belong the most beautiful names. Glorifying Him is everything in the heavens and the earth. He is the Almighty, Most Wise.

5:16. GOD guides those who seek His approval. He guides them to the paths of peace, leads them out of darkness into the light by His leave, and guides them in a straight path.

Nicholas Roerich (Himalayas, 1929) says ...

"Highly interesting are the words of At-Tabari about the prophetic mission of Mohammed (“History of Prophets and Kings”): “The revelation of the divine messenger began with impartations of truth, which came to him as the morning glow. Then he was filled with the desire for solitude and remained in the cave on Mount Hira. And so to him came the eternal True One and said, ‘Mohammed, thou art God’s messenger. I knelt,’ God’s messenger says, ‘and I waited. Then I slowly left. My heart was trembling. I came to Hadija and said to enwrap me, enwrap me, and my fear left. And He came again and said to me. 'Mohammed, I am Gabriel, and thou art the Messenger of God...' '” The exclamation 'Enwrap me' gives authentic occult character to the narrative." 

Roerich Nicholas Roerich (1874–1947) — ). Russian scholar, mystic, painter, and designer. He cofounded the Agni Yoga Society with his wife Helena, a channel of El Morya. Master Morya's heartfelt messages became the foundation of Agni Yoga. The messages from El Morya are available at agniyoga.org. Nicholas Roerich Museum contains a collection of his paintings. Prints of Roerich's paintings are available at agniart.ru.

~Bonnee

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Happiness is... - Yungchen Lhamo

Om Mani Padme Hung sung by Yungchen Lhamo.

Yungchen Lhamo's voice is sweet, haunting and quieting. It  fills the air with Spirit as she sings the mantra Om Mani Padma Hum to Chenrezig. She is considered by many to be the voice of Tibet.

Happiness is... is a Real World Production. Produced and directed by: Michael Coulson. Director of photography: Axel Baumann. Editor: Jerry Chayter. Song - Om Mani Padme Hung; album - Ama.

Hope you enjoy watching and listening to her as much as I.

~Bonnee

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Quan Yin - Goddess of Mercy and Compassion

Quan Yin, Guan Yin or Kannon Quan Yin is the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion in Buddhism. She is known as Kannon in Japanese, Guan Yin in Chinese, Chenrezig in Tibetan and Avalokiteśvara in Sanskrit. Avalokiteśvara and Chenrezig are usually depicted as a male or androgynous, while Quan Yin, Kannon and Guan Yin are female.  Illustration left is Kannon.

Guan Yin (觀音, pinyin guānyīn, Wade-Giles: kuan-yin) is an exact translation of Avalokitasvara (अवलोकितेश्वर, Sanskrit). The prefix ava = down; lokita = to notice, behold, observe and svara = sound, noise or sound perceiver. Literally “he who perceives sound (or hears the cries of sentient beings who need help)."  From Tibetan Chenrezig translates as chen = eye; re = continuityAvalokiteśvara and zig = to look. From this one can derive the meaning "he who always looks upon all beings (with the eye of compassion). Illustration right is Avalokiteśvara.

According to legend, Quan Yin was born into this world as Miao  Shan, the daughter of a king of the Chou Dynasty (1050-256 B.C.). Another legend says, in a previous time a devoted, compassionate monk became a Bodhisattva, who later became Avalokiteśvara. Most of the Buddhas and Boddhisattvas have a living breathing man or woman associated with them. This shows humanities ability to become enlightened with dedicated practice.

In the Buddhist teachings, Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva postponed his own Buddhahood and vowed to end suffering by listening to and assisting every sentient being to attain enlightenment.Chenrezi

Lama Jigme a Tibetan Buddhist monk explains, "No matter how you address the Buddha of Compassion (by which name), the Buddha of Compassion is still the Buddha of Compassion." He says about the mantra, "Chenrezig’s Six-syllable mantra, Om  Ma-ni  Pad-me  Hum, is the compassionate wisdom of all the Buddhas manifested as sound." Illustration right is Chenrezig.

Bokar Rinpoche writes, "Every person whose heart is moved by love and compassion, who deeply and sincerely acts for the benefit of others without concern for fame, profit, social position, or recognition expresses the activity of Chenrezig."

Duane, Reiki Teacher says "I’ve always found the theory that Quan Yin, Mother Mary, Isis, Avalokiteśvara, Kannon and even Ha Hai-i Wuhti of Hopi Indian lore (amongst many others) are all actually one and the same… manifesting at different times, to different cultures in an attempt to bolster the belief that love and compassion are amongst the stronger powers known to man to be quite fascinating."

Interesting indeed... let's take that a step further... ultimately we are all One. This implies that you and I are One, as well you and Quan Yin are One. And Quan Yin and I are One... as she and every sentient being are One. We humans just don't recognize this. We have forgotten and see ourselves as separate from everything and everyone. Isolated and alone... we suffer. This is an illusion! We simply have forgotten our connectedness and our own Sacredness.

A few Souls incarnate with full remembrance. Some of them we recognize and call 'Buddhas, Avatars, Saints or Messengers of God'. They are us... walking, breathing, talking reminders who impart knowledge. They show us 'Who We Truly Are'. But we only see their Specialness or Godliness, put them on pedestals and end up worshiping them. We create entire religions full of dogmas based on their messages. We think so little of ourselves that we couldn't possibly be 'THAT'. So we worship it, rather then remembering, emulating and becoming 'THAT' ourselves.

Even if we have the understanding we are 'THAT', we still don't fully believe. For if we did... when we do... we will walk not only in the footsteps of the Great Masters... we will be the One's creating the footsteps. All we have to do is set aside our beliefs, forget all we have learned, feel our connectedness and just be... in this moment.

We are all Love and Compassion in beautiful diversity. If we all walked this, imagine the wondrous, magical things we'd create together. Reiki helps us remember, builds our compassion and love, and reconnects us to the Gift of Spirit. Thanks Usui Sensei for this great gift!

~Bonnee

This blog post was inspired by 'Reiki Sense of Compassion' by Duane Flowers

Friday, October 10, 2008

Mother of the World

Mother of the World by Nicholas Roeich

Mother of the World (1928) by Nicholas Roerich - Oil on tempera, mounted on cardboard. 98cm x 65.4cm

This beautiful painting touches my heart and soul. I feel the innocence, peace, wisdom and power of the Great Mother.

Nicholas Roerich says of The Great Mother...

"...To you, Mother, is dedicated the site on the Great White Mountain, which has never been surmounted. Because when the hour of extreme need strikes, there you will stand, and you will lift up your Hand for the salvation of the world. And encircled by all whirl-winds and all light, you will stand like a pillar of space, summoning all the forces of the far-off worlds

Throughout the entire East and in the entire West there lives the Image of the Mother of the World, and deeply significant salutations are dedicated to this High Entity.

The Great Features of the Face are often covered and under the folds of this veil, glowing with the squares of perfection, may one not see the One Great Unifying Aspect, common to Them All!

Peace be to the World!"

Nicholas Roerich Nicholas Roerich (1874–1947) — ). Russian scholar, mystic, painter, and designer. He cofounded the Agni Yoga Society with his wife Helena, a channel of El Morya. Master Morya's heartfelt messages became the foundation of Agni Yoga. The messages from El Morya are available at agniyoga.org.

Roerich believed that peace on Earth was necessary for planetary  survival and continuing Banner of Peacespiritual evolution. He encouraged humanity to achieve peace through Beauty and Knowledge. In 1933 he created the Banner of Peace shown right and The Roerich Pact which was signed into law by President Roosevelt.

Roerich's beautiful paintings can be viewed at Nicholas Roerich Museum. Prints can be purchased at agniart.ru.

~Bonnee

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Dance of Sarasvati - Kitaro live in concert

Kitaro is an inspired musician, he plays for spirit. Here he is live, playing his song Dance of Sarasvati; album Mandala (released 1994, Nominated for Grammy Award).

sarasvati Sarasvati (pronounced as sə.rəs.ʋə.ti) is the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music and the arts and the consort of Brahma. Sarasvati literally translated means: the knowledge of self or the essential part of self. sara = the essential part, knowledge, energy, motion, strength or power; sva = one's own (self); ti = for, after. One says or sings the Sarasvati Mantra for higher knowledge and wisdom, and to come to the understanding of true, essential self. Kitaro sings, 'Om namo Sarasvati'.

I first heard of Kitaro in 1989 when I lived in Kauai, Hawaii. Bought every album I could find I loved his music so much. Enjoy Kitaro and Dance of Sarasvati!

~Bonnee

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Wonder - Zena gazing at the moon

wonder-

Wonder by Alex Grey is innocent, sweet and profound. 

Alex is an incredible visionary artist who draws the world of energy, spirit and unfoldment.  Wonder is a portrait of Grey's daughter Zena gazing at the moon. 16" x 20" acrylic on paper done in 1996. Many of his beautiful works can be seen in the galleries at alexgrey.com.   Spectacular!

~Bonnee

Friday, October 3, 2008

the dove

~a poem by Bonnee Klein Gilligan

Lovers Rock Sedona, AZ  photo by Light. © 2008 Bonnee Klein Gilligan. All Rights Reserved.

Yes dear friend we all get hurt

and others they can stir up dirt.

In love or out it matters not

for human love is not what's sot.

We look here and we look there

and try to find love everywhere.

But what we find is half at best

and breaks our hearts, perhaps the rest.

It's not the love we're seeking friend

it's half at best and in the end

We remember what we've lost

at such a great emotional cost.

It's God's love, not the human kind

that fills us with a gift Divine.

And when two in this space of love

find each other, they find the Dove

This is the gift, these are the plans

this is what our God demands.

To love like God, with heart and Soul

and open up... let go control.

Connect with body, soul and mind

into a place of Love not blind.

but wholly seeing, holy knowing

this is the seed that God is sowing.

To love each other like God loves us

and this my friend takes perfect Trust.

It takes letting go ways of thinking

that hem us in and keep us sinking.

And letting go of future and past

for these are false and do not last.

Now is all we have to love in

so open gentle heart... begin.

Love opens us to possibilities

and tears down all of our hostilities.

It heals all wounds, and mends all harm

so let go the past, let go alarm.

Open up to life and love

and live again, fly like the dove.

Open to God’s Divine Plan

live in Love and hand in hand

Heart to heart and soul to soul

watch the Divine gifts unfold.

Beautiful is life with of love

it is the magic of the Dove.