A "Book Review": 'THE THIRD JESUS' (by Dr Deepak Chopra) - Part Three

Article Title: A "Book Review": 'THE THIRD JESUS' (by Dr Deepak Chopra) -- Part Three

Submitted by Craig Lock

Key words: Deepak Chopra, Jesus, Jesus Christ, books, "The Third Jesus", spirituality, spiritual growth, enlightenment, inspiration, empowerment, self help, self realisation (enough there for now, craig)

Web sites: www.deepakchopra.com and www.rbooks.co.uk

The submitter’s blog (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) is at http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=%22craig+lock%22 and http://craiglock.wordpress.com

Other Articles are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig)

Publishing Guidelines:

I'm sharing these these thoughts, these writings by Dr Deepak Chopra with the world in a 'spirit of enlightenment') ; so this article (as with all my articles) may be published, electronically or in print (with acknowledgment to the author, thanks).

"We share what we know, so that we all may grow."

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Sharing some Thoughts (Spiritual) on Jesus from 'The Third Jesus' by Deepak Chopra

"We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience." - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Submitters's Note:

Craig is studying the teachings of different religions, as he researches and writes his latest novels 'A New Dawn' and 'From Seeds of Hate to the Bonds of Love', which are set in the Middle East and his latest "labour of love" ' The Real, The True Jesus . . . the One That I Really Know and Love!)'. This article (in point form) was based on notes and some short extracts I've taken directly from Dr Deepak Chopra's fascinating and thought-provoking new book, 'The Third Jesus', whilst studying the link between the human mind and spirituality. As I take notes, contemplate and share these most revealing thoughts from Dr Chopra, I learn more about my own spiritual journey. So am sharing this piece from Part One ( "a great enlightening read") in the spirit of hopefully stimulating thinking and discussion on the life and mission of Jesus from Chopra's writings and beliefs along the 'spiritual journey'.

I have added a few of my own thoughts (in intalics). I recommend that you read this book, if you are interested in spiritual (or "airey-fairey" as my very "down-to-earth", practical friends call this subject matter) matters. (Incidentally, I do 'try to test', further explore and apply these principles in 'real life' and they DO work). Hope sharing this short extract, these 'eternal truths' from an excellent book may be of interest, uplifting . . . and perhaps even inspirational to you too. Enjoy "THE WORD" . . .

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'THE THIRD JESUS' by Deepak Chopra:

How to Find Truth and Love in Today's World Published in the UK in 2008 by Rider, an imprint of Ebury Publishing

www.rbooks.co.uk and www.deepakchopra.com

Karma -- Reaping and Sowing "As you sow, so shall you reap." Karma is important on the spiritual path, and knowing how to act and why (ie. intent) is important in all religions. Good actions advance spiritual growth.

"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can."

- John Wesley

Karma gives back exactly what you deserve, but God doesn't. He gives without regard to good and evil . . . and that is a mark of grace (God's Infinite Grace). Live by grace. Judge Not '

Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get.' (Matthew 7: 1-2)

Generosity of spirit (as with Nelson Mandela) is rewarded in kind,, eventually. Spiritual truths can't be restricted by time and place. The ability to receive any spiritual teaching depends on your level of awareness. All the violence in Jesus's life served the purpose of a higher teaching, that physical life, even at its most cruel, can be transcended.

'For to those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance.' (Matthew 13:12)

Connect to the Source. 'I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower.' (John 15:1-5) The sap that nourishes the vine and causes it to bear fruit is God, the Source of Life. Jesus wanted to share the unity he experienced with God, the "Ground of All Being" and therefore he often used the phrase 'abide in me'. Spirit is eternal.

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UNITY

The essence of Jesus was his complete unity with God (ie. his will was in complete alignment wih His Father's will). The mystical Jesus was describing his essence and ours at the same time. This essence (our humanity) is a speck of God, the soul substance inside everyone that never became seperated from its source (both his and ours). I am Spirit He said to them, 'You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world.' (John 8:23) ("Spaced-out"!??)

I am Eternal Jesus said to them, 'Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.' (My comment: Aren't we all part of God's greater plan, especially when we surrender our wills to God's "higher" purpose). The broader meaning is that spirit surpasses any organized religion. My Purpose is to Fulfill 'Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish, but to fulfill.' Jesus existed for his followers in a state of consciousness beyond the five senses and the thinking mind. (He continually drew on a Higher Power than himself, God, the Father). All Authority is Mine And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me'. (Matthew 28:18) I am the Way Jesus said to him: 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.' (John 14: 6-7) (I understand the concept of God, the Father and the 'invitation' to enter into a "personal relationship" with the Ultimate Source, of all the religions is unique to Christianity) Jesus acts not alone, but as a vehicle of God's will. God causes things to happen through Him. His union with God was immediate, personal and direct. (My little comment: God, Great (Infinite) Spirit "works" through 'ordinary' (what's that!) people and like Jesus, God's presence and Infinite Grace is often revealed through the thoughts, "small" actions and deeds of "common, humble, yet great spirited" human beings. I suppose the key is getting "our will perfectly in line with God's will!" . . . but HOW . I'll contemplate that one). An afterthought . . . Yet we can ALL can be channels, instruments of God's will , if we so choose and allow to unfold (getting into another deeper/higher dimension, a higher consciousness of living, perhaps??! As I write and express my thoughts, it's all becoming clearer.. much!

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WHO IS THE REAL JESUS? The mystical argument: The real Jesus was never physical -- he is the Holy Spirit (???). Jesus becomes something abstract and invisible, the Word that was never born and will never die.

Spirituality is about truths that cannot be understood from a strictly rational perspective. Because the Holy Spirit is transcendant, Jesus must be found not on earth, but in the Kingdom of God. (a 'fact of the soul'). Through him, Spirit is realised; so that he brings God-consciousness down to earth by being its living exemplar. Spirit exists to serve, and since we are all spirit, our life should be dedicated to service. When you serve others, you are servant and master to yourself . . . and this state of Higher Consciousness is real and open to ALL of us."

Dr Deepak Chopra www.deepakchopra.com and www.rbooks.co.uk

In summary . . . The authentic message regarding the words, deeds, and teachings of Jesus are as relevant and useful today as ever. In essence they are:

* Give to anyone who asks; knowledge and righteousness are revealed in action

* Beware those who claim to speak on behalf of God; first, know yourself

* Find the light inside, and share this light with the world

These writings are an attempt to let Jesus speak for himself . . . and I hope, I trust, that the "spiritual Jesus", the "Third Jesus", "The Real Jesus" shines through his words . . . so that you may feel his "sublime presence", through his Infinite Spirit and Grace . . . TODAY

Shared (with thanks) by "not so goody-goody airey fairey spiritual" Craig Lock ("Information and Inspiration Distributor, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder")

Your beliefs become your thoughts, Your thoughts become your words, Your words become your actions, Your actions become your habits, Your habits become your values, Your values become your destiny."

- Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi

We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make our world." - the Buddha

"People fight and die for religion but they seldom live for religion."

- former Indian Prime Minister, Jahrulal Nehru

"Deep within us there is a flame that burns, and that flame is the spark of God. In some it burns brightly, in others it is barely distinguishable; but always it burns . . . and with love and acceptance the flame gets higher and brighter. We can help others to kindle this flame by seeing the good in them, even if they don't see it themselves."

- anon

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"Let your light so shine that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matt 5:16)

"You are the light of the world; a city cannot be hidden, if it is built on a mountain top. A lamp is not lighted to be put away under a bushel measure; it is put on the lamp stand, to give light to all the people of the house; and your light must shine so brightly before men." (Matt 5,14-16. Knox).

"Let the light of your BEING shine brightly; so revealing Who You Really Are. Be a Bringer of the Light, which emanates from our soul, God, our Creator, the Source, the Essence of Life (and Ground of our very Being). Therefore, it can do more than illuminate your own path. YOUR spirit will help makes the lives of others easier by illuminating others paths. For this light is our humanity, the spirit of God, truth, wisdom, beauty and especially love . . . and it lies within each one of us. Through your actions and your being, let your light, YOUR spirit truly shine brightly on the world, like the radiance emitted by a candle at midnight."

- craig (as adapted from and inspired by Neale Donald Walsh in 'Conversations with God Book 3?).

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, 'who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?'

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking; so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

- Marianne Williamson I love these words from Marianne Williamson as used by Nelson Mandela in his inaugeration speech as State President at South Africa's first Democratic Election in 1994.

"Together, one mind, one life at a time, let's see how many people we can impact, encourage, empower, uplift and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials. Change YOUR world and you help change THE world . . . for the better."

End of Part Three (Part Four to follow)

THIS PIECE MAY BE PUBLISHED (with acknowledgment to Dr Deepak Chopra, please)

PPS As John Shelby Spong, former Archbishop of Newark (very controversial in the Christian world) wrote in his book 'Jesus for the Non Religious' "The real Jesus is the figure needs today to lead it back to the 'God experience' on which Christianity was originally built."

"God is a mystery, the 'mystery of life', a Creative Presence, Who/That allows me to be who I really want to be and become." The submitter’s blog (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) is at http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=%22craig+lock%22 and http://craiglock.wordpress.com

"God, the Essence of Life, is the great mystery in the vast unknown; yet He(??) is understandable."

Shine YOUR own bright light on humanity