Breaking Trail Balakhilya and Ruben

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” - Matthew 5:10-12



Today we delve into the stark contrast between the darkness and light in the world. We share the extraordinary accounts of Jesus’ apostles, who held on to their faith despite the most horrendous persecutions. And you’ll hear us differentiate between their genuine faith and its polar opposite of fanaticism.



On that note, we didn’t make this episode to delve into the cruelty of how they were treated. Rather, we wanted to show how these apostles are the most wonderful examples of the power of faith, and the power of love. Examples that show how light always conquers darkness.



Highlights:




(5:53) Saul's conversion and writing of epistles



(9:25) Apostles preached the message of Jesus despite Roman persecution



(14:05) Why are genuine spiritual leaders an enemy of the rulers?



(19:23) How a roman soldier guarding James was overcome by conviction and chose to be executed along with him



(27:39) Jesus taught love, not salvationism



(34:41) How we can also become strong from gradual development of spiritual love



(51:24) A short story of how the most unlikely person can be the most interested




Recorded on February 19, 2024.



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“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” - Matthew 7:15



Today we delve into the essence of spiritual teachings, namely the importance of finding a true spiritual teacher. And how you practically can tell the real ones from the false ones.



We stress the significance of assessing the genuineness of spiritual teachers based on their actions and teachings. We discuss the role of a spiritual master as a connection to the Supreme Person, and underscore the necessity of surrendering to a living spiritual teacher in the pursuit of spiritual growth.



The bottom line is; if we don’t even try to find a spiritual teacher, we will be like a rudderless boat in the ocean of life. However, if we are not careful in this endeavour, we will not make it to a safe harbour.



Highlights:




(1:29) If God has a representative on earth today, would it be necessary for me to become his student?



(9:22) Guidance of a true spiritual master is essential to understand the truth



(15:33) Beware of the wolves, the false prophets, who come in sheep's clothing



(20:07) Developing a spiritual interest makes you vulnerable to the wolves



(28:30) "You shall know them by their fruit”



(37:02) A spiritual seeker's sincerity reveals the truth



(42:05) Wealth and spirituality: the goal isn't to enjoy this world, that's not what's going to make us happy




Recorded on February 5, 2024.



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Reincarnation (and thus, karma) was taught by Jesus as well as the early fathers of Christianity. When that concept was removed, several strange concepts were put into place - that are still being taught. For example, the eternal damnation that follows if you don’t take the one and only chance you have in this lifetime, the creation of the soul at the time of conception, and the idea that our suffering is not really due to our past actions - but due to the original sin committed by Adam and Eve.



In this episode of Breaking Trail, we discuss the concepts of karma and reincarnation and their relationship with Christian teachings. We explore the idea that actions influence future outcomes, supporting this with Paul’s words from Galatians 6:7-9, "A man reaps what he sows," which serves as a cornerstone for understanding spiritual laws of cause and effect.



We examine the historical decision by Justinian in 550 AD to remove reincarnation from Christian doctrine, a decision that introduced major theological shifts and inconsistencies. Life is really a continuous journey of spiritual evolution, which aligns with teachings from both the Vedas and early Christian texts. 



Highlights:




(8:16) How new concepts were introduced, such as original sin from Adam's disobedience in Garden of Eden



(20:39) All religions teach we're children of God, so what about animals?



(28:18) Reincarnation makes sense from different angles, given the contradiction of a loving God with a single lifetime chance



(34:21) Blaming God for one’s suffering



(40:35) Following the rules for spiritual life: obedience to a higher authority



(51:15) Freedom from karma through spiritual service




Recorded on January 22, 2024.



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Today we delve into the Vedic story of Bilva Mangala, who was deeply attached to a prostitute by the name Chintamani. You’ll hear how, after a sudden turn of events, he accepted her as his spiritual master.



We discuss the importance of redirecting ones materialistic passions towards spiritual pursuits, and touch upon the Vedic concept of intelligence for attaining a true perspective. Balakhilya also shares biblical narratives comparing Mary Magdalene and Chintamani. We discuss themes of mercy and redemption with references like Jesus' response to an accused adulteress, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her”. At the end, you’ll hear us respond to a listener’s question about chanting silently in the mind.



This episode not only explores spiritual dimensions but also humanizes the path of spiritual growth, showing that enlightenment and help can emerge from the most unexpected sources.



Highlights:




(6:48) The story of the aristocratic priest Bilva Mangala and the prostitute Chintamani



(12:39) Unexpected sources bring needed lessons and help. In the story of the man and the flood, he rejects help in search of a miracle.



(20:43) Intelligence, according to the Vedas is the ability to put things in their proper perspective



(23:36) Balakhilya responds to a question from listener: “I often find myself chanting in my mind when I'm riding the bus, out for a walk, or doing other quiet activities. I'm wondering if chanting silently to yourself has the same quality as chanting out loud?”




Recorded on January 17, 2024.



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What is real prayer, and what has that got to do with meditation? In fact, Jesus was meditating constantly; immersed in service to the Supreme Lord. 



Today, we explore the concept of uncovering one’s love for the Supreme Lord and the process of cultivating it through meditation. We discuss the purpose of the religious processes; namely to enhance individuals' devotion to God, beyond sectarian differences. We also read from and expand upon Jesus’ famous ‘Lord's Prayer’:



‘Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be your name,your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.Give us today our daily bread.And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’ (Matthew 6)



Highlights:




(1:50) Jesus was in constant meditation



(7:40) A summary of Ashtanga, the eightfold mystic yoga process



(18:49) Don’t pray as a show; but let it be your private communication with the Supreme Lord



(28:06) I can’t make myself love God, but I can follow a process that uncovers that love



(34:55) The Lord’s Prayer



(44:13) If I don't forgive others, then I shouldn't expect God to forgive me




Recorded on January 12, 2024.



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