We must treat each other with extreme kindness and gentleness, because otherwise people tend to reflexively respond with defensiveness and aggression. The ego always has its finger on the hair-trigger of attack mode. Even in the sangha, would-be yogis who have not yet established consciousness at a higher assemblage point will quickly collapse when they are not mirrored positively, or when they witness any behavior that is not impeccable. When it does not feel divine love from the other, the ego will either shift into fight-or-flight mode (which may take the form of a withdrawal of affection), or it will collapse in frustration and sorrow. So we must ourselves always be empty of ego—Kenotic Generators of Buddhahood.
Our offer of kindness and gentleness must come authentically from the Emptiness that is the fullness of divine love. If we are only simulating love, but not truly radiating chakra four (or higher) vibrations, others will feel that, and their reaction will be distrust. No one wants to be an object of condescension. So our KGB must be genuine, without ulterior agendas, spontaneous, and innocent. We must be Knights of Gracious Beneficence.
Our offer of generosity of spirit also opens the hearts of others. If we are both giving and forgiving, we provide a role model of KGB—Koinonia, Greatness, and Blessedness—that will give rise to admiration rather than envy, and that will arouse a heartfelt desire to emulate such soulful beauty in action.
Even in our thoughts we must remain benevolent toward others. This is the great challenge of community building. There will, for a long period on this high path of spiritual growth, be people who push our buttons, who trigger frustration and negative feelings. If we can learn to first control, and then to channel those feelings into higher understanding and compassion, and return love and wisdom to those who disturb us—even if we have received anger, disapproval, or other negative projections—then we shall have passed the great test that will bring us to sainthood and beyond.
The key to achieving KGB is another meaning of those letters: Kingdom of God Buddhi. That means our consciousness is united with the divine agency of cosmic intelligence that is bringing about a new kingdom of heaven on Earth. As instruments of that higher intelligence, it is easy to achieve detachment from all that is currently happening on the planet.
We are learning to see beyond the curvature of time, and to recognize that this is all a perfect play of subtle forces that is working through the phenomenal elements and egos to bring about a new age of Light and Love. In that context, we can renounce the demand for mutuality from others; we can release our disappointment at the blindness and narcissism of the ego. We understand that it is our duty to forego the luxury of egoic reaction. In order to attain the Supreme Liberation, we must learn to ‘suffer fools gladly’ and remain always in vairagya, dispassion, toward the scenarios that display themselves for our ultimate benefit. Every situation is an opportunity for growth.
Sometimes, we may feel disappointment or anger at those who are leaders of the sangha. In such a case, it usually comes with more shock and fury than it does if we have such feelings toward newer members, toward whom we tend to cut more slack. In such a case, we should first try to understand what part of those feelings is projection. Then, we should talk about it with our spiritual guide (even, or especially, if it is our guide toward whom we are experiencing those feelings). Finally, when the initial emotions have been calmed, and the higher intelligence is once again in control, it is helpful to have a friendly conversation with the person who had aroused such feelings, to resolve fully any remaining residue of negativity or lack of clarity. Sometimes, this is more easily done if the spiritual guide is present to hold the space of peace and wisdom. Such a conversation should not descend into a confrontation or accusation, and the purpose of healing must always be kept in mind.
If we follow the tenets of yogic benevolence in our behavior, all personality conflicts in the sangha can be easily resolved. Only once we have done that, can we devote ourselves to our higher calling to create a divine communal energy field that will invite the Supreme Presence to be embodied in us all as a unified expression of God consciousness. Then we will truly function as royal bearers of the diadem of Light, who are ushering in the age of the Kingdom. We will be crowned as the ultimate KGB: Kings of Godly Beatitude.
Namaste,
Shunyamurti