V

Inq: At certain times, why do I feel disillusioned with my lack of spiritual progress?  

RW: It’s a normal part of the process and it happens to everyone at one time or another.

All of a sudden, you become discouraged because you’re judging the expected results of your efforts. Instead of pressing forward or waiting for the right moment to continue your journey - you hesitate and become afraid. Then, you begin to doubt yourself, lose confidence and become disillusioned. When familiarity is gone, panic sets in and all you see is a deep, dark and impassable abyss. 

Inq: So, how can I recover from this type of setback?

RW: First, you need to rationalize the situation and become fully aware of it. You have to “map-out” your mental latitude and longitude and understand your psychological coordinates. When you detach yourself and observe your emotions, you’ll be on your way out of the psychological mess you’ve put yourself in. As you proceed on your journey, every once in awhile you may feel the old sense of panic, but the assurance of knowing there’s a way back to calmness, will re-adjust your mind to a state of equilibrium. You can never un-know the lessons you’ve painstakingly learned and you’ll never lose the spiritual knowledge you’ve gained.

Inq: How will I know when I’m being controlled by my ego? 

RW: First, you’ll become angry at the suggestion that anything is wrong. This is the most common symptom. Then, you’ll quickly point-out with precision, all the defects in others, institutions, situations and possessions. You’ll notice a constant dissatisfaction in your living situation and social status. You’ll often say, “if only my circumstances were different”, “others were born into a more fortunate lifestyle than I was”, “no one understands me”, “most people are so cold and unsocial toward me”, “why am I the only sincere one in this relationship?” or “my family makes my life so miserable.”  Do these phrases sound familiar?

Inq: Unfortunately, yes.  

RW: This mindset represents a few of the characteristics of disillusionment caused by the controlling ego. This chaotic maze of thought and resistance is certainly not the voice of the soul speaking. In fact, the soul is cringing as it listens to the whining and moaning of the ego. However, once AWE is ignited, you’ll be able to toss aside your false mask of doom and gloom.  When you reach this point of self-observation, you’ll be free from the lower desires of the ego, and you’ll actually laugh at it!

Inq: …and I bet it doesn’t like being laughed at.  

RW: That’s right, because it has been slain and AWE has prevailed.

Inq: …and what happens next?

RW: You’ll experience happiness – continuing happiness. You’ll feel a warm radiance filling you up from within. You’ll see your true path unfolding right in front of you. You’ll understand that AWE is inner Truth and you’ll be glad you listened to it. You’ll become busy studying and applying AWE to live a full, rich and interesting life. Your convictions will be filled with enthusiastic determination that will encourage others to move forward as well. You’ll become a constructive force of a higher consciousness, bringing joy to others and yourself. 

VI

Inquirer: How does medical science view the teachings of AWE?

Robert Waxman: Medical science believes that electrical impulses of the body travel to the brain to activate consciousness. Science stresses that these impulses are initiated from the outside world and they minimize the importance of the inner nature.

Inq: What do you mean by “inner nature?”

RW: AWE teaches that there’s an inner essence of the external world that connects you with your own inner nature. Through your inner nature, you will connect with the natural inner beauty of all things.

Inq: So, is western medicine missing half the picture?

RW: They’re slowly coming around. They’re trying to solve a cosmic jigsaw puzzle by guessing and theorizing about the true nature of the individual. From time to time, as new pieces of the puzzle are added, they revise their guesses. Their knowledge of the body is quite extensive, but they’ve dismissed certain vital concepts about the intricate connection between body and soul.

Inq: Does modern physics agree with the teachings of AWE?

RW: If modern science discovered the position and motion of every particle in the universe, it could in theory, explain everything that’s ever happened and everything that’s ever going to happen. In the field of science, space has become conditioned and finite. Again, they have it half-right. Space is both finite and limitless, with no beginning and no end. According to Einstein, our universe will experience, “A Big Crunch” and will eventually dissolve away into a limitless void. Science is unable to prove anything beyond this void because matter cannot exist at this metaphysical level. Ask any scientist, “What existed before The Big Bang?” and their reply will surely be, “nothing can be proven beyond space, time and matter.” Even “The Big Bang Theory” isn’t a scientific fact, it’s still a theory - just like “String Theory” and “Unified Theory”. Hypocritically, science dismisses esoteric theories about the nature of the universe because there’s no scientific proof to back them up. But, science doesn’t offer any proof either – only theories.

Inq: Do you think another universe will appear after this one is over?

RW: Of course. There will be another “In The Beginning” and this newly created universe will continue right where the old one left off.  

VII

Inq: Why is it so difficult to live according to spiritual principles?

RW: It shouldn’t be. The power of free choice is a priceless human possession. However, you’ll need to assimilate the truths of AWE to make the best possible decisions. You must think and act by what you perceive to be beneficial for others and yourself. You must choose your path wisely and feel good about it every day. You must choose to be exactly who you are and accept all self-less opportunities. You should always feel energized by the choices you’ve made.

Inq: Sometimes, isn’t it better to stay on the sidelines and just do nothing?

RW: Yes. Often, in our eagerness to help, we forget that at certain times, we can be of better assistance by withholding our efforts. There are situations when doing nothing is the right choice. Sometimes, it’s better to watch than to act. But, those who naturally enjoy helping others will not lose their sense of compassion if they decide; the best assistance is no assistance.

Inq: So, how do I choose between acting or not acting in different situations?

RW: By acquiring equilibrium and treading your path in a state of balance. Equilibrium is establishing self-control in all situations. Nothing can upset you. When you are unaffected by the wild gyrations of the outside world, you’ll be able to see, choose, act, or refrain from acting from a constant state of equilibrium.

Inq: Does equilibrium create a cheerful disposition?

RW: Yes, being cheerful is often mentioned as a philosophy unto itself. Cheerfulness seems to have some magical power in our daily lives. It gives you the strength to overcome an inclination toward self-pity. People who are genuinely cheerful are a pleasure to associate with and we often turn to them in times of trouble. These individuals know how to speak from the heart and they are always there for you with a smile.

Inq: How can I be sure if someone is genuinely speaking from the heart?

RW: You’ll intuitively feel the love, generosity, gentleness and kindness from a person who is truly genuine. Unfortunately, this type of human disposition is rare and it requires recognition of the oneness of all things and all beings. It’s a viewpoint taken by those who are wise, balanced, poised, steady, fearless and devoted. These illuminated individuals can see through the “eye of the soul” that enables them to see things as they truly are - not what they appear to be.

Inq: What is the “eye of the soul”?

RW: Your soul’s perception. The whole world appears differently when viewed through the eye of the soul. Imagine taking off your sunglasses for the first time to see the sunset. Through the eye of the soul, you can see a person’s true character beneath their surface appearance. You’ll see devious motives behind false pretenses, conflicting issues on both sides of a struggle and the meaning of life’s most painful lessons. When you allow your soul’s perceptive abilities to evolve it will blossom, grow and reach its goals.  

Inq: What are the goals of the soul?

RW: To point out the true and warn against the false. To help others open their hearts and minds. To make sure that AWE is never forgotten by your mind. To maintain the highest levels of awareness, so you can live the most unselfish and purest life possible.

Inq: How will my soul accomplish these goals?

RW: During the course of your inner evolution, you will feel the rays of AWE shining within you. Those who persevere will be compelled to assimilate AWE through practice and exercise. The integrity of these individuals is guided by conscience that is imbedded within the soul. The soul’s message is simple and clear: apply, apply and apply - The Power of AWE!

Inq: What’s the most practical way to apply AWE?

RW: There comes a time in every person’s life when they ask: “why am I here?” or “what is my life’s purpose?” Society, family members, government agencies and various organizations have succeeded in filling our minds with all kinds of misconceptions. Many people have been led to believe that life has no purpose at all. But, as people begin to ask themselves about the reasons behind the phenomenon of birth, life and death, the answers will start to become clear. Everywhere - in all kingdoms of nature there is a progressive march toward a higher life. Everywhere - there is an impulse for life to take a higher form. Everywhere - the purpose of life is inner and outer growth, gaining necessary experience and giving love to all beings.

Inq: How can I stay true to the teachings of AWE?

RW: By learning that every thought matters. By living the teachings of AWE and understanding your own essential nature. When you’re in the process of learning, your horizons gradually widen and you’ll remain encouraged to stay true to yourself.

Inq: So, how do I begin living through The Power of AWE?

RW: It starts with a change in the way you think. As you correct your thinking, you‘ll find AWE springing up within you spontaneously. There will be plenty of difficulties along the way, but that’s to be expected. AWE offers you a rational explanation for all the challenges you’ll encounter in every situation. Again, it’s perseverance and knowing your life’s purpose that will help you surmount life’s greatest obstacles. As you put forth dedicated and sustained efforts, you’ll see the true meaning of your life unfolding before you.

Inq: Can everyone’s lives change for the better?