Conversations With Robert Waxman

Conversations With Robert Waxman

Ancient Wisdom and Truth: Excerpts from The Power Of A.W.E.*

This is not a book about religion. The conversations in this book have been purposely written in a non-sectarian, universal style to appeal to everyone. It doesn’t matter what religion, race or nationality you associate yourself with. It doesn’t matter if you’re agnostic or atheist, male or female, married or single, 13 years old or 95. It doesn’t matter if you’re white collar or blue, republican or democrat, unemployed or retired, extrovert or introvert, healthy or ill, rich or poor. All you’ll need is an inquisitive mind and youthful outlook to enjoy this book. If you’re searching for answers to life’s most difficult questions, you'll find many of them here.

I’ve been extremely fortunate over the past several years to meet thousands of interesting people (of all nationalities and faiths), at my lectures and seminars. During this time, I’ve received a myriad of questions about how to overcome despair, adversity, pessimism, hopelessness and disillusionment. I’ve been asked about science vs. philosophy, the true meaning of life, the nature of Deity, metaphysics before “In The Beginning”, the journey of the soul and how to live the life that’s meant to be lived.

The answers in this book can be found in most esoteric philosophies. I have attempted to include a synthesis of these ancient wisdom traditions in all my answers.

There’s nothing being said in this book, that hasn’t been said before. After all, in the words of King Solomon, “ there’s nothing new under the sun”. In this book, however, I’ve tried to “go beyond the sun”, by presenting new ways of looking at timeless, perennial and age-old questions.

So, please remember: you are where you are, because of who you are. As you read these answers to life’s most challenging and profound questions, I hope you will benefit by assimilating, integrating and experiencing The Power of AWE!

*A.W.E. = Ancient Wisdom Everlasting

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Inquirer: Can everyone experience The Power of AWE?

Robert Waxman: Yes, it’s the animating force of life and you must constantly be aware of its impulses arising within you. You must understand that you exist for the purpose of allowing your soul to have its necessary experience.

Inq: What’s the best way for me to understand AWE?

Robert Waxman: There is only one way. You must put aside your ego and admit that you don’t have the answers to life’s most difficult questions. Once you’ve made this admission the next step is to listen.

Inq: …and what should I be listening to?

Robert Waxman: The all-knowing voice inside of you. At any moment, it’s ready to declare its evolutionary divine purpose. Even when you’re distraught and your life is in chaos, you can still activate AWE within you. You may feel very alone as you turn within yourself to find the answers you’ve been seeking. For many people the love of AWE can be a lonely path to follow. Dedication to practicing AWE requires great strength and courage. Even though you may have to go it alone, you’ll find plenty of encouragement by the positive changes you’ll see occurring in your life. The path of assimilating AWE is not the easiest path to tread, but once you begin the journey, you’ll make the greatest progress possible in the shortest amount of time.

Inq: How can I activate AWE?

Robert Waxman: It’s an automatic process that begins when you acknowledge that AWE is the guiding light inside of you. Once this understanding is firmly planted in your mind, you’ll never have any doubt that your soul is much wiser than your ego. After this realization occurs, it’s just a matter of time before the switch is turned on and AWE begins to rudder your ship.

Inq: How will I know if AWE has been activated within me?

Robert Waxman: As you go through life, you may feel an uneasy, subtle warning or a dissatisfaction slowly creeping up on you. Soon, you’ll be unable to deny its effects on your mind and body and you’ll have to do something to correct the situation. When AWE is activated, there’s a guiding current that you’ll become aware of immediately. You must follow this all-knowing current to avoid living a wasted life.

Inq: What does this all-knowing current feel like?

Robert Waxman: It motivates you by impulses that come from deep, down inside of you. These impulses register on your consciousness and then your brain translates these divine emanations into human thoughts. But, you must constantly be on guard against the other impulses of your ego.

Inq: What if the voice of my ego drowns out the voice of AWE?

Robert Waxman: You’ll intuitively know the difference. The first time you hear the voice of AWE will be after you’ve made a very bad decision. An uneasy, subtle undercurrent of warning will arise within you from your True Source. Soon, you’ll realize the mistake you’ve made and a guiding current of force will take hold of you to correct it. This force can be cultivated and used in your life. Then, you’ll always know exactly who you are and what you want to achieve. The voice of AWE is your internal compass that will always point you in the right direction.

Inq: …and, what does the voice of the ego sound like?

Robert Waxman: The ego has the power to delude even the wisest people. Mood swings are a result of listening to the voice of the ego. You may not even know when you’re under its control. So, you must become aware of your mood, observe how it makes you feel, detach yourself from its grip, and then, snap out of it.

INQ: If people start feeling sorry for themselves, aren’t they creating a bad mood?

Robert Waxman: Yes, an attitude of self-pity can bring out many wrong attitudes. This type of person is quick to notice faults in everyone. They assume that everyone around them has selfish motives and their judgments become distorted. These individuals can be very hurtful toward others who truly care about them and they’ll constantly find themselves at odds with friends and family. They tend to spread negative feelings and suspicion of others wherever they go. They can create a mental hell for themselves but they certainly don’t need to remain there. This type of mood disturbs their equilibrium and blurs their vision to see things clearly and objectively. Bad moods affect vital currents in the body and can cause repetition of annoying physical conditions.

INQ: So, how can I overcome a bad mood?

Robert Waxman: The key to changing your mood is always in your possession. You can apply the antidote whenever you choose. You’ll need to make a careful study of the tendencies of your ego. You’ll need to watch how it zooms upward based on future expectations and how it plunges downward after suffering disappointments. You should mark the times and seasons when you fall under its influence and take the necessary steps to counter these recurring attacks. You should always be ready with certain helpful tools, so you’ll be able to restore your equilibrium quickly and easily.

INQ: What kind of helpful tools should I have?

Robert Waxman: Your favorite books containing certain inspirational passages will have a tranquilizing and beneficial effect. Study and reflection should be utilized for adjusting your mental outlook. Music, meditation, yoga and exercise always have a calming effect and should used to restore equal-mindedness. Fighting off bad moods is an on-going battle, but the ego must be conquered and you must remain free from its influence. So, think pleasant thoughts, extinguish all false beliefs and allow the divine voice of AWE to enter your mind and always remain there.

INQ: Can you explain what is meant by “natural law?”

Robert Waxman: The natural law of the universe cannot be explained or understood. Who can explain why you’re born? Why you dream? Why you grow old and die? Natural law exists within yourself - so you can experience it - but you’ll never understand it.

Inq: So, how can I experience it?

Robert Waxman: Just by “being”. Don’t think that your experiences are different from those in any other age. Your surroundings may be different but human feelings always stay the same. External stimuli may come and go but human experience is what you feel.

Inq: So, my experiences are creating feelings within me?

Robert Waxman: Yes, you are the sum total of all your experiences and your emotions are assimilated by your soul.

Inq: But, my soul seems very abstract to me.

Robert Waxman: It shouldn’t be. It’s the only eternal part of you and since it’s energy, “it can neither be created nor destroyed.” Your soul sees, hears, and feels everything. It’s the true perceiver.

Inq: So, the mind isn’t the perceiver?

Robert Waxman: The mind is like the lens of a camera. You look through it to see the world but the picture is always distorted by your thoughts and feelings.

Inq: So, how can I end this distortion?

Robert Waxman: By understanding the Truth of the essence of all things.

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III

Inquirer: Can everyone experience The Power of AWE?

Robert Waxman: Yes, it’s the animating force of life and you must constantly be aware of its impulses arising within you. You must understand that you exist for the purpose of allowing your soul to have its necessary experience.

Inq: What’s the best way for me to understand AWE?

RW: There is only one way. You must put aside your ego and admit that you don’t have the answers to life’s most difficult questions. Once you’ve made this admission the next step is to listen.

Inq: …and what should I be listening to?

RW: The all-knowing voice inside of you. At any moment, it’s ready to declare its evolutionary divine purpose. Even when you’re distraught and your life is in chaos, you can still activate AWE within you. You may feel very alone as you turn within yourself to find the answers you’ve been seeking. For many people the love of AWE can be a lonely path to follow. Dedication to practicing AWE requires great strength and courage. Even though you may have to go it alone, you’ll find plenty of encouragement by the positive changes you’ll see occurring in your life. The path of assimilating AWE is not the easiest path to tread, but once you begin the journey, you’ll make the greatest progress possible in the shortest amount of time.

Inq: How can I activate AWE?

RW: It’s an automatic process that begins when you acknowledge that AWE is the guiding light inside of you. Once this understanding is firmly planted in your mind, you’ll never have any doubt that your soul is much wiser than your ego. After this realization occurs, it’s just a matter of time before the switch is turned on and AWE begins to rudder your ship.

Inq: How will I know if AWE has been activated within me?

RW: As you go through life, you may feel an uneasy, subtle warning or a dissatisfaction slowly creeping up on you. Soon, you’ll be unable to deny its effects on your mind and body and you’ll have to do something to correct the situation. When AWE is activated, there’s a guiding current that you’ll become aware of immediately. You must follow this all-knowing current to avoid living a wasted life.

Inq: What does this all-knowing current feel like?

RW: It motivates you by impulses that come from deep, down inside of you. These impulses register on your consciousness and then your brain translates these divine emanations into human thoughts. But, you must constantly be on guard against the other impulses of your ego.

Inq: What if the voice of my ego drowns out the voice of AWE?

RW: You’ll intuitively know the difference. The first time you hear the voice of AWE will be after you’ve made a very bad decision. An uneasy, subtle undercurrent of warning will arise within you from your True Source. Soon, you’ll realize the mistake you’ve made and a guiding current of force will take hold of you to correct it. This force can be cultivated and used in your life. Then, you’ll always know exactly who you are and what you want to achieve. The voice of AWE is your internal compass that will always point you in the right direction.

Inq: …and, what does the voice of the ego sound like?

RW: The ego has the power to delude even the wisest people. Mood swings are a result of listening to the voice of the ego. You may not even know when you’re under its control. So, you must become aware of your mood, observe how it makes you feel, detach yourself from its grip, and then, snap out of it.

Inq: If people start feeling sorry for themselves, aren’t they creating a bad mood?

RW: Yes, an attitude of self-pity can bring out many wrong attitudes. This type of person is quick to notice faults in everyone. They assume that everyone around them has selfish motives and their judgments become distorted. These individuals can be very hurtful toward others who truly care about them and they’ll constantly find themselves at odds with friends and family. They tend to spread negative feelings and suspicion of others wherever they go. They can create a mental hell for themselves but they certainly don’t need to remain there. This type of mood disturbs their equilibrium and blurs their vision to see things clearly and objectively. Bad moods affect vital currents in the body and can cause repetition of annoying physical conditions.

Inq: So, how can I overcome a bad mood?

RW: The key to changing your mood is always in your possession. You can apply the antidote whenever you choose. You’ll need to make a careful study of the tendencies of your ego. You’ll need to watch how it zooms upward based on future expectations and how it plunges downward after suffering disappointments. You should mark the times and seasons when you fall under its influence and take the necessary steps to counter these recurring attacks. You should always be ready with certain helpful tools, so you’ll be able to restore your equilibrium quickly and easily.

Inq: What kind of helpful tools should I have?

RW: Your favorite books containing certain inspirational passages will have a tranquilizing and beneficial effect. Study and reflection should be utilized for adjusting your mental outlook. Music, meditation, yoga and exercise always have a calming effect and should used to restore equal-mindedness. Fighting off bad moods is an on-going battle, but the ego must be conquered and you must remain free from its influence. So, think pleasant thoughts, extinguish all false beliefs and allow the divine voice of AWE to enter your mind and always remain there.

Inq: Can you explain what is meant by “natural law?”

RW: The natural law of the universe cannot be explained or understood. Who can explain why you’re born? Why you dream? Why you grow old and die? Natural law exists within yourself - so you can experience it - but you’ll never understand it.

Inq: So, how can I experience it?

RW: Just by “being”. Don’t think that your experiences are different from those in any other age. Your surroundings may be different but human feelings always stay the same. External stimuli may come and go but human experience is what you feel.

Inq: So, my experiences are creating feelings within me?

RW: Yes, you are the sum total of all your experiences and your emotions are assimilated by your soul.

Inq: But, my soul seems very abstract to me.

RW: It shouldn’t be. It’s the only eternal part of you and since it’s energy, “it can neither be created nor destroyed.” Your soul sees, hears, and feels everything. It’s the true perceiver.

Inq: So, the mind isn’t the perceiver?

RW: The mind is like the lens of a camera. You look through it to see the world but the picture is always distorted by your thoughts and feelings.

Inq: So, how can I end this distortion?

RW: By understanding the Truth of the essence of all things.

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Inquirer: Why isn’t The Power of AWE obvious to everyone?

Robert Waxman: AWE is obvious to anyone who understands the meaning of their existence. These individuals know who they are and continue to develop their sense of intuition.

Inq: Would you call AWE - mysticism?

RW: The word “mysticism” derives from the word “mystery”. Mysticism simply means, “to experience oneness with God”. So, when you’re experiencing the Power of AWE, you’ll be having a mystical experience.

Inq: But, don’t most people believe that mysticism is strange, weird and frightening?

RW: Yes. That’s because the word itself is misunderstood. Religious fundamentalism took its toll on those who practiced mysticism in the early centuries of the Common Era. As a result, mysticism is still considered by many to be a strange kind of devil-worship or some type of ancient voodoo. Some people still believe that mysticism comes complete with potions, spells and voodoo dolls. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth.

Inq: Can we move on to the subject of dreams?

RW: Of course, dreams are the “unconscious” dramas created by the soul while you sleep. Dreams underscore the important relationship between the thoughts and feelings you experience during the day and their effects on you while you’re asleep.

Inq: Can you explain this relationship between waking and sleeping?

RW: Yes. There is an intimate connection between the two. First, you must answer these questions: “is your daily work constructive or destructive?” “Do you practice honesty, or a justified form of ‘business honesty’?” “Do you respect the dignity of others?” To understand sleep, you must examine your intentions and how they’re implemented during the day.

Inq: Why do so many business people suffer from lack of sleep, bad dreams and even insomnia?

RW: Most people don’t relate their physical ailments to the soul’s continuous stagnation in a bad situation. During the day, those who disregard AWE will not secure the benefits of a good night’s sleep. When you see the connection between what sets you in motion during the day and the type of sleep you’re having at night, you’ll see how one clearly affects the other.

Inq: …and what about people who love their work and have good intentions?

RW: Ok, let’s go to the other extreme. When you go through your day expressing AWE, you’ll be receiving all the benefits of a peaceful, deep and refreshing sleep. You’ll feel rested, exuberant, balanced and content with yourself. The soul of a person of integrity continues to shine into the night even while darkness is all around.

Inq: So, virtue does have its rewards?

RW: By using your opportunities to integrate AWE into your life, you’ll be building a rewarding future. You’ll feel the forces of health overcoming bodily ailments and strengthening your physical constitution. Likewise, when you acquire a deeper understanding of AWE, you’ll become noble, humble and virtuous. By using the virtues you have, you can transcend your vices and create a shining character..

Inq: But, how is AWE practical in today’s world?

RW: Spiritual theories are useless unless their application is taken into account. Always use these three aspects of AWE in everything you say and do: 1) knowledge builds the mind; 2) imagination builds character; 3) action builds the body. As you evolve from within – outward, you must begin with the development of your mind. Once the limitations of your mind have been removed, you’ll be able to realize who you are and why you’re here.

Inq: You make it sound so easy.

RW: Following the path of AWE is not easy for anyone at any stage of life. Every person will fail somewhere along the line. Every hero has the potential to become a villain and every villain has the chance to become a hero. But, if you choose to remain a villain by deliberately deciding to betray yourself, the universe will act in accordance with your actions and you’ll find its effects waiting at your doorstep.

Inq: Why are so many people unhappy with their lives?

RW: The world suffers from egotism. Unfortunately, egotism is flourishing and the real victim is the world itself. Fortunately, there are still plenty of good people in the world and the greatest good is to be found within those who are spreading the light of AWE.

Inq: Why do so many people live in fear?

RW: Fear and panic come from ignorance and lack of Truth. Fearlessness is one of the qualities of a truly spiritual person. Developing calmness is the key to overcoming fear but it’s very difficult to dispel all fear of losing health, wealth and happiness. If you’re able to gain control of your thoughts and cultivate a constant, unwavering steadiness of mind, you’ll be able to experience an ever-present calmness. This is the soul’s natural state of fearlessness and courage.

Inq: Why do people try to run away from their problems?

RW: The disappointments of life will bring many opportunities to learn great moral lessons. Running away from problems is due to insufficient stamina when a difficult situation confronts you. You should always try to set an example of calm courage by steadying your nerves and the nerves of those around you. Just radiate calmness and give your mind a chance to see all situations clearly. By understanding The Power of AWE, all the right solutions will appear naturally before you.

Inq: In what other ways can people overcome fear?

RW: This is a tough time for humanity. People still fear failure, death, destruction, disease, unemployment and loss of loved ones. Even with an ever-increasing number of readily available quick-fixes people are still not relieved. Quick-fixes can’t go deep inside the mind to extract the roots of fear. People want to be told something more than, “just have faith and everything will be alright.”

Inq: What are the roots of fear?

RW: The roots of fear lie in the blind acceptance of man-made dogma in every aspect of society. People are taught to believe that events in the outer world will either save them or destroy them. Since they don’t know what’s coming next, fear continues to control them.

Inq: Does uncertainty cause fear?

RW: Yes. Usually, it’s the unknown that causes people to be fearful. Many of the greatest souls throughout history possessed an extraordinary amount of calm and resoluteness that carried them onto victory. These individuals encountered terrifying experiences, heavy heartaches and dismal failures before meeting their appointed hour of destiny. As they persevered through dreadful conditions, they knew the tide would eventually turn in their favor. Even at the 59th minute of the 11th hour, these great men and women tapped into their source of courage and found it responsive and ready to act. Undoubtedly, they had rediscovered within themselves their unique spark of AWE that dissolved away all their fears.

Inq: So, is AWE the antidote to fear?

RW: Yes, but you must discover your own spiritual imprint of a soul-satisfying nature. When you stop the growth of wrong ideas, you’ll set in motion subtle currents of peace and equilibrium. This will allow AWE to express itself through you.

Inq: How can I obtain this type of equilibrium?

RW: Experiences come to you hourly but you don’t obtain inner balance from your daily routine. First, you must understand that going through an experience and learning from it are two different things. Merely accepting what comes your way does not add to your storehouse of wisdom. Nothing can be gained unless you put forth a passionate effort to learn the basic principles of AWE.

Inq: Why are some people passionate about spiritual growth and others couldn’t care less?

RW: Those who are naturally drawn to AWE have usually reached a crossroad in their lives. AWE opens a window into another universe. For the first time they’re able to see their own self-imposed imprisonment. Most of the time, selfishness, both in-born and cultivated, has created a shell around them causing a spiritual paralysis that has become intolerable. Like a breath of fresh air they’ll begin to realize there’s no need to be critical, harsh, hot-tempered, controlling and over-bearing any longer. With this important realization the heartaches of envy, hatred, malice and fear begin to leave their hearts and minds.

Inq: Is this the first step toward experiencing a spiritual transformation?

RW: Yes, but it’s not always so simple. Humanity is not only selfish, but sometimes, is desirous of remaining so. Many people are in “spiritual bondage” and are fondly wedded to their delusions. Millions of people believe that justice, fairness, equality and compassion are human weaknesses. These unhappy and selfish individuals are always looking for any possible reason to maintain the status quo.

Inq: So, how can people be released from ‘spiritual bondage’?

RW: Progress will be made when humanity understands there’s only one, true, holy, unselfish and eternal feeling - and that’s love. A natural state of immense love will set humanity free from its chains of spiritual bondage.