posted July 04, 2007 09:11 PM         

I used to work in a garden. One of my main jobs was “cultivating,”
which entailed digging up weeds surrounding the vegetable or
fruit-bearing plants.

All of us garden workers were taught that there is a “right” or
functional way to weed, and a “wrong” or dysfunctional way.

The wrong way was described as pulling off the top of the weed
while leaving the underground root structure intact. This approach
creates several problems, because not only will the weed re-grow
itself, stronger than ever, but the re-grown weed will have a ten-
dency to break off at ground level, making it harder to uproot in
future.

We were told that the correct way to weed consists of several
steps.

First, we have to dig deep and unearth as much of the weed’s
roots as possible— especially the taproot, which is the central part
of the root, often thicker and more substantial than other root parts.

If we are able to dig out all of the taproot and as much of the rest of
the weed’s roots as possible, there is little likelihood that the weed
will re-grow.

The second step entails flipping the uprooted weed upside down,
so that its roots are exposed.

The exposed root will wither in the sun and die.

The reason we need to do this is that many an uprooted weed left
to itself with its root structure sitting in the loose and rich soil in the
garden will replant itself, causing future problems. (I have actually
seen weeds that have replanted themselves this way.)

There are other factors related to correct weeding—such as
preventing seed-bearing weeds from spreading—but this last
aspect is the one we want to focus on, because it presents us with
a marvelous analogy for spiritual growth.

We carry with us from the past many habits and desires. Some of
these are spiritually beneficial and some are not. Negative past-
life habits and desires are weeds in the garden of life. They are
enemies to our happiness and must be uprooted and killed.

How do we uproot these habits and desires? The same way we
uproot weeds in our earthly gardens. By digging deep and getting
underneath them with our trowels.

Similarly, we need to go deep in meditation and get our con-
sciousness around these past-life weeds so we can uproot them.

In meditation, we may feel old habits and desires sprouting in our
minds and hearts as restlessness or driving impulses. When you
experience these impulses in meditation, that is a good time to
uproot them, because they are in your sights and in reach of your
spiritual trowel.

We uproot a weed by separating it from the soil. We uproot habits
by separating them from the soil of our minds and hearts.

At this time, we need to detach ourselves from these alluring but
misery-inducing tendencies. Use the mental trowel of discrimina-
tion to cut away the taproot from the soil of your inner being.

Next, we need to expose the uprooted inner weed to the sun.
Where is the outer sun? It is high above us. And in meditation, our
inner sun is located up at the point between the two eyebrows.
This is the Christ Center in the body. It can be seen as a five-
pointed, silver star shining in a blue field and surrounded by a
golden halo.

When your Christ Center is open, you will see a great light shining
there. This is the light of God, and when you allow it to shine into
your mind, it can cauterize many delusive tendencies, many past-
life weeds.

* * * * *

Radio Interviews

I will be doing a number of radio interviews during the month of
July. Listen in and join the fun!

The Dr. Anne Marie Evers Show

On Tuesday, July 3, from 2-3pm PST, Richard Salva was
interviewed on The Dr. Anne Marie Evers Show. Dr. Evers is a
bestselling author of many books on the power of affirmations. She
is an ordained minister, and co-author of Wake Up and Live the
Life you Love in Spirit with Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. Wayne
Dyer.. To access the archives of this program, go to: www.contacttalkradio.com/hosts/annemarieevers.htm

Awakening with Anamika

On Wednesday, July 11, from 11am-12noon PST, Richard Salva
will appear on Awakening with Anamika, an internet radio show.
Anamika is a spiritual teacher and guide who has helped and
inspired many people, including Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of
York, and award-winning actor, Louis Gossett, Jr. To access this
program, go to: www.healthylife.net

Zany Mystic (Rescheduled!)

On Friday, July 13, from 6-7pm PST, Richard Salva will be
interviewed on A Fireside Chat with Lance White, "The Zany
Mystic". Lance is a gifted psychic healer, author, and adept
practitioner of question triggered channeling. For more information
about Lance's fascinating program, see: www.bbsradio.com/bbc/
a_fireside_chat.php

Peaceful Planet

On Saturday, July 28, from 10-11am PST, Richard Salva will
appear on Peaceful Planet, a spiritual webcast radio show, hosted
by Marcia McMahon. Marcia is an internationally recognized
psychic, author, artist, and radio show host. To access this
program, go to: www.bbsradio.com/bbc/peaceful_planet.php

Have a great month!

Richard Salva
—for all of Crystar Press