- People who have been reading my books and articles can
probably tell that I try to approach my writing on world affairs from a
spiritual perspective. Not that I am any more "spiritual" than
anyone else, because I believe that in our core we are all One with God.
Rather I have always felt that action in the world is a duty for at least
some of those who strive for enlightenment. I guess one term for this is
"Karma Yoga."
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- In the field of economics, for instance, I believe that
the purpose of business is not to "get rich quick" but to perform
an honest and useful service for our fellow human beings while earning
a fair recompense to support ourselves and our loved ones. This is why
Dividend Economics and a Basic Income Guarantee are such important concepts
for me, because they show the way to provide everyone in the world with
a decent living.
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- But for me to maintain this vision has required periods
of withdrawal. So for many years I have meditated every day, have met many
spiritual teachers, and have attended various spiritual groups and gatherings.
I also got a great deal from my retreat last winter and plan to continue
periodic retreats. And I respect those who sincerely practice any organized
religion that embraces the inner search and values the fellowship of all
people.
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- In the last couple of years I have come into contact
with several teachings that have meant a lot to me and that I would recommend
to others to investigate. One is the Infinite Way as practiced and taught
by the late American spiritual teacher Joel Goldsmith. Recently I have
been reading the writings of Eckhart Tolle, including his book The
Power of Now. I am also working closely with Australian mystic Omna
Last, who has a page now on my website. Omna has sent me a shipment of
his book The LITE in the Heart which is due to arrive any day
and will be available through my website and on Amazon.
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- Finally, I have always wanted to be part of a community
of people who combine their inner search with service in the world, including
political and social action. I have never felt comfortable among those
who feel that spirituality places them "above" such endeavors.
I feel it is noble to want to help the Earth become a better place to live
for human beings and others of Mother Nature's creation.
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- Retirement from my career job gives me a lot more freedom
than I used to have, so I have been engaged with friends in seeking a place
in the Appalachian Mountains where such an endeavor might bear abundant
fruit. In following this inner impulse, we are trying to "turn it
over" to the Spirit to show the way. But we feel we are getting some
hints about when and where to make the move. If this happens, there may
be interest among the many people I have gotten to know through my writings,
so we'll keep you informed. Please stay tuned!
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- © 2009 by Richard C. Cook
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- Richard C. Cook is a former federal analyst, now a writer
and consultant on public policy issues. His new book is We Hold These
Truths: the Hope of Monetary Reform. His website is<http://www.richardccook.com>www.richardccook.com.
He recently made a series of six videos that will be available soon on
Google and DVD. The title: Credit as a Public Utility: The Solution
to the Economic Crisis. He will also be appearing in a new feature-length
documentary Future for Sale directed by award-winning European
filmmaker Maja Borg. See <http://futureblog.net/wordpress/>http://futureblog.net/wordpress/.
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