New Earth Centre.... The Modern Science of Spiritual Psychology

I have had an overwhelmingly positive response from most in our community with regard my blog titled; Chanting for CULT GURUS v's FOLK MUSIC chants. But I feel there is a need to address the concerns expressed by many people involved with the Harmony Centre, surrounding my use of the term Cult. This concern was also expressed in a personal communication from Kim Frazer that was sent via email.

I always expected that a few people would be irritated by my blog. The wondrous world of the internet is a marvellous tool for communication. I am old enough to remember a time when recorded images where only available to small numbers of people via controlled media or cinema outlets. Today we see images from all around the world 24 hours a day seven days a week, as large as life on internet channels like You Tube. The internet is filled with opinions, likes, dislikes and websites in the glorious world of the free-thinking, information super highway. We are indeed a fortunate generation to be living through the first stages of this global change. Of course this change is framed by greater levels of awareness due to the unrivalled access to a vast array of opinions. I think back to a time in Australian history when all of the opinions of the people where governed and controlled by a very limited and self serving social policy. Multicultural thinking in Australia has certainly changed all of that. Along with the embrace of multicultural thinking have come the many aspects of our global spiritual reality.

I am an indigenous Australian shaman with spiritual ancestry going back through the boomerang story to the great dreaming of this countries land its creatures and its eternal spirit. As an Australian shaman I see all energy as related and part of the whole. I see no one human form or being as greater than or less than another. And I do not see the dreamtime as the past or “the historical spiritual energy” of my land or its children, I see it and know it to be the energy of my land and its children that is ever growing, always expanding and constantly embracing all that call Australia home.

As an Australian shaman what I also see is a multicultural language barrier in Australia’s modern spiritual landscape. I see people who are genuinely trying to do the very best they can to help this country unite in its efforts to create the harmonious collaboration of all people. And I see people connected to spiritual concoctions, philosophies and beliefs from all around the world, some remarkably even claim to be from other planets, diligently working to serve a self centred purpose. I see a glimmer of truth in every possibility, every belief and every dream that has ever been, but in that glimmer of truth we loose all practicality and remain locked only in a dream.

The whole story is a big picture! The practicality of the human experience is one of survival first and comfort second, spiritual knowledge and wisdom then comes with time. Historically we have had tribal chiefs, kings and queens, guru, sages, prophets and healers who all claim a connection to the greater power of divine wisdom. We can mention Jesus, Buddha and Pythagoras in that grouping and not one of those great beings ever set themselves above another. If we think of King Arthur we think of a round table and equality for all. We do have written text explaining that the greatest teachers of all time did not teach others to worship praise or adore them, but to worship praise and adore yourself. Australian shamanism adheres to that practical advice from a perspective of individual accomplishment and an understanding that the real teacher of spiritual wisdom is always found within not without.

To the supporters of the Harmony Centre who have taken offence to my use of the word Cult in my recent blog I offer this Shamanic understanding?

In Guru thinking, spiritual enlightenment is special, in shamanic thinking spiritual enlightenment is a continual, expected and normal part of the human experience; therefore it is no big deal.

There are growth stages and aspects of enlightenment that cannot be experienced until certain bridges have been built and certain mountains have been climbed, but these are perceived by the shaman as normal paths in human spiritual development and are not to be worshiped or expressed as special. The abolition of ego thinking is one of the very early stages in successful human spiritual development. In shamanic terms ego is firstly associated with teenage levels of discovery, the wow factor mesmerizes and enchants, the ego says look at me, look at what I can do. The wisdom of an elder teaches the teenager in search of spiritual enlightenment that there is very little that is new under the midday sun. Whilst the discovery of the big wide spiritual universe may seem like something special, it was after all, just sitting there waiting to be discovered by the child that opens its eyes. The teenager becomes the adult and the adult goes on to learn their role in community. One chooses to be a baker, another chooses the role of a blacksmith, a story teller, the fisherman, the healer, the teacher, the shepard, the lawyer, all make up a spiritual community. While individual natural gifts will always vary according to community needs, Shamanic wisdom concludes that no one person is more important than the other in the role they play in the whole.

As a member of the Australian community I will explain my genuine reason for concern about Guru’s and Cults. At 8.41 minutes, the You Tube video, promoted on the Harmony Centre website, of kirtanists Sushumna, clearly shows the lead singer, with hands clasped in praising motion, while others, one bowing at his feet, attend a man called Louix Dor Dempriey (see blog titled Chanting for CULT GURUS v's FOLK MUSIC chants). He is seated and the video is directed to give the impression that he is someone special or deserving of worship. This video goes on to show this man touching various people on the head as if to bless them or anoint them? The impression given in this video is that he is a conduit of special powers that the people he is touching do not have.

On the Harmony Centre Website Kim Frazer is compared to Louix Dor Dempriey.

“Sushumna were honoured to play music on this auspicious evening, and found great joy in connecting with Guru Pranananda and his heart-centred devotees. Band members were humbled to meet Guru after the event and discover great similarities with his teachings and those of our Beloved Guru, Shakti Durga”.

This video is a clear cut case of Guru Worship and Guru’s are connected to cult level activity. The Guru tradition comes from a culture that has many faults and has an appalling human rights history. At the very top it has a pure vision of peace and harmonious coexistence with all creatures. But its reality is that it is an inequitable cast system that is horrendously oppressive, outrageously corrupt and its history of helping women work to achieve equal rights and recognition is almost non existent. It is roughly estimated that there are over a million gurus in India. Indian society is still largely male dominated and looks down upon women. The birth of a female child is often regarded as a disaster, and female foeticide (the abortion of the females foetus) is common in parts of India. Birth of a male child is celebrated. Dowry is another disgusting practice which leads the woman to be treated like cattle to be bought and sold. A 1997 report claimed that at least 5,000 women die in India each year because of dowry deaths, and at least a dozen die each day in 'kitchen fires' thought to be intentional. Indian courts today are flooded with cases of crimes against women like dowry deaths, wife-beating etc.

Equal rights for all do not exist in Guru Philosophy and this is not a vision I embrace for the future of Australia. I see this as a reason to ere on the side of caution as far as Guru driven movements are concerned. John Welwood, a spiritual authority tells us that "Cult leaders are often self-styled prophets who have not studied with great teachers or undergone lengthy training or discipline themselves. Many of the most dangerous cultic figures of our times have no such stabilizing context of tradition, lineage or transmission, but are self-proclaimed gurus who sway their followers through their charismatic talents."

I can understand that people involved with the Harmony Centre do not like the label a “Guru lead Cult”, but they have created the image, and put it up on you tube. All I have done is share my opinion on the picture they have painted for everyone to observe.

Guru’s and Cults are old paradigm; much like Christianity and Evangelists. Self empowerment is the way of the 21st century. Education, positive psychological practice, and critical rational thinking are part of a new movement in the global spiritual culture. Physician heal thyself is the foundation stone for the new millennium. I happily invite any member of the Harmony Centre, past, present or future, to discuss with me ways to help the children of our great country get in touch with the ancient wisdom of their dreamtime ancestry and heritage, their natural surroundings and their true Australian spirit. Maybe we could even have a little bit of didge or Dave, or both playing in the background. If you think we have anything to talk about, my door is always open and my kettle is always full, if not, stay well and peace to all. 

Darren John Maxwell

Australian Shaman

Hi Everyone

After the great success of the wednesday night gig for Dave Stringer at The rhythm Hut I thought I would offer  my observation that there are a few fine lines that separate the folk music aspect of chanting and the religious worship of cult music (click link to view cult music) this video is in total contrast to what Dave Stringer represents and what was experienced at wednesday nights gig. The people in this video are part of an established cult that works out of a set up called the Harmony Centre. Harmony centres are currently located at cooranbong, sydney,also melbourne.

You have to wait until after 8minutes 30 seconds into this clip to see what is really happening.The guy they are worshipping and kneeling down to is Louix Dor Dempriey  follow the link and take a look, he is much like a David Koresh. The band that is playing for the CULT GURU Louix Dor Dempriey is called Sushumna and they are an integeral part of the Harmony Centre Cult setup.

If you follow this link you will see the same guitarist is playing for Louix and a Lady by the name of Kim Frazer. She is the leader of the harmony centre cult, watch her eyes in this clip, she "channels a being" called   Shakti Durga and her eyes flicker as she receives messages from the"Great DIVINE One".

I will always support a free thinking artist like Dave Stringer who has chosen individual freedom and taken his special talent around the world, over cult creations like Sushumna. CULT thinking and GURU worship are not my thing, nor are they a way of life I would recommend to anyone.

Something to ponder

Stay well and Peace to all

Darren John Maxwell

Hi all

The year is almost over and the last level one seminar for this year was last weekend at Umina. We had a cosy group who made the day another fantastic success... The more the merrier is not always the case. A lot of new interest was created and a lot of new energy was stirred into the blend of existing wisdom surrounding the Dreamtime Alphabet.

Just this week I have began work on an educational website that will reach out to all who have an interest in discovering spiritual truth all around the globe.  It is called www.dreamtimealphabet.com and from ealry reports it is going to be well accepted. For those on the path of truthful spiritual understanding the journey never ends and everyday can be like a new begining.

Sending my love to all

Darren John Maxwell

Australian Shaman

To all level Level one initiates and to all who have gone on to participate in level two Psychic awareness incorporating the universal truth of Australia's very own Dreamtime alphabet

This is  a great big

Thank You

:-)

Word is starting to get around that a new and exciting energy is being unfolded for everyone to participate in and everyone is starting to beproud to be apart of this new energy. Australia is the greatest country in the world to live in and some of its people are still doing it very tough... There is lots to do and there is many who will receive valuable help through the wisdom of the Dreamtime Alphabet.

I sense the real job is just beginning and finding ways to get the message out to those who may need to hear it most is always a challenge for me.

In this first year of being in the public eye the message has been experienced by approx 80 people who have attended the leve lone seminars. That is a fantastic beginning. Nearly everyone went home and had the message sticks floating around in their space for a coupleof weeks after. Some enjoyed it so much, they came back for level two and I know there will be a rush for the limited spaces next year when the next level two is arranged.

To those who have taken on new challenges with message sticks (Nick :-) WOW, this will be people power at its very best... history in the making. To the others who have been fantastic ambassadors (Andrew I love you... Miss my Hugs, Hope all is well 'recovering' you have been a little quite). My ears have not stopped burning from the people telling me how much Andrew LOVES the message sticks. I could drag it out but you get the drift.... To all those who have stayed in touch or sent messages of support I thank you all from the bottom of heart and especially to you Shantari (with out whom) Kiss Kiss Kiss

Sending lots of love your way

Stay well and peace to all

Darren John Maxwell

Australian Shaman.

Hanging ten on the surfboard of change?

This Blog is not only for the members of the new earth centre, but written with passers by in mind as well.

For everyone in the loop October 17th and 18th 2009 was the date set for level 2 of the Shaman Oracle psychic awareness course. Approx 10% of the total numbers of level 1 participants returned for level two and by all reports they where far from disappointed. We are yet to observe any further outcomes from the weekend, but all who attended will confidently say it is not going to end there.  

The energy leading into the weekend was a little confusing, we had all put our hands up for a journey through the unknown and no one was sure exactly what would unfold. Though I had an idea all was going to be well I could not have guessed exactly how fantastic the weekend was going to be.

Through missed trains, before dawn starts, brake failure and overnight road trips everyone gathered on time (remarkable, this was a meant to be event) at the Somersby retreat centre for the 10am start. There was magic in the air, everyone knew they had gathered for the beginning of an adventure that is sure to be as mysterious as it is exciting.

The natural surrounding of the retreat centre made the energy even more real and  very earth centred. I had predicted the natural surrounding would allow a closer connection but it was impossible to realize exactly how much it would magnify the experience.

By the time we had all shared what interest brought us together for this weekend we could all sense the feeling that something very special was about to take place.

During this amazing weekend, we laughed, cried, hugged and joined together in the spirit of truth and genuine freedom. We explored the magic of the dreamtime alphabet and the message of the shaman oracle and on the Sunday afternoon, we awoke the ancient spirit of oneness with the earth, our land, the wind, the trees, the stars, the nature spirits and the hearts in each and every one of us.

Thousands of years in the making and bang, it is suddenly a reality. We are on the cutting edge of a massive change in the way the world recognizes the Australia that has been our home for thousands of years.

I will continue to do all I can to help everyone understand the magical beauty that is our dreamtime spirit and I am sure everyone whose heart is touched by the energy of  the Great Dreamtime Spirit that through the 'Dreamtime Alphabet' has been given the freedom to grow again, will do the same.

Stay well and peace to all

Darren John Maxwell

Australian Shaman