The proliferation of energy healing and meditation groups in North America is a result of a new collective self-awareness. Another healing technique taking root is called the Oneness Blessing or Oneness Experience™. Sri Bhagavan and Sri Amma, the husband and wife who discovered the Oneness Blessing, have devoted their lives to enlightenment.
How the Oneness Blessing Works
The Oneness Blessing or Deeksha as it is called in India, is administered by a blessing giver who puts his hands on the head of the receiver.
The blessing allegedly creates a transfer of spiritual energy to the neocortex of the brain (studies are underway to prove that it initiates a neurological change in the brain). The process allegedly produces an increased calmness and perception as a result of the senses being free from the interference of the mind.
Awakening Into Oneness
The popularity of the Oneness Movement has been spurred by Arjuna Ardagh's book, Awakening Into Oneness: The Power of Blessing in the Evolution of Consciousness [Sounds True, Incorporated, 2007]. Written in a simple style, which parallels the simplicity of the Oneness Movement's message, Ardagh's book focuses on the origin of the Oneness Blessing among a select group of children in India in the '80s, and describes the evolution of the school and the Oneness Blessing.
Oneness Movement around the Globe
Awareness of the Oneness Blessing is spreading around the globe. There are Oneness Blessing groups on Facebook and Twitter, and there was a recent webcast of the 60th birthday of Sri Bhagavan, in which he and his wife gave Oneness Blessings to global viewers online.
The Oneness Movement is not affiliated with any religion and has a multi-faith following including Christians, Catholics, Jews, Hindus, and Muslims.
Oneness Meditation Groups in Toronto
Many believers of the Oneness Movement meet regularly in Oneness Meditation groups such as the one offered by Melanie Meurehg in Toronto, Canada. Meurehg, a Oneness Blessing facilitator, conducts weekly meetings at her home during which time she administers the Oneness Blessing to participants.
Oneness Philosophy
Meurehg states that the philosophy surrounding the Oneness Blessing is "anything when fully experienced is joy...including love, anger or jealousy [because] when you experience something completely, it leaves no residue behind and every experience is as new as the first one."
Further, she states, "The Oneness Blessing helps you look at yourself the way you truly are without judgment because rejecting any part of yourself creates a state of violence within."
Training of Oneness Facilitators
Oneness Facilitators must undergo the Oneness Awakening™ course where guides or Dasas teach the concepts behind suffering, and support participants in releasing emotional patterns that no longer serve them.
Previously, students had to attend the Oneness University in India to take the course, however, the Dasas now travel to Oneness Centres in Fiji and Italy to provide more accessibility to the teachings.
Whether the Oneness Blessing in fact works is up for debate, but its goal of raising global consciousness is commendable, and there is no denying the alluring appeal of the simplicity of its message.
 |
