PDF Summary:Secrets of the Lost Mode of Prayer, by Gregg Braden

Ancient traditions revered prayer as a profound connection to the divine, shaping reality itself through emotional resonance rather than mere words. In Secrets of the Lost Mode of Prayer, Gregg Braden explores this forgotten practice, instructing how to harness repressed prayer techniques to influence circumstances and navigate life's difficulties.

With compassion, Braden guides readers in transforming suffering into wisdom. He reveals methods of bestowing blessings as catalysts for healing, and invoking beauty's revelatory power. In harmonizing traditional wisdom with modern science, the text offers creative means to craft personally potent, emotionally-charged invocations.

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• Waves, such as sound waves, light waves, and ocean waves, follow predictable mathematical patterns. These patterns demonstrate how energy is transferred and transformed, maintaining equilibrium in various systems.
• This approach views problems as part of an overall system, rather than isolated incidents. It emphasizes interconnections and patterns that might not be immediately visible.
• Historically, alchemy was the pursuit of transforming base metals into gold. Metaphorically, it represents personal transformation, turning negative experiences (pain) into valuable insights (wisdom).

The influence of bestowing blessings

This section of the text explores how invoking blessings can be a powerful tool to lessen suffering and encourage healing, illuminating the use of this time-honored technique.

The act of giving blessings allows us to acknowledge and release our suffering without casting judgment.

Braden underscores the significance of incorporating blessings into the overlooked approach to prayer. It's a way to intentionally shift our emotional state and create the optimal conditions for healing and transformation. He emphasizes that to bless is not to condone or support harmful actions, but instead to acknowledge events that have occurred without bias.

Bestowing a benediction momentarily interrupts negative emotions, permitting the replacement of such feelings with those that validate our being.

He explains that by bestowing blessings upon people, events, and even the emotions that have caused us pain, we enable them to move through our existence with ease, thereby ensuring they do not become trapped within us. Bestowing blessings momentarily halts our adverse emotions, thereby creating a path for stronger, restorative emotions to surface.

Context

• A benediction is a blessing or expression of good wishes. In many spiritual and religious traditions, it is believed to have the power to invoke divine favor and protection.
• By blessing difficult emotions or events, individuals can reframe their experiences, finding meaning or lessons in challenges rather than viewing them solely as negative.
• Offering blessings can improve interpersonal relationships by fostering forgiveness and compassion, which can help resolve conflicts and promote harmony.

Directing positive thoughts toward people, circumstances, and historical occurrences that are sources of discomfort can assist in mitigating the emotional burden associated with such experiences.

Braden draws a parallel between bestowing blessings and creating a conduit that allows access to a domain devoid of judgment. The author cites Rumi, who describes a realm that goes beyond our usual notions of right and wrong. Our rendezvous will be at that location. This place, Braden explains, is where healing and transformation can truly begin. We are no longer defined by the hardships we face.

Context

• This refers to the stress or strain that emotions can place on an individual. It can manifest as anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges.
• The concept of a realm beyond right and wrong aligns with non-dualistic philosophies, which propose that reality is not divided into opposites but is a unified whole.
• Many spiritual paths aim for transcendence, a state where individuals rise above personal suffering and connect with a higher consciousness or universal truth.
• Therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focus on changing thought patterns to alter emotional responses, helping individuals not to be defined by their hardships.

The practice of offering blessings endows us with the resilience and insight needed to confront life's obstacles without succumbing to uncertainty and weakness.

Braden motivates individuals to welcome the transformative potential of offering blessings, highlighting how it can strengthen us. Choosing to impart blessings rather than curses equips us with the strength and clarity necessary to navigate life's challenges without succumbing to feelings like anger, resentment, or despair.

By bestowing benevolence on the challenging aspects of our existence, we have the power to transform our relationship with adversity and misfortune.

The author, Gregg Braden, underscores the power of this idea by referencing the instructions of Jesus, who encouraged his disciples to show compassion towards those who critiqued them. Braden introduces the transformative idea of bestowing blessings upon both the suffering individuals and the ones causing the suffering, an idea that might appear unorthodox to a number of people. However, Braden argues that reaching a state of balance, essential for healing, is a necessary step before one can tap into what Rumi referred to as "the field." It entails taking ownership of our responses to suffering rather than remaining its perpetual casualty.

Context

• Philosophers like Stoics emphasize accepting and reframing adversity as a means to develop virtue and wisdom.
• The concept challenges the natural human inclination towards defensiveness and retaliation, promoting a more harmonious and interconnected view of human relationships.
• From a psychological standpoint, extending compassion to those who cause harm can be a way to break cycles of anger and resentment. It encourages emotional resilience and can lead to personal growth and healing.
• Achieving balance can build resilience, allowing individuals to better cope with life's challenges and recover from setbacks.
• Engaging in mindfulness can help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, allowing them to respond to suffering with greater clarity and intention rather than reacting impulsively.
• Taking responsibility for how one reacts to adversity is a key step in personal growth, shifting from a victim mindset to one of empowerment.

Systematic blessing of oneself, one's tormentors, and all witnesses to one's suffering is a powerful way to initiate healing

He introduced a distinctive method comprising three phases to engage in this potent practice. He recommends that individuals extend blessings to themselves as the harmed party, as well as to the one responsible for the suffering and all witnesses of the event. He underscores the significance of precision and consistency in spiritual practices, urging individuals to persist in their devotions until they experience a noticeable change, characterized by feelings of warmth and liberation.

Context

• Forgiving oneself and others is often a crucial step in healing. It can release emotional burdens and reduce stress, contributing to mental and physical well-being.
• The feelings of warmth and liberation mentioned are often associated with the release of pent-up emotions, which can lead to a sense of peace and closure.
• Consistent practice allows for a feedback loop where individuals can notice subtle changes and adjust their practices for greater effectiveness.
• The process of healing through spiritual practices can involve both physical and emotional dimensions, where persistent effort is needed to overcome deep-seated pain or trauma.

The Transformative Impact of Aesthetic Appeal.

This part emphasizes the significance of acknowledging beauty's transformative power on our outlook and existence.

The encounter with beauty universally has the power to alter our awareness and reshape the environment we live in.

In his investigation, Braden examines the deep impact our lives receive from beauty. He delves into historical spells that are characterized by their allure, referencing stories like celestial entities being charmed by earthly women and Delilah's seduction of Samson in biblical accounts. He underscores the profound influence of beauty, capable of stirring entities considered immovable.

Beauty goes beyond simple visual appeal, touching the core of our being, engaging our intellect, and providing sustenance for our spirits.

Braden delves deeper, suggesting that the true nature of beauty goes beyond superficial evaluations based on external looks. True beauty, in his view, harmonizes with our feelings, thoughts, and soul. The writer supports his argument by referencing Albert Einstein's respect for the universe's orderly and harmonious character, which is also reflected in the compositions of Mozart.

Context

• The concept of harmony in the universe often refers to the laws of physics and the natural order that govern celestial bodies, ecosystems, and the fundamental forces. This harmony suggests a balance and interconnectedness that many find aesthetically pleasing and spiritually fulfilling.
• The concept of beauty in science, such as in mathematical equations or natural phenomena, often involves an appreciation for symmetry, simplicity, and elegance, which are not immediately visible but understood through deeper analysis.

Our focus and gratitude act as the agents that awaken the dormant power of beauty.

Braden illuminates the perspective of ancient wisdom traditions, which considered beauty to be a force capable of elevating our consciousness to more sublime levels. He emphasizes that the concept of beauty remains inactive until we recognize and awaken it. Our focus and gratitude are the catalysts that bring forth beauty, according to Braden.

Context

• Studies indicate that the brain's reward system is activated when we perceive beauty, suggesting a biological basis for the uplifting effects of beauty on consciousness.
• Beauty often appears in myths and symbols as a divine attribute, representing purity, truth, and the divine order, which could inspire individuals to aspire to higher ideals.
• In art, the creation and appreciation of beauty often involve an intentional focus, where artists and viewers engage deeply with the subject to uncover its aesthetic value.

Welcoming the full spectrum of life's events, even the challenging ones, can shift our perspective and reveal new possibilities.

He delves into the way personal viewpoints shape our understanding of beauty, recognizing that what captivates one person might be disconcerting to someone else. Braden shares stories from his travels, illustrating that people with physical differences may also have a deep and significant inner beauty. He emphasizes that our preconceived notions and biases can sometimes veil the natural splendor that envelops us.

Our experiences and the reality that emerges are molded by our understanding of beauty.

Braden encourages readers to find beauty in the most unexpected places and to look beyond what is immediately visible. Mother Teresa demonstrated her capacity to discern beauty even in hardship by noticing the emergence of flowers among the impoverished streets of Calcutta. Our perception of beauty influences the environment that surrounds us.

Context

• In terms of environmental consciousness, this idea can encourage individuals to appreciate the hidden beauty and value in nature, promoting conservation and sustainable living practices.
• Flowers often symbolize hope, renewal, and the persistence of life. In harsh environments, their presence can represent resilience and the potential for growth despite adversity.
• Throughout history, societies have invested in beautifying their environments, from gardens to public buildings, reflecting the belief that beauty contributes to a better quality of life.

Seeking out and honoring beauty, even in the most unlikely places, is a spiritual practice that can transform our lives

The author, Gregg Braden, describes an event where he witnessed a fire at a Native American community, initially captivated by the flames before recognizing the threat it presented to his home, which turned his fascination into concern. Gregg Braden clarifies that the way we perceive the world significantly shapes our environment to correspond with our convictions.

Context

• Artists often find inspiration in unexpected places, suggesting that this practice can enhance creativity and lead to new forms of expression by seeing the world through a different lens.
• Appreciating beauty in diversity can promote empathy and understanding, leading to more harmonious social interactions.
• Fires in close-knit communities can have profound social and emotional effects, potentially leading to collective efforts in rebuilding and healing, which might be part of the broader narrative.
• In many indigenous cultures, fire holds spiritual significance and is often used in rituals and ceremonies. This cultural context might influence how individuals perceive and react to fire.
• The incident serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of natural events and human life, emphasizing the need for awareness and preparedness in the face of natural disasters.
• Our perceptions are influenced by cognitive biases, which are systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment. These biases can lead us to interpret information in a way that confirms our pre-existing beliefs, thus shaping our environment to align with those beliefs.
• From a neuroscience standpoint, the brain's plasticity allows it to adapt based on our thoughts and experiences. This means that consistent beliefs can physically alter neural pathways, reinforcing certain perceptions and behaviors over time.

Developing Personal Prayer Practices

The book provides instructions for establishing personal prayer practices based on the essential aspects of neglected prayer traditions. The book delves into the concept of crafting personalized prayers that align with our unique desires and intentions.

Genuine expression in prayer is conveyed through emotions, not just spoken words.

In his conversation with a Tibetan monastery's head, Braden underscores the importance of authentic feelings in the execution of devotional supplications. The leader of the monastery guided Braden to the realization that contemporary prayer methods place too much importance on verbal expression, as he explored the characteristics of Western prayer techniques. He argues that the feelings stirred by conventional prayers carry greater importance than the words themselves.

The words of traditional prayers are designed to evoke specific emotional states and feelings

Gregg Braden suggests that reciting traditional prayers like the 23rd Psalm and the Lord's Prayer is deliberately structured to provoke specific emotional responses in the individuals who recite them. He advises people to be acutely aware of the emotions that these prayers provoke, as they constitute the core of the prayerful experience.

Other Perspectives

• The emotional response to prayers like the 23rd Psalm and the Lord's Prayer can be highly subjective and vary greatly among individuals, suggesting that there is not a one-size-fits-all emotional outcome.
• Some religious traditions or individuals may prioritize the meditative or contemplative state achieved through prayer over the emotional aspect, seeking a sense of peace or detachment rather than an emotional experience.

We possess the capacity to cultivate distinctive approaches to prayer by identifying the specific language, gestures, or visualizations that most powerfully evoke the emotions we desire.

Braden encourages people to create prayers that resonate deeply on a personal level, using their own words, expressions, or imagery, while shifting from traditional methods of prayer. This, he is convinced, personalizes prayer, enhancing its potency and significance.

Other Perspectives

• Identifying specific language, gestures, or visualizations that evoke emotions could be challenging for some, potentially leading to frustration or a sense of inadequacy in their spiritual practice.
• Some religious traditions emphasize the importance of adhering to specific words and rituals as a form of obedience and respect to their spiritual teachings, suggesting that deviation could be less effective or even inappropriate.

By consistently integrating our feelings into our prayers, we can profoundly affect our lives and the environment around us.

The author emphasizes the importance of consistently nurturing our emotional awareness, recognizing that each moment of our existence is a powerful act of prayer. By fostering an attitude of gratitude, cherishing our life events, and developing a tranquil mindset, we have the power to influence our surroundings.

By fostering gratitude, appreciating our current blessings, and cultivating a peaceful state of mind as if these desired events are already part of our reality, we can attract such experiences into our existence.

He underscores the significance of experiencing our prayers as though they are already fulfilled. He draws a comparison to Dorothy's heel-tapping in The Wizard of Oz, implying that she was essentially guiding her inner being to feel the emotions that come with being at home. The declaration served to affirm a reality already in existence.

Incorporating creative elements such as rhymes or visualizations has the potential to render our personal prayer practices more memorable and profound.

He encourages the use of creative techniques like poetry and imagery to enhance the fervor of our spiritual petitions. He recounts tales of his companions employing unique expressions to guarantee safe journeys or safeguard animals. These personal, heartfelt prayers, Braden argues, can be surprisingly powerful.

Context

• Expressing gratitude can strengthen relationships and build social networks, which can indirectly lead to more opportunities and desired experiences through increased support and collaboration.
• This approach can foster a positive mindset, which is linked to numerous psychological benefits, including increased resilience, improved mental health, and greater life satisfaction.
• Believing in the fulfillment of prayers can boost confidence and reduce anxiety, as it shifts focus from lack to abundance, fostering a more positive outlook on life.
• The scene is iconic in popular culture, often referenced as an example of self-empowerment and the realization of personal agency.
• Incorporating creative elements can help maintain focus during prayer, reducing distractions and promoting a meditative state.
• Throughout history, poetry has been used in various religious and spiritual traditions to convey deep emotions and connect with the divine. For example, the Psalms in the Bible are poetic prayers that express a range of human emotions.

Bridging ancient prayer techniques with contemporary scientific understanding and awareness.

The book integrates time-honored knowledge with contemporary scientific insights, bringing the narrative to a comprehensive conclusion. The book delves into the scientific underpinnings of how emotion-driven prayers and our awareness influence the world we experience.

Modern science recognizes a pervasive energy matrix that interconnects every aspect of the cosmos.

Braden draws parallels between time-honored rituals, often referred to as the forgotten approach to prayer, and modern scientific discoveries, especially those that recognize the concept widely termed as the "Divine Matrix" or the "Universal Consciousness." He explains that physics recognizes a fundamental force that permeates all of existence, not as a concept of faith but as an essential aspect of the universe, acting as a connector linking all components of the cosmos.

Our perceptions, beliefs, and emotions are believed to shape and reflect the fundamental qualities of this field.

He argues that modern scientific research supports the age-old belief that our emotions, thoughts, and beliefs are actively reflected in and have an impact on the universal field. Braden presents the case that a scientific foundation underpins the efficacy of prayer. When we send our prayers out into the world, we are essentially communicating with this field, influencing its structure and shaping our reality.

Ancient traditions portrayed this field using various metaphors, comparing it to a complex cosmic tapestry or the all-encompassing divine consciousness.

He underscores the widespread nature of this idea by examining it through diverse cultural and spiritual perspectives, referencing the "Song of Creation" of the Hopi, along with Buddhist teachings, and texts from the early Christians, highlighting a unified, conscious energy. He emphasizes the constant foundational principle that, despite the different names we might use, our inherent interconnectedness, coupled with the power of our feelings and mental processes, has the capacity to mold the reality we experience.

Context

• This idea posits that consciousness is a fundamental aspect of the universe, not just a byproduct of physical processes, and that it plays a role in shaping reality.
• This metaphor suggests that the universe is like a woven fabric, where each thread is connected to others, symbolizing the interrelatedness of all things.
• Early Christian writings, such as those found in the Gnostic Gospels, often explore themes of divine unity and the presence of a universal consciousness. These texts sometimes emphasize the idea of a divine spark within each individual, connecting them to a greater whole.
• Cognitive-behavioral theories propose that our thoughts and emotions can significantly impact our perceptions and interactions, thereby shaping our personal reality.

This form of prayer interacts with the field by harnessing the power of emotions to convey our desires without the need for spoken words.

Braden emphasizes the importance of a neglected method of prayer that utilizes emotional energy to establish a direct connection with the universal field. It harnesses our inherent capability to transcend verbal communication, utilizing our emotional energy to mold our existence.

Our desires manifest most effectively when we infuse our prayers with feelings, believing that they have already come to fruition.

He explains that by wholly accepting the feeling of our wishes, including tranquility, restoration, or prosperity, as existing conditions, we establish the perfect vibrational condition to attract these events into our lives. The more individuals experience this sensation, the greater its impact becomes.

Context

• This approach often involves visualization, where individuals imagine their desires in vivid detail, accompanied by the emotions they would feel if those desires were realized.
• Emotions are thought to have a vibrational frequency. By aligning your emotions with the frequency of your desires, you may create a resonance that attracts similar energies or experiences.
• Believing that one's desires are already fulfilled can increase motivation and reduce stress, creating a mental state conducive to taking actions that lead to goal achievement.
• This feeling encompasses not just financial wealth but also a sense of abundance in various aspects of life, such as relationships, health, and personal growth. It is often linked to a mindset of gratitude and openness to opportunities.
• Some interpretations of quantum physics suggest that the observer can influence the outcome of events at a subatomic level. This idea is often used to support the notion that our thoughts and feelings can shape our reality.
• This approach can be seen as a form of psychological conditioning, where the mind is trained to expect and recognize success, potentially leading to increased motivation and proactive behavior.

Integrating this time-honored method of prayer with our current understanding of consciousness and energy has the potential to bring about significant changes for both individuals and the planet.

He emphasizes the powerful synergy between ancient wisdom and modern scientific understanding as a driving force for transformation and renewal. The author suggests that by consciously employing a neglected method of prayer, we possess the capability to transform our personal experiences, impact our surroundings, and drive change on a global scale. The book finishes with the intriguing idea that the cosmos responds by shaping its existence to match our beliefs and wishes. He motivates individuals to tap into their inherent ability to manifest their deepest wishes into existence by utilizing a forgotten approach to prayer.

Context

• Studies in social psychology and global consciousness research, such as those conducted by the Global Consciousness Project, investigate how collective human intentions might influence global events or environmental conditions.
• These terms suggest profound changes and rejuvenation, potentially in personal growth, societal structures, or environmental healing, facilitated by the integration of these two knowledge systems.
• Many ancient cultures, such as those in Egypt, India, and indigenous tribes, practiced forms of prayer that emphasized harmony with nature and the universe, suggesting a holistic approach to existence.
• The practice of setting clear intentions is often used in both spiritual and psychological contexts to focus the mind and direct energy towards achieving specific outcomes. This practice is believed to help manifest desires into reality.