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Given in 1984, this talk discusses: the danger of following leaders and being "had"; the emphasis on the sound in a chamber rather than the words and what they mean; accepting your slavery to the endless round of death and rebirth; learning to trust yourself; the difference between being a character in a game with no choice and subjecting oneself to higher law; being responsible for one's own trip and the unreliability of one's own experiences.
The talk explores the concept of Moving Prayer, emphasizing the necessity of full surrender to prayer while maintaining self-awareness. It challenges the idea of prayer as passive, instead presenting it as an active force that can shape one's life. The speaker discusses prayer as a state of being rather than an action, the importance of abandoning personal expectations, and the potential of becoming a conduit for higher forces. The discussion also covers the dangers of blind following, the role of personal responsibility in spiritual work, and the illusion of control in human existence.
The speaker introduces the idea of Moving Prayer, a practice that transcends mechanical repetition and requires full immersion. Prayer, in this context, is not about seeking results but about being fully present and surrendered to its movement. One must not impose a time limit or expectation on prayer—true surrender means accepting that it may consume one's entire life.
A significant part of the talk challenges the listener’s attachment to personal plans and desires, arguing that struggling to control one's life is futile. The metaphor of being a lightning rod is used to illustrate the role of a person as a conduit for higher forces rather than an independent actor shaping their destiny. The speaker questions the audience on whether they are truly prepared to let go of personal control and be used by prayer.
The discussion then shifts to the dangers of blindly following teachers, leaders, or spiritual figures. The speaker warns against giving power to external authorities, emphasizing that each person is responsible for their own journey. No one should seek a guru, nor should anyone wish to become one—true spiritual progress comes from within, not from devotion to an external figure.
The talk also touches on the nature of reality and perception, suggesting that people often mistake familiarity for truth. The audience is reminded that their assumptions, beliefs, and even their understanding of prayer may be conditioned rather than real. There is an ongoing critique of seeking answers externally rather than cultivating direct experience.
Ultimately, the message is one of radical self-responsibility, deep surrender to prayer, and an awareness of the illusory nature of control. The speaker closes with a caution: do not look for leaders, do not attach to external guides, and do not mistake following for awakening.
*"A lone figure stands in an open field, arms raised to the sky as golden lightning strikes down, passing through them and into the earth. Around them, shadowy figures reach upward, seeking answers, yet their hands remain empty. In the background, a vast horizon stretches endlessly, symbolizing the unknown. The atmosphere is charged with energy—dark clouds swirl, yet a beam of radiant light breaks through, illuminating the central figure. The mood is powerful, mystical, and humbling, evoking the feeling of surrendering to something greater while standing fully present."*