Excerpt from Chapter 3: The Primary Life
Force
In most philosophical,
religious, and spiritual models there exists the concept of
that which is beyond all human understanding and all human
thought—the Absolute, the Source, the One. From the
One emanates a primary life force that permeates and
connects all of creation. Often our understanding of this
force is intellectual rather than experiential and remains
a mystery to most of us. Although there are many life
forces within and around us, many different religions and
philosophies make mention of the Life Force. This may refer
to the primary life force, which is also called the Great
Life, from which all other forces originate. The primary
life force exists at all times within all aspects and
dimensions of life. Its existence is interpreted
differently within the framework of various religions. The
primary life force contains both penetrating and enveloping
aspects. The penetrating force represents the power of the
Creator and has a more masculine and active quality. The
enveloping force is Grace, which has a more feminine
quality, as it is a force that encloses and envelops life.
Because the penetrating force of the Great Life is most
often referred to by mystics who strive for enlightenment,
some people assume that only a chosen few will ever
experience it; however, many cultures recount stories of
spontaneous spiritual experiences—some great, some
small—that have occurred across humankind. These
stories illustrate that the process of penetration can
occur in anyone at any time.
Evidence of the enveloping aspect of the primary life force
is present in many different theologies, stories, and
myths, as well as in our everyday lives. People often
describe intense feelings of the Divine presence of Grace.
Many of us have had a moment of complete clarity, a vision,
or a dream in which we felt guided. Or, perhaps we sensed a
peace and tranquility, the feeling that something sacred
was present, a feeling of transcendence, the sudden lifting
of a burden, or simply the presence of something beyond
ourselves........