“THE
CONCEPT, THE VISION,
AND THE FUTURE OF
Starting with
“The Vision of Chief Crazy Horse” (His Crazy Horse)
as told by Chasing Deer to Kurt Kaltrieder, husband of Dr. Joan Borysenko
and
the History of the Seraphim
Concept, Vision and the Future.
Chief Crazy Horse,
his true name was His Crazy Horse, was the leader of his people, but never
a Chief. Before he allowed his people to be herded to
the reservation he observed a vision quest, a hanblecheyapi,
(a cry for vision) on the summit of Bear Butte, the most sacred mountain of the
Lakota People, now a National Park in the South Dakota
He took
with him only a few things: the flags of the
Four Directions, his sacred pipe and tobacco of kinnikinniek and red willow, a buffalo
robe, some sage, and a little food for the spirits. He
purified himself according to ancient traditions and performed a complete submission of
his ego. (pictures of BEAR BUTTE,
South Dakota
His
Crazy Horse made a sacred circle with his tobacco. He
covered the inside of the circle with sage and placed the flags of the Four Directions in
their respective places: black to the West,
white to the North, yellow to the East, and red to the South. He left his breechcloth and the food that he had
brought for the spirits outside the sacred circle, carrying only his buffalo robe, his
sacred pipe and tobacco inside with him.
He prayed the sacred prayers of his people.
He prayed special prayers for the challenge before him. "Great Mysterious, have pity on me that my people
may live" and "What should I and what
can I do for my people?"
He cried to the Seven Directions, to the Seven
Sacred Circles (circles of things to come), and the two remaining circles, the Circles
that are unspoken. Wrapped in his buffalo robe
he prayed all night until sunrise. He felt one
with all and felt the presence of Wakan Tanka speaking to him. He remained this way for three days when a great
thunderstorm came out to the West. The
lightening and hail crashed within in feet around him, but he remained unmoved, untouched
and unharmed. Though the Thunder Beings
surrounded him, he was deeply at peace.
On the next morning he awakened to a brilliant
beautiful morning. A sparrow hawk circled
close above him and spoke directly to him in a way that was clear and unmistakable. At the hawk's direction, he arose and stood upon
Bear Butte to receive one of the greatest visions of the future, ever entrusted to his
People. His soul flew with the hawk as it
showed him things to come.
He
saw his people living in run down shacks on the outskirts of the white man's villages,
hungry, despised and dispirited. He saw his
brothers overcome by whiskey. He saw his
people doing the chores of the white man, not with the joy of serving, but with a great
weariness that seemed excruciating. His heart
was sore, his spirit sickened.
From a brilliant light, a voice spoke to him: "This had to be,"
it said. "But it will pass away for all the people of the earth
must gather together like the geese that fly together in springtime. . . . Watch now, and be alert to see!"
He turned his gaze to the boundless
prairies. They were no longer the same. Much of the golden and green hair of Grandmother
(earth) was gone. She was covered with great
cobwebs (we know them today as high voltage power lines) and there were strange black rib
Soon a great darkness spread over the Earth. He could hear the agonies of war, as young men died
in a far-reaching battle, some were Lakota. He
saw great agony and families weeping. He saw
the wars over and great rebuilding. In the
skies, he could see great silver birds, as he had never seen before, strange new birds
that even appeared to have lights at night. People
were living in square buildings and were unhappy. He
wondered why they no longer lived in circles, for only in circles could they find
happiness!
He
then saw a second great war, a whole city destroyed in one great flash of fire and smoke..
The noises were deafening.
After
this war things were better for his people. They
were dancing and doing ceremonies and singing the songs that strengthened their hearts. Things were better but far from good. They had adopted many of the white man's ways, they
lived in square buildings and there was still a strong wall between his Lakota people and
white man.
Once again the Earth seemed shrouded in darkness, but this time
there was a strong light slowly coming from the East and before it was the morning star
with nine points. His Crazy Horse knew it
represented the nine Sacred Circles of things to come.
Destruction had covered the earth, but
in the center of this desolation a sacred herb, of
his People began to grow and it grew into a great tree. New life was emerging "with the branches full of flowers and singing
birds" and the branches were filled with the sacred symbols of all the
religions of the world. Spirit people blessed
the tree. Below the tree in a circle "Spirit People and Totem Animals were dancing and
singing as if they had all the joy in the world but could not contain it."
His
Crazy Horse knew that this glorious world of life was the “World of Spirit”--the
real world of his People. At the same time he
saw the manmade world struggle and it was full of sorrow (Wasi'chu). While
he watched some people of the manmade world began to stretch their hands, hearts and minds
toward the spirit world. Those who saw the
light began to proclaim it to others, but most would not listen and remained in their dull
and morose state. But for those who were ready
for “The World of Light”, beauty began to replace ugliness and joy and wonder
returned to the Earth.
His
Crazy Horse could see their faces changing, for under the sacred tree, they danced in the
light, and true understanding was beginning to radiate from their beings. They were ready for the dawn of a new
understanding, a NEW TIME, a new age.
the
four directions) and races and they were all radiating the joy that had returned to Earth. All of this His Crazy Horse could not understand,
for in some sacred and wonderful way they were all united though different and he had
never seen this before. The differences were
distinct, yet they were all part of a greater circle.
As he watched the circle as it was joined by more and more until it was so large
that the sound of their singing was all that could be heard.
He knew that this rebirth was a very good sign.
The time of renewal had come, and the knowledge of this warmed his heart. His vision was complete and it was time to return
to his People.
When Crazy
Horse returned, Chief, Worm, insisted that all Indian People must unite and resist the
white man. He believed in the vision of His
Crazy Horse but did not feel others could be trusted until this new age had come. Then the old medicine carrier reminded this one
what White Buffalo Calf Woman had told the People about this renewal long ago. The old medicine carrier instructed His Crazy Horse
to teach the young men to be a strong example of Lakota manhood -- not only for their
time, but for the time of renewal to come.
His Crazy Horse, the Lakota visionary and warrior that had
miraculously won and survived 22 battles with the U.S. Army, became a
teacher of peace. He taught that
"being Indian was not the percentage of Indian blood in ones body, as there were full
blooded Indians who had become like the white man in every way, but it is easy to know who
a true Indian is, because it is a matter of the Heart." About a year later he was killed, in a deception,
at Fort Robinson,
THE SERAPHIM CENTER STORY
In 1988, Rev.
Dr. Janet Moore first received Divine Inspiration
(channeling) that we could create a successful spiritual center in Gainesville. When asked, the “Beings of Light,” (or
the “Brotherhood of Light”) that were communicating with her, they suggested
that we name it
After receiving more details, I sat down and rendered a drawing to
use as a focal point for my meditations. It
was a large oak tree, with the symbols of the 12 major religions of the world in its
branches hanging as circular ornaments, angels and birds flying overhead, a rainbow over
the tree, and a circle of "friends" dancing under the tree. I still have this drawing. It was so similar to the Crazy Horse vision that it
gives me chills, every time I think about it, yet it was drawn before I had any awareness
of Chief Crazy Horse, his vision and his prophecy.
A Course In Miracles, “You Give but to yourself.” What ever you give, be it Love or fear, you give
but to yourself. We are all one, there is no
separation one to the other. Separation is an
illusion and has no basis in Truth.
Baha'i "Desire not for anyone the things that ye would not desire for
yourselves." -- Baha Ullah LXVI
Buddhism "Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful." --
Udana-Varga, 5:18
Christianity "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye
even so to them." -- Matt 7:12
Confucianism "Do not unto others what you would not have them do unto
you." --Analects 15:23
Hinduism "Never do to others what would pain thyself." --Panchatantra
III.104
Islam "Do unto all men as you would they should do unto you, and reject for
others what you would reject for yourself." -- Mishkat-el-Masabih
Jainism "In happiness and suffering, in joy and grief, we should regard all
creatures as we regard our own self." -- Lord Mahavira, 6th Century B.C.E.
Judaism "What is hateful to you, do not to your fellowmen. That is the ENTIRE
LAW..." -- Talmud, Shabbat 314
Native American "Respect for all life is the foundation." --The Great
Law of Peace
Sikhism "Treat others as thou wouldst be treated thyself." -- Adi
Granth
Taoism "Regard your neighbor's gain as your own gain and your neighbor's loss
as your own loss. -- T'ai
Zoroastrianism "That nature alone is good which refrains from doing unto
another whatsoever is not good for itself." -- Dadistan-i-Dinik, 94:5
We pledge
to celebrate our commonality and diversity instead of being concerned with our
differences. We see our Creator as a Loving
God who loves all people unconditionally and without reservations or restrictions. God is only defined in the Bible two times, once as
“Light” and once as “Love.” That
works for us.
People of all faiths lament that indifference, injustice, conflict and
violence, "for God's sake" and in the “Name of God” has been, and
continues to be practiced. But fearing internal conflict, spiritual groups often remain
quiet or even seem to suppress dissent. Let us assert that we cannot remain quiet or inactive
when we discern injustice, discrimination, violence, or a call for Love. We join together with others, moved into action, by
the Golden Rule, God's, call to each of us.
We physically started
Two years later we moved to our present 8400 square foot facility on
Our The current lease was up in on
We lost our lease to this facility and due to a wonderful offer from Fr. Julian, of the St. Patrick's Church, we are now renting space in the Woodlands Executive Office Building, 412 NE 16th Ave, part of the Catholic Church complex. We must vacate by January 1, 2008.
THE FUTURE & THE VISION
We have
found and purchased a wonderful 15 acre parcel of land, in a location that is readily
accessible to our community, 2001 SW 63rd Avenue (at the intersection of 21 Drive. We
would like to keep more than 75% of this property wooded we intend to build a
"green" facility that is one with nature and the environment, having the minimum
impact on the area as possible. We believe we
have found the perfect place, 15 acres of heavily wooded hammock on
The purchase price was about $180,000.00
THE
PLAN
We have
paid the down payment are seeking folks that will assist with the $30,000. down payment
and other start up costs. Additionally, we are asking a minimum of 100 people to pledge
$1.00 a day to pay for the next few years for the monthly payments. We do not believe in sacrifice, but with this
minimum level of financial participation, above and beyond the other giving at
We have a licensed architect who has volunteered his services to
design us a building that will become a landmark in Gainesville, a building where the
beauty of nature is experienced inside and out. This
might become “The Lovely Chapel in the Woods,” a place where everyone
feels invited and welcome, inter-faith and inter-denominational, were people want to be
married and experience other life passages. On
this site could also house a spiritual “
We are
requesting that every person who receives this email, if you live in Gainesville or not,
if you have ever been to Seraphim Center or not, if you believe in any part of “THE
CONCEPT, THE VISION, AND THE FUTURE OF SERAPHIM CENTER" (below) to pledge
$1.00 a day (spare change on your dresser) for the next year or two, to help make this
vision, a reality. If you can pledge more, do
not feel restrained. This is not a
manipulation of obligation, this is an opportunity to participate in something that can
help extend Love to a world that is crying out for practical help. If 100 people will commit to a dollar a day,
immediately, we will be on our way! Start
saving your dollar a day, today. All
contributions are tax deductions because we are a 501 ( c )(3) non-profit, religious
charitable organization. Join in the Love, the
Joy, the Enthusiasm and the Beauty of this adventure.
Please
feel free to contact me with your questions, suggestions, and assistance with the down
payment and pledges. If you encounter any
“Seraphim Center Folks” ask if they are participating in the "Dollar a Day
Today," for the new Center. Show them
this email.
Much Love,
Rev. Dr. Bob E.
Reverend Dr. Robert Estling
revbob@seraphimcenter.org
(personal email)
< red star our current location is 412 NE 16th Avenue, just West of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and school.
Our five acres in green ^ above
The
(To be prayed daily as
we make our contributions to the New Church Property)
ASKK
Dear gentle and loving Creator, Father
Mother God, Great Spirit,
I ask that the Love and Light of the
Creator of the Universe fill me as it fills the activities and endeavors of the
I ask that I can find new ways to be of service, helping others help themselves
towards inner peace and understanding.
I ask that I can help create a
I seek the inner guidance to know where
to go, what to do, what to say.
I seek to help create a spiritual home where I can fellowship with others who are
guided by the Light of Love.
I seek deeper meaning in life, deeper love in relationships, and deeper commitment
to my live purpose.
I knock at the door of the Universe
knowing that with one small knock the resources of my Creator are mine.
I knock at the door of my own heart, asking my heart and mind open to opportunity
that is available to me.
I knock at the door of my sister’s and brother’s hearts, knowing that
with this gentle knock we will rea
I know that the greatest task becomes an
attainable goal when the purpose is Love.
I know that every step I take in Love is accompanied by Angels, every loving
thought becomes a song, and every loving action becomes a Miracle.
I know that what is given in Love returns to me many times over, incredible
abundance is mine, I need only ask, seek, knock, and know.
God bless me, God bless Seraphim
In the
Greatest Degree of Love, Amen.
Dancing Around “The Tree O
Life”
A
I desire to participate in
this beautiful, exciting, loving, and worthy endeavor!
My giving benefits me as it benefits others.
I pledge $ ______________ to assist with the DOWN PAYMENT
so we can purchase the property as soon
as possible.
I pledge $ ______________ a day, for the next year, in the
“DOLLAR A DAY, TODAY” Program (to be mailed in or delivered weekly ____ or ___
monthly to
I pledge $ _____________ to additionally bless and increase the building fund.
I will do all the above in addition to
my regular giving at