SPIRITUAL WARFARE a new introduction to the handbook, 2/05

Spiritual warfare is a reality--there is not one person on the planet who does not do battle with inner demons. Awakening the warrior within, learning tools and techniques of inner combat, mastering the gifts of self, accessing higher powers, and adopting a mission-oriented path of life are the means of gaining inner victory and lasting spiritual peace.

The spiritual warrior within you needs to attack that which holds you back - that which self-sabotages your inner essence - overeating, drinking, drugs, addictions, laziness, unhealthy attachments, unlimited TV, or allowing others to abuse you as you blindly set yourself up to be a victim - anything that keeps your spiritual warrior-self imprisoned. Embrace the challenges the world brings to you. Accept that you are not the center of the universe. You will become less reactive. You will become more centered and more resourceful. You will feel better & more together.

We are each called to a warrior identity, but we can only find this deep within ourselves. That place which transforms us so we become what we all must become, if we are to transform our world to the one we want to live in; but most importantly to answer the inner summons.

This SPIRITUAL GROWTH PROGRAM is devoted to the development of the warrior soul, connecting the warrior both to Wisdom and the earth, and to the fellowship of spiritual warriors.

SPIRITUAL WARRIOR TRAINING

SPIRITUAL
The effort to reach to one's truest inner self and find a balance in this world is essentially spiritual. The innermost core of ourselves and the hidden mystery of the universe are already intrinsically one within me. To be spiritual means manifesting and radiating that harmony and balance of body, mind and spirit and constantly challenging myself.

WARRIOR
A warrior is a person who is not adverse to struggle, who has learnt that vigorous effort, welcoming challenge and competition are enjoyable and a part of our nature as human beings. To be a true spiritual warrior one must fight all kinds of distractions, personal weaknesses, fear and lethargy. Hence, the inner landscape is the main darkness to be faced and embraced. Inner peace is a result typically of intense struggle.

Living life with intense passion & purpose is leading the life of a "warrior". To be a "warrior" does not necessarily imply waging a "war". It is also an honorary title of many tribal societies for a human being endowed with courage, compassion and wisdom.

TRAINING
A spiritual warrior is one who pursues spirituality with vigor, determination and exquisite balance. You are now in a Correctional setting which provides a Fierce Landscape for your training. This setting is both rude, unforgiving and constantly challenging the would-be spiritual warrior. We are neither spiritual nor a warrior without taking the attitude that we are "in training" at all times everywhere. The "in-training" humbleness required is an essential trait of a true aspirant as well as the master and teacher.

We examine five traits of the Spiritual Warrior: Self-examination, Courage, Compassion, Generosity, and Mission or life-long commitment.
We take generosity or self-giving first as our greatest immediate challenge. Since most of us have a Christian background, we take our lessons and invitations from Scripture. (continued)