DAILY MESSAGES ARCHIVES MARCH 2019

For more blog posts go to www.elysiumspassage.com and click MY BLOG 

The following quotes are archived from the DAILY MESSAGE FROM THE PASSAGE for this last month. Note the archieved posts for past months.

For the currentDaily Message go to: https://digitalbloggers.com/arts-and-entertainment/daily-message-from-elysium 

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March 26, 2019

Thomas Merton, born in France was an American Trappist monk that was well known in his day before being accidentally electrocuted in 1968. His autobiography THE SEVEN STORY MOUNTAIN is still widely read today and the wisdom of his words continue to have a significant influence on many theologians and various thinkers to this day.

His openness to Buddhism and meeting with Dalai Lama in the late 1950s and later with Buddhist scholar DT Suzuki did much to introduce Eastern thought to the West and the possible synergy between Christianity and Buddhism.

Possibly today's short quote reflects the spirit of their dialogues.

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March 26, 2019

This quote by Lao Tzu I think speaks very clearly to what I was attempting to communicate in my latest blog post on the UNION OF THE HEART AND MIND. The problem is not the mind on its own, but the noisy ego-mind that has separated itself from the heart. When this happens, there is no possibility of hearing the divine message of the Universe. But in the silence, the Universe makes itself known. At least that's what I think this ancient philosopher was telling us.  

Lao Tzu was born over 8,000 years ago in China in 6001 BC, establishing Taoism as a philosophical system of thought. This discipline shared many concepts with Buddhism which was later established in India. 

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March 22, 2019

C.S Lewis was no stranger to creating new worlds. In the CHRONICLES OF NARNIA, he introduced us to worlds of fantasy that could only be entered through a wardrobe room. He also discovered other worlds in outer space in his science fiction trilogy, OUT OF THE SILENT PLANET, PERELANDRA and THAT HIDEOUS STRENGTH.

In his last, and perhaps best novel, TILL WE HAVE FACES, we enter an ancient kingdom in a fantasy world from another time. We don't know where or when it was but feels like a time in pagan pre-Christian Europe.

In this quote, he seems to be saying that we are built for a better world once we leave this mortal plane of existence.

This is one of the major themes in the ELYSIUM'S PASSAGE series.

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March 18, 2019

Muhammad Ali always had a way of words and hyperbole that were amusing but also profound at times. In particular I appreciate the middle quote on service. 

It makes a great deal of difference if we see ourselves in being of service to others rather than using those we feel may be of benefit to us. We often confused the deeper meanings of service and use.

As I see it, acts of service come from the heart expressed as a willingness to give to others.  Whereas 'use' connotes to us that we are using or are being used by others. One's perspective may determine one's whole outlook on life and with that, one's relationship with everyone and everything in the world. 

If we understand that service is just part of life much like, as Ali says, paying the rent to be on this earth, then there is no begrudging the reciprocal relationship of giving and receiving as one.

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March 14, 2019

I couldn't agree more with this quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

I think of Pascal's statement from the 16th Century. "The heart has its reasons that reason knows not." It seems these Frenchman had an inner wisdom you don't often find in the West.

His life was exceptional until being shot down over the Mediterranean during WW 2. His was also the author of the international bestseller: THE LITTLE PRINCE which has been translated in over 300 languages and sold over an estimated 200 million copies. 

You may find an outline of his life story on my FB page (Neil Meyers) under this post.

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March 10, 2019

Recently I posted an article on enlightenment on this blog site which you may view here: https://digitalbloggers.com/arts-and-entertainment/enlightenment Since this topic deserves much more discussion than was featured, I also soon plan to write a follow up to this post called ENLIGHTENMENT.

In this featured quote above, I think Allan Watts captured one aspect of enlightenment that obviously has to do with recognizing "what already is." 

Allan Watts, as I've mentioned in a previously post, was a philosopher who I believe understood this concept of enlightenment better than most contemporary philosophers. If you didn't see that feature, this is a portion what I stated about him. (See February's Archives)

'Allan Watts was a very astute British/American thinker and writer whose influence was greatly felt during the 'beat' era of the 50s and 60s. Today he is still regarding as one of the foremost intellects who helped bridge Western traditions of philosophical and theological with that of the East. He was influenced by the teachings of Carl Jung, Jiddu Krishnamurti, Joseph Campbell and several other seminal thinkers of the 20th Century.'

 

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March 5, 2019

These three quotes, I believe capture some of the essence of freedom. To add to these, Nina Simone describes it by way of contrast: 

"I'll tell you what freedom is to me: no fear. I mean really, no fear!" 

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March 2, 2019

I'm a big fan of C.S. Lewis, especially his Chronicles of Narnia which I read to my sons at bedtime when they were young boys. In fact, I later read it again for myself since it was so pleasurable and meaningful to read. I have also read several of Lewis' other books which I highly recommend, such as Pilgrim's Regress, Till We Have Faces, Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, That Hideous Strength, with these last three being part of his Science Fiction Trilogy.

The quote I have featured here on beauty is not surprising, and yet to me, it seems somewhat uncharacteristically mystical for him, or at least my perception of him as an Oxford don.

What this seems to be saying to me is that we were built for Oneness, being one with God's essence and too long to have these mystical experiences of Oneness. It is beauty that draws us in, not just with just sight or descriptive words, but directly to comingle with it. 

I have included a couple of excerpts from ELYSIUM'S PASSAGE: SURREAL ADVENTURES, (publication pending), that discusses this point.

‘What words would reveal the mystical wonderment of experiencing the splendours of the meadows, flowers, shrubs, streams, lakes, birds and animals? And what words might describe what it’s like to stand on the highest peak of the snow-capped mountains, where the sierras glistened all about in the morning sun. What else can evoke that glorious ecstasy in the depths of your soul except to experience it for one’s self?

‘While you might attempt to translate what you saw and heard into words, they can never convey the enchantment you felt. To know, you must first experience what words mean. And though descriptions may inspire the imagination with intimations of grandeur, still they are just words...

‘I’m not sure that’s completely true,’ I said. ‘Is that not what poetry is for, to take us to new realms we could never become aware of without crafting descriptions that quicken our souls to see what our eyes oversee.’

‘You make a good point,’ Mo said. ‘Certainly, exquisite poetry can be very helpful in opening the windows to our heart, and yet it has its limitations. It may paint wonderful pictures for the mind’s eye, but wonderful is not wonderment.

Rather than discuss this topic any further, I will soon be writing a post on the topic of beauty and the soul which you may read and comment on.
 

PULCHRITUDO SPLENDOR VERITATIS: BEAUTY IS THE SPLENDOR OF TRUTH

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OVERVIEW OF THE ELYSIUM'S PASSAGE SERIES

 
The series involves five Elysium narrations regarding a young British philosopher named James Phillips who finds himself living in an altered state of reality while still remaining on earth.  

After experiencing a near-fatal fall while climbing to the summit of a remote mountain in the Andes, James awakens in a new dimension. He soon encounters two mysterious beings who provide him with a very different perspective on the nature of his existence. Over the next year, before his body recovers from the coma, he is challenged to re-examine his understanding about life’s meaning and purpose far beyond anything he previously believed or could believe.

An engaging and sometime surreal adventure with intimations of impending romance, the narrative explores the most important questions about life, death, reality and our ultimate destiny. 

The Plains of Elysium (Champs-Élysées) was described by Homer, Hesiod, Virgil and many other poets as the paradisiac afterlife realm reserved for heroes. As the title suggests, this is about a journey through a passage that leads towards Elysium’s exciting realm of existence.

To read a sample press review, go to: https://www.prweb.com/releases/2018/05/prweb15515775.htm

 

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VIDEO INTRODUCTION OF SERIES
 

To view my attempted introduction to the series, double click the picture. What do I mean by attempt? Watch and you will soon see. If you know of anyone you think might be interested in viewing this, please pass along by sharing.   

 

         

                                     Double click picture

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READER REVIEWS
ELYSIUM'S PASSAGE: THE SUMMIT

 
The following comments are among the first Amazon reviews of Elysium’s Passage: The Summit. All are Five Stars! Others reader reviews are included below, along with excerpts from two professional reviews. To read full reviews, go to READER REVIEWS on www.elysiumspassage.com

 

"A delightful mix of fantasy, reality, conjecture and humour; Mr. Meyers draws the reader into the story with a gentle narrative that captures imagination, leaving one anxious to get to the next page drawing you into his exceptional world.”

"Quietly, gently, and without imposition, the Author unfolds the pages, creating an intricate, interlocking bridge spanning the chasm between mind and heart. Renewing, refreshing, restoring. In my bereavement, it was vigil and light…"

“Excellently written with an exceedingly deep understanding of this world and the next. The characters are very well written and engaging that takes the reader on both a philosophical and spiritual journey, a journey that at times is both disquieting and tranquil. James, a British Philosopher can be irreverent and caustic, traits that should have left me cringing, but instead made me laugh out loud. Elysium’s Passage is a fun, enlightening and remarkable book.”

“This is a masterful fantasy, becoming a real possibility, as the reader is drawn into the story. The Summit leaves you anxious for the next book in the series, yet also leaves you totally satisfied with the world you have just visited. Genius! An exciting, yet calming, experience that is not to be missed."

"There was hardly a page on which I did not find at least one sentence worthy of hi-lighting for future reference. In addition, I thoroughly enjoyed the main character, James, whose personality and passionate verbal exchanges with the other characters, kept me coming back for more. I am reading the book for a second time while I wait for the next one in this series to be made available."

 “N.G. Meyers has clearly put a great deal of research and thought into what the afterlife may look like and I like his perspective. It’s an altogether welcoming and exciting vision. The book gives one a great deal to think about and a reassuring confidence that the end of our lives is truly the beginning of life in the next. I highly recommend it."

"I am really enjoying your book, it’s fantastic! It is so incredible and diversified that I can’t really explain it other people, so what I say is just read this book. Thank you so much for the blessings that you’ve given the world!"

“The humour interjected into a serious discussion makes me laugh out loud. Totally unexpected....l may be in the presence of at least a master, if not a genius. A fair ride into reality... seeking that which is unseen, yet absolutely real.”

“An engaging story of adventure embracing man's deepest desire to search for meaning and purpose, N.G. Meyers takes the reader on an adventurous thought provoking journey. This book has substance. It is a perfect blend of adventure and fantasy combined with spiritual philosophy. It ignited my imagination. The author magically weaves a good story laced with wit and humor together with deep philosophical wisdom. This book has it all!”

“An evolution in thought is triggered by many fresh philosophical themes which could inspire readers to re-think their reality and former ideologies that have dictated their lives… the author fires readers’ imaginations to view what could be possible when spirit vacates the body.”

“This is the book spiritual seekers have been waiting for. For me, it granted a great read as well as increased inspiration to live every day with a heightened sense of purpose. I highly recommend it.

“The Summit is capable of hooking readers and luring them to search for Book 2 to discover more about Dr. Philip’s surreal trek into the mysterious unknown universe. This thick book is well worth the read and to share…”

“The Elysium’s Passage series challenges and excites the reader while taking him into parallel quests for truth with the hero, James. It can be a fast fantasy read or a longer deliberation about what is reality or illusion; veracity or platitude. Take the journey!”

“Mind-blowing statements and speculation (‘…everyone is a non-physical thought form conceived in the Mind of God, preserved for all eternity because God’s thoughts never die…’). Many will find Meyers’ journey up the Mountain intriguing—and possibly even life-changing.” (BLUEINK REVIEW)

“In its effort to grapple with fundamental questions about the meaning of life, it raises questions that have echoed throughout the ages, including about where we come from, where we are going, who we are.”  (CLARION REVIEW)

 

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SOCIAL MEDIA CONTACT INFORMATION

EMAIL: nmeyers@shaw.ca     

WEBSITE: www.elysiumspassage.com     

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/elysiumspassage/     

TWITTER:  https://twitter.com/Neil1113     

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/meyersneil/      

PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.ca/neilmeyers/     

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-meyers      

BLOG POSTINGS: https://digitalbloggers.com/articles/elysiumspassage or by way of Elysium's Passage website

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXpzFH6VNMQLOtqOK2SrXpg      

PRESS REVIEW: https://www.prweb.com/releases/2018/05/prweb15515775.htm     

AMAZON: www.Amazon.com or www.Amazon.ca for purchase details of Elysium’s Passage: The Summit. Or go directly to the site from www.elysiumspassage.com or click here:

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Elysium’s Passage Series to be Published on Amazon in 2024

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1. The Ascent is the first novel in the Chronicles of Elysium Passage series that’s foundational to everything else that happens in the following books, embarking on an adventure that will surprise and delight the reader like no other book.

It all begins with an extreme adventure of climbing a remote and challenging mountain somewhere in the Andean Mountains. Just as James, the protagonist, is about to reach the mountain summit, he falls into an abyss that leaves him in a coma for almost a year.

After being airlifted by a forestry helicopter and flown back to London, where his body remains for almost a year. Eventually, he learns it was not him but his body that was rescued. Several days later, without understanding what happened, he continues to climb to the summit in an alternate dimension of higher consciousness.

Fortuitously, he meets two adventurers on the summit ridge who are no longer of this world. After that, his surreal life leads him to several new adventures in the subsequent chronicles that include a rich mix of adventure, romance, and fantasy, along with profound discussions of philosophy, spirituality and the afterlife.

 
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2. The  Summit, the second novel in the Chronicles of Elysium Passage series, carries on where James, the narrator and protagonist, is taught more about a multidimensional reality that he finds difficult to comprehend.

Not only does he find he’s not as clever as he imagined, but his off-world companions on the summit demonstrate that much of what he believed about life was not just parochial but wrong. At first, he finds this difficult to comprehend since their teachings are contrary to his limited understanding of non-material reality.

After being tricked into teleporting off a ledge where he was trapped, James becomes aware of the new reality that makes him capable of far more adventures than could have ever been experienced previously in his physical body back home.

Now, if only he would win over the only woman in this life who matters, the nurse on the other side of the veil, who continually demonstrates her unconditional love toward his healing.

Warning: This book may also open the reader’s eyes to a much vaster reality than most might be aware. As with the other Chronicles, there are discussions of philosophy, the spiritual afterlife and what might seem like fantasy.

 
 

3. Quantum Leaps is the third novel in Chronicles of Elysium Passage, where James, the philosopher-protagonist, teleports back to London to visit his body and make contact with the special nurse taking care of it in his absence. Immediately, he feels an inexplicable spiritual bond with her for reasons he remains unaware of.

Now aroused by a renewed interest in matters of love, the beginnings of a relationship begin to emerge as he attempts to reach across the chasm of their worlds. But it’s not until the fifth novel, Mystical Romance, that he encounters her in a way that he finds difficult to believe.

However, before that can happen, there is much about his failed relationships that must be resolved before he is ready to move forward in his new life in Elysium’s Passage. It is during this time he christens his comatose body as the fall guy since it took the fall for him down the abyss so he could learn the lessons he’s now learning.

That will be the next focus of his life, where in his next Surreal Adventures, he is given virtual lessons to release many of his past beliefs about life.

 
 

4. Surreal Adventures is the fourth novel in the Chronicles of Elysium Passage, which finds James, the protagonist and narrator, escorted by his companions to a remote South Pacific Island, where he is left to reflect on what he’s learned.

During the next forty days, he battles the demons of his past as he works through some rather painful issues from his early youth. Here, in a tropical storm, he encounters an eery suspended spectre of the one he loved yet still resents for abandoning him as a child.

After this, he achieves peace of mind and is ready to return to his lodge to join his off-world companions on the Andes summit. However, just when it seemed things couldn’t get any stranger, a sixteenth-century sea captain sails his ancient ‘ghost’ ship onto the beach. Together, they sail off on a mystical ocean voyage to a couple of virtual islands supposedly in the South Pacific, where he witnesses and, at times, participates in several important life lessons.

His surreal encounters in the Flatlands illustrate the deficiencies of contemporary academia. Next, they sail off to the next island, the Hill Country, where he witnesses several peculiarities in organized religion. These experiences, though virtual, provide him with fascinating and enlightening allegorical examples of his life in the world.

Near the end, these encounters help prepare him for a new challenge within the interior of a mountain, where he falls deep into a dark tomb of fear. After being rescued by a mysterious stranger wielding his Excaliber, he continues on to where his life is about to be transformed in the following chronicle, Mystical Romance.

 
 

5. Mystical Romance is the fifth chronicle in Elysium Passage, which will surprise the reader with a romantic twist of how love is expressed in higher realms. From this lofty perspective, everything about intimacy is understood as within, so without.

After escaping his tomb, James, the narrator and protagonist, makes his way through a maze of tunnels until he arrives at a large oak door, which he opens with the golden key he had been given. There, he steps into Elysium’s Passage’s Great Hall, where his life and recent achievements are celebrated now that his eyes have been opened to perceive a fascinating interior world of wonderment… and romance.

To say more might risk diminishing the multitude of delightful surprises as circumstances begin to open to The Elixir, where James is about to re-enter his earthly body’s existence.

 
 

6. The Elixir is the sixth chronicle of the Elysium Passage series that prepares James, the narrator-protagonist, to awaken and return to his body in London. Before that can happen, however, his off-worlder friend presents a mysterious equation enshrouded with a light code frequency that will stimulate multidimensional DNA strands within him.

Much of this narration is centred in London, where his nurse unknowingly becomes involved in how the Elixir’s equation finds its way from a taxi cab driver to higher echelons of science. There are many twists in how she unwittingly brings the Elixir to the attention of mathematicians and physicists, after which they eventually discover how to code the equation into a laser ray to stimulate his fall-guy body into full consciousness.

Ostensibly a new Adam, he is destined to return humanity to a higher multidimensional existence. How this happens is filled with intrigue, as is his shocking return to his earthly body.

 
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7. The Return is the seventh and last chronicle in the series where James, the narrator and protagonist, has re-emerged from Elysium’s Passage as he readjusts to life in the third dimension. Many of the events experienced in the previous novels are tied together in an exciting, fast-moving, action-packed narrative.

Now, back in the third dimension, all memories seem to have been lost, with his fall guy’s brain not being aware of what happened to him in the last year. As a consequence, it takes a while for him to be convinced he had been out of his earthly body for almost a year.

Through some rather unexpected events and his girlfriend’s urging, he is brought to an awareness of much that occurred out of the body. Though much of the chronicle, this brain hasn’t caught up to the changes he experienced in his heart in the alternate realm.

Through some harsh life lessons back home, he discovers what he has become and the many challenges that lie ahead of him in fulfilling his mission to bring change to this planet.