Shelter from the Storm

In a full cycle of time, weather patterns change perceptibly. In a solar year, we experience weather ranging from a crisp spring morning to a lazy summer day, from an overcast day of autumn to a full blown winter storm. Similarly, in a Great Cycle of time, what has been called a Platonic Year, the changes are even more pronounced. The Golden Age of perfect harmony gives way to a less perfect Silver Age; the Bronze Age of gathering clouds gives way to an Iron Age of chaos, a veritable winter storm of dissent and confusion among mankind. The Greeks, Romans, Hindus and other ancient peoples described these great cycles and also noted that one should prepare for the quintessential weather of a particular Age.

The Iron Age, or ‘winter’ of the four long eons of time, is upon us. The Vedic seers, along with other cultures, foresaw the Storm of the Iron Age which would rage within the hearts of men, creating divisions of every kind—between the sexes, races, languages, cultures. Divisions would arise between rich and poor, young and old, even between mother and child within blood families. The ‘Iron Age of Quarrel and Hypocrisy’ would be experienced as a Cosmic Wind and Rain Storm of gigantic proportions. Who amongst us can deny the insanity of this age in which we live, with its unending wars and genocides? The evening news each night confirms our worst fears.

But, these seers also saw that the Grace of Spirit would send forth a Golden Age within this long-running Age of Iron—described as “an Umbrella within a Hail Storm.” As the 2012 Era draws near, the prophecies of many wise cultures coalesce around legends of a cleansing followed by a transforming Age of Gold. The South Americans say that ‘the eagle of the North will fly with the condor of the South.’ The Vedic sages foresaw that people of all races and creeds would come together in One Family, singing Sacred Songs to purify an atmosphere long contaminated with anger and greed.

Ashram is from the Sanskrit word ‘ashraya’ which means ‘where one can find shelter.’ As we awaken to the possibility of a Golden Age where ‘lion and lamb lie together’ and people are no longer divided by the Old Fearful Ways, we can spread the word to those with the ears to hear that the Ashram of the World has open doors for all. If we can dream it, if we can begin to live it, then each and every child of God can find a shelter from the storm.