Ashrams often become places where there is a hierarchy and a pecking order and not much enlightenment. That is what some people are drawn to. But that has nothing to do with enlightenment.

There is an art, a science to gaining power. There is a natural force or inclination in all of our beings to accumulate power. The problem that we come into is conditioning.

Philosophers are all caught up in their philosophies. That's their house of cards. Religious leaders are caught up in their religious movements to the point where they forget about freedom. Everybody's got their drama going.

There are billions of people on earth. They are all transmitting thoughts and impressions, most of which are not directed towards enlightenment. If you are not focused, you will pick up these energies.

There is no end and there is no beginning. There is only eternity. Eternity can be warm. eternity can be cold and ruthless.

The danger to power is obsession - power junkies. You need a very strong mind and humor to balance yourself. If you don't, you will get shredded.

Everything is part of one web, one matrix of existence, beyond discussion. This is our true self in its undifferentiated form.