CORE PRINCIPLES
Inner Light Ministries Core principles reflect the philosophies and the code of conduct exhibited throughout the Inner Light Community.
The Core Principles address areas such as membership, ministry, leadership, interpersonal relationships and the Oneness.
Membership
ILM is not a membership organization. One registers affiliation with the spiritual community of Inner Light through participation and support.
ILM respects the fact that its participants come from all walks of life and different spiritual traditions. There are no restrictions on membership or participation in other religious/spiritual organizations.
We support all spiritual paths that lead to the Truth of Oneness and encourage participants to continue in their chosen paths.
Oneness
Our creed is “There is only One of us here.” Spiritual community is an opportunity for us to both practice and experience our Oneness.
It is the intent of ILM to demonstrate the possibility of living together in harmony through the daily practice of Universal Spiritual Principles.
Interpersonal Relationships
At Inner Light, each person’s life and life experience is as valuable as the next. Thus, all persons are to be treated with dignity and respect. We are all students and teachers of each other.
In every interaction ILM requires the utmost of honesty, integrity, and ethical behavior.
The only thing that needs to be healed is our sense of separation. Conflict arises from the polarization of separation, not differences. We are committed to Oneness beyond separation. In seeming conflict, individuals are encouraged to ask for divine revelation as to how he/she is the “other person” and vice versa.
ILM asks all of its participants to make certain that their words pass the “3 Sufi Gates”
- Is it true?
- Does it need to be said?
- Can it be said out of love with kindness?
At ILM, we have also consider a fourth (4th) gate - Does it need to be said by me?
Keep praying until you can get through all of the gates.
Participation
Participation in spiritual community is a private and sacred matter. Coercion is never to be used. Self-selection is preferable. Contrasting and comparing one’s spiritual journey to another’s is to be discouraged.
ILM provides multiple levels of participation at varying levels of spiritual depth and personal commitment. There is and will always be “something for everybody.” Individual growth curves are to be respected.
Activities are never random or mere busy work. Every circumstance produces an opportunity for ministry.
More ways are being explored as to how people can meaningfully participate outside of the local area.
The concept of ministry
ILM defines ministry as “the intent to bless and be blessed by all things.” This is the starting premise, not the conclusion after the fact. This intent sets the tone that enables us to see through “our mind’s eye.”
Ministry is not so much what one does, but the consciousness with which one does it. Participants are encouraged to make every aspect of their lives – home, professional, political, social, economic, creative expression, etc, - a ministry. We emphasize being a blessing and looking through the appearances to receive a blessing.
All ILM participants are engaged in the activity of ministry.
ILM’s programmatic thrust is how we conduct our daily lives and utilizing the Universal Spiritual Principles in all areas of life.
Participants are encouraged to cultivate their own personal relationship with the Divine and to integrate that relationship into every thought, word, and deed.
Co-ministry
Co-ministry is the synergy that is created from being in alignment with one another. It is collaborative, inclusive, collegial, and mindful. Co-ministry is at the core of ILM’s philosophy.
Co-ministry requires surrender of one’s own agenda to Divine Order and Timing. On the surface, the process of co-ministry may appear to be slow and/or laborious. However, its benefit is that what comes out of co-ministry is deeply rooted and, therefore, easily nourished.
ILM firmly believes that “The consciousness that obtains, sustains.” Efforts are made not to force things into manifestation but to allow them to grow organically.
Co-ministry requires increased communication and involvement. The question that all are asked to ponder is “What is your deepest intent?” The ego is not always satisfied with this question. However, if the intent is ministry - “All things work together for Good,” - even seeming obstacles and/or delays allowing the collective good there is to become apparent.
Visioning
The “Visioning Process” is ILM’s primary tool of co-ministry. It starts with the awareness that Divine Ideas already exist and that our job is not to make things happen, but rather to provide the incubator space in consciousness that allows things to naturally unfold. It is a process of revelation that allows all participants to get a first hand awareness of purpose and right order.
Out of the Visioning Process comes the spiritual attributes trying to express, the intent, and the ministry (blessing) involved. From this vantage point specific goals and tasks are defined.
Co-ministry requires increased communication and involvement. The question that all are asked to ponder is “What is your deepest intent?” The ego is not always satisfied with this question. However, if the intent is ministry - “All things work together for Good,” - even seeming obstacles and/or delays allowing the collective good there is to become apparent.
Leadership
Stepping into to a leadership position is a major decision marking a deepening of one’s commitment to personal growth and spiritual transformation. Such a decision is respected and supported. Leadership is both challenging and fulfilling requiring much surrender and prayer.
ILM leaders are pioneers and must possess an entrepreneurial spirit. Leaders are expected to conduct themselves with the utmost of professionalism, combining both good business practices with spiritual sensibilities. They are required to “go the extra mile” in all interactions. Loving is an important aspect of leadership.