The teachings at the heart of this ministry are based on the perennial philosophy, which is at the basis of all the world's great religions and spiritual traditions. It is known as The Eternal Way and acknowledges the innate goodness in human beings and the direct accessibility of the Divine. It is the four essential spiritual principles of the Eternal Way that are the cornerstones of the teachings of AWAKENING. They are:

• There is One Power called by many names, the source and substance of all that is. Nothing exists without it.
• We are it. As expressions of the One Power we can know this truth by experiencing it directly.
• We forget. When we are identified with mind and body, we are lacking full awareness of our spiritual nature. The purpose of life is to awaken to the truth that we are divine.
• We remember. Through the practice of self-discipline and cooperating with divine grace, or Life's inherent tendency toward spiritual awakening we remember.

The practices taught through this ministry, toward the goal of spiritual awakening, have their origins in ancient Vedic philosophy and are known as Kriya Yoga. Kriya is the Sanskrit word for "action" and Yoga means "union." Kriya Yoga is not a religion but a spiritual path that is supportive for people of all faiths in remembering their oneness with Spirit.

Kriya Yoga is comprised of a fourfold practice:

• Contemplation
• Meditation
• Cultivation of the Universal Virtues (Harmlessness, Truthfulness, Non-stealing, Right use of vital force, Non-attachment, Cleanliness, Contentment, Self-discipline, Study of the Nature of Consciousness)
• Surrender of the Sense of Separateness

From Living the Eternal Way: Spiritual Meaning and Practice for Daily Life
by Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian