Spiritual network that serves one purpose only – bringing pure spirituality into the lives of contemporary Net-citizens. How do you define spirituality? According to Wikipedia: “Spirituality, in a wide variety of cultural and religious concepts, is itself often seen as incorporating a spiritual path, along which one advances to achieve a given objective, such as a higher state of awareness, outreach wisdom or communion with God or with creation.” As broad and inclusive as this definition appears to be, still leaves out many purported spiritualists outside.

Yes, there are many who feel that spirituality stretches from meditation to tarot reading, with aura reading, psychic services, crystal and stones, channeling, astrology and even tattoo in-between. And I’m sure I’ve offended few spiritual practitioners by not being inclusive enough. A one big spiritual mess, if you ask me. That’s why, when news of another spiritual network appeared on my radar, it was only too natural to get to the source and find out exactly what they are bringing to the mix. Owing to my good fortune and a bit of luck, I got a hold of Stan Hess, founder and administrator of Capital Self – Spiritual Network.

Vivian Remmer: Welcome, Stan. Tell us why yet another spiritual network?
Isn’t there enough of them, some hardly alive, others totally abandoned, littering the Web 2.0 scene?

Stan Hess: You’re right, Vivian, many a spiritual network never made their mark. As they were poorly conceived, in other words, what seemed to be a good idea to those who established them, has had no appeal to those interested in the subject of spirituality. Hence no interest, no members and quickly evaporating enthusiasm of the administrators. In the end, flashy websites without a single soul visiting, for weeks and years.

Vivian: Why then, your network should be different?

Stan: When I launched Capital Self as a Spiritual Network in October 2009, it was designed to be a meeting place for those who are seeking help – Seekers, and for those who are willing and able to accompany them – Companions. Our “ideological backbone” was to be announced and promulgated by the Spiritual Blog, making it obvious to all perspective members, where we stand spiritually.

Vivian: Since then, your progress was minimal, wasn’t it?

Stan: Yes. Our membership stands at around 20. The reason: we didn’t conduct any kind of membership drives or promotions. And why we didn’t? Soon after installing the social membership platform, we were advised by the developer that they are about to make significant changes to it. The new version of the script that runs our membership site was going to be available in December 2009. A few months later, in fact at the beginning of July 2010, it finally is ready. After it gets installed on our servers – in the next few days, we’re planning to conduct a strong membership drive.

Vivian: How are you going to attract the right kind of members, and who fits the profile of a typical member of your spiritual network?

Stan: We’re going to use Google AdWords advertising and add some social media promotions, plus media releases. As for our “ideal” member’s profile… there isn’t one. Spirituality is very dynamic. One day you’re seeking help, the next day, you’re in the position to be of help to somebody else. That’s why we’ll abandon our Seeker – Companion, two-tiered model.
The only prerequisite, if I may say so, is for the members to be in an active pursuit of Self-Realization.

Vivian: Does it mean that you’ll accept people regardless of their religious beliefs?

Stan: Absolutely. Religion has very little to do with spirituality. As long as the member is respectful of the beliefs of others, he/she will feel welcomed here. However, as our community is centred around spiritual search that bring us closer to God, atheists, agnostics, etc. may find it difficult to find a common language with others. Any attempts to proselytise or promote ideologies/beliefs that go against the exclamation: “Gloria in Excelsis Deo!” will not be welcome. At the same time if even one non-believer, by becoming an active member of this community will find, through the osmosis, his/her way to God, we will feel blessed indeed.

Vivian: Do your members follow any particular spiritual teachings or doctrines?

Stan: No, they don’t. Although those familiar with the teachings of Dr David R Hawkins, Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj and Ramana Maharshi will find this place very homely indeed.

Vivian: Finally, can you tell us how Capital Self spiritual network is different than all the others?

Stan: We see ourself as practicing pure spirituality; meaning that there are no other goals in life than to realize the Self. When one truly commits one’s life to it, heaven on earth becomes the reality, now!

Vivian: Thank you Stan, and all the best in your spiritual endeavors.