Small Steps and Stumbles an interview with Arran Stephens by Charlie Spring Thirty-three years ago, Arran Stephens began a diary that was to form the foundation of his first book, Journey to the Luminous. An autobiographical tale that chronicles his spiritual journey from a pristine organic farm on Vancouver Island through the streets of California and to the feet of the spiritual adept Sant Kirpal Singh in India, Arran’s story is filled with accounts of miraculous events and mystical experiences that inspired and fascinated me as I read it. Arran was one of the early organic foods pioneers; he opened Canada’s very first vegetarian restaurant, and he is the founder and CEO of Nature’s Path/LifeStream, North America’s largest organic breakfast food company. He leads the way for many by demonstrating ethical and spiritual values amidst the competitiveness of the business world. I spoke to Arran on the telephone from his office in Vancouver, B.C. to arrange an interview with him, and was immediately struck by the moments when our conversation stopped and a silent effulgence of peace came over me. It was truly mystical.   Charlie: Your journal is so compelling and detailed. How did you write it? Arran: Journey to the Luminous began as a humble, intimate diary at the suggestion of my spiritual guide, soon after I arrived at Sawan Ashram in India in 1967 in my 23rd year. "Write down what you see and hear, that you may not forget," Sant Kirpal Singh, my beloved mentor advised — a tradition continued with his illumined successors. Recording the amazing events, conversations, miracles, mystical experiences, and adventures across the subcontinent and beyond that followed over the next 32 years was an awesome undertaking. My journals kept the garden of powerful memories fragrant and alive. I believe this process happened to — and through — me, so that the labor and, ultimately, the fruit, could be shared as a gift at the appropriate time. It’s a message from the heart, to the heart; not my message, nor music, but the notes the rusty pipe was privileged to bear. Charlie: You are setting a great example that a business can be run profitably and consciously at the same time. What are the some of the basics of your company’s model that are different than the usual ways of doing business? Arran: Einstein has said, "Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to be a man of value." My dad, who was both an organic farmer in the ’40s and ’50s and a prolific songwriter, inculcated in me a simple philosophy: "Always leave the soil better than you found it." That’s been the guiding principle of my life and work. I’ve had the good fortune to be in the right time at the right place with the right motivation. Talented others were also imbued with that vision, and joined forces, especially Ratana, my wife of 31 years. The motivator behind the enterprise was not mere fascination with the bottom line, but a greater one of serving the land through sustainable agriculture, and nourishing society with sustainable ideas and organic foods. As time passed, the business began to prosper. I have found that an atmosphere of respect and consensus is fulfilling and empowering. It’s not perfect, I’m not perfect, but it works. As a company, we’d like to improve the world, one bite at a time. It’s better to be long-term thinkers than short-term, wouldn’t you say? But the journey begins with small steps — and stumbles. We all have a responsibility to life and the planet: to nurture nature. We can’t take material goods with us when we quit the coil, but the coil will become compost for new seedlings. There is a parallel, if not concurrent, reality in our lives, and if we learn to tap within and penetrate the layers, we will begin to find great peace, light, harmony, and a bliss that transcends sorrows, strife, and stress. If we can find some inner stillness, a time-out from the daily world (early mornings are the best time), our innate radiance and harmony begin to emerge. The amazing event is that our own self and the sacred presence eventually become all mingled together. It’s a beautiful thing. It’s an ongoing journey to the Luminous for all of us, but some of us don’t know it yet. Charlie: There is a lot of talk these days about "authentic" living. How can business owners be authentic in the ruthless, competitive environment they live in? Arran: Be true to your own self. Guru Nanak, a 15th-century saint of India said, "Conquer your mind, for victory over the self is victory over the world." As the Bhagavad Gita says, "Your duty is to fight (work) constantly, but be not attached to the fruits of action." Take some time to be still each day. The mind is like water. When muddy, we can’t see into its depths. When agitated, it doesn’t reflect. When mind and senses become calm, there is clarity. When the surface is unruffled, it reflects reality like a mirror. Then, act from a point of stillness, with wisdom. The well of true knowledge is never exhausted. Charlie: What can we as consumers do to be really authentic? Arran: It’s the same for all. "As above, so below." Charlie: Besides running your company, what are you doing with your time and energy these days? Arran: Mornings begin with contemplation on the Light that is at the core of every soul, of every faith. It’s not religious-specific, since it’s the spark the Creator placed in each one of us at the dawn of time. It slumbers and begs for awakening. When I’m not at work, there is an organic garden in the backyard that is very good to us; Emerson said, "I know of no ill my garden spade cannot cure." Besides being a husband, father of four, and grandfather of one, I serve on the board of directors of the Organic Trade Association, and am involved in interfaith work and the ongoing development of a meditation center in Birch Bay, Washington, which serves many people. And there are book signings and story-tellings." All net proceeds from the sale of Journey to the Luminous are donated to charity. Charlie: Do you have any more books in the works? Arran: The first printing has almost sold out, and I am preparing the second edition, which will have a new chapter on "Compassionate Eating" along with some additional poems and corrections. Our daughter Gurdeep has just recorded her second CD, in which she sings several of Dad’s songs in praise of the land. It’s very beautiful. Arran Stephens lives in Vancouver, B.C. with his wife and daughter, and can be reached at <astephens@naturespath.bc.ca>. He will be speaking at the East West Bookshop in Seattle on Friday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m.; call (206) 523-3726 for more information. Charlie Spring is an advertising representative with The New Times.