|
|
7 Feb 2006 @ 13:09, by vector8. Spirituality
"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Matthew 4: 4)
"Causal-bodied beings feast only on the ambrosia of eternally new knowledge. They drink from the springs of peace, roam on the trackless soil of perceptions, swim in the ocean-endlessness of bliss." Autobiography of a Yogi
Last night I watched a documentary on television about people who are considered to be "morbidly obese." There was one man they dubbed "half ton man" who weighed over 1000 pounds and ended up losing hundreds of pounds. One man interviewed talked about always thinking about food and needing to eat all the time.
I find it interesting how I can go for a whole day and not have any food, or I can live on one meal a day. Is it because I don't need to eat? Of course not. Everybody needs food it's just that we all need different types of food according to our beliefs. More >
|
|
|
|
5 Feb 2006 @ 17:37, by poetsong. Spirituality
A million voices and countless choices call to us from all directions, saying, “Truth is here! …No, wait; it’s over here!”
Some espouse Plastic Truths that stretch unending, having no fixed boundaries. “Truth bends like a reed in the wind, forever changing, stretching and turning. You can never know anything with certainty. Believe in nothing! Have no convictions! Nothing separates the wise from the fool! A living person is no better off than a dead dog! Buy my book and don’t forget to give me a tax free donation so I can spread my truth! Well…it’s not really truth; because there is no truth…er…it’s all in my book.”
Others call with rigid inflexible dogmas, handed-down pre-packaged beliefs. They say, “Do not bother to think, because I will think for you. Thinking is not safe, and you will be best served if I tell you what to think. …I caught you…you had a question…Don’t you dare think or question what I tell you to think!”
They may promise freedom, but at what cost? “Check your intellect at the door, and simply do as I say, and follow my way. Look at me; I haven’t thought an original thought in decades and wouldn’t even think to think; but believe me, I know what I’m saying, because someone told me it was the truth and never to question it! I have come to the truth without ever questioning anything I’m told. And what’s more; I can get you a discount on a leaders book, which tells you what to think, what not to think. It’s risk free, but do not expect any money-back guarantee!”
It’s sad. So many plead for, even demand our total devotion; and yet, when we sift through the large words and arguments, we find emptiness and smelly wind.
Belief is not benign. Whatever we believe colors our lives. There is no such thing as “risk free” thinking. What we believe impacts who we are, what we will do, and most importantly how we see and treat each other. If we are motivated toward action or inactivity, it will ultimately have consequences.
Packaged thinking is for not for me. If not thinking is a requirement to get into heaven, then I am eternally lost. I reason, in a reasonable universe of dolphins and eagles and children, reason cannot be an evil thing. In a Universe of mysteries, thinking must be permitted. I refuse to check my brain at the door, whether it makes others uncomfortable or not. There is something wrong with a picture in which I am not allowed to make my own choices, or question another’s point of view.
Some would say there is a homing device inside each of us searching for answers? Why is it in our very nature to question, “Why daddy”, if questions offer us no advantage?
If mankind drops out of the quest for truth, deciding to numb its senses through a barrage of constant entertainment and countless distractions; I will keep seeking. Some believe, “Truth is for misfits, not sensible people!” Are they better off bombarding their senses with every pleasure inducing devise and chemical known to mankind? The human heart is not content with this world, and grasps for what is beyond. Seeking is the better choice; and seeking with our eyes open is better still.
I once pondered, “Is it better to be dumb and happy if the truth isn’t as pleasant as I’d like; or is it better to be deluded? None should prefer delusion; but the nature of truth is that it doesn’t bend to fit our wants, but rather forces us to deal with whatever reality might be. In other words, if I’m an ugly duck, I might prefer to be self-deluded that I am the most beautiful duck in the world; but there is some mechanism inside me that wants to know where I truly stand.
If you are like me, you also have this homing devise, an insatiable desire ‘To know!’ Long ago, when I first entered the crossroads of reason, I realized truth may not be all bliss. There is nothing like the stark reality of suffering in this world to cause us to question the nature of all things, including good and evil. I had no clue whether there was a God/gods, whether he/they/whatever were inherently good, or mixed, or worse. All I knew is that my concept of reality didn’t change anything. If someone exists, I can’t make them not exist. If they don’t exist, I can’t blink them into being like “I dream of Jeannie.” God/gods were not dependent on me. They just are; if they are. And my quest, if I should take it, is to seek to know, if knowing was possible. (This was, and is my approach) I'm not saying I know nothing. However, what I believe was not a package handed to me, but something tested, thought out, and through this approach, we come to know it's what "we believe", and not what we were told to believe or swayed to believe, or tricked to believe.
I have beliefs, but will not tell others what to think, because that is only an opinion, right or wrong. If they desire to know what I believe and why; I'm glad to share my journey. None of us should imply that truth means shutting our minds off, which is the ultimate control and manipulation tact.
However, I am one on a quest speaking to others on a quest. We may know few things fully in this world, but there are breadcrumbs of truth all around us if we are looking. We gain a clearer picture of truth through following the trail before us. I'm not saying we need a mystical experience to grow and learn. Mystical experiences do not make superior people. I'm not against Mystical experiences; but they can’t always be relied upon as a clear path to truth. An exerience should never make or break a person’s beliefs. They should be seen in a context.
Those who have studied will tell you that virtually all religions believe in lying spirits. A religious experience can therefore be as false as a liar's voice. Therefore, wisdom will question all things with the intention of knowing whether truth is in a matter or not.
Thinking is good. Observing and questioning help us come to realizations. This World, and this Universe speak volumes. We can look at eagles, and learn. We can look at the instincts in animals and derive answers to questions. We can look at macro or micro, looking at the cells of any organism, or the order of the stars, and come up with conclusions. If we cannot question what we believe, then we are likely bound to Archetypical* thinking; in which we follow pre-digested thoughts and beliefs. This does not mean we will never come to answers, but answers that are tested and tried and go through fire are the strongest answers. This does not mean a person cannot accidentally be right in what they think; but a belief untested is a belief that cannot be relied upon; and I think some things are worth scrutiny for the sake of knowing that we have found a bedrock, and are not standing in silt.
* My own definition of Archetypes differs from Jung’s own. I see Archetypes as mostly deriving from conscious arguments at the first. These arguments become so deeply rooted, they become an excuse not to think, and wind up deeply ingrained societal beliefs which are handed down through fortified arguments for so long, entire people groups become enslaved to them. They swallow them whole without actually engaging their minds. From the time we are children, beliefs and microbeliefs are taught to us. And by the time we are adults, we may not realize how many pre-digested arguments we have accepted without question. Perhaps it is in our natures to fall into Archetypical thinking, and never to question, “Why?” This inherently lazy thinking is so Universal, where others would rather have another think for them, one has to wonder if it is a flaw in human nature? Because of this, I believe part of coming to know anything requires breaking down what we already accept, and asking, “Why?” If we come to the same conclusion, at least this time we know why we believe something.
texthere More >
|
|
|
|
5 Feb 2006 @ 16:56, by swanny. Spirituality
I AM AFRAID
I AM Afraid...
Because this world is so big and I am so small...
Because I try to be prepared and do my best but still I make mistakes...
Because I pray and such and still it takes so long and sometimes
it seems they go unheard...
Because I try to help and don't even get noticed or thanked and it hurts...
Because I'm getting old and tired....
Because I am going to die and I haven't even lived yet...
Because I try to be good but it doesn't seem to pay...
Because it so hard to care when it would be easier not too...
Because I get angry and I don't like being angry...
Because the world is changing and sometimes I can't keep up...
Because I poor and weird...
Because I wonder if anyone except me likes me...
Because there are too many variables...
Because sometimes I forget and I don't know why...
Because there seems more and more things I can't really understand...
and maybe will never understand...
Because sometimes there's not enough food in the house...
Because I can't afford to keep healthy...
Because I sometimes feel things are irrational and will never make sense...
Because sometimes I am my own worst enemy...
Because I am forgotten from time to time and it doesn't bother me anymore...
Because I don't have the strength and endurance I used to...
Because I don't like some of the things of this world...
Because it hurts to see what we're doing to this planet and one and other...
Because I don't like hurting peoples feelings so I end up hurting me...
Because I let people take advantage of me... and then forgive them...
Because I don't have all the answers...
Because I'm running out of time...
Because I don't have anyone special...
or no sons or daughters...
Because I don't always know what I want...
Because I don't always know what I feel...
Because I don't like to lie when it would be better too...
Because I've been punished for being truthful...
Because because because...
Because sometimes it seems no one understands me and I'm all
alone in this Universe...
Because I'm afraid of being afraid...
Yea I guess I'm afraid but what's new?
ed More >
|
|
|
|
 3 Feb 2006 @ 10:18, by rayon. Spirituality
of phantoms return us to ourselves for a redefinition, a modern, updated, to the minute, second . . a liveable reality. My dawning occured in a house designed by an architects' architect, above reproach. He suffered cogenitive deafness, like his sister a renowned landscape gardener; they worked together if possible on housing projects with gardens, in central city places.
It was a house sit for 6 weeks, alone. Strong scupltural pieces of half walls and pedestals in the main living room with a cave like recess supporting the staircase up to a level with clerestory windows allowing light and cool but not direct hot strong tropical sun. A small courtyard walled garden extended effortless from the living space grown only with naturally occuring wild plants of the area. The separation of these with a single piece of glass constituted the very best use of this most agressive of all materials, I have ever seen. The word explored here was resonance, and not what they tell you in books. I realised that this person who could not hear (music) had built into all his abodes deep seated resonances which the 3rd ear (the skin) can hear and feel as different tones. A square pedestal, a half wall, a curved thick wall, clay tiles on the floor, no doors visible, it was this bringing relief to a working body. In other words if there is pandemonium outside, the immediate proximity of these forms will override the other distant echoes venturing into the area. More >
|
|
|
|
30 Jan 2006 @ 13:29, by vector8. Spirituality
In a bus yesterday evening I looked at my face in the mirror and I didn't like what I saw. My face looked awful. I am a lot better looking than that ugly mug I'm seeing. Then I dismissed the image. How could I possibly expect a two-dimensional thing as a mirror on a bus to represent what I look like? More >
|
|
|
|
30 Jan 2006 @ 10:40, by swanny. Spirituality
GLOBAL TRANSBIRTH
JAN. 30, 2006
EARTH
MORNING
WARM
SLIGHT BREEZE
MOUNTAIN STANDARD ZONE
GREETINGS AND BLESSINGS TO ONE AND ALL...
Well here on the mountain (sort of) perch of Sir Ed, I was contemplating the global situation at large and wondering hence if what is transpiring to this fair Earth is perhaps a kind of Global Transformation or a " Global TRANSBIRTH".
Now this or something akin is truly happening. It is not the fantasy anymore
of some eccentric and air-headed saints, as something truly is occurring to this Earth on a global scale.
How do I or we know or can tell?
Global Warming.
Global Warming can no longer be denied even to the most suspicious for the evidence at this point is surely "in our faces".
But what then does this mean and who is doing this?
Well change is thusly occurring and it is frightenly occurring on a global scale.
Thankfully it is occurring somewhat slowly which is a blessing as an immediate change would surely be the death of many.
So what of it and who is behind it?
Well is this transbirth, this transformation, this global warming if you will a good or bad thing? Well it is perhaps to early to say and at this point no one really knows if it is good or bad and it in truth will probably be a bit of both.
But the key is somewhat that we must have and put forth "faith" that it will ultimately be for the Global Good and Benefit of all or most and that the changes may just be beginning and will progress for some time and we will have to adapt to this newly transborn and transformed Earth as we will be transborn and transformed as well.
It then is neither good nor bad but simply a bit of both then. Changes and adjustments will have to be made and the light-workers and saints among us will have to act as midwifes and such to those of lesser or scant faiths.
At any rate, why is this occurring.
Well I suppose it is a natural or semi-natural function of our evolution or growth in this cosmic realm. In some ways yes, we all, or humanity is responsible for the change and the planet itself maybe responsible more so and the God and Universe
and time themselves so...
We have to thus set forth faith that this change no matter how unpleasant initially or consequently change can be and will serve us and all the planets offspring for the benefit of all the biosphere ultimately.
Let us assist the process thus by quieting our fears and envisioning a smooth transition of this new global infancy. More >
|
|
|
|
 29 Jan 2006 @ 10:29, by teshnair. Spirituality
Why am I here? I am not sure. No one really is sure about why they are anywhere. So long as one is comfortable, it does not matter to them they are there. The why-s of life tend to answer for itself. More >
|
|
|
|
23 Jan 2006 @ 14:16, by vector8. Spirituality
It's good to have enthusiasm. This shows you have passion for life. When I'm feeling really enthusiastic, it's as if I'm going to fly off. It's a wonderful feeling. There's only one catch: if you don't use enthusiasm correctly, it will get the better of you.
Yesterday, I clocked our neighbour on the bus I was getting on. She was busy talking to the driver so I didn't think she'd noticed me. She has a reputation for complaining about her aches and pains. I sat right at the back of the bus but she made a beeline for me. She asked me how my mother was. Then she started telling me about her aches and pains. She lifted up her skirt and showed me her swollen knee joint. More >
|
|
|
|
16 Jan 2006 @ 12:33, by vector8. Spirituality
You’ve go to search for the hero inside yourself,
Search for the secrets you hide.
Search for the hero inside yourself
Until you find the key to your life. Search for the Hero, M People
Imagine you're waiting for a bus. Suddenly, Superman arrives. He tries to lift you up.
"Whoa! What do you think you're doing?" you say.
"I'm trying to fly you to your destination."
"You're having a laugh, aren't you?" you say. "This is real life, mate, not Metropolis. You have no powers here."
"You're so wrong," Superman says. "I have super-hearing, super-sight, and I can move at the speed of light."
"Go away!" you say. "Come to think of it, I think I'm dreaming. Superman does not exist. I must wake out of this dream." More >
|
|
|
|
15 Jan 2006 @ 12:05, by shreepal. Spirituality
By and large, human beings live in the world of physical body, desires and thoughts consciousness. But these three planes of consciousness do not consume the entire spectrum of Consciousness. There are many more planes of Consciousness existing in Nature of which human beings, in general, have no inkling. Human race is marching towards evolving a suitable instrument that would enable the race in gradual and individuals to collective manner to manifest a plane of consciousness that is higher than that of thoughts. Rapid development of science, and that means man's Mind, is going to make it happen. Though this conscious evolution of Mind has become perceptibly fast in recent decades, it is likely to take its time that may run into not decades but centuries, if not more. What would that instrument be like? How would it differ from Mind and mind's reason? We should leave these questions to the future to answer. But whatever this new intrument be like, one thing is certain of it. This instrument would be evolved directly under the influence and guidance of Heart. It would chanelise the Light of Heart in a manner that is better than Mind. It would shine with this Light of Heart in a better way than Mind is capable. It would be more efficient than Mind in manifesting this Light of Heart. It would distort this Light in the process of downward percolation and manifestation less than Mind does. What is this Light of Heart?
As we said, it is not the consciousness of physical body, desires and thoughts alone that exist in universal existence. Beyond the body, desires and thoughts consciousness, deep within Heart - the sanctum sanctorium of our total existence - there exists a Light. This Heart in not the biolological heart within our body; it is a dimension of Consciousness that seems to coincide with the biological heart; that is all and nothing more.
What are the characterstics of this Light of Heart? What is the 'scientific' proof that this Light does exist? We shall deal with the nature of 'scientific' verification of truth later on. Let us deal first with the characterstics of the Light of Heart.
We are not aware of the existence – the presence – of this Light of Heart as we are aware of the existence or presence of our thoughts, desires and body feelings. We human beings become aware of the existence of this Light either through the outcome of life evolution in the general manner or by artificial means. It takes millions of earthly years for primary organisms – like microbes – to evolve on the ladder of consciousness and become aware of the presence of this Light. For human beings, it takes thousands of years to evolve and become in general way aware of the existence of this Light. Generally, in the case of human beings this long span of time - of thousands of years - is spread through many terms – cycles of births - of recycling of constituents of individual’s consciousness. However, by artificial means, this long span can be shortened to a few scores of lives, or to several decades in one single life, or even still shorter. It all depends on the firm resolve and determination of the individual concerned and the design of the scheme of things that makes this resolve of the individual concerned possible.
This Light of Heart is conscious and we are conscious of our thoughts only because this Light percolates down to our Mind. We are aware and conscious of the existence of our desires only because this Light further percolates down to our lower existence. And, likewise, we are aware of the sensual feelings of our physical body only because this Light percolates still further down to that gross level. This process of percolation may be seen from another angle also. We can equally say that a living physical body of any animal – and, all life from primary organisms to animals – is aware of the existence of body feelings because this Light has originated and manifested in that body. Further on the path of evolution, higher animals become aware of the presence of desires because this Light has ascended to a higher level of consciousness. Also, likewise, this Light further ascends in the evolutionary course of life and we become aware of our thoughts. We become human beings with Mind. At the dimension of consciousness, Mind’s concepts of ascending and descending – up and down – have no application. Otherwise also, these concepts are of relative nature.
Mind – with its accompaniments of thoughts and reason – is less opaque an instrument to this Light of Heart than desires. Still, this instrument distorts this percolating Light considerably. It is possible for nature to evolve and produce an instrument that may be less opaque to the descending (or, ascending) Light than Mind. The evolutionary agenda of mankind at the present juncture is to help evolve such an instrument without man-made cultural obstructions. It is in the interest of marching mankind to help evolve such an instrument – an instrument that would be less opaque and less distorting to this Light than Mind – rapidly. This conscious effort on the part of mankind may shorten the natural evolutionary period of thousands of years into few centuries, and even few decades running into a century or two. It depends on the conscious choice of mankind and willingness to remove hurdles that oppose higher ascent and promote downward slide of consciousness.
Further, the fountain of all our pleasure, happiness and contentment that we derive from the satisfaction of our sensual feelings, the fulfillment of our desires and the justification of our reason is this Light of Heart. And, it is not the consciousness alone that percolates down to these instruments of thoughts, desires and sensual feelings from this Light; there is the Bliss also percolating down along with the consciousness. However, down this percolating stream, the receiving instrument of thoughts – Mind – distorts this Bliss. There this pure Bliss is tempered by reason in the receiving instrument and adulterated in content. Further down the stream, this adulterated Bliss on being received by the lower instrument of desires is polluted. Still further on descending to the still lower instrument of body feelings, this Bliss – which is already polluted beyond recognition – is further distorted and turned into a gross and ugly sensual pleasure. There at this lowest level we still find traces of Bliss in our gross enjoyment.
The Bliss of Heart is in human parlance happiness par excellence that human being can ever conceive of. And, this dimension of the Light of Heart – Bliss – is the single source of all good feeling that we derive from love, kindness, truth, morality etc. We take the side of truth, reason, justice etc. only because there is this Bliss of Light in our Heart, which is being received by our Mind. We love others and are kind to them only because this Light with Bliss is present there in our Heart and being received by the instrument of our desires. Likewise, also we observe morality voluntarily even to our own detriment and against the dictates of reason of our Mind only because this Heart’s blissful Light is cascading down into our lower instrument of gross feelings.
And, further this blissful Light is the only ‘realty’ in true sense. In human parlance, it is the ultimate realty present eternally in the dimension of time, existing in the dimension of space and living in the dimension of consciousness. The Existence of this Bliss since Eternity alone has made it possible for Matter to exist in space, for Time to flow and for Consciousness to evolve – evolve into matter, life, animals, man and further.
Further reading links:
How to find 'Light of Heart' More >
|
|
<< Newer entries Page: 1 ... 17 18 19 20 21 ... 40 Older entries >> |
|
