"Tell the truth-love everybody"- Ram Dass
“Just as there is only one taste in the ocean—the taste of
salt
—so in Buddhism there is only one taste. The taste of Freedom."- Buddha
"I do not believe
in telling people of one's faith, especially with a view to conversion.
Faith must be lived, and when it is, it becomes self-propagating."
- Mohandas K. Gandhi
"All loves are a bridge to Divine love. Yet, those
who have not
had a taste of it do not know!"-Mevlâna Jalâluddîn Rumi
The warrior's path is
one of tenderness and an open heart.
The Universe was created with one tear of love.
Teacher- become the student. Experience, live and
love through
your student's eyes.
This is how you manifest love.
Dissolve the
self- there is no self. Self is an illusion.
Without
self there is no
selfishness and there can be love.
The Universe is magic and filled with
unconditional love. Our ordinary
reality
an illusion.
In the end there is stillness and light- the eternal presence of the
divine
love that
permeates the universe and every molecule of our body. The
awareness of our divinity-
the loss of individuality - what we come from
and return to.-
Lowell Greenberg
Home Life & the Universal Mariposa- Community of Butterflies The Blues Do Not Be Ashamed The Tree The Tree and the Man A Child's Journey Suffering Trinity Church The People's Prayer Analysis of Bias Intolerance & the Christian Right A Time To Break Silence A Personal Message An Open Letter to the Religious Community Bhagavad-gita Poetry of Xu Yun Atlantis The Rainbow Bridge Imagine Ending of Relationships
The following is the mission
statement of Soulforce,
an interfaith movement committed to ending spiritual violence
perpetuated by religious policies and teachings against gay,
lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. As a gay man,
I am proud and particularly sensitive to the work Soulforce does
in fighting prejudice and bigotry and defending the rights of
sexual minorities.
"Spiritual Violence: Spiritual violence is the misuse of
religion to sanction the condemnation and rejection of any of
God’s children. Misusing religion and/or God to support
society’s bias against sexual and gender minorities also
inappropriately justifies psychological, legal and physical
violence against them. Some zealots blatantly articulate
spiritual violence against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender
people when they scream “God Hates Fags.” Mainline churches may
be less blatant and more sophisticated, but they are no less
guilty of spiritual violence. It is just as violent spiritually
when pastors and parents—quoting scripture—condemn and reject
members of their congregation and their family. When this
happens, God’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender children
also feel condemned and rejected by their Creator as well." |
Evolution and the
Teaching of Creation
Evolve- start with the 'l' and spell in reverse...love...Elohim...to
love is to remember..it cannot be detroyed...
"The creation story unfurling within the scientific enterprise
provides the fundamental context, the fundamental arena of
meaning, for all the peoples of the Earth. For the first time in
human history, we can agree on the basic story of the galaxies,
the stars, the planets, minerals, life forms, and human cultures.
This story does not diminish the spiritual traditions of the
classical or tribal periods of human history. Rather, the story
provides the proper setting for the teachings of all traditions,
showing the true magnitude of their central truths." —Brain
Swimme, The Universe is a Green Dragon, 1984.
"We have a new story of the universe. Our own
presence to the universe depends on our human identity with the
entire cosmic process. In its human expression, the universe and
the entire range of earthly and heavenly phenomena celebrate
themselves and the ultimate mystery of their existence in a
special exaltation. Science has given us a new revelatory
experience. It is now giving us a new intimacy with the Earth."
“The basic mood of the future might well be one of
confidence in the continuing revelation that takes place in and
through the Earth. If the dynamics of the Universe from the
beginning shaped the course of the heavens, lighted the sun, and
formed the Earth, if this same dynamics brought forth the
continents and the seas and atmosphere, if it awakened life in the
primordial cell and then brought into being the unnumbered variety
of living beings, and finally brought us into being and guided us
safely through the turbulent centuries, there is reason to believe
that this same guiding process is precisely what has awakened in
us our present understanding of ourselves and our relation to this
stupendous process. Sensitized to such guidance from the very
structure and functioning of the Universe, we can have confidence
in the future that awaits the human venture.”
-Thomas
Berry, The Dream of the Earth, 1988.
"The new naturalism does a superior job of
telling everybody's story. It is more durable than metaphysical
perspectives precisely because it rejects claims to finality,
inviting upon itself scrutiny and falsification. And it gives us
what is to date the most reliable and satisfying account of where
came from, what our nature is, and how we should live."-
Loyal D. Rue, Everybody's Story, 2000.
"There is science now to construct the story
of the journey we have made on this Earth, the story that connects
us with all beings. Right now we need to remember that story, to
harvest it and taste it. For we are in a hard time. And it is the
knowledge of the bigger story that is going to carry us through."
-
Robert Bateman, Thinking Like a Mountain, 1988.
"It is a century now since Darwin gave us the
first glimpse of the origin of species. We know now what was
unknown to all the preceding caravan of generations: that [people]
are only fellow voyagers with other creatures in the odyssey of
evolution. This new knowledge should have given us, by this time,
a sense of kinship with fellow creatures; a wish to live and let
live; a sense of wonder over the magnitude and duration of the
biotic enterprise." -
Aldo Leopold & Charles Swartz, A Sand County Almanac, 1989.
"Tell me a creation story more wondrous than the miracle of a
living cell forged from the residue of an exploding star! Tell me
a story of transformation more magical than that of a fish hauling
out onto land and becoming amphibian, or a reptile taking to the
sky and becoming bird, or a bear slipping back into the sea and
becoming walrus! If this science-based culture, of all cultures,
cannot find meaning and cause for celebration in its very own
cosmic creation story, then we are sorely impoverished indeed." -
Connie Barlow, Green Space Green Time, 1997.
"There can be no better laboratory for the elaboration of thoughts
on man's orientation in a complex world than a flowering meadow,
or a noisy brook, or a spiral galaxy. For the green leaves are
sucklings of a star's radiation. The rapids in a brook, responding
to universal gravitation, perform erosions of a sort that have
worn down to oblivion the lofty pre-Alps and the primitive
Appalachians. The hundred-ton maple tree that calmly dreams
through the decades is in the same universe as the Andromeda
Galaxy with its billions of seething stars." —
Harlow Shapley, Of Stars and Men, 1984.
"Both education and religion need to ground themselves within the
story of the universe as we now understand this story through
empirical knowledge. Within this functional cosmology we can
overcome our alienation and begin the renewal of life on a
sustainable basis. This story is a numinous, revelatory story that
could evoke the vision and energy required to bring not only
ourselves but the entire planet into a new order of magnificence."
-
Thomas Berry, Dream of the Earth, 1988
The above quotations were taken from the web site of Michael Dowde
& Connie Barlow, The
Greatest Story. Quoting from from their web site:
"On April 25, 2002, Connie Barlow and Michael Dowd embarked on an
itinerant ministry of sharing "the Great News of the Great Story
and Foster the Great Work." We shed most of our possessions, and
now travel in a van as at-large inhabitants of North America and
ambassadors of the grand sacred story of cosmos, Earth, life, and
humanity. We are teaching (Connie has a science writing
background) and preaching (Michael was a United Church of Christ
pastor) "the marriage of science and religion for personal and
planetary wellbeing." |
We
are resolved to follow our national dream.
The Orchard House Speech of Doris "Granny D" Haddock
The following excerpt is from a speech made at
Orchard House, Home of the Alcotts, in Concord,
Massachusetts on October 6, 2005.
"...The desperate attitude of the far right toward not
only the unborn baby but even brain-dead people on life
support reveals something about their true religion:
they have little. There is nothing in their actions that
reveals a belief that life is eternal, that there is no
death except as a doorway to something better. Their
brand of Christianity simply does not relate to the
teachings of Christ. The worst of the hate-mongers who
misuse the Bible to make million-dollar church incomes
and push a political agenda of male domination and hate
are easy to spot, for they cherry-pick Bible passages to
suit their purposes. They disregard any turning of
cheeks, they disregard the fact that Jesus never
mentioned the homosexuality that they so fear. They seem
not to fear that, as very rich men, they themselves
might have a hard time driving their Hummers through the
eye of the needle into heaven. They claim that every
word of the Bible must be followed, but if they really
believed that they would have stoned themselves to death
years ago, as they are as sexually frisky and full of
covetous looks as anybody else. They forgive themselves
freely, of course, even when they promote the murder of
foreign leaders." See also:
Intolerance & the Christian Right. |
Action
Institute for the Study of
Religion & Liberty
Seeks to articulate a vision of society
that is both free & virtuous, the end of
which is human flourishing.
Adherents.com
Collection of adherent statistics & religious
geography citations -- references to published
membership/adherent statistics &
congregation statistics for over 4,200 religions,
churches, denominations, religious bodies, faith
groups, tribes, cultures, movements,
ultimate concerns, etc.
Affirmation:
Gay & Lesbian Mormons
Serves the needs
of gay, lesbian, bisexual,
& transgender Mormons & their
supportive
family & friends through social &
educational activities.
Affirm
United / S'Affirmer Ensemble
An organization of persons working through
education & social integration for the
welcoming of diverse peoples, especially the
inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual & transgender
persons in the life & work of the church. AU / AE
is composed of people of all sexual orientations
& gender identities and so it is open to all people
within the United Church of Canada who
support these goals.
Aleph: Alliance
for Jewish Renewal
American
Buddhist Center
American Friends
Service Committee
Quaker organization that includes people
of various faiths who are committed to social justice,
peace, and humanitarian service.
American Jewish Committee
Anti-Defamation League
The Art of
Peace, Morihei Ueshiba
Association for Research &
Enlightenment-Edgar Cayce
Autobiography of a Yogi |
Whispers
from Eternity
From the Beginning of "Autobiography of a Yogi,"
by Paramhansa Yogananda...
The characteristic features of Indian culture have
long been a search for ultimate verities and the
concomitant disciple-guru relationship. My own
path led me to a Christlike sage whose beautiful
life was chiseled for the ages. He was one of the
great masters who are India's sole remaining wealth.
Emerging in every generation, they have bulwarked
their land against the fate of Babylon and Egypt."
Bahá'í World
Balanced
Weight Management
"It is rare to have someone tell you that you
are overweight due to many different choices
that you make on a moment-to-moment basis.
It is your environment, lifestyle & personal
conditioning, genetics, & habits that keep you
overweight. As you learn about your choices &
the patterns they form, make small changes &
learn new skills, day-by-day, overtime, you form
new habits. These new patterns gradually bring
to you NEW RESULTS (being thinner, healthier
& happier). KEEPING OUR LIVES IN BALANCE
is an essential practice that will allow you to
apply the other indispensable areas of self-care."
Beliefnet
A multi-faith e-community.
BibleGateway
| The Unbound Bible
Searchable bibles
Biodynamics
Bishop
John Shelby Spong
Unofficial Fan Web Site
The British
Humanist Association
Exists to support and represent people
who seek to live good & responsible
lives without religious beliefs.
The Bruce Lee
Educational Foundation
Bruderhof Communities
|
Peacemaking Guide
| Peacebarn
Network of faith-based communities that
began in Europe in the aftermath of World War I
& now has branches in New York, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, England, Germany, & Australia.
The Peacemakers Guide was created to
inspire & empower people to work for peace,
& to arm people with living proof of the power
of nonviolence to effect change and resolve conflicts.
The Bruderhof Peace Barn is a project of the 5th-
8th grade students of the Spring Valley Bruderhof
School in Farmington, PA. Two days after
9/11/2001 these students wanted to do something
for peace. So they decided to convert an old barn
into a museum for peace and a memorial for the
victims of terrorism and war. In addition they have
handcrafted memorial benches for each passenger
and crew member of Flight 93, which are at the
crash site in Shanksville, PA. Tourists from all
over the United States and the world stop by
the Peace Barn every day.
BuddhaNet
A View on
Buddhism
Buddhist Studies Virtual Library
C.G. Jung Page
Catholic.net
Catholic
Worker
"The aim of the Catholic Worker movement
is to live in accordance with the justice
& charity of Jesus Christ... When we examine
our society, which is generally called
capitalist (because of its methods of producing
& controlling wealth) and is bourgeois (because
of prevailing concern for acquisition & material
interests, and its emphasis on respectability
& mediocrity), we find it far from God's justice.
The Center
of Concern
Explores & analyzes global issues
& social structures from an ethical
perspective based on Catholic
Social Teaching.
Center for Paleo Orthodoxy
Chabad-Lubavitch in Cyberspace
Christian
Classic Ethereal Library
The Church at Matthew's House
"I was tired of the church, as I knew it.
It was an event, a building, a program…
I wanted to be the church; I wanted my
“un-churched” friends to be the church,
not become churched." -Jason Evans
Circle of Living Earth
Providing healing & instruction in the
shamanic tradition.
Corrymeela
People of all ages & Christian traditions,
who, individually and together are
committed to the healing of Social,
Religious & Political divisions that exist
in Northern Ireland and throughout
the World.
CrossCurrents
Global network for people of faith &
intelligence who are committed to
connecting the wisdom of the heart &
the life of the mind.
Cultural
Creatives
The Dead Sea Scrolls
Death of an Innocent: How
Christopher McCandless lost
his way in the wilds by Jon
Krakauer, 1/1993
Dignity USA
"Envisions and works for a time when Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgendered
Catholics are affirmed and experience
dignity
through the integration of their spirituality with
their
sexuality, and as beloved persons of God
participate fully in all
aspects of life within
the Church and Society."
don Miguel
Ruiz
The Four Agreements:
-Be Impeccable with Your Word
-Don't Take Anything Personally
-Don't Make Assumptions
-Always Do Your Best
Dvaita Home Page
Earth Vision
It is the premise of EARTH VISION
that in order for humanity to cherish nature,
humanity must first recognize nature
as a reflection of the very soul of its
own being.
Eckankar
The Enneagram
Institute
"The Ennegram Institute is dedicated to
the work of human liberation & transformation.
Don Riso has defined the Enneagram as "a
geometric figure that delineates the nine basic
personality types of human nature and their
complex interrelationships." While the Enneagram
suggests that there are
nine basic personality
types of human nature, there are, of course,
many subtypes and variations within the nine
fundamental categories. Nevertheless, the
assertion of Enneagram theory is that these
nine adequately map out the territory of
"personality types.""
The Episcopal
Church of Visual Arts
Esalen Institute
An alternative educational center devoted to
the exploration of what Aldous Huxley called
the "human potential," the world of unrealized
human capacities that lies beyond the imagination.
Esalen soon became known for its blend of
East/West philosophies, its experiential/didactic
workshops, the steady influx of philosophers,
psychologists, artists, and religious thinkers,
and its breathtaking grounds blessed with natural
hot springs.
Esoteric School of Shamanism & Magic
Exploring Plato's Dialogues
Fatima Network
| Third
Secret of Fatima
FollowingAncestors- EarthWisdom
"Today we consider it a great honor to carry on
the role of helping people like yourself in
reconnecting to the spirit of Esonknhsendehi -
the great Changing Mother earth- and sharing
the beauty of earth ways from around the world.
Our goal is to nurture a spirit of harmony within
Humanity's interactions with other humans,
nature and All Our Relations. Our work is
designed to be an antidote to all that is excessive,
formal, artificial or contrived. By focusing on the
essence of evolution, we hope to offer you a
welcomed lifestyle in tune with the spirit of All That Is.
Foundation for Shamanic
Studies
Offers international learners rigorous courses
in core shamanism- universal or near-universal
principles & practices of shamanism not
bound to any specific cultural group or perspective.
Frequency Keepers
"The dimensional shift has begun & we are being
called to our highest destiny, to consciously utilize
the full harmonic power of our voices to open our
hearts to our multi-dimensional selves & transform
the frequencies, our planet, & its inhabitants by
manifesting a new harmony of unconditional love."
The
Gentle Survivalist
Gothic Dreams
Gnosis Archive
Harmonicvisions
Karyn Armstrong is a Shamanic Healing Arts
Practitioner, Minister, Certified Tantra Educator,
Director of Harmonic Visions, and Proprietor of
Body, Mind & Spirit…A Wholeness Center for
Integrative Wellness based on CAM therapies.
Teaching personal growth and transformation
through the practice of shamanism. Authentic,
innovative and creative instruction on shamanic
journeying through drumming, soul retrieval,
shamanic extraction, death and dying, and
energy healing with spiritual light.
Hindu
Resources Online
The Holy See
House Church Central
The house church movement is an
attempt to get away from the institutional
church, seeking instead to return to the
small gatherings of peoples that
constituted all of the churches of
the New Testament era.
The Human Development Institute/
Laibl Wolf's Web Site
Indigos In The
Flow
"The Highly Sensitive And Highly Aware:
Something amazing is happening on planet Earth.
Over the last century, several successive cohorts
of individuals have been born who are highly
sensitive, highly aware, spiritual and purpose-driven.
They think outside the box, run high levels of
energy and experience a greater spectrum of reality
than many of those who have come in before.
In some ways this is nothing new. Indigos are in
fact “old souls” and if you look into their eyes you
will see depths of human history and experience.
People who fit this description have been present
throughout the life of the Earth, providing the
catalyst for our growth and expansion. What is
new are the numbers. There are many, many of
the highly sensitive and highly aware among us.
And perhaps there is also something new about
our bodies and minds – evolving to better
accommodate these evolutionary changes. Those
who have seen and recognized this pattern have
sometimes called it the “Indigo” phenomenon.
The word Indigo refers to a deep, rich color of
purple/blue that has been associated with higher
level of consciousness, of finer, more exquisite
energies. It is associated with the third eye chakra,
the energy center which orchestrates our ability to
transcend physical realities, grow toward
enlightenment, and manifest what is important
in life. " - Linda Kardos, a Licensed Professional
Counselor who practices in Portland, Oregon. She
uses mind-body-spirit techniques & works with
clients who desire life transformations & spiritual
expansion.
Independent Church of
Australia
Indigenous
Peoples Survival Foundation
Non-profit, humanitarian organization with the
primary mission of promoting understanding
between ancient traditional peoples and modern
civil society. Secondary mission is to utilize
indigenous knowledge and global resources to
promote economic prosperity for needy people
worldwide; while at the same time protecting the
environment out of respect for our mother Earth.
An Inquiry into the Existence of Angels
The Interfaith
Alliance
Clergy-led grassroots organization
dedicated to promoting the positive,
healing role of faith in civic life &
challenging intolerance and extremism.
International
Association for Near-Death
Studies
International
Association of Sufism
International Network on
Personal Meaning
Dedicated to the advancement of knowledge
on the vital role of meaning in mental/physical
health, spiritual development, & peace-making.
Combines an appreciation for the importance of
research with a strong emphasis on the need
for public education and community service.
International Society for
Existential Psychology and Psychotherapy
Multi- and interdisciplinary organization
dedicated to encouraging and advancing
research and education in existential
psychology and psychotherapy. The dominant
thrust behind all their work is a commitment
to understanding the central role that
meaning plays in our lives.
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
The Internet Scared
Text Archive
Archive of electronic texts about
religion, mythology, legends &
folklore, & occult and esoteric topics.
IslamOnline.net
Islamic
Studies
Islamic
Supreme Council of America
Islam: The
Modern Religion
Jade Wah’oo Grigori
Jade Wah’oo Grigori is a caretaker of
‘the Ways’, an authentic Shamanic lineage.
Raised in a Shamanic family of Mongolian
heritage, his paternal grandparents being
from the Seven Villages of the Csango
People, descendants of the Mongol
Golden Horde, in the Carpathian Mountains.
Jerry Wolfe
"When I was taking pictures or working in
the darkroom, it became natural for me to
fall into a profound state of mindfulness.
Without the grasping or acquisitive mind,
constantly pushing me into habitual or
predetermined ideas of what is beautiful,
significant or desirable, I began to see
things in a new way. I was able to explore
possibilities outside of my range of values--
terms such as “good, bad, beautiful, ugly”
lost much of their power over me. Instead
I became drawn to shapes and forms that
spoke to my inner self."
Jewish Theological Seminary
Jewish
Virtual Library
Online Jewish encyclopedia covering
topics, such as: History, Women, The
Holocaust, Travel, Israel & The States,
Maps, Politics,
Biography, Israel, Religion,
Judaic Treasures
of the Library of
Congress, Vital Statistics
& Reference.
Judaica Collection
Kabbalah
Home Page
Karmic Astrology
"Karmic Astrology differs greatly from conventional
astrology. Where conventional astrology tells you
what you are, Karmic Astrology answers the question:
Why? Often issues appearing in an individual's life
right now are the catalyst for the person's inquiry, and
s/he has the maturity to realize that. The answer to
that question, "Why?", lies in what we bring into our
present life from our past lives. Karmic Astrology
assumes you already know what sort of person
you are but are now wondering how that came to happen
and what can be done about it. Rookies don't ask those
sorts of things. Karmic Astrology assumes that your
current life is not just some random existential blip in a
void, but instead is a part of a grand sweep of cosmic
evolution which has been going on for who knows how
many eons over who knows how many lifetimes. We're
talking about the Big Picture here, the view from the top
of the mountain, the answer to the question, "Why am I
here?" We're talking about taking a look at the next step
on the path the person's soul chose before returning to
an Earth incarnation."
Kriya Yoga
"The sincere spiritual seeker who follows
the path of Kriya Yoga with desire for spiritual
growth, love, and devotion can attain Self-
realization — even within one lifetime. This
powerful yoga stems from many yogas
described in the Bhagavad Gita; but, primarily, from:
Karma Yoga- actions of the soul which
means both outer actions in the world and, more
importantly, inner actions of the mind & detachment
from the fruits of these actions
Jnana Yoga- intellect discipline which leads
to wisdom gained from the experience of spiritual
knowledge that gives freedom & inner detachment from
the fruits of actions
Bhakti Yoga — unconditional love, awakened by
gratitude and joy experienced from oneness with all
creation and cosmic consciousness
Kriya Yoga is non-sectarian. Its simplified techniques
cause no hardships or austerities & were developed
for aspiring householders as well as for monks. From
Karma Yoga, Kriya Yoga teaches any action, ‘kri’, is
done by ‘ya’, the indwelling soul; work is worship.
Constant awareness of the power of the indwelling
soul inhaling leads to mind control and liberation..."
Labyrinth:
Medieval Studies
The Lorian Association
Incarnational Spirituality is the foundation for all of
Lorian’s work. It is an affirmation of the spirit innate
within our world, our humanity, our physicality, and our
personal lives. It sees each person as a source of
spiritual power and radiance. |
Lost
Valley Intentional Community
and Educational Center
Lost Valley Educational Center is an
intentional community & nonprofit educational
center dedicated to learning, living, & teaching
sustainable, ecologically-based culture.
Lotus
Grid
"The Lotus Grid is a previously
invisible,
personalized planetary chakra that was
imbued before birth and is now being opened
like a flower by free will choice. IN EACH OF
US, over a period of time between Sept 2006
and November 11, 2011. Even though the
grids open continuously whenever someone
says 'yes' to it, we hold a worldwide
celebration each year to acknowledge the
unfoldment process and support one another
locally."- Carol May
MAZON: A Jewish Response to
Hunger
Meditation in
Action
Medical
Humanities
"This site, established in 1994 at New York
University School of Medicine, is dedicated to
providing a resource for scholars, educators,
students, patients, and others who are
interested in the work of medical humanities.
We define the term "medical humanities"
broadly to include an interdisciplinary field of
humanities (literature, philosophy, ethics,
history and religion), social science
(anthropology, cultural studies, psychology,
sociology), and the arts (literature, theater,
film, and visual arts) and their application to
medical education and practice.
MetaReligion
Religion, occultism & science.
Metropolitan
Community Church
Worldwide fellowship of Christian churches
with a special outreach to the world's gay,
lesbian, bisexual & transgender
communities.
National
Council of Churches
Leading force for ecumenical cooperation
among Christians in the United States. It's
36 Protestant, Anglican and Orthodox member
denominations include more than 50 million
persons in 140,000 local congregations in
communities across the nation.
National
Religious Partnership
for the Environment
New
Thought Movement
"New Thought is "the practice of the presence
of God," but unlike conventional mysticism,
which emphasizes contact or union with
God for its own sake, New Thought adds
to this the practice of the presence of God
for practical purposes. To those who object
that one should not use God, New Thought
replies that there is nothing but God to use,
and/or that God wants us to have the best in
all aspects of living, that God constantly offers
this to us, and that in accepting it we are living
as God wants us to live."
New
Renaissance Books
"Through New Renaissance we consciously
attune ourselves to the Divine and manifest
that vision as channels of God's Light.
We nurture the spiritual awakening of
truthseekers of all paths by attuning to the
highest needs of our customers and ourselves,
creating an uplifting environment of unconditional
love and acceptance, offering spiritual teachings
from East and West and providing healing
products and services. Our business serves as
an example reflecting the values of balance,
good health and abundance to promote a holistic,
spiritual and joyous lifestyle."
Next-wave.org
Mission is to bring together Christians
from all walks of life, including pastors,
church planters and leaders across
denominational and national borders,
who want to reach out to people in
postmodern culture, and who understand
that, in order to do so, significant changes
need to be made in the way we run &
organize our churches.
Neve
Shalom/Wahat al-Salam
Oasis of Peace- A village in Israel
established
jointly by Jews & Palestinian
Arabs of Israeli
citizenship and engaged in
educational work
for peace, equality
& understanding
between the two peoples.
Nick
Bostrom's Home Page
Work in philosophy of science, ethics,
transhumanism, the consequences of
artificial intelligence, foundations of
probability theory & a work of poetry.
Omega
Holistic education provider doing work
in holistic health, meditation, yoga,
transformational psychology, spirituality,
world music, and art.
Online Judaism
Ontario Centre for Religious
Tolerance
Oregon Friends of C.G. Jung
Group interested in learning more about
the work. Presents lectures & workshops
led by Jungian analysts from around
the world.
Pacific
Northwest Core Shamanic
Community
Here is where people with a strong root in
"Core Shamanism" as taught by the
Foundation for Shamanic Studies can find
communion, support and further training in
the Pacific Northwest area. This is also a
place to find healers local to the Pacific
Northwest stretching from Oregon, through
Seattle, Bellingham and up to Vancouver B.C.
Paradigm Shift
Pax Christi USA
National Catholic peace movement.
The
Philosophers Magazine
Philosophy
in Cyberspace
Indexes thousands of philosophy resources.
Places
of Peace & Power
The Sacred Site Pilgrimage of Martin
Gray
Portland Insight Mediation Community
The Portland Insight Meditation Community is
dedicated to the learning & practice of Insight
Meditation and the Eightfold Path of the Buddha.
PIMC's purpose is to improve the lives of
participants, their families & the greater community
through meditative practice and a lifestyle that
supports liberation from suffering, the awakening
of wisdom, & the manifestation of compassion.
Presbyterian
Church
The
Progressive National Convention
Association of Baptist churches throughout
the world committed to the mandate of making
disciples for Christ. The convention is founded
on the precepts of fellowship, service, progress
& peace, and seeks to affirm the "priesthood of
all believers.
ReligiousForums.com
Forums to discuss, compare, & debate
religions.
The
Religious Freedom Page
Concerned with issues of religious
freedom in the U.S. & around the world.
Rudolf Steiner Archive &
E.Lib
Rutgers Journal of Law & Religion
Dedicated to the interaction of church &
state on a global scale.
Sacha
Runa
"Sacha Runa is a living network of medicine
people, master plants, ceremonialists, shamans,
artists, healers, students and teachers of all
kinds. Our works and lives span through an
abundant diversity of mediums, techniques,
backgrounds, and species to compose a truly
dynamic ecology of souls. All of us are shaping
and being shaped by the visionary landscapes
of the emerging medicine culture. Aligned in the
seamless unity of nature, we are learning to
engage our collective roles as one with the
medicine itself."
Sanctuary of Enlightened Life
Enlightened Life Sanctuary is a spiritual
organization dedicated to the creation &
development of new & innovative expressions
for ancient spiritual practices of enlightenment,
& to providing practical support for everyone
to begin living the enlightened life today.
San Graal
School of Sacred Geometry
Self-Realization Fellowship
Aims and ideals as set forth by Paramahansa Yogananda,
Founder
"To disseminate among the nations a knowledge of
definite scientific techniques for attaining direct
personal experience of God.
To teach that the purpose of life is the evolution,
through self-effort of man's limited mortal
consciousness into God Consciousness; and to this end to
establish Self-Realization Fellowship temples for
God-communion throughout the world, and to encourage the
establishment of individual temples of God in the homes
and in the hearts of men.
To reveal the complete harmony and basic oneness of
original Christianity as taught by Jesus Christ and
original Yoga as taught by Bhagavan Krishna; and to show
that these principles of truth are the common scientific
foundation of all true religions.
To point out the one divine highway to which all paths
of true religious beliefs eventually lead: the highway
of daily, scientific, devotional meditation on God.
To liberate man from his threefold suffering: physical
disease, mental inharmonies, and spiritual ignorance.
To encourage "plain living and high thinking"; and to
spread a spirit of brotherhood among all peoples by
teaching the eternal basis of their unity: kinship with
God.
To demonstrate the superiority of mind over body, of
soul over mind.
To overcome evil by good, sorrow by joy, cruelty by
kindness, ignorance by wisdom.
To unite science and religion through realization of the
unity of their underlying principles.
To advocate cultural and spiritual understanding between
East and West, and the exchange of their finest
distinctive features.
To serve mankind as one's larger Self." |
Shaking Medicine
"Elders of indigenous traditions throughout the world
– including the Kalahari Bushmen, the Caribbean
Shakers of St. Vincent, the Guarani Indians of
the Amazon, and leaders of the Japanese healing
tradition of Seiki Jutsu – have embraced Keeney
as an elder and spokesperson for their ways of
ecstatic shamanism. Following an academic career
as a systems theorist and psychotherapist, he
spent over a decade traveling the globe, living
with spiritual teachers, shamans, healers, and
medicine people who trusted him to share their
words with others – modern cultures in need
of Elder wisdom."
Shambhala
International community of 165 meditation
centers led by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche.
Shamanic Astrology
"The foundational philosophical truth of Shamanic
Astrology (and arguably of everything) is from the
opening lines of the Emerald Tablets of Hermes,
"As Above, So Below, As Within, So Without."
This is considered to be literal, kinesthetic, organic
reality, not an intellectual or spiritual abstraction.
The patterns of the constellations and the cycles
of the Sun, Moon and planets are the same as the
patterns and cycles of the human psyche and the
seasons of our lives. The relationship is not cause
and effect. The practitioner of Shamanic Astrology
is at home with this magical and geomantic intuition.
SharedWisdom
Purpose is to create transpersonal
bridges to facilitate the emergence of a
new subculture in the Western world.
Share
International Media Service
Associated with the Department of
Public Information at the United Nations.
One of its primary goals is to synthesize the
ideas & events which are rapidly propelling
humanity toward a complete restructuring of
its global institutions as a result of the
energies of the New Age of Aquarius.
Shiva shakti mandalam
The inner wisdom of
the hindu
tantrik tradition
"Only when Shiva is united with Shakti does he have
the power to create - Saundaryalahari
Second-hand knowledge of the self gathered from
books or gurus can never emancipate a man until
its truth is rightly investigated and applied; only
direct realisation will do that. Realise yourself,
turning the mind inward. - Tripura Rahasya, 18: 89
Tantra, or more properly tantrika, is a diverse & rich
spiritual tradition of the Indian sub-continent.
Although in recent years, in the Western world, it has
become almost exclusively associated with sex, in
reality this is one aspect of what is a way of life.
In India itself, tantra is now, nearly always, associated
with spells and black deeds.
Neither of these views is correct, and each wildly
underestimates the wide-ranging nature of the
different traditions.."
Sikhism
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers
Sobonfu Somé
"In a relatively small village in West Africa, is a
tribe called the Dagara tribe, a people still striving
to live like their ancestors. Growing up in a Village
meant the child of the community. I was almost
six years old before I understood that I came out
as of one particular person's womb, and not all of
the women in the Village who had helped to
care for me.
Soulforce
Interfaith movement committed to ending
spiritual violence perpetuated by religious
policies and teachings against gay, lesbian,
bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.
A
Sourcebook For Earth's
Community of Religions
An Interfaith Guide to Religion and Spirituality.
Spirituality Practice
"This website, created by Frederic & Mary Ann
Brussat, is devoted to resources for spiritual
journeys. The site's name reflects a basic
understanding: spirituality and practice are the
two places where all the world's religions &
spiritual paths come together. With respect
for the differences among them, we celebrate
what they have in common."
Sri
Kaleshwar
"All communities, all castes, all creeds are one. I
am teaching the Divine Tradition. It is not limited
to any one religion. I belong to the religion of
truth and love.”
The Divine Tradition, a path shown by Sri Kaleshwar,
is based on knowledge revealed in manuscripts
called palm leaf books. These manuscripts, some
of which are thousands of years old, were written by
India’s great sages, maharishis, who received the
information directly from the Divine. They reveal
sacred formulas––mantras, yantras and disciplines
–which give the soul direct channels to the Cosmic
energy. As these channels open, your healing energy
awakens as do the soul’s miraculous capabilities.
Sri Kaleshwar considers these practices the most
direct path to enlightenment. In addition, these
practices reveal the practical formulas for creating
a happy, successful, and purposeful life."
Sri
Vaishnavism Home Page
Starhawk's Tangled Web
"Welcome! I'm Starhawk, author of many works
celebrating the Goddess movement and Earth-based,
feminist spirituality. I’m a peace, environmental, and
global justice activist and trainer, a permaculture
designer and teacher, a Pagan and Witch. To see
how it all weaves together, follow the many
strands of my web."
The Tao Info
Images & quotes of Lao Tzu as well
as explanations of Taoist philosophy.
Yin & yang, Feng Shui, Taoism, Zen
& traditional Chinese design
are also covered.
Taoism
Information Page
Target Earth
"In an age of global environmental
demise, Christians are called to live with
excellence. To be those people who chart
their futures by what they can give to the
next generation-not by what they can
take from it. To be men and women whose
lives are defined by the courage &
compassion to make a difference on the
earth. Target Earth is a national movement
of Christians who reflect this commitment
to care. It's a movement of individuals,
churches, college fellowships & Christian
ministries motivated by the biblical call to
be faithful stewards of everything God
created-to love our neighbors as ourselves
& to care for the earth."
Theosophical Society
The word theosophy has been used in the
Occident for about 2,000 years to indicate
knowledge of divine things or knowledge derived
from insight and experience as well as intellectual
study. While the modern theosophical movement
can be traced back to Blavatsky and her
teachers, it is part of a spiritual movement as old
as thinking humanity. Its philosophy is a
contemporary presentation of a perennial wisdom
underlying the world's religions, sciences, &
philosophies. Theosophical concepts are not
dogmas; only the ideas that have value need be
accepted. Theosophical books are considered
neither as revelation nor final authority, but as guides
in the individual's search. However, there are some
basic concepts that theosophy brings to light.
Thinkonline.org
Online, interactive religious &
philosophical debating community.
Tibetian Book of
the Dead
Torah Fax in CyberSpace
Torah on the Information
Superhighway
Toronto Shariah
Program
Arabic language courses, online Arabic classes,
& Arabic intensive programs. Course aims to
provide and in-depth study of Islamic heritage.
Ummah.com
Islamic portal.
Unitarian Universalist Association
United Church of Christ
"A community of faith that seeks to respond
to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word & deed.
The UCC was founded in 1957 as the union of
several different Christian traditions: from the
beginning of our history, we were a church that
affirmed the ideal that Christians did not always
have to agree to live together in communion.
Our motto—"that they may all be one"—is
Jesus' prayer for the unity of the church. The
UCC is one of the most diverse Christian
churches in the United States."
United Church of
Religious Science
Religious Science is a spiritual philosophy for the
modern man & woman. It is based on the Truth
which arises in every culture in the form of
science, philosophy, and religion. Religious
Science views religion as a source of wisdom for
revealing the Truth about the seemingly unknown
forces that shape our universe. This enables us to
participate in our own life as a co-creator with the
Divine. Religious Science was founded by Dr.
Ernest Holmes, a self-taught philosopher who
rigorously studied all of the world's Spiritual paths
for most of his life. In 1927, he wrote
The Science
of Mind, which synthesized the truths that he
discerned were present throughout all of the world's
faiths. That book is the foundation of the principles
of Religious Science. He never intended to begin
a new faith, but was persuaded to allow a church to
be created to assure that the principles he
synthesized would outlive him.
United Methodist Church Ministries
Unity World
Virtual Jerusalem
Viruses
of the Mind |
The World of Richard
Dawkins
Vodou
Warriors of the Rainbow
"There would come a time when the
"keepers of the legend, stories, culture
rituals, and myths, and all the Ancient
Tribal Customs" would be needed to restore
us to health. They would be mankind's key
to survival, they were the "Warriors of the
Rainbow." There would come a day of
awakening when all the peoples of all the
tribes would form a New World of Justice,
Peace, Freedom and recognition of
the Great Spirit."- Lelanie Stone.
See also: Greenpeace's
SV
Rainbow Warrior
Web
of Creation
Interdenominational & interfaith
organization working to provide on-line
environmental resources for faith-based
communities. Believes religion is a
crucial factor in issues of ecology
& justice.
White Crane: A Journal of Gay
Men's
Spirituality
Explores gay spirituality to uncover the
variety of the manifestations of spiritual quest
among contemporary gay men & to reclaim
their place in the development of human
consciousness, committed to the intuition that
gay consciousness plays a special and important
role in the evolution of life on planet Earth.
The Wisdom Fund
Advances social justice & interfaith
understanding by presenting The Truth
About Islam, & by providing concise
statements of Islamic values, beliefs,
news, commentary, and resources for
concerned Muslims & activists.
Wise Earth
Monastery
The Wise Earth School of Ayurveda
Ltd. is a
non-profit organization for
the dissemination of the
Vedic sciences
& Ayurvedic health care education.
World Thirteen Moon
Calendar
Change Peace Movement
The World Thirteen Moon Calendar
Change Peace Movement is a planetary
organization committed to the
replacement of the irregular standard
of the the Gregorian calendar with the
regular standard of the thirteen moon,
28 day calendar.
Zaytuna
Institute
Zen Buddhist
Order of Hsu Yun
The Grim Reaper
Who is my Grim Reaper- what does he wear?
Turban and robes- a merchant behind the counter- trading the currency of life.
Once human- but no more.
He babbles a language I do not know- yet I do.
His eyes-filled with hate and resignation- glare with a sickening emerald green.
Stare at those averting eyes and you'll see what he truly wants.
Go Away!
And what is hell?
A neatly planned community in the middle of an arid desert, surrounded by walls and secure
from life. Dry heat, manicured lawns and a burning yellow sky.
It is not always easy living in many worlds at once.
![0617[1].jpg (11699 bytes)](_borders/06171.jpg)
Wheat Field
with Reaper and Sun,
Vincent Van Gogh
|
|

Mariposa- Community of Butterflies-The Napo
Runa
Don
Alejandro Cirilo Perez Oxlaj (Wandering
Wolf), a thirteenth Generation Quiche
Mayan Priest, presents his message of
the prophecy of the Eagle and the Condor
to attendees of a screening of the up
coming film "Shift of the Ages" at Ojai,
California, June 30th 2007. Visit
www.shiftingages.com for more info.
This film needs the help of those who
can. To help get this important message
out to the world please visit their
website and get people interested in not
only this great piece of cinematography
but very urgent message. Peace and love
to you |

United
Communities
of Spirit | Interfaith
Voices

Earth Echo,
"Aurora"
""Aurora" is inspired by the work of the
great German Expressionist,
Emil Nolde. He excelled at expressing the
desire of the
self for union with Earth and the cosmos.""
|
|
The fruit of silence is prayer.
The fruit of prayer is faith.
The fruit of faith is love.
The fruit of love is service.
The fruit of service is peace.
Love cannot remain by itself - it has
no meaning. Love has to be put into action and that action is service. Whatever form we
are, able or disabled, rich or poor, it is not how much we do, but how much love we put in
the doing; a lifelong sharing of love with others.
Mother Teresa,
See also: "The Tree"
Lord,
Make me an instrument
of your peace;
Where there is hatred let me sow love;
Where there is injury pardon;
Where there is doubt faith;
Where there is despair hope;
Where there is darkness light;
Where there is sadness joy.
O Divine Master,
Grant that I
may not so much seek to be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love,
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning, that we are pardoned,
It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Francis of Assisi, the "Poverello";
See also:
Canticle of Brother Sun
"We meditate upon the radiant Divine Light
of that adorable Sun of Spiritual Consciousness;
May it awaken our intuitional consciousness."
S. Krishnamurthy, translation of the Gâyatrî
Mantra
If you offer your compassion to the hungry
And satisfy the famished creature
Then shall your light shine in darkness
And your gloom shall be like noonday.
Isaiah 58:10,
See also:
Hunger Notes.
"Compassion is the elixir that overcomes the
rule of death. It is the inexhaustible treasure
that eliminates poverty in the world. It is the
supreme medicine that quells the world's
disease. It is the tree that shelters all beings
wandering and tired on the path of existence. It
is the universal bridge that leads to freedom
from unhappy lives. It is the dawning moon of
mind that dispels the torment of disturbing
thinking. It is the great sun that finally
removes the misty ignorance of the world. May
compassion arise in whom it has not arisen. May
it never decline where it has arisen but go on
increasing, further and further." -Shantideva
(8th century)
Every angel is terrible.
And still, alas knowing all that I serenade you
you almost deadly birds of the soul.
Where are the days of Tobias when one of these
brightest of creatures stood at the simple front
door disguised a little for the trip
and not so frightening (a young man like the one
who looked curiously out at him).
If the dangerous archangel took one step now
down toward us from behind the stars our
heartbeats rising like thunder would kill us.
Who are you? Creation's spoiled darlings
among the first to be perfect...pockets of
essence ecstasy shields tumultuous storms
of delightful feelings then suddenly separate
mirrors gathering the beauty that streamed away
from them back to their own faces again. -Rainer
Maria Rilke, translated by David Young (from
Duino Elegies, copyright 1978 by W. W.
Norton & Co., Inc.)
The Door Is Round
And Open
The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.
Don't go back to sleep.
With the first glimmers of awakening from the
sleep of ordinary life
New found clarity opens you to an exciting
current of impressions
That seem to be hidden away from all who remain
asleep.
Don't go back to sleep again and ignore all the
Deep secrets of life these lofty influences may
reveal.
You must ask for what you really want.
Don't go back to sleep.
If you really want to awaken from the sleep of
ordinary life,
You must ask, you must open yourself to the
enticing possibilities
Available to you and to all true lovers of
awakening.
Don't go back to sleep again and miss out on
this
Amazing opportunity to realize your soul's true
longing.
People are going back and forth across the
doorsill where the two worlds touch.
There are people crossing the doorsill in both
directions,
Those who are truly praying for this awakening
and
Those who have awakened, then chosen to return
and help,
Help us, you and me, cross over from this world
of sleep
Into the realm of those who are fully awake and
completely alive.
The door is round and open.
Don't go back to sleep.
As we ascend to greater and greater heights, our
horizon recedes and expands
Providing accommodation for our rising and
expanding sense of being.
An expanding circumference embraces more than
the perimeter of any
other form.
It invites and opens into an infinite, loving
expansion of our hearts
and minds.
Don't slip back into the darkness; please don't
go back to sleep again.
~ The Essential Rumi: Translations by Coleman
Barks with John Moyne ©
1995, With contemplations by Carl Siraj
al-Haqq Karasti© 2007
The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
~ Rumi ~
I Know The Way You Can Get
I know the way you can get
When you have not had a drink of Love:
Your face hardens,
Your sweet muscles cramp.
Children become concerned
About a strange look that appears in your eyes
Which even begins to worry your own mirror
And nose.
Squirrels and birds sense your sadness
And call an important conference in a tall tree.
They decide which secret code to chant
To help your mind and soul.
Even angels fear that brand of madness
That arrays itself against the world
And throws sharp stones and spears into
The innocent
And into one's self.
O I know the way you can get
If you have not been drinking Love:
You might rip apart
Every sentence your friends and teachers say,
Looking for hidden clauses.
You might weigh every word on a scale
Like a dead fish.
You might pull out a ruler to measure
From every angle in your darkness
The beautiful dimensions of a heart you once
Trusted.
I know the way you can get
If you have not had a drink from Love's
Hands.
That is why all the Great Ones speak of
The vital need
To keep remembering God,
So you will come to know and see Him
As being so Playful
And Wanting,
Just Wanting to help.
That is why Hafiz says:
Bring your cup near me.
For all I care about
Is quenching your thirst for freedom!
All a Sane man can ever care about
Is giving Love!
From:
'I Heard God Laughing - Renderings of Hafiz'
Translated by Daniel Ladinsky
"Strange that so much suffering
is caused because of the misunderstandings of
God's true nature. God's heart is more gentle
than the Virgin's first kiss upon the Christ.
And God's forgiveness to all, to any thought or
act, is more certain than our own being."-
St Catherine of Siena
"I keep thinking that under the rituals of
religion there is a crucial wriggling
possibility for what we might someday be. It’s
the same possibility you see sometimes under
patriotism or sport or families; a humor and
mercy, a grace and mercy, a warmth beyond all
sense. Sometimes, for an instant, at a game, a
wedding, a park, you get a flash of connective
energy with your fellow beings — just a hint, a
shiver of inexplicable peace and joy."
"... But what if, as Peter also says? What if
our moral evolution ever caught up to our
physical evolution? What if we ever dropped the
dagger, plucked the beams from our eyes, and
finally grew up? What if?"-
Brian Doyle, editor of Portland Magazine.
"Quiet evening hours often brought one of my
guru's discourses, treasures against time. His
every utterance was measured and chiseled by
wisdom. A sublime self-assurance marked his mode
of expression: it was unique. He spoke as none
other in my experience ever spoke. His thoughts
were weighed in a delicate balance of
discrimination before he permitted them an
outward garb. The essence of truth,
all-pervasive with even a physiological aspect,
came from him like a fragrant exudation of the
soul. I was conscious always that I was in the
presence of a living manifestation of God. The
weight of his divinity automatically bowed my
head before him."- from
Autobiography of a Guru by Paramhansa Yogananda,
Chapter 12, p. 109
Ah, grasshoppers, Death's a
fierce meadowlark: but to die having made
Something more equal to the centuries
Than muscle and bone, is mostly to shed
weakness.
The mountains are dead stone, the people
Admire or hate their stature, their insolent
quietness, The mountains are not softened nor
troubled And a few dead men's thoughts have the
same temper.-
From Robinson Jeffers, "Wise Men in their Bad
Hours"
A Realization
Will..
A Memory
To a Friend
Listening...
Learning...
Gay..
Sanity...
Greif Ritual
Ego...
Intentionality...
Beauty...
A Life Well Lived
Being Spiritual
Parents...
Healing...
Beware False Prophets...
Words
cannot convey truth
Spirit
Impressions of a False Guru
To Be Judgmental...
The Physical
World
The State
of the World
Words
Nightmares
From
the Trees...To The Trees
Squirrel
Social Action
Perfection
The Vast Expanse
Disembodied
Importance
Faint Calls
Transitory
Instant Change
Ebb and Flow
The Fruition
Hatred and Greed
To a
Friend...Basic Goodness
Ways of
Understanding
Suffering
Greatfulness
Non-Duality and Spirituality
Spiritual
Practitioners
Spiritual
Fallacy
Impermanence and Saving the World
Buddhism
and Reactivity
How Many Really Want Enlightenment?
Spiritual
Hedonism
The Rainbow
Gathering
Ruth Denison
Our Times
Meanderings
The Marketplace
Simplicity
Awareness
Questioning
Tears
Hatred
Transition
Non-violence
The Pearly Gates and the
Candidates for President
Who Am I
Seeking Love
"Hate, withdrawal, anger is really a plea for
love- in some ways it can be the soul's
preparation for achieving the ability to receive
love. It can be part of the healing process and
can spread over many lifetimes- even as it
causes karmic damage in ones self and others.
Energetically I see love as a full outward
emanation and anger and self hate as an
infolding of energy
directed back, like a black hole where light is
trapped and where one is cut off. Yet, black
holes through infinitely destructive because the
creative force for new universes - new
possibilities."
"It is said by
some that depression is inward directed anger. I
chose to recognize the anger that arises in me-
cherish it and then go about learning how to not
let it control me- whether through meditation,
the conscious practice of compassion, etc. I
chose to feel pain, so that I may feel
compassion and develop understanding. If I
continue in this path eventually I may have no
need for anger, but this does not mean that I
will feel less. However I can only reach this
path if I acknowledge my anger and chose to use
it as a constructive force. If you fear anger
then you are controlled by it. If you chose to
control its outward manifestation by fear, it
will turn inward."
A Realization...
Last night I
attended a short workshop on the “after life”.
The speaker was a kind women, unassuming- who
uses hypnotherapy to regress people to past
lives and to the life in between past lives.
I wanted her perspective on why we reincarnate
to the material plane if the “higher” plane also
provides opportunities to learn and grow. While
she had no real answer, the answers came quickly
to me after the question was posed. There was
really only one answer, but it came in many
forms at different levels of abstraction.
At the level of abstraction I feel most
comfortable with is the answer is that we are
here to learn compassion through suffering.
I am not familiar with Buddha's teachings, but
attempting to end suffering on the material
plane, is a goal that will help us achieve
greater compassion and unity with creation,
however it is the pursuit of this, not its
attainment where our purpose is found. The
complete freedom from suffering is impossible
and not really desirable on this plane.
At a higher level of abstraction, the universe
creates and recreates itself. It unifies and
breaks apart- we only understand unity from
disunity- we can only achieve oneness from
understanding and experiencing separateness.
Reincarnation gives us the means to experience
separateness, ego and duality- which while
illusions, are needed in our search for
connectedness and oneness that is the truth and
"magic" that underlies all creation.
There is more. Love is a word that describes
what is beyond description. Our time with loved
ones on this plane is experienced as momentary
bliss. However our connection is eternal. We
come from spirit, live in spirit and return to
spirit. We are spirit. Spirit is all there is.
Love is all there is. There is only love. Love
is unconditional or it is not true love- it is
something other than love. There is no
perfection- perfection is an illusion. Will is
an illusion.
We drown in love, die in love, hear in love, see
in love, touch in love, taste in love, sense
love. Fire is love. Water is love.
Death is life, life is death. All things are
possible. Creation is a manifestation of
thought. Space is full. Space is empty and not
empty or full. Sky, water, earth- all the same.
Peace is stillness- the truth. Between existence
and non-existence, the untold possibility, the
end of duality.
The peaceful warrior- never alone, moving to the
light- to the heart. We are beings of light.
Will...
Will is an
illusion... I see and feel a great deal.
Sometimes I feel I am at 20 planes of existence
at once. I hear trees, I hear thoughts. I see
beauty in everything. I sense fear in myself and
others. All of this moves in me and out of me
and through me and is a part of me.
Sometimes I wish to use this understanding to
change- to change a life, to change a
circumstance that is perhaps inevitable. All
that matters though is that I remain aware and
try in each moment to do what is right- for each
moment there is a certain rightness- a way that
seems truthful- an integrity. Sometimes I will
intentionally jar people to promote their
growth- to bring sincerity- even to frustrate
them. Yet there is only love. Using my will to
oppose the flow and to manifest a desire to do
what may be worthy but is not truthful in the
moment- is to manifest too fully from ego- is an
illusion and a trap. It is however a source of
learning.
A Memory...
Hundreds or thousands of years ago- I can't tell
exactly when, I was burned at the stake. I was
burned because I was either gay, my religion, a
witch or for my political views. There is
nothing more painful- yet one must show
compassion to all things. Spiritually I cross
realms and communicate with all living things as
spirit and manifestations of love.
To a Friend
It is likely we are drawn together because of
our spiritual paths, and also because of the
loss of our loved ones. Usually what is most
true and mysterious works through the
unexpected. The "coincidences" that have brought
us together for now is a way the universe brings
together people that should be brought together-
at least for a time. Yes, there may be a past
life involvement as well.
I have not yet fully explored my many past
lives. I have a sense of them and understand how
some of my experiences in this life connect
karmically to past lives. We often encounter the
same spirits in many lives as we continue our
learning through many planes of existence. This
is all very beautiful and profound, but not
without pain.
Most people are unaware of the effects of their
negative energy. As one becomes more sensitive,
one feels this even more and it can increase
one's sense of pain. Most people do not
understand the true nature of their spiritual
connection- they have yet to discover
themselves. They are learning. In the process
they create much pain and suffering for
themselves and others. They may lose the
capacity to love themselves and others. This is
all sad, but is part of the very reason we are
here. We all experience this and it is not
always clear what is the right path.
Every living thing is sacred, and
this includes mountains, trees, animals, people,
even the dead are in very real sense living. If
we are open, we can continually receive their
love and allow them to guide us to the truth in
ourselves and in relationships.
Listening...
The art of
listening carefully and lovingly involves
suspending ego and accepting another's words and
presence with unconditional love. The ability to
do this is a spiritual gift. We can be
challenged by this when the other person is mean
or offensive, but I believe we are under no less
obligation to be compassionate. This is never
easy, but is important if we are to find the
truth in ourselves and others.
Learning...
I learn from many
sources- I learn from the angelic spirits
that guide us. I have learned from Shamans and
the spirits that help them, I have learned from
the spirits in nature, I have learned from
psychics and intuitives- I have learned from
those who explore past lives, those who more
directly communicate with animals. In part I am
able to learn because my wisdom comes form the
same source and I experience much of the same.
In the end there is stillness and light- the
eternal presence of the divine love that
permeates the universe and every molecule of our
body. The awareness of our divinity- the loss of
individuality - what we come from and
return to.
Gay...
Human sexuality-
yes words are labels- often obscuring the truth.
We go through different life times and can
change sex and sexual orientation. Sexual
orientation is genetic and yet experiential and
both as the two interplay. It is all complex-
but it is nonetheless true that I am gay and
proud.
Sanity
Sanity, as we
define it, is a precarious thing. We all have
aspects of "insanity" in us. We all can be
delusional, paranoid, imagine hurts, etc.
Most of us live in a kind of waking dream that
is rarely shattered by reality. Yet there is in
most a kind of a balance and a sense of safety,
a belief that the world we live in is
predictable and somewhat safe. However, for many
the world is not safe. It is like being lost in
the dark night- it is scary and sad.
Grief
Ritual
The Grief Ritual
was very powerful and demanding for me- so much
energy, venting- angry- the depths of pain. So
many having lost loved ones, or having been
sexually abused...it goes on and on. So much
repressed rage. All of this fear, anger and hurt
released as part of the ritual- so much wailing.
I was continually reminding myself to be
compassionate, but to not over empathize- to
retain an energetic and psychic distance- just
enough to see and learn and to help if needed-
to be open, but not too open. The workshop had
its effects on participants before and after it
started.
Ego...
My recent
experiences and the reactions of friends have
reminded me of the power of the ego. The ego can
be like a parasite- engendering fear for the
sake of protection and denying its host the
vitality and beauty of life- the immediacy of
spiritual connection. Yet as a source of
protection it is also a sustainer of life-
affording the opportunity to learn when we are
ready.
The ego is not to be destroyed, it is not to be
denied or controlled- it is to be loved,
embraced and understood. It is energy from the
well spring of life. My spiritual friends seek
to destroy it- denying themselves the many
opportunities it presents for learning. Only
when we learn from the heart can knowledge-
rather than weighing us down become truth.
We are not to be freed from our egos- rather we
are to drink from what is real and what truly
sustains us. Only then can we become
compassionate-alive. One should not seek freedom
through denial- rather through abundance.
Intentionality...
Intentionality is
very important and fundamental. Yet it is an
aspect of duality (which is false) and if
thought of merely as a tool to achieve ends- can
be destructive through its very power.
Beauty...
In our modern, industrialized world- with so
much based on steel and asphalt- we almost chase
out the beauty in the world. We desecrate the
earth in the name of progress and in the process
devalue our very existence and purpose in life.
I see beauty in all things of the spirit- all
things living, including mountains, trees,
flowers, animals, children, men, woman and
spiritual beings of the many different realms.
There is beauty in a work of art, as an
expression of understanding, truth and
creativity. Ugliness can set in- though one
should not be judgmental- when the ego's
penchant for security runs rampant and in the
process stamps out all life. One can see, for
example the beauty in a car- the intelligence of
design and what it represents as a culmination
of thousands of years of technological
development- yet, one can't but help to realize
how truly ugly cars are- transforming the earth
into a burning inferno- destroying life- often
for nothing more than convenience, status or
security (fear). So men can turn beauty to
ugliness when they forget their spiritual nature
and connection to the universe. Ultimately
individually and collectively we learn, but in
the process there is needless suffering and
pain. Perhaps this is beautiful. Fear is the
absence of love
When my spirit teacher told me to love all and
to live, my first thought was that he was
holding back on words. You have helped me to
realize that this may not have been the case.
The message to love all seems simple enough- but
it means to love even those who are outwardly or
inwardly cruel- to love the unlovable- however
that may be conceived. The message to live-
means to take advantage of all of my time on
earth- to free myself from fear and to do what I
was meant to do.
A Life Well Lived
Who can say a
life well lived...so many bury themselves with
preoccupations- one distraction after another.
Rather ask, have you seen true beauty?
Did you create beauty?
Do you know what it is to truly love?
Can you experience the subtlest silence?
Can you hear the music in everything?
Can you sense the vibration of the string before
you hear the sound?
Can you sense the movement of butterfly wings?
Do you cry for the children who suffer that you
never see?
Have you felt the pain of a true friend?
Being Spiritual
Treating
creation/spirit with respect, honor,
humility and love. Making oneself sensitive
to life- the needs and sufferings of all.
Communing with spirit. Healing with love.
Being one with the Great Silence. One cannot
be spiritual without understanding and
practicing these things.
Parents...
As the father
cares for the son, so the son cares for the
father- it is part of the circle of life.
Healing...
There are no hard
and fast ways to heal- yet we all need to heal-
from childhood wounds, from wounds in adulthood-
self inflicted or not. Yet the truth is we are
all truly one. We experience as human beings
much of the same things. If we recognize this
commonality, then we can never truly be alone
and we have the capacity to share ourselves with
others in ways that are meaningful.
Remember to love yourself- if for no other
reason because you are an extension of a loving
universe. And it is true- I have experienced it-
the universe is a sea of unconditional love.
Never block it out.
Beware False Prophets...
False prophets tell you the kingdom of heaven is
outside of you. It is inside of you.
False prophets tell you have no power. The life
force of the universe is you.
Rejoice- the kingdom of heaven is inside of you-
you need no prophets, but if you seek divine
wisdom- know that you yourself can receive it-
you are your own prophet.
Many can help along the path- but the path is
inside of you bold explorer. There is no savior-
there is only One.
Words cannot
convey truth
I
attended a lecture given by Barbara Emery last
night. Her words were largely true -yet her
words do not fully convey the joy of spiritual
experience. For two hours she deluged the
audience with words- words intended to help
strip the listeners of the illusion of their
reality, suffering and fears- fears created by
words- fears that arise as the human organism
begins interacting with its environment and uses
language to desiccate reality- asking her
audience to undo their "bad dreams" and create a
new dream- or perhaps to simply be free of
delusions- to be aware of the monkey mind and
its endless traps. Shifting our perception
changes our reality.
Spirit
When I see
spirit- human or otherwise- I see in a simple
sense two kinds of spirit. There is what I would
term the "lower" spirit. This is the part of us
that defines what makes us most typically human-
tree- dog- cat- dolphin, etc.
For humans, this is the part that is often
filled with conflict, guilt, fear, dishonesty,
confusion. It is also filled with passion and
need. It is shaped by the stage of life we are
in. This lower self is neither good nor bad. It
is a vehicle for learning and experiencing life.
There is however another part. For want of a
better word- the "higher" spirit. This part is
invariably beautiful- and for some infuses many
aspects of their being- producing what I see as
radiance and light.
Impressions of a False Guru
I wished to share some of my initial impressions
of last night- Leonard Jacobson, his audience
and me. To my heart, Leonard is at his core an
unclean spirit-one I have no anger towards, but
compassion. As I expressed over dinner- anger is
not an emotion I have time for and it one that
at psychic level is now endangering. I was never
angry at Leonard- and for this I am grateful.
Nor has my anger turned inwards. To be
judgmental is no longer part of my path. I may
form judgments- they may harsh- but ultimately
they are of no consequence- they serve purposes
but do not fulfill a need- I am not attached to
the judgments.
I remember his reference to pearls and swine at
the end- somehow he still seems trapped by the
Catholicism he sought to escape. His conception
of Satan- is oddly the very trap he falls into.
His teaching is borrowed- not original. It comes
from a source of awakening that is only partial-
and ultimately this is what he offers others.
His understanding of anger is also partial and
itself dangerous. It bespeaks of a New Age
mentality that teaches quick and easy ways to
address deep seated issues. He has fallen into a
dangerous trap- he is not yet a false prophet-
but he has deceived himself- each time he
behaves as he did last night- he weakens
himself- becomes less clean- more endangered.
Truly I do feel compassion for him. Though I
also feel for those who truly accept what he
says- his path is very tangled and short-
it leads nowhere.
For me- it is important to not serve as a
vehicle for the vicarious spiritual experience
of others. My sense is that if I walked out of
his lecture- something I was never inclined to
do- it would have served his purposes. Instead I
allowed him to spew his venom and his limited
spiritual understanding- allowing the audience
to chose. Most may be jaded, some will
understand what I did and didn't do- some will
have sympathy- few compassion- this is just the
way it is. I have compassion to all in the
audience- whatever their level of awareness-
they all feel the pain of the human condition
and all need true compassion in themselves.
My ego is very powerful and as I conveyed last
night I am very much aware of how it seeks to
limit and control. Yet through my awareness I
have lessened its control and experienced the
oneness and heightened awareness of which he
speaks, yet has only had glimpses of. I see many
fears in others- fear is the absence of love.
The essence of spiritual experience is what Dee
described at the dinner table. This is truth-
this is my experience- this is the experience
that the universe teaches me- it is what the
spirits tell me- it is what the brook, the
trees, the squirrels, all life tells me. For
those that have not glimpsed this- experienced
this- there can only be doubt and intellectual
questioning- a void. Yet it is a beacon- a true
light- yet it is darkness, silence and again light.
To Be Judgmental...
If one looks within, one sees the
imperfection that one so easily sees in others.
Rather be humble, feel pain, accept what you
cannot change, fight for what you believe and
live life with truth and integrity. Judging
others harshly is tantamount to judging oneself.
Similarly, judging oneself harshly is to judge
others so.
Luke 6:37 says, "Do not judge,
and you will not be judged; and do not condemn,
and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you
will be pardoned." Yet this is wrong. The
reason to not judge is not to avoid judgment or
to be pardoned, but rather to be in a state that
is truly capable of love, hope and joy. All
beings are manifestations of the one.
Trees, mountains, animals all
give us unconditional love- though we have
difficulty giving this to ourselves and each
other. Living in this society I am as guilty as
others- I still squander what is not mine. Yet I
am forgiven- perhaps this should be my model.
Forgive as I have been forgiven. Teach those who
will listen- who are open- allow the Divine
Mother to do her work and trust in the
Universe's plan. Man may destroy all life on
this Earth- but there is still the hope of
rebirth and it is not for me to question the
path of creation- mankind is part of this path.
To be judgmental is wrong. There is no
equivocation on this. It is a state that
represents a stage in spiritual development-
however it is one of the many traps. One must
accept his essential helplessness to avert or
stop life's many tragedies. One must accept ones
self fully. One should not take on the diseases
or grief of others as his or hers own. One must
not take on another's pain body. Rather
one should show compassion and strength. Show
compassion to those who have hurt you and those
you have hurt. Accept that we are all children
of the Divine Mother. To judge others is to take
on another's weight- their baggage. From a
selfish and a spiritual perspective this is
wrong.
I am not responsible for the pain for the world.
I am not to blame. I cannot not hold on to this
grief. Yet I am responsible- for being
compassionate to myself and all creation.
Guilt is a trap- one must be sensitive to the
effects one has on another- but one cannot be so
sensitive that he takes on another's hurt. I am
free- caring, but free- released.
Change
If we do not restore our
conscious connection to life- to spirit- then we
shall become our greatest nightmare and inflict
our greatest pain on ourselves- on creation.
This we have been doing throughout history- can
we learn- can we change?
The Physical World
The physical world is illusion. It is a training
ground- a place where souls evolve and where
death seems possible. All things in the physical
world are new. The physical is a fractal- a
reflection of the eternal, dreaming world.
Yet, this world is no less precious, no less
beautiful than the eternal. In this physical
world there is always a connection with spirit-
the body becoming a vessel for this connection.
It is here that we may learn compassion, empathy
and experience the essence of true beauty.
Suffering is less an illusion and more a
teacher. We may be reborn many times to this
world and each life becomes a contract where the
soul seeks to learn and grow.
The universe ebbs and flows-
creation and destruction, endless cycles of
birth and rebirth. Our teachers are the plants,
trees, mountains, animals. We must preserve and
respect them- it is they that teach us and help
preserve our connection with spirit while on the
physical plane. It is in them that we find
profound beauty and an escape from the endless
din of our monkey minds.
We are here to lean how to break
out of the world of delusion- to become
conscious of our eternal connection to the
universe and all consciousness. We are here to
learn compassion. Some of us are here to teach
and the only way we can teach is to experience
what our student's experience- yet we at least
can feel the beauty as we experience the
suffering. The beauty a reminder of what truly
is.
The State of the World
I realize that you do not share
all of my perspectives- but I will try to share
something with you. The evil of factory farming
is not an isolated instance. Rather it is
indicative of a way of perceiving reality that
has become prevalent around the world. In my
world- that is not entirely this world of
ordinary reality- everything seen and unseen is
connected and essentially spirit. From the very
smallest to the largest is miraculous,
infinitely beautiful and profoundly spiritual.
Everything has consciousness- awareness and the
capacity for love- everything.
Factory farming is only really possible if one
perceives one as isolated and from the rest of
the world- from pigs- from life. This view of
the world- of existence is essentially dead and
leads to self destruction. Most in the world are
following a path that leads to self destruction.
Fundamentally they have forgotten who they are
and their spiritual connectedness. There is a
self created nightmare- with brief periods of
awakening. And when they are awakened they
become frightened and even more destructive. Or
they become aware and subtle and begin to
perceive what is and cannot be put into words.
My reality is fluid-everything is a portal- an
opening to truth- a new awareness. Everything is
alive- yet most of what is around me seems far
less so. So while at one level I hear words and
perceive actions, on another level- these words
and actions are meaningless to me and what I
really see is infinitely more complex- beautiful
and sad.
All periods of destruction sow the seeds of
rebirth- all things in nature move in cycles.
Perceiving the universe all at once- one can see
that all is in balance- no matter how distorted
and troubled this world has become.
Words
Nothing of value that is
experienced in the spiritual realm can be
adequately described by words- and the more
words are used, photos taken of important
places, etc.- they more they lose their
power- for those who have had the
experience. It is almost as if by
describing in words we become voyeurs of
sorts- not participants- or worse shoppers
in the marketplace- take a little of this- a
little of that, sprinkle it with this and
voila- you become ….what you already are.
There is nothing subtle that is not
powerful- and its nature is more revealed
through its subtlety than it raw power. Yet
words are powerful and when allied with
clear intention can open portals and create
understanding- for those that can journey
inward. Words can also destroy.
Yet
there is also the innocent sharing of
revelation- that realization that what is,
or appears to be- or is not- or appears not
to be- is only part of the mystery.
But in truth- all is
perfect and one- so everything I have just
written is meaningless in a way …
Nightmares...
Nightmares and reality- which is which- how
do I know where I am. Caught in a nightmare
where the “keeper” needs you to stay-
entices you- yet they are never quite
“right.” Something demonic- sometimes, in
the beginning- a brief glimpse- a painting-
a room- something must reveal itself- it
cannot be totally hidden- then the trap- the
lure- the temptation to not to escape- but
the uneasiness remains- then the desire to
escape- but it is not easy- the next trap
more like the “real world,” but not quite.
You are already transfigured. Chased by
demons- unable to stop their advance.
Stay away…but stay away from what- who
invited you in? What was the impulse that
caused you to enter their world? Was it
love? A need for reassurance? Curiosity? A
need for love? What gives them the right to
take these emotions and weave them into
their feeding frenzy? What gives them the
right to turn innocence into enslavement?
You should always stay to your heart- listen
to the silence- the voice that says- this is
not right….
As I was writing this the "I", "me",
"you" and "they" became confused. Not
surprising I suppose.
Squirrel
This
morning as I was walking through the woods,
I heard a squirrel chirping in the trees-
like a bird- but not quite- a richer and
more resonant sound. I watched as my
squirrel friend leaped from branch to
branch- from tree to tree. As I admired him-
a thought crept in- so many squirrels- so
acrobatic- killed by cars- machine beasts
controlled by mindless robots more
preoccupied by the their cell phone calls
than the world around them- the living- real
world.
Later that morning I took my dog on a short
hike and while coming back saw a squirrel
dead on the road. His body still in tact-
except his eyes were blood red and had
clearly died from unnatural causes- a
machine beast. I stopped, slowed down (for I
was driving- though had killed no
squirrels), cried- and with my dog in the
back seat of the car- went outside and moved
the squirrel's body from the middle of the
road to the side- on the grass-to prevent
further desecration. I dreamed the squirrel
into the Light- he had already gone- busy
playing with his squirrel friends.
For some this death is trivial- and pales in
comparison to the misery and death humans
inflect on each other through war, genocide,
climate change and starvation. Yet- nothing
pales in comparison- in all instances an
unthinking beast mind that has lost a
sensitivity to life- to its own essence and
kills indiscriminately. I am reminded that
sometimes adults laugh at children who can't
understand why we kill animals- why there is
so much needless suffering. Instead those
adults should be laughing at themselves-
reflecting on how jaded- how stupid they
have grown in their "adulthood."
From the Trees...To the
Trees
" We love you. We have waited for
you for thousands, millions of years. Whatever the price- it is
worth that moment when we experience your beauty- your love. You
are our father- our creator. Your love for us, our love for you
you- cannot be concealed- cannot be diminished by all of the
words and lies of men. We created you and you created us. All
the pain is worth that moment of joy."
"My love for you is great. Who you
are is eternal and can never be erased. It shines upon the very
heavens and is emblazoned upon the book of life. You are my
children. My works- the works of men- give me great pain. I see
the self destructiveness. What sustains me is your love. The
hope is that the experience of love will overcome the rest- and
thereby our joy multiplied a thousand fold."
Social
Action
In the spiritual realm- seekers of truth often
have difficulty reconciling their spiritual understanding with
their worldly actions. Perhaps too many recoil or escape from
the world- not necessarily in divine silence- but in avoidance.
And when a person with spiritual understanding engages in
worldly action- to alleviate suffering or effect social change-
one of the greatest challenges is to recognize the difference in
themselves between compassionate action and ego driven acts.
There is no simple answer- however the solution of avoidance in
the end yields no fruit and becomes a failing of the spiritual
life.
Perfection
There is no perfection...anything close to
perfection has to be more process then end. Inclusivity,
acceptance, understanding, integrity, truthfulness, honest
discussion, meditation, listening, suspension of judgment.
Acknowledging that no one is better or more important then any
one else. Valuing all life. Complete empathy for all living
things. Respectful remembering. Planning with future generations
in mind. Fact based discussion. Courage...non-conditional love.
Love with no ulterior motive. Empowerment...encouragement. a
desire to teach and learn A commitment to peaceful resolution. A
sense of civic duty. A desire to fight for what you believe in.
The Vast Expanse
In the movement of a leaf in the soft wind is
everything. In the mountain mist is everything. In the smile of
a dog is everything. And you thought that everything is the vast
expanse of universe. Well you are wrong. In fact thee is no vast
expanse. Everything is one - there is no past, present or
future. All that is and ever was and will be is in the moment.
Don't try to think of it. Just be it. Only free minds can
create. Too many are bound by delusion- the weight of history-
the fear of loss. There is nothing to lose- nothing can ever be
lost.
Disembodied
For so much of my life I have felt as if I
wasn't here. Disembodied if you will. Unable to connect. I know
why now. I know this is a byproduct of my sensitivity. The pain
of an insensitive family. Invading or indifferent coworkers. I
was so disempowered... I believed their lies. I am still
slightly trapped by those lies...but only slightly. I now have a
much clearer vision of the truth. This gives me power. It
reduces fear. But I cannot totally escape from the karmic traps
people lay for me. It is all to easy to slip into the mass
delusion.. that black vortex of emptiness...not the profound
beauty of silence, but the cold empty hellish void. Most people
don't know why they are here. I know why. But I can't actualize
my vision. I need to simply ask for help and guidance. There is
a fog. Very thick and difficult to see through. Sleep....dreams.
It is almost if I seek refuge there. Why? You must go to what
you love. Be patient. Go to what you love.
Importance
Never give too much
significance to what is not important. Each day
men preoccupy themselves with time wasters-
things that cannot endure- that reduce their
lives to insignificance. It is not that the
subtle is not profound. It is just that subtle
is not trivial. Trivial is petty- reactive. It
is the karmic web of lies and projections. The
endless stream of ego. And most of all the lies.
Don't listen to the false ones. Keep your eyes
on the stars. Wake up.
Faint Calls
What am I moving to? Something
is bubbling up. Teachers seem secondary. I hear
faint calls. I seem to crave aloneness. Prayer
is not just for Christians. Rumi has reminded me
of this. I move in interior spaces. That
landscape is more interesting than the exterior.
Do not be concerned with anything. You have need
of nothing. Nothing is needed...remain open see
what is between the spaces. Look for the ghost
in the mirror. Look from the side- the reality
between this one. Treasure the glimpse....not
the forward glance. All awareness is in the
subtle. Depression is like a wine...subtle.
seductive but narcissistic...it only appears to
serve, not unlike material seduction, worthless.
The destruction of pain...not real. Real pain is
not bad... shift awareness.
Transitory
So many in my life have come
and gone. There is no way to unravel this-
except that this is what was meant to be. Truly
I have no control. Mostly people treat each
other as projections of themselves. Endless
reflections- blurring the boundaries of self.
Ego...ego...ego. This is all this is. Nothing
more...nothing less. Yes, like children.- hurt
and hurting back. The more honest the
communication- the greater the potential pain.
Hence come close, but not too close.
Instant Change
The purpose of life is not the avoidance of
pain. Transformation can occur in an instant.
The saving of the world and individual happiness
is joined. A true guru can impart instant growth
and self realization. A basic core of
empowerment, trust and love from the Mother is
essential. Respect must underlie- be the basis
of- the relationship to the Mother.
The "salvation" is in the hands of the young and
the old and wise. Change can be gradual- but the
prison through which we see the world must
change. We must feel as much for the children of
others as we feel for our own. We must have
compassion for ourselves and realize our
collective fate is the culmination of thousands
of years of karma- to free ourselves from this
will not be easy.
The old ways of thinking that are based on
exploitation are dead.
Ebb and Flow
Ebb and flow. Suddenly I feel more free.
More....returning to who I am. Free to commune
with what I love. Free to go where my heart
seeks. Free to find and unlock the mysteries of
my soul. My peace. My place.
The Fruition
Last night I finally
understood...what is important and what is the
longing of my heart. The fruition of life is
death. My heart now longs for reunion with the
eternal source. I wish to return to that love
which is the source of my being. I grow tired of
this plane. All that I love perishes. Humans are
for the most part involved in a game. Anchored
in the material and forgetful of their divine
nature...creating karmic maelstroms that engulf
those around them. Incapable of experiencing
real happiness. Where do I belong? Perhaps I
belong where I am here and now. Yet funny...this
isn't exactly where I want to be.
The Purpose of Life
Human beings often ask
themselves what is the purpose of life.
Sometimes them resign themselves to the notion
that there is no purpose. But the answer to the
question is simple. In fact is all around us- in
every natural process there is a cycle of birth,
decay, death and rebirth. The ultimate longing
of the soul is to return to source- merge with
the one. Merging- becoming part of the great
creative oneness of the universe. But to merge
we must become the emptiness- dissolve- realize
our true selves. And as the universe begins- so
it ends and begins again-and so the process
repeats- like the waves on the ocean. How to
merge with the one- how to become who you are-
how to dissolve. Simply be. Simply love.
Understand that love and consciousness is in
everything- become who you are- the great
luminous being that is in everything that lives.
It is already there, you must simply remember.
Hatred and Greed
Hatred and greed are possibly at their core
examples of aversion and attraction- We avert a
hot flame because it can hurt us- we eat because
we are hungry. However when the basic propensity
to avoid pain and seek pleasure are infused with
ignorance and fear- they can become hatred and
greed. Remembering this it is possible to have
compassion for ourselves and others- since the
chain of fear is reinforced every second of our
existence. Perhaps by overcoming ignorance- and
understanding that our basic natures are good
and that hatred and greed are not core to our
nature- perhaps we can then overcome ignorance
and awaken to our true selves.
Imagine you
are on a hot air balloon over a major city.
In the beginning you can hear the din of the
city- the sounds of the mad rush. As you
rise higher and higher, you hear less and
less- and then silence. What you are left
with is an experience of life- without
noise- without the endless stream of
reaction, cause and effect. Then you
realize- that all the noise- all the bustle
of your own thoughts and those of others is
essentially meaningless. In fact the only
freedom we have is when we understand
ourselves and that we are not a byproduct of
endless streams of karma- reaction and
action- that span life times. Rather we are
defined by our true nature- that stripped of
money, youth, hatred, possessions- is at its
core good.
How one
reaches this realization is both easy and
difficult. Easy- because it can be reached
by meditation, altered states such as
journeying- any of a number of ways.
Difficult, because to reach it we must be
open- and instead we are all to dominated by
our fears that close us off. You and I are
both frustrated by the knowledge that many
of the world’s problems are solvable- yet we
chose as individuals and a species to ignore
them- and remain inured in our ways. It
takes courage to understand the truth and to
be truly open. The problems we face as
individuals and in communities- in our
family relationships and our communities-
are no different from those afflicting the
world as a whole- environmental destruction,
war, etc. They are not different at
all- in terms of their causes and the
unnecessary suffering they cause.
To A
Friend...Basic Goodness
This is my perspective on the human race- of
which I am a part. I have begun to
understand the basic goodness in all
sentient beings- which includes of course
all human beings. I feel deeply all of the
dysfunction, “the dementedness” you refer
to- but I see it from a perspective that
causes me less to judge less and to have
more compassion (hopefully). However,
compassion does not equal complacency. This
is in part why I value your friendship- you
are anything but complacent- you fight for
what you believe. It is also important to
take care of our own selves- something you
do as well. I point all of this out because
it has helped me and perhaps therefore the
perspective may be of some benefit to you.
Growing older is a process of letting go.
Death is perhaps the ultimate letting go and
opening- an ending, but a beginning. We die
when we are born and are reborn when we
die.. This, in any case, is my sense of
things. Letting go of friendship, the deaths
of those we love, the illusions of youth-
what this can do is help us become more in
touch with out true selves. Out true selves
need nothing to be happy. Nothing. In fact,
the more people need this or that- even
other people and relationships- success,
whatever, the more they suffer. The lives of
most people are a continual denial of true
self. Some people might interpret what I say
as some defense of poverty and class
inequality. It is not. All human beings are
entitled to basic freedoms, sustenance,
medical care, shelter, love, etc. That it
may be possible to achieve happiness without
these things- does not absolve society and
individuals from the necessity of caring for
all people. In this sense, this world
utterly fails. The majority of the people in
this world- men, woman and children- live in
circumstances where they are increasingly
losing control over their livelihood- robbed
of their birthright as a citizen of the
planet. This is true for all life now-
plant, animal, rock, stream- all face the
shadow of extinction. I cannot change this
fact- I can work to preserve and protect-
but I must accept what is- and not escape
into vacuous ideals- or worlds of unreality.
It is OK though…if you want to talk about
how crazy the world is..I understand :-)
Ways of
Understanding
I was wrestling with the
notion of reconciling non-self and
suffering- an understanding of samsara,
etc.- with the need to process and to
understand why things are the way they are
at the level of, for example, inexperience,
past wounds, ignorance, mental imbalance,
dissociative behaviors, etc. On the one hand
the teachings provide perspectives on the
causes of suffering. On the other hand, by
themselves, they did not fully explain why
in given situation there was suffering- why
someone may have acted in a certain way, why
the world is the way it is.
The solution in my mind is that both
approaches are complementary and that there
is no contradiction. In fact the teachings
may require that we pursue both types of
understanding. They encourage I believe
understanding a situation, a person,
whatever, in its truest light from any
number of perspectives- psychological,
physical, emotional, spiritual, etc. All of
the tools you use in your practice and still
others can help provide this insight. But,
the nature of those insights is informed,
enlivened, rooted in the Buddhist teachings.
So as human beings our responsibility is to
achieve a real world understanding, to
ascertain causes, etc.- but our deeper
understanding can be in part derived from
the teachings. The alleviation of suffering
I believe requires both types of
understanding.
In my case, I may understand how my partner
causes suffering to himself and me by
growing isolated, closing his heart-
entering the cocoon. I see that by doing so,
he denies his true heart and turns his
tender nature to one of coldness. The
teachings cause me to write this:
When we reject others- we reject a part of
ourselves.
When we seek happiness by rejecting love and
losing
our openness to others- we only delay the
time that it takes
to become fulfilled and truly happy.
These words really refer to him- in the
relationship- now. Yet none of this
completely elucidates how this state of
affairs came into being. What aspects of his
nature caused him to both recognize his deep
love for me, while at the same time deciding
that a partner relationship with me was
impossible. For both of us, what ways of
understanding, sensitivity and denying- what
relationship skills or lack thereof, what
levels of judgmental or angry behavior could
have made this possible. While counseling
was rejected by my partner, and therefore
some of these things may never be fully
known or healed in the context of this
relationship- perhaps I know enough to see
that because of my understanding of the
psychological aspects- there is really no
possibility of a meaningful, deep and
healthy relationship with him. In a way this
understanding gives me more peace and helps
me accept the finality of the ending and the
rejection- rather than longing for the
impossible. In fact this understanding is a
gift.
Suffering
Suffering it seems is the ultimate
expression of duality and false
understanding. Saying this is not to
belittle the condition of those who suffer-
which of course includes you and I. However,
my understanding and experience of non-self
seems to teach me that stripped of the
karmic attachments and accoutrements of this
existence- we are left with a Buddha nature
that is one with everything, exists in
perfect awareness and bliss- with an
infinite understanding of love. In the end
that is all there is. There is nothing else.
Words cannot describe this. It is not joy-
nor the opposite. It is just what is.
Compassion is helping extend this awareness
to others- an awareness of their true nature
and oneness.
Isn’t it an amazing and freeing realization
that all that we think of as ourselves- our
identity- our emotions, thoughts, feelings,
etc. are not in any way who we are.
Meditation teaches this in a very basic way-
here we see how fleeting and ephemeral our
thoughts are- how then can these thoughts
define who we are?- they are the very
embodiment of impermanence.
Gratefulness
I
believe that all one can truly be grateful
for is the inner voice and knowledge that
connects each of us to the divine- to the
internal Buddha- into the source of oneness,
consciousness and love- and ultimately just
love. All forms of gratefulness seem to
spring from this source and awareness.
Non-Duality and Spirituality
In
some religious traditions- duality and and
the role of ego in perpetuating duality is
considered something to be overcome. While
repressing ego may be an overstatement of
this view- certainly there is an attitude of
deprecation- a sense that ego is an obstacle
to spiritual growth. Yet this is the reverse
of the truth. Duality and ego- expressed in
relationship and therefore spiritual and
daily pursuit are the means by which we face
ourselves- understand our psychological and
spiritual truths. Of all the parts of our
psyche- ego is perhaps the most important to
which we must apply compassion. At the same
time, we must become very active listeners
to what the ego teaches us. Our life force
is often manifested through ego. Duality
becomes the sustenance- the material by
which we learn about the world and
ourselves.
Yet it is also true that we must recognize
that ego- while performing its functions can
become itself destructive and cause us to
seek the very things that perpetuate the
misery and suffering that we hope to
overcome. On a crude level, it may be
thought of as an immune system gone awry-
serving to protect us from disease- but then
going into overdrive and causing us to self
destruct- the cure worse than the disease.
It is here that mindfulness, non-violent
communication, psychological understanding
and spiritual growth can help us understand
the nature of our mind- the nature of the
truth- the truth of our existence and the
truth in our relationships. Only then, can
our ego become a truer reflection of our
essential nature. Once this takes place- we
can then see the true nature of duality and
recognize that as part of our nature it is a
reflection of the divine.
Is
duality an illusion? Here mere worlds become
useless. The answer is Yes and No. A world
view that believes that there is only
duality- is false. A world view that cannot
understand and experience non-duality- the
oneness of all things- is false. Perhaps it
is akin to quantum physics- is light a
particle or a wave? The question is
unanswerable- it is both- and neither.
Spiritual
Practitioners
I
believe that many shamanic/psychic
practitioners would benefit from a
consistent meditation practice. Sometimes
those that are as sensitive as I am - are so
in part because of trauma and difficulties
in early life. While these experiences may
have led to spiritual awareness and
expansiveness- they also, if not grounded-
can lead to instability and unnecessary
unhappiness. For me the pursuit of
mindfulness and aspects of Buddhist practice
is an attempt to bridge the gap between my
spiritual understanding and day to day
practice/awareness. It helps enormously.
Spiritual Fallacy
Sometimes it seems that those most drawn to
spiritual pursuits are those most in need of
inner work. Or is it simply that they have
begun a path that others that have not- but
will eventually begin- as life or lifetimes
present challenges- suffering- as they begin
to open.
Sometimes spiritual practitioners speak of
non-attachment, the great oneness, the need
for compassion. Yet even as they speak of
these things- they appear to lack empathy,
heart and genuine concern for others. Why is
this? Have they intellectualized their
practice in such a way that they have cut
themselves off from their roots- their
primordial self?
The most important human relationship we
have when entering this world- and certainly
during early childhood is with our mother.
Our first taste of love is as close as the
human sphere offers to unconditional love.
With our mothers- we are touched, kissed,
caressed. We have permissions to cry, to
disturb, to scream- and yet our mother's
love endures. Whether our mothers are loving
or not- we still seek their love. As babies,
we open our eyes- and that is there is a
plea for love- a plea for laughter-
validation, security, warmth and more. We
are seekers from birth.
So is this love that our mothers have for
us- and we them- is this akin to spiritual
love? compassion? If so how? For many the
answer is no. Their spiritual pursuits
become exercises of discipline and
intellect. Or worse- projections of their
insecurities and fears. There are no tears-
there is no experience of loss and joy. In
fact these things are categorized as
childish- extensions of ego. Ironically they
are anything but childish. In fact they are
the core of spiritual experience. If
spiritual practice and connection is
anything less than an opening up- a greater
sensitivity to life- to all life- it is
dead- more harmful than helpful and just one
more excuse to delay awakening.
Impermanence & Saving the World
I
believe in the Buddhist traditions, the
understanding of impermanence is a key to
alleviating suffering. If everything
changes- constantly- then to attach to the
state of things as they were- only brings
about needless suffering. Particularly it is
argued- if this attachment takes one from
experiencing things in the present moment.
There is clearly great truth in this- so
many essentially live in the past- harboring
feelings of resentment, fear and longing for
what is no longer there or perhaps never
was. Yet impermanence is also a source of
great hope and joy- for if things change,
then they can become better- more alive,
more at peace, more just, more caring,
etc.
Some who understand the nature of
impermanence and the limits of their own
natures will say...I cannot focus on
changing the world... I can barely change my
relationship with my friend, partner,
children- even my dog (cats are another
story altogether :-)) I say this- the nature
of suffering- the nature of the pain that
afflicts this world collectively is the very
same that you experience in your daily life.
Perhaps then you might wish to say this, "I
can no more change my personal life- the
life of my family and friends- then I can
change the world. Put this way it puts
things in a new perspective. If both are
equally hard- and admittedly changing the
world is an imperative beyond reckoning-
perhaps it is worth at least the same level
of effort you put into your personal life.
Individually you may fail- but I can assure
you collectively you will not- if the same
effort is applied.
Finally, some may argue that personal
healing is the same as world healing. I am
healing the world when I heal myself and my
relationships. This is true- assuming almost
every human on the planet is healed at the
same time and that the planet can sustain
the level of suffering we inflict upon it
for as long as it is needed for this to take
place. I regret to day- this is no longer
the case. So it is no longer enough to just
heal ourselves- even our communities. It is
time to the heal the world. Maybe in the
process we will heal ourselves.
Buddhism
and Reactivity
My
understanding and my experience is that
Buddhist teaching address the cause of
suffering by in part helping us understand
the true nature of thoughts, feelings and
emotions. Rather than encouraging robotic or
detached behavior, Buddhism encourages
openness, tenderness and freedom. Freedom
arises in part from understanding one’s mind
and then at some point recognizing that
there is no self- no mind.
Therefore, emotions and feelings are not
discouraged. Reactivity has a negative
connotation, but even here the key is to
self observe and understand and learn from
these emotions and states- not artificially
attempt to control them or somehow detach
from a situation. Perhaps at the level of
true enlightenment- when a sense of self
dissolves and the experience of oneness and
complete awareness is fused with day to day
living and there is a complete
relinquishment of attachment to illusion-
perhaps then- reactivity dissolves and no
longer can become a source of suffering or
negative karma.
Like any genuine spiritual path, the things
I describe must be experienced and while
written and oral teachings may point the
way- ultimately the recognition of the truth
of these teachings comes from one’s own
experiences.
Finally, based on our discussions, I better
understand how my reactivity in
relationships contributes to negative karma
and can hinder communication. Further what
it does is take a great strength-
sensitivity and awareness- and cause it to
become a weakness- which is sad and
unnecessary.
How Many Really Want Enlightenment?
I
believe that openness and sensitivity are
important to ones spiritual life. One cannot
say I will be enlightened...but live in a
million dollar home and not read the news
because it is too disturbing. One perhaps
can do this- but that this way of living and
spiritual state can coexist should not be
assumed priori.
The world is in a massive state of human
induced destruction. The words to describe
this pale in the face of the experience of
it While epochal destruction is not new to
the Earth- this period of destruction is
singular because of its sheer scale and
because it is preventable. Any spiritual
belief system that fails to fully integrate
this understanding into the core of its
belief systems is morally bankrupt. Nor is
it enough to speak of the transformative
effects of individual awakening.
My belief is that if one cannot experience,
for example, the suffering of a child dying
from drought in Africa as one might
experience the suffering of ones own child-
dissolving in effect all boundaries of self
and non-self...then one is not enlightened.
The hope then is not to become so immersed
in the suffering so as to become impotent,
but rather to act.
Spiritual
Hedonism
So many of my "friends" are involved in
spiritual pursuits. Pursuing the goal of
individual enlightenment. Practicing
nice deeds...Living as they do in nice
homes or apartments. Having enough food
in their belly...enough time to
contemplate the depths of Christian,
Buddhist, Shamanic...or whatever
teaching. Some have clients and make a
living in the spiritual nexus.
One would think with great spiritual
awareness comes great compassion...not
just for their clients...but for every
single human being. Not just
family...but the family they have but
don't know they have in some very poor
nation...a nation that can't protect
itself from the results of their
wealthy life style...climate change,
crushing poverty, gross exploitation.
even slavery. If not in some other
country- then perhaps in their own
country..the stranded traveler, the
sick, the young, those in need.
But no. Some shutoff the daily news- the
problems that face their communities and
global society- nothing they can do
except be "nice" and live their
definition of responsible living.
Wait..this can't be...how can one be so
aware and yet be so asleep. Are they
brainwashed?...Perhaps they believe
there is nothing they can do about the
world's problems...believing the Big
Lie. Perhaps they don't really
care...they have their own
problems..that is enough.
Well this is my message to them. Do not
deliver onto Caesar what is
Caesars...Caesar deserves nothing. If
you are spiritually awake...then you
cannot forget the rest of the world and
the challenges your brothers and sisters
face in every nation on Earth.
Focusing just on your individual
salvation or enlightenment will become
your own hell. You cannot abdicate your
responsibility. You and your wealthy
society have caused this mess the world
is now in... Love yourself...but you had
better understand...self love that
separates itself from the universe of
true love is really self hate..hating
that you are human.
The
Rainbow Gathering
I participated in a
Rainbow Gathering recently. My
impressions are mixed. The buzz word for
the gatherings is Welcome Home. But I
did not feel quite at home. I enjoyed
the sense of liberation and free
expression that I found. I enjoyed
listening to people of all ages speak of
what it means to be a rainbow warrior-
their high ideals, heart based insights
and genuine concern. I enjoyed the Om
circles, the drumming and the dancing.
But I did not like the incessant drug
use- whether marijuana, alcohol, tobacco
or hallucinogens. I didn't like being
constantly around the use or abuse of
these powerful plants. I didn't like the
damage to the land- with so many
converging on a relatively small area. I
didn't like the occasional vulgar
language and shouts. I couldn't fund
deep spiritual significance in any of
the ceremonies I was in. The partying
into all hours of the night, the free
sex...it didn't feel quite right. Too
many where there for just the fun-their
definition of fun. What if the
organizers banned all drugs and alcohol?
I wonder how many would show up? What if
there was a genuine emphasis on
sustainability and community? What if
the goal was not a community "buzz"
or high but genuine, enduring community?
The world is truly on the brink. Rainbow
Warriors are needed as healers and
teachers- not rabble rousers and fun
seekers. Yet despite this- the gathering
was still liberating- even if it was all
illusion- to break with the humdrum and
oppressive reality of daily life and
live in a way that seemed more free,
more honest and more human- in every
good and bad sense of that word. At
least most people said hello...and
seemed to mean it.
Ruth Denison
She understands- feels energetically-
with her heart- what I feel- complete
oneness with the universe- the
indivisibility of consciousness. In
this, she, like I, has at a deep level
dispensed with the notion of I. It is
not I that breaths- but the universe
that breaths in me. This means- among
many other things- that we can be in the
full realization of this state of
oneness wherever we are- looking at a
great mountain or in a dark prison cell.
Ruth is gifted with a deep connectedness
with spirit. She, like I, can have
conversations with angels- her heart is
open to all forms of spiritual
awareness- yet she understands, as I do-
that this is not as a form of blissful
escape- but as a form of heightened self
awareness. Indeed, an awareness of self,
is an awareness of the universe- there
is no difference.
This therefore is the essence of
mindfulness- an understanding of the
true nature of things. It us our false
understanding that produces unnecessary
suffering and a sense if separation. It
is this false understanding that is
driving this world and each one of us
to self destruction.
She anticipates being reborn again- with
part of her distilled essence following
her into the next lifetime. She
expressed this as an understanding- not
a teaching. I also believe this. But I
also know that consciousness and love is
never born and never dies. What I know
is already known- at best I am a vessel-
really another expression of what is. So
as much as there is impermanence- so
things are unchanging. Impermanence is a
source of suffering when we do not
experience what is unchanging- the
oneness and the great silence.
Our Times
The basis of Gandhi's
understanding is fundamentally spiritual
in nature. Oddly enough, as we have
evolved or devolved into societies that
substitute an understanding of truth and
our true nature with the empty pursuit
of material things, we threaten the very
existence of the system that embraces
this false reality. The end of this
system would not be tragic if it
occurred as a series of natural
transitions. Unfortunately, it's death
promises to cause much unnecessary
suffering. We are at an historic
juncture in the world's history, where
our very existence depends on spiritual
transformation. In this sense, this is
the most pivotal time in human history
to be alive- If we embrace this
understanding and learn how to practice
genuine compassion for all beings,
life. I do not believe their is one
necessary belief system- one philosophy
or teaching that magically will deliver
us. Rather the answers are within us if
we have the strength, courage and love
to acknowledge it.
Meanderings
What does it mean to
be aware? Fundamentally it is openness
to the truth. If you have false beliefs,
partial understanding- the only way to
obtain more complete understanding is to
be open to the possibility your
understanding is incomplete. Openness,
vulnerability, questioning- self doubt.
Again, the first step in a spiritual
path is the moment of eternal doubt- Who
am I? Why am I here? The mark of a
continuing path is continual
questioning. So awareness in its many
forms is not a final state- but an
evolving one- a perfect flow- changing-
yet unchanging- opening and closing-
tears and joy- no beginning and no end.
Education is like the planting of seeds.
On fertile ground arises great forests.
On barren ground- the seeds never take
root. Knowledge- in the worldly sense-
is always relative and related to
struggle and power. Purer forms of
knowledge may exhibit beauty, but the
ultimate forms of knowledge embrace the
great emptiness and are not expressible
by thought, mind or speech. No form of
knowledge nullifies the other- but
recognizing the distinctions cultivates
wisdom.
Many people seek
enlightenment. Yet the very seeking is a
path to non-enlightenment. If one seeks
then fundamentally one strives for what
they already have- but chooses to forget
the responsibility this entails.
Responsibility entails sacrifice.
Compassion is a word that everyone seems
to understand- but few truly embrace. Is
it because their understanding is
flawed? Not deep? What is missing then?
Part of what is missing is the failure
to recognize that there is no
distinction between self and non-self.
As soon as one is compassionate to some
beings- and not others- there is no
longer compassion. There can be no
fundamental distinction between you and
I- there is no Other.
The spiritual path is
not linear. There is no simple
transition from A to B to C...Rather the
path is progressive- it embodies
understanding at all levels
simultaneously. Yet I think when all the
words fade- there must be heart.
Defining "heart" is the most difficult.
Heart is the connecting link between
worlds. It is the soft leavening, the
dew drop, the softly falling rain drop-
the sun shading through the trees. it is
the simplicity and innocence of all from
which this physical world emanates from.
We can be reminded of this state in the
newborn child- the infinite potential-
the flow of the gentle creek, the dance
of the waterfalls- the chanting of Om.
Without this heart there is only ideas.
The ideas are interesting- elaborate-
instructive and informative- but they
shed little light. They are like the
outer layers of an apple- peel and
ultimately cut to the core- the core is
heart. Before heart- there is the
unmanifested potential. The great,
unbounded emptiness. everything and
nothing- beyond polarity. Then there is
love. Love is heart.
The universe in all of its forms is
simplicity. Endless recursion- yet its
essence it is nothing more than this
great simplicity. The rest will be
forgotten. Nothing comes into being and
nothing perishes. All is manifested at
once.
The
Marketplace
I want silence.
The din of the city electric
irritates my senses.
Chatter...endless chatter. Words
without meaning. Filling the space.
Grounded in fear. Difficult to look
beyond. Never answering the real
questions. Ebb and flow- generations
come and go. Overstimulation- the
next savior. The next big think. The
marketplace rules. Gadfly...cling to
whatever is not- oblivious to what
is.
Simplicity
Can't care
about what some people think.
Whatever you do try to do well,
in accord with what is right.
Always understand all facets of
a problem. Seek to harmoniously
blend elements, but not at the
cost of truth or integrity.
Simplicity arises from
complexity- from a deep
understanding of truth. Often
the most profound and powerful
realizations are the most
simple. The entire physical
universe is composed of a finite
and small number of elements and
energetic patterns. The simplest
of all is the notion of love.
I must
reject the laws, the beliefs-
that cause me to question my
desire to live. No matter how
seemingly pervasive- they are
nothing more than experiences
from a bad dream. They are not
real. Yet, they can be
dangerous.
So, faith is
important. Faith in the universe
and spirit...in the great
mystery that is ever present,
but not truly known by most.
Awareness
There are many
forms of awareness. Self
questioning is the beginning of
the spiritual path. Smugness is
anathema to the spiritual path.
The co-mixing of money and
spiritual practice is very
dangerous. Efforts to control or
restrict ones experiences
de-natures the spiritual path.
Personal growth and exploration
are a sine qua non of a
spiritual path. Heart is the
life blood. Without an open
heart, a spiritual path is dead.
Spiritual practice is not and
can never be practiced as a
technology.
There is only darkness. The ego
is poorly understood. The
primordial creative is the
substrate of spiritual movement,
The pursuit of the light is an
illusion and a form of ego
gratification.
There is no spirituality without
connection to all existence.
There is no spirituality without
a recognition of self. The two
are inseparable. Compassion is
an illusion- there is only love.
Words have weight, thought truth
is encompassed in simple
awareness. Words are traps. They
are not needed.
Questioning
It is true- most of our lives
are dominated by thought forms
that are nothing more than
byproducts of social
conditioning. To live
authentically is to question
"common sense" and to realize
most of what is common sense is
common nonsense.
The rights of the commons is
integral to the functioning of
healthy community. We don't need
a Nobel laureate to tell us
this.
The notion of infinite resources
driven by a technological
dystopia- collective nonsense.
We don't need a theologian to
tell us this.
I offer one bit of advice -
question everything. Only by
doing so does one become fully
human.
Lowell Greenberg |
This We Have
Now
This
we have now is not imagination.
This
is not grief of joy.
Not
a judging state, or an elation, or sadness
Those come and go.
This
is the presence that doesn't
It's
dawn, Husam, here in the splendor of coral, inside
the Friend, the simple truth of what Hallaj said.
What
else could human beings want?
When
grapes turn to wine, they're wanting this.
When
the nightsky pours by, it's really a crowd of
beggars, and they all want this!
This
that we are now created by the body, cell by cell
like bees building a honeycomb.
The
human body and the universe grew from this, not this
from the universe and the human body
-Rumi,
on Majesty- a composite intention felt as a
presence, dawn, a company of friends, a splendor
prior to, and the source of, the universe. Rumi says
it is a state of awareness best spoken of in terms
of what is not.
-from
The Essential Rumi, translations by Coleman Barks
with John Moyne.
"I do not believe in telling people of one's
faith, especially with a view to conversion.
Faith must be lived, and when it is, it becomes
self-propagating." -
Mohandas K. Gandhi
"While thinking about the future, and about tomorrow's livelihood,
if you don't let go of worldly affairs, if you don't practice the Way,
and if you pass your days and nights in vain, you'll regret it. You
should rouse your mind, and determine that even if there is no
livelihood for tomorrow, and you might freeze, or starve, or even die --
still today, you should hear the Way, and follows Buddha's intention. If
you do this you will certainly achieve practice of the Way."-
Dogan
"Not to borrow the strength of
another, nor to rely on one's own strength; to cut off past and future
thoughts, and not to live within the everyday mind...then the Great Way
is right before your eyes."-
Yamamoto
Tsunetomo;
Also: Hagakure: The
Book of the Samurai
I have stepped through the looking
glass- lost in a world where
magic is real, love everywhere and even pain is beautiful.
Once the stuff of dreams- barely glimpsed-it is now my only
reality. And as strange as it sounds, I mean every word I just
wrote. Which might make me insane- but comfortably so. -
Lowell Greenberg
If thou art great after having been of little account,
if thou art rich after having been poor, if thou art at
the head of thy city, put on one side that thou hast
reached the first rank. Harden not thy heart because of
thy elevation, for thou hast become the steward of God's
property. Put not at the back of thy head him who was
thy equal, but be a companion to him.
Command only in order to direct: if
thou art despotic, thou goest toward evil. Let thy
thoughts be neither haughty nor base.
Treat thy people as well as thou
canst: it is the mark of those favored by God.
Let the love thou feelest pass into
the heart of those whom thou lovest: cause all men to be
loving and obedient. from
"The Maxims of Ptah-hotep"
Edgar Allen Poe,
"A Dream Within a Dream"
"Take this kiss upon the
brow!
And, in parting from you now,
This much let me avow -
You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream;
Yet if hope has flown away
In a night, or in a day,
In a vision, or in none,
Is it therefore the less gone!
All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream.
I stand amid the roar
Of a surf-tormented shore,
And I hold within my hand
Grains of the golden sand -
How few! yet how they creep
Through my fingers to the deep,
While I weep - while I weep!
Oh God! can I not grasp
Then with a tighter clasp?
O God! can I not save
One from the pitiless wave?
Is all that we see or seem
But a dream within a dream?"
Life
& the Universal
"I know I am alive, for I feel exquisite pain and from this pain springs
love."
"The line between "subjective" reality (perhaps the only kind)
and chaos is the thinnest of lines. If the mind crosses over to chaos- how desperately it
tries to return and restore what once was- the illusion of control in a
"personal"
or should I say impersonal universe."
"Though I seem as if in a dark abyss, alone, yet I know you love me and
your hand guides my life in directions I can only dimly imagine."
"I am in this world, but not of this world."
"I
saw water- I saw how it pervades everything in
the universe- how hydrogen is the very stuff of
the universe- its most prevalent element and a
part of water. How our bodies are mostly water
and ultimately how holy water is- what it means
to life and spirit. I then thought of myself and
I thought of fire. I was told that
I am the fire- I am
fire. If I seek the water- I will achieve
happiness- life. "
Lowell Greenberg
"Do not seek death. Death will find you. But seek
the road which makes death a fulfillment." -
Dag Hammarskjold
"Everything is an instant- stillness... a rain drop falling
into a pond: expanding circles into nothingness- stillness."
"All to often we "glorify" great men and women,
making them seem almost not human- and thereby dehumanizing them. Is it not enough to be
human? What is the shame?"
"Being human is difficult. Becoming human is a
lifelong process. To be truly human is a gift."
-
Abraham Heschel
“Continue in the
direction of the Pyramids”, said the alchemist.
“And continue to pay heed to the omens. Your
heart is still capable of showing you where the
treasure is.”
“Is that the one thing I still need to know?”
“No”, the alchemist answered. “What you still
need to know is this: before a dream is
realized, the Soul of the World tests everything
that was learned along the way. It does this not
because it is evil, but so that we can, in
addition to realizing our dreams, master the
lessons we’ve learned as we’ve moved toward that
dream. That’s the point at which, as we say in
the language of the desert, one ‘dies of thirst
just when the palm trees have appeared on the
horizon.’
“Every search begins with beginner’s luck. And
every search ends with the victor’s being
severely tested.”-
Paul Coelho, The Alchemist: A Fable about
Following your Dreams
'I am the owner
of my actions (kamma),
heir to my actions,
born from my actions,
related through my actions,
and have my actions as my judge.
Whatever I do - for good or for evil - that I
will inherit...' -
From Anguttara Nikaya V.57 - Upajjhatthana Sutta
- Subjects for Contemplation
"In an inhuman-machine
world, those most human feel like machines, cut off
from the societal blood pulse and those most machine
like feel human- and accepted."
"The Universal, Loving Soul
manifests in all creation, its unfolding recorded
in The Book of Life. For a human being to believe that
he alone possesses this Soul, does nothing less than to cut
himself off from the eternal tree of life. This is a
great sin indeed."
Dying
Death- of life and suffering. Return to childhood perfection.
Memories and reflections of things past.
Going Home
Tearful, happy good-byes, comforting reunion with loved ones.
We die as we live- with courage, serenity and beauty, surrounded by love- alone yet
not alone.
Love Eternal
Life's symphony- a single, never ending movement. Reaching ever
closer to God.
Every remaining year a treasure.
Every month a gift divine.
Each week the grace of God.
Each day rejoicing in your presence.
Every hour, every minute and every second of your Earthly' breath- a solemn and joyous
reminder of my love for you- eternal.
Life
& the Universal
Also: The
Rainbow Bridge, On
Our Own Terms, and The
Ocean.
Resources
Aging
with Dignity
AirCraft
Casualty Emotional Support Services
American
Art Therapy Association
The
American Institute of Life-Threatening Diseases
American
Music Therapy Association
American
Society of Pastoral Counselors
Americans
for Better Care of the Dying
Camp
Hope
Camp in Wisconsin where children &
teenagers gather to work through
the grieving
process after a loved one dies.
"Children of Denial
- Recent Advances in End-of-Life Care Haven't Reached the Youngest
Patients," The Washington Post, June 20, 2001
The
Compassionate Friends
Grief support for the
death of a child.
Dying
Well
Grief Resources
GriefLink
GriefNet
Growth
House
An international gateway to resources
for life-threatening illness and end of life care.
Hospice Foundation of America
Journey
of Hearts
Last
Acts
A call-to-action campaign to improve care
at the end of life.
Literature,
Arts and Medicine
Database
"Meaning of Life and Meaning of Death in
Successful Aging," by Dr, Paul T.P. Wong.
Transplant for Life
Provides a system of communication
&
confirmation to clergy that increases organ
& tissue donor awareness in congregations
of
all faiths.
WidowNet
|
In this body, in this town of the Spirit, there is a little house shaped like a lotus and in that house there is a little space ... There is as much in that little space within the heart as there is in the whole world outside. Heaven, earth, fire, wind, sun, moon, lightning, stars; whatever is and whatever is not, everything is there ... What lies in that space does not decay when the body decays, nor does it fall when the body falls. That space is the home of the Spirit. Every desire is there. Self is there, beyond decay and death; sin and sorrow, hunger and thirst; His aim truth; His will truth.
From the Chandogya Upanishad Book VIII,
trans. Shree Purohit Swami and W.B. Yeats
from the book,
"The Ten Principal Upanishads."
The Upanishads are Vedanta, a book of knowledge in a higher degree even than the Vedas, but knowledge in the profounder Indian sense of the word, JnanaJnana. And because it is only by an integral knowing of the self that this kind of direct knowledge can be made complete, it was the self of the Vedantic sages sought to know, to live in and to be one with it by identity. And through this endeavor they came easily to see that the self in us is one with the Universal Self of all things and that this self again is the same as God and Brahman, a transcendent Being or Existence, and they beheld, felt, lived in the inmost truth of mans inner and outer existence by the light of this one and unifying vision. The Upanishads are epic hymns of self-knowledge and world-knowledge and God-knowledge.
Sri Aurobindo.1872-1950
"One of the key points in discovering drala
principle is realizing that your own wisdom
as a human being is not separate from the
power of things as they are. They are both
reflections of the unconditioned wisdom of
the cosmic mirror. Therefore there is no
fundamental separation or duality between
you and your world. When you can experience
those two things together, as one, so to
speak, then you have access to tremendous
vision and power in the world - you find
that they are inherently connected to your
own vision, you own being. This is
discovering magic. We are not talking here
about an intellectual revelation, we are
speaking of an actual experience. We are
talking about how we actually perceive
reality The discovery of drala may come as
an extraordinary smell, a fantastic sound, a
vivid color, an unnatural taste. Any
perception can connect us to reality
properly and fully. What we see doesn't have
to be pretty, particularly, we can
appreciate anything that exists. There is
some principle of magic in everything some
living, quality. Something living, something
real is taking place in everything."
From
"Shambhala, The Sacred Path of the Warrior,"
by Chogyam Trungpa, pp.163-164
"There is in each of us an ancient force that takes and ancient force that gives. A man finds little difficulty facing the place within himself where the taking force dwells, but it is almost impossible for him to see into the giving force without changing into something other than man. For woman, the situation is reversed...The greatest peril to the Giver is the force that takes. The greatest peril of the Taker is the force that gives. It is as easy to be overwhelmed by giving as by taking...I'm at the fulcrum...I cannot give without taking and I can not take without...[I have not seen the future], I have seen the Now."
Frank Herbert, "Dune" (The words of Paul-Muad'Dib after drinking the Water of Life and becoming the "Kwisatz Haderach"- the one who can be many places at once...both dead and alive...the Ultimate Servant, one who truly knows that "the universe is a coherent whole and you are indivisible from it."
"Too dull to think, people might read: too
tired to read, they might look at the moving
pictures: unable to visit the picture
theatre they might turn on the radio: in any
case, they might avoid the call to action:
surrogate lovers, surrogate heroes and
heroines, surrogate wealth filled their
debilitated and impoverished lives and
carried the perfume of unreality into their
dwellings. And as the machine itself became,
as it were, more active and human,
reproducing the organic properties of eye
and ear, the human beings who employed the
machine as a mode of escape have tended to
become more passive and mechanical. Unsure
of their own voices, unable to hold a tune,
they carry a phonograph or a radio set with
them even on a picnic: afraid to be alone
with their own thoughts, afraid to confront
the blankness and inertia of their own
minds, they turn on the radio and eat and
talk and sleep to the accompaniment of a
continuous stimulus from the outside world:
now a band, now a bit of propaganda, now a
piece of public gossip called news."-
Lewis Mumford
|
The
Ocean
"I heard a nice little story the other day," Morrie
says. He closes his eyes for a moment and I wait.
"Okay. The story is about a
little wave, bobbing along in the ocean, having a good old time.
He's enjoying the wind and the fresh air- until he notices the
other waves in front of him, crashing against the shore.
" 'My God, this is terrible,'
the wave says. 'Look what's going to happen to me!'
" 'Then along comes another
wave. It sees the first wave, looking grime and it says to him,
'Why, do you look so sad?'
"The first wave says, 'You don't understand! We're all going
to crash! All of us waves are going to be nothing! Isn't it
terrible?'
"The second wave says, 'No,
you don't understand. You're not a wave, you're part of the
ocean.' "
I smile. Morrie closes his eyes
again.
"Part of the ocean," he
says, "part of the ocean." I watch him breathe, in and
out, in and out.

-From the book, "Tuesdays
with Morrie," pp. 179-180, by Mitch Albom
|
|
|
|
Tears
I cannot easily find the words to express what I want to say.
What makes you cry? What inspires you to risk your life and well being for something other than yourself? Where do you experience your greatest joy? It is in these places that you may find your deepest self. Compassion is the ability to be open to the suffering and needs of others. If you experience anguish in attempting to answer these questions- then look at your anguish as a window into who you are.
Spirituality is not the province of organized religion, nor is the converse true. While there are religious people that are deeply spiritual, there are many that are not. Chris I believe understands that a large part of society's issues stem from a kind of spiritual death. Not a death that enobles , but one that degrades the essence of what it means to be human. So for him and me- the spiritual understanding is the animus for compassion and action. However imperfect we all are-past, present and future- this was as true for King, as Gandhi or the the disability rights activist I spoke to last night....
Hatred
Hatred only breeds more hatred and destroys the possibility for creative solutions.
One's views are often shaped by psychological factors that distort reality. Men of integrity can differ and those without integrity are often manipulated in ways that may or may not serve their short or long term interests. I believe that strength requires courage- the willingness to take risks-hard work, strategic thought and planning, instinct, integrity and compassion.
Compassionate communication is a conscious and courageous process- few are born with the understanding or skill to achieve genuine consensus. False coalitions based strictly on perceived self interest may no longer work in a world on the brink of destruction.
Dogma clouds thinking. Yet there is a need for adherence to principle. No intellectual construct can embody the flow of change. Fixed views are false, yet truth is not. The path to solutions is never clear, but it can become clearer if we embark on the path.
These are essentially ramblings, but they hint at a way of seeking truth that enlightens and may bring peace.
Transition
The basis of Gandhi's understanding is fundamentally spiritual in nature. Oddly enough, as we have evolved or devolved into societies that substitute an understanding of truth and our true nature with the empty pursuit of material things, we threaten the very existence of the system that embraces this false reality. The end of this system would not be tragic if it occurred as a series of natural transitions. Unfortunately, it's death promises to cause much unnecessary suffering. We are at an historic juncture in the world's history, where our very existence depends on spiritual transformation. In this sense, this is the most pivotal time in human history to be alive- If we embrace this understanding and learn how to practice genuine compassion for all beings, life. I do not believe their is one necessary belief system- one philosophy or teaching that magically will deliver us. Rather the answers are within us if we have the strength, courage and love to acknowledge it.
Non Violence
I think it is important to honor the practice of non-violence, while as individuals deeply searching our hearts and souls for whether we can fully accept it. If non-violence is to be an embodiment of love-then it must be seen less as a tactic then something that supersedes every cause-the thing in and of itself. These are not just words. They represent fundamental choices with consequences. When most people talk about this subject-it seems more like an intellectual exercise than a deeply held belief. The truth is , that by living in society as it exists today-by paying taxes, by going about our day to day lives, we assent to a system predicated on violence. Our very comfort-is a level of blindness that blots out he suffering caused by our collective actions. Choosing a path of non-violence is no easy thing. Gradual or partial acceptance of non-violence, is a luxury of the oppressor-not the oppressed.
One more thing on non-violence. At its essence, non-violence is rooted in a belief in the need for individual spiritual transformation. However, it does not stop at the notion that the world will be saved when everyone has evolved into their higher self. Rather, it seeks to bring the moral/spiritual force into the physical world by becoming a reminder- a source of discomfort perhaps- but most importantly a source of truth- in the belief that when men are obliged to face themselves and the implication of their own actions- they will endeavour to change. This belief, while some may feel is nothing more than a matter of faith- is rooted in an understanding of the essential nature of humanity and universal law. Perhaps it cannot be proven- and in a society deadened by materialism- it may seem useless.
I am not sure there is any moral principle- which if stretched to its limit holds completely true. In the personal examples you gave [defending an innocent child or animal], if I held to my principles- I would attempt to use non-violent means to stop the transgressions. If non-violence could not stop what was happening- then ideally I would use the minimum amount of force necessary to protect the innocent. There may be forms of individual self defense that are necessary and justified. There is also a component of educating the transgressor- not always practical in the moment- but still important.
Civil disobedience in my view applies more to mass social movements/change and raising consciousness.
If the goal is to end all forms of war- then any nation that uses military force perpetuates what they at least in most cases claim to want to end. The central question is the abolition of war. You are right- most nations predicate their foreign policy on the use of force and justify its use to serve their own ends.
Rather than asking whether North Korea is better off with nuclear weapons (which is absurd of course), one should ask how to create a world where North Korea no longer feels the need to protect itself with nuclear weapons.
I am somewhat familiar with Derek Jensen’s views on the use of violence. But I must say, that I would not, for example, wish to entrust Derek Jensen or Deep Green Resistance with decisions involving the use of violence. Also, Jensen does not espouse violence in all or most cases. He is understandably frustrated with the plethora of environmental groups that operate more as lobbying organizations than grassroots agents of change.
As far as opposing NDAA- I am far from alone on this. The provisions added to the bill were borne from fear- whether it is fear from international or domestic terrorists. Fear breeds more fear. In fact, the NDAA provisions violate the US Constitution and lay bare the fiction of an endless war against loosely specified forces. By weakening our liberties- these laws weaken our moral force and our democracy- as well as compromising our foreign policy. The sad thing is that my views- shared by more than a few- are hardly controversial- but have only become so in our poisoned political environment- predicated as it is on fear.
The Pearly Gates and The Candidates for President
One day all the men running for President will return to their maker. After they die their life will flash before them. They will have the chance to recollect and reflect on what they learned from their life time on Earth. When they are done, they will stand before God. Then they will be asked questions. It will begin like this:
On Earth, you had great power. Did you use it to feed the hungry? Were you a peacemaker? Did you start or end wars? What did you do to stop the eco-holocaust that has killed so much of what I love and that defines what it means to be human? When the world was on the brink of nuclear destruction, what did you do to bring peace? Did you stand up to the forces of oppression?When children were hungry, did you lose sleep? What dominated your thoughts? What kept you awake at night?
Did you live your life with humility? Did you protect those who sacrificed to bring truth into the world? Were you loving to your family and community? Did you love all beings- or only those that were like you?
And when these men answer from the depths of their soul- lies and prevarication are no longer possible- they will need to answer No to all of these questions.Some will then proclaim...but we are imperfect. The God will ask- yes- but did you know? Did you know that you persecuted the weak and exercised and sought power without conscience or remorse? They will answer- Yes- we knew. Then they will say- but we seek your forgiveness. God will then say- as you forgave, so will you he forgiven. They will then will ask- where will go? Will we go to heaven? And God will say- what do you think (God has a sense of humor)? Again they will ask- will we return to Earth? God will then say- you will return to where you can do the most good- neither heaven or Earth. Then where? Then God will say- you know where...you know.
In writing this I challenge the world's spiritual gurus that argue that salvation is for the individual, that life on Earth's value is a gristmill for human learning. I challenge the notion that we are not responsible for our acts. That God's grace saves those who repent and seek forgiveness. Hell maybe self created- but it is no less painful. Money, power, security have nothing to do with the purpose of human existence. These men are profound losers- having lost their souls to pursue the illusion of permanent power. The smallest blade of grass is more. Yet we all must all ask these questions- while we are here. Not just to prepare our souls for return, but because they define precisely why we are here.Who Am I
Finally, I aware that the first two paragraphs of what I wrote seemed to clash with the last two. However, in this plane we dance with eternity on both the spiritual and physical levels. How we act- what we do- cannot be divorced from our spiritual understanding. Action is always messy. Karma is always brought into being. Greater awareness can increase the sensitivity to karmic forces and perhaps bring greater peace and balance. However, we learn from doing and being open. Spirituality without tears is impossible.
Seeking Love
When seeking love, we sometimes act as if we are searching for a reflection of ourselves- like Narcissus of Greek mythology- becoming then trapped- and not leaving ourselves- we die inside and alone. Not physical death- but a frigid isolation- a kind of purgatory.
Greatness- in human beings- is not because of our perfection-but rather our imperfection. It is from this that the Gods and fate weave our stories- and make us divine.
There is only one thing I fundamentally seek to develop in myself- the capacity to love- truly love. And I realize the need to develop this in myself- is the only thing that stands in the way of my receiving this from another....