Talks about the loved ones who have passed away and still having them at family gatherings.Talks about the loved ones who have passed away and still having them at family... more
The Body Politic has a Psyche, It Must be Healed; a Former Nun, a UN Special Rapporteur & a Yogini Show How
The Tibetans chop up their dead and feed them to the vultures in the high places. The vultures feast, and then soar far into the limitless sky, until they disappear into the clouds. It is called "sky burial."
The wings of the vulture are profoundly symbolic. One wing represents emptiness, and the other wing, compassion. A bird cannot fly without both of its wings. Compassion keeps emptiness honest, emptiness keeps compassion balanced.
This is how the mystic lives in the world.
Occasionally, someone from one dimension of my life or another will remark, "I didn't know you were so political," or ask "When did you become so political?"
The truth is that I am not political at all.
Oh, I understand that world. I even have an aptitude for the horseracing/handicapping aspect of it (I am Irish, after all). Yes, I could have followed that trail.
In my youth, I was passionately involved in Democratic Party reform politics in New York, and worked closely with people who went to either the White House or the Cabinet, some under Carter and others under Clinton.
But I took a different trail, and if humanity and the Earth had not been so poorly served by the leaders of business, government and religion over the last twenty years, no one beyond my immediate circle of personal friends would know my political views.
(click on the link for the full essay)Image: Frida Kahlo, Love Embrace of the Universe... more
To, United State News Media and Democracy
SECRETARY CLINTON, US Senator and House Member .
Secretary Michael Posner, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, (DHS) (IRFA), the United States Department of State. ACLU, United Nation, Government of Israel, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA)
Requests !
Request for safety and security and work for people like us who are American Citizen and living in fear because of our religious belief. We believe Human Faith is a religious of God (Rab) of humanity (Rabi). The definition of humanity (Rabi) in our faith is the quality of being humane and respectful for life. The Divine Affirmations of human faith are the commandment of God (Rab) of Humanity (Rabi). The crime against the Divine laws is blasphemy and great disrespect for our God (Rab) of humanity (Rabi). We would like to request for the department of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Federal, City, FBI, CIA to provide safety and security and a safe environment for us, so we can live and work peacefully .
We are afraid to travel to India, Pakistan and Middle East because of our faith and would like to request Government of India and Government of Pakistan for Religious Freedom for people like us who have Human faith in which being a human is wisdom of God (Rab) who created us. Soon we are planning to go to India and would like to request from the Government of Gujarat, India For Religious Freedom and safety.
Sincerely,
Ajmal Mehdi
Nirali J Shah
Laila Mehdi
Adam MehdiTo, United State News Media and Democracy
SECRETARY CLINTON, US Senator and House... more
I Am My Beloved's: Jewish-American Couples Talk About Their Marriages is a work in progress that aspires to become a collection of 30 interviews of Jewish North American couples who discuss, intimately and honestly, their relationships, their spirituality, and how the two intersect. Their voices are poignant, sometimes humorous, often profound. These couples reflect both the diversity and the unity of the American Jewish community, and mirror contemporary American society as a whole: observant and secular, gay and straight, able-bodied and disabled, urban and rural, young and old. http://sites.google.com/site/belovedbook/homeI Am My Beloved's: Jewish-American Couples Talk About Their Marriages is a work in... more
Most of us, especially those of us untrained in the medical or healing sciences have a very superficial understanding of the process of healing. Mostly our understanding of the process is limited to the alleviation of the symptoms of our illness. Yet this alleviation of symptoms could be the result of a wide spectrum of events. It can mean anthing from mere masking up of the illness to the eradication of the disease from its very root.
If you were facing a choice of alternative healing therapies, how would you go about deciding which therapy to take?
With all of this talk about Atheism and Christianity, I thought it only fair to describe what I and some others believe in. For me, a once Evangelical Lutheran who attended church, sang in a choir as a soloist, and even at twelve years old thought of going to Seminary to become a minister because I was so blown away by the teachings and knowledge of Jesus Christ, it took quite a revelation for me to then understand "organized religion" and the subjugation of the mind and spirit it brings as I grew older. Through the years since I was a young girl, I have seen how religion can constrict the mind to the will of many for their own ends and actually put up barriers between the believer and their relationship with Christ. So, eventually I found a far more enlightening way to seek a closer relationship to the Christ without all of the middlemen driving fear and dogma into my heart and mind. I turned to Gnosticism, which I believe allows a greater freedom of heart, mind, and spirit.
To some however, the ancient beliefs of Gnostics will sound like something out a science fiction novel, but when you put it into perspective of how society works, it does on some level make sense. Gnostics believe that this material world we live in is an evil diversion set upon us by the Demiurge, or false god. In this material world we live in there are Aeons, or 'angels' (Jesus /Christ and Sophia being the first) who were non material spirits sent to lead us to gnosis, or knowledge of the divine light within all of us. In other words, to enlighten us to the fact that we are not shaped by the material world, but transcend it. Archons are seen as the 'demons' who are the gatekeepers of the material world we live in that provide the distractions to us attaining the knowledge to ascend back to the Pleroma, or universal God and who do all in their power to make this world a place that is opposite of what it should be. As I stated, equate that to the actual way our society works, and it does make some sense, though I myself do not use those terms in my daily life. However, analogies can be made.
In some extreme sects of Gnostics it was even believed that the human body in and of itself was an evil distraction and trap to the light within us devised to enslave the soul and true light. That for me is still debatable as I believe humans are divine as was Christ. It is believed that the only way to reach ‘gnosis’ or knowing is through inner reflection and through looking beyond the material distractions of the Demiurge. Gnostics in some sects were also known to be ascetic, though there is mention of the "Bridal Chamber" in the joining of man and woman, though not much if anything is known specifically of the ritual. It is believed by some as well that spiritual transcendence and seeing the light are reached through the joining of man and woman spiritually through the physical. Personally, I am more in favor of that latter ritual myself ;-).
continued.With all of this talk about Atheism and Christianity, I thought it only fair to... more
Only Spirituality can provide a holistic outlook towards understanding and tackling global climate change
There is a vast difference between the discussions on climate change that are taking place nowadays in advance of the Copenhagen climate summit and those that used to take place a few years ago, when many were still unwilling to admit that – global climate is undergoing unprecedented change. Yet, most of the discussions on climate change and the recent rise in natural disasters still miss something of key importance to the debate and to the ultimate solution for stabilizing the world’s climate – and that is the role of spiritual factors in causing the present state.
I don't believe in religion, I don't believe in God, and I most certainly don't believe in miracles. That being said, despite my disbelief in deity, it is not uncommon for people to be perplexed as to why I still don't believe in their personal "miracles". Here are five reasons to best explain why I don't believe in the miraculous (being defined as "a marvelous event manifesting a supernatural act of a divine agent").
Reason 1: Lack of proof
Theists often say that they have proof of miracles in the bible. What they do not realize is that their holy books prove nothing. The miracles of Moses, Jonah, and Jesus have no more physical proof behind them than the fairy tale "jack and the beanstalk". If you believe that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, you can only do so by faith, there is no way to prove that that event ever occurred. Some people respond to this with the notion that we need to take the writers word for it. Although it is true that we rely on the method of "taking their word for it" when recording historic texts, it's important to note that I hold those other texts up to the same level of scrutiny. I take peoples word on the documentation of napoleons journey, but if I read that napoleon raised someone from the dead, or turned water into wine, I would be very skeptical.
"It is perfectly possible for a man to be out of prison, and yet not free — to be under no physical constraint and yet to be a psychological captive, compelled to think, feel and act as the representatives of the national state, or of some private interest within the nation, wants him to think, feel and act. The nature of psychological compulsion is such that those who act under constraint remain under the impression that they are acting on their own initiative. The victim of mind-manipulation does not know that he is a victim. To him the walls of his prison are invisible, and he believes himself to be free. That he is not free is apparent only to other people. His servitude is strictly objective."
Aldous Huxley via dmitridb:
The most terrifying fact about the universe is not that it is hostile but that it is indifferent. But if we can come to terms with this indifference, then our existence as a species can have genuine meaning. However vast the darkness, we must supply our own light.
Stanley Kubrick via Athila
THERE IS MUCH HERE-"It is perfectly possible for a man to be out of prison, and yet not free — to be... more
This is my third entry for the Current Green Blog as a guest poster, and covers biodynamics. This is the way to farm for optimal soil, food, and spiritual health.This is my third entry for the Current Green Blog as a guest poster, and covers... more
When the experience of spiritual illumination reduces itself into the corridors of expression, its narrowness defines the parameters of its inaccuracy. The multitudes are the mask of subjectivity, the expression of which forever confines meaning to the boundaries that describe it, deceiving the reader to the extent that she clings to its divergent forms, while forgetting its unified content. It is for this reason, the words that stream in to the mind, one after next, to illuminate the splendor of the limitless light, are forgotten beneath the currents of time, flowing into the endless ocean. Each distinction, a dissolving grain of salt in the Great Sea. ~ AsaMusic and Art inspired by the solfeggio.
When the experience of spiritual... more
This is the weekly feature of the Sustainable Agriculture Group when we take a few moments to reconnect with our Earth and reflect on nature and all she gives us. Today the focus is on the most important element on Earth that without it, seeds would not grow. Water. Water nourishes the seeds and shares with them the life that then flows through us. Without it agriculture would disappear and so would we. So as you watch this, think of how much water is a part of our lives and give thanks for its grace, beauty, power, life, and energy.This is the weekly feature of the Sustainable Agriculture Group when we take a few... more
I was initially overwhelmed … taken aback by a love that seemed so unreal. Was this the blessing I had patiently been waiting for? Was she the final stop on a long and arduous relationship journey? I think so … no scratch that, I know so.I was initially overwhelmed … taken aback by a love that seemed so unreal. Was this... more
Alan Moore launches his bi-monthly magazine Dodgem Logic in November, featuring articles and artwork by himself and various other contributors.Alan Moore launches his bi-monthly magazine Dodgem Logic in November, featuring... more
Life and the lessons it teaches are both truly amazing, as long as it is without having others intentionally out to teach "their" lessons. It is Life, itself that teaches the necessary lessons, usually in the most trying of times. But, It is the severity of the circumstances surrounding a lesson that allows understanding. Not only just the realization of said lesson, or understanding as to why, but also the knowledge it contains, which is found on a multitude of levels. Events occur the way that Life needs them to, and seeking an understanding will just cause more issues to arise. Understanding comes when an individual is ready for it, and not when one is seeking it. Life will provide the answers in ways that are unfamiliar, but when the time comes for an individual, they will immediately understand the lesson.
Without the severity of the circumstances that Life places around it's lesson, understanding would not be attainable. This is why it is not for individuals to commit acts of revenge, or to intentionally interfere with others lives. Everyone is on their own path, and to intentionally cause others to encounter or experience suffering is in itself an act of evil, Life is too short and complex to intentionally be adding more suffering, and by doing so is the work of evil. Good does not intentionally cause issues or pain, no matter what. The influence of evil must be overcome within ourselves, as change comes from within. The battles between Good and Evil are only found within each of us, and can be seen on a larger scale, as it is the balance between the two that creates what we see in society as a whole.
We can only change ourselves, and to engage in activities that aim at influencing others to be more like "us", is, in actuality, the unwillingness to accept differences in others. This could result in conflict, as it could be seen as "right vs. wrong" "more right than you" or an inflated ego. Judging others' morality based on being gay or having a different belief system, is also the unwillingness to accept differences that surround us. Justifying oneself or seeking validation would be just as sinful as that is someone who murders, Those that believe that they are more important or better than others, or believe that they are "Right" and others are "Wrong" or to trying to make others have the same view, irregardless of what strategy is being utilized for said purposes, are all ways that demonstrate the unwillingness to accept differences.
It is the failure to cherish the differences in others that causes the amount of suffering that we see in our world. And only by changing our individual ways of thinking will we be able to overcome suffering. Cherish all life, not just the people, but all of Life's creatures. Realize that universal knowledge is too vast and is composed of all things. Failure to do so will ultimately have the consequence of causing the fall of civilization as we know it. As it will be our differences that not only saves us, but allows all of us to become fully aware of how amazing life truly is.
---AnonymousLife and the lessons it teaches are both truly amazing, as long as it is without... more
Is it possible to be 'all-knowing' and 'all-powerful' provided that what one means by these terms is that god knows all that can be known and can do all that can be done?
"Can ominscient god who,
Knows the future find,
The ominpotence to
Change his future mind?"Is it possible to be 'all-knowing' and 'all-powerful' provided that what one means by... more
So the title of this post is a bit grandiose, but we're talking about climate change here today, because it's Blog Action Day 2009. Think thousands of bloggers sitting in front of their computers can't change the world? Well.... you're probably right — but! That won't stop us from trying. My goal here today is not to convince you climate change is real and caused by human activity (it is), or to lecture you about the evils of modern consumer-based society and why a market system based on consumption will never, truly actively support a reduce-reuse-recycle model (it won't). My goal here today, friends, is to give you an excuse.
Actually, seven. Seven excuses, seven reasons to give up meat, to go vegetarian; seven excuses to save the world. You see, according to current studies on global warming and its major contributors, one of the most effective and easiest ways for ordinary individuals to fight global warming and help the environment is to reduce their consumption of animal products. Steve Pavlina notes in an article earlier this year:
"A 2006 United Nations report found that the meat industry produces more greenhouse gases than all the SUVs, cars, trucks, planes, and ships in the world combined. [...] In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, eating one pound of meat is equivalent to driving an SUV 40 miles."
Reducing our reliance on and support of the environmentally-devastating meat industry by cutting meat and dairy out of our diets has more impact than switching to that hybrid car or buying those energy-efficient light bulbs. Eating a vegetarian or vegan diet, especially one of mostly locally-grown organic foods, might just be the single best thing you can do to help restore the natural ecosystems of this planet, ecosystems human life evolved within and on which we depend for our future survival. And you can make the change immediately, starting today, at your very next meal. That's your first excuse.
But if that's not enough, I have six more. Vegetarianism isn't just about the environment, though that is an essential pillar in support of this lifestyle. At every level of our personal and social existence, we find compelling reasons why a vegetarian diet is not only a good idea, but a deeply meaningful choice to live with respect and gratitude as part of the natural world. The seven pillars that support this view are: biological, historical, environmental, political, ethical, psychological and spiritual. And each pillar has tied to it a strawman argument against the vegetarian diet, set up like a scarecrow to frighten people away from examining their choices too carefully. Well, consider this post a kind of Bad Wolf essay, panting and prowling through the temple, ready to blow those strawmen down.
...Follow the link to Meadowsweet & Myrrh to read more!So the title of this post is a bit grandiose, but we're talking about climate change... more
