A friend posed this question to me after reading the essay titled "Where Non-Aborting Contraceptives Make Sense" (I rearranged his actual words) - "Isn't the rhythm method (a Catholic approved birth control method) essentially a way of preventing conception and an affront to the sovereignty of God?"
This is a very important question to address if we are to be complete in our reflection on the act and goal of preventing pregnancy (birth control) regardless of the method or device employed to achieve this desired endpoint.
This was my response - "I myself asked the same question you are asking at some point in my life. If I were to give the Pope and the College of Cardinals the benefit of the doubt, I would say that they were acquiescing to the 'hardness of the heart' of the flock concerning birth control. We can see another example of this type of acquiescing in the example cited by Jesus when He was questioned by Pharisees as to why divorce was allowed in the Law under Moses and He replied 'Because of your hardness of heart, Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way...' (Matthew 19:8).
I believe that from the beginning, it was God's design and intention for creation to take part in the act of creation. However, let us keep in mind that although our act (not necessarily a choice made by the soul) of having sexual intercourse is the first step in the complex process of creating another human body, it is a but a small initial step and not the deciding factor. It is still God who makes the rest of the remaining elements of the entire process take place or not. By the remaining elements, we are talking about the fertilization of the egg by one single sperm, the subsequent initial division of this fertilized egg into two cells and the continuing division of cells into the millions of cells that build a viable human being. It is also God who binds a soul with the fertilized egg at the very moment of conception thereby creating a body-soul entity.
With this picture of the process in mind, we can see that it is all God's process beginning with the moment just after the sex act itself. Any choice by the mind (due to human programming) or, worse, a willful choice by the soul (reflecting a desire to be God) to avoid pregnancy through the use of some device or method is, plain and simple, an act that is not in alignment with the "intentions" of God.
This is the unavoidable conclusion that any person (who looks at this truthfully from this perspective) would reasonably arrive at. I am very much culpable of this transgression. How do I find my peace despite my "choosing" acts that are not in alignment with the intentions of God? I do so by focusing on the incremental successes I have managed to achieve in my continuous striving to overcome my human nature in this regard (and in all other regards). Additionally, I find my peace through my earnest efforts in applying the following principle in my daily living - in all activities and matters of choice, strive to do all things with great love (a teaching of Mother Teresa).
~~~~~
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wrinkles
If the eyes are the window to the soul, then wrinkles (facial wrinkles in particular) are the face of the soul.
~~~~~
~~~~~
Ethics
Ethics is (in essence) the principles and guidelines (not laws) by which society determines and defines what would constitutes an ethical act. In my view, I would classify as ethical any act that brings about the harmony between body, mind, and soul. It is what we actually refer to by the phrase "do the right thing". When the mind chooses to do "ethical" things, it brings itself into alignment with the nature of the soul that it is in union with...and that nature is none other than true love.
When the body and mind acts in alignment with the nature of the soul, then there exists (what I like to term) body-soul harmony. Whenever a body-soul entity is in a peaceful state of harmony, it emits an energy that reaches out to and influences other body-soul entities within its presence to be in peaceful harmony as well. The collective effect of these peaceful state is an "Utopian" society where all mankind can realize a truly uplifting co-existence.
Ethics is an area of discipline that promotes the flow of true love from one soul to another.
~~~~~
When the body and mind acts in alignment with the nature of the soul, then there exists (what I like to term) body-soul harmony. Whenever a body-soul entity is in a peaceful state of harmony, it emits an energy that reaches out to and influences other body-soul entities within its presence to be in peaceful harmony as well. The collective effect of these peaceful state is an "Utopian" society where all mankind can realize a truly uplifting co-existence.
Ethics is an area of discipline that promotes the flow of true love from one soul to another.
~~~~~
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Where Non-Aborting Contraceptives Make Sense
Today, I came across a news article from the AP on the number of abortions performed in China. According to the report "...about 13 million surgical abortions are performed in Chinese hospitals and 10 million abortion pills are sold every year..." I feel sick to my stomach when I visualize this and am moved to make a statement of belief here.
Each abortion is a sad and tragic enough reality in the modern world. To hear of about 23 million of these each year in one country alone is a staggering amount of assaults on the soul that should be a call to action to all those who are able to recognize the significance of each abortion.
In a country and culture where religion and spiritual teachings are (for the most part) unheard of, limited, controlled and censored, Christians (who feel a call to action to help drastically reduce this tragic statistic) need to open their minds to a different approach other than simply championing the merits of sexual abstinence (which would be meaningless and incomprehensible to a people that is unaware of the concepts of Christian spirituality).
As I follower of Christ, I completely see and understand the truth and merits behind the position (of the Pope, for example) against the use of any artificial contraception to prevent birth. However, I feel that we can still find peace within ourselves in advocating the use of certain forms of contraception that do not actually kill a body-soul entity. By this I mean those forms of contraceptives that prevent the sperm and egg from joining with each other (conception or fertilization) such as condoms, spermicidal creams/gels and the birth-control pill. It is only when the sperm penetrates the egg that a human being (body-soul entity) is formed. Prevent this and you prevent any possible subsequent act of abortion. I like to refer to such contraceptives as "non-aborting contraceptives".
Examples of "contraceptives" that actually abort are the IUD (prevents the body-soul entity from implantation unto the uterus) and abortifacients (substances that induce abortion like, for example, the morning-after pill). These ones I would never advocate anyone to use since these are acts of abortion themselves (however indirect they may be).
For the time being (until such time when there is a higher level of spiritual awareness among the people of China), let us seriously consider the advocating of the use of non-aborting contraceptives as part of our overall strategy and arsenal towards our PEACEFUL campaign of preventing this assault on the soul.
~~~~~
Each abortion is a sad and tragic enough reality in the modern world. To hear of about 23 million of these each year in one country alone is a staggering amount of assaults on the soul that should be a call to action to all those who are able to recognize the significance of each abortion.
In a country and culture where religion and spiritual teachings are (for the most part) unheard of, limited, controlled and censored, Christians (who feel a call to action to help drastically reduce this tragic statistic) need to open their minds to a different approach other than simply championing the merits of sexual abstinence (which would be meaningless and incomprehensible to a people that is unaware of the concepts of Christian spirituality).
As I follower of Christ, I completely see and understand the truth and merits behind the position (of the Pope, for example) against the use of any artificial contraception to prevent birth. However, I feel that we can still find peace within ourselves in advocating the use of certain forms of contraception that do not actually kill a body-soul entity. By this I mean those forms of contraceptives that prevent the sperm and egg from joining with each other (conception or fertilization) such as condoms, spermicidal creams/gels and the birth-control pill. It is only when the sperm penetrates the egg that a human being (body-soul entity) is formed. Prevent this and you prevent any possible subsequent act of abortion. I like to refer to such contraceptives as "non-aborting contraceptives".
Examples of "contraceptives" that actually abort are the IUD (prevents the body-soul entity from implantation unto the uterus) and abortifacients (substances that induce abortion like, for example, the morning-after pill). These ones I would never advocate anyone to use since these are acts of abortion themselves (however indirect they may be).
For the time being (until such time when there is a higher level of spiritual awareness among the people of China), let us seriously consider the advocating of the use of non-aborting contraceptives as part of our overall strategy and arsenal towards our PEACEFUL campaign of preventing this assault on the soul.
~~~~~
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
All I Need to Know
When I was a young man (currently I am merely young at heart...hahaha), I very much needed to know what God's (long-term) plan for my life was. I thought it was a fair trade...I offer my entire life and whole being to His service and He, in return, gives me a clear plan and purpose to follow.
Alas, it does not quite work that way and I was foolish to set conditions upon the Lord (I express this sentiment with a smile). I eventually grew wiser and now I am at peace with simply being told what my current assignment and task is for the moment. That is all I really need to know. This is very much in alignment with the concept (and wisdom) of living the moment and not having anxiety over the future.
~~~~~
Alas, it does not quite work that way and I was foolish to set conditions upon the Lord (I express this sentiment with a smile). I eventually grew wiser and now I am at peace with simply being told what my current assignment and task is for the moment. That is all I really need to know. This is very much in alignment with the concept (and wisdom) of living the moment and not having anxiety over the future.
~~~~~
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
The Spirit of God
The development of the connection between the mind and the soul is a gradual undertaking that (through earnest seeking) slowly materializes during one's lifetime. Even though our souls might have the ability (from God) to give our minds the strength, power and wisdom to overcome the challenges it faces in this existence, our minds are not always readily able to effectively tap into this source.
And so, during moments in our lives when we are faced with daunting challenges that overwhelm us and fill us with fear and a sense of utter helplessness, our inability to readily tap into the power within our soul leaves us feeling desperate and needing some ready resource to tap into.
Be glad and rejoice during such moments of desperation because there is a spiritual resource that is readily available to us (during these times of helplessness) that we can petition to come into our being and give us the momentary strength, power and wisdom that we need to overcome the challenge at hand. That resource is the Spirit of God. Jesus had a name for this Spirit...He referred to it as the Holy Spirit.
We can petition God to send His Holy Spirit to help us when we are overwhelmed and feeling down and out. As Jesus taught us, "ask and you shall receive". If there is any area of petitioning where this teaching aptly applies, it is in the asking for the Spirit of God. In doing so, the Spirit of God will come into our being side-by-side with our soul and give us the boost we need to get back up on our own and move forward with our journey in life.
~~~~~
And so, during moments in our lives when we are faced with daunting challenges that overwhelm us and fill us with fear and a sense of utter helplessness, our inability to readily tap into the power within our soul leaves us feeling desperate and needing some ready resource to tap into.
Be glad and rejoice during such moments of desperation because there is a spiritual resource that is readily available to us (during these times of helplessness) that we can petition to come into our being and give us the momentary strength, power and wisdom that we need to overcome the challenge at hand. That resource is the Spirit of God. Jesus had a name for this Spirit...He referred to it as the Holy Spirit.
We can petition God to send His Holy Spirit to help us when we are overwhelmed and feeling down and out. As Jesus taught us, "ask and you shall receive". If there is any area of petitioning where this teaching aptly applies, it is in the asking for the Spirit of God. In doing so, the Spirit of God will come into our being side-by-side with our soul and give us the boost we need to get back up on our own and move forward with our journey in life.
~~~~~
Monday, July 27, 2009
Forgiveness and Tolerance
When I am dealing with another human being (be it face-to-face or electronic), I have to assess whether I am dealing with that person's human programming or an activity of their soul. Likewise, I have to look at my own response to this person and make the same assessment.
By recognizing that all the perceived irritating, ugly and dark aspects of a person's personality, attitude and behavior is most likely a manifestation of their human programming (programming which I have in common), I am more likely to eventually be more understanding, forgiving and tolerant about it. By recognizing the likelihood of my own flawed perception (an aspect of the dark side of my human programming), I am more likely to have success in counteracting the negative effects of this attribute (this is easier said than done of course).
For if there is evil in the world, I do not have the ability to see or recognize it in the soul of another human being...it is not my business to do so anyway...that is the business of God and God alone. My business is to focus on the activities of my soul and to make sure it is taking a more and more prominent role over the activities of my mind and body so that I am increasingly doing more things with great love.
Always keep in mind that it is in forgiving that we ourselves are forgiven. This is what we petition for when we recite the 'Our Father" - "forgive us...AS WE forgive..." In other words, we are asking that we be forgiven in the exact same degree that we forgive others. Quite a scary petition if you stop and think about it, huh?
So there it is, even for those who do not subscribe to the teachings of Jesus...as long as you can forgive anything, you will be forgiven (by God) of anything (except the choice by the soul to be God). Alleluia!
~~~~~
By recognizing that all the perceived irritating, ugly and dark aspects of a person's personality, attitude and behavior is most likely a manifestation of their human programming (programming which I have in common), I am more likely to eventually be more understanding, forgiving and tolerant about it. By recognizing the likelihood of my own flawed perception (an aspect of the dark side of my human programming), I am more likely to have success in counteracting the negative effects of this attribute (this is easier said than done of course).
For if there is evil in the world, I do not have the ability to see or recognize it in the soul of another human being...it is not my business to do so anyway...that is the business of God and God alone. My business is to focus on the activities of my soul and to make sure it is taking a more and more prominent role over the activities of my mind and body so that I am increasingly doing more things with great love.
Always keep in mind that it is in forgiving that we ourselves are forgiven. This is what we petition for when we recite the 'Our Father" - "forgive us...AS WE forgive..." In other words, we are asking that we be forgiven in the exact same degree that we forgive others. Quite a scary petition if you stop and think about it, huh?
So there it is, even for those who do not subscribe to the teachings of Jesus...as long as you can forgive anything, you will be forgiven (by God) of anything (except the choice by the soul to be God). Alleluia!
~~~~~
HP over HP
Some aspects of human programming such a fear and greed may get you to overcome other aspects of human programming but these acts of overcoming have no meaning since these are absent of the exercise of free will...these are still robotic acts.
When true love from the soul overcomes human programming, then there is meaning to the act of overcoming since a free will choice is made in such acts.
~~~~~
When true love from the soul overcomes human programming, then there is meaning to the act of overcoming since a free will choice is made in such acts.
~~~~~
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Salvation and Hell
There is a fundamental teaching that has been passed down through the centuries from the inception of the Church that I have always struggled with (and felt a great disturbance within me) even as I earnestly tried to embrace it during my youth. It is a teaching that many Christians are taught to believe and even crusade and evangelize on. The teaching goes something like this – Unless a person accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they will not be saved and they will burn in the fires of hell for all eternity. This supposedly applies even to those who have never ever heard of Jesus.
If I search my soul, I know that Love does not condemn a being for all eternity without that being having full awareness and understanding of whatever it is that it is being condemned for. I offer for your reflection here the truth (as I believe it to be so) that my years of earnest seeking have led me to.
When a soul exercises its free will in making a choice to be in union with God, it does so completely within the spiritual domain. The human mind does not even need to sense (much less control) how this connection and union comes about for it to occur. The mind can be completely unaware that this connection and union with God is being realized by the soul at the moment that it is happening. Eventually, the mind (through its connection with the soul) will perceive the serenity that this union brings and even reflect it in its activities.
Before the sacrificial and redemptive death of Jesus on the cross, a gap existed (created by the supreme choice of the first man to be God) between the soul and God which separated the two spiritual entities and which could not be bridged by anything else apart from that redeeming act. During this time, souls that chose to be in union with God could not cross this spiritual gap and were left in limbo waiting for the gap to be bridged.
With the redemption of mankind (paid for in full by the blood of the lamb) from the bondage of the supreme choice of the first man, this gap between God and souls was bridged and since that moment, all souls in limbo and all souls thereafter who make the supreme choice to be with God are able to fulfill that choice. In other words, ALL souls get to cross this spiritual bridge (which we can visualize as Jesus Himself) without conditions. All that is needed is the supreme choice to be in union with God.
This is all going on in the spiritual realm with no regard to what is going on in the physical realm, the realm where the mind exists and operates. The implications of that last statement are profound. It means that even if the mind has never been made aware of Jesus and who He is and what he did for mankind…even if the mind has not taken the step to “accept Jesus as their Savior” (quite likely because the mind was not able to fully fathom who Jesus is and what He did or for whatever reason)…even if the mind has not experienced any other religious rituals performed in the physical domain, the soul is “saved”…it only needs to make the supreme choice to be with God and fully benefit in this salvation.
Let me be absolutely clear with regards to one other particular truth – if there is a hell or the eternal burning of souls and other spiritual beings, it will be for those who make the supreme choice to be God. It is for this choice and this choice alone. Do not ever make this choice and you have nothing to worry about. But keep in mind that a supreme choice must be made by all spiritual beings…there is no avoiding it.
~~~~~
If I search my soul, I know that Love does not condemn a being for all eternity without that being having full awareness and understanding of whatever it is that it is being condemned for. I offer for your reflection here the truth (as I believe it to be so) that my years of earnest seeking have led me to.
When a soul exercises its free will in making a choice to be in union with God, it does so completely within the spiritual domain. The human mind does not even need to sense (much less control) how this connection and union comes about for it to occur. The mind can be completely unaware that this connection and union with God is being realized by the soul at the moment that it is happening. Eventually, the mind (through its connection with the soul) will perceive the serenity that this union brings and even reflect it in its activities.
Before the sacrificial and redemptive death of Jesus on the cross, a gap existed (created by the supreme choice of the first man to be God) between the soul and God which separated the two spiritual entities and which could not be bridged by anything else apart from that redeeming act. During this time, souls that chose to be in union with God could not cross this spiritual gap and were left in limbo waiting for the gap to be bridged.
With the redemption of mankind (paid for in full by the blood of the lamb) from the bondage of the supreme choice of the first man, this gap between God and souls was bridged and since that moment, all souls in limbo and all souls thereafter who make the supreme choice to be with God are able to fulfill that choice. In other words, ALL souls get to cross this spiritual bridge (which we can visualize as Jesus Himself) without conditions. All that is needed is the supreme choice to be in union with God.
This is all going on in the spiritual realm with no regard to what is going on in the physical realm, the realm where the mind exists and operates. The implications of that last statement are profound. It means that even if the mind has never been made aware of Jesus and who He is and what he did for mankind…even if the mind has not taken the step to “accept Jesus as their Savior” (quite likely because the mind was not able to fully fathom who Jesus is and what He did or for whatever reason)…even if the mind has not experienced any other religious rituals performed in the physical domain, the soul is “saved”…it only needs to make the supreme choice to be with God and fully benefit in this salvation.
Let me be absolutely clear with regards to one other particular truth – if there is a hell or the eternal burning of souls and other spiritual beings, it will be for those who make the supreme choice to be God. It is for this choice and this choice alone. Do not ever make this choice and you have nothing to worry about. But keep in mind that a supreme choice must be made by all spiritual beings…there is no avoiding it.
~~~~~
All That is Needed
The voluntary death of Jesus on the cross is the only spiritual act that could reverse and counteract the repercussions of the supreme choice of the first Adam to be God. So many souls since Adam have made the supreme choice to be in union with God but they could not bring this union about until after the Blood of the Lamb has been offered in sacrifice.
Here is one way to visualize this:
1. Adam (a body-soul entity) makes an act of choice to be God
2. An spiritual and eternal gulf is created between God and the soul as a result
3. Jesus comes into the form of a body-soul entity to reverse that choice
4. Jesus in the form of a body-soul entity makes a choice to surrender free will back to God
5. Jesus commits the greatest act of love by laying down His life for the sake of redeeming mankind
6. Jesus is resurrected from death in the form of a new body-soul entity
7. The eternal gulf between God and the soul is bridged by the Blood of the Lamb
8. All souls that make the choice to be with God are brought back into union with Him
ALL souls get to be in union with God (if they chose so) through Jesus. Their minds do not even have to know about Jesus to do so. They only need make the choice.
~~~~~
Here is one way to visualize this:
1. Adam (a body-soul entity) makes an act of choice to be God
2. An spiritual and eternal gulf is created between God and the soul as a result
3. Jesus comes into the form of a body-soul entity to reverse that choice
4. Jesus in the form of a body-soul entity makes a choice to surrender free will back to God
5. Jesus commits the greatest act of love by laying down His life for the sake of redeeming mankind
6. Jesus is resurrected from death in the form of a new body-soul entity
7. The eternal gulf between God and the soul is bridged by the Blood of the Lamb
8. All souls that make the choice to be with God are brought back into union with Him
ALL souls get to be in union with God (if they chose so) through Jesus. Their minds do not even have to know about Jesus to do so. They only need make the choice.
~~~~~
An Earnest Prayer
I pray that in sharing here what I have come to believe to be the universal truths concerning some of the toughest questions concerning ourselves and our existence (as I came upon them through my seeking and asking for answers), I am not misleading anyone into falsehood or deception.
I would rather be struck down by lightning than be allowed to continue putting down in writing that which causes a body-soul entity to become misguided and subsequently wander further away from God.
Matthew 18:7 - "Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes!"
I pray I never ever be that man.
~~~~~
I would rather be struck down by lightning than be allowed to continue putting down in writing that which causes a body-soul entity to become misguided and subsequently wander further away from God.
Matthew 18:7 - "Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes!"
I pray I never ever be that man.
~~~~~
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Fear
Fear is perhaps the most significant aspect of our programming. It is the most potent force that freezes us into inaction (in terms of doing acts of true love) because fear stops the flow of true love.
But there is one particular form of fear that we can use as a first step toward our own good. This is nicely described in Psalm 111:10 - "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever."
It is important to clarify at this point what "fear of the Lord" means in its usage of the word "fear" - it means reverence for God. Follow God blindly first (difficult to do for most but definitely doable), then understanding will follow...just as I described in my essay "Faith First, Then Enlightenment".
~~~~~
But there is one particular form of fear that we can use as a first step toward our own good. This is nicely described in Psalm 111:10 - "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever."
It is important to clarify at this point what "fear of the Lord" means in its usage of the word "fear" - it means reverence for God. Follow God blindly first (difficult to do for most but definitely doable), then understanding will follow...just as I described in my essay "Faith First, Then Enlightenment".
~~~~~
Top Ten List of Human Programming
For the most part, it is very difficult...extremely difficult...frustratingly difficult to overcome a large part of our human programming. However, one step I found that helps me in becoming more successful at (incrementally) overcoming programming is to draw up a list of my top ten "weaknesses".
The making of the list helps me in two ways:
1. it is a form of acknowledgment, an act that melts away my pride and fosters increased humility thereby opening the doorway to success
2. it gives me a focal point to direct my energy and efforts to
Let's do a little exercise together and just list things that we might consider to be forms of programming. For now, let us just list things as quickly as they come to our minds with very little thought. We can reflect on and refine these later on. I offer you the results of my doing this exercise to help illustrate and give you a better grasp of what exactly I consider as human programming.
Here is a partial list of things that I come up with when I do this exercise:
fear
fear of this
fear of that
self-preservation
desire to hoard valuable knowledge for ourselves
desire to hoard things
tit-for-tat
eye for an eye
tooth for a tooth
judge others
harshly judge others
condemn others
get discouraged easily
quick to anger when we perceive a wrong done to us
wallow in self-pity on the wrong done to us
harbor hate that last forever
envy when others have what we don't
jealousy when others get the attention that we don't
desire to be heard
desire to have our say
desire to display our intellect
desire to impress
desire to be put on a pedestal
desire for acceptance
being critical of others
control over others
control over how things are done
control over our lives
rebellion
desire to do things we are prohibited from doing
romantic love
desire to be desired
desire for sex
desire for variety in sexual partners
look at others as objects
treat others as objects
desire for variety in things and activities
boredom
losing interest in things
losing interest in people
getting tired of things
getting tired of people
inflicting violence on others
pleasure in killing
destruction of things
destruction of people
destruction of anything
condemnation of others
harboring hate
indulging in the senses
desire for pleasure
perceiving the worst interpretation
self-pity
insecurity
longing for attention
longing for love
longing for fame
longing for power
longing to possess
consumption
disregard for others
disdain for others
laziness
mistrust
the need for affirmation
need for others
need to have a baby
need need need
judging others
second guessing others
putting down others
need to feel superior
need to be acknowledged
need for acceptance in social groups
need for love
need for attention
using office resources for our personal use
need for people to pander to us
use of our power and position to gain more things for ourselves
need to dominate others
need to subjugate others
need to destroy others
pride
desire to be powerful
desire to be all-knowing
desire to have wisdom
desire to see and know the future
desire to be god
desire to do things other have not managed to do
desire to discover things
desire to figure out things others have not
desire for dominance
desire for prominence
desire to eat
desire to sleep
desire to be lazy
desire for freedom to do anything we want
What's on your list?
~~~~~
The making of the list helps me in two ways:
1. it is a form of acknowledgment, an act that melts away my pride and fosters increased humility thereby opening the doorway to success
2. it gives me a focal point to direct my energy and efforts to
Let's do a little exercise together and just list things that we might consider to be forms of programming. For now, let us just list things as quickly as they come to our minds with very little thought. We can reflect on and refine these later on. I offer you the results of my doing this exercise to help illustrate and give you a better grasp of what exactly I consider as human programming.
Here is a partial list of things that I come up with when I do this exercise:
fear
fear of this
fear of that
self-preservation
desire to hoard valuable knowledge for ourselves
desire to hoard things
tit-for-tat
eye for an eye
tooth for a tooth
judge others
harshly judge others
condemn others
get discouraged easily
quick to anger when we perceive a wrong done to us
wallow in self-pity on the wrong done to us
harbor hate that last forever
envy when others have what we don't
jealousy when others get the attention that we don't
desire to be heard
desire to have our say
desire to display our intellect
desire to impress
desire to be put on a pedestal
desire for acceptance
being critical of others
control over others
control over how things are done
control over our lives
rebellion
desire to do things we are prohibited from doing
romantic love
desire to be desired
desire for sex
desire for variety in sexual partners
look at others as objects
treat others as objects
desire for variety in things and activities
boredom
losing interest in things
losing interest in people
getting tired of things
getting tired of people
inflicting violence on others
pleasure in killing
destruction of things
destruction of people
destruction of anything
condemnation of others
harboring hate
indulging in the senses
desire for pleasure
perceiving the worst interpretation
self-pity
insecurity
longing for attention
longing for love
longing for fame
longing for power
longing to possess
consumption
disregard for others
disdain for others
laziness
mistrust
the need for affirmation
need for others
need to have a baby
need need need
judging others
second guessing others
putting down others
need to feel superior
need to be acknowledged
need for acceptance in social groups
need for love
need for attention
using office resources for our personal use
need for people to pander to us
use of our power and position to gain more things for ourselves
need to dominate others
need to subjugate others
need to destroy others
pride
desire to be powerful
desire to be all-knowing
desire to have wisdom
desire to see and know the future
desire to be god
desire to do things other have not managed to do
desire to discover things
desire to figure out things others have not
desire for dominance
desire for prominence
desire to eat
desire to sleep
desire to be lazy
desire for freedom to do anything we want
What's on your list?
~~~~~
Transcend the Puppet Existence
Every time we overcome our programming (inherent human nature, natural tendency, social conditioning and all its other forms) in other to perform an act of true love (love that completely originates from the soul), we cease being merely puppets in the great play of the universe called life.
These are the moments when we rise above our humanity and grow into our spirituality. These are the moments when we bring true meaning into our existence.
~~~~~
These are the moments when we rise above our humanity and grow into our spirituality. These are the moments when we bring true meaning into our existence.
~~~~~
Friday, July 24, 2009
Bringing It All Together
We have arrived at this juncture in this blog where we have touched on the various key concepts in the existence of a human being...a being which we referred to in several essays as the body-soul entity...or in other words, an entity comprising of a body (inclusive of a mind) and a soul.
In discussing and demystifying the soul and its nature, we have come to know that at the core level, it is comprised of love and free will. There are more aspects about the soul apart from just love and free will, but these are the two elements that are most important about this entity...the two elements of the soul that my mind (with its limits) has managed to decipher and find the truth about (as best as I believe) by tapping into the knowledge that my soul possesses (that all souls possess by virtue of Adam eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil).
We have also come to realize that as a result of the supreme choice that the first Adam made, mankind got cast into an imperfect existence. The most significant aspect of this imperfect state of existence is the poor connection between the mind and the soul. In other words, the mind is unable to sense and "communicate" with the soul during the beginning of a body-soul entity's life. Life therefore becomes a journey in which this connection grows and develops thereby allowing the soul to increasingly influence the mind and subsequently manifest more and more of itself and its activities in the activities of the body throughout the course of that journey.
It is important to point out an important distinction in this connection between mind and soul. The mind may be impaired in its ability to be aware of the soul and its activities but the soul is fully aware of the activities of the mind and body that it is in union with. As such, the activities of the mind and body have influence over the soul and its exercise of free will...the supreme choice that is makes. This is why the activities (acts of true love) that happen in the physical realm are very important even if the activities surrounding the making of the supreme choice by a soul occurs completely within the spiritual realm.
It is in the physical realm where the activities (by spiritual entities) relating to the winning or buying of souls (the battle for souls if you will) is taking place. It is here, in the physical domain, where the Good Shepherd is finding His lost sheep.
In discussing and demystifying the soul and its nature, we have come to know that at the core level, it is comprised of love and free will. There are more aspects about the soul apart from just love and free will, but these are the two elements that are most important about this entity...the two elements of the soul that my mind (with its limits) has managed to decipher and find the truth about (as best as I believe) by tapping into the knowledge that my soul possesses (that all souls possess by virtue of Adam eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil).
We have also come to realize that as a result of the supreme choice that the first Adam made, mankind got cast into an imperfect existence. The most significant aspect of this imperfect state of existence is the poor connection between the mind and the soul. In other words, the mind is unable to sense and "communicate" with the soul during the beginning of a body-soul entity's life. Life therefore becomes a journey in which this connection grows and develops thereby allowing the soul to increasingly influence the mind and subsequently manifest more and more of itself and its activities in the activities of the body throughout the course of that journey.
It is important to point out an important distinction in this connection between mind and soul. The mind may be impaired in its ability to be aware of the soul and its activities but the soul is fully aware of the activities of the mind and body that it is in union with. As such, the activities of the mind and body have influence over the soul and its exercise of free will...the supreme choice that is makes. This is why the activities (acts of true love) that happen in the physical realm are very important even if the activities surrounding the making of the supreme choice by a soul occurs completely within the spiritual realm.
It is in the physical realm where the activities (by spiritual entities) relating to the winning or buying of souls (the battle for souls if you will) is taking place. It is here, in the physical domain, where the Good Shepherd is finding His lost sheep.
~~~~~
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The Age of Spirituality
We live in the midst of the age of spirituality...the final period of time preceeding the dawn of the "Second Coming of Christ"...a time during which a final all-out campaign to "buy" as many souls as possible is being waged by spiritual entities (who made the supreme choice to break away from God and be God).
~~~~~
~~~~~
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The Meaningful Existence
None of us would like to reach the twilight of our lives and depart from this worldly existence with the belief and (sinking) feeling that our existence was purely just our body's robotic execution of actions as governed and driven by the various forms of programming in our mind. We have a soul that yearns to govern and drive the activities of our mind and body...a soul that wants to allow the love within it to flow via the acts of the mind and body...and thereby bring true (spiritual) choice and meaning to it all.
If we value our existence, we will find and develop the connection between our mind and soul...and we will do so beginning TODAY (if we haven't begun so already).
If we value our existence, we will find and develop the connection between our mind and soul...and we will do so beginning TODAY (if we haven't begun so already).
How exactly do we find and develop this connection? The answer lies in two universal truths that the great spiritual teacher Jesus taught during His ministry - "seek and you shall find"..."ask and you shall receive". This is how I went about finding and building the connection between my mind and my soul.
The most essential element in the discovery and development process is solitude. We need to find a place...a peaceful place...where we can free our mind of all manner of distraction whenever we are engaged in this process. Make this place within your own simple abode if you have to. We also need to forcefully free our mind completely of all material needs and worldly concerns (truly powerful distractions for the mind) just like we would do when we engage in the act of fasting. Consider for example the "forty days and forty nights" of fasting that Jesus did in the dessert right after His baptism and just before He went about His ministry at full speed...an act of preparation that brought the connection of His body and soul to the very highest level (the kind of level necessary in order for His mind to fully draw the energy and strength required to carry out the supreme sacrifice He was about to fulfill).
I share a well known meditation (from Psalm 46:10) that is very appropriate to reflect on as we talk about solitude and spiritual discovery - "Be still and know that I am God".
When the mind finds and connects with the soul, it will surely find and connect with God. Conversely, when the mind finds and connects with God, it will surely find and connect with the soul. With that last sentence, I offer you another glimpse on how my learning about and following the Way of Jesus was very instrumental in my mind truly discovering and connecting with my soul...and with God.
~~~~~
The Supreme Choice
As I described in my essay on free will, there are only two core choices made by a spiritual entity - chose to be in union with God or chose to be God. I classify these choices as supreme because of the momentous effect and consequence that each choice brings about. Thus, I refer to each of these as the supreme choice.
Not convinced about the supremacy of these choices? Let's reflect for a moment on the two greatest documented moments of temptation in the history of mankind. Both of these have one thing in common, both focus squarely on a single, principal objective - entice and lure the object of temptation into making a choice to break from God and be God. If a tempter had one and only one chance at tempting a spiritual entity, why would the tempter waste it on something of lesser value and significance. If I were the tempter, I would go straight for the "kill"...and getting such an entity to make a choice to be God is a definite, super-duper, slam-dunk "KILL".
The first greatest moment of temptation brought about mankind's fallen and imperfect state when Adam ate from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil after being told that by doing so, he would have divine wisdom and thereupon become equal to God.
The second greatest moment of temptation came in the form of a series of temptations designed to subvert the mission of the new Adam in redeeming mankind from the consequences stemming from the choice made by the first Adam. In all three documented attempts, Jesus was tempted to perform Godly acts to benefit Himself (temptation to be God) and make a choice to break away from God.
In rebuking all such attempts and temptations, Jesus went on to fulfill His mission of redemption for mankind and by His sacrificial death on the cross, He filled the gulf that separated mankind from God (created as a result of the first Adam's choice) with His blood, thereby enabling all souls who chose to be in union with God to reconnect with God via this blood.
~~~~~
Not convinced about the supremacy of these choices? Let's reflect for a moment on the two greatest documented moments of temptation in the history of mankind. Both of these have one thing in common, both focus squarely on a single, principal objective - entice and lure the object of temptation into making a choice to break from God and be God. If a tempter had one and only one chance at tempting a spiritual entity, why would the tempter waste it on something of lesser value and significance. If I were the tempter, I would go straight for the "kill"...and getting such an entity to make a choice to be God is a definite, super-duper, slam-dunk "KILL".
The first greatest moment of temptation brought about mankind's fallen and imperfect state when Adam ate from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil after being told that by doing so, he would have divine wisdom and thereupon become equal to God.
The second greatest moment of temptation came in the form of a series of temptations designed to subvert the mission of the new Adam in redeeming mankind from the consequences stemming from the choice made by the first Adam. In all three documented attempts, Jesus was tempted to perform Godly acts to benefit Himself (temptation to be God) and make a choice to break away from God.
In rebuking all such attempts and temptations, Jesus went on to fulfill His mission of redemption for mankind and by His sacrificial death on the cross, He filled the gulf that separated mankind from God (created as a result of the first Adam's choice) with His blood, thereby enabling all souls who chose to be in union with God to reconnect with God via this blood.
As Jesus Himself taught, there is "no greater love than a man lay down his life for a friend". The act of supreme love in the form of the willing death of Jesus on the cross is the only spiritual antidote potent enough to neutralize and wipe away the poisonous effects of the supreme choice made by the first Adam. With this explanation, I hope that we can all appreciate and understand why this sacrificial death was necessary.
Can you see why this narrative is referred to as "The Good News"?~~~~~
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
The Way
Jesus is the Way,
the Way to your inner peace.
Jesus is the Light,
the Light for your darkness.
Jesus is the Truth,
the Truth that your mind seeks;
the Truth that your soul possesses.
There are many other ways available to you.
He is the true Way in my belief.
I make no apologies for expressing this.
In this you cannot sway me,
as you sort through your own leanings.
He is the Way that I have accepted.
He is the Light that I have chosen.
He is the Truth that found me.
I make this statement here,
I make this statement now.
All saints have discovered Him,
with no one ever turning back;
and always with supreme devotion,
in the living application of their belief.
Be inspired to believe,
through the example of their lives;
the example of their love.
~~~~~
the Way to your inner peace.
Jesus is the Light,
the Light for your darkness.
Jesus is the Truth,
the Truth that your mind seeks;
the Truth that your soul possesses.
There are many other ways available to you.
He is the true Way in my belief.
I make no apologies for expressing this.
In this you cannot sway me,
as you sort through your own leanings.
He is the Way that I have accepted.
He is the Light that I have chosen.
He is the Truth that found me.
I make this statement here,
I make this statement now.
All saints have discovered Him,
with no one ever turning back;
and always with supreme devotion,
in the living application of their belief.
Be inspired to believe,
through the example of their lives;
the example of their love.
~~~~~
Monday, July 20, 2009
Free Will
There are many interpretations, beliefs, usages and concepts concerning the term "free will". The term has been applied to various acts of choice in our existence. This essay is an attempt to describe and define free will in the truest sense of the term (as I have managed to decipher it).
Free will is, quite simply, the natural right of spiritual entities to make a choice. Let me be clear in stating my belief that spiritual entities and only spiritual entities have free will. True free will resides only in the spiritual domain and is exercised in and only in that realm.
Physical entities (the human mind for example) do not have free will...not a single one does. Society, in general, believes and want us all to believe that all choices we make are the exercising of our free will. In the majority of cases, these choices are made by the mind and the mind alone. The truth is that all such "choices" (made solely by the mind) are not real acts of choice but rather, are the natural acting out of our programming (inherent human nature or mental/social conditioning).
Not convinced by that last sentence in the preceding paragraph? Let's look at a few simple examples. When we chose to look the other way as thugs severely beat another person right in front of us, are we exercising free will? When we chose to allow anger and hate to enter our hearts in response to the actions of others that we perceive as acts of disregard or disrespect for our feelings, is this the exercise of free will? If you subscribe to what I believe to be so concerning this truth, your answer to both questions would be a resounding "NO".
Let's look closer at some of the choices our mind has made in our lifetime. Were not a lot of these "choices" made in response to fear, insecurity, greed, envy, or pretentious pride? Even some of those choices that (on the surface) look like selfless acts of "love", were these not actually motivated by our natural programming to feed our selfish physical, intellectual and emotional needs? Let us also not underestimate the powerful programming within us that drives us to commit acts that satisfy our five senses and even gain pleasure from them.
To recap, as long as the "choice" is formulated solely in the mind (non-spiritual realm), it cannot and should not be construed as the true exercise of free will. These types of choices are not true reflections of who "we" are. And if judgment exists in the spiritual realm, it certainly will ignore and not take into consideration all choices made at this realm.
The truth about the concept of free will (as presented here) might be a little too much to accept for those who are ingrained with the notion of accountability as it is commonly used in the context of responsibility for one's actions and choices. Try to keep in mind that the term "responsibility" is a concept that relates to the establishment of order within society and the role that is expected of us (by members of that social order) in maintaining a desired order. Although it also relates to the relationships between members of society, between two people, it does so at the non-spiritual level...the realm where the concept of "reward and punishment" is more aptly applicable and used in. In this regard, society will cast judgment upon our choices (and the consequent actions) based on the soundness and maturity level of our mind.
The soul of a human being is a spiritual entity...as such, it has free will. One excellent example of the true exercise of free will is the influence of the soul on the mind to overcome its programming (in all its many forms) in order to consistently carry out acts of true love.
~~~~~
Free will is, quite simply, the natural right of spiritual entities to make a choice. Let me be clear in stating my belief that spiritual entities and only spiritual entities have free will. True free will resides only in the spiritual domain and is exercised in and only in that realm.
Physical entities (the human mind for example) do not have free will...not a single one does. Society, in general, believes and want us all to believe that all choices we make are the exercising of our free will. In the majority of cases, these choices are made by the mind and the mind alone. The truth is that all such "choices" (made solely by the mind) are not real acts of choice but rather, are the natural acting out of our programming (inherent human nature or mental/social conditioning).
Not convinced by that last sentence in the preceding paragraph? Let's look at a few simple examples. When we chose to look the other way as thugs severely beat another person right in front of us, are we exercising free will? When we chose to allow anger and hate to enter our hearts in response to the actions of others that we perceive as acts of disregard or disrespect for our feelings, is this the exercise of free will? If you subscribe to what I believe to be so concerning this truth, your answer to both questions would be a resounding "NO".
Let's look closer at some of the choices our mind has made in our lifetime. Were not a lot of these "choices" made in response to fear, insecurity, greed, envy, or pretentious pride? Even some of those choices that (on the surface) look like selfless acts of "love", were these not actually motivated by our natural programming to feed our selfish physical, intellectual and emotional needs? Let us also not underestimate the powerful programming within us that drives us to commit acts that satisfy our five senses and even gain pleasure from them.
There are choices that are made by our minds but which originated in our soul. These choices are the true exercise of our free will. Our soul makes a choice and it influences our mind to fulfill the choice. Our mind, in turn, controls our body to carry out the act associated with that choice.
At the very root level, there are only two core choices that the soul makes...two simple yet all-powerful choices - chose to be in union with God, or chose to be God. All other choices are merely sub-choices in support of one of these two.To recap, as long as the "choice" is formulated solely in the mind (non-spiritual realm), it cannot and should not be construed as the true exercise of free will. These types of choices are not true reflections of who "we" are. And if judgment exists in the spiritual realm, it certainly will ignore and not take into consideration all choices made at this realm.
The truth about the concept of free will (as presented here) might be a little too much to accept for those who are ingrained with the notion of accountability as it is commonly used in the context of responsibility for one's actions and choices. Try to keep in mind that the term "responsibility" is a concept that relates to the establishment of order within society and the role that is expected of us (by members of that social order) in maintaining a desired order. Although it also relates to the relationships between members of society, between two people, it does so at the non-spiritual level...the realm where the concept of "reward and punishment" is more aptly applicable and used in. In this regard, society will cast judgment upon our choices (and the consequent actions) based on the soundness and maturity level of our mind.
The soul of a human being is a spiritual entity...as such, it has free will. One excellent example of the true exercise of free will is the influence of the soul on the mind to overcome its programming (in all its many forms) in order to consistently carry out acts of true love.
~~~~~
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Dynamics Between Body and Soul
Let me warn you (the reader) that this essay may come across to you as rather cold and mechanical rather than warm and "coming from the heart" as I would prefer it to be. I will do my best to make it as heartwarming as I can. Please bear with me a bit on this shortcoming since I feel that it is important to explain the "mechanics" of the connection and relationship between the body and soul in order to get a better understanding of each of those two entities (body and soul) and the interaction that should go on with each other.
Let's start with an act of love itself as carried out by a human being (a body-soul entity). An act of love that originates from the soul (as opposed to an act of love motivated by love that originates from the mind) is the "true" and "pure" love. The act is carried out by the body as directed by the mind in response to the "influence" of the soul on that mind. When the body acts in this particular manner, it is doing so in alignment with its rightful design and role as the medium by which the soul is able to carry out its nature. What is the nature of the soul? Although the nature of the soul consists of lots of things that is beyond my mind's ability to fathom, I do know with certainty its most important and elemental aspect...that aspect is none other than love...true and pure love...love that is God.
When the body acts in the above described fashion, we can say that it (the body) is in harmony with the soul (its counterpart). There is no other motive for this type of act other than to achieve this harmony between the body and soul. This harmony is important to us human beings because when this harmony is absent and the alignment of the body with the soul is in disarray, then our body and mind will manifest this disharmony in the form of mental and physical illness, the inability of the body to heal itself, and worst of all malaise, the absence of "inner peace".
If you want to think of the motive for this type of act of love in terms of the concept of "reward" as the motivator for the act, then think of the reward this way - the love that within the soul is active...it cannot stay in one place...it needs to flow from the soul on to another soul. Although all souls are connected, souls cannot carry out acts and therefore needs the body to do the carrying out of the loving act. The reward in this case is therefore the enabling of the flow of love. This can be considered a reward because when true and pure love is allowed to flow, then the rightful order of the universe is realized. When the rightful order of the universe is realized, then "all is good" (for lack of a more appropriate phrase).
With the above illustration, we can now visualize this activity as the establishment of a connection between two bodies that is in alignment with the (already existing) connection between the two associated souls.
~~~~~
Let's start with an act of love itself as carried out by a human being (a body-soul entity). An act of love that originates from the soul (as opposed to an act of love motivated by love that originates from the mind) is the "true" and "pure" love. The act is carried out by the body as directed by the mind in response to the "influence" of the soul on that mind. When the body acts in this particular manner, it is doing so in alignment with its rightful design and role as the medium by which the soul is able to carry out its nature. What is the nature of the soul? Although the nature of the soul consists of lots of things that is beyond my mind's ability to fathom, I do know with certainty its most important and elemental aspect...that aspect is none other than love...true and pure love...love that is God.
When the body acts in the above described fashion, we can say that it (the body) is in harmony with the soul (its counterpart). There is no other motive for this type of act other than to achieve this harmony between the body and soul. This harmony is important to us human beings because when this harmony is absent and the alignment of the body with the soul is in disarray, then our body and mind will manifest this disharmony in the form of mental and physical illness, the inability of the body to heal itself, and worst of all malaise, the absence of "inner peace".
If you want to think of the motive for this type of act of love in terms of the concept of "reward" as the motivator for the act, then think of the reward this way - the love that within the soul is active...it cannot stay in one place...it needs to flow from the soul on to another soul. Although all souls are connected, souls cannot carry out acts and therefore needs the body to do the carrying out of the loving act. The reward in this case is therefore the enabling of the flow of love. This can be considered a reward because when true and pure love is allowed to flow, then the rightful order of the universe is realized. When the rightful order of the universe is realized, then "all is good" (for lack of a more appropriate phrase).
With the above illustration, we can now visualize this activity as the establishment of a connection between two bodies that is in alignment with the (already existing) connection between the two associated souls.
~~~~~
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Kneel Down to Stand Up
What a lovely morning to wake up to today. The birds are chirping melodiously at the very same moment that I am reading this quote in an email I opened from a friend - "The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything." Imagine that!
If I perceived my soul correctly, it revealed to my mind (at the very instant I read the quote) that this is an absolute truth.
If I perceived my soul correctly, it revealed to my mind (at the very instant I read the quote) that this is an absolute truth.
First, allow me to clarify how exactly I am perceiving this quote. As I read the quote, I am visualizing a person in the act of kneeling down with reverence before God...acknowledging with humility his/her need for God, His energy and His love...making an earnest plea for strength and courage in standing up to the challenge that is at his/her doorstep...asking for guidance and wisdom to discern how best to engage and conquer the challenge.
Do I have any personal life experiences that validate this wisdom? You betcha! Lots of them. The best example of these - I am still here in this existence...and finally able to find joy and peace in being here.
However, the most powerful example of this truth as applied in practice is that of Jesus kneeling in prayer to God the Father (in the Garden of Gethsemane) just before His submission to His capture and subsequently to ridicule, torture and death...a act of supreme love for the redemption of all mankind.
~~~~~
Monday, July 13, 2009
Love
The word "love" is at once the simplest and most complicated term (associated with the human experience) to properly grasp and express. Everyone brings to the term their own personal meanings and perceptions borne out of their life experiences.
Love can be an noun...love can be a verb. Love can be a feeling...love can be an act.
In my search for clarity amidst the confusion resulting from the variety of perspectives and meanings, my experience has taught me to simply look at the term from the perspective of where it is originating from.
Love that originates from the soul is simple, unconditional, liberating and free. This is love in the form of an act.
Love that originates from the mind is complicated, tit-for-tatish, possessive, controlling and often fraught with landmines and anguish. This is love in the form of a feeling.
~~~~~
Love can be an noun...love can be a verb. Love can be a feeling...love can be an act.
In my search for clarity amidst the confusion resulting from the variety of perspectives and meanings, my experience has taught me to simply look at the term from the perspective of where it is originating from.
Love that originates from the soul is simple, unconditional, liberating and free. This is love in the form of an act.
Love that originates from the mind is complicated, tit-for-tatish, possessive, controlling and often fraught with landmines and anguish. This is love in the form of a feeling.
~~~~~
Heartfelt Message to the Reader
Dear Friends,
I finally have a decent number of enlightening feedback, impressions, and comments on the various essays on this blog. I received candid comments on both sides of the spectrum (pro and con). The pro comments gave me much needed encouragement in knowing that someone, somewhere out there, got the light they very much needed in their moment of darkness.
The cons are valuable to me because they give me insight into the various other ways that the words and style of writing are being perceived...perceptions that are potent roadblocks to the correct understanding and appreciation of these writings. Part of the motivation for writing these thoughts down stem from a sense of desperation in not having fully realized my parental desire to impart adequate guidance to my daughters, nieces, and nephews before I pass away. Life is fleeting and tomorrow is not guaranteed to come for us...the next hour is not guaranteed...neither is the next ten minutes. The only thing we do have with certainty is this moment...this very moment.
Yet another part of the motivation is to do my little part in helping alleviate the pain in others who like me wander about this existence with frustration, emotional anguish, desperation, uncertainty, and most painful of all, the absolute feeling of aloneness even in the midst of so many children, friends, relatives, and loved ones. I desperately sought true inner peace in my predominantly disturbed life and I believe that I finally found it and a reliable source for it from which I can always draw from.
Can you blame me for wanting to share this source and the path that led me to this source with all of you who anguish in the same manner as me?
Can you see how important it is for me to tweak and refine my writings, choice of words and manner of articulation to minimize turning people off to the insights I am earnestly trying to share?
If the essays are therefore coming across as preachy and self-righteous, please pardon my poor manner of articulation. If these words are coming across as being written to impress intellectuals rather than written in a manner that common folk can easily understand, please forgive the poor choice of words. At this point, I am just writing down words as fast as they are coming to me. I promise to revise all of these within the next several months to address the comments and feedback I received from those who so generously gave them.
I hope you can get past the imperfections of this early version of the writings and somehow manage to arrive at a correct understanding of the underlying message.
I am far from being a man adequately in control of and capable of overcoming the various forms of my human nature (which we, for the most part, all share in common). However, I am making important little strides and steps toward becoming the better person that I earnestly strive to become. My successes here is where my sense of inner peace comes from as well.
For those of you who know me, I hope that you can manage to look beyond the inadequacies apparent in the example of my own life and relationships (or possibly your assessment of it) and not require perfection in my daily living before you grant any amount of credibility to the content.
Light, love and peace.
~~~~~
I finally have a decent number of enlightening feedback, impressions, and comments on the various essays on this blog. I received candid comments on both sides of the spectrum (pro and con). The pro comments gave me much needed encouragement in knowing that someone, somewhere out there, got the light they very much needed in their moment of darkness.
The cons are valuable to me because they give me insight into the various other ways that the words and style of writing are being perceived...perceptions that are potent roadblocks to the correct understanding and appreciation of these writings. Part of the motivation for writing these thoughts down stem from a sense of desperation in not having fully realized my parental desire to impart adequate guidance to my daughters, nieces, and nephews before I pass away. Life is fleeting and tomorrow is not guaranteed to come for us...the next hour is not guaranteed...neither is the next ten minutes. The only thing we do have with certainty is this moment...this very moment.
Yet another part of the motivation is to do my little part in helping alleviate the pain in others who like me wander about this existence with frustration, emotional anguish, desperation, uncertainty, and most painful of all, the absolute feeling of aloneness even in the midst of so many children, friends, relatives, and loved ones. I desperately sought true inner peace in my predominantly disturbed life and I believe that I finally found it and a reliable source for it from which I can always draw from.
Can you blame me for wanting to share this source and the path that led me to this source with all of you who anguish in the same manner as me?
Can you see how important it is for me to tweak and refine my writings, choice of words and manner of articulation to minimize turning people off to the insights I am earnestly trying to share?
If the essays are therefore coming across as preachy and self-righteous, please pardon my poor manner of articulation. If these words are coming across as being written to impress intellectuals rather than written in a manner that common folk can easily understand, please forgive the poor choice of words. At this point, I am just writing down words as fast as they are coming to me. I promise to revise all of these within the next several months to address the comments and feedback I received from those who so generously gave them.
I hope you can get past the imperfections of this early version of the writings and somehow manage to arrive at a correct understanding of the underlying message.
I am far from being a man adequately in control of and capable of overcoming the various forms of my human nature (which we, for the most part, all share in common). However, I am making important little strides and steps toward becoming the better person that I earnestly strive to become. My successes here is where my sense of inner peace comes from as well.
For those of you who know me, I hope that you can manage to look beyond the inadequacies apparent in the example of my own life and relationships (or possibly your assessment of it) and not require perfection in my daily living before you grant any amount of credibility to the content.
Light, love and peace.
~~~~~
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
The Garden of Eden
When we look clear past the body (its color, shape, sex, appearance, mannerisms, nature and programming) and directly into the soul of a person...when we are in tune with the awareness of our mind's inability to see the activities of that soul...when we are in sync with the realization that we are in no position to cast judgment upon any body-soul entity as a result of this blindness...then and only then can we begin the process of tearing down the natural mental roadblocks of prejudice and discrimination and let blossom the connection between our mind and the mind of the other and thus bring these into alignment with the spiritual union that already exists between our soul and the soul of the other.
Pride has no chance to continue to exist under those circumstances. In its absence and in its place, Love grows, flourishes and blooms just as it perfectly did once upon a time in the Garden of Eden.
Know in your heart that our imperfect existence is but a prelude to the rebirth of a perfect existence, purchased with the blood of the Lamb, where all body-soul entities are in full union with God.
~~~~~
Pride has no chance to continue to exist under those circumstances. In its absence and in its place, Love grows, flourishes and blooms just as it perfectly did once upon a time in the Garden of Eden.
Know in your heart that our imperfect existence is but a prelude to the rebirth of a perfect existence, purchased with the blood of the Lamb, where all body-soul entities are in full union with God.
~~~~~
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