Spiritual Leanings ... From all faiths.

[Andrew, Jr.]

Dear Grace,

Thank you for your post to me. I am sure others enjoyed it as well.

For me, I use other religious principles like Buddist, & Judism intertwined with my Christain values. For me, there is no right or wrong when it comes to worship or praising God. It is a means of living life - making the right decisions for me (and me alone).

Life is a struggle for me. Every day is tough. But like I say one day is enough. So I live day to day. For the last 2-3 years I have endured major loss, personal devistation, and my health has really gone down hill. If you have your health, you are so very blessed. It is so expensive to be sick here in the States. That is why I am such a huge advocate for universal healthcare coverage for everyone. My faith is the only thing that has kept me going.

I never wish evil on anyone, but at the sametime, there are some people I just do not wish them well. It is a personal take of mine. I have witnessed karma in action and it is a bear. Something I never want to endure.

People are people every where you go. Good and bad. It is a matter of figuring them out. I struggle with that.

I hope this makes sense.

Namaste,
Andrew

[storyofmylife]

What a Blessing to read!

[citybutch]

The Buddha summarized the correct attitude and actions in the Eight-fold Noble Path:

(The first 3 are avoiding the 10 non-virtues of mind, speech and body

1. Correct thought: avoiding covetousness, the wish to harm others and wrong views (like thinking: actions have no consequences, I never have any problems, there are no ways to end suffering etc.)

2. Correct speech: avoid lying, divisive and harsh speech and idle gossip.

3. Correct actions: avoid killing, stealing and sexual misconduct

4. Correct livelihood: try to make a living with the above attitude of thought, speech and actions.

5. Correct understanding: developing genuine wisdom.

(The last three aspects refer mainly to the practice of meditation

6. Correct effort: after the first real step we need joyful perseverance to continue.

7. Correct mindfulness: try to be aware of the "here and now", instead of dreaming in the "there and then".

8. Correct concentration: to keep a steady, calm and attentive state of mind.

Hmmm wonder what it means "avoid sexual misconduct"?... I kinda enjoy some kink! hehe

[citybutch]

1. What Is Right View (Thought)?

When the steps of the Eightfold Path are presented in a list, usually Right View is the first step (even though there is no "first" step). Right View supports wisdom. Wisdom in this sense is the understanding of things as they are, as explained in the teachings of the Four Noble Truths.

This understanding is not mere intellectual understanding. It is instead a thorough penetration of the Four Noble Truths. Theravada scholar Wapola Rahula called this penetration "seeing a thing in its true nature, without name and label." (What the Buddha Taught, page 49)

Vietnamese Zen Teacher Thich Nhat Hanh wrote,

"Our happiness and the happiness of those around us depend on our degree of Right View. Touching reality deeply -- knowing what is going on inside and outside of ourselves -- is the way to liberate ourselves from the suffering that is caused by wrong perceptions. Right View is not an ideology, a system, or even a path. It is the insight we have into the reality of life, a living insight that fills us with understanding, peace, and love." (The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching, page 51)

In Mahayana Buddhism, prajna is associated with the intimate realization of shunyata -- the teaching that all phenomena are empty of intrinsic being.
Cultivating Right View

Right View develops from practice of the Eightfold Path. For example, the practice of samadhi through Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration prepares the mind for penetrating insight. Meditation is associated with "Right Concentration."

Ethical conduct through Right Speech, Right Action and Right Livelihood also support Right View through cultivation of compassion. Compassion and wisdom are said to be the two wings of Buddhism. Compassion helps us break through our narrow, self-centered views, which enables wisdom. Wisdom helps us realize nothing is really separate, which enables compassion.

By the same token, the wisdom parts of the path -- Right View and Right Thought -- support the other parts of the path. Ignorance is one of the root poisons that brings with it greed and ill-will.
The Role of Doctrine in Buddhism

The Buddha taught his followers not to accept his or any other teachings on blind faith. Instead, by examining teachings in the light of our own experience, we judge for ourselves what teachings we accept as true.

However, this doesn't mean the doctrines of Buddhism are optional for Buddhists. Many converts to Buddhism in the West seem to think that all they need is meditation and mindfulness, and that the many doctrines of the Four This and Six That and Twelve Something Else can be ignored. This frivolous attitude is not exactly Right Effort.

Walpola Rahula said of the Eightfold Path, "Practically the whole teaching of the Buddha, to which he devoted himself during 45 years, deals in some way or other with this path." The Buddha explained the Eightfold Path in many different ways, to reach people in different stages of spiritual development.

While Right View is not about doctrinal orthodoxy, that doesn't mean it has no connection to doctrine at all. Thich Nhat Hanh says, "Right View is, most of all, a deep understanding of the Four Noble Truths." Acquaintance with the Four Noble Truths is a big help, to say the least.

As I explained earlier, the Eightfold Path is part of the Four Noble Truths; in fact, it is the Fourth Noble Truth. Right View is penetrating insight into the nature of reality as described in the Four Noble Truths. So, while Right View is something much more profound that merely understanding doctrine, doctrine is still important and should not be brushed aside.

Although these teachings do not have to be "believed in" on faith, they should be understood provisionally. The teachings provide essential guidance, keeping us on the path to genuine wisdom. Without them, mindfulness and meditation can become just self-improvement projects.

A grounding in the teachings presented through the Four Noble Truths includes not just the Truths themselves, but also teachings on how everything is interconnected (Dependent Origination) and on the nature of individual existence (the Five Skandhas). As Walpola Rahula said, the Buddha spent 45 years explaining these teachings. They are what make Buddhism a distinctive spiritual path.

http://buddhism.about.com/od/theeigh.../rightview.htm

Originally Posted by citybutch

The Buddha summarized the correct attitude and actions in the Eight-fold Noble Path:

(The first 3 are avoiding the 10 non-virtues of mind, speech and body

1. Correct thought: avoiding covetousness, the wish to harm others and wrong views (like thinking: actions have no consequences, I never have any problems, there are no ways to end suffering etc.)

2. Correct speech: avoid lying, divisive and harsh speech and idle gossip.

3. Correct actions: avoid killing, stealing and sexual misconduct

4. Correct livelihood: try to make a living with the above attitude of thought, speech and actions.

5. Correct understanding: developing genuine wisdom.

(The last three aspects refer mainly to the practice of meditation

6. Correct effort: after the first real step we need joyful perseverance to continue.

7. Correct mindfulness: try to be aware of the "here and now", instead of dreaming in the "there and then".

8. Correct concentration: to keep a steady, calm and attentive state of mind.

Hmmm wonder what it means "avoid sexual misconduct"?... I kinda enjoy some kink! hehe

[Andrew, Jr.]

CityButch,

For me, it is the 10 Commandments. What part is hard for anyone to really follow? I know that personally I struggle with the commandment about honoring one's parents. Mine are nuts. So with that said, I just go with the flow. I avoid them, as they do me. But really when you break it down, it is a matter of the Golden Rule.

Andrew

[gracefaith]

Andrew and to any others who's finding difficulties with their parents...

My dad told me this morning he never wants to see me again nor wants me to ever come over again...

so what does this mean to honor parents.

but what about this: to learn not to honor the verbal abuse from the parent;

I'm really learning this area deeply to learn what is the true parent in the parent - and what is the abuse...

I really feel I fail my dad as he's verbal abusive, it led me to honor his verbal abuse towards me where to the point I panic and now my dad told me he never wants to see me again;

plus, my dad thinks I don't like him:

what?

I've tried so hard to connect with him, but I was trying mistakenly connecting to his abuse, thinking my dad will be happy...

In my trying to connect to my dad's verbal abusing me, I fail to connect to my dad,

however its way to high of an expectation for me to meet to try to connect, as how can I connect to my dad if he clothes in his verbal abuse and doesn't know how to be a parent the truth of a parent,

while I fail at connection and then lost it (my way of losing it is through a means of panic), then my dad told me, he never wants to see me again;...

so honor? isn't it the truth of the parent, for why honor any abuse? What are your thoughts on this?

you were saying about how you handle it with your folks is going with the flow and avoid, I think I need to do this too and stop trying...,

tons of tears fell down my face today. maybe I'm way overly sensitive also...

I love my dad and I did try to show him that I love him, but it fail again...

What is love when I'm not believed

is it then only me going beyond my spirit in an area that is no longer love, but what am I seeking to save then, is save not love - if not love and as I'd analyze this word love, meaning only what God is is love, what am I doing then, if I try and it fails, what am I doing then?

to fail when try to show love is the trying then no good, if I look bad, then what about my trying, or shall I only do what you do, avoid and go with flow;

to try to show love is like an invisible prison.

gracefaith

Originally Posted by Andrew, Jr.

CityButch,

For me, it is the 10 Commandments. What part is hard for anyone to really follow? I know that personally I struggle with the commandment about honoring one's parents. Mine are nuts. So with that said, I just go with the flow. I avoid them, as they do me. But really when you break it down, it is a matter of the Golden Rule.

Andrew

[gracefaith]

I can really relate with this:

The Buddha taught his followers not to accept his or any other teachings on blind faith. Instead, by examining teachings in the light of our own experience, we judge for ourselves what teachings we accept as true.

That's great it says color red, I was trying to make that part red... I guess taking me a bit to get the hang of it around here lol...

but the reason why I can relate: is cause this blind faith can be dangerous when following a teaching from someone - remember Jim Jones was his name?

Look what happen blind faith to Jim Jones...

Can you imagine if the followers to Jim Jones would had examine what Jim Jones was saying?

What are your thoughts on this?

gracefaith

Originally Posted by citybutch

1. What Is Right View (Thought)?

When the steps of the Eightfold Path are presented in a list, usually Right View is the first step (even though there is no "first" step). Right View supports wisdom. Wisdom in this sense is the understanding of things as they are, as explained in the teachings of the Four Noble Truths.

This understanding is not mere intellectual understanding. It is instead a thorough penetration of the Four Noble Truths. Theravada scholar Wapola Rahula called this penetration "seeing a thing in its true nature, without name and label." (What the Buddha Taught, page 49)

Vietnamese Zen Teacher Thich Nhat Hanh wrote,

"Our happiness and the happiness of those around us depend on our degree of Right View. Touching reality deeply -- knowing what is going on inside and outside of ourselves -- is the way to liberate ourselves from the suffering that is caused by wrong perceptions. Right View is not an ideology, a system, or even a path. It is the insight we have into the reality of life, a living insight that fills us with understanding, peace, and love." (The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching, page 51)

In Mahayana Buddhism, prajna is associated with the intimate realization of shunyata -- the teaching that all phenomena are empty of intrinsic being.
Cultivating Right View

Right View develops from practice of the Eightfold Path. For example, the practice of samadhi through Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration prepares the mind for penetrating insight. Meditation is associated with "Right Concentration."

Ethical conduct through Right Speech, Right Action and Right Livelihood also support Right View through cultivation of compassion. Compassion and wisdom are said to be the two wings of Buddhism. Compassion helps us break through our narrow, self-centered views, which enables wisdom. Wisdom helps us realize nothing is really separate, which enables compassion.

By the same token, the wisdom parts of the path -- Right View and Right Thought -- support the other parts of the path. Ignorance is one of the root poisons that brings with it greed and ill-will.
The Role of Doctrine in Buddhism

The Buddha taught his followers not to accept his or any other teachings on blind faith. Instead, by examining teachings in the light of our own experience, we judge for ourselves what teachings we accept as true.

However, this doesn't mean the doctrines of Buddhism are optional for Buddhists. Many converts to Buddhism in the West seem to think that all they need is meditation and mindfulness, and that the many doctrines of the Four This and Six That and Twelve Something Else can be ignored. This frivolous attitude is not exactly Right Effort.

Walpola Rahula said of the Eightfold Path, "Practically the whole teaching of the Buddha, to which he devoted himself during 45 years, deals in some way or other with this path." The Buddha explained the Eightfold Path in many different ways, to reach people in different stages of spiritual development.

While Right View is not about doctrinal orthodoxy, that doesn't mean it has no connection to doctrine at all. Thich Nhat Hanh says, "Right View is, most of all, a deep understanding of the Four Noble Truths." Acquaintance with the Four Noble Truths is a big help, to say the least.

As I explained earlier, the Eightfold Path is part of the Four Noble Truths; in fact, it is the Fourth Noble Truth. Right View is penetrating insight into the nature of reality as described in the Four Noble Truths. So, while Right View is something much more profound that merely understanding doctrine, doctrine is still important and should not be brushed aside.

Although these teachings do not have to be "believed in" on faith, they should be understood provisionally. The teachings provide essential guidance, keeping us on the path to genuine wisdom. Without them, mindfulness and meditation can become just self-improvement projects.

A grounding in the teachings presented through the Four Noble Truths includes not just the Truths themselves, but also teachings on how everything is interconnected (Dependent Origination) and on the nature of individual existence (the Five Skandhas). As Walpola Rahula said, the Buddha spent 45 years explaining these teachings. They are what make Buddhism a distinctive spiritual path.

http://buddhism.about.com/od/theeigh.../rightview.htm

[Andrew, Jr.]

Citybutch,

There is too much for me to read. Let me focus on 1 item that really came out strong to me. It was your idea on thoughts and prayers. Artdecogoddess has a saying that she says and believes in. I have to say that it has served me well over the years. She says that every thought is a prayer. It is true. Every thought is a prayer. And that is how I try to live my life. Everything and everyone that I am involved with has a thought during any situation I am in. The same with all the decisions I have to make. That thought is positive. Always positive.

Make sense?

[Andrew, Jr.]

Gracefaith,

I am not sure I understand blind faith in all honesty. I agree with you about the ugly side of it being deception. I have had wayyy too many people who were in authoritive positions/roles in my life who were all talk no action. They lacked integrity if you ask me. That is always why I have a hard time trusting most people.

Enjoy your weekend!

Andrew

[citybutch]

2. Right Intention (seems as though the first three are closely related in thought and action):

The second aspect of the Eightfold Path of Buddhism is Right Intention or Right Thought, or samma sankappa in Pali. Right View and Right Intention together are the "Wisdom Path," the parts of the path that cultivate wisdom (prajna). Why are our thoughts or intentions so important?

We tend to think that thoughts don't count; only what we actually do matters. But the Buddha said in the Dhammapada that our thoughts are the forerunner of our actions (Max Muller translation):

"All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts, it is made up of our thoughts. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him, as the wheel follows the foot of the ox that draws the carriage.

"All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts, it is made up of our thoughts. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him."

The Buddha also taught that what we think, along with what we say and how we act, create karma. So, what we think is as important as what we do.
Three Kinds of Right Intention

The Buddha taught that there are three kinds of Right Intention, which counter three kinds of wrong intention. These are:

1. The intention of renunciation, which counters the intention of desire.
2. The intention of good will, which counters the intention of ill will.
3. The intention of harmlessness, which counters the intention of harmfulness.

Renunciation

To renounce is to give up or let go of something, or to disown it. To practice renunciation doesn't necessarily mean you have to give away all your possessions and live in a cave, however. The real issue is not objects or possessions themselves, but our attachment to them. If you give away things but are still attached to them, you haven't really renounced them.

Sometimes in Buddhism you hear that monks and nuns are "renounced ones." To take monastic vows is a powerful act of renunciation, but that doesn't necessarily mean that laypeople cannot follow the Eightfold Path. What's most important is to not attach to things, but remember that attachment comes from viewing ourselves and other things in a delusional way. Fully appreciate that all phenomena are transient and limited -- as the Diamond Sutra says (Chapter 32),

"This is how to contemplate our conditioned existence in this fleeting world:

"Like a tiny drop of dew, or a bubble floating in a stream;
Like a flash of lightning in a summer cloud,
Or a flickering lamp, an illusion, a phantom, or a dream.

"So is all conditioned existence to be seen."

As laypeople, we live in a world of possessions. To function in society, we need a home, clothing, food, probably a car. To do my work I really need a computer. We get into trouble, however, when we forget that we and our "things" are bubbles in a stream. And of course it's important to not take or hoard more than we need.
Good Will

Another word for "good will" is metta, or "loving kindness." We cultivate loving kindness for all beings, without discrimination or selfish attachment, to overcome anger, ill will, hatred and aversion.

According to the Metta Sutta, a Buddhist should cultivate for all beings the same love a mother would feel for her child. This love does not discriminate between benevolent people and malicious people. It is a love in which"I" and "you" disappear, and where there is no possessor and nothing to possess.
Harmlessness

The Sanskrit word for "non-harming" is ahimsa, or avihiṃsā in Pali, and it describes a practice of not harming or doing violence to anything.

To not harm also requires karuna, or compassion. Karuna goes beyond simply not harming. It is an active sympathy and a willingness to bear the pain of others.

The Eightfold Path is not a list of eight discrete steps. Each aspect of the path supports every other aspect. The Buddha taught that wisdom and compassion arise together and support each other. It's not hard to see how the Wisdom Path of Right View and Right Intention also supports the Ethical Conduct Path of Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood. And, of course, all aspects are supported by Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration, the Mental Discipline Path.
Four Practices of Right Intention

The Vietnamese Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh has suggested these four practice for Right Intention or Right Thinking:

Ask yourself, "Are you sure?" Write the question on a piece of paper and hang it where you will see it frequently. Wong perceptions lead to incorrect thinking.

Ask yourself, "What am I doing?" to help you come back to the present moment.

Recognize your habit energies. Habit energies like workaholism cause us to lose track of ourselves and our day-to-day lives. When you catch yourself on auto-pilot, say, "Hello, habit energy!"

Cultivate bodhichitta. Bodhichitta is the compassionate wish to realize enlightenment for the sake of others. It becomes the purest of Right Intentions; the motivating force that keep us on the Path.

http://buddhism.about.com/od/theeigh.../rightview.htm

Originally Posted by citybutch

The Buddha summarized the correct attitude and actions in the Eight-fold Noble Path:

(The first 3 are avoiding the 10 non-virtues of mind, speech and body

1. Correct thought: avoiding covetousness, the wish to harm others and wrong views (like thinking: actions have no consequences, I never have any problems, there are no ways to end suffering etc.)

2. Correct speech: avoid lying, divisive and harsh speech and idle gossip.

3. Correct actions: avoid killing, stealing and sexual misconduct

4. Correct livelihood: try to make a living with the above attitude of thought, speech and actions.

5. Correct understanding: developing genuine wisdom.

(The last three aspects refer mainly to the practice of meditation

6. Correct effort: after the first real step we need joyful perseverance to continue.

7. Correct mindfulness: try to be aware of the "here and now", instead of dreaming in the "there and then".

8. Correct concentration: to keep a steady, calm and attentive state of mind.

Hmmm wonder what it means "avoid sexual misconduct"?... I kinda enjoy some kink! hehe

[gracefaith]

Hi Andrew

One thing I learn in Judaism or ones who study Judaism is they tend to to ask themselves what are they learning, where I notice with Christians they tend to cling to repentance,

could it be that the Judaism had given up keeping all their hundreds and hundreds of laws so then decided to find a different purpose and just then learn through asking what they're reading - where as for Christians they only have 10 laws to follow and have a loop hole called repentance so then try to perfect their laws still to this day?

I've notice this; I'm not saying all ok, but I've notice this...

Have you notice this?

Christians rely on repentance to perfect and Judaism rely on asking what they learn to do giving up on trying to follow so many hundreds of laws.

I just notice this seems to be their comprehension aim when reading;

I can't find me to use the loop hole of repentance, but I can go in the area of asking what am I learning; however with the old and the new testament, then, is a combination of Judaism and Christian, however I feel the new testament should had been after Jesus risen,

Jesus walk the earth in the old testament what are your thoughts on this; did Jesus walk the earth during a new testament or still the old testament?

gracefaith

Originally Posted by Andrew, Jr.

Dear Grace,

Thank you for your post to me. I am sure others enjoyed it as well.

For me, I use other religious principles like Buddist, & Judism intertwined with my Christain values. For me, there is no right or wrong when it comes to worship or praising God. It is a means of living life - making the right decisions for me (and me alone).

Life is a struggle for me. Every day is tough. But like I say one day is enough. So I live day to day. For the last 2-3 years I have endured major loss, personal devistation, and my health has really gone down hill. If you have your health, you are so very blessed. It is so expensive to be sick here in the States. That is why I am such a huge advocate for universal healthcare coverage for everyone. My faith is the only thing that has kept me going.

I never wish evil on anyone, but at the sametime, there are some people I just do not wish them well. It is a personal take of mine. I have witnessed karma in action and it is a bear. Something I never want to endure.

People are people every where you go. Good and bad. It is a matter of figuring them out. I struggle with that.

I hope this makes sense.

Namaste,
Andrew

[gracefaith]

Life is a struggle for me too; Andrew,

and in my dark time, God is my light; burning in my spirit fire, I feel for you as you injured major loss, personal devastation, and your health...

I wonder what it'll be like someday when we have bodies that won't die and get sick

I"ve learn about my moods which even though you welcome me a great weekend; it'll soon be the weekend; my moods as of right now are on the slight over the the side of where I'm going more into surrender and even more into surrender; ;

and in the midst of my dad saying he doesn't want to ever see me again; this is triggering this mood thats quite interesting; I tell you; in the midst of this mood, I will worship God, allow God to teach me;

for a while I was rebelling against this mood, as I regress backward into my huge panic, as if this mountain of fear and I tell you; I feel I'm on the same page as you, faith that gets me through;

oh at times I'll enjoy dissecting different faiths; such as grammar, did Jesus walk the earth during the old or new testament; fun to dissect...

but there's this: in this mood this mood that I'm in, if I lose everyone if I become homeless I have God.

I won't become homeless now; but I have been homeless before; so I know what that's like; but the point I'm making is; if I lose everything; everything; I have God; I have God who's my home, who's my rock; who's my identity;

all I need is God;

I will live by faith and not by sight; I will be cloth in God's white light; white light that feeds my spirit fire of life; fire of life in my spirit in my chest area; if I fail; God will use it; if my dad never sees my love for him; God will use it; I'm available God;

God I pray; I pray onto you; I give you me; just as I am in this mood; in the midst of this mood; in the shadow I will walk in God; to those who can't forgive me and who never want to see me again; such as my dad; the type of forgiveness where I can't live up to his expectations; if he can't forgiven me then I'll see him in heaven - for he doesn't want to see me here on earth;

to whom rejects me; I'll see in heaven; in this fire of life healing; where there's no death but connection for truth will only be; and this includes even me; where I need healing; my own blame where I went wrong; all can be heal; all is good in God;

I'm in this mood; yet I won't try to rid of this mood; instead in the midst of this mood I'll allow God teach me; yes God yes God a personal relationship;

Andrew actually as this is in this thread; any who reads this; I have zero compass; I had no guidelines I don't know how to be here; I don't know the rules; if I address to you; I'm sure its ok if others writes too; but it is this; I feel God's peace right now; it is God who I will serve, I'm God's child

I might be silent for a while; cause I need God; I need to drink God be alone with God; I need to cry onto God; but I will dress in faith my spiritual clothing God; white light; that lives in me... burns fire of reason to go on;

I'm married to God. God is my husband. I'm God's wife. God is my butch... I'm God's femm...

this I'm attach to, die to self; live as Christ; I will die to self yes and live Christ;


[/COLOR][/SIZE][/QUOTE]

[gracefaith]

I think I've been writing long post and they're not very well structured...

These are the 3 websites I need to study that will improve my writing...

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/

http://www.aresearchguide.com/1steps.html

http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/resdoc5e/

Once I study these 3 websites I'll know how to write very well and it'll show when I write posts, but the problem is: I hadn't study them yet...

So I want to apologies how my posts looks and if they're difficult to read...

God bless...

gracefaith

[Glenn]

Why must Goddess/God be called Allah, a king, prince, father, etc.? The answer is that it is impossible for words to define or explain God/Goddess. All that man can do is use the best words he knows for the greatest BEING, the SUPREME BEING, and uses these words because he can't find any other or a better one. "The difference between human words and Divine words is this: a human word is merely a pebble, it exists, and that's all, it's nothing else. The Divine word is a Living word like a grain of corn, one grain is not just one grain, it is hundreds of thousands of grains. In this grain, or Divine word is an essence, which is always multiplying and Showing the perfection in itself."-Hazrat Khan

[gracefaith]

Thank you Thank you Popcorninthesofa; yes so true; as I too my words are merely pebbles and many times I've even ask if any needs to they can take my words and change them...

I do the best I can to use words to describe spirituality.

Thank you...

Your message is so a breath of fresh air...

I'm so glad you understand.

Thank you,
gracefaith

Originally Posted by popcorninthesofa

Why must Goddess/God be called Allah, a king, prince, father, etc.? The answer is that it is impossible for words to define or explain God/Goddess. All that man can do is use the best words he knows for the greatest BEING, the SUPREME BEING, and uses these words because he can't find any other or a better one. "The difference between human words and Divine words is this: a human word is merely a pebble, it exists, and that's all, it's nothing else. The Divine word is a Living word like a grain of corn, one grain is not just one grain, it is hundreds of thousands of grains. In this grain, or Divine word is an essence, which is always multiplying and Showing the perfection in itself."-Hazrat Khan

[gracefaith]

[COLOR="DarkRed"]What do you like about Buddhism?[/COLOR]

I like about Buddhism about the circle. Have you ever heard about the circle?

[Andrew, Jr.]

Gracefaith,

You are going to have to give me time to respond to your posts. I promise I will.

Enjoy your evening!

[mariamma]

Originally Posted by Glenn

Why must Goddess/God be called Allah, a king, prince, father, etc.? The answer is that it is impossible for words to define or explain God/Goddess. All that man can do is use the best words he knows for the greatest BEING, the SUPREME BEING, and uses these words because he can't find any other or a better one. "The difference between human words and Divine words is this: a human word is merely a pebble, it exists, and that's all, it's nothing else. The Divine word is a Living word like a grain of corn, one grain is not just one grain, it is hundreds of thousands of grains. In this grain, or Divine word is an essence, which is always multiplying and Showing the perfection in itself."-Hazrat Khan

Thank you for the quote. I usually say The Source because the term does not imply status on a power level. The Creator also works. The Great Spirit also works.
I do energy work. I have learned from my spirit guide that estrogen is the hormone you use to connect to the Source. Serotonin is another psychic hormone and it puts spirit energy into matter. I tend to piss people off a lot when I say this (especially spiritual men). I had a very hard time believing this and yet, all we do/think/feel is because of a hormone, neurotransmitter or other trace protein structure. Estrogen is the hormone that engenders grace, beauty, patience, respect, change, acceptance, etc. all the great traits of The Source.
We do get all this thru our perception, it's all filtered thru our personality type (for example, alpha, beta, gamma, delta) and all expressed thru the action or inaction of our hormones and neurotransmitters. The concept of God is so profoundly deep and beyond me at many moments during the day. It's good to get reminders that we're all in this together, we're all seeking, exploring and making sense of this path and we all are specks of light in the sparkling , dazzling eye of the Source.

[Glenn]

A.When throbbing of mooladhar begins, the whole body shakes involuntarily, the lungs fill with air, and is forcibly exhaled out. Without volition deep exhaling of breath starts and the body gets uncontrollable, know then, that the kundalini energy has awakened. You then should give up your assertions, and witness what happens.
B. When your body begins trembling, hair stands on end, you laugh or begin to weep without your wishing, your tongue begins to utter deformed sounds, you are filled with fear or see frightening visions, Think that the Kundalini Shakti has become active.
C. When your posture becomes fixed, and orgasm comes involuntarily, your tongue reverts back or rises up toward the palate, and the whole body becomes active that you are unable to stay still, your hands and legs stretch out forcibly, then you ought to know the Divine Power of the Goddess Kundalini has come into action.
D. When your posture becomes fixed and sight is attracted toward the middle point between the eyebrows, the eyeballs begin to revolve, you get automatic Kewal-Kumbhak cessation of breath comes, with no effort for inhaling or exhaling and the mind becomes vacant, void of all knowledge, understand that Maharamaya, the first born Shakti, the Goddess of Kundalini has come into action.
E. When you feel currents of energy (Prana) rising up your cerebrum within you, automatic Aum starts and the mind experiences waves after waves of blissful beautitude (as experienced by catholic saints also), think the Universal Mother Kundalini has come into action.
F. When different kinds of Nad become audible, your spinal column experiences vibrations, and feeling of bodily existence becomes lost. Your eyes open and close without volition, electric like currents flow up and down the nerves, and you have convulsions, konow that Mahamaya Kundalini has come into action.
G. When your mind gets influenced spiritually as if some spirit has taken possession of your body, and you can do different postures of yoga without pain or fatigue, and you feel increasingly energetic, and strange sort of breathing excersizes start, think that the Divine Power Of Kundalini has come into action.
H. When you no sooner have sat with eyes closed than the body begins to show activity of throwing out limbs, utter sounds like those of animals, birds, frogs, lions, wolves, jackels, dogs, tigers, fear inspiring and not pleasing to hear, understand that the Great Goddess Kundalini has come into action.
I. When you feel vibrations of energy at different stages inside your body, and feel it's flow wherever you fix your attention and nerves begin to show easy jerks like electricity passing through them, know that the Goddess Kundalini has come into action.
J. When all day and night you feel within your body some activity of energy. Wherever you concentrate your mind, your body at once begins to shake or toss, yet your mind remanins full of joy and bliss, and you can feel energy rising even in your dreams, you are experiencing HER Presence. Know that the joy inspiring Kundalini has come into action.
K. As soon as you sit for prayer your body begins to shake with the ecstacy of joy and you begin to sing songs/hymns of charming music, and write poems naturally, you must know that the Goddess Saraswati of speech has awakened into action.
L.When you feel intoxivated without taking any drugs, while walking your steps float majestically or are awkward, and you stagger,like one drunk of divinity, know that your Atma Shakti Kundalini, the power of Self, has come into action.
M. While walking, your mind is filled with an impulse to walk faster, and your feet begin running, you feel lighter than air, and do not feel fatigued having gone far, and you feel energetic and happy even in your dreams, and you can keep the balance of your mind undisturbed in all ups and downs, and you acquire inexhausible energy for work, know that Brahma Shakti Kundalini has come into action.
N. When you are in meditation the future unfolds it's secrets to you, hidden meanins of Scripture become clear, you acquire insight into occult practices, understand that Kundalini the bestower of occult power has come into action.
O. When seated in meditaton, your sight becomes fixed in the middle of the eyebrows, and your mind plunges into an ocean of bliss, you have the power of Kundalini.
P. When at morning and evening hours punctually and automatically your body becomes charged with energy and divine influences and you become overpowered by HER, know the Goddess Kundalini is rightly functioning.

From Deva Shakti (Kundalini) Her Divine Power
by Swami Ram Tirtha.

[Andrew, Jr.]

Gracefaith,

Let me try to hit on a couple points here. I am not a really good reader or good at reading comprehension.

1: The masterplan is not for us to know. Only God knows what it is.

2: I asked Rosie, who is Jewish, about the Judism questions you asked. She told me that there are a number of levels of it. The ultra religious known as Hasidict (sp?) follow everything to the book, and they discuss, study, & pray all the time.

The next level is orthodox, which really do the same as Hasidict, but not to the same intensity.

After that is conservative. They are more modern and less strick when comes to the Rites.

Then there is the reformed, which is the least religious.

In the end, the most important thing is that you do have a belief in God or Abba or something.

3: Buddism. The principles they have for human beings to me, is nothing like I have ever seen before. It is tranquil and peaceful. Nothing like what people live life today.

I hope this makes sense.

Andrew