Yes, I enjoyed this writing with the visual of the ladder reaching to the place of no interest. This tells me that everything we need and think we desire, is already inside us, but our stubborness causes us to search outside ourselves climbing to relationships of people, material things, careers, children and even pets for our problems. This writer states when your life doesn't fit into life's shape you must change your life so the problematic disappears. I was told by many older wise people: "if you don't like what is happening then change it up." This is difficult for people because it requires going out of your comfort zone and trusting for the better to come. This will make you feel successful of your decision to change it up or feel failure of a poor decision. This can alter one's self esteem to a healthy state or unhealthy state. I love the visual of a mole and only if he could see, he would see the problem. Some go through life with horse blinders on and just eat and run, eat and run, to be done.
The very last paragraph of this writing is profound, speaking of truth being spoken by one who lives in truth in contrast to someone who lives in untruth and only SOMETIMES reaches for the truth. With the experience of living and speaking the truth is at times painful because I'm sure you have heard the age old saying: "the truth hurts." I beleive this is why the truth can be withheld from one because they don't want to inflict pain. Again the experience of TRUTH proves to be best so people don't have to wear masks pretending to be someone else.
Finally I believe a lot of people need to unfold their ladder and look within and quit the climbing process that leads to no where and just speak the truth with respect to the person who is receiving the information. Done properly this can change the world not how it is but............that it is!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Isaac of Ninevah
I enjoyed reading this writing on TRUST very, very much. As it strated off with a small lamp whose light goes out, I could immediately relate this to a person who consumes all the attention of another, which would in turn snuff the light of the giving person. When an idividual is constantly giving to others it is very important to replenish their own light in order to give again. This is a common problem with motherhood. Mothers constantly give to their husband, their children, maybe a career and they can feel the energy being consumed by all different angles causing a BURN-OUT! This behaviour and neglect of re-fueling is very unhealthy and will eventually affect those loved ones and friends. Similar to the drug addict that hurts their family and friends by consuming the drug of choice.
Secondly, the writer speaks of a stream which dries up when it doesn't rain; this is another example of every individual needs to replinish their own rain system either by a slow drip satisfaction of living water or by a massive gushing of the beautiful sound and feeling of a waterfall falling over one's body to keep the person flowing into others. The more good we take in the more we are able to give out.
This brings me to my third point; "Trusting God with our whole heart." This is the absolute most difficult thing to achieve because it requires letting GO.......and waiting and trusting and waiting and trusting. This writer says we are'nt to think of ourselves when we pray, but we do. It's human of us to pray for ourselves what we want to have and don't want to have.
Summed up with the H-word......Humility, knowing a humble person is a true delight and should be observed with great attention. I do agree with this author in great detail.
Secondly, the writer speaks of a stream which dries up when it doesn't rain; this is another example of every individual needs to replinish their own rain system either by a slow drip satisfaction of living water or by a massive gushing of the beautiful sound and feeling of a waterfall falling over one's body to keep the person flowing into others. The more good we take in the more we are able to give out.
This brings me to my third point; "Trusting God with our whole heart." This is the absolute most difficult thing to achieve because it requires letting GO.......and waiting and trusting and waiting and trusting. This writer says we are'nt to think of ourselves when we pray, but we do. It's human of us to pray for ourselves what we want to have and don't want to have.
Summed up with the H-word......Humility, knowing a humble person is a true delight and should be observed with great attention. I do agree with this author in great detail.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Al-Muhasibi
I enjoyed this reading especially when it talks about; when all hindrances are removed they tread the path of friendship with God. This transports that person in a special garden only few find where seeing without eyes you can converse with an unseen friend because that friend is inside of you and always available as the company of the Beloved. The very first sentence in this reading about the path of love and the path of insight lead into the same garden is a reminder to all of us that what we are searching for; is within. Yet we spend so much time and money trying to fulfill what we think we want; only to find it wasn't enough. I believe Ryan spoke of this same thing about having all these cool cars and it didn't make him happy. I also can relate having a successful high paid home business and that money and success did not make me happy. I had several hindracnces removed from my successful life leaving me with less; with the exception of my faith, a college education and my ski boat. I have very little now but live in a garden that is much more beautiful inside me, then the garden I had that could be seen by all others walking past me.
I found these ideas moving and very real because I have heard from many different people how they searched and searched for happiness and found it was closer then they ever could imagine. It lead them into the garden that they already owned but just didn't take the time to cultivate it and fertilize it for the inner beauty to be seen by all others. The hinderances are the weeds in our garden that we must not let get out of control; so weed and feed is necessary to grow. The problem arises when people feed on unhealthy things and don't remove those tough growing weeds. Everyone has to find their own fertilizer that they consider healthy. This shouldn't be forced or guilt driven but truely a peaceful decision so JOY can be grown.
I found these ideas moving and very real because I have heard from many different people how they searched and searched for happiness and found it was closer then they ever could imagine. It lead them into the garden that they already owned but just didn't take the time to cultivate it and fertilize it for the inner beauty to be seen by all others. The hinderances are the weeds in our garden that we must not let get out of control; so weed and feed is necessary to grow. The problem arises when people feed on unhealthy things and don't remove those tough growing weeds. Everyone has to find their own fertilizer that they consider healthy. This shouldn't be forced or guilt driven but truely a peaceful decision so JOY can be grown.
Rilke
I enjoyed this reading because I could relate to the paragraph about the; "ripening like a tree, which doesn't force its sap, and stands confidently in the storms of spring, not afraid that afterward summer may not come." I have been like a tree tossed and blown and nicked with angry carvings dung into my trunk to leave scars and yet that weathering did not force my sap of revenge. It almost destroyed me to be uprooted but with patience and healthy encouraging support of others to carry my great pain of burdens; I am here to say that I am DEVELOPED and not destroyed. This is due to the deep root system that was instilled in me from my parents to exercise my faith when storms of life crash in. I am not afraid of summer heat to damage my exposed roots but fully see the summer heat as another opportunity to trust God in the developing process. When a person comes across a tree with some letters carved in the old trunk they know there is a story behind the letters. They know that this scaring of the tree did not force it to fall and die but continues to stand tall and remain more developed then before. It looked different then all the other trees around because it was chosen!
I agreed with this author and enjoyed the symbolism of our being a larger or smaller room and yet obvious we tend to know only one corner of our room which I believe is one's comfort zone. This author called it the narrow strip in which one walks back and forth for certain security. This little corner almost becomes a person's prison within. I found these ideas moving in my mind causing me to relate my life experiences to similar examples.
I agreed with this author and enjoyed the symbolism of our being a larger or smaller room and yet obvious we tend to know only one corner of our room which I believe is one's comfort zone. This author called it the narrow strip in which one walks back and forth for certain security. This little corner almost becomes a person's prison within. I found these ideas moving in my mind causing me to relate my life experiences to similar examples.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Johannes Scotus Erigena
The statements that express God is seen in the rosebush, the dirt, the screaming kids, and even the laundry drying outside tells me that something good can always be found resembling a good God if one looks deep enough. You might ask: what is good about a screaming kid? The answer: the child has a healthy voice and has the physical strength to be exercising it. Also one might wonder: what is good about dirt? The answer: when moistened it feels really good squishing in between your toes. I relate this too stirring up mud in the clear water. Clear water is transparent and stirring it up causes one to wait until the water settles for the clarity to reappear. This symbolises to me don't just believe the first thing you see at your first glance but take the time to wait and see something deeper then the first transparency view.
I thought the authors ideas were a little crazy and sometimes ridiculous. I wanted to grasp something from it relating to my thoughts but this was a real stretch and have come up a little confused. I thought this was just attributes being contrasted to its opposite. So my final thought that I walk away with is: FIND SOMETHING GOOD NO MATTER HOW UGLY IS SEEN!!
I thought the authors ideas were a little crazy and sometimes ridiculous. I wanted to grasp something from it relating to my thoughts but this was a real stretch and have come up a little confused. I thought this was just attributes being contrasted to its opposite. So my final thought that I walk away with is: FIND SOMETHING GOOD NO MATTER HOW UGLY IS SEEN!!
Monday, March 30, 2009
ABI'L-KHAYR (967-1049)
I enjoyed this reading stating: the friends of God, whose souls "know one another by smell, like horses." This made me think that a true Christ follower should be known by their actions before they even share verbally what they believe. The symbolism of the horse knowing another horse by its smell is similar to a blessed person knowing another blessed person because of they way they carry themselves through situations. I have been around a person and knew their was something different about about them, then after conversing realized the joy they express is from the same gracious God I also know.
The whole page of 83 was amazing to me!!I agree with this author because it is exactly what I have experienced going through the most difficult season in my life. I want to elaborate, but it is too personal, so let me summarize it like this: I took pride in owning my own business for 19 years from all my efforts; I thought, then fell into despair remaining successful but having no joy. I realized my selfish acts of success was not pure but tainted and I repented. they were strengths given to me from God. The certainty I felt in my heart who caused this while I doubted and fought the removal of this success with hopelessness because it was mine. God gave me a open gate to embrace change because I needed a new attitude with a new success. I was exposed to blame and slander that should of destroyed me but through my love of God I fearlessly became developed and not destroyed. This is a result of divine love and grace not of my own. I had everything stripped from me except my health loosing it all and that proved to me I finally desired what God desires for me. This was a action, then the knowledge, and this was NOT easy. This is a profound writing because I have lived it.
The whole page of 83 was amazing to me!!I agree with this author because it is exactly what I have experienced going through the most difficult season in my life. I want to elaborate, but it is too personal, so let me summarize it like this: I took pride in owning my own business for 19 years from all my efforts; I thought, then fell into despair remaining successful but having no joy. I realized my selfish acts of success was not pure but tainted and I repented. they were strengths given to me from God. The certainty I felt in my heart who caused this while I doubted and fought the removal of this success with hopelessness because it was mine. God gave me a open gate to embrace change because I needed a new attitude with a new success. I was exposed to blame and slander that should of destroyed me but through my love of God I fearlessly became developed and not destroyed. This is a result of divine love and grace not of my own. I had everything stripped from me except my health loosing it all and that proved to me I finally desired what God desires for me. This was a action, then the knowledge, and this was NOT easy. This is a profound writing because I have lived it.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
I enjoyed this reading because it shared a lot of wisdom with metaphors and comparisons. For example the statement: "is the acorn better than the oak which is its fullness and completion"? First I thought; I don't know, then I visualized a large mighty oak tree with deep driven roots full of wisdom and life experiences, which could withstand most storms of powerful winds, rains, and season changes. Where as the little acorn can be tossed around in heavy winds, eaten or carried by animals and therefore cannot be better than the oak. Then I read about the roses and it making no reference to former roses or to better roses and became confused. Then I remind myself that on the rose stem is prickery thorns that cause pain to touch and I'm drawn to admit that through painful experiences real beauty can develop. For something to come easy isn't as beautiful to share with someone then an item that was very painful and brought successful beauty that you can't keep quiet about. There is just a different energy with earning and gifting.
I agreed with this author and loved the metamorphosis of powers of nature. The horse, fish, bird, and tree all seen as a different type of man. Each with its own strength and weaknesses, friends and enemies, it's course and end. His idea with good there is evil, with affinity is repulsion, and with force there is limitation.
I found the ideal moving with the twofold manner; first the thing then the circumstance. I loved reading: "Punishment is a fruit that unsuspected ripens within the flower of the pleasure which concealed it". This reminded me how we don't think we will be caught at doing something wrong but we had instant pleasure and don't think about the fruit even rotting. If one really thought deep about the circumstances before the pleasure things would be different in a good way.
I agreed with this author and loved the metamorphosis of powers of nature. The horse, fish, bird, and tree all seen as a different type of man. Each with its own strength and weaknesses, friends and enemies, it's course and end. His idea with good there is evil, with affinity is repulsion, and with force there is limitation.
I found the ideal moving with the twofold manner; first the thing then the circumstance. I loved reading: "Punishment is a fruit that unsuspected ripens within the flower of the pleasure which concealed it". This reminded me how we don't think we will be caught at doing something wrong but we had instant pleasure and don't think about the fruit even rotting. If one really thought deep about the circumstances before the pleasure things would be different in a good way.
Monday, March 23, 2009
William Blake (1757-1827)
Ok, every blog so far that I have commented on has been a positive experience with positive words coming from me; BUT.....this one was so long and confusing and I couldn't make sense of it. So I did not enjoy the reading because I found it confusing. Maybe because I see a glass half full instead of half empty. As I was reading the Proverbs of Hell, I found myself referring each sentence to a proverbs from the Bible that would counter it. For example: "The cut worm forgives the plow" I apply that principle to: forgive others as Jesus forgives us. Another example: "The busy bee has no time for sorrow" I apply the principle to: bless others and you too will be blessed. Love this proverb from Hell: "Drive your cart and your plow over the bones of the dead" I translate that to: pick your battles. Lastly, "the most sublime act is to set another before you" I translate as: put others before yourself.
At the first reading I found this author's ideas crazy but then after reading it again and yet again I kind of liked it. This statement at the very, very beginning: Devil, take away his horns and cackle, and there is the pure animal energy of a child, of such is the kingdom of heaven reminded me immediately of everything starts out as good; and through life one is influenced, taught, and pressured to do things of the bad. Ending with: "at the marriage of heaven and hell, God is best man" tells me even this writer chooses Heaven over Hell.
At the first reading I found this author's ideas crazy but then after reading it again and yet again I kind of liked it. This statement at the very, very beginning: Devil, take away his horns and cackle, and there is the pure animal energy of a child, of such is the kingdom of heaven reminded me immediately of everything starts out as good; and through life one is influenced, taught, and pressured to do things of the bad. Ending with: "at the marriage of heaven and hell, God is best man" tells me even this writer chooses Heaven over Hell.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Heraclitus (6th-5th Century B.C.E.)
I enjoyed Heraclitus aphorisms because I could elaborate on each one with life experiences. So, I will pick just a few of my favorites. All things flow; this means to me everything happens for a reason. Maybe we don't understand it at the time but looking back, I can say: now I know why I experienced that it was to prepare me for this situation. The sun is new every day; this reminds me no matter what kind of day I had, I get a another opportunity for a new day. A good nights sleep after a bad day can bring the sun into my heart and mind even if the physical sun is not shinning outside. I have the privilege of choosing to let the sun shine inside of me or not.
That gives me the results of being powerful, like the sun's warmth instead of being pitiful. You can't step twice into the same river; confirms to me that I better learn from my mistakes in order to grow and share with others the knowledge I have learned in bad decisions. I have been known to be a slow learner in some areas and stepped into the same river again, thinking dang I knew better from the last time I went through this. To men, some things are good and some are bad. But to God, all things are good and beautiful and just; supports my thoughts of God making us in the image of himself. God is good, God is beautiful, God is just, and He desires that of us. But so quickly we judge and quickly point out what is bad. This must break God's heart! I struggle and disagree with the aphorism, eternity is a child playing checkers. I'm still trying to grasp that short sentence.
I found his ideas moving except the one about checkers a little crazy. I could only think that children do take a long time finding their move. I don't know! Then I thought maybe its the process of growing up and putting away childish things and childish thoughts. Being a child did seem like eternity and now life is like a roll of toliet paper, the closer I get to the end the faster it goes.
That gives me the results of being powerful, like the sun's warmth instead of being pitiful. You can't step twice into the same river; confirms to me that I better learn from my mistakes in order to grow and share with others the knowledge I have learned in bad decisions. I have been known to be a slow learner in some areas and stepped into the same river again, thinking dang I knew better from the last time I went through this. To men, some things are good and some are bad. But to God, all things are good and beautiful and just; supports my thoughts of God making us in the image of himself. God is good, God is beautiful, God is just, and He desires that of us. But so quickly we judge and quickly point out what is bad. This must break God's heart! I struggle and disagree with the aphorism, eternity is a child playing checkers. I'm still trying to grasp that short sentence.
I found his ideas moving except the one about checkers a little crazy. I could only think that children do take a long time finding their move. I don't know! Then I thought maybe its the process of growing up and putting away childish things and childish thoughts. Being a child did seem like eternity and now life is like a roll of toliet paper, the closer I get to the end the faster it goes.
The Hermetic Writings (3rd Century)
I enjoyed this reading because immediately I saw a full circle stating: "If you go far enough east, you'll arrive at the west". Then it jumps right into the power of positive thinking. Several sentences gave immeasurable power to do and see all things. With words like; leap, grow, step beyond, perceive, realize, recognize, embrace, find, make yourself, reconcile, understand, and then it states how we view the different seasons of our ages. Referring from the womb to the young, to the old, to the dead, to the world that lays beyond the grave, confirming to me that God can meet all those ages and seasons we experience.
I agree and disagree with the author about, wanting to know God is an easy road to travel. Yes, it is easy to accept knowing God, just a humbling process of acknowledging His grace and receiving His free gift of forgiveness. Although the road a God follower travels, is anything but EASY. A follower of God is tested and tempted due to the fallen world that we live in and a enemy that prowls around us to devour.
I find this authors ideas moving because too many people move so quickly and are so are busy that they forget to see God in all things. Like the ol saying: "don't forget to smell the flowers". Someone shared with me the acronym B.U.S.Y. stands for Being Under Satan's Yoke! Yikes!!! That means that the word: to busy (the all time human excuse) robs us of what really is important. That is confirmed in this writing by challenging us to sit in the backyard, watching God with God's eyes. There is nothing busy about sitting in the backyard!
I agree and disagree with the author about, wanting to know God is an easy road to travel. Yes, it is easy to accept knowing God, just a humbling process of acknowledging His grace and receiving His free gift of forgiveness. Although the road a God follower travels, is anything but EASY. A follower of God is tested and tempted due to the fallen world that we live in and a enemy that prowls around us to devour.
I find this authors ideas moving because too many people move so quickly and are so are busy that they forget to see God in all things. Like the ol saying: "don't forget to smell the flowers". Someone shared with me the acronym B.U.S.Y. stands for Being Under Satan's Yoke! Yikes!!! That means that the word: to busy (the all time human excuse) robs us of what really is important. That is confirmed in this writing by challenging us to sit in the backyard, watching God with God's eyes. There is nothing busy about sitting in the backyard!
Monday, March 2, 2009
DHU'L-NUN AL-MISRI (796-861)
I enjoyed reading: “compassion is another name for clarity.” What a profound statement! As the description of a saint is given, one can only see compassion is the definition of a saint. It says; the saints are those whom God has invested with, putting love for them into the hearts. God offers all people the love and grace to bring joy to all, but the question is who will embrace it and pay it forward with no entitlement expected. Now that is a saint! Immediately the theme: Do unto other’s what you would want done to you I sense, with all the words of giving positive behavior to those around you. This writing was all about giving and doing for others out of compassion and not for the rewards. Which made me think before we are finished here on the temporal earth a few things to keep in mind is:
1) it won’t matter what car I drive, but how many people I drove who didn’t have transportation.
2) it won’t matter my home’s size, but how many people I welcomed into my home.
3) it won’t matter the brand of clothes I wore, but how many people did I help clothe.
4) it won’t matter what my salary was, but did I compromise my character to obtain it.
5) it won’t matter what my job title was, but did I perform the job to the best of my ability.
6) it won’t matter how many friends I had, but how many people to whom I was a friend.
7) it won’t matter what neighborhood I lived, but how I treated my neighbors.
8) it won’t matter what skin color I have, but the content of my character.
9) it won’t matter how long it took me to find Him, but that I did and now get to reside in a mansion in Heaven, and not the gates of Hell.
I certainly agreed with this author because look at all the choices we have to do to others.
1) it won’t matter what car I drive, but how many people I drove who didn’t have transportation.
2) it won’t matter my home’s size, but how many people I welcomed into my home.
3) it won’t matter the brand of clothes I wore, but how many people did I help clothe.
4) it won’t matter what my salary was, but did I compromise my character to obtain it.
5) it won’t matter what my job title was, but did I perform the job to the best of my ability.
6) it won’t matter how many friends I had, but how many people to whom I was a friend.
7) it won’t matter what neighborhood I lived, but how I treated my neighbors.
8) it won’t matter what skin color I have, but the content of my character.
9) it won’t matter how long it took me to find Him, but that I did and now get to reside in a mansion in Heaven, and not the gates of Hell.
I certainly agreed with this author because look at all the choices we have to do to others.
RUMI (1207-1273)
I can’t really say that I enjoyed this reading but it made me think over and over and slowly I started some conversation within myself. The metaphor of starting from the embryo, to the infant, to the child, to the searcher and finally, to the hunter got me thinking: I only know what I’ve experienced. If I don’t experience different seasons in life what will I know? If a person was in a satisfying season they would not want to experience another and yet that would hinder our education of life experiences and we could get stuck in an infant stage or child stage. Now how healthy would that be? Our lives seem to be a constant desire for more, more of what we like, more of what we want and yet when achieved we have a dying cry inside; saying is that it?
After Moses’ revelation from God saying: God has given separate and unique way of seeing/knowing, wrong/right, poison/honey, purity/impurity, sloth/diligence in worship, mean nothing to God; reminded me how uniquely different we are and some of us could handle certain seasons to become more fully developed, while others could be destroyed by the same season. Then he talked about looking inside at the humility and not the words that they say repeating: he wants burning, burning, friends with your burning, burn up your thinking. I visualized the power of fire in a forest and how quickly it spreads gaining momentum with added fuel of the next tree nearby. Does this mean we are to share the burning of seasons that we experience growing us to the next level with those nearby us?
Some of this reading I found moving and then some of it crazy. I was constantly torn: “do I like this or not?” Like the part where it says: “Loosen your tongue and don’t worry what comes out.”
After Moses’ revelation from God saying: God has given separate and unique way of seeing/knowing, wrong/right, poison/honey, purity/impurity, sloth/diligence in worship, mean nothing to God; reminded me how uniquely different we are and some of us could handle certain seasons to become more fully developed, while others could be destroyed by the same season. Then he talked about looking inside at the humility and not the words that they say repeating: he wants burning, burning, friends with your burning, burn up your thinking. I visualized the power of fire in a forest and how quickly it spreads gaining momentum with added fuel of the next tree nearby. Does this mean we are to share the burning of seasons that we experience growing us to the next level with those nearby us?
Some of this reading I found moving and then some of it crazy. I was constantly torn: “do I like this or not?” Like the part where it says: “Loosen your tongue and don’t worry what comes out.”
Monday, February 23, 2009
Dame Julian of Norwich
I enjoyed this reading because right at the beginning; a statement was made that has been drilled into my head daily from the mouth of a wise 87 year young women who I deeply respect.
"There are no accidents."
A person of little or no faith would not like this saying because: is it a accident to get cancer, or raped, or abused. How I deal with this is knowing that God is a good God; and nothing is wasted in the process of developing a person. If something good or bad happens to someone they can always learn something from the incident. The event wasn't wasted. It is said: "that one's misery becomes their ministry" that confirms to me a terrible event bringing one misery, can develope and prepare one to help others during a similar difficult time. Not that we would of choosen to work in that area. Remember we don't get to check the boxes like we do on a sandwich order asking to withhold a certain conditment.
I loved reading about the three properties: 1) God made it 2) God loves it 3) God keeps it!
The three properties bring me great comfort as I replace the word "it" with my name and personalize this promise giving me a greater purpose. I know God made me, I know God loves me and I know God keeps me as close as I will let him be to me. It is my decision to be close or distance from God. It's everyones decision and we can't change people's choices but we can model for them to see: God is with me!!!
I found her ideas moving because she refers to: "if you don't see the point, please look again. The point is a sharp one; you won't see it till you feel it, cutting out your mistaken ideas like a scalpel." This reminds me that until you walk and feel the pinch of ones shoes; only then can you understand the point that person is making. You are able to see something more clearly when you feel the pain.
"There are no accidents."
A person of little or no faith would not like this saying because: is it a accident to get cancer, or raped, or abused. How I deal with this is knowing that God is a good God; and nothing is wasted in the process of developing a person. If something good or bad happens to someone they can always learn something from the incident. The event wasn't wasted. It is said: "that one's misery becomes their ministry" that confirms to me a terrible event bringing one misery, can develope and prepare one to help others during a similar difficult time. Not that we would of choosen to work in that area. Remember we don't get to check the boxes like we do on a sandwich order asking to withhold a certain conditment.
I loved reading about the three properties: 1) God made it 2) God loves it 3) God keeps it!
The three properties bring me great comfort as I replace the word "it" with my name and personalize this promise giving me a greater purpose. I know God made me, I know God loves me and I know God keeps me as close as I will let him be to me. It is my decision to be close or distance from God. It's everyones decision and we can't change people's choices but we can model for them to see: God is with me!!!
I found her ideas moving because she refers to: "if you don't see the point, please look again. The point is a sharp one; you won't see it till you feel it, cutting out your mistaken ideas like a scalpel." This reminds me that until you walk and feel the pinch of ones shoes; only then can you understand the point that person is making. You are able to see something more clearly when you feel the pain.
Gospel of Thomas
I actually didn't enjoy this reading. I found it to be kind of crazy because it kept repeating: "Jesus said" - "Jesus said" then as I read what was said, I found the sayings crazy. Although one of the sayings that I like was just shared with me from a close friend over the telephone the other day. I am asking myself why am I hearing this twice in one week?
"If you bring forth what is inside you, what you bring forth will save you. If you don't bring forth what is inside you, what you don't bring will destroy you."
After going through the toughest time in my life, I have had both friends, relatives, and professionals tell me that my circumstances should of destoyed a person and yet they share with me-they see me to be more developed then destroyed. The last three years came really close to destroying me but throught a healthy direction of full-time school and digging deep in my faith I was able to with stand the storms of life due to my deep root system that my parents gave me. If tree roots are shallow they can easily be uprooted, but if roots are deep they can withstand the heavy winds and rain.
So I say that I brought forth what was inside me and it has saved me.
"If you bring forth what is inside you, what you bring forth will save you. If you don't bring forth what is inside you, what you don't bring will destroy you."
After going through the toughest time in my life, I have had both friends, relatives, and professionals tell me that my circumstances should of destoyed a person and yet they share with me-they see me to be more developed then destroyed. The last three years came really close to destroying me but throught a healthy direction of full-time school and digging deep in my faith I was able to with stand the storms of life due to my deep root system that my parents gave me. If tree roots are shallow they can easily be uprooted, but if roots are deep they can withstand the heavy winds and rain.
So I say that I brought forth what was inside me and it has saved me.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Chuang-Tzu
I struggled at first with the "this" and "that" but as I continued to read it made such great sense. The whole ideal of using a nonattribute to show that attributes are not attributes really got me thinking. As I read what is acceptable and what is not acceptable, got me to thinking of something rather gross. If I was to spit in a glass and then drink it in front of a group, that would be unacceptable or plain gross. But think about it, everyday, every hour, every time you swallow you are drinking your spit, just not from a glass. It is only gross because we give it the name "SPIT."
The "three in the morning" statement I loved. Again with words three in the morning or saying four in the morning with the acorns given to the monkeys was exactly the same number of receiving seven. It reminded me that we like hearing the good at first, and to hear four acorns given out before three acorns, sounds better. Spit is spit and seven is seven, it's all in how you look at it. Would one argue that spit only becomes spit when it intersects with air, and the spit that we swallow is saliva.
This author seemed crazy sometimes to me and then as I gave it great thought I found the writing to be very moving. Almost everything I'm reading directs me right to the beginning and that beginning is right with us, inside us, available to us, heck it's just plain and simple US.
The "three in the morning" statement I loved. Again with words three in the morning or saying four in the morning with the acorns given to the monkeys was exactly the same number of receiving seven. It reminded me that we like hearing the good at first, and to hear four acorns given out before three acorns, sounds better. Spit is spit and seven is seven, it's all in how you look at it. Would one argue that spit only becomes spit when it intersects with air, and the spit that we swallow is saliva.
This author seemed crazy sometimes to me and then as I gave it great thought I found the writing to be very moving. Almost everything I'm reading directs me right to the beginning and that beginning is right with us, inside us, available to us, heck it's just plain and simple US.
Tzu-ssu
I really enjoyed this reading because it emphasized the word "maturity" over and over again, and this is so important in ones life to be mature. I am reminded that for one to be mature is a learning process and Tao is "true learning." It takes a very mature person to take the responsibility of wrong actions as oppose to blaming others like the immature person. It is written that Tao is the harmony to reach out to all things involved in the universe. If one doesn't truly learn from within themselves how to deal with the storms of life then they are similar to the axe handle which is indeed near at hand. I truly haven't given that much thought but it is true. I found that very moving.
I do agree with this author especially in the paragraph about fulfillment. Clearly fulfillment comes from within and must be truly learned (Tao) so that fulfillment can be passed to others, who in turn pass to others, and so on and so on causing a ripple effect for the nourishment and transformation of heaven and earth. What a better place this would be for cause and effect of fulfillment.
I found these ideas very moving and concrete the morals I have been taught in life to practice such behavior. I have great respect with reading the example of "missing the bull's-eye is to reason where one have failed" and not so much today's thoughts of practice, practice, and more practice. Because if one is doing something wrong and continues to practice over and over to get it right it becomes the great circle of failure. One needs to be taught correctly how to properly hit the bull's eye and then practice, practice, and more practice.
I do agree with this author especially in the paragraph about fulfillment. Clearly fulfillment comes from within and must be truly learned (Tao) so that fulfillment can be passed to others, who in turn pass to others, and so on and so on causing a ripple effect for the nourishment and transformation of heaven and earth. What a better place this would be for cause and effect of fulfillment.
I found these ideas very moving and concrete the morals I have been taught in life to practice such behavior. I have great respect with reading the example of "missing the bull's-eye is to reason where one have failed" and not so much today's thoughts of practice, practice, and more practice. Because if one is doing something wrong and continues to practice over and over to get it right it becomes the great circle of failure. One needs to be taught correctly how to properly hit the bull's eye and then practice, practice, and more practice.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
The Buddha
I enjoyed reading Buddha because it is confirming that one needs to be fully aware that no matter how much you read and/or follow the scriptures, listen to logic or inference, learn from religious teachers it is only you that can decide if: “something is unwholesome and bad for you, give it up. And if something is wholesome and good for you, do it.” That made me think of what I have been taught: “do more of what works, and stop what doesn’t work.”
I loved the analogy of the man walking along a great river. He saw something good across the water and used his knowledge and strength to achieve that better place and when he succeeded he laid it down to be done with. Carrying this raft on top of his head would cause physical pain and become a burden to carry around, when all one has to do is let go of what doesn’t work anymore. Drop the baggage, it is similar to carrying a dead corpse over your back, it slows one down in walking along the great river and too weary to enjoy the beautiful walk.
The last two paragraphs of this reading I found crazy. The statement: “all truths should be used to cross over; they should not be held on to once you have arrived.” Personally there are some truths in my life that I have held on to and they have been my strength. I can’t imagine letting go of such truths that drive me forward to a healthier place. The writer’s ideas were moving to me at first, and then it abruptly ended with letting go of something wholesome or unwholesome. I understand letting go of the unwholesome but the very last sentence: “Hold to the truth within yourself, as to the only truth” contradicts the earlier statement that says, “all truths should be used to cross over; they should not be held on to once you have arrived.” The statement: “Be your own confidence” is reminds me not to put our value in others but in ourselves because that is your true self that only you know it to be.
I loved the analogy of the man walking along a great river. He saw something good across the water and used his knowledge and strength to achieve that better place and when he succeeded he laid it down to be done with. Carrying this raft on top of his head would cause physical pain and become a burden to carry around, when all one has to do is let go of what doesn’t work anymore. Drop the baggage, it is similar to carrying a dead corpse over your back, it slows one down in walking along the great river and too weary to enjoy the beautiful walk.
The last two paragraphs of this reading I found crazy. The statement: “all truths should be used to cross over; they should not be held on to once you have arrived.” Personally there are some truths in my life that I have held on to and they have been my strength. I can’t imagine letting go of such truths that drive me forward to a healthier place. The writer’s ideas were moving to me at first, and then it abruptly ended with letting go of something wholesome or unwholesome. I understand letting go of the unwholesome but the very last sentence: “Hold to the truth within yourself, as to the only truth” contradicts the earlier statement that says, “all truths should be used to cross over; they should not be held on to once you have arrived.” The statement: “Be your own confidence” is reminds me not to put our value in others but in ourselves because that is your true self that only you know it to be.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Dogen
I enjoyed reading Dogen because expressed to study the self, the self is to forget the self, and to forget the self is to be enlightened by all things, and to be enlightened by all things is to drop off our own body and mind and next to drop off the bodies and minds of others. This made me think how so many people search and search for enlightenment as they experiment with many different things. Some of the those things are good and some are bad but really the thing that can enlighten one is to get to know yourself. As the writer states; “the truth is already in us.”
I agree with the author about the analogy of the boat and the shore, depending on where one stands the other seems to be moving. This reminded me of the old saying; “one can’t see the trees through the forest.” I really struggled to understand the Zen Master and Monk conversation about the wind. The whole wind brings forth the gold of the earth and turns its long rivers into wine. That I find crazy!
The practice of Meditation I really enjoyed because it challenges one to learn to listen to the voice within yourself. Then it talks about how we search, sift and shuffle through so many other forms of knowledge to find our true self in our fullness. I found the detailed description of how to properly meditate so moving and inspiring. Meditation’s main theme is discipline and practice and after one uses this power within self, then fruit will be given. Then it states one will discover the treasure of wisdom, which in turn one can share abundantly with others, bringing another happiness and peace. That is so similar to what Jesus wants us to do! Share our blessings!
I agree with the author about the analogy of the boat and the shore, depending on where one stands the other seems to be moving. This reminded me of the old saying; “one can’t see the trees through the forest.” I really struggled to understand the Zen Master and Monk conversation about the wind. The whole wind brings forth the gold of the earth and turns its long rivers into wine. That I find crazy!
The practice of Meditation I really enjoyed because it challenges one to learn to listen to the voice within yourself. Then it talks about how we search, sift and shuffle through so many other forms of knowledge to find our true self in our fullness. I found the detailed description of how to properly meditate so moving and inspiring. Meditation’s main theme is discipline and practice and after one uses this power within self, then fruit will be given. Then it states one will discover the treasure of wisdom, which in turn one can share abundantly with others, bringing another happiness and peace. That is so similar to what Jesus wants us to do! Share our blessings!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
SHMELKE OF NIKOLSBURG
I agree with this powerful writing of; “how can I love my neighbor when he has wronged me?” This is how I have learned to love those who have wronged me. First, just as the writer states; “He wrongs you because he does not understand.” If your neighbor does not understand then maybe you have been placed in their path to give them the education of understanding. So when you have been wronged you can do and say things towards your neighbor that might educate them. People are watching us in how one handles situations. Depending on your attitude and motive you can encourage behaviors that people want to reflect to others or behaviors that people would want to refract from others. So I ask myself: if I wrong someone would I want them to still love me? That brings my mind to thinking: “Do unto others as you would do to yourself.” So if I should wrong someone because I did not know any better; would I want to be forgiven? This writer talks about punishing your hand because it lacks understanding. Our hand can lead to being a victim or a hero depending on what we choose to do.
I agree with the writing: “If you punish him, you only hurt yourself” this is the perfect example that true heartfelt forgiveness is for us to release our past to heal our present because wounds of unforgiveness can fester and contaminate our present. Forgiveness means that even though you are wounded you choose to hurt and suffer less. IT IS FOR YOU, not the other! Forgiveness is a act that shows strength and our strength can be an example to others. Remember while you did not cause the wrongs to happen, you are responsible for how you think, behave, and feel since the wrong has occurred.
I agree with the writing: “If you punish him, you only hurt yourself” this is the perfect example that true heartfelt forgiveness is for us to release our past to heal our present because wounds of unforgiveness can fester and contaminate our present. Forgiveness means that even though you are wounded you choose to hurt and suffer less. IT IS FOR YOU, not the other! Forgiveness is a act that shows strength and our strength can be an example to others. Remember while you did not cause the wrongs to happen, you are responsible for how you think, behave, and feel since the wrong has occurred.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Dov Baer of Mezritch
I was touched by this writing because of the reference of the divine root and vitality. As it talks about how we gaze at objects we hold the non-verbal communication to give this object blessing by thinking of great things; or as we gaze at a object we think of nothingness. Since communication is 90% non-verbal this has given me a challenge to gaze at things with thoughts that are healthy and not destructive. I’ve been told that it takes more facial muscles to frown then it does to smile; so why is it that most people walk through their day looking mad displaying a frown?
I totally agree with the second paragraph this writer shared about; "an ear hearing what the universe is saying within one." That hearing process from the universe is usually all the media and entertainment and noise that we fill our minds with to numb pain and possibly escape reality. The writer immediately states; "the moment you begin to hear what you yourself are saying, you must stop." That is a challenge to us because sitting in silence and really being alone is a lost art. To stop the hearing and begin the listening is a huge obstacle. Have you ever thought how interesting it is that the word, "listen" is just 6 letters and yet rearranged in a different order it also spells, "silent."Do you think this is a coincidence or what God really intended all of us to do with these powerful 6 letters? I believe a person of great spiritual faith would say there is no coincidence but divine agreement that the branches need the vine and the vine needs the soil and the soil needs nourishment. So I ask what type of nourishment will you digest into the depths of your soul? Can you sit "silent" to really "listen"?
I totally agree with the second paragraph this writer shared about; "an ear hearing what the universe is saying within one." That hearing process from the universe is usually all the media and entertainment and noise that we fill our minds with to numb pain and possibly escape reality. The writer immediately states; "the moment you begin to hear what you yourself are saying, you must stop." That is a challenge to us because sitting in silence and really being alone is a lost art. To stop the hearing and begin the listening is a huge obstacle. Have you ever thought how interesting it is that the word, "listen" is just 6 letters and yet rearranged in a different order it also spells, "silent."Do you think this is a coincidence or what God really intended all of us to do with these powerful 6 letters? I believe a person of great spiritual faith would say there is no coincidence but divine agreement that the branches need the vine and the vine needs the soil and the soil needs nourishment. So I ask what type of nourishment will you digest into the depths of your soul? Can you sit "silent" to really "listen"?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Ramana Maharshi
Ramana Maharshi
I enjoyed this writing and found it moving with the metaphor of: “trying to cover the whole world with leather to avoid the pain of walking on stones and thorns. It is much simpler to wear shoes.” This is the perfect example how when faced with a difficult decision; it is usually the more painful decision, the one that is the hardest that would be the best. It is simple to run from problems (wear shoes) and walk away, as opposed to going deep and find the root of the problem (covering the earth) to make one’s path less difficult to travel.
The last two paragraphs of this writing was my favorite. Since silence is everlasting and appears every day over and over again until we interrupt that silence with our words. Silence is pure just as that energy running through the wire until it meets contact of another flow. The very last part of this writing; “someone standing neck-deep in water and yet crying for water” captured my attention to the old saying: people want what they already have! Yet they are standing inside the box and unable to see the very thing they long for. That is when God or a close friend can bring one’s attention, you have what you are longing for.
I did agree with this author especially the one sentence that stands alone on page 194: “Only mature minds can grasp the simple truth in all its nakedness.” Which brings me back to the beginning of this writing about avoiding walking on stones and thorns. Enduring pain and discomfort brings about maturity which gives us the tools to know when wear our shoes (the simple idea) or when to walk the uncomfortable paths of stones and thorns and become more mature to invest in others who might need a living example.
I enjoyed this writing and found it moving with the metaphor of: “trying to cover the whole world with leather to avoid the pain of walking on stones and thorns. It is much simpler to wear shoes.” This is the perfect example how when faced with a difficult decision; it is usually the more painful decision, the one that is the hardest that would be the best. It is simple to run from problems (wear shoes) and walk away, as opposed to going deep and find the root of the problem (covering the earth) to make one’s path less difficult to travel.
The last two paragraphs of this writing was my favorite. Since silence is everlasting and appears every day over and over again until we interrupt that silence with our words. Silence is pure just as that energy running through the wire until it meets contact of another flow. The very last part of this writing; “someone standing neck-deep in water and yet crying for water” captured my attention to the old saying: people want what they already have! Yet they are standing inside the box and unable to see the very thing they long for. That is when God or a close friend can bring one’s attention, you have what you are longing for.
I did agree with this author especially the one sentence that stands alone on page 194: “Only mature minds can grasp the simple truth in all its nakedness.” Which brings me back to the beginning of this writing about avoiding walking on stones and thorns. Enduring pain and discomfort brings about maturity which gives us the tools to know when wear our shoes (the simple idea) or when to walk the uncomfortable paths of stones and thorns and become more mature to invest in others who might need a living example.
Padmasambhava
Padmasambhava
I really enjoyed this reading because the writing is dedicated to the mind. Reading that your mind is pure and empty as the sky reminded me that as soon as a person decides to burn brush that have altered the definition of the sky. When powerful search lights strike upward into the sky representing a new place of business that also alters the sky. Therefore just has the sky is changed by what is put into the sky; our mind is no different and what we put into our mind can change and/or alter our minds. The author continued to challenge one to: “look inside your own mind” something I believe is not given too much attention too in today’s busy world. There is so much to do and so little time that the quiet moments of really seeking what goes in our mind is obviously going to come out of our being.
I truly agreed with this author as the statement was repeated: “there are no two such things…” then would go on and compare two different words regarding the same subject. For example; two people seeing the same movie or reading a book will likely come away with two different visions. Similar to those who read the bible today and hear one thing and others who see something totally different in the exact same reading.
I found this writing very moving because what goes into our mind does alter our moods, attitude, body language, and even our actions. Just like the writer refer to the sky is empty until it is filled with stuff. The word “Practice” kept jumping out to me because everyone must practice something and we get to choose what it is we practice. This opened my mind to ask myself: “What are you practicing in your mind?”
I really enjoyed this reading because the writing is dedicated to the mind. Reading that your mind is pure and empty as the sky reminded me that as soon as a person decides to burn brush that have altered the definition of the sky. When powerful search lights strike upward into the sky representing a new place of business that also alters the sky. Therefore just has the sky is changed by what is put into the sky; our mind is no different and what we put into our mind can change and/or alter our minds. The author continued to challenge one to: “look inside your own mind” something I believe is not given too much attention too in today’s busy world. There is so much to do and so little time that the quiet moments of really seeking what goes in our mind is obviously going to come out of our being.
I truly agreed with this author as the statement was repeated: “there are no two such things…” then would go on and compare two different words regarding the same subject. For example; two people seeing the same movie or reading a book will likely come away with two different visions. Similar to those who read the bible today and hear one thing and others who see something totally different in the exact same reading.
I found this writing very moving because what goes into our mind does alter our moods, attitude, body language, and even our actions. Just like the writer refer to the sky is empty until it is filled with stuff. The word “Practice” kept jumping out to me because everyone must practice something and we get to choose what it is we practice. This opened my mind to ask myself: “What are you practicing in your mind?”
Friday, January 23, 2009
SA-GO-YE-WAT-HA
Right up front SA-GO-YE-WAT-HA starts off with giving thanks for the divine appointment on such a fine day. Even thanking the sun for shinning upon them. He clearly acknowledges how the Great Spirit has given favor to those. No credit to himself or his people but all the greatness directed to his Great Spirit. Willing and ready to hear with open ears and see with clear eyes. What a wonderful way to begin a gathering among different people. I love how SA-GO-YE-WAT-HA begins with all they have been given; land, animals, water, clothing and such is shared with the white men who come to them. The red man has great compassion to the white men and shares everything he has been given to then feel the effects of the poison brought into the red man's world. Almost like tricksters!
SA-GO-YE-WAT-HA is so right on about the sincere heart and not the way one worships. Destroying or removing ones religion is not going to bring one to your religion. Your faith and God's spirit is what should draw people to you and they would question what it is that makes you who you are. Perfect example in the end of this writing he basically says; "we will wait and see the fruit from those who you have preached too before us".
Between red and white people their are great differences; God has made us to be different just has Baskin Robbins has made 31 different flavors for all the different taste. When you find a flavor that grows you spiritually and in a healthy way continue with it and let it shine out from all your broken cracks which will draw people to want to get to know you and your Abba Father.
SA-GO-YE-WAT-HA is so right on about the sincere heart and not the way one worships. Destroying or removing ones religion is not going to bring one to your religion. Your faith and God's spirit is what should draw people to you and they would question what it is that makes you who you are. Perfect example in the end of this writing he basically says; "we will wait and see the fruit from those who you have preached too before us".
Between red and white people their are great differences; God has made us to be different just has Baskin Robbins has made 31 different flavors for all the different taste. When you find a flavor that grows you spiritually and in a healthy way continue with it and let it shine out from all your broken cracks which will draw people to want to get to know you and your Abba Father.
Chief Seattle
I love how Chief Seattle shares the blame among the white man and his own people. So often one party will put all the blame on the other. Chief Seattle clearly acknowledges his people's responsibility of their part in harden hearts and faces wearing war paint to go to war against the white man. Chief Seattle is very wise as he shares: "We would have everything to lose and nothing to gain" in regards to going to war.
Chief Seattle compares how separate the two races are and must remain that way as he speaks of the light and dark being separated, the graves of their fathers respect being so separate, the faith of each race separate from angry writing on stones to the gentle writing on the red man's heart, and the love of the earth from the red man and how quickly white man forget his surroundings. Then he finishes with a strong sense that even when his people are gone they will still be around because the dead have power too. The Chiefs people are so much more in touch with their earth ground then the white men, that only want to take all of its control of land from the red man.
It's heartbreaking when Chief feels his people are orphans and there has been no help to them. At that important moment the white man could of used his faith and shared how God can provide for them as well as he has for the white. I would not want anyone to leave my conversation feeling as if they are a orphan to God. That is when God's spirit is to be shared with those who are less fortunate and have crossed your path for a divine reason of God's love.
Chief Seattle continues to give his graditude to every hillside,valley,wood, shores, and even the unspeaking stones as he reminds us; "the earth is rich with the lives of our kin."
Chief Seattle compares how separate the two races are and must remain that way as he speaks of the light and dark being separated, the graves of their fathers respect being so separate, the faith of each race separate from angry writing on stones to the gentle writing on the red man's heart, and the love of the earth from the red man and how quickly white man forget his surroundings. Then he finishes with a strong sense that even when his people are gone they will still be around because the dead have power too. The Chiefs people are so much more in touch with their earth ground then the white men, that only want to take all of its control of land from the red man.
It's heartbreaking when Chief feels his people are orphans and there has been no help to them. At that important moment the white man could of used his faith and shared how God can provide for them as well as he has for the white. I would not want anyone to leave my conversation feeling as if they are a orphan to God. That is when God's spirit is to be shared with those who are less fortunate and have crossed your path for a divine reason of God's love.
Chief Seattle continues to give his graditude to every hillside,valley,wood, shores, and even the unspeaking stones as he reminds us; "the earth is rich with the lives of our kin."
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