Andrew Cort's Blog, page 31
December 16, 2011
RAMAKRISHNA: A GOD-INTOXICATED LIFE
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Today's post is an Excerpt from
Sri Ramakrishna, The Face of Silence,
by Swami Nikhilananda and Dham Gopal Mukerji.
Sri Ramakrishna was born in 1836 and passed away in 1886. His life was an uninterrupted contemplation of God. He delved deeply into the ideas and principles of all traditions, and seekers of God from all religions have been drawn to his life and teachings which have influenced much of the spiritual thought of our time. Ramakrishna demonstrated in his own God-intoxicated life that the revelation and experience of God takes place at all times and is not the monopoly of any particular age, country, faith, or people.
***
"Now that Ramakrishna had become a master, like bees to the flower many earnest religious souls came to receive instructions from him. They came from all walks of life. Social reformers, university students, brahmins, rajahs, artisans, peasants, Buddhists, Christians, and Muslims all flocked to Dakshineswar….
"We have already noted that among the visitors to Dakshineswar there were Christians and Muslims. They came to see what 'the heathen Ramakrishna' was like. Of course, many of them saw in him nothing but a religious man. But there was a Christian who perceived in him a great teacher. He went further than that; he said to Ramakrishna, 'You verify to me the teachings of my own religion.'
" 'What is your religion, my son?' asked the Master.
" 'Christianity, my Lord,' answered the gentleman.
"Ramakrishna explained, 'Yes, Yata mat tato path — as many souls, so many pathways to God. But I have never studied your particular religion. Now I will do so.'
"From that day on, for two years Ramakrishna studied Christianity. Since he did not know English, he had the New Testament read to him in translation many times over. Gradually it had such an effect on him that he began to meditate on the Christos. He lived like a Christian anchorite, all alone in the famous woods of Panchavati. Then one day, after many months, he came out and proclaimed, 'I found God at the end of the road of Christianity. So if anyone follows Christ he will reach God. I have verified it.'
"Another time a Muslim visitor said to him, 'You are the most devout Muslim I know!'
"That roused the Master. He decided to spend some time studying Islam. Forthwith he had himself converted to that religion. Again he retired into Panchavati to meditate on what had been taught him from the Qur'an by his Muslim teacher. Months passed. Then he came out of his seclusion and proclaimed, 'That road too leads to the palace of the same King. Religions differ in their appearance, but not in their essence. No matter which path you take it will usher you in the end into his presence: the end of it all! As the many-colored rivers tear and claw their way to the ocean and are lost in its steady emerald level, so all the religions, turgid with dogmatism, lose themselves in the serenity of God. Since religions are but means to finding God, why quarrel about their respective merits and defects? That will take you nowhere."
YOUR COMMENTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!***
Today's post is an Excerpt from Sri Ramakrishna, The Face of Silence,
by Swami Nikhilananda and Dham Gopal Mukerji.
Sri Ramakrishna was born in 1836 and passed away in 1886. His life was an uninterrupted contemplation of God. He delved deeply into the ideas and principles of all traditions, and seekers of God from all religions have been drawn to his life and teachings which have influenced much of the spiritual thought of our time. Ramakrishna demonstrated in his own God-intoxicated life that the revelation and experience of God takes place at all times and is not the monopoly of any particular age, country, faith, or people.
***
"Now that Ramakrishna had become a master, like bees to the flower many earnest religious souls came to receive instructions from him. They came from all walks of life. Social reformers, university students, brahmins, rajahs, artisans, peasants, Buddhists, Christians, and Muslims all flocked to Dakshineswar….
"We have already noted that among the visitors to Dakshineswar there were Christians and Muslims. They came to see what 'the heathen Ramakrishna' was like. Of course, many of them saw in him nothing but a religious man. But there was a Christian who perceived in him a great teacher. He went further than that; he said to Ramakrishna, 'You verify to me the teachings of my own religion.'" 'What is your religion, my son?' asked the Master.
" 'Christianity, my Lord,' answered the gentleman.
"Ramakrishna explained, 'Yes, Yata mat tato path — as many souls, so many pathways to God. But I have never studied your particular religion. Now I will do so.'
"From that day on, for two years Ramakrishna studied Christianity. Since he did not know English, he had the New Testament read to him in translation many times over. Gradually it had such an effect on him that he began to meditate on the Christos. He lived like a Christian anchorite, all alone in the famous woods of Panchavati. Then one day, after many months, he came out and proclaimed, 'I found God at the end of the road of Christianity. So if anyone follows Christ he will reach God. I have verified it.'
"Another time a Muslim visitor said to him, 'You are the most devout Muslim I know!'
"That roused the Master. He decided to spend some time studying Islam. Forthwith he had himself converted to that religion. Again he retired into Panchavati to meditate on what had been taught him from the Qur'an by his Muslim teacher. Months passed. Then he came out of his seclusion and proclaimed, 'That road too leads to the palace of the same King. Religions differ in their appearance, but not in their essence. No matter which path you take it will usher you in the end into his presence: the end of it all! As the many-colored rivers tear and claw their way to the ocean and are lost in its steady emerald level, so all the religions, turgid with dogmatism, lose themselves in the serenity of God. Since religions are but means to finding God, why quarrel about their respective merits and defects? That will take you nowhere."
YOUR COMMENTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!***
December 14, 2011
LESSONS FROM A FRIEND WITH AIDS
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In the late 1980's, while I was living in New York City and practicing chiropractic, I was asked to join the Executive Board of an organization that was involved with the AIDS epidemic. Basically, our mission was to encourage more research into possible treatments. (There was little available in traditional medicine at the time besides AZT, a very toxic drug, yet other possible avenues of research, medical and alternative, were often being systematically discouraged.)
As a result of the time I spent with the organization, I met a large number of people who were HIV positive, a large number who had contracted AIDS, and I watched a great many of these new friends (though, I hasten to add, not all ) die. It was a heartbreaking time.
I certainly did not treat AIDS with chiropractic, but as an adjunct treatment (and I also employed nutrition, herbs, and some acupressure as part of my practice), or sometimes just because someone coincidentally might hurt their neck or back, I fairly frequently would have a patient in my office who had AIDS. I remember how hard it was, especially early on, to hear that some young friend had just gotten back his or her lab results and had Kaposi's Sarcoma or PCP, and they were confronting the looming possibility of death. I often had to leave the room on some pretense or other, I found it so hard not to cry or scream.
And one day, one of my patients told me to stop being so sad. He said that AIDS was the best thing that had ever happened to him! I didn't know what on earth he was talking about, but he explained that once he came to grips with the realization that he was going to die, he stopped wasting all his time being moody, or cynical, or lazy, or mean, and every second became a great joy. He said he felt sorry for me, and all the people like me who act as if they think they're going to live forever and can waste all the time they want being negative.
So now I try to think differently. I try really hard, and so should you, to remember that we're going to die, that we could die in the next moment, that the person we're talking to, or ignoring, or even just thinking about, could die in the next moment – and there will never be another chance to say something kind, or helpful, or friendly, or loving. Of course, it's really hard! Someone annoys me, someone cuts me off in traffic, or maybe I'm just tired, and I completely forget! But I try to remember what my patient said to me that day (and I found his words confirmed by countless extraordinary people during that time), I try to think in a new and better way about the fragility, beauty, and wonder of my life, and the precious life that's all around me.
***YOUR COMMENTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!***
In the late 1980's, while I was living in New York City and practicing chiropractic, I was asked to join the Executive Board of an organization that was involved with the AIDS epidemic. Basically, our mission was to encourage more research into possible treatments. (There was little available in traditional medicine at the time besides AZT, a very toxic drug, yet other possible avenues of research, medical and alternative, were often being systematically discouraged.)As a result of the time I spent with the organization, I met a large number of people who were HIV positive, a large number who had contracted AIDS, and I watched a great many of these new friends (though, I hasten to add, not all ) die. It was a heartbreaking time.
I certainly did not treat AIDS with chiropractic, but as an adjunct treatment (and I also employed nutrition, herbs, and some acupressure as part of my practice), or sometimes just because someone coincidentally might hurt their neck or back, I fairly frequently would have a patient in my office who had AIDS. I remember how hard it was, especially early on, to hear that some young friend had just gotten back his or her lab results and had Kaposi's Sarcoma or PCP, and they were confronting the looming possibility of death. I often had to leave the room on some pretense or other, I found it so hard not to cry or scream.
And one day, one of my patients told me to stop being so sad. He said that AIDS was the best thing that had ever happened to him! I didn't know what on earth he was talking about, but he explained that once he came to grips with the realization that he was going to die, he stopped wasting all his time being moody, or cynical, or lazy, or mean, and every second became a great joy. He said he felt sorry for me, and all the people like me who act as if they think they're going to live forever and can waste all the time they want being negative.
So now I try to think differently. I try really hard, and so should you, to remember that we're going to die, that we could die in the next moment, that the person we're talking to, or ignoring, or even just thinking about, could die in the next moment – and there will never be another chance to say something kind, or helpful, or friendly, or loving. Of course, it's really hard! Someone annoys me, someone cuts me off in traffic, or maybe I'm just tired, and I completely forget! But I try to remember what my patient said to me that day (and I found his words confirmed by countless extraordinary people during that time), I try to think in a new and better way about the fragility, beauty, and wonder of my life, and the precious life that's all around me.
***YOUR COMMENTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!***
December 12, 2011
THE SONG OF SONGS: THE WORLD'S MOST EXQUISITE, EROTIC, AND MYSTICAL POEM
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Think the Bible is stuffy? Look again!
Here's a little Holiday Gift from me to you. It's the entire poem. I've adapted it only insofar as to lay it out clearly as a Dialogue between a Man and a Woman.
"The Song of Songs", from the Hebrew Bible, is a beautiful, sacred and erotic masterpiece that reverberates on many levels -- from the courtship of the king and his betrothed, to the mystical wedding of Heaven and Earth, to the sweet, sensual pillow talk of all happy lovers.
It's meant to be read aloud. If you don't have time to read it all now, no problem. Feel free to download it. Bring it home for later. Read it together in bed. ***Woman:
Kiss me with many kisses.Your love is better than wine.Your fragrance is like sweet ointment.No wonder the young women all love you!Take me away with you, and we will run away.Let the King bring me to his chamber, where we will be glad and rejoice.I am dark but lovely, like the tents of Kedar.I am beautiful, like Solomon's curtains.And you, whom my soul loveth, are the only one I love.
Man:
Most beautiful of women! Magnificent as a steed of Pharaoh's chariot!Your cheeks are as lovely as a circle of gems.Your tresses so beautiful, falling upon your cheeks.I will make necklaces for you of gold and silver and precious stones.
Woman:
My beloved is at his table.The herbs in my alabaster jar give forth their fragrance.The scent of perfume is in my hair.My beloved lies all night between my breasts.He smells like a bundle of henna flowers,flowers from Engedi, where people make wine.It is you who are lovely, my beloved! You are such a delight to me.Our bed will be green, with wood from tall trees.
Man:
You are like a wild flower, a wild flower among thorns.
Woman:
And you are like a great tree among the trees of the forest,I sit in your shade with such pleasure!Your fruit is sweet.When your left hand is under my head,and you touch me softly with your right hand,I am weak with love!Listen! My lover comes!Leaping over mountains,skipping over hills.My lover is like a gazelle.I thought I would be alone forever,but look at him there, as he stands behind the wall, peering at me through the window.He speaks! Man:
Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away with me!The winter is over,The rains have come and gone.The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing is come. You can hear the song of doves.The fig-tree puts forth her green figs.The vines are in blossom and give forth their fragrance.Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away with me.Let me touch your lovely face,Let me hear your sweet voice,Now, while the vineyards are in blossom.
Woman:
My lover is mine, and I am his!He fills my heart.But no! It is not right! I am not ready.My sins are too many.Turn away, my love,Flee, my beloved!Be like a gazelle upon the mountains, beyond my reach.
Man:
Always, and forever, I will wait for you.
Woman:
By night on my bed, I sought him whom my soul loves.I sought him, but found him not. I rose and went about the city, seeking my beloved. I sought him, but found him not. The watchmen that go about the city found me.I asked them, 'Have you seen my beloved?'Scarcely had I left them, when I found him whom my soul loves. I held him, and would not let him go.I adjure you, my sisters, by the gazelles, and by the hinds of the field, do not awaken Love until the time is right.Look!Who is this that comes up out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense?Behold, it is the betrothal procession of the King, with threescore mighty soldiers, every man his sword upon his thigh.And the King himself upon a throne,a throne made of cedar of Lebanon. He made the pillars of silver, the top of gold,the seat of purple linen. The inside thereof was inlaid with love, from the daughters of the land.Go forth, sisters, and gaze upon the King, even upon the crown that his mother placed on his head on this day of his espousal, the day of his heart's bliss.
Man:
Behold, you are radiant, my love.Your eyes are like doves.Your hair like fleece.Your lips a scarlet flower.Your neck like the tower of David.Your breasts like twin fawns among the lilies.Come with me now my love.You have ravished my heart with your eyes.How much better is your love than wine!How much better is your scent than all manner of spices!Your lips, my love, drip honey on my lips.Like a fountain, you fill the air with the scent of luscious fruits,with spikenard and saffron and cinnamon.
Woman:
Awake, north wind, and blow upon my garden, that the scent of my spices may flow out. Draw my beloved into his garden,that he might eat his luscious fruits!
Man:
I have come into the garden, my love.I have gathered the spices. I have eaten the honey.I have drunk the wine. Now eat, friends, and drink. Yea, drink abundantly!
Woman:
I sleep, but my heart awakens.Hark! My beloved is knocking!'Open to me, my love, for my head is covered with the cold dew of night.' But I delayed. I have put off my coat. Am I to put it on again?I have washed my feet. Shall I sully them? Then my beloved put his hand in the hole of the door, and my heart was moved for him!I rose and opened to my beloved.But my beloved had turned away, and was gone! My soul failed me.I sought him, but could not find him.I called him, but he gave no answer. I adjure you, my sisters, if you find my beloved, tell him that I am love-sick.But you ask, 'What is your beloved more than any other?'My beloved is handsome above ten thousand.His head is as the finest gold.His locks are curled, and black as a raven.His eyes are like doves beside the water-brooks.His cheeks are as a bed of spices. His lips are as lilies, dripping with flowing myrrh.His hands are as rods of gold set with beryl. His body is as polished ivory overlaid with sapphires.His legs are like pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold.His mouth is most sweet; yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O sisters.' 'But where has your lover gone?" you ask.I remember.My beloved has gone down into his garden, to the bed of spices, to feed in the gardens, to gather up lilies.I am my lover's, and my lover is mine, who is feeding among the lilies.
Man:
You are beautiful, my love, as beautiful as Jerusalem.Your eyes have overcome me. Your hair shines like fleeceon a hillside at sunrise.Your teeth are like a flock of white ewes.There are many maidens and many queens.My dove, my beloved, is but one. But she is the only one. Only she looks forth as the dawn, fair as the moon, clear as the sun.
Woman: I went down into the gardento look at the green plants in the valley,to see if the vine had budded,to see if the pomegranates were in flower.Before my soul was aware,my lover's wedding chariot was upon me!'Return to us!' my sisters cried.'Return that we still can see you.''Do not stare at my bride', my lover cried.
Man:
How elegant are your feet in sandals, my love! The roundings of your thighs,like the work of skilled craftsmen.Your navel is like a wine goblet. Your belly is like wheat set about with lilies.Your neck is like a tower of ivory. Your eyes are pools of clear water.Your breasts like two fawns, the twins of a gazelle.I am held captive by your tresses. How radiantly beautiful you are, my bride, ready for delights!
Woman:
He stands with the stature of a palm tree.I will climb up into the palm-tree, I will take hold of the branches, and smell his scent like apples.The roof of his mouth tastes like the best wine.His lips are gentle.I am my beloved's, and all his desire is toward me.Come, my husband, let us go forth into the garden.We will see if the vine has budded,if the blossoms are open, if the pomegranates are in flower.There will I give you my love.The mandrakes give forth their fragrance,and you will find all manner of luscious fruitswhich I have laid up for you, my beloved.Your left hand is under my head.Your right hand embraces me.O my sisters, I adjure you,do not stir love up before the time is right!Now, my beloved, make haste,and be like a gazelle on a mountain of spices.
*********
YOUR COMMENTS ALWAYS WELCOME! ***
Think the Bible is stuffy? Look again!Here's a little Holiday Gift from me to you. It's the entire poem. I've adapted it only insofar as to lay it out clearly as a Dialogue between a Man and a Woman.
"The Song of Songs", from the Hebrew Bible, is a beautiful, sacred and erotic masterpiece that reverberates on many levels -- from the courtship of the king and his betrothed, to the mystical wedding of Heaven and Earth, to the sweet, sensual pillow talk of all happy lovers.
It's meant to be read aloud. If you don't have time to read it all now, no problem. Feel free to download it. Bring it home for later. Read it together in bed. ***Woman:
Kiss me with many kisses.Your love is better than wine.Your fragrance is like sweet ointment.No wonder the young women all love you!Take me away with you, and we will run away.Let the King bring me to his chamber, where we will be glad and rejoice.I am dark but lovely, like the tents of Kedar.I am beautiful, like Solomon's curtains.And you, whom my soul loveth, are the only one I love.
Man:
Most beautiful of women! Magnificent as a steed of Pharaoh's chariot!Your cheeks are as lovely as a circle of gems.Your tresses so beautiful, falling upon your cheeks.I will make necklaces for you of gold and silver and precious stones.
Woman:
My beloved is at his table.The herbs in my alabaster jar give forth their fragrance.The scent of perfume is in my hair.My beloved lies all night between my breasts.He smells like a bundle of henna flowers,flowers from Engedi, where people make wine.It is you who are lovely, my beloved! You are such a delight to me.Our bed will be green, with wood from tall trees.
Man:
You are like a wild flower, a wild flower among thorns.
Woman:
And you are like a great tree among the trees of the forest,I sit in your shade with such pleasure!Your fruit is sweet.When your left hand is under my head,and you touch me softly with your right hand,I am weak with love!Listen! My lover comes!Leaping over mountains,skipping over hills.My lover is like a gazelle.I thought I would be alone forever,but look at him there, as he stands behind the wall, peering at me through the window.He speaks! Man:
Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away with me!The winter is over,The rains have come and gone.The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing is come. You can hear the song of doves.The fig-tree puts forth her green figs.The vines are in blossom and give forth their fragrance.Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away with me.Let me touch your lovely face,Let me hear your sweet voice,Now, while the vineyards are in blossom.
Woman:
My lover is mine, and I am his!He fills my heart.But no! It is not right! I am not ready.My sins are too many.Turn away, my love,Flee, my beloved!Be like a gazelle upon the mountains, beyond my reach.
Man:
Always, and forever, I will wait for you.
Woman:
By night on my bed, I sought him whom my soul loves.I sought him, but found him not. I rose and went about the city, seeking my beloved. I sought him, but found him not. The watchmen that go about the city found me.I asked them, 'Have you seen my beloved?'Scarcely had I left them, when I found him whom my soul loves. I held him, and would not let him go.I adjure you, my sisters, by the gazelles, and by the hinds of the field, do not awaken Love until the time is right.Look!Who is this that comes up out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense?Behold, it is the betrothal procession of the King, with threescore mighty soldiers, every man his sword upon his thigh.And the King himself upon a throne,a throne made of cedar of Lebanon. He made the pillars of silver, the top of gold,the seat of purple linen. The inside thereof was inlaid with love, from the daughters of the land.Go forth, sisters, and gaze upon the King, even upon the crown that his mother placed on his head on this day of his espousal, the day of his heart's bliss.
Man:
Behold, you are radiant, my love.Your eyes are like doves.Your hair like fleece.Your lips a scarlet flower.Your neck like the tower of David.Your breasts like twin fawns among the lilies.Come with me now my love.You have ravished my heart with your eyes.How much better is your love than wine!How much better is your scent than all manner of spices!Your lips, my love, drip honey on my lips.Like a fountain, you fill the air with the scent of luscious fruits,with spikenard and saffron and cinnamon.
Woman:
Awake, north wind, and blow upon my garden, that the scent of my spices may flow out. Draw my beloved into his garden,that he might eat his luscious fruits!
Man:
I have come into the garden, my love.I have gathered the spices. I have eaten the honey.I have drunk the wine. Now eat, friends, and drink. Yea, drink abundantly!
Woman:
I sleep, but my heart awakens.Hark! My beloved is knocking!'Open to me, my love, for my head is covered with the cold dew of night.' But I delayed. I have put off my coat. Am I to put it on again?I have washed my feet. Shall I sully them? Then my beloved put his hand in the hole of the door, and my heart was moved for him!I rose and opened to my beloved.But my beloved had turned away, and was gone! My soul failed me.I sought him, but could not find him.I called him, but he gave no answer. I adjure you, my sisters, if you find my beloved, tell him that I am love-sick.But you ask, 'What is your beloved more than any other?'My beloved is handsome above ten thousand.His head is as the finest gold.His locks are curled, and black as a raven.His eyes are like doves beside the water-brooks.His cheeks are as a bed of spices. His lips are as lilies, dripping with flowing myrrh.His hands are as rods of gold set with beryl. His body is as polished ivory overlaid with sapphires.His legs are like pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold.His mouth is most sweet; yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O sisters.' 'But where has your lover gone?" you ask.I remember.My beloved has gone down into his garden, to the bed of spices, to feed in the gardens, to gather up lilies.I am my lover's, and my lover is mine, who is feeding among the lilies.
Man:
You are beautiful, my love, as beautiful as Jerusalem.Your eyes have overcome me. Your hair shines like fleeceon a hillside at sunrise.Your teeth are like a flock of white ewes.There are many maidens and many queens.My dove, my beloved, is but one. But she is the only one. Only she looks forth as the dawn, fair as the moon, clear as the sun.
Woman: I went down into the gardento look at the green plants in the valley,to see if the vine had budded,to see if the pomegranates were in flower.Before my soul was aware,my lover's wedding chariot was upon me!'Return to us!' my sisters cried.'Return that we still can see you.''Do not stare at my bride', my lover cried.
Man:
How elegant are your feet in sandals, my love! The roundings of your thighs,like the work of skilled craftsmen.Your navel is like a wine goblet. Your belly is like wheat set about with lilies.Your neck is like a tower of ivory. Your eyes are pools of clear water.Your breasts like two fawns, the twins of a gazelle.I am held captive by your tresses. How radiantly beautiful you are, my bride, ready for delights!
Woman:
He stands with the stature of a palm tree.I will climb up into the palm-tree, I will take hold of the branches, and smell his scent like apples.The roof of his mouth tastes like the best wine.His lips are gentle.I am my beloved's, and all his desire is toward me.Come, my husband, let us go forth into the garden.We will see if the vine has budded,if the blossoms are open, if the pomegranates are in flower.There will I give you my love.The mandrakes give forth their fragrance,and you will find all manner of luscious fruitswhich I have laid up for you, my beloved.Your left hand is under my head.Your right hand embraces me.O my sisters, I adjure you,do not stir love up before the time is right!Now, my beloved, make haste,and be like a gazelle on a mountain of spices.
*********
YOUR COMMENTS ALWAYS WELCOME! ***
December 10, 2011
FRACK IT AND FORGET IT
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12/08/2011 Cheyenne, WY –
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday for the first time that fracking - a controversial method of improving the productivity of oil and gas wells - may be to blame for causing groundwater pollution.
The draft finding could have significant implications while states try to determine how to regulate the process. Environmentalists characterized the report as a significant development though it met immediate criticism from the oil and gas industry and a U.S. senator.
The practice is called hydraulic fracturing and involves pumping pressurized water, sand and chemicals underground to open fissures and improve the flow of oil or gas to the surface.
The EPA found that compounds likely associated with fracking chemicals had been detected in the groundwater beneath Pavillion, a small community in central Wyoming where residents say their well water reeks of chemicals. Health officials advised them last year not to drink their water after the EPA found low levels hydrocarbons in their wells.
***The Art of Forgetting has become an essential part of our lives. By forgetting, we become comfortable with ourselves and our situation. We forget any sense of personal emptiness. We forget the sufferings of other people. This insidious comfort does indeed bring with it a certain form of happiness. But such happiness, in the midst of meaninglessness and the threat of extinction, is surely nauseating. And none of the accoutrements of this happiness (money, sexual adventure, social status, and the like) ever quite work: because no matter how physically or emotionally comfortable they make us feel, they can never quite overcome the conscience-pricking fear that we have forgotten to do something.
But notwithstanding our attempts to forget, we all know that greed, hatred, and apathy are threatening our individual lives, our society, and our planet.
Some people keep trying. An old friend of mine, and an absolutely awesome musician, Marc Black, has been fighting the good fight against Fracking for a long time. Here's Marc singing "No Fracking Way".
***COMMENTS ALWAYS WELCOME!***
12/08/2011 Cheyenne, WY –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday for the first time that fracking - a controversial method of improving the productivity of oil and gas wells - may be to blame for causing groundwater pollution.
The draft finding could have significant implications while states try to determine how to regulate the process. Environmentalists characterized the report as a significant development though it met immediate criticism from the oil and gas industry and a U.S. senator.
The practice is called hydraulic fracturing and involves pumping pressurized water, sand and chemicals underground to open fissures and improve the flow of oil or gas to the surface.
The EPA found that compounds likely associated with fracking chemicals had been detected in the groundwater beneath Pavillion, a small community in central Wyoming where residents say their well water reeks of chemicals. Health officials advised them last year not to drink their water after the EPA found low levels hydrocarbons in their wells.
***The Art of Forgetting has become an essential part of our lives. By forgetting, we become comfortable with ourselves and our situation. We forget any sense of personal emptiness. We forget the sufferings of other people. This insidious comfort does indeed bring with it a certain form of happiness. But such happiness, in the midst of meaninglessness and the threat of extinction, is surely nauseating. And none of the accoutrements of this happiness (money, sexual adventure, social status, and the like) ever quite work: because no matter how physically or emotionally comfortable they make us feel, they can never quite overcome the conscience-pricking fear that we have forgotten to do something.
But notwithstanding our attempts to forget, we all know that greed, hatred, and apathy are threatening our individual lives, our society, and our planet.
Some people keep trying. An old friend of mine, and an absolutely awesome musician, Marc Black, has been fighting the good fight against Fracking for a long time. Here's Marc singing "No Fracking Way".
***COMMENTS ALWAYS WELCOME!***
December 9, 2011
"DOOR TO THE MIND" RADIO INTERVIEW
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I had the pleasure of speaking last night with hosts Paula Hutson and Radiah Nunez on their Radio Program The Door To The Mind, a joint program with KDCL Media and the H20 Network.
You can download the show and listen to it instantly by CLICKING HERE. (It begins with a rather-too-long-musical interlude, and the previous night's heavy wet snow caused some audio glitches. Please be patient!)
It's a long program, but I hope you will at least listen to some of it. We had a great conversation about lots of spiritual topics (esotericism and exotericism, religion in politics, the Garden of Eden, soul and spirit, the underlying unity of traditions, the difference between faith and belief, and much, much more).
***
I had the pleasure of speaking last night with hosts Paula Hutson and Radiah Nunez on their Radio Program The Door To The Mind, a joint program with KDCL Media and the H20 Network.
You can download the show and listen to it instantly by CLICKING HERE. (It begins with a rather-too-long-musical interlude, and the previous night's heavy wet snow caused some audio glitches. Please be patient!)
It's a long program, but I hope you will at least listen to some of it. We had a great conversation about lots of spiritual topics (esotericism and exotericism, religion in politics, the Garden of Eden, soul and spirit, the underlying unity of traditions, the difference between faith and belief, and much, much more).
***
December 6, 2011
OUR SEXUAL ENERGY IS OUR SPIRITUAL ENERGY
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Our sexual energy is our spiritual energy. It is part of the soul's 'Serpent Power' that encompasses the totality of Creation, the sacred force that can be used at one level for the creation of a human being, at another level for creativity in the arts and sciences, in business, and in human relations, and at the highest level for the re-creation – the rebirth – of a human soul.
'The Serpent' has been given many meanings in the world's mythology. It has been the symbol of wisdom and the symbol of evil, the symbol of God and the symbol of sin. In its ability to shed its skin and be 'reborn', it has been a symbol of resurrection and, hence, a symbol of Christ. Corresponding to this association with birth and rebirth, it has been the symbol of sexuality and the symbol of healing. It has referred to the world of the senses and the world of the spirit. It rises to the heavens as a phallic symbol, an emblem of power, potency and enlightenment. It encircles reality and swallows itself, indicating wholeness and completeness and Oneness. It dives into the earth, eating dust and signifying death. In all of this, as it extends its infinite presence from the 'Above' to the 'Below', from the highest to the lowest, from God to the Devil, it represents the totality of Logos/Eros/Thanatos – the Will and Spirit of the Creation, hovering everywhere, encompassing everything, crossing all thresholds and communicating with every Level.
In Greek Mythology, Charon (the Boatman who takes the souls of the dead across the River Styx) represents the nethermost aspect of God's Will; i.e., the Spiritual/Emotional/Sexual energy that permeates the Creation, the force which acts in the Creation through the Logos (Holy Spirit), Eros (Love), and Thanatos (Death) – the threefold 'Messenger' of God who enacts His Will. He hovers here over the lower waters of the River Styx (as Charon), just as he hovers "upon the face of the waters" (as the Logos, the Holy Spirit) at the highest level of Creation.
In the Hebrew Bible, at a time when the Israelites (like us) are still grumbling in the wilderness, God sends seraph, which means fiery serpents, against the people. "They bit the people and many of the Israelites died." These serpents, of course, represent the Serpent Power, the Will of God – but at the lowest level on the scale of Creation, the same level in which the serpent of Eden "bites our heel". This is precisely how most of us die: bitten by the serpent, poisoned and mesmerized by the realm of illusion, and aimlessly descending into the nothingness of meaningless death.
But others of the people came in desperation to Moses and asked him to intercede with the Lord. God then told Moses he must build a great Serpent of Copper and mount it on a high pole: "And if anyone who is bitten looks at it, he shall recover." This supernatural decree is startling in a document that, in general, looks down on 'magic'. But we must remember that the great sexual symbol, the serpent, represents the all-encompassing Will of God that crosses all Thresholds and traverses all levels. In its lowest aspect, this is Thanatos, Death, the seraph, the serpent of Eden that brings death to the soul. But in its highest aspect it is the Logos, the Spirit of God that "hovers above the waters". So God is telling Moses that if the Soul will open its inner Eye and look up at the serpent rather than down, if it will turn its attention to the 'Above' and put its full faith in God, then it will be healed of the lower serpent's bite and it will be able to cross the Threshold (with the serpent's help) and enter the realm of Spirit, the realm of Pure Being, the "Promised Land".
In a related story in the New Testament, when Jesus is teaching Nicodemus (who wants to understand the teachings of Christ based only on what he sees with his physical eyes and grasps with his literal mind) that we must not take everything literally but must learn to 'see' with an awakened inner eye, he says: "Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life."
Again, sexuality is an aspect of the soul's (and the cosmos') spiritual power. Sex is not 'evil' or lowly. According to the Kabbalah, a married Jewish couple, on the Sabbath, is required to engage in and appreciate sexual relations. (This also, of course, reflects the union of Heaven and Earth, and the Kabbalah says that if this is done, and the Sabbath is properly observed, a higher level in our soul awakens for as long as the Sabbath continues.)
In the Qur'an we learn that Omar's brother-in-law, Uthman ibn Mazu, was the most ascetic of the Muslims. He was so determined to conquer his earthly desires, that he had once asked the Prophet for permission to make himself a eunuch. Muhammad forbade him from doing any such thing. He reminded him that the body has rights, just as the family has rights. Muhammad himself had sexual relations with women; he fasted, but he also broke the fast and ate; he prayed at night, but he also slept. God had given us life and senses and emotions so that we would be thankful, not so that we would despise these things. He used to say, 'Do for this world as if to live forever, and for the next as if to die upon the morrow.'
***
PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO LEAVE A COMMENT! ***
Our sexual energy is our spiritual energy. It is part of the soul's 'Serpent Power' that encompasses the totality of Creation, the sacred force that can be used at one level for the creation of a human being, at another level for creativity in the arts and sciences, in business, and in human relations, and at the highest level for the re-creation – the rebirth – of a human soul. 
'The Serpent' has been given many meanings in the world's mythology. It has been the symbol of wisdom and the symbol of evil, the symbol of God and the symbol of sin. In its ability to shed its skin and be 'reborn', it has been a symbol of resurrection and, hence, a symbol of Christ. Corresponding to this association with birth and rebirth, it has been the symbol of sexuality and the symbol of healing. It has referred to the world of the senses and the world of the spirit. It rises to the heavens as a phallic symbol, an emblem of power, potency and enlightenment. It encircles reality and swallows itself, indicating wholeness and completeness and Oneness. It dives into the earth, eating dust and signifying death. In all of this, as it extends its infinite presence from the 'Above' to the 'Below', from the highest to the lowest, from God to the Devil, it represents the totality of Logos/Eros/Thanatos – the Will and Spirit of the Creation, hovering everywhere, encompassing everything, crossing all thresholds and communicating with every Level.
In Greek Mythology, Charon (the Boatman who takes the souls of the dead across the River Styx) represents the nethermost aspect of God's Will; i.e., the Spiritual/Emotional/Sexual energy that permeates the Creation, the force which acts in the Creation through the Logos (Holy Spirit), Eros (Love), and Thanatos (Death) – the threefold 'Messenger' of God who enacts His Will. He hovers here over the lower waters of the River Styx (as Charon), just as he hovers "upon the face of the waters" (as the Logos, the Holy Spirit) at the highest level of Creation. 
In the Hebrew Bible, at a time when the Israelites (like us) are still grumbling in the wilderness, God sends seraph, which means fiery serpents, against the people. "They bit the people and many of the Israelites died." These serpents, of course, represent the Serpent Power, the Will of God – but at the lowest level on the scale of Creation, the same level in which the serpent of Eden "bites our heel". This is precisely how most of us die: bitten by the serpent, poisoned and mesmerized by the realm of illusion, and aimlessly descending into the nothingness of meaningless death. 
But others of the people came in desperation to Moses and asked him to intercede with the Lord. God then told Moses he must build a great Serpent of Copper and mount it on a high pole: "And if anyone who is bitten looks at it, he shall recover." This supernatural decree is startling in a document that, in general, looks down on 'magic'. But we must remember that the great sexual symbol, the serpent, represents the all-encompassing Will of God that crosses all Thresholds and traverses all levels. In its lowest aspect, this is Thanatos, Death, the seraph, the serpent of Eden that brings death to the soul. But in its highest aspect it is the Logos, the Spirit of God that "hovers above the waters". So God is telling Moses that if the Soul will open its inner Eye and look up at the serpent rather than down, if it will turn its attention to the 'Above' and put its full faith in God, then it will be healed of the lower serpent's bite and it will be able to cross the Threshold (with the serpent's help) and enter the realm of Spirit, the realm of Pure Being, the "Promised Land". 
In a related story in the New Testament, when Jesus is teaching Nicodemus (who wants to understand the teachings of Christ based only on what he sees with his physical eyes and grasps with his literal mind) that we must not take everything literally but must learn to 'see' with an awakened inner eye, he says: "Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life." 
Again, sexuality is an aspect of the soul's (and the cosmos') spiritual power. Sex is not 'evil' or lowly. According to the Kabbalah, a married Jewish couple, on the Sabbath, is required to engage in and appreciate sexual relations. (This also, of course, reflects the union of Heaven and Earth, and the Kabbalah says that if this is done, and the Sabbath is properly observed, a higher level in our soul awakens for as long as the Sabbath continues.) 
In the Qur'an we learn that Omar's brother-in-law, Uthman ibn Mazu, was the most ascetic of the Muslims. He was so determined to conquer his earthly desires, that he had once asked the Prophet for permission to make himself a eunuch. Muhammad forbade him from doing any such thing. He reminded him that the body has rights, just as the family has rights. Muhammad himself had sexual relations with women; he fasted, but he also broke the fast and ate; he prayed at night, but he also slept. God had given us life and senses and emotions so that we would be thankful, not so that we would despise these things. He used to say, 'Do for this world as if to live forever, and for the next as if to die upon the morrow.'***
PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO LEAVE A COMMENT! ***
December 5, 2011
LOVE, GOD, AND THE ART OF FRENCH COOKING
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A Review of the New Book by James F. Twyman
We experience many incredible moments of opportunity in our lives, notes James Twyman in his new book from Hay House,
Love, God, and the Art of French Cooking
:
"brief encounters and events that have the potential to transform us. But these moments are often missed or disregarded; we are too busy and too harried, or perhaps too fearful of what we may discover about ourselves to embrace the experience." This is the story of how just such an opportunity came his way, and he was able to slow down, embrace it, and learn from it.
Twyman's story begins as he arrives at a Bed and Breakfast near Toronto for a weekend romantic adventure with his latest prospect, Michele. But the climax of the story occurs in the first few sentences of the book. It was over before it began. Michele, completely fed up with him, took the car and disappeared, leaving him stranded – like Dante awakening lost in the woods, not knowing where he was or where he was going. But rather than Virgil appearing to guide him, his guide came in the form of the owner of the B&B, a superb French chef named Roger Dufau.
In the late '70's there was the classic book, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance , in which Robert Pirsig used the experience of taking a motorcycle trip with his son, and being impeccable in his relationship with the motorized machine, as a context in which to discuss philosophy, spirituality, and impeccability in one's life. Twyman's story, though a bit less lofty in its spiritual goals (he is concerned more with the personal level of his relationships with women), bears some resemblance to that earlier book. But rather than learning about life through the study of motorcycle maintenance, Twyman learns through the medium of cooking.
Many years ago I wrote in a book about health that – despite the many preceding pages of useful nutritional advice I had just given – there are really only three necessary rules of nutrition: If it's a color you've never seen in nature, I suggested, don't eat it; If you are reading a long list of ingredients and you can't pronounce the words, don't eat it; and finally, trumping even these (in my opinion) very worthwhile pieces of advice, the most important "rule" of all is simply this: a meal prepared and served with love will always be good for you. This is what Dufau teaches Twyman: "So that's my formula," he says, "start with the best, natural ingredients, and always cook with love."
In fact, he says, that's the secret "not only to French cooking, but to everything in life."
The first lesson is to teach Twyman that the proper way to get the best results with garlic is not to cut the clove into pieces, but to smash it: this allows all the juice, the essence, the goodness of the garlic, to flow out and make the dish wonderful (rather than staying "locked up inside.") This metaphor, of course, is extended to Twyman's life: if he wishes to stop repeating his same endless cycle of failed relationships, the first step is that he must be smashed and everything that's been locked up inside him through the years has to be allowed to flow. Dufau's piercing insights and uncensored observations do just that, and Twyman begins the journey of self-awareness and healing.
On the journey, Twyman learns much about cooking, but more importantly he learns a great deal about serving others, he learns about appreciation and gratitude, he learns about passion, intensity and courage, he learns that withholding love from others is a consequence of withholding love from oneself. He faces his hidden memories and fears, he has long, insightful conversations with several women in his life, and even travels to France alongside Dufau just to have lunch with his Teacher's Teacher in a small café in Paris!
The book is written in a light, gentle manner that allows the inner meaning of Dufau's teachings to slip quietly into the reader's unconscious while one simply reads along with an interesting story full of romance, travel, good food, and good wine. It only takes a couple of sittings to read, and is well worth your time.
James F. Twyman is the NY Times bestselling author of fifteen books including The Barn Dance and The Moses Code. He is known around the world as The Peace Troubadour, having performed The Peace Concert in war torn countries like Iraq, Bosnia and Israel. He has also produced or directed four films including the award winning "Indigo," and the film version of "The Moses Code."
Please Take a Moment and Share a Comment!
A Review of the New Book by James F. Twyman
We experience many incredible moments of opportunity in our lives, notes James Twyman in his new book from Hay House,
Love, God, and the Art of French Cooking
:
"brief encounters and events that have the potential to transform us. But these moments are often missed or disregarded; we are too busy and too harried, or perhaps too fearful of what we may discover about ourselves to embrace the experience." This is the story of how just such an opportunity came his way, and he was able to slow down, embrace it, and learn from it.
Twyman's story begins as he arrives at a Bed and Breakfast near Toronto for a weekend romantic adventure with his latest prospect, Michele. But the climax of the story occurs in the first few sentences of the book. It was over before it began. Michele, completely fed up with him, took the car and disappeared, leaving him stranded – like Dante awakening lost in the woods, not knowing where he was or where he was going. But rather than Virgil appearing to guide him, his guide came in the form of the owner of the B&B, a superb French chef named Roger Dufau.In the late '70's there was the classic book, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance , in which Robert Pirsig used the experience of taking a motorcycle trip with his son, and being impeccable in his relationship with the motorized machine, as a context in which to discuss philosophy, spirituality, and impeccability in one's life. Twyman's story, though a bit less lofty in its spiritual goals (he is concerned more with the personal level of his relationships with women), bears some resemblance to that earlier book. But rather than learning about life through the study of motorcycle maintenance, Twyman learns through the medium of cooking.
Many years ago I wrote in a book about health that – despite the many preceding pages of useful nutritional advice I had just given – there are really only three necessary rules of nutrition: If it's a color you've never seen in nature, I suggested, don't eat it; If you are reading a long list of ingredients and you can't pronounce the words, don't eat it; and finally, trumping even these (in my opinion) very worthwhile pieces of advice, the most important "rule" of all is simply this: a meal prepared and served with love will always be good for you. This is what Dufau teaches Twyman: "So that's my formula," he says, "start with the best, natural ingredients, and always cook with love."
In fact, he says, that's the secret "not only to French cooking, but to everything in life."
The first lesson is to teach Twyman that the proper way to get the best results with garlic is not to cut the clove into pieces, but to smash it: this allows all the juice, the essence, the goodness of the garlic, to flow out and make the dish wonderful (rather than staying "locked up inside.") This metaphor, of course, is extended to Twyman's life: if he wishes to stop repeating his same endless cycle of failed relationships, the first step is that he must be smashed and everything that's been locked up inside him through the years has to be allowed to flow. Dufau's piercing insights and uncensored observations do just that, and Twyman begins the journey of self-awareness and healing.
On the journey, Twyman learns much about cooking, but more importantly he learns a great deal about serving others, he learns about appreciation and gratitude, he learns about passion, intensity and courage, he learns that withholding love from others is a consequence of withholding love from oneself. He faces his hidden memories and fears, he has long, insightful conversations with several women in his life, and even travels to France alongside Dufau just to have lunch with his Teacher's Teacher in a small café in Paris!The book is written in a light, gentle manner that allows the inner meaning of Dufau's teachings to slip quietly into the reader's unconscious while one simply reads along with an interesting story full of romance, travel, good food, and good wine. It only takes a couple of sittings to read, and is well worth your time.
James F. Twyman is the NY Times bestselling author of fifteen books including The Barn Dance and The Moses Code. He is known around the world as The Peace Troubadour, having performed The Peace Concert in war torn countries like Iraq, Bosnia and Israel. He has also produced or directed four films including the award winning "Indigo," and the film version of "The Moses Code."
Please Take a Moment and Share a Comment!
DOES RELIGION REDUCE SCIENCE LITERACY?
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A story today on the blog Why Evolution is True:
"Religion reduces science literacy in America"
My Response:
It is true that scientific inquiry and experimentation can disprove literal claims of fundamentalists about historical events or natural processes. But literal fundamentalism is NOT the be-all and end-all of religion. There is spiritual and psychological MEANING in the symbols, allegories, parables and metaphors of religious traditions. When science claims that it has 'disproved' the inner meaning of myth and scripture, it is being just as silly as any fundamentalist who takes the story of Balaam's talking donkey literally.
PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO LEAVE A COMMENT! ***
A story today on the blog Why Evolution is True:
"Religion reduces science literacy in America"
My Response:
It is true that scientific inquiry and experimentation can disprove literal claims of fundamentalists about historical events or natural processes. But literal fundamentalism is NOT the be-all and end-all of religion. There is spiritual and psychological MEANING in the symbols, allegories, parables and metaphors of religious traditions. When science claims that it has 'disproved' the inner meaning of myth and scripture, it is being just as silly as any fundamentalist who takes the story of Balaam's talking donkey literally.
PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO LEAVE A COMMENT! ***
December 3, 2011
A CHAMPION OF TOLERANCE, INCLUSION, AND REAL SPIRITUALITY IN RELIGION
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John Shelby Spong, retired bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, is a visionary thinker who encourages Christians and others to read and understand the Bible in a loving and spiritual way rather than a literal 'hell, fire and brimstone' way. A true Compadre.
*** PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO LEAVE A COMMENT! ***
John Shelby Spong, retired bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, is a visionary thinker who encourages Christians and others to read and understand the Bible in a loving and spiritual way rather than a literal 'hell, fire and brimstone' way. A true Compadre.*** PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO LEAVE A COMMENT! ***
December 1, 2011
PLANETARY HEALING CALL TO ACTION
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Nicki Scully and my friends at "Planetary Healing" will be holding their first Planetary Healing Call to Action Tele/Webcast Thursday, December 1st at 6PM Pacific, 9PM Eastern. Click here to register for this free event.
Here's info from their site:
It took twenty-five years of visioning to create the Planetary Healing practices in this book. As this body of work took shape, we practiced on the issues of our times, such as wars, natural disasters and environmental degradation.
Over the years we held web/phone conference events through which we galvanized the strength of our numbers to focus on such issues as the gulf oil spill of 2010, working with the ocean and the wildlife that were affected; Hurricane Rita; the Haiti and Chilean earthquake disasters; and most recently Hurricane Irene. We also held bi-monthly Phone Bridges (phone/web teleconferences) for healing cancer for more than six years. The feedback from these virtual gatherings was consistent with our realization that when we focus together and exercise the power of our group mind, we can make a difference.
"Planetary Healing's informative and nurturing insights offer readers an opportunity to actively manifest new positive and empowering futures that benefit humanity, Mother Earth and all of life." - Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D.
The first Introduction to Planetary Healing Web / Teleconference took place Tuesday, 4 October. Listen to a recording of the event here.
On this site we will feature specific processes and journeys from the book designed to tackle emergencies as they arise on the planet in the myriad forms that are occurring in these intense times. We plan to create event opportunities through phone, web, and skype conferencing to work together to mitigate challenges as they arise. The goal is for us to harness the exponential power of our numbers. We will offer forums and possibly a blog to discuss our progress and support one another in our work. We commit to remaining accessible to answer questions that come up around this work. We hope this forum will stimulate discussion to improve, expand, and create new spirit medicine for global transformation.
Nicki Scully and my friends at "Planetary Healing" will be holding their first Planetary Healing Call to Action Tele/Webcast Thursday, December 1st at 6PM Pacific, 9PM Eastern. Click here to register for this free event.
Here's info from their site:
It took twenty-five years of visioning to create the Planetary Healing practices in this book. As this body of work took shape, we practiced on the issues of our times, such as wars, natural disasters and environmental degradation.Over the years we held web/phone conference events through which we galvanized the strength of our numbers to focus on such issues as the gulf oil spill of 2010, working with the ocean and the wildlife that were affected; Hurricane Rita; the Haiti and Chilean earthquake disasters; and most recently Hurricane Irene. We also held bi-monthly Phone Bridges (phone/web teleconferences) for healing cancer for more than six years. The feedback from these virtual gatherings was consistent with our realization that when we focus together and exercise the power of our group mind, we can make a difference.
"Planetary Healing's informative and nurturing insights offer readers an opportunity to actively manifest new positive and empowering futures that benefit humanity, Mother Earth and all of life." - Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D.
The first Introduction to Planetary Healing Web / Teleconference took place Tuesday, 4 October. Listen to a recording of the event here.
On this site we will feature specific processes and journeys from the book designed to tackle emergencies as they arise on the planet in the myriad forms that are occurring in these intense times. We plan to create event opportunities through phone, web, and skype conferencing to work together to mitigate challenges as they arise. The goal is for us to harness the exponential power of our numbers. We will offer forums and possibly a blog to discuss our progress and support one another in our work. We commit to remaining accessible to answer questions that come up around this work. We hope this forum will stimulate discussion to improve, expand, and create new spirit medicine for global transformation.
