New Law of Attraction

Previous info on Law of Attraction has showed the importance of what you think and feel in order to create the life you want. Both are important yet at a deeper layer we need to go beyond surface thoughts and feelings to deeper states of peace from which character qualities are formed. Character in fact is what attracts the best into our life. In this you and the universe are co-creators.

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MJ: The Life of An Icon Ends….Or Can It Continue With His London Concerts

Reflecting on the Life of Michael Jackson is bittersweet experience. On the one hand, his music is full of life and vitality, yet you have an artist whose life becomes increasingly isolated and tormented.

We can look at his life in decades:

60s Talented and adorable singer of the Jackson 5

70s Raw energy and vitality

80s Creative and innovative peak, earning the title “the King of Pop”

90s Increasing isolation and media sensationalism

00s Legal and financial controversies overshadowed his music

10s Tragic because he dies in 2009 never making it to the next decade or having a comeback as so many artists do in their later years…..though the music lives on.

The controversies may also live on given our obsession with rumours but I hope the music is what is remembered most and we leave aside looking at a life gone suddenly as voyeurs.

One idea that I’ve had given the debt Michael has supposedly accumulated along with the fact that MJ never got to do the planned comeback tour. I suggest that the tour continue as a remembrance of the King of Pop with performances by musicians who have a connection with him and want to honour him. Some or most of the proceeds can pay the debts, set a fund for his children and help pay for the cost of the concerts.

I have no idea how plausible this idea is but if Band Aid can be done, then maybe this is also possible with enough committed people who want to do it.

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The Cosmic Dance: Parallels Between Modern Physics, Eastern Mysticism and Process Philosophy

“I am God.  I do not recognize the hell.  I do not recognize the three worlds of heaven, hell and earth.  I am the Lord, the Controller.  I am still the witness after everything else is dissolved.  Nobody else is God for me; nobody else controls me.  I am I-less, I am my-less. ” Sankara

INTRODUCTION

In this article I hope to demonstrate some parallels between modern Physics, Eastern Mysticism, and Barbour’s ideas based on Process Philosophy.  I will examine the three perspectives within the context of the dynamic interplay of energies, the emergent and convergent universe, and finally the transcendence of God.

MODERN PHYSICS

According to Classical Physics, Newton’s mechanical model views the world as deterministic.  All that transpires in the universe has a definite cause, giving rise to a categorical effect.  The philosophical basis of Classical Physics is a fundamental division between the “I” and the “world,” the dichotomy of the subject and object.  The world is in motion with respect to fixed laws, according to which material points move.  This mechanistic model is adequate for the description of physical phenomena at a submicroscopic level, where essentially, protons, neutrons, and electrons are the material particles that interact with finite space and linear time to effect movement in the world (Capra: 1972, 56-62).  At the atomic level, the actions of atoms can be determined; however as quantum physics shows even at this level the reaction cannot be predetermined, for even the observer can have an impact on the outcome or results.

The first three decades of our century have seen a radical transformation of the entire interpretation of physics based on Einstein’s theory of relativity and quantum physics.  Modern physics has shattered all the principle concepts of the Classical world view based on universal order and fixed laws.  The theory of relativity and quantum theory have transformed our view of absolute space and time, elementary solid particles, the causal nature of physical phenomena, and the objective description of nature (62-63).

In 1905, Albert Einstein initiated the two revolutionary trends of thought in the theory of relativity and the beginning of the quantum theory.  (The complete quantum theory was worked out twenty years later by a team of physicists.  In quantum theory one deals with the probability of finding a particle at a given position.  The theory attempts to combine the principles of quantum mechanics with those of relativity in an effort to describe processes such as high-energy collisions in which particles may be created or destroyed).  Even though Einstein refuted classical understanding of the universe, he still advocated nature’s intrinsic harmony and integrated foundation.  The physicist replaced the erroneous constants of the past, showing that they were only relative, but nevertheless made the speed of light a constant in his physics.  He tried to located God’s order in a universal, while through his theory of relativity, constancy of time and space were disproved.  Einstein, therefore, commented that God does not place dice, so that the natural world is comprised of total harmony and order, and nothing is left to chance.

According to the relativity theory, time is not a separate entity; moreover, space is not three-dimensional.  Both are interconnected and a four-dimensional continuum emerges as time-space, as space and time lose their absolute significance. In contrast to the classical theory of absolute space and, absolute time, the modern theory of physics emerges, where both space and time become elements of language used by a particular observer.  The most important consequence of Modern Physics is the realization that mass and even matter are nothing but forms of energy.  Matter can through processes change into energy and vice versa, challenging the materialist conception of the universe based on static, tangible perception of matter, and even matter itself must be rediefined as it has changed into something dynamic and fluid.  Furthermore, space can never be separated from time as the latter is affected by the presence of matter. l Both space and time however are flowing at different rates in different parts of the universe.  For example, the mass or weight of a human being is not inseparable ffrom space, so that a 160 lbs. man on earth may weigh only 60 lbs on the moon, and 300 lbs. on Jupiter.  Clearly, the space that the human body occupies influences its mass.  The Classical concept of absolute space and time is also nullified, since the force of gravity, according to Einstein’s theory of relativity, has the effect of curving space and time.  Clearly, the relativity theory has revolutionized our interpretation of physical phenomena.  The classical distinction between matter and energy is discarded in favour of the contemporary idea that matter can transform into energy and vice versa; therefore there can only be conversion among the different forms of matter and energy, even if neither is actually unchanging (62-70).

From the perspective of the quantum theory, the classical deterministic laws of nature have been dismantled.  In contrast to the Classical view of solid material objects, quantum theory interprets phenomena as wave-like patterns of probabilities.  The probabilities are not of “things” but rather probabilities of interconnections.  Subatomic particles have no existence as concrete, isolated entities.  Phenomenal reality can only be understood in terms of the probability of interconnections.  Quantum theory, thus, reveals an essential unity of the universe.  The world cannot be deconstructed into independently isolated “building blocks.”  Rather, a dynamic interplay exists between the various parts of the whole.  These relations also include the “observer.”  The human observer becomes the final link in the chain of observational processes, since an essential interconnection exists in all phenomena.  The attraction between positive and negative forces emerges as a vigorous interplay of energy waves that order the phenomenal world.  The property of matter and light becomes concomitantly “particle” and energy “waves,” spread over a large region of space.  The energy of heat radiation continuously appears as energy packets.  Einstein calls them “quanta” and recognizes them as an essential aspect of nature (68-81).

According to the relativistic quantum field theory, particle and field are complementary manifestations of one and the same thing.  The relativistic field theory asserts that:

“the ultimate material reality that physics can apprehend is the ‘field’ and in the aspect of the quantum field, it is both a continuum and a discontinuum, the discontinuities being temporary condensations of space-time where the field is unusually intense giving rise to matter (Pantda: 1991, 154).

According to the field theory, reality is nothing but the transformation and organization of the field quanta.  Particles are interactions between fields, and are ephemeral manifestations.  They only appear to be substantial as a result of the dynamic, energetic interplay of the quantum fields (155).

All types of particle-pairs are constantly generated and absorbed by the field.  The “dance” of all possible particles, may be regarded as the fundamental activity of Nature so that:

“what was considered to be ‘sunya’ (void), vacuum or nothingness before the discovery of relativistic quantum field is now accepted as ‘purna’ (full) or plenum by the quantum physicists (157).

In microphysics, the vacuum-ocean is a positive entity, having ripples and larger waves full of fluctuations.  The vacuum-ocean is absolute because it is inactive, calm, and free from fluctuations.  Unmanifest energy manifests itself and then again becomes unmanifest as an eternal dynamic process of the universal materialization and confluence that takes place (156-158).

EASTERN MYSTICISM- SHIVA’S COSMIC DANCE

In East Indian mythology and philosophy, the concept of the cosmic dance is very ancient, representing the Eastern mystic’s dynamic view of the universe.  They have used the image of a “dance” to convey their intuition of reality, personified in the form of the cosmic dance of Shiva (or Nataraja).  The word Shiva means “one whose actions are good,” and the name Shiva is considered to be derived from Shankara meaning auspicious and benevolent.  Shiva is worshipped in the form of a phallus, which symbolized the Divine Father.  The phallus symbol penetrates into ‘Shakti’ (energy) represented in the form of the ‘yoni’ ( the womb or vagina), a symbol of the generative organ of the Divine Mother.  Proto-Shiva was a fertility God of the Indus Valley Civilization, and his dancing today symbolizes creation.  Interestingly, the same Shiva assumes destructive or sanguinary aspects, for destruction and cannot be separated from creation.  Shiva needs to destroy in order to create anew.  Rudra represents destructive aspects in their totality as he dances for the annihilation of everything.  Shiva and Rudra are two images that seem to be antagonistic to one another initially, but the Hindu tradition has a forceful strength to assimilate bifurcating ideas.  Shiva collects Rudra’s attributes into himself once the latter declines in popularity after the Vedic period.  The Eastern Mystics commingle the two contradictory concepts, and form an integral concept from the collapse of Rudra’s destructive powers into the new, more powerful Shiva.  The contradictory nature of Shiva appears paradoxical, however in reality it is a bipolar synthesis, in which the opposite poles cannot exist without the other (156-158).

Eastern mysticism recognizes only one Reality as the Transcendent, and yet It is conceived in many forms.  ‘Advaita’ (Non-Dual) Vedanta recognizes Brahman as the Ground of Reality, or  as  the Ultimate Reality whereas the phenomenal world is ultimately unreal (maya or mithya).  The theistic or devotional schools of medieval India accepted God not only as Formless but often worshipped the Lord in many forms.  Therefore, God in Advaitic understanding was Formless and One, a conception that became remote in the myriad forms that many Hindus worshipped in ardent devotion in daily life.  The Hindu tradition tried to synthesize these myriad forms into the Trimurti (the Hindu trinity).  As a coin has two faces, likewise the Divine has three presiding phases, attributes, or deities:  Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (maintainer), and Mahesvara (change, destroyer i.e. Shiva).  The Nataraja concept of Shiva contains simultaneously his creative, sustaining, and destructive activities.  His Nataraja form is consistent with religious, philosophical, and scientific investigation.  Creation and dissolution are taking place each moment and are symbolized by the Rudra-Shiva dance.  The universal dancer is considered to be Nataraja whose dancing creates the outflow and inflow of the universes, and encompasses all with His eternally still presence as a multidimensional aspect of the cosmic dance (159).  In this supreme cosmic dance:

 

“particles and antiparticles appear from akasa (space; these micro-particles may generate newer particles; the particles dance vigorously, suddenly they appear, transiently they live…then they disappear.  When they disappear they apparently vanish; but they don’t become nothing…(160).

 

In the beginning, the particles were unmanifest (avyakta), in the middle they become manifest (vyatka), and in the end they become again unmanifest (avyakta).  There is no gain or loss in the whole process, for the cosmic dance is eternal.  Creation and annihilation are merely part of the cosmic dance.  Their difference lies in degrees of subtleties as they alternate from coarse to subtle existence.  The cosmic process of creation, destruction, manifestation and non-manifestation, worldly evolution and change are fundamentals of Shiva’s eternal dance (158).

The symbolic imagery of the dancing Shiva is as follows:

“Shiva’s aureaole of fire (the prabhamandala) represents the rhythm of the universe and emanates from the lotus pedestal, the Hindu symbol of Enlightenment.  Shiva dances on the prostrate form of Apasmargaurusa, a symbol of human ignorance.  The back right hand carries the damaru, a drum symbolizing creation.  The back left hand holds agni, the fire of destruction.  The front left hand carries a disc and is in the yajahasta (elephant trunk) position. The front left hand is in the abhya-mudra pose (pose expressing fearlessness)  (154).

 

Shiva’s dance is further considered to be tandava (energetic).  The foot held aloft signifies release.  His arms are balanced and yet reflect dynamic gestures that express the rhythm and unity of Life.  The balance of the two hands represent the dynamic balance of creation and destruction.  In the centre of the two hands is Shiva’s face, calm and detached, which signifies the transcendence over the polarity inherent in creation and destruction.  Shiva is pictured dancing on the body of a demon who symbolizes human ignorance, which must be conquered before liberation is achieved (256-255).

 

Shiva’s dance represents the dynamic flow and ‘dance’ of the universe.  The dancing universe is a ceseless flow of energy going through an infinite variety of patterns, which merge into one another in a dynamic universal interplay.  His dance symbolizes the daily rhythm of birth and death, and the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction.  Shiva is a reminder that the many forms in the world are maya (not constant, but ever-changing), while He is eternally Real as He continually keeps creating and dissolving the forms in the external flow of His dance.

 

The Eastern mystics have a dynamic view of the universe similar to that of modern physics.  The parallels of Eastern mysticism and modern physics become particularly striking when sound is considered as a wave with a certain frequency, which changes with the sound.  Particles are also waves with frequencies proportional to their energies.  According to modern physics, each particle perpetually sings its song, and produces a rhythmic ‘dance of energy in dense and subtle forms.’  Modern physicists use phrases like the ‘dance of creation and destruction’ and ‘energy dance.’  The conception of rhythm and dance emerge naturally when one tries to imagine the discharge of energies going through the patterns that make up the particle world.  Modern Physics and eastern Mysticism, therefore, demonstrate that rhythm and motion are essential aspects of the phenomenal universe.  Another parallel is the understanding that all matter, whether here on Earth or in outer space, is participating in a continual cosmic dance (Capra: 1975, 256-259).  Moreover, both of them agree on the idea of the emergent and convergent universe.  According to Eastern Mysticism, the world of maya (illusion) changes perpetually, since the cosmic dance of Shiva is a rhythmic, dynamic dance.  In the active principle of the cosmic dance, the entire universe is in action, manifest and emerging, while in its non-active principle the entire universe has converged into an unmanifest essence.  Similarly, modern physics has discovered the expanding universe as supported by the kinetic of the Big Bang theory.  And, presently the universe has been shown as expanding, but at a slower rate than previously due to the changes in the gravitational force.  Moreover, the reverse phenomenon of the collapsing universe will take place at some time in the future, when the gravitational pull will be greater than the receding force, and then the universe will converge (Panda: 1991, 131).

 

In conclusion, I have examined some fundamental ideas inherent in Modern Physics and Eastern Mysticism.  Interestingly, the emerging views in each of the two systems of thought parallel each other.

by Deborah Morrison

Works Cited

Capra, Fritof. The Tao of Physics. London: Wildwood House, 1975

Panda, N.C. maya in Physics. Delhi: Motilal Banarisdass Publishers, 1991

 

 

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Gandhian Mysticism

In this article I will analyze, from my own perspective, the merits and demerits of the book ‘Gandhian Mysticism’ by Mohit Chakrabarti.  I will consider the quality of the book in terms of its contribution to the understanding of mysticism, by means of its structure and content.  Finally, I will conclude whether I feel the author has accomplished his task; –that being a scholarly study of Gandhian mysticism.

 

Chakrabarti defines mysticism as a “beyonding of consciousness” (Chakrabarti, 1).  Further, Chakrabarti refers to Gandhian mysticism as “growth eternal from Truth to Truth” (Chakrabarti, 1).  Chakrabarti’s main focus of his book ‘Gandhian Mysticism’  is to study Gandhi’s understanding of mysticism from various avenues of Gandhian thought.  Gandhian Mysticism is further explained in relation to non-violence, in terms of the concept of joy, as well as in view of its practical application in face of social tension.

 

Firstly, the author attempts to explain Gandhi’s ideas on the various dimensions of mysticism.  Gandhi thinks that “service is the symbol of self-sacrifice and self-purification leading to enlightenment in the mystic vision” (Chakrabarti, 2).  Gandhi believes in living a life based on simplicity, non-violence, and Truth, as revealed by his mystical vision.  Gandhi suggests that all persons have the potential and ability to live likewise.  Gandhian mysticism may be termed “spirituality in action” (Chakrabarti, 2).  Gandhi’s mysticism as spirituality in action is further described as:

“Spirituality in its essence is the direct experience in one’s own consciousness and one’s whole being, of Oneness of all Existence without the least doubt or wavering.  Awareness of such oneness in one’s own consciousness without any feeling of separateness with any thing in the universe…such awareness is said to have two stages, not necessarily one after the other: the perception of Oneness…which is attended by a momentary sense of fulfillment and ecstatic joy.” (Chakrabarti, 3)

 

Gandhi’s personal aspiration and ambition, in terms of mysticism is described as wanting to “see God face to face” (Chakrabarti, 3).  In order to achieve this mystical experience, Gandhi takes on the spiritual discipline of maintaining vows, for the purpose of self purification.  By the process of self purification the ego is transcended.  Thus Gandhi is able to experience the mystical state of being called Superconsciousness.  Gandhi considers mysticism as “the essence of the human soul” (Chakrabarti, 6).  Also Gandhi prescribes the practise of self purification as a means of hearing the voice of God within: 

“Having made a ceaseless effort to attain self-purification, I have developed some little capacity to hear correctly and clearly the still small voice within” (Chakrabarti, 8)

 

To be a continual visualizer in the mystic vision, Gandhi gives prominence to the “still small voice within”  (Chakrabarti, 8).  The Gandhian concept of mysticism suggests a “return to the roots of consciousness, as mysticism makes inroads to higher feeling” (Chakrabarti, 9).  Love, not hatred, is the single factor that has, as Gandhi points out “an abiding force to see inwardly and see in fullness” (Chakrabarti, 10).  The mystic merges in Love, and Love merges in the mystic.

 

Gandhian mysticism in general then progresses to a study of Gandhian mysticism in relation to specifics such as non-violence, the concept of joy and practical applications in face of social tension.

 

In relation to non-violence, Gandhian mysticism has a practical application  of approaching life in terms of “action based on the refusal to harm deliberately” (Chakrabarti, 36).  Gandhi understands non-violence to be the “law of our being” (Charkrabarti, 36).  Gandhi’s mystic vision is that materialism be transformed in the vision of spiritual harmony.  According to Gandhian mysticism, the spirit is more important than matter.  Through the practise of non-violence the spirit can transform matter, by means of the Truth-force or Soul-force generated.  Thus the mysticism of Gandhi aims at a philosophy based on non-violent action.

 

As a seeker of non-violence, Gandhi always makes an inward journey into his own consciousness.  This inner journey, according to Gandhian mysticism, enables one to become more self-aware and to discern right from wrong.  What is remarkable in Gandhian mysticism, is the pursuit of the benevolence of humankind as the means toward achievement of mystic fulfillment.  One begins the journey inwardly, by the process of inward vision.  However, through the observance of outward activities based on non-violence, one continues the journey.  Gandhi always affirms goodness and welfare to all living beings.  He equates non-violence as the means to achieve his mystical vision of Truth, Peace, and Love.

 

In relation to the concept of joy, Gandhian mysticism highlights the conscious awareness “to feel within oneself the spirit of joy arising out of the sense of goodness and love  derived by means of non-violence as the symbol of mystic contentment” (Chakrabarti, 99).  Gandhi mystically visualizes the joy in humanity that must manifest itself in brilliant radiance.  Gandhi’s testimony to the world reveals his mystic concept of joy:

 

“There is a spirit which, I feel, delights to do no evil, nor to revenge any wrong, but delights to endure all things…as it bears no evil in itself, so it conceives none in thought to any other.  If it be betrayed it bears it:  for its ground and spring is the mercies and forgiveness of God” (Chakrabarti, 100).  Gandhi believes that as soon as one achieves control over oneself, the joy in oneself comes out (Chakrabarti, 101).  Gandhi, the mystic visionary, embraces the world as the eternal fountain of joy.  Gandhi insists that we ‘illumine or perish’ (Chakrabarti, 103).  Gandhi says that the ‘gateway to the world of joy is always open for those who come to have an unhindered entry through the vision of joy’ (Chakrabarti, 103).

 

Finally the book on ‘Gandhian Mysticism’‘ relates Gandhi’s mysticism to practical applications in face of social tension.  Gandhi thinks that the modern social pattern of utilitarianism necessitates a mystic breakthrough.  Gandhi feels that much of the modern world is devoid of mutual co-operation, cohesion and of feeling for one and all (Chakrabarti, 105).  Gandhi envisions mankind as becoming “conscious of the inner worth of humanity and so alleviate the sorrows and sufferings consequential to poverty (Chakrabarti, 106).  Gandhi believes that social change can be achieved through a “silent inward revolution” (Chakrabarti, 107).  This inward revolution teaches humanity how to live honestly and with devotion to Truth and goodness.  As a mystic visionary, Gandhi delves deep into social miseries, suffering and poverty.  Gandhi believes and actualises in his activities the fact that Love is the cure for all wrongs and sufferings of distressed humanity (Chakrabarti, 111).

 

The above dimensions of Gandhian mysicism, from the standpoint of his unique strategy of non-violence, brings forth a new awareness of the future potential of humanity.  The potential of social progress, Love and Truth manifest in the world.  Gandhian mysticism encompasses the two aspects of firstly an inwardness of vision and secondly an outward action in response to one’s vision.  Gandhian mysticism thus becomes second to none as a technique of applying the inner essence of humanity toward the good of one and all.

 

I feel that the merits or strengths of the book ‘Gandhian Mysticism’ are found primarily in the depth of insight within the content of the text.  The author has a refined understanding of Gandhi’s mystical understanding and visions.  Furthermore, the author supports his views well with direct quotes from Gandhi, in order to strenghen the content of the text.

 

The structure of the text is good; beginning with an overview of Gandhian mysticism, then focusing on specifics in terms of modern day social tensions.  I feel that the author has accomplished his aim of enhancing the reader’s understanding of Ganhian mysticism.

 

However, I think the text has the demerit of being somewhat too short in length.  An in depth analysis of Gandhian mysticism in relation to Satyagraha (passive resistance) would have enhanced the quality of the text.  Nevertheless, in view of the strengths found in the text, I would recommend ‘Gandhian Mysticism’ as excellent reading.

Written by,

Deborah Morrison

 

Works Cited

Chakrabarti, Mohit ‘Ganhian Mysticism’ 1989.

                    Atlantic Publishers and Distributors,

                   New Delhi, India.

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Suffering & The Theophany of Job

After a thorough perusal of the Book of Job, one can only conclude that Job learns a great deal from his experience.  Of significance is Job’s theophany, his mystical religious experience of communicating with God.  Job’s religious experience results in his new awareness of God’s omniscience and omnipotence.  Job learns to be theocentric, rather than anthropocentric.  In contrast, Job never does learn about the generic cause of his suffering.  The cause being the wager between Satan and God.

 

Job had always been a pious man and had lived a life of material comfort.  Throughout chapters one to thirty-seven in the Book of Job, Job experiences misfortune.  As a reaction to the extreme suffering that Job must contend with, he falls into a deep and continual state of despair.  A despair that threatens his faith in God.

 

Job repeatedly proclaims his innocence.  He feels as if he were being punished by God, with no just cause.  Where there is faith there is hope.  However, Job’s faith in God becomes progressively weak.  Job begins to lose all hope.  The weakening of Job’s faith becomes apparent when he says:

“I tell you that God has wronged me and enveloped me in his net” (Job 19, 6)

As Job’s faith in God becomes weaker, it is evident that Job begins to lose hope of ever seeing happiness again.  Job replies to Eliphaz:

“My days are over, so are my plans, my heart-strings are broken… Where then is my hope?  Who can see any happiness for me?” (17, 11-15)

 

Friends and relatives give advice to Job.  However, everyone believes that Job must have sinned and is being punished.  Job proclaims his innocence and finds no comfort from others.  God seems far away and evil appears to be triumphant.  Evidently, until chapter thirty-seven of the Book of Job, Job maintains an anthropocentric perspective.  If human beings were the centre of everything, then Job’s understanding of his suffering might bring some light to his situation.  However, Job has more to learn.

 

The three sages, the friends of Job, have failed to justify God.  Thus, Job is in a state of ever deepening despair, until God speaks to him.  The discourses of Yahweh are a major turning point for Job.  Job’s theophany, (mystical religious experience), is his direct discourses with God, where he learns the most.  Job’s profound learning restores his faith in the Divine.

 

The first discourse with Yahweh teaches Job about the Creator’s wisdom.  Job learns that God is omiscient, all knowing.  Yahweh asks Job many questions:

“Have you grasped the celestial laws?” (38, 33)

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundations?  Tell me since you are so well informed!” (38, 4)

“Who decided its dimensions, do you know?” (38, 5)

Job begins to realize that the human intellect is limited in understanding.  Job replies to Yahweh:

“My words have been frivolous!  What can I reply?  I had better lay down my hand over my mouth, I have spoken once, I shall not speak again:  I have spoken twice, I have nothing more to say.” (40, 4-5)

 

Thus, Job acknowledges God’s omniscience.  Job realizes that perhaps he doesn’t understand his own suffering completely.  However, God being all knowing, would have the absolute wisdom necessary to understand Job’s suffering.

 

Secondly, through the discourses of Yahweh, Job learns that God is omnipotent.  God asks Job:

“Do you really want to reverse my judgement, Put me in the wrong and yourself in the right? Has your arm the strength of God’s, Can your voice thunder as loud?” (40, 8-9)

Yahweh reminds Job that he is not strong enough to save himself, let alone anyone else.  Yahweh challenges Job by stating:

“Let the fury of your anger burst forth, humble the haughty at a glance.  At a glance bring down all the proud, strike down the wicked where they stand.” (40, 11-12)

Job finds comfort, as a result of his mystical religious experience, communicating directly with God.  Job comes to know God more completely.  Job has overcome his weakening faith.   Now, he has a stronger faith and a deeper understanding of God.

 

Job also learns of God’s omnipotence.  Yahweh reminds Job of the strength of Divine power.  Through faith in God, Job’s hope is restored.  The suffering that Job experiences must be temporary.  Eventually, Job will experience happiness once again.  The progress of Job’s learning is portrayed in his final answer to Yahweh:

“Before, I knew only by hearsay, but now, having seen you with my own eyes, I retract what I have said, and repent in dust and ashes.” (42, 5-6)

Job’s learning is progressive; from an anthropocentric (human centered) to a theocentric (God centered) perspective.  By understanding that God is in the centre, Job begins to see himself as a small unit within a larger, yet Divine plan.  Job realizes that everything cannot happen for his benefit alone.  By means of God’s omniscience and omnipotence, eventually Divine justice will reign supreme.  Job reaffirms what he has learned through his experience by answering Yahweh:

“I know that You are all-powerful; what You conceive: You can perform.  I was the man who misrepresented your intentions with my ignorant words.” (42, 2-3)

 

In contrast to all the profound learning that Job gains through his experience, Job has learned nothing about the generic cause of his suffering.  Initially, there was a wager established between Satan and God.  Misfortune and suffering, were originally thrust upon Job due to Satan challenging God.  Satan, was sure that Job would lose faith in God, if tested by severe suffering.  Both Satan and Yahweh knew all along about the wager that led to Job’s suffering.  Even after Yahweh’s discourses, Job never learns about the wager between Satan and God.  The real purpose behind Job’s suffering is never revealed to him.

 

One can only conclude that Job’s theophany, his mystical religious experience of speaking directly with God, results in a progressive learning experience.  Before his religious experience, Job understands his suffering from an anthropocentric perspective.  After learning from his mystical religious experience, Job becomes theocentric, or God centered.  In contrast, Job never learns anything about the real cause of his suffering– the wager between Satan and God.  In the heart of the tempest, while in the depths of despair, Job’s faith and hope are restored.  Job learns more about the Divine nature of Yahweh–the attributes of omniscience and omnipotence.  Profound learning results from Job’s experiences, both the suffering and the theophany.  Job’s happiness is re-established, and his love for God deepens.

By

 Deborah Morrison

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

All references to the book of Job in this article refer to:

The New Jerusalem Bible.  1990.  Bantam Publishing Ltd., London

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To Admit or Not To Admit, “I’m A Writer!”

Our journey of writing “Nexus” began during a seminar led by Richard G. Green. We didn’t know it then but Richard would become our writing mentor.

The seminar was about Native story-telling but you anyone was welcome to attend, Native and non-Native. During the seminar, Richard talked about the importance of finding your voice and how writing can be therapeutic. All interesting stuff but what really got us was when he described the eccentric fixtures of a writer’s mind.

While at a bus stop, most people are too busy with their own concerns. But not the writer who is busy checking everyone waiting at the bus-stop. She would create a whole story about each person from just watching them. Amazing Richard was completely describing us our innate curiosity for people and the world.

Most writers are in denial of the fact that they are writers. So, during the break, 6′2″ Richard stood over 5′2″ Deborah and firmly asked: “Are you a writer?”

She hesitantly answered “yes” not knowing what she was getting into. We felt an excitement from admitting that we’re writers. It’s amazing how much energy we put into not admitting something to yourself and when you do then you feel a release.

We had bought Richard’s book on writing, The Writing Experience, an Iroquois guide to written storytelling and used it as our guide to the fascinating world of story-telling………And that’s how our journey began as writers and it led to “Nexus.”

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On “The Secret” by Dan Millman (Includes Amusing Video)

“The Secret” has offered many positive ideas, though I share many of the concerns expressed in this post by Dan Millman as highlighted in Balance “Secret Principles” with Compassion. Dan has respectfully critiqued “The Secret” with a succinct understanding.

As many of you know Dan is the author of many spiritually insightful books on personal transformation, including Way of the Peaceful Warrior, which has been made into a successful movie called Peaceful Warrior in 2006 starring Nick Nolte. Here is Dan’s insightful post on “The Secret”:

Some weeks ago, a young man wrote to us, declaring, “In six months I’m going to have three million dollars, the woman of my dreams, and a beautiful house – because I’ve seen . . . The Secret!

The Secret, for those of you who haven’t yet heard, has become an internet phenomenon. It began as an Australian television production featuring a number of well-known authors and pundits, speaking about the “Law of Attraction.” This law says that we attract or manifest into our lives what we think about or focus on or earnestly desire.

As fate would have it, the producers, in a stroke of foresight, ended up delivering this 90-minute program via internet. One can go to the web site, watch a dramatic teaser, sign up, pay a mere $4.95, and download the program to watch to one’s heart’s content — to learn “The Secret.”

I’m not surprised by the popularity of this program. Magical thinking has huge appeal for many – especially when it intersects with ideas from quantum physics and metaphysical science.

In this respectful critique, I’m going to first express what I genuinely like about the program:

I find much of the program up-beat, good hearted, encouraging. It also has excellent production values, cinematography, effects, and sound. And the editing is excellent. I’m especially impressed by the cutting-edge method of delivery — internet streaming — ushering in a new era of movies on demand with the click of a mouse.

I also like the message that what we bring into our lives begins with a vision, a longed-for aspiration — a good reminder for those of us who haven’t yet stretched the wings of possibility and allowed ourselves to embrace higher possibilities. If The Secret opens the way to expanded dreams, it serves a useful purpose.

What concerns me, however, are the program’s primary suppositions. The message, repeated in different words by the various guests, is that if we simply intend and visualize and dream big enough, we can “manifest” all our dreams — effortlessly, magically, mystically.

However, this “Law of Attraction” does not, in my view, qualify as a law at all. In my book, The Laws of Spirit, I present twelve spiritual laws (including, to name a few, the laws of balance, choices, process, faith . . . action, surrender, and unity) — laws which apply consistently and universally to everyday life. This quality of consistency is essential to any law, and differentiates it from proverbs, principles, or aphorisms, which may or may not apply. In other words, a law works every time here on Earth, much like the law of gravity.

In any case, this “Law of Attraction,” as taught many decades ago by metaphysicians like Catherine Ponder and others, is certainly a positive and expansive idea. But dreams, desires and visions are only the beginning — they must be followed by focused effort over time – something barely mentioned in the “Secret” production.

Thomas Edison wrote, “We often miss opportunity because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” It has the ring of truth, doesn’t it? But suggesting that we need to work hard over time to achieve our goals doesn’t sell well. It isn’t sexy or fascinating, or sound much like a “Secret.” Common sense rarely does.

In “The Secret,” we personally witness a little boy who wishes and hopes for a bicycle—he thinks about it, visualizes a bike, cuts out pictures from a magazine. And lo and behold, one day he opens a door and there is his new bike! Personally, I would have been more drawn to see him walking a paper route, or doing chores to earn some money, or at least asking his parents directly for a special Christmas gift. Which reminds me of a story I relate in Living on Purpose:

Louie goes to church every Sunday and prays to God, “Dear Lord, I’ve been a good and devout man for many years, living according to your Laws, doing acts of charity, serving the poor, supporting my family. So please, please, let me win the lottery just once!” He repeats this plea every week for years, but his entreaties go unanswered. So Louie starts to pray to win the lottery every night and every day. Until one day, he hears a voice thunder down from the heavens: “Louie, will you at least go half-way with me and buy a ticket?”

That’s all I’m suggesting — a simple point ignored by “The Secret” — go to the effort to buy a ticket. Or as an Arabic sage once said, “Trust in God . . . but tie your camel.”

So if you wish to be successful, dream big, but start small — then connect the dots. In other words, start with a vision, then take baby steps. Neither dreaming nor wishing nor magical secrets get the laundry done.

The biggest issue I have with programs like The Secret (or other idealistic notions such as learning “positive thinking”) is that when their magical methods don’t work, we end up believing that it’s our fault, our lack, our fault. We believe that if we had truly deserved it, or really applied ourselves, or focused more intently, or visualized more clearly with a sincere heart, surely it would have worked.

The Secret, then, with its lovely and uplifting promise, is a foolproof supposition: If we don’t heal, manifest, get what we want, it’s due to our own lack of faith.

Or maybe it’s because we forgot the “taking action” part . . .

There are some successful people who claim to have mastered “The Secret” and who have manifested their dreams and desires. Few of them tell us about their years of struggle and labor and preparation.

By all means strive in the direction of your dreams! Visualize a grand life! Then get to work. While we cannot control the outcomes, we can control our efforts. And by making the effort, we increase the odds of creating a larger life.

I close with my warmest wishes, and with a reminder from Henry David Thoreau: “If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost. Now put foundations under them.”

You might also enjoy the following link to a short You Tube commentary on “The Secret” from an Advaita Vedanta perspective:

As a post-script, both for those who mistakenly believe that I support the message of “The Secret,” and also for those who believe I’m being unjustly critical, I offer another articulate blogger’s comments about “The Secret”.

by Dan Millman

Originally posted on www.danmillman.com

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Your Emotions

 

We felt this was an important article on emotions to share with our readers. Our novel “Nexus: A Neo Novel” also deals with uncovering layers of emotions and learning to deal with them. The following insights about your emotions presented by Aymen Fares are helpful and worth noting:

We have covered our thoughts and we have touched upon ego. This month we look at emotions. Emotions control most peoples lives. They are an inexplicable force that the majority of us have to deal with on a daily basis.

Think of your emotions in terms of energy currents. Imagine an energy field around you which changes shape, colour and texture as your emotions change. In spiritual terms this is called your astral body. Some people call this your emotional body or energy field.

Generally, your emotions serve your personality or your ego. If you wish to achieve a measure of personal development you must learn to master your emotions and not be ruled by them. This personal development is one of the first steps on the spiritual path of initiation and is also known as spiritually evolving. The goal of our personal development is to exercise control of our emotions. Energetically this is like calming the stormy sea and symbolically, emotions are represented by water.

This doesn’t mean that we do not ‘feel’ or that we should ‘shut off’ as many people do, on the contrary the only way to master your emotions is to get closer to them and actually find out what you really are feeling.

Our emotional needs are often manifested in physical form. A simple example would be; eating, many people eat too many sweets. Sweets are often used as a reward by parents or eaten at celebrations and may be associated with happiness. People who are not happy have a subconscious craving to eat sweets. Emotions control this behaviour.

Other ways in which emotions dominate are numerous. You may seek to satisfy desire in many ways, food, money and sex are common ways to do this. Your subconscious emotional needs dominate and cause behaviour which is not ‘good’ for you.

We measure ‘good’ from a reference point of what you, the soul behind your ego, thoughts and personality wants. Through the veil of emotion and ego, a clear path is often needed before your true self is discovered.

The way to still the waters is to

1. Find out what you are thinking.
2. Respond, rather than react.

Reacting means you are usually expressing a negative emotion such as anger and jealousy. Please notice how I said expressing. If we respond rather than react we will still feel the emotion. We do not however have to express it in a negative fashion. This two step process is simple, but hard to put into practice, the heat of the moment often providing a difficult training ground.

A common way to overcome this difficulty is to work backwards. Start with the moments that cause you to react. Look at incidents that cause you to get emotional, situations where people ‘push your buttons’. Anger and Jealousy are easy places to start.

Look for the message about yourself, don’t just react.

Your emotions originate from thoughts. Unravel the thread. Find the thought pattern behind the emotion. All negative emotions start with a fear.

Take jealousy for instance. This is based on the fear of losing your partner. It also has it’s origins from the incorrect assumption that you posses your partner. This shows up as issues of self worth and it means that you are comparing yourself to another person and judging yourself as less.

Envy is another negative emotion and again the origin is fear. The focus with envy is on what we are lacking. What you are really thinking is “The other person has what I want” This is based on one of two ideas;

There is not enough for everyone and I might be inadequate

or

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I am not happy with myself or my situation.

This manifests with you launching an attack or belittling the person or object of your envy. Statements such as “I didn’t want that anyway” “That’s no good because…” mean you are focusing on what you don’t have.

Change your thoughts, focus instead on what you do have.

Once you are aware of the mechanics which come into play when your negative emotions are aroused, you have come a long way. What is required to finish the task at hand is a willingness to confront yourself. Remember, when emotions are raised in YOU, that is the signal for you to look inside. A common trap along the way is failure to look at yourself and instead look to the other person involved. This means you are not taking responsibility for your self. You need to shift the focus back onto you.

Finding and facing your fears is not always easy. All you need is light. Once you illuminate your fears to yourself, they quickly dissolve along with the accompanying emotion.

By Aymen Fares

Aymen Fares is an International Life Coach with clients all over the world. He is based in Melbourne Australia. Article originally posted on spiritual.com.au

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New Ideas – How Do You Generate Them?

Debby and I have for the past few months had thoughts germinating about a new book that we’d like to work on together. What’s our new book about?

Well right now that’s a secret but we’ll post more information when the time is right. So stay tuned!

Our thoughts have been building up over the last few weeks. The other night, Debby put our thoughts down on paper and created a clear outline for our new book.

I started to think how new ideas are generated.

I’ve found deliberate thoughts on generating new ideas are less successful than when you’re in a “free-flow” discussion. This is the reason why brainstorming exercises work so well.

You’re using your intuitive, creative mind to generate ideas without interference from your conscious mind. Debby and I have found that free thought that arises from a relaxed, creative space often yields best results for coming up with new ideas.

You’ll find some great examples of brainstorming strategies at Gallaudet University page on “Pre-Writing Strategies.” Debby and I have successfully used many of these strategies to generate ideas for our current book, Nexus: A Neo Novel.

Now we’re using them to generate ideas for our new book. We tend to use “Brainstorm,” “Outline” and “Mapping” in generating ideas. Which one will you use to unleash your creative powers?

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Eucalyptus From Head to Toe: Natural Healing and Relaxation

By Deborah Morrison

Published in Alive Magazine Sept. 2000

…here’s a practical approach to promote healing and relaxation…

Green eucalyptus leaves are sweet, with a fresh, woody aroma. The genus name “eucalyptus” is derived from “eu,” meaning well and “kalyptos,” meaning cover. Aromatherapists and herbalists may interpret the name to mean “that which covers well a variety of common conditions.”

The oil of eucalyptus has been distilled since the late 1700s for chest problems and colic and is for external use only. It induces sweating and acts as a stimulant, antibacterial and astringent (cleanser). It’s also useful for stuffy noses and relieves respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, flu, asthma and coughs.

In aromatherapy, eucalyptus promotes activity, vitality and energy. The massage oil is effective for sore and aching muscles. Blend the following essential oils for a medicinal massage:

20 drops eucalyptus

20 drops rosewood

20 drops lavender

5 drops peppermint

5 drops wintergreen

Mix 36 drops of this blend with three ounces of sweet almond oil and shake. Massage into fatigued, aching muscles and joints.

To relieve pain from an aching back, neck and shoulders, arthritis, rheumatism, bursitis, stiffness or muscle soreness, first apply moist heat or take a hot bath with four drops of eucalyptus oil in the bath water.

For asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis and emphysema, place a few drops of eucalyptus oil on a cloth and inhale through the mouth, then exhale through the nose for 30 seconds. This also relieves symptoms of colds and flu, coughs, sinus and sinus headaches, stuffy nose or hay fever. Massage abdomen and chest for lower respiratory discomfort.

To heal cold sores on the outside of the mouth, dry the affected area with a cloth and then apply eucalyptus oil directly to the sore with your finger or a cotton swab. Repeat this process at least three times every 12 hours.

For rashes and insect bites, apply the oil directly to the affected area and repeat several times a day as needed. Four to five drops of eucalyptus oil in a foot bath provides relief to sore feet.

Eucalyptus is an antiseptic and the strongest natural germicide known. Apply to sores, cuts and abrasions, rashes, insect bites, minor burns and sunburn as necessary to promote healing.

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