soma

All in God and God in all things makes me a Panentheist. I think the definition is evolving with science and feel Jesus is a man who experienced this oneness in God and tried to share the experience with others who couldn't comprehend it so worshipped the man instead. I am sure science will clear up this unity with a formula showing a Quantum Soup of Unity and Wholeness.

teotym, Many people are removing the obstacles and enjoying the present moment. Salutations to the Divinity within you.

Look forward to your take on things, my cousin is a Catholic priest and I watched him go from an idealistic artist to a manager of people, very business like.

In the womb we go through these stages and some kids born premature still have the gill slits on their neck.

In Genesis It is said, In the beginning there was God so if anything was created it was created out of this energy we call God according to Christian doctrine with a dash of science. We interact with crude energy and when at peace can feel the ripples of a subtle energy, which some would say is a metaphysical science trying to explain the awe experience. Therefore, let's say Jesus says to his followers or Christians that if they reach heaven the place of awe and there are no non Christians there then they are not in heaven, but an alternative created by their own doctrine.

thormas I like your thought to transform ourself using the Art of Being Human. I am back in Korea today where I visited mainland China for a week, a week where I didn't know the language or the culture even though I have lived in Taiwan and Hong Korea. I have been in awe for a week because their humanity communicated with mine as people took care of me as if I was a baby. I expanded my love beyond myself and had an awe experience beyond my material being. The geography, mountains like in the movie Avatar and people different, but caring sincerely. It is an unexpected natural transformation where you do nothing, but be yourself and a state of grace happens. I climbed a couple of mountains here in Korea before China and met some amazing individuals and feel I am a better person just having an experience with them. Won't be able to answer for awhile because I am leaving tomorrow early for the biggest mountain in S. Korea and will be beyond technology for 3-4 days, but it nice to read your post, welcome.

I feel Christianity needs to concentrate on the present moment and if people want to be negative that is Okay because they can learn from it and get out of hell and since we can't see other people's thoughts we will have no need to condemn them and send them to hell. It will become a self created mental state and a place to start education.

Norm I like that I will use Evolving Christian. I agree that Christians narrow their view with a Supremacist attitude. The first commandment is broken daily as Christians invent different gods so their God can be better when God is an all encompassing energy, matter and subtle spiritual energy in one whole.

It seems we are our deepest desires and beliefs where we are just being our self as we manage our energy and matter to manifest them. We identify with the energy and information formed and it becomes our identity and then we have an identity crisis and form another perspective and direction in life. Jesus said, "I and the Father are one." It seems He identified with the Absolute Reality that is one and Eternal. Science law of conservation says, "Energy is neither created nor destroyed, just changes form." Josephs quotes seem to say identify with the whole and live forever or identify with the unit desires and beliefs and watch them perish, die or transform to another energy form in duality as we cope with decay. Buddhism was saying the same thing from another angle the difference of joy and pleasure caused by mistaken identity. Identify with the temporal duality and suffer or change the identity beyond the mind to experience joy because the energy of the unit is constantly changing, but the whole energy can't be created or destroyed. The present moment identity is the door that opens to all moments because the observation or identity is with the whole unity not the small unit self. So the prophet Steve was referring to was identifying with Brahma and not the atman or what Quantum physics reveals as a basic oneness of the universe. Christianity says love is the easiest way to forget your small identity, but it seems the physical and mental realms help us to discover who we really are. Two nights ago on a work day for Koreans I took part with a choir practice where I felt their unity even though the personalities were so strong and different. Two people were mourning deaths in their family, but the Christian choir family they formed was helping them heal by just being them selves. We ended up sharing and being until midnight. They were open as the energy flowed from work, politics, Buddhism and Christianity we were identifying with the same energy carrying information and formed a group consciousness. I have had many different experiences in Korea with different people and groups where they took me in, opened me up and we shared without thinking about what we can get, but just each other so I understand where people talked on another thread about the community consciousness that they were apart of. Unfortunately I will not be able to take part here for a week as we are heading off tomorrow for China.

Josephs salutations to the Divinity within you expressed it very well, in depth. Thanks

A spiritual guide who taught by example not force, fear or coercion to reach the highest point of evolution.

The Kingdom of God in modern terms great thread.............. In my mind the Kingdom of God is the awareness of everything in Eternity, and the message of Jesus is that the Kingdom is within, which I feel is the way for us to become aware. The different frequencies and dimensions of infinity with endless connections can be discovered within easier than without because the senses are drawn to the crude vibrations that distract us from the subtle. The sense of infinite is made aware with love.

Teotym, I agree we need to just create an environment for growth and have faith that people will find their unique dharma or way of life. It is not our duty to force, shame or make people change when they are perfect in what they are doing in the moment. I can't see what is behind their eyes, but I can love what is before mine.

Korea was a poor country when I was young and the people were afraid of foreigners. There was a coup d etat and then the leadership was passed to another General who also lead with fear. When babies saw me on the bus they cried because I was different. Now, Korea is prosperous, creative, open, friendly and compassionate. They are sharing their wealth with many programs to help families, sick and elderly. Their mass transit is connected subway and bus, easy and far reaching. The other day on the bus a 2-3 year old saw me and started singing abc song to connect. What a transformation in the face of massive growth in population. Seoul when I lived here was 8 million, now it is 15 million with Muslims, Buddhist, Christians, Hindus and Taoist all living together and respected. I am learning everyday about connecting and opening up from a country that was at one time closed. The key is compassion as Bill stated people are giving and getting in return so give even more as they grow in unity. Compassion is not a word but a way of life that benefits the one who lives it. I am lucky to meet people here at all levels, hight government, farmers, students, families, working people, elderly and all are connected without fear. The U.S. and Christianity can benefit from being open, creative, not afraid and compassionate too, not by preaching or busy activities, but by just being compassionate at at one's individual capacity. Grace is the state of being, like Bill said not searching, changing, trying, but just being joyful in the state of grace. I think this is what Jesus was teaching, which is quite different from what is preached today.

I agree, love has a unitive quality that comes with freedom and it is not climbing a ladder to transform beyond our obstructions but being ourself and understanding them.

teotym, Welcome, and you expressed yourself well and your evolution is interesting. Christianity is up for grabs and we see the two camps expressing themselves in the United States. We have one camp supporting hate, giving more to the rich and to do this taking from the sick, weak, young minorities and women. It seems they are afraid that there is not enough for everyone, which expresses their faith, not necessary the faith of Jesus who taught abundance. I am sure you have learned a lot in your many adventures and may you share your wisdom with us.

Lucas please share you thoughts on your journey of discovery and enjoy the bumps on the way to where you already are. In the early 70s I was moved by the movie "Brother Son, Sister Moon". The film exalts Francis of Assisi's spirit so is more like a poem because it doesn't go into the complexity of his personality. The film uses the symbols of worldly materialism in the form of silks, jewels, as signs of power; in contrast, to the symbols of spiritual riches with shoe less monks chanting for joy. One memorable scene scene for me was the shot of entering a church with Christ on the cross with his eyes closed, but after an Epiphany it shows the crucifix with Christ eyes open wide. Being in a family of atheists is a blessing because it gave you the courage to doubt your doubts, analyze them and choose the best path for yourself. The small inner light of doubt grows as we dig up the truth and expand to embrace it with eyes wide open. Love the still point and peace

Steve, good advice. It seems you have been around the block a few times, mindful of the times you were aware and not.

Nice quote precise and to the point. I agree that meditation is not spacing-out or a desertion, but a way to be totally honest with ourselves in the present moment because it is any action done with awareness, a mindfulness of our actions, thoughts, feelings and emotions. Our mind is responsible for pleasure and pain so mindfulness is not asking us to go to therapy, take antidepressants, believe or trust, but just place the mirror of observation in front of the mind and asking us to see the truth. It is not suited for everyone because it is a very direct experience that is practical and authentic, but it is a good place to be when everything goes wrong. It is an essential mobile piece of equipment like a mirror that can be used anywhere at any time to nourish our experience and make it transferable to life. When life gets chaotic and outrageous this mechanism can shut down the mental computer so when we turn it on again everything is in its right place and upgraded to the latest moment in time. It is never too late to turn on the scan to erase old habits or thoughts that run through our mind over and over taking up memory and space with old views. A new perspective doesn’t depend on how long we have harbored uncompromising thoughts because the mind when we push the button doesn’t care how long it has been dark because the light lets us see everything clearly. A scan of the mind and body helps us to see the whole in the present healthier moment even if we are sick, in pain and diseased we can still be involved, hugged and embraced with the experience of wholeness. Meditation is not about throwing ourselves away to be developed or converted into something healthier, better or superior, but just an unfolding of who we are in the immediate moment. “Meditation is offering your genuine presence to yourself in every moment.” (Thich Nhat Hanh) “You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.” (Buddha)

Some people need rules, commandments and direction to act that is their nature so in that case a religion with commandments is their choice because they feel comfortable with just doing what is expected without thinking too much. The above is a rule without explanation; science is great at giving us explanations why it benefits to follow a rule. I feel that is what is lacking and needed in our Christian faith too. The monk and teacher was following his dharma and letting his son discover his dharma by giving direction, but few rules. He was a living example of a person sitting in silence and getting in touch with existence. He was aiming the arrow of his son, but not bending or breaking him to his nature by forcing his expectations. Forcing rules and commandments creates oppression by removing choices. The family gave choices and supported them in the video. In Christianity there is a joke about the minister's daughter being the wildest sexually as using force to follow the rules creates a state of an animal backed against the wall until it attacks in frustration, emotions being released. I feel oppression destroys society as women are oppressed even though they live in intimate relations with the oppressor following his rules or morality instead of their own. They adopt these rules and feel the oppressor is right or honorable using religious justification. In this election year we see people who want dictates and don’t care about the reasons to vote because they desire certainty and not so much truth, they seem to have acquired the religious bigotry of their leader. Christians are more upset with swearing and the being flipped off than the environment, the sick, elderly, the poor, our students or women’s health. Christianity needs a little mindfulness and science to explain it. We try to force our morality on others not aware of their situation, which seems we love only the part of them where we see ourselves, our way of life, our morality. If we want a loving person in sexual relations, we must become a loving person first in the present moment, which is mindfulness. Science can explain this in detail that sex is natural, pleasurable, enjoyable and increased with a loving relationship. It can also be an energy drain depending on the level of comfort and emotions if they are blocked or not and it being about someone just being an object for sexual pleasure. The monk in the video taught mindfulness not with commandments, but with example and his children were thoughtful and mindful even if they did not meditate. It seems the video ended in the direction that was meant to be without force, separation or discomfort. Under the rule of Christianity we try to stop sexual education and instead give rules and commandments without explanations, but using force. I feel we need to teach mindfulness so our children male and female are empowered to follow their own morality of interbeing. I don't think a student of mindfulness and aware of interbeing would attempt sexual relations without love.

Science explains the abstract concepts in a clear and precise manner that satisfies and relaxes my intellect so I can explore beyond its limits.

romansh, Thanks for the article. Interbeing is a term we can relate to and need to use more often even if it is not in the dictionary.

The techniques are explained in detail in duality with the goal in mind. Without mindfulness there is no Buddhism so it can’t be separated from its practice that is like teaching a language without the context of culture. One of the Noble Eight Fold Paths, Right mindfulness is seeing through the myths, misunderstanding, superstitions and false impressions of our minds in duality so you think this is describing duality so we can experience a deeper duality? “He talks about the importance of home altars, burning incense and of announcing family news to the ancestors. Rituals are critical when they have meaning.He talks about the importance of roots, social integration and avoiding alienation in our youth. TNH is analytical and sees these separations as an essential part of Buddhism. In general, I see TNH as cherishing every possible distinction. He slices every duality into halves; I think his take on duality is that it limits the appreciation of each unique experience. I don't read him as grinding life into an 'everything is one' meditational meatloaf.” “Rituals are critical when they have meaning” Do you think Buddhist light incense because it is holy smoke that helps them to analyze the separateness of life? It is another trick to pacify the the senses and mind so mindfulness of the unity in the present moment can be experienced. “I think the five wonderful precepts of Buddhism are intended to be considered individually.” Yes they are to be analyzed individually, but do you think they are not united into a single objective. That each one is a candle of unity and so their light is not one, but separate? If you don’t see the big picture you are like the five blind men describing the elephant; one describes the ear, one the tail, one the leg and truck separately, but they don’t get the unity of the larger picture. Describe the trees separately, but forget they are in a forest, but without the forest the Red Wood trees would fall over because their roots are entangled, which helps them all be stable and upright.

Burl, Buddhists have designed, analyzed and taught practices and philosophies to make life better and to develop human beings for centuries. Before science they were using individual measurements to develop and improve their techniques to make the outcome; happiness and enlightenment better. With modern equipment we can now objectively measure Buddhist results and there is evidence of positive benefits related to their meditation. It is not a transcendental state but a precondition they teach leading to wisdom, energy and other positive mental and physical states where one finds unity in one’s daily activities, and comes to understand one’s purpose in being alive. These things are important, but they are not the goal of Buddhism. When we start to meditate it is difficult so some Buddhist choose not to meditate at all, but different methods are available for those that want to try; for example, my mind at six o’clock is hungry so the ritual of meditating at the same time everyday in the same place decorated to one’s taste sets the ambiance to be quiet, still the mind and experience the silence. It is one trick to control the mind to do our biding and not to be controlled by the mind. In order to understand Buddhism, we need to understand its ultimate goal because the different sects have different rituals, techniques and tricks to reach that goal. The goal of Buddhism is a connection with everything in life and beyond it in living, suffering, enjoying, and dying on earth and beyond it. Buddhism like Protestantism is a reaction to Hinduism as the Christian reaction to Catholicism. I feel as Christians we need to also develop the best methods to help people especially our youth to attain the highest state of contentment in life and discover and try different techniques to grow within their unique life style. The goal is the same, but the methods or paths may differ. As Monists, Buddhists eliminate all the faces of Gods, which is why Westerners call Hinduism a polytheistic religion, which it is not because that is only their thinking, Hindus see the different manifestations or Deities as expressions of the One God, who is the Eternal Self called Atman or Brahman, which is the most important core of all Creation. Our Christian monotheism is similar when we look at the Trinity, which is unified and diversified in absolute reality. We have one God who chooses according to most Christian in three ways; Father, Son and Holy spirit. The God of the Bible gives many Christians the image of being independent of His Creation so we have no problem with unity in absolute reality, but difficulty with unity in physical reality; therefore, most Christian’s interpretation is dualistic in its separation of created matter and Divine Essence. I feel our God is unified in sharing One Divine Nature or Essence, which is the explanation of monism and explained in the Oneness of our Holy Trinity. “There is only God” ( Ephesians 4:6) Where the Buddhist say only one One and Christians say one God, I think separating God from creation is not a complete interpretation that creation is an expression of God when in the beginning all there is is God; therefore, creation is a part of God. “For of him, and through him, and to him are all things.” (Romans 11:36) As a Christian I don’t separate God from creation so I agree more with monism than monotheism,

Sherrie greetings to the Divinity within you because you are being guided and alive. I am sure you will make the right decision so look at your mind, beyond it, and recommendations from a variety of individuals and your path will appear. You are independent and free, a great example for your son and the rest of us. Keep up the good work.