soma

Fatherman, We have all visited the same wrung, I like the way you spelled it where guilt twists our minds. I feel as Christians we can use the mind of Christ to rid ourselves of the guilt, feel the light and love that surrounds us, but the institution of Christianity has made guilt a technique to manipulate congregations to twist them into being followers and doing what we are told instead of being present in the moment and flexible at the same time. Fatherman I know you know this because you also sing the song of life that never stops, and the things that you have written here are testament to that. We stop and guilt is one of the obstacles, but the good thing is we can get right back in the flow and start singing again. We temporarily go through different thoughts because we have a mind, but those thoughts help us to help others who have them too. The mind causes so much mischief, but is a great tool to do what we have to do. Thanks for the support.

Scott, I like your signature so I posted a take on sins, which I wrote for my blog. You, Joseph or anyone is free to comment if desired.

Maida, Welcome and Salutations to the Divinity within you. In the sixties-early seventies I visited the Quakers Silent Meetings and was and still am so impressed with the silence. I meditated and it started out in silence, but people were encouraged and spoke out of the silence and either relaxed back into silence or encouraged others on the topic. Looking forward to you post and conversations coming out of the silence.

As a Christian we label our loss of potential and clarity from the heavenly pure consciousness ‘original sin’, which is not a sin we committed, but something we suffer wandering and drifting in our love of duality and suffering in it until we follow our dreams. We suffer from our amnesia of the eternal love and joy in the soul where we have access to the consciousness of all things; therefore, we have to create our own. Our existence just being human manifest more happiness when we are aligned with the universel than when we try to manifest on our own and this spiritual joy of unity is latent in all of us. The mystics like St. Augustine are giving us a ladder to go from the inward deeper inward to a spiritual experience in the soul where the church only gives us a map that goes from the outward to the inward. It seems pain, sorrow and sins are guides, rungs in our ladder of evolution as they naturally push and lead the mind towards a spiritual experience where they are the wings that fly us beyond the mind to experience the bliss in the soul. The map the church gives us can be misleading with guilt because sin doesn’t mean we did something wrong, but that we missed the mark, we were preoccupied not attending to the moment, we were not present. The confusions on the physical plane, the duality of sins and miseries of the mind are not remembered or renewed when we leave the mental realm so guilt is a trap that manipulates our thoughts. In the present moment harmony we see the balance and unity of opposites because a center of heaven on earth has glory even in our sorrows because when we are at our lowest point we are also the most open to change to a new life. The beast in us can lay in peace with our innocence in a renewal where we become whole or holy. We just need a paradigm shift so the mind in not trapped in the brain and opens to the awareness of being a part of the unified force field where we interact with the universe. When our minds are not at peace our practice to pay attention, learn and quiet the mind gets us back to the mark, similar to making a canoe stable and balanced in choppy waters. If we missed the mark to the left or didn’t make adjustments for the wind now is the time in the present moment because spiritual awareness is not separating our self from our problems, but understanding, finding solutions and learning from them in earth school. If I miss the mark to hit the light switch, I did nothing wrong, but I am missing out on the love, light and energy that is always present. This fall of man, a fall from the soul’s state of grace begins in our mind where we think we are separate, individuals on our own, but our dreams from beyond the mind will show us the dimensions of a wide-ranging, all-encompassing reality. If we make this shift in consciousness our story becomes a love story and we stop blaming others for our misfortune as we reinterpret our memories, which in Christianity is the process of forgiveness. Forgiveness is not something we carry out for other people, it does not mean we give a positive response to their misbehavior or our mistrust because it is just something that is essential for ourselves to move on to enjoy the peace and goodness that is all around us. Forgiveness takes a strong person and is a sign that one is ready to move on with life. It is a letting go of negative emotions, a spiritual process to love and heal the memories that wrong us and keep us from doing away with the guilt and negativity that blocks the spirit. We don’t need others to accept us; we only need to accept ourselves, trust our mind, dreams, listen and follow them and rely on their accuracy to hit the mark. To miss the mark means we are preoccupied, we are not there, not in the joy of the present moment because we are doing something without being totally present. This is the lapse, the break we call sin because if we are totally conscious we will not error and we will have spiritual experiences like when we are absorbed and captivated by a sunset that holds our attention. The beauty of the light triggers our awe and wonder as we forget our sins and problems and it brings us into a higher consciousness, but for a person depressed it triggers their sadness. Every occurrence, good or bad can bring us into greater vibrational energy if we align with the spirit to create positive ripples in the mind. Our problems and sins will not go away until they have taught and awakened us to a consciousness that is above them, a pure awareness that abides in the present moment of Eternity.

Thanks, A New Year and a New Beginning. I will visit Korea, China, Cambodia and Vietnam with my wife.

I just watched a movie "Constantine (2005) and the angel Gabriel was played as a female.

Scott your pictures demonstrates a genuine happiness. I hope you can put it in words and share it with us. Thanks fro the introduction.

I am not Spong, but will talk about what I think about relationship. The glue of a relationship is love and it can bring a person into alignment with our deeper self. It seems according to the Quantum view that we are interconnected and our meaning surfaces from our relationship to the whole, our energy mixing with all energy. Higher up the mountain of consciousness it seems we perceive one energy stream with different individual perspectives connected in direct ways to the unified field of energy. Approaching with Quantum Mechanics, a contemplation of God in the function of pure energy enables us to perceive God permeating all things, communicating and surrounding everything in the form of resources that are willing to assist us at any second. I feel as Christians we use Christ as a physical model that makes it easier to love than the abstract where we can love in a relationship to go beyond our unit self to gain access to the abstract and unite with the deeper reality that is all around and inside us.

Theism, in the field of comparative religion, is the belief in the existence of deities. In popular parlance, the term theism often describes the classical conception of God that is found in the monotheistic and polytheistic religions. The term theism derives from the Greek theos meaning "god". Thomas Merton a Christian Mystic said “To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense graces from Him. Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, it is constantly awakening to new wonder and to praise the goodness of God. For the grateful person knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference.” The church uses laws and authority to reach a mind conditioned to the five senses in order to bring us to God while I would interpret Spong is telling us to use multidimensional, spiritual experiences to develop a spiritual consciousness inside that goes deeper within the soul. In other words, the institution is finding God in the outward expression of our mind, separate for our inner being while i feel Spong is telling us to discover the innermost secret of God in the deepest privacy of our soul. rjunker, welcome and thanks for the presenting a great concept to discuss.

I have never payed attention before, but will be looking from now on.

Kjalways, Thanks for the introduction and the great amount of energy you bring to this forum. A quirky, silly nature that is deep is very spiritual, keep up the good work. i like you phrase "Freedom of Religion" and "Freedom from Religion" and hope to read many more of your post.

I like the Gospel of Thomas because I like to meditate on the sayings that are ascribed to Jesus. I feel he didn't come to organize a religion, but to personalize a spiritual experience so the sayings to me seem to speak to us as individuals and humans in general. I appreciate your concern about our fellow Christians using the Bible to mislead people into false premises and statements to maintain a false monopoly on the Infinite. You seem to have a good grasp on the spiritual reality, Christianity, the misreadings and your family so good luck. You might also find some good podcasts or videos on youtube.

Polk, I have also experienced the backlash and I feel it was my fault for not being and communicating with the person I was talking to, where they were coming from, which is a starting point. In the infinite ocean or Quantum Consciousness we can bump into each other and say sorry and go on or we can feel the other being's joy and pain and communicate by just sharing energy. My spiritual practice as a Christian is when I am speaking with a Hindu, Muslim, Jew, Atheist or Agnostic is just to communicate, learn and help make them better at what they are practicing. All theories are radical, new and old and as we go deeper in them we find them all converging at the same point. Have fun and enjoy others.

Martin that is a good question. It is good that mechanical prayers and blind faith can't satisfy everyone, so we seek some sort of realization, which can be observed in the stillness of a realized person at work in the stillness of a mind anchored in pure consciousness. I have chosen Christ, but Buddha, Krishna, Shiva, scientist and Mohamed can help. As Christ consciousness resonates in us, the mystery of pure consciousness unfolds and increases as the mind is made silent. The infinite or God is indivisible because everything is within it; therefore, the word finite is in the word in-finite just like the material is in the spiritual and the spiritual is in the material so the finite is constantly changing, but the infinite does not change, what changes is inside the infinite. We can make great progress spiritually in the physical realm if we live in a way that is in harmony with our spiritual values every moment. In order to do this, I need to point my thoughts beyond the physical realm so I can connect to the Spirit and Infinite where our life becomes our greatest and deepest prayer. Contemplation, meditation, music, sports, comedy, centering prayer, Lectio Devina, service, contemplation, study, basketball, painting, literature what ever it takes is the perfect prayer.

A Mystical Christmas The Spirit of Christmas can’t be seen, but is in the peace and love that engages us and blesses us for the rest of the year, not in the sweet presents that are easy to buy. We search the shops looking for the best objects to put under the Christmas tree as a special gift overlooking the spiritual gift of Christ consciousness that lies within our self and in the hearts of our family and friends. It is easy to buy a present, but so difficult to take on the forgiveness, tolerance, love and detached mind of Christ. The beauty of Christmas is not in the tree and presents, but in the beauty and presence of love like a silent Christmas candle that gives up its self and small world to discover the light of a new day. It is not a time or a season to panic, rush and hurry through gifts, cards, carols and tinsel, but to have a humble, respectful mind that is willing to receive the spirit of Christmas, Bodhi, Hajj, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice and Kwanzaa.. To receive the consciousness of the baby Jesus we don’t have to be Christian in order to fly to new heights, we just need a modest heart that can accept the wisdom of the Christ mind. The gift of Christian Mysticism is beyond the limits of our five senses and is wrapped in different beliefs, but in removing and opening up to the universe using a variety of methods from science, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism or any other principle, we experience an inner mystical connection with everything. This spiritual gift introduces our mind to the soul radiating from the center of our being to connect, guide, and sooth our energy. An energy that is no longer rampant, but focused, connected with our core and the spiritual depths of our soul. This consciousness does not judge, just witnesses with the understanding that we are drawn to the power of the soul without doing a thing. A consciousness of bliss filling an empty, powerless place with wisdom and knowledge requires inner work recognizing where we are influenced by external circumstances and lose energy. Temptations are not ignored, but released by changing perceptions, self-image, concepts and one’s life. The resistance to change is witnessed with the recognition that our energy and power are lost in a diffused and unfocused state that takes strength from every fiber of our body. This is a natural gift, a living grace that perfects our poise, manner, coolness and reserve in the muscular and nervous systems of our body. May we all partake in this Merry Christmas and share this spiritual gift with others.

Lee thank you for the question and Autumn thank you for the resources. I totally agree with the concept of evolution. I have worked and lived with the under belly of society for five decades in many countries and I would say from the bottom looking up or around the bottom of the barrel everything is right on track. People who are suffering want a new way of life, a change or at least a vacation. Most can't afford a vacation so drugs or alchol are a substitute untill they are vacated with frustration. Some choose to alter their consciousness with spiritual practises with mixed results. Sadly, some get manipulated before having an altered state experience or they become spiritual capitalist and manipulate the people searching below them. I think the people at the bottom are more willing to listen, be open and find their bliss inside because the outer environment is so harsh. The people at the top seem to be trying too hard to be happy searching in all the wrong places, which are right because they lead to surrender. They can't find happiness even with the money to search because the path is just to be happy. Many of the poor people have found that experience in their simple lives. News is competitive so to grab our attention they broadcast and exagerate the worst so they can sell it for money. Even in the most extreme cases there is light burning below the ashes, but only the ashes are advertised. I told my son last week, If you are not happy with something change your mind and thinking about it. You are co-creating the experience so take responsibility for it and do what you have to do."

I like Obama's approach in a rational well thought out plan. I think he is listening to the Generals and his experts, but the Republicans running for president and Fox news are fanning the flames of hear and hatred to gain votes or viewers. They want us to implement the same failed policies we should have learned from in Iraq. When we put troops on the ground we create enemies because we don't know the language or the customs so their leaders can fan hate and fear of America to get their way and followers. Education, good will and good intentions open many doors like what the peace core did in the 60's and 70's. Statemen and women will negotiate first, gain allies in the region that know the problems and avenues to take to win over the people. Obama is doing that, but the hawks are pressuring him through the people to enter the ground war, I would say which goes against what the Generals advice suggest.

Valentulum, Welcome and may you find what you find peace and comfort in your search.

Catholic doctrine is for the mind to bring one to God in duality, but the supernatural experiences or message you so elegantly expressed our from the soul beyond the mind and they put us in God and God in us. As Christians we have chosen the powerful image of Jesus Christ to represent the expression of the tangential point between the predicaments of living in a duality that exists in this world and the unity encompassed in Eternity. The love of Christ embodies our awareness as seen through our dualistic mind that expands our limited awareness to an experience in the universal consciousness where infinity contains and is at one with our duality. It is not that the material world will one day dissolve into Jesus Christ, but that the ego's extroverted tendencies will disappear exposing an ocean of diverse frequencies, vibrating, and communicating on different levels united in a whole. I think this is similar to your experience. The Christ mind expresses this unity of self with God in the same way as the quantum physicist says that joy and happiness increases as we move towards this wholeness or the quantum self. Erwin Schrödinger was an Austrian physicist and theoretical biologist, known as one of the fathers of quantum mechanics said, “Quantum physics thus reveals a basic oneness of the universe.”

I agree and like the concept of going to war with compassion, but our leaders are manipulating the masses with the whip of fear and hate. They make the enemies look like monsters and our side like the saviors. In the US we are in the midst of an election that never ends candidates wanting to rush in full blown and scorch the other side to show strength. The people, countries that know the cultures in the regions are best for a ground war, but we can support with technology. I hope we learn from the past and not destroy the infrastructure and then think we can build a nation. It failed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Anna welcome and lucky you for such a profound experience. You framed it with Christian symbols because those are in your mind and the best reference for you what is beyond the mind even though there are an infinite number of ways to experience it. Christian mysticism is about developing a direct insightful experience, relationship and communion with the beautiful, reasonable energy of the universe and its awe-inspiring power deep within, what we Christians call God. Feel free to talk about anything here and get some great perspectives from many different angles, all describing the same experience.

At this moment we are fighting power with power creating more power and it is not working and has not worked in the past. Yes, even opposites are connected even by the premise of cause and effect. First, we must take responsibility for causing the chaos and then realize they are humans just like we are and with that attitude people will in turn open up. If we have the will to talk I am sure they will talk also. We can stand there next to them and let the waves knock us about or we can dive under them and get out to the deep sea where it is calm. To keep the suffering going each side is spreading fear and hate for the other side, which makes it harder to have a meeting of the minds. Yes, we can see the unity and that Allah and Jesus are symbols for this higher power and both sides can't, thinking they are right and the other side is wrong. This is where I recognize duality in the unity so physically we have a body and mind, our instruments to act in duality, nature, but I feel we have a spirit, soul or supernature to dive into the unity so we know it is there and don't just get battered by the waves wearing down to want to eliminate the other side. The jungle is a fierce competion for resources, but it is also a harmony that is uplifting.

I think we need to talk to the people in the region and ISIS. I don't think they think they are winning or losing they are creating terror to get noticed. They were originally the Sunnis that were the royal guard for Saddam Hussein in Iraq. After the bombing and the US occupation of Iraq. Bush put in charge Paul Bremer the occupational authority of Iraq following the 2003 invasion by the United States. He was appointed head of state of the internationally recognized government of Iraq. He had no military experience or experience in the Middle East. He decided against the advise of military experts to dismiss the Iraq Army. Saddam didn't trust the Sunnis either, but he worked out a balance with them so there was peace. Chaos rained on Iraq mostly caused by the Sunnis after that. I think we need to talk to them first and see what they want, the people that will be affected and then work towards peace. The countries that are the most affected are quiet now for example Saudi Arabia they have an army, airforce and money for stability. If the surrounding countries are not interested or willing to work for stability then we should wait because they know the region better than we do. Saddam's army were professionals and now they are just terrorist. If we just listen to the hawks we will only have war and terror. They are good at creating fear and propaganda to start their wars for profit. We need to talk and listen to the people affected and not the Defense Industry before acting.