Guest guest Posted January 6, 2003 Report Share Posted January 6, 2003 thank you for responding Linda i appreciate sharing this journey ever deepening grace to you josie Message: 2 > Sun, 5 Jan 2003 11:16:37 EST > nierika > Re: Message 6 > > Re: message # 6 > Josie writes: <in response to something written to her by "nameless" > "its just that I think you are immersed very very deeply in everything > spiritual right now - is that a good thing? Who am I to say it is or it > isn't? On some days I am worried that it is not healthy to be so immersed in > spirituality to the exclusion of "real life". "? > > Dear Josie ~ I was touched by what you wrote that Joyce responded to as well > as your current reflections. I would be only so glad to have every aspect of > my life illuminated by the Sacred. This is my goal; this is why I am here. > Forms are tools that help us on the path. Sometimes they are like a map; > sometimes they are like a tour guide; sometimes they are far ahead of us only > shining a light we can barely see. > > I have realizations; I am blessed with an "ah hah," and in these, I feel a > deep connection with the Sacred. Then the "ah hah" wears off, dissipates, and > I am left looking into the same mirrors and having the same reactions. But > recently I have become more aware of this process, and I have resolved to, > when the "ah hah" wears off, to remember it; to remember what triggered my > first reaction back to coming from a place of fear rather than a place of > love; to step into the space between the "what" and my reaction and not react > back to the best of my ability, but to remember the connection I have felt to > the Sacred and to grow with the experience. Am I aways successful? Not! Oh > well, my humanity also deserves unconditional love. > > For a long time, I have been confused about how to connect with the Sacred. I > have done various types of meditation, have visited various holy persons (and > I do believe that these tools and people are very significant to us who > struggle to keep our little boats afloat), have been trained in Reiki, etc., > etc., etc. Recently, struggling with what "looks like" a lot of "negative" > energy being directed at me, I have discovered a new way. I just talk to God; > just like I would talk to anyone. I tell God about my day, what went well, > what was hard, where I am confused or need help ... and it is just a very > simple thing. Yet, now this is the part of the day I most look forward to, > and I feel a new kind of love growing in my heart. > > When I begin my talking, I give thanks to the Divine Mother/Divine > Father/Creator in all names and forms, who vibrates the form and the formless > into their dance. So in a sense, I am still using form, yet, at the same > time, I am giving up specific form. At the end of the day, which is when I do > this process, it doesn't matter. I feel as if held in the lap of the Sacred, > and for me that is everything. P.S. Here is the chorus to a song I wrote a > long time ago: > > You are held in the Mind of the One; > you are rocked in a cradle of Loving Concern, > and all your nightmares will vanish in the Dawn, > they will vanish in the Dawn. > > Blessings to you ~ Linda > - <> <> January 6, 2003 5:54 AM Digest Number 2007 > /join > > > > > > The Heart is the Self. The Self is the Heart. > ------ > > There are 18 messages in this issue. > > Topics in this digest: > > 1. Re: Message 4 > nierika > 2. Re: Message 6 > nierika > 3. re: Regarding Patanjali 3 > Bigbobgraham > 4. Bhagavan: ...People began to pester me > "THE \"SELF\"" <leenalton > 5. Re: Paramhansa or Paramahansa? > "Alton Slater <leenalton" <leenalton > 6. Re: Message 4 > "know_mystery <know_mystery" <know_mystery > 7. Re: Message 6 > "know_mystery <know_mystery" <know_mystery > 8. Re: Regarding Patanjali Discussion > "John Logan <johnrloganis" <johnrloganis > 9. Re: Message 4 > "John Logan <johnrloganis" <johnrloganis > 10. Know That You Belong > "Lady Joyce" <ladyjoy > 11. Re: Regarding Patanjali Discussion > "texasbg2000 <Bigbobgraham" <Bigbobgraham > 12. To Be Continued (Part II) > David Bozzi <david.bozzi > 13. loveing > "J Kane" <jkane > 14. Bhagavan: The intellect must vanish to reach the Self > "THE \"SELF\"" <leenalton > 15. Re: To Be Continued (Part II) > "know_mystery <know_mystery" <know_mystery > 16. Re: loveing > "know_mystery <know_mystery" <know_mystery > 17. The Buddhist Wheel of Life: Aesthetics of Suffering and Salvation > "sanjulag <sanjulag" <sanjulag > 18. Re: Regarding Patanjali Discussion > "SENSARU <sensaru" <sensaru > > > ______________________ > ______________________ > > Message: 1 > Sun, 5 Jan 2003 10:56:24 EST > nierika > Re: Message 4 > > Dear Joyce ~ you probably don't know me; I haven't been "with" the group for > quite awhile, though I have continued to received the digests. (:::waving to > the group::: hi everybody). > > The poem/prayer was exactly what I needed to hear this morning. I have been > very sick, and have been through a lot of changes. Right now I am in a place > where I am not really welcome, and yet, even with the sadness, I realize I am > learning much about myself and what triggers my reactions of "sad/bad" Linda. > What you wrote reminded me of my truest belief. Thank you. > > > ______________________ > ______________________ > > Message: 2 > Sun, 5 Jan 2003 11:16:37 EST > nierika > Re: Message 6 > > Re: message # 6 > Josie writes: <in response to something written to her by "nameless" > "its just that I think you are immersed very very deeply in everything > spiritual right now - is that a good thing? Who am I to say it is or it > isn't? On some days I am worried that it is not healthy to be so immersed in > spirituality to the exclusion of "real life". "? > > Dear Josie ~ I was touched by what you wrote that Joyce responded to as well > as your current reflections. I would be only so glad to have every aspect of > my life illuminated by the Sacred. This is my goal; this is why I am here. > Forms are tools that help us on the path. Sometimes they are like a map; > sometimes they are like a tour guide; sometimes they are far ahead of us only > shining a light we can barely see. > > I have realizations; I am blessed with an "ah hah," and in these, I feel a > deep connection with the Sacred. Then the "ah hah" wears off, dissipates, and > I am left looking into the same mirrors and having the same reactions. But > recently I have become more aware of this process, and I have resolved to, > when the "ah hah" wears off, to remember it; to remember what triggered my > first reaction back to coming from a place of fear rather than a place of > love; to step into the space between the "what" and my reaction and not react > back to the best of my ability, but to remember the connection I have felt to > the Sacred and to grow with the experience. Am I aways successful? Not! Oh > well, my humanity also deserves unconditional love. > > For a long time, I have been confused about how to connect with the Sacred. I > have done various types of meditation, have visited various holy persons (and > I do believe that these tools and people are very significant to us who > struggle to keep our little boats afloat), have been trained in Reiki, etc., > etc., etc. Recently, struggling with what "looks like" a lot of "negative" > energy being directed at me, I have discovered a new way. I just talk to God; > just like I would talk to anyone. I tell God about my day, what went well, > what was hard, where I am confused or need help ... and it is just a very > simple thing. Yet, now this is the part of the day I most look forward to, > and I feel a new kind of love growing in my heart. > > When I begin my talking, I give thanks to the Divine Mother/Divine > Father/Creator in all names and forms, who vibrates the form and the formless > into their dance. So in a sense, I am still using form, yet, at the same > time, I am giving up specific form. At the end of the day, which is when I do > this process, it doesn't matter. I feel as if held in the lap of the Sacred, > and for me that is everything. P.S. Here is the chorus to a song I wrote a > long time ago: > > You are held in the Mind of the One; > you are rocked in a cradle of Loving Concern, > and all your nightmares will vanish in the Dawn, > they will vanish in the Dawn. > > Blessings to you ~ Linda > > > ______________________ > ______________________ > > Message: 3 > Sun, 5 Jan 2003 13:07:01 EST > Bigbobgraham > re: Regarding Patanjali 3 > > Hi John: > > Good Questions. I think it was you who started the discussion in effect. I > know at least to me I thought "Now John has started something that is totally > worthwhile. Some give and take on info about the Vedas and Yoga Sutra. > > It was interesting to me that there were groups of well informed people > about Advaita on the internet. It seemed to me that the web offered a way to > sift through millions of people to find the few that I could discuss the > things I consider important and that guide me every day. > > I can have a flaky idea and it sounds good till I put it out and have > somebody say nay to it. Or maybe they can amplify. I don't care for the > arguments or disrespect that emotions sometimes fuel but I am still prone to > them. It is worth it if a learning is present. > > Anyway I was glad you presented such a good beginning when you answered > Joyce. I would like to explore more about Yoga Sutra. Some of the later > sutra are difficult and the weaving of ideas is immense. His discription of > the progression of what to expect leading to Samadhi helped me through a > difficult time of fear of the unknown. > > Hi, > This discussion of Patanjali was initiated due to the post of Joyce. > Since the comments began there has been no response from Joyce. I am > wondering where she is at with this - or has she gone on to other > things? > > Relative to this passages Bob is presenting. There is something > deeper about these "fluctuations". > Where do they occur? In space? In time? > How long do they persist? > > I think each person has a way of looking at this question that is determined > by the larger picture they hold of the mental mechanisms. To me fluctuations > are repeating waves in the consciousness. Periodicity determines their > appearance. Like the heart which beats on its own. It needs no brain. The > heart cells are made to beat. The brain is made to repeat or remember > experience. > > Vasanas (subliminal traits), samskaras (subliminal activators), and ragas > (attachment), can be eliminated by introducing the opposite trait. P. > mentions this twice (II.33 and IV.28). If left alone and not challenged they > might last until the reward they give does not fuel them any longer or > something is accidentally introduced which blocks them. > I.33 is also good for pacifying the mind. Basically project friendliness > (love) gladness etc. > > One question I have wanted to ask is How does one reduce one's level of > indulgences? That is, eliminate an indulgence without replacing it with > another? I could say introduce the opposite but the will power to do that is > usually lacking. It is like fighting a tide. > > Since everything is changing, nothing is permanent, therefore not > real in the sense of being permanent, do not these "fluctuations" > create the vibrations which make it appear as if there is a > continuity of something which might be called a "self"? > > Yes I think you are right. > Ramana used the word Aham as the nexus we refer to when we refer to > ourselves. It is the first vritti arising without which the others would > not. The Aham Vritti. It seems real or constant because of what you say and > the fact of its close proximity (as the first thought) to the Real Self. > > Something I sometimes feel is that I am a mirror image. Things are reversed. > Do I think or am I thought? The answer is given I believe in "Drik Drisya > Viveka" as translated by Ramana Maharshi from Shankara. Something is > constant. By definition it would be the most pervasive therefore the least > discernable. > > The sages say look within because we are prone to look outward. That would > be a result of this mirror image problem. > > So when one lets go of the fluctuations, as it were, what is left? > > Who is left? (I.3) > > Nameste, > John L. > > Love > Bobby G. > > <A HREF="/post?protectID=1031660911 1204203120009803121914709000605804406723424118805505400214310111421215215912 7177"></A>, "texasbg2000 > <<A HREF="/post?protectID=0231761782 54193202048061175004147223136144139046209">Bigbobgraham@a...</A>>" <<A HREF="/post?protectID=0231761782 54193202048061175004147223136144139046209">Bigbobgraham@a...</A>> wrote: > > To Continue: > > > > The thing about the fluctuations is that they occur in real time. > > They are thoughts. If I am fearful, then I am remembering > something > > I am convinced is scary. It is just a thought. If I have a > > realization about myself or a fantasy it does not transport me to > > that place where it is real. I have to have the thought "me" and > put > > me in that place. It all changes in an instant if the telephone > > rings. > > > > If we know the thoughts pass why would we give such supremecy over > > our lives to them. > > > > I.12 The restriction of these fluctuations is achieved through > > practice and dispassion. > > ---Patanjali tells us that the stopping of the fluctuations is > > possible. > > > > I.13. Practice is the exertion in gaining stability in that state > of > > restriction. > > ---Seeing a thought is easy enough sometimes, but to remain stable > > and see each thought as it arises is called practice. > > Anyone practicing meditation for very long is aware of the thoughts > > that arise. Seeing each thought without it turning into a chain > that > > distracts from the meditative focus and continuing in that alert > > state is the aim of, as far as I know, all meditation. With the > > stopping of thought other discriptions of the experience than > > meditation are more precise. Patanjali of course describes them in > > great detail in later sutra. > > > > I.15 Dispassion is the knowledge of mastery of that yogin who is > > without thirst for seen i.e. earthly and revealed objects. > > > > Or as D'Andrade translates > > I.15. Purity of Heart is the consciousness of mastery > > Over the thirst for things of this world, > > And the thirst for promised enjoyment > > Here or hereafter, on earth or in heaven. > > I.16. Perfected purity of heart is gained > > When one masters the thirst > > For the Play of Qualities > > And abides in the awareness > > Of the Infinite Self. > > > > Love > > Bobby G. > > > > [This message contained attachments] > > > > ______________________ > ______________________ > > Message: 4 > Sun, 5 Jan 2003 09:00:32 -1000 > "THE \"SELF\"" <leenalton > Bhagavan: ...People began to pester me > > I never knew of these philosophical conundrums and controversies and problems until I came to Tiruvannamalai and people began to pester me. Up till then I have never concerned myself with them. I never knew any system of philosophy. All these systems have evolved out of the one simple fact of realization. Therefore, seek realization, practice vichara, and do not worry about philosophies and systems and problems. > > Vichara: Enquiry > This snip from Conscious Immortality > > > [This message contained attachments] > > > > ______________________ > ______________________ > > Message: 5 > Sun, 05 Jan 2003 19:22:18 -0000 > "Alton Slater <leenalton" <leenalton > Re: Paramhansa or Paramahansa? > > > Interesting site. Anyone see the Ken Burns program on the Shakers? > They practiced celebacy. Once Kryananada renounced his vows of > celebacy his peace of mind was fated to terminate. Where would > Ramanashrama be today if Ramana did the same? > Aloha, > Alton > > , SCDee55@w... wrote: > > I used to go to a Self Realization Fellowship in California for a > couple > > of years in the 1970s. Have read and re-read Autobiography of a Yogi > > through the years, have felt a familiarity with Yogananda since > first > > seeing his picture and attending services. Today I did a google > search > > to read more about Yogananda and came across this website, > > http://www.anandaanswers.com/ > > > > Had read references about Ananda on the internet but not read his > > statements regarding his being expelled from SRF in the 60s. I > found it > > to be interesting to read his statements and thought some others > might > > also if you haven't already read this website. > > > > Dee > > > > ______________________ > ______________________ > > Message: 6 > Sun, 05 Jan 2003 20:14:44 -0000 > "know_mystery <know_mystery" <know_mystery > Re: Message 4 > > , nierika@a... wrote: > > Dear Joyce ~ you probably don't know me; I haven't been "with" the > group for > > quite awhile, though I have continued to received the digests. > (:::waving to > > the group::: hi everybody). > > > > The poem/prayer was exactly what I needed to hear this morning. I > have been > > very sick, and have been through a lot of changes. Right now I am > in a place > > where I am not really welcome, and yet, even with the sadness, I > realize I am > > learning much about myself and what triggers my reactions > of "sad/bad" Linda. > > What you wrote reminded me of my truest belief. Thank you. > > Dear Linda - > > You're welcome. And, as I read your words, i feel your waves of > sadness splashing up tears to cleanse our eyes. I am glad that you > are learning, perhaps learning to forgive yourself and to love > yourself whenever the sad/bad feelings arise. For they are only > feelings - the are not *you* - you are not your sadness. And you > mention being in a place where you are not really welcome. Please > know that you are welcome with me, always, and here. I'm glad you > wrote, and wish you continued recovery and more love for yourself. > > love, > joyce > > PS - Another poem, from Rabindranath Tagore: > > "MY SONG" > > "This song of mine will wind its music around you, > my child, like the fond arms of love. > > The song of mine will touch your forehead > like a kiss of blessing. > > When you are alone it will sit by your side and > whisper in your ear, when you are in the crowd > it will fence you about with aloofness. > > My song will be like a pair of wings to your dreams, > it will transport your heart to the verge of the unknown. > > It will be like the faithful star overhead > when dark night is over your road. > > My song will sit in the pupils of your eyes, > and will carry your sight into the heart of things. > > And when my voice is silenced in death, > my song will speak in your living heart." > > > > > > ______________________ > ______________________ > > Message: 7 > Sun, 05 Jan 2003 20:30:20 -0000 > "know_mystery <know_mystery" <know_mystery > Re: Message 6 > > Hello Linda - > > What you say resonates with me, especially when you say that > your 'humanity deserves uncondtional love.' > > , nierika@a... wrote: > > Re: message # 6 > > Josie writes: <in response to something written to her by "nameless" > > "its just that I think you are immersed very very deeply in > everything > > spiritual right now - is that a good thing? Who am I to say it is > or it > > isn't? On some days I am worried that it is not healthy to be so > immersed in > > spirituality to the exclusion of "real life". "? > > > > Dear Josie ~ I was touched by what you wrote that Joyce responded > to as well > > as your current reflections. I would be only so glad to have every > aspect of > > my life illuminated by the Sacred. This is my goal; this is why I > am here. > > Forms are tools that help us on the path. Sometimes they are like a > map; > > sometimes they are like a tour guide; sometimes they are far ahead > of us only > > shining a light we can barely see. > > > > I have realizations; I am blessed with an "ah hah," and in these, I > feel a > > deep connection with the Sacred. Then the "ah hah" wears off, > dissipates, and > > I am left looking into the same mirrors and having the same > reactions. But > > recently I have become more aware of this process, and I have > resolved to, > > when the "ah hah" wears off, to remember it; to remember what > triggered my > > first reaction back to coming from a place of fear rather than a > place of > > love; to step into the space between the "what" and my reaction and > not react > > back to the best of my ability, but to remember the connection I > have felt to > > the Sacred and to grow with the experience. > > Wow, this is just wonderful! I mean that you are able to experience > that deep connection with the Sacred and the ah ha in the first > place. That is such a gift, to do that... And just as amazing is that > you have figured out a way to catch that fear reaction and return > back to that place of Love. This makes me so happy for you. > > > Am I aways successful? Not! Oh > > well, my humanity also deserves unconditional love. > > > > For a long time, I have been confused about how to connect with the > Sacred. I > > have done various types of meditation, have visited various holy > persons (and > > I do believe that these tools and people are very significant to us > who > > struggle to keep our little boats afloat), have been trained in > Reiki, etc., > > etc., etc. Recently, struggling with what "looks like" a lot > of "negative" > > energy being directed at me, I have discovered a new way. I just > talk to God; > > just like I would talk to anyone. I tell God about my day, what > went well, > > what was hard, where I am confused or need help ... and it is just > a very > > simple thing. Yet, now this is the part of the day I most look > forward to, > > and I feel a new kind of love growing in my heart. > > This is beautiful. > > > > > When I begin my talking, I give thanks to the Divine Mother/Divine > > Father/Creator in all names and forms, who vibrates the form and > the formless > > into their dance. > > Yes, for it is they who have given you the elements of the dance that > is yours - all of that comes from Goddess/Divine Beloved/Divine > Mother/Divine Father/Creator. To accept what is given us by that > creative power, to accept it gracefully and know the unconditional > Love that is there for each of us - that is so healing. To do that, > rather than to fight or grasp or resist the dance that is for us. > > > So in a sense, I am still using form, yet, at the same > > time, I am giving up specific form. At the end of the day, which is > when I do > > this process, it doesn't matter. I feel as if held in the lap of > the Sacred, > > and for me that is everything. P.S. Here is the chorus to a song I > wrote a > > long time ago: > > > > You are held in the Mind of the One; > > you are rocked in a cradle of Loving Concern, > > and all your nightmares will vanish in the Dawn, > > they will vanish in the Dawn. > > > > Blessings to you ~ Linda > > Thank you for sharing your beautiful words. > love, > joyce > > > > ______________________ > ______________________ > > Message: 8 > Sun, 05 Jan 2003 23:53:18 -0000 > "John Logan <johnrloganis" <johnrloganis > Re: Regarding Patanjali Discussion > > Hi Bob, > Thank you for your kind and instructive thoughts. They are helpful. > > , Bigbobgraham@a... wrote: > One question I have wanted to ask is How does one reduce one's level > of indulgences? That is, eliminate an indulgence without replacing > it with another? I could say introduce the opposite but the will > power to do that is usually lacking. It is like fighting a tide. > > With respect to the above question I have found that using will-power > to deal with the "indulgences", addictions, or other behaviours which > one wishes to change is not handled by attempting to reverse it with > its opposite, or to otherwise control it. What that does is reinforce > the undesired behavior! In fact it tends to "fix" it and make it > harder to deal with. There is an aphorism "Resistence creates > persistence." Just so. > > What really seems to work is to fully, consciously experience the > behavior or attitude, the indulgence. Just observe it as it occurs > and notice the causes and effects present. No judgement, no bias, no > decisions. What tends to happen is that the "behavior" is weakened > each time the "observation" occurs. Eventually, more or less quickly, > it disappears. Why? Because it has been fulfilled! The desire element > in it makes itself known and once fulfilled is no longer useful or > needed. > > Example. I am prone to anger responses when frustrated. If I > acknowledge immediately that I am angry -- the anger disappears > because the situation is grounded. In the acknowledgement I can now > choose what I am expressing and how I will express it. Sometimes I > want the anger to run its course, but most of the time, the anger > does not get the result I wanted in the first place so observing that > it stops expressing. The root is always the desire for "self" to be > acknowledged. Observing that puts the situation in its proper > perspective. > > The key to an "indulgence": Something wants to be acknowledged. Once > acknowledged the "want" is fulfilled and the effects are no longer > needed. > > Further I have personally been helped with an awareness in which > I "Let all things come together." So, as Michael Valentine Smith said > in Heinlein's book STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND, "Waiting is till > fullness". This is actually a very Taoist action, but it lets "self" > takes its natural place in the flow of things, and that attachment > to "self" simply becomes part of the action rather than the center. > > Peace, > John L. > > > > ______________________ > ______________________ > > Message: 9 > Mon, 06 Jan 2003 00:08:40 -0000 > "John Logan <johnrloganis" <johnrloganis > Re: Message 4 > > Dear Linda (and Joyce), > I can't speak for the others in this group, but I would like to echo > Joyce's words. I welcome you here. Know that you belong. Get to know > us and you will see that you do belong. > > My observation is that this group is most loving and receptive and > its members support each other with love and respect. There is > sharing of the dark side and the light side in a kind of openness > that is enlightening to all, because the sharing always points to the > sharer, never to the outside, and I haven't seen any confrontation, > only support, at most to illuminate another point of view, to expand > the immensity of the All That Is. > > Whatever your situation, know that there is always change. Nothing > remains the same in this "world". Don't let negative feelings become > fixated, allow for change. Perhaps a little here and then a little > there, and finally the changes come together and what appeared to be > negative becomes positive or even changes into something else quite > different. > > It has been said that > "the worldling must walk up and down the hills and valleys through > struggle and pleasure, but > the sage walks in a straight line and lets the hills and valleys > move up and down!" > > Nameste, > John L. > > > > > ______________________ > ______________________ > > Message: 10 > Sun, 5 Jan 2003 21:56:52 -0500 > "Lady Joyce" <ladyjoy > Know That You Belong > > > Dear John, Linda and Joyce...this is the other Joyce checking to say how > much I love you All...That Is!!! > > John wrote... > > > Dear Linda (and Joyce), > > I can't speak for the others in this group, but I would like to echo > > Joyce's words. I welcome you here. Know that you belong. Get to know > > us and you will see that you do belong. > > It is really nice to have somewhere to belong. John, you are one of the > guiding lights of the group > and you surely speak for me, but that won't stop me from also speaking for > myself!!! > I don't just walk the walk, I talk the talk, and dance the dance, too!!! > > > > My observation is that this group is most loving and receptive and > > its members support each other with love and respect. There is > > sharing of the dark side and the light side in a kind of openness > > that is enlightening to all, because the sharing always points to the > > sharer, never to the outside, and I haven't seen any confrontation, > > only support, at most to illuminate another point of view, to expand > > the immensity of the All That Is. > > Only in the Oneness of Infinity... > > > > Whatever your situation, know that there is always change. Nothing > > remains the same in this "world". Don't let negative feelings become > > fixated, allow for change. Perhaps a little here and then a little > > there, and finally the changes come together and what appeared to be > > negative becomes positive or even changes into something else quite > > different. > > Somewhere in the quotes of Sri Ramana, I have seen something to the effect > of... > that which makes you cry today will make you laugh tomorrow. > > As Allways, > > Much Love to You, > > Joyce > > > > The Heart is the Self. The Self is the Heart. > > > > Your use of is subject to > > > > > > > > > > ______________________ > ______________________ > > Message: 11 > Mon, 06 Jan 2003 04:04:50 -0000 > "texasbg2000 <Bigbobgraham" <Bigbobgraham > Re: Regarding Patanjali Discussion > > The root is always the desire for "self" to be > > acknowledged. Observing that puts the situation in its proper > > perspective. > > Good advice. I will carry this and the rest with me. Thanks. > Bobby G. > > > > > ______________________ > ______________________ > > Message: 12 > Mon, 06 Jan 2003 00:27:46 -0500 > David Bozzi <david.bozzi > To Be Continued (Part II) > > Plastic memories > conform > to the mold > of my bias > > What I ate for breakfast yesterday > changes daily > like wind, > like what the writers of the Bible meant... > > We are dots connected by > dream and projection > > coloring inside lines > with our favorite > colored crayons > > creating denial > and weaponry > > to heal > the lover we left > > to be alone > > on an island > poking out > from sea > > wearing a mask > with no cut-out eyes > > believing > > believing > > hammering doubt > into a cross > > bridging a canyon > between heaven > and hell > > and you and I > and that furthest star > > twinkling > by the edge history > > in this very moment > > ----------------------------- > Wired Art From Wired Hearts > http://wiredheart.hispeed.com/jan03/subindex.html > > ViSIT ~InkBlot Poetry~ > http://www.inkblotpoetry.com > > > > ______________________ > ______________________ > > Message: 13 > Sun, 5 Jan 2003 23:20:58 -0800 > "J Kane" <jkane > loveing > > > > you > are God > loveing > what is > > (my 7 year old daughter's written note to me today > with a glowing blue gel pen on black construction paper) > > josie > > > [This message contained attachments] > > > > ______________________ > ______________________ > > Message: 14 > Sun, 5 Jan 2003 21:26:06 -1000 > "THE \"SELF\"" <leenalton > Bhagavan: The intellect must vanish to reach the Self > > Q: How does the intellect help? > > Maharshi: Only is making one sink the intellect in the ego and the ego in the Self. After realization all intellectual loads are thrown overboard as flotsam. Whose is the intellect? It is man's. Intellect is only an instrument. To reach the Self it must vanish. > > A snip from Conscious Immortality > > > [This message contained attachments] > > > > ______________________ > ______________________ > > Message: 15 > Mon, 06 Jan 2003 07:28:33 -0000 > "know_mystery <know_mystery" <know_mystery > Re: To Be Continued (Part II) > > Hi David - > > Your poetry is always beautiful. And were it anything other than 2AM > here and were I awake and coherent, I would not feel the need to > reply using the words of another. That said, > > "The song feels the infinite in the air, the picture in the earth, > the poem in the air and the earth; For its words have meaning that > walks and music that soars." ~ Rabindranath Tagore ~ > > namaste, > joyce > > , David Bozzi <david.bozzi@i...> > wrote: > > Plastic memories > > conform > > to the mold > > of my bias > > > > What I ate for breakfast yesterday > > changes daily > > like wind, > > like what the writers of the Bible meant... > > > > We are dots connected by > > dream and projection > > > > coloring inside lines > > with our favorite > > colored crayons > > > > creating denial > > and weaponry > > > > to heal > > the lover we left > > > > to be alone > > > > on an island > > poking out > > from sea > > > > wearing a mask > > with no cut-out eyes > > > > believing > > > > believing > > > > hammering doubt > > into a cross > > > > bridging a canyon > > between heaven > > and hell > > > > and you and I > > and that furthest star > > > > twinkling > > by the edge history > > > > in this very moment > > > > ----------------------------- > > Wired Art From Wired Hearts > > http://wiredheart.hispeed.com/jan03/subindex.html > > > > ViSIT ~InkBlot Poetry~ > > http://www.inkblotpoetry.com > > > > ______________________ > ______________________ > > Message: 16 > Mon, 06 Jan 2003 07:33:16 -0000 > "know_mystery <know_mystery" <know_mystery > Re: loveing > > This was lovely! > > And God's reply written on the heart with moonbeams? > > And > what > God > Loves > is > YOU! > > > > > Love and moonbeams, > joyce > > > (and sweet dreams to you and your 7 year old honey-bunny, for it is > wayy too late here for 7 year olds and joyceys to be awake) > > > , "J Kane" <jkane@d...> wrote: > > > > > > you > > are God > > loveing > > what is > > > > (my 7 year old daughter's written note to me today > > with a glowing blue gel pen on black construction paper) > > > > josie > > > > ______________________ > ______________________ > > Message: 17 > Mon, 06 Jan 2003 08:42:09 -0000 > "sanjulag <sanjulag" <sanjulag > The Buddhist Wheel of Life: Aesthetics of Suffering and Salvation > > This piece was put together by me. > > ================================================ > The Buddhist Wheel of Life: Aesthetics of Suffering and Salvation > ================================================ > > One of Buddha's foremost disciples was Maudgalyayana. He was said > to be extremely adept at spiritual practices and had such mastery > over psychic powers that he could penetrate into the soul of any > individual and visualize all that was happening there and why. > > With this ability to enter deeply into the lives of another it is > not surprising that the insights expressed in his teachings > gained a wide audience and universal acceptance. Buddha, noticing > this, proposed that a picture should be made representing > Maudgalyayana's teachings, so that his message could be made > available to even those who did not have direct access to him. > Thus was born the esoteric image known as 'The Wheel of Life.' > This diagram serves as a powerful inspiration to spiritual > aspirants and is painted to the left of all Tibetan monasteries, > offering an opportunity to both monks and pilgrims alike, to look > deeply into their own inner beings. > > An amazing collection of contrasting imagery, each aspect of this > composition is packed with rich symbolism and direct, > hard-hitting metaphors. Essentially a construction made up of > four concentric circles, it is an attempt to convey spiritual > insights behind our 'physical existence' in purely visual terms. > > Illustration : http://www.exoticindia.com/artimages/tc58.jpg > > The Buddhist view is that we humans exist in an unenlightened > state. The goal of our earthly sojourn is to attain enlightenment > and gain deliverance from the constant cycle of birth and > re-birth which characterizes all sentient beings. > > There are various reasons for the suffering our mortal forms have > to entail. The Wheel of Life presents these very causes for our > suffering through both gruesome and sublime imagery. But under no > condition is it a pessimistic presentation, rather it is an > optimistic affirmation that redemption is possible by recognizing > the delusions that plague our ephemeral existence. The first step > towards their elimination and replacement by positive virtues is > the recognition of these ills. It is this very identification > that the Buddhist Wheel helps us in attaining. By making visuals > the primary mode of expression, it makes these realizations > available to all, even the spiritually uninitiated. > > On first viewing this metaphysical diagram, the attention of the > viewer is immediately captured by the starkness of the center > where are shown a pig, a snake, and a cock, running on endlessly > (as life itself), and each emerging from another, in a kind of > awful dance. > > Illustration : http://www.exoticindia.com/artimages/center.jpg > > Each of these animals represents a particular human failing or > weakness, which stands as an obstacle to spiritual > accomplishment. They are known as the 'Three Poisons' because > from them grow all of life's evils, and because they corrupt us > from within. It is appropriate that these forces are depicted by > animals, since they represent primitive urges beneath our > supposedly civilized exterior. > > The cock from which emerges the snake represents greed. No doubt, > the proverbial vanity and lust of this poor bird make it an > appropriate symbol for this human failing. The word greed does > not really do full justice to the emotion symbolized by the cock > which includes the whole spectrum of unwholesome desire from > vague hankerings to intense longings. A more appropriate term > would be 'craving.' Craving of this sort can be observed for > example when we lose something and experience not only regret or > irritation at no longer being able to enjoy it but a deeper sense > of loss, even a kind of panic. It further signifies the most > natural of all human emotions, namely our craving for admiration > and approval of those around us. In such a scenario we are > constantly looking at ourselves through the eyes of the world, > and lose track of our inner life force, which, rather than the > approval and opinion of others, should be the ultimate benchmark. > Thus said the Buddha Shakyamuni "Just as a rock is not moved by > the wind, so the wise man is not moved by blame or praise." > > Craving should be distinguished from healthy desire. A hungry > person may want food, which is a straightforward desire, and as > soon as one eats this hunger is satisfied. This is an important > distinction between a natural, healthy desire and an unnatural > craving. The satisfaction of the former leads to its termination, > while in the case of the latter any attempt at gratification > leads to further temptation, as in the case of lust for money for > its own sake. > > Next is the snake that signifies aggression. It is a symbol of > our instinctive self. Our inherent instinctive nature is > aggressive. When things do not work out as we would have wanted > them to, our first reaction is to blame others and we then try to > force the situation, which leads to resistance. Any time we meet > resistance, if we force the situation, the resistance will only > increase. Thus we have to distrust out first instinctive reaction > to an unfavorable situation, and proceed only after the first > wave of anger and frustration has subsided. It is not that we are > not aware that we must restrain our impromptu, on the spot > retroactions, but we are lulled into complacency and such > reactions slither past our better judgement (like a serpent). > > >From the mouth of the snake issues a pig, a symbol of ignorance. > The ears of a pig are large enough such that they fall over his > eyes. Thus blinkered by its ears, the pig is conscious only what > its snout is sticking into, and unaware of all other that is > happening near him. In a similar manner our perspective on life > is narrowed by our cultural conditioning, and we lose sight of > our own essential, natural being, which is but an extension of > the all pervading pure consciousness > > Our attempts to satisfy the misplaced desires, symbolized by the > cock, lead to unhealthy aggression, making us insensitive and > ignorant (as the pig), to the feelings of those in our immediate > environment. This ignorance makes us selfish and thus is reborn > the cock of desire from the pig, continuing the cycle which binds > us to the constant wheel of samsara. > > Next to the central circle is a concentric band divided along two > halves. One is colored softly and radiantly, while the other is > black. The darker portion shows individuals who have chosen the > path of darkness and thus descend into gloomy depths. The glowing > path, however, is the one taken by those following the righteous > way, attaining spiritual ascension. Hence it shows mortals rising > towards greater spiritual heights. > > Illustration : http://www.exoticindia.com/artimages/two.jpg > > Our lives are dominated essentially by two contradictory forces: > the evolutionary urge within us which drives us to achieve new > levels of consciousness and the dead weight of our ignorance > which pulls us back to more limited horizons. Our task, in taking > up the spiritual path, is to consciously allow the forces of > evolution to carry us upward and to prevent ignorance from > binding us down. The evolutionary urge is nothing but the pull > towards Buddhahood, and is there within each of us, but it is > heavily outweighed by our ignorance regarding the same. Thus for > any progress to take place we must make a constant effort to > overcome the pull of ignorance which binds us to the lower stages > of being, exemplified by the dark part showing erring beings > tumbling downwards. > > Beyond this band is a wider area divided into six units, each > depicting a different level of conditioned existence. > > Illustration : http://www.exoticindia.com/artimages/states.jpg > > These states of existence are termed conditioned because they are > brought about as a result of our own actions or karma. They can > be both positive or negative: > > > 1). The Realm of Hell: > > The first such realm is the world of hell. Pictures of hell in > the Buddhist tradition are typically shown as places of intense > pain and torment, where its victims are subjected to the most > excruciating tortures, inflicted on them by presiding demons. > Flames engulf the entire realm which is unbearably hot, though > there are regions of ice also, which yield the painful experience > of cold. > > Illustration : http://www.exoticindia.com/artimages/hell.jpg > > The depiction of this hell is an objectification of hatred, > rather a visual depiction of what may await us if we fill out > hearts with hatred instead of compassionate understanding. > > The basic features of hell are constant suffering and relentless > pain inflicted by furious and vengeful beings. But this hell as > all parts of our existence is a making of our own. A result of > our own karma. It is upon us whether we wish to make our life a > hell on earth and make every situation a torment for ourselves. > The hell of the Wheel of Life is but that same mental state made > manifest in all its painful detail. None can rest in peace who > has in his heart a hatred for any other. > > The hell is not everlasting. Every process is impermanent and a > particular state continues so long as the conditions which have > brought it into being are still present. One will remain in hell > as long there are undisciplined karmic energies keeping one > there. Tradition has it that a life in hell may extend over many > aeons - perhaps this corresponds to the well-known experience of > time dragging when we are suffering. > > > 2). The Realm of the Hungry Ghosts: > > Next to the realm of hell are groups of ungainly creatures > huddled together. Their distended bodies are the color of smoke, > and they appear insubstantial as if made of mist. Their arms and > legs are spindly and frail and their heads are carried on long, > thin necks, while their bellies are bloated, sagging masses which > their legs can barely support. Tiny mouths, no thicker than a > needle, are topped by wide, staring eyes, filled with pain and > longing signified by their red color. > > Illustration : http://www.exoticindia.com/artimages/ghosts.jpg > > These pathetic creatures are obsessed with perpetual hunger and > an unquenchable thirst. They stagger on their feeble limbs in > search of sustenance. Driven by their overwhelming hunger and > thirst, the hungry ghosts live out their lives for no other > purpose than food and drink. Their weak limbs and pinhole mouths > make it almost impossible for them to gain any sustenance. No > matter what they acquire it is not sufficient for them, and > leaves them unsatisfied, panting for more. Even if they get what > they want it gives them little pleasure. No matter what they > possess, they always feel that there is something missing. Thus > this realm is the personification of the mind in which craving > predominates. The human hungry ghost is the miser who lives for > his money, the collector who is never content with what he has > but must have more. > > > 3). The World of the Animals: > > In the realm of the animals, life is the life of the body. All > endeavor is directed to the satisfaction of physical desires and > the business of self-preservation. This depiction is a visual > representation of the ignorant refusal to see beyond the needs of > the body. > > Illustration : http://www.exoticindia.com/artimages/animals.jpg > > Such a horizon is willfully narrow and refuses to look beyond the > surface of life, at its meaning and purpose. > > > 4). The Realm of the Titans: > > The titans know only warfare. Not content with what they possess > these giants rush upon the gods of the sensuous realm and try to > grab from them their happiness and delight. They try to capture > the heavenly tree which fulfills all wishes. > > Illustration : http://www.exoticindia.com/artimages/titans.jpg > > Their longing to possess does not come from desire or greed. They > want things because they begrudge the possessions and > achievements of others. The success of others leaves them with a > feeling of inadequacy and belittled. Indeed it is said that man > is not content with he does have but discontent with what others > have. This is the underlying message behind this realm. > > > 5). The Human World: > > The human realm is the world of everyday experience. > > Illustration : http://www.exoticindia.com/artimages/humans.jpg > > A human birth is considered the most favorable at the outset of > one's spiritual life because it contains a balance of pleasure > and pain. Constant pain is demoralizing and numbs initiative. > Similarly persistent pleasure and success tends to breed > complacency. Human life, containing both pleasure and pain, makes > us aware of both these aspects of life, striking a harmonious > balance. Thus since human life gives us such rare opportunities > for spiritual realization, Buddhism teaches that it is very > precious indeed. > > > 6). The Heavens of the Gods: > > The Pali and Sanskrit words which are usually translated as 'god' > come from a root which means 'to shine.' The gods are the shining > or radiant ones who live in unalloyed happiness and pleasure. It > is traditionally recognized that such beings are both heavenly > and also found on the earth. The one who has gained spiritual > attainment is the one who has created his heaven on earth. The > one who has evolved himself into a higher being in a purely > spiritual sense. > > It is significant to note here that the gods are shown partaking > of similar sensuous experiences as the humans, albeit at a more > rarified level. The import being that the gods are not so far > removed from the human dimension and mortal humans too can attain > godhood following the path of virtuous karma. > > Illustration : http://www.exoticindia.com/artimages/heavens.jpg > > These six realms constitute all possible states of existence in > the universe and all beings cycle between these states, dependent > on their karma, none of these states being permanent or > everlasting. Thus, virtuous persons are said to be born in > heaven; virtuous beings dominated by negative emotions of > jealousy are born in the realm of the titans; persons dominated > by attachment are born in the ghostly realms; those afflicted > with hatred and anger are born in hell; and those dominated by > dullness are born in the world of animals. > > > The outermost concentric ring of the Wheel of Life is divided > into twelve units, each depicting a phase of the peculiar cycle > of cause and effect which keeps one trapped in the six realms of > cyclic existence mentioned above. > > Illustration : http://www.exoticindia.com/artimages/outer.jpg > > > 1). The Blind Man (Ignorance) > > In the first section we discern a tottering shape, unsteadily > groping towards its way. It is an old man bent with his years but > not with their wisdom. > > Illustration : http://www.exoticindia.com/artimages/oldman.jpg > > His eyes gaze before him vacantly. He thinks he has been this way > before, he seems to picture to himself the landscape around him, > and he moves forward eagerly. But, alas, never has he been here > and the scene he imagines is quite different from reality. Over > and over again, he staggers and falls. But each time he drags > himself to his feet with renewed hope. > > Ignorance is blindness, unable to see yet believing that we know > it all. It is lack of insight into the reality of things, lack of > enlightenment even. Ignorance however is not just that we cannot > see but also that we think we can see. We may be ignorant of the > real nature of things but we think we know. If we start to > examine what is in our minds, trying to see how we came by what > we take to be knowledge, we realize that what we pass of as > knowledge is derived from other sources. The views of those > around us we absorb by a kind of osmosis - in order to satisfy > our desire to belong, and our natural disinclination to utilize > our own powers of analysis and observation. > > > 2). The Potter at his Wheel (Volitional Activities) > > Next we see a potter turning lumps of clay on his wheel and, with > deft hands, shaping vases and bowls, pots and dishes. > > Illustration : http://www.exoticindia.com/artimages/potter.jpg > > How each pot turns out depends upon the potter. His skill and > experience, aesthetic sense, and even his mood at the time of > creation. When rage inflames him, his pot is hard and awkward in > shape and, when he is gripped by craving, his desires determine > what shape he will form from the lump of clay before him. > > The volitional activities are like the potter, formative forces > which shape our own future. They are the sum total of all our > willing, whether the intentions manifest themselves in overt > action, or remain as desires in our hearts. Indeed it is the > accumulated momentum of all our wishes which determines the flow > of our lives. A rope is plaited from many tiny hairs. But none of > these hairs reaches even a fraction of the full length of the > rope. Similarly the direction and tendency of our being is shaped > by the countless acts of volition which we make in the course of > our daily existence. Indeed every thought has a direction, an > inherent momentum which discharges itself upon the world. With > every mental image, every longing, every coherent idea, we are > radiating a very subtle, but extremely powerful, field of energy > which influences our environment. > > > 3). The Monkey in the Tree (Sentience) > > A young monkey frisks in a tree, leaping from branch to branch, > never still for a moment. It sees, at the top of the tree, a > glint of ripe fruit and up it leaps, hands and feet clasping the > tree-trunk, his tail curved and waving. > > Illustration : http://www.exoticindia.com/artimages/monkey.jpg > > It seizes the fruit, plucks it and takes an enormous bite. Its > mouthful still unchewed, another fruit catches its eyes. It > dashes off towards the new enticement, disregarding the fruit he > has just plucked and swallowing down in a hurry whatever is there > in his mouth. Soon, there is a heap of half-chewed fruit. > > Our restlessness is an inherent part of our nature. An object > loses its charm as soon as we are able to acquire it. Our > attention then is diverted towards another. In the process we are > unable to enjoy either of them. This is true for activities we > perform too. Not having finished the job at hand we flit to > another diversion, thus remaining unfulfilled and devoid of any > sense of achievement. > > > 4). Men in Boat (Name and Form): > > Two men ride in a boat, while a third, more imposing than the > other two, rows and steers the boat. > > Illustration : http://www.exoticindia.com/artimages/boat.jpg > > Each individual is made up of a mind and the body. These are > represented by each of these two persons. The one steering the > boat is the mind body composite which makes up the complete > individual that of each of us is, better known as the > Psychophysical organism. Without the other, each one is > incomplete and insufficient. > > > 5). The House with Empty Windows (The Sense Organs): > > A man sits within a house which has five windows and a door. > Through these apertures, he watches the world. The windows and > the door denote the six senses (eye, ear, nose, tongue and body > together with the mind). The senses are the 'portals' whereby we > gain our impressions of the world. > > Illustration : http://www.exoticindia.com/artimages/house.jpg > > The worlds to which the physical sense gives us access are the > lowest. It is only through the door of the mind that we can have > access to higher worlds which are no less real than the physical. > The faculty for perceiving them is cultivated through meditation, > which is defined as exercise for the mind. > > > 6) A Couple Embracing (Sensuous Impressions) > > A man and woman gaze at each other passionately. Their hands > entwine and pull each toward the other. Clasping each other > close, they strain to press their two bodies into one. > > Illustration : http://www.exoticindia.com/artimages/couple.jpg > > A couple embracing depicts the contact of the sense organs with > their objects, wherein lies their ultimate fulfillment. > > > 7). Man with an Arrow in his Eye (Feeling) > > A howl of pain shatters the silence and a man falls to his knees, > groaning, his hands pressed to his face. At the center of his > right eye, embedded deeply in it, is an arrow. > > Illustration : http://www.exoticindia.com/artimages/arrow.jpg > > The arrow represents sense data impinging upon the sense organs, > in this case, the eye. In a very vivid way, the image suggests > the strong feelings which our sensory experience invokes. > > Feelings are either painful or pleasant. Pleasure and pain are > experienced on a number of different levels ranging from direct > physical sensations to the loftiest bliss of liberation. > According to Buddhist psychology, the experience of direct pain > is confined to a relatively small area of the total possibilities > of conscious experience. These unfortunately, more often than > not, are the areas in which we habitually dwell. > > > 8). Woman Offering Drink to a Man (Craving): > > The next link is illustrated by a seated man being offered a > drink by the woman who stands before him. The fact that it is a > woman offering a drink to a man may be intended also to bring to > the mind the intensity of sexual desire. The man partaking > alcohol emphasizes the addictive nature of pleasure. > > Illustration : http://www.exoticindia.com/artimages/craving.jpg > > > 9). Woman on a Tree Plucking Fruit (Grasping): > > This image is a logical development of the previous link, namely > that of craving. Craving leads to action to fulfill the desire. > The woman who climbs the tree to pluck a fruit represents craving > having taken the form of concrete action. Attached to a > particular object by our obsessive craving we attempt to grasp it > in a futile manner. The fruit is an ancient symbol for earthly > desires. A woman going up to the length of climbing a tree to > grasp what she perceives as the fulfillment of her desires is > metaphor enough for the almost disproportionate efforts we expend > in the pursuit of similar temptations. > > Illustration : http://www.exoticindia.com/artimages/grasping.jpg > > > 10). Couple Making Love (Bringing into Existence): > > Lost to all but their own urgent desire, a couple melts together > in the act of love. Tumbling rapturously to their release, they > do not know that a new life has started in the woman's womb. Thus > the image for bringing into existence (becoming) is a man and > woman performing the sexual act, initiating a new life. > > Illustration : http://www.exoticindia.com/artimages/love.jpg > > > 11). Woman in Labor (Birth): > > After the process of procreation is the actual episode of giving > birth. This is often represented by an explicit image of a woman > delivering a child. > > Illustration : http://www.exoticindia.com/artimages/birth.jpg > > This new life is the condition in dependence upon which arises > death and decay. > > > 12). A Coffin (Death and Decay): > > The final link is frequently portrayed by a coffin being carried > towards its ultimate rest. > > Illustration : http://www.exoticindia.com/artimages/death.jpg > > Whatever is born is bound to experience the attacks of sickness, > the waning of physical powers in old age, the pain of separation > and loss, and finally death. Once birth has taken place a process > has been set in motion which must end in death, for birth and > death are but integral parts of the cycle of samsara. > > The complete Wheel of Life is gripped tightly in the talons of > the Lord of Death, whose horrific face, projecting fangs and the > forehead wreathed in the macabre five-skull crown is visible > above the diagram. > > Illustration : http://www.exoticindia.com/artimages/tc67.jpg > > We are all clutched in the fear of death. But death is not the > end. According to Buddhist thought death is the beginning of a > new existence. The process of death is evidenced everywhere in > the natural rhythms of the earth, sea, and sky. A death occurs > each night as the sun sets, each month as the moon wanes, each > year as the earth shuts down for the winter, and each time the > ocean waters recede with the tide. Thus the concept of death in > nature is a promise of hope. With each death there is a > resurrection. Nature has the capacity for renewal. The new, > renewed state is of course dependent upon our previous karma. > > Conclusion: > > The Buddhist Wheel of Life symbolically represents how all > sentient beings, who have not practiced the Dharma and liberated > themselves, are bound in a cycle of existences whose very nature > is suffering. The symbolism is depicted through a series of > pictograms that are meant to act as a powerful mnemonic device > for both the serious practitioner and the layman. The Old Masters > prescribe that one should think about this diagram and focus on > it day and night so as to never forget its meaning. According to > Shri Dharmakirti "One should intently and seriously contemplate > the meaning of this wheel. If possible, one should put up a > pictorial representation of it, if necessary in solitary retreat, > until its significance sinks in. Once this happens, the wish to > be free of this mindless suffering is spontaneous and constant. > An apt comparison would be with a sick man, who while suffering > from a chronic painful ailment, discovers after a thorough > medical examination that the reason for his illness is some > regular component of his diet. Such a person would immediately > try to remedy the defect." > > =========================================== > > References and Further Reading: > > Andrews, Tamra. A Dictionary of Nature Myths: Oxford, 2000. > > Chopra, Deepak. The Seven Spiritual laws of Success: New Delhi, > 2000. > > Dharmakirti, Shri. Mahayana Tantra (An Introduction): New Delhi, > 2002. > > Hamani, Laziz, and Claude B. Levenson. Symbols of Tibetan > Buddhism: Paris, 1996. > > Innes, Brian. Death and the Afterlife: London, 1999. > > Subhuti, Dharmachari. The Buddhist Vision (An Introduction to the > Theory and Practice): London, 1992. > > Shrestha, Romio. Celestial Gallery: New York, 2000. > > Thurman, Robert A.F. (Trans.) The Tibetan Book of the Dead > (Liberation Through Understanding in Between): New York, 2000. > > Tresidder, Jack. The Hutchinson Dictionary of Symbols: Oxford, > 1997. > > --------------------------- > > To view the illustrations along with the text, the > HTML version of the article can be seen at > http://www.exoticindia.com/article/wheeloflife/ > > > This article was sent as a newsletter from the website > http://www.exoticindia.com > > Nitin G. > > > > > ______________________ > ______________________ > > Message: 18 > Mon, 06 Jan 2003 05:20:33 -0000 > "SENSARU <sensaru" <sensaru > Re: Regarding Patanjali Discussion > > resisting reinforces duality. in unity there is no resistance because > there is no thing to resist. > , "John Logan > <johnrloganis>" <johnrloganis> wrote: > > Hi Bob, > > Thank you for your kind and instructive thoughts. They are helpful. > > > > , Bigbobgraham@a... wrote: > > One question I have wanted to ask is How does one reduce one's > level > > of indulgences? That is, eliminate an indulgence without replacing > > it with another? I could say introduce the opposite but the will > > power to do that is usually lacking. It is like fighting a tide. > > > > With respect to the above question I have found that using will- > power > > to deal with the "indulgences", addictions, or other behaviours > which > > one wishes to change is not handled by attempting to reverse it > with > > its opposite, or to otherwise control it. What that does is > reinforce > > the undesired behavior! In fact it tends to "fix" it and make it > > harder to deal with. There is an aphorism "Resistence creates > > persistence." Just so. > > > > What really seems to work is to fully, consciously experience the > > behavior or attitude, the indulgence. Just observe it as it occurs > > and notice the causes and effects present. No judgement, no bias, > no > > decisions. What tends to happen is that the "behavior" is weakened > > each time the "observation" occurs. Eventually, more or less > quickly, > > it disappears. Why? Because it has been fulfilled! The desire > element > > in it makes itself known and once fulfilled is no longer useful or > > needed. > > > > Example. I am prone to anger responses when frustrated. If I > > acknowledge immediately that I am angry -- the anger disappears > > because the situation is grounded. In the acknowledgement I can now > > choose what I am expressing and how I will express it. Sometimes I > > want the anger to run its course, but most of the time, the anger > > does not get the result I wanted in the first place so observing > that > > it stops expressing. The root is always the desire for "self" to be > > acknowledged. Observing that puts the situation in its proper > > perspective. > > > > The key to an "indulgence": Something wants to be acknowledged. > Once > > acknowledged the "want" is fulfilled and the effects are no longer > > needed. > > > > Further I have personally been helped with an awareness in which > > I "Let all things come together." So, as Michael Valentine Smith > said > > in Heinlein's book STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND, "Waiting is till > > fullness". This is actually a very Taoist action, but it > lets "self" > > takes its natural place in the flow of things, and that attachment > > to "self" simply becomes part of the action rather than the center. > > > > Peace, > > John L. > > > > > ______________________ > ______________________ > > > > Your use of is subject to > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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