Guest guest Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 All blessings and best wishes to the new Roman Catholic Pope, Benedict XVI. Did any of you see the live feed on television or the Web? What a sight to behold! The ecstatic crowds in Vatican City, the new Pope and cardinals on the balconies, and the orchestra playing below -- these were just an elegant background for the blessings pouring down from the heavens, and not just for Catholics! I am serious! I imagine that anyone of any faith who was open to these blessings would receive them equally -- unless you excluded yourself by getting stuck in some sour-grapes sectarian box, darkly grumbling "bloody Catholics!" or some such thing! Think about it: Anyplace where you have such a large number of people gathered for a mainly spiritual purpose, the vibration gets very happy and uplifting; you can't help but join in the general good mood! The sheer energy creates a kind of tirtha or cosmic rift allowing the blessings to pour thru instead of being obstructed by the usual human diversions -- so two million souls gathered around St Peters Piazza; it's just like a mini Kumbha Mela! How is it any different? Having said all that, however, I've got to say the political reality behind all this grand pomp and circumstance strikes me as a bit on the grim side. No, I'm not talking about Nostradamus's supposed prophecies or any of that stuff; I am talking pure fact, straight out of the news. Please have a look, and let me know what you think: >From About.com, BBC, and The Australian: How much do you know about the new POPE BENEDICT XVI, formerly Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, nicknamed "The Enforcer" or the "Panzerkardinal"? The BBC says his reputation came from "punishing liberal thinkers, and keeping the Church in the Middle Ages. ... [He] wielded the tools of his office with steely efficiency. By influencing diocese budgets, bishops' transfers and even excommunications, what an opponent called 'symbolic violence', the then-Cardinal clamped down on the more radical contingent of the Church." He's been head of Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (formerly the Inquisition) for more than 20 years and he has been described as being even more zealous in the defense of orthodoxy than the pope himself. The BBC comments that "while many theologians strive for a Catholic Church that is more open and in touch with the world around it, the new Pope's mission has in the past seemed to entailing stamping out dissent, and curbing the 'wild excesses' of this more tolerant era.] 'The Australian' published the following profile of the new Pope's life and beliefs: * He believes that only a united Catholic Church with "absolute values" can stand against totalitarianism and the temptations of Western materialism. * He was shocked by the reforms of the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, when the old certainties gave way to intellectual and theological debate. * He has claimed the prime position of the Church of Rome over other Christian Churches. * He has condemned Buddhism, Hinduism and other Eastern religions as offering false hope through "auto-erotic spirituality" * He has accused the media of exaggerating the extent of the pedophilia scandals in the North American Church. * He rejects the opinions of more progressive priests or those in favour of the ordination of women; and encourages a return to the Latin Mass. "Ratzinger won't be the next pope," said About.com (oops!) -- "but it simply isn't credible to think that he won't do everything in his power to ensure that the next pope fits his personal idea of what Roman Catholicism should be." (http://atheism.about.com/b/a/015215.htm) The BBC says the new Pope is "personally charming, quick-witted and fluent in four languages," and "a convincing orator." Jesuit Father Thomas Reese calls him "a delightful dialogue partner", but added that most of the new Pope's fellow clergy would be too worried about the prospect of excommunication to enjoy talking to him. A former member of the Hitler Youth, the new Pope was "schooled in the Nazis' power of rhetoric during his childhood in Bavaria." He later deserted the German Army during World War II, only to be sent to a POW camp by the Allies, who forced him to attend "de- Nazification classes" in 1945. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Benedict_XVI) Pope Benedict has consistently pursued a theological doctrine that is entirely "independent of cultural or social trends." His critics call this "papal fundamentalism", but the Pope is unflappable in his personal theology. Urbi et Orbi! DB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 Oh, goshdarn it. I was hoping what I read from the NY Times on was true: that the new pope chose the name "Benedict" because in the past, after a hardline pope left, one came in named "Benedict" that was more moderate and attempted to bridge the gap between liberal and hardline. , "devi_bhakta" <devi_bhakta> wrote: > > All blessings and best wishes to the new Roman Catholic Pope, > Benedict XVI. > > Did any of you see the live feed on television or the Web? What a > sight to behold! The ecstatic crowds in Vatican City, the new Pope > and cardinals on the balconies, and the orchestra playing below -- > these were just an elegant background for the blessings pouring down > from the heavens, and not just for Catholics! > > I am serious! I imagine that anyone of any faith who was open to > these blessings would receive them equally -- unless you excluded > yourself by getting stuck in some sour-grapes sectarian box, darkly > grumbling "bloody Catholics!" or some such thing! > > Think about it: Anyplace where you have such a large number of > people gathered for a mainly spiritual purpose, the vibration gets > very happy and uplifting; you can't help but join in the general > good mood! The sheer energy creates a kind of tirtha or cosmic rift > allowing the blessings to pour thru instead of being obstructed by > the usual human diversions -- so two million souls gathered around > St Peters Piazza; it's just like a mini Kumbha Mela! How is it any > different? > > Having said all that, however, I've got to say the political reality > behind all this grand pomp and circumstance strikes me as a bit on > the grim side. No, I'm not talking about Nostradamus's supposed > prophecies or any of that stuff; I am talking pure fact, straight > out of the news. Please have a look, and let me know what you think: > > From About.com, BBC, and The Australian: > > How much do you know about the new POPE BENEDICT XVI, formerly > Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, nicknamed "The Enforcer" or > the "Panzerkardinal"? > > The BBC says his reputation came from "punishing liberal thinkers, > and keeping the Church in the Middle Ages. ... [He] wielded the > tools of his office with steely efficiency. By influencing diocese > budgets, bishops' transfers and even excommunications, what an > opponent called 'symbolic violence', the then-Cardinal clamped down > on the more radical contingent of the Church." > > He's been head of Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith > (formerly the Inquisition) for more than 20 years and he has been > described as being even more zealous in the defense of orthodoxy > than the pope himself. > > The BBC comments that "while many theologians strive for a Catholic > Church that is more open and in touch with the world around it, the > new Pope's mission has in the past seemed to entailing stamping out > dissent, and curbing the 'wild excesses' of this more tolerant era.] > > 'The Australian' published the following profile of the new Pope's > life and beliefs: > > * He believes that only a united Catholic Church with "absolute > values" can stand against totalitarianism and the temptations of > Western materialism. > > * He was shocked by the reforms of the Second Vatican Council in the > 1960s, when the old certainties gave way to intellectual and > theological debate. > > * He has claimed the prime position of the Church of Rome over other > Christian Churches. > > * He has condemned Buddhism, Hinduism and other Eastern religions as > offering false hope through "auto-erotic spirituality" > > * He has accused the media of exaggerating the extent of the > pedophilia scandals in the North American Church. > > * He rejects the opinions of more progressive priests or those in > favour of the ordination of women; and encourages a return to the > Latin Mass. > > "Ratzinger won't be the next pope," said About.com (oops!) -- "but > it simply isn't credible to think that he won't do everything in his > power to ensure that the next pope fits his personal idea of what > Roman Catholicism should be." > (http://atheism.about.com/b/a/015215.htm) > > The BBC says the new Pope is "personally charming, quick-witted and > fluent in four languages," and "a convincing orator." Jesuit Father > Thomas Reese calls him "a delightful dialogue partner", but added > that most of the new Pope's fellow clergy would be too worried about > the prospect of excommunication to enjoy talking to him. > > A former member of the Hitler Youth, the new Pope was "schooled in > the Nazis' power of rhetoric during his childhood in Bavaria." He > later deserted the German Army during World War II, only to be sent > to a POW camp by the Allies, who forced him to attend "de- > Nazification classes" in 1945. > (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Benedict_XVI) > > Pope Benedict has consistently pursued a theological doctrine that > is entirely "independent of cultural or social trends." His critics > call this "papal fundamentalism", but the Pope is unflappable in his > personal theology. > > Urbi et Orbi! > > DB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 , "devi_bhakta" <devi_bhakta> wrote: > > All blessings and best wishes to the new Roman Catholic Pope, > Benedict XVI. > As far as I can tell, the "auto-erotic" comment refers to Buddhism. The only Hinduism-related comment I've turned up is the following: http://www.catholic.net/rcc/Periodicals/Homiletic/2001-10/twomey.html [....] [Ratzinger recognized] the significance of primordial religious rituals and myths, as found, e.g. in the Hindu tradition [....] Not that I'm all that excited about that comment. I think Benedict XVI's/Ratzinger's election is best seen in light of the issues facing the Catholic church internally. The church's "center of gravity" has shifted south, due to the huge growth in the Catholic church in South America and Africa. It's been noted that this pope may be a sort of "transitional" pope, with the next pope (after Benedict XVI) likely to come from South America or Africa. An African or South American pope is likely to be a conservative as well. The only potential source of change I've seen noted is the popularity of "Liberation Theory" (or "Liberation Theology", http://www.edb.utexas.edu/faculty/scheurich/proj8/garcia/lt.html) in South and Central America. Liberation Theory/Theology addresses issues of poverty and economic exploitation, but apparently in a way that John Paul and Ratzinger/Benedict felt/feel is theologically incorrect. So Benedict's role might be to pave the way for a conservative Southern Hemisphere pope, while keeping the lid on Liberation Theology. That's pretty off-the-cuff. I'll be watching the news over the next week for commentary from *real* analysts. :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 Hi MSBauju ... Your comment popped up as I came online for 30 seconds to retrieve a file. Now I get to stay for 30 mins! ;-) The statement tossing Hinduism and Buddhism into the same basket appears as I cited it in several different places on the Web. I don't know if it's true. The only more detailed account I found is on the Belief Net website. Again, I have no idea how much credence it has, but here's the whole thing (which also addresses some of your Central/South America-related observations): "Cardinal [Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI] is also not happy mixing religion and politics – at least not the kind of politics which suggests the Church has an obligation to assist the poor in their fight for justice. So he set out to muzzle outspoken 'liberation' theologians including Brazil's charismatic Leonardo Boff. He also replaced the now- deceased Archbishop of Recife, Dom Helder Camara, with Monsignor José Cardosa – a conservative right-winger – and warned the ex-Bishop of Chiapas in Mexico, Samuel Ruiz, to preach the Gospel 'in its integrity without Marxist interpretations.' "As if that weren't enough, the ever-busy Cardinal has used his privileged take on the Truth to set back inter-faith tolerance and religious pluralism a few decades. In 1997 Ratzinger annoyed Buddhists by calling their religion an 'autoerotic spirituality' that offers 'transcendence without imposing concrete religious obligations.' And Hinduism, he said, offers 'false hope'; it guarantees 'purification' based on a 'morally cruel' concept of reincarnation resembling 'a continuous circle of hell.' The Cardinal predicted Buddhism would replace Marxism as the Catholic Church's main enemy this century. The Cardinal has also defended Catholic missionaries who have been attacked as imperialists for subverting local cultures." http://www.beliefnet.com/study_groups/studygroup_message_list.asp? pageID=7&studyGroupID=665&discussionID=24466&messages_per_page=4 The late Pope John Paul II had similarly promoted missionary efforts in Hindu India. According to an Associated Press report from Vatican City published in The Times of India, Mumbai, on June 4, 2003, he told a group of visiting Indian bishops to "courageously" proclaim the gospel in India notwithstanding: * "Increased activity of a few Hindu fundamentalist groups which are creating suspicion of the church and other religions"; * "Unfortunately, in some regions the state authorities have yielded to the pressures of these extremists and have passed unjust [anti-] conversion laws, prohibiting free exercise of the natural right to religious freedom"; * "State support has been withdrawn for those in the Scheduled Castes who have chosen Christianity"; and * "People experience animosity, discrimination and even violence because of their religious or tribal affiliations." If the new Pope is much further right than that, I have to doubt there will be much of a love-fest between Hinduism and Roman Catholicism under his watch. Your comments about the internal Church forces that inform Pope Benedict XVI's positions are well-taken. It is not for us to jusge or question; that is for Catholics to argue about or not, as they choose. I do not doubt the new Pope's depth of faith or conviction that his views are the will of God. Let him teach as he believes, and let those who agree follow him in peace and wealth of spirit. My only objection would be to his apparent disrespect, disregard, and public disdain for the extremely ancient and venerated belief systems of several billions of people located somewhat to the East of Rome. I would just hope that the new Pope Benedict XVI shows more discretion, sensitivity and restraint in his relations with those peoples than did the former Cardinal Ratzinger. DB , "msbauju" <msbauju> wrote: As far as I can tell, the "auto-erotic" comment refers to Buddhism. > The only Hinduism-related comment I've turned up is the following: > > http://www.catholic.net/rcc/Periodicals/Homiletic/2001-10/twomey.html > [....] [Ratzinger recognized] the significance of primordial > religious rituals and myths, as found, e.g. in the Hindu tradition > [....] > > Not that I'm all that excited about that comment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 DB wrote: [....] And Hinduism, [Ratzinger/Benedict] said, offers 'false hope'; it guarantees 'purification' based on a 'morally cruel' concept of reincarnation resembling 'a continuous circle of hell.' I am at a loss for words over that one. Awful. [....]If the new Pope is much further right than [John Paul], I have to doubt there will be much of a love-fest between Hinduism and Roman Catholicism under his watch. I expect that you are (unfortunately) entirely correct. My only objection would be to his apparent disrespect, disregard, and public disdain for the extremely ancient and venerated belief systems of several billions of people located somewhat to the East of Rome. [....] Agreed on all points. I understand there has been some discussion in the Catholic Church about the respect-for-other-religions issue. In general, not in reference to the new pope. But I don't think the discussion is really going anywhere, and I don't personally expect that it will anytime soon. Let's hope the new pope channels his energy in some positive direction....say, a voice for peace....(sigh.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 19, 2005 Report Share Posted April 19, 2005 But what of the Catholic nun who said Hinduism was just grand, DB? Recall we were comparing the two faiths after I said I saw many similarities between them, and you mentioned the aforementioned nun (I think it was a nun). Maybe there have been writings within and outside the Catholic church that recognize such similiarities? If not, where is this nun so we can suggest she write a book?! What's happening in the Catholic church seems strangely analogous to what's happening in U.S. government. I wonder if this is also true of other countries right now, and other religions? Don't forget that the most press goes to the biggest bucks and they advertise/proseletyze at every turn. I guess the talk of "Benedict" being a uniter between the factions must be along the same lines as George Bush being "inclusive." One thing I saw on tv the other day - I look to tv and film for the pulse of our nation :-P - is a show called "Revelations," based on that book of the Bible, I guess. It features what at least one member of Shakti Sadhana would refer to as "magic" and calls it "the word of God." It also features priests and nuns (actors), which seems odd since I'm not sure how familiar priests and nuns are with the Bible. Myself being raised Catholic, I can tell you - it is not a reference manual of the religion. Anyhoo, I'll mosey along now.... , "msbauju" <msbauju> wrote: > > DB wrote: > [....] And Hinduism, [Ratzinger/Benedict] said, offers 'false hope'; it > guarantees 'purification' based on a 'morally cruel' concept of > reincarnation resembling 'a continuous circle of hell.' > > I am at a loss for words over that one. Awful. > > [....]If the new Pope is much further right than [John Paul], > I have to doubt there will be much of a love-fest between > Hinduism and Roman Catholicism under his watch. > > I expect that you are (unfortunately) entirely correct. > > My only objection would be to his apparent disrespect, disregard, and > public disdain for the extremely ancient and venerated belief systems > of several billions of people located somewhat to the East of Rome. > [....] > > Agreed on all points. > > I understand there has been some discussion in the Catholic Church > about the respect-for-other-religions issue. In general, not in > reference to the new pope. But I don't think the discussion is really > going anywhere, and I don't personally expect that it will anytime soon. > > Let's hope the new pope channels his energy in some positive > direction....say, a voice for peace....(sigh.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 20, 2005 Report Share Posted April 20, 2005 , "Mary Ann" <buttercookie61> wrote: > > But what of the Catholic nun who said Hinduism was just grand, > DB? [....] Catholics, as individuals, (and as sincere Christians!) hold a wide range of views. The official Church stance covers a much narrower range. When I first heard of the election of Ratzinger, I thought it myopic and driven by internal politics (i.e. consolidating power--the growing influence in the Southern Hemisphere--while damping down dissent.) Re-reading DB's posting, maybe I should re-phrase that to "stunningly myopic." Not on the cardinals' radar screens: liberal Catholicism in the U.S., declining attendance in Europe, social justice issues in Central and South America, oh, and interfaith dialogue and respect. I really wasn't expecting much, but it is disappointing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 20, 2005 Report Share Posted April 20, 2005 I, too, was impressed by the sights on television. In this age of fax and email, millions of people focusing their attention on a simple metal pipe on the roof of a chapel, trying to determine the color of the smoke. And those very same people who last week were crying over the loss of their previous leader, cheering the selection of the new. I was somewhat disappointed by the selection of the new pope. I had hoped for someone who might be able to reach across religious divides and make peace with people of other faiths. John Paul II did this to a great extent, but this new Benedict XVI does not seem likely to do this. I have a few comments in response to what others have said. John Paul II opposed liberation theology because its leaders were advocating violence. If they had taken a more peaceful, Gandhi-like approach, John Paul likely would have approved. Compare this with what he did himself in his native Poland. He opposed the Communists there very strenuously for many years, yet he never once advocated violence. He wanted a peaceful transformation of the country, exactly what happened. Yes, John Paul did try to convert Hindus to Catholicism. One cannot expect a dog to stop barking and start meowing. This is what Christians do. He was however more conciliatory toward those of other faiths than many other Christians, and this is all that one can hope for. As for the charge of Benedict/Ratzinger being a Nazi, he was forced to join the Hitler youth group against his will. Remember that this was Nazi Germany. Any youth his age refusing to join the group would have had a very short life expectancy. Later, he deserted the German army at great risk to himself. So it is not fair to paint him with the Nazi brush, as he resisted them to what limited extent he could without being shot. That having been said, he is from Bavaria, in southern Germany. That is where Hitler had his primary base of support. It is a very conservative, almost medieval region. Hitler's attempt to revert to medieval knighthood and combativeness and Ratzinger's desire to revert to medieval Catholicism have their roots in the same conservative German society. For now, I suggest that we give Benedict the benefit of the doubt. Let us reach out the hand of friendship and mutual respect to him. It is his decision whether to accept our offer or not. Sister Usha Sister Usha Devi Founder, Divinely Female and worshipper of the Sacred Flame that shines inside every woman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 20, 2005 Report Share Posted April 20, 2005 For now, I suggest that we give Benedict the benefit of the doubt. Let us reach out the hand of friendship and mutual respect to him. It is his decision whether to accept our offer or not. Sister Usha -----Well, as I had been burned at the stake for being a witch a couple times, I'm not fond of the Inquisition, or whatever oxymoron is being used for that term now. Moreover, I find such a Puritan very inflaming for the world in this day and age, especially considering the fundamentalist karma of the Crusades which is still extant. Frankly, I feel nothing but fear upon seeing Ratzinger as head of the largest and most powerful Western faith. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 20, 2005 Report Share Posted April 20, 2005 It is his decision whether to accept our offer or not. Sister Usha ----Especially as he perceives Buddhists as the greatest enemy on Earth. That is just asking for Vajra hell on his behalf. Very sad. Having an unenlightened head for a supposed enlightened institution is very wrong and creepy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 20, 2005 Report Share Posted April 20, 2005 I also feel fear about it. Durga durgarti shamani Listening to the above Sanskrit words today made me think of the words "Garden of Gethsemane," and I thought: "What happened in the Garden of Gethsemane?" and I looked that up online. That caused more fear. I had been pondering DB's post, and the responses as I was listening to the chanting. Durga durgarti shamani Durga padvinivarini Reliever of Difficulties Who Brings Difficulties to Peace I know it's important to know what's going on in the world, but the fear generated by what we read/hear/see in the press, on tv, etc. needs to not deaden or immobilize us, nor make us falsely hopeful. So, what do we do? I saw Keifer Sutherland on a show the other day that features actors talking about their craft. When he was asked what is his biggest motivator, he said, "Fear," and he explained how he utilizes fear in his work. I appreciated his comments. >From Creative Use Of Emotion by Swami Rama and Swami Ajaya: "Being tense and fearful is a sign that something is wrong in our emotional life, just as physical pain is a sign of a physical problem. Tensions and fears indicate that we are clinging to somebody or something too tightly. Such pain can only be relieved by psychologically letting go, giving up our possessive attitude. When we have learned to let go, we will have found one of the greatest secrets in all of life for experiencing peace and happiness. Letting go is always accompanied by a feeling of opening, blossoming and coming into new and more encompassing space. We fear letting go of our dependency on objects and people, but if we are truly able to do so we will find that what is gained is greater than that which is left behind. At whatever level letting go takes place, it brings a rich harvest of unexpected rewards." , "Eve__69" <eve__69@h...> wrote: > Frankly, I feel nothing but fear upon seeing Ratzinger as head of the largest and most powerful Western faith. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 20, 2005 Report Share Posted April 20, 2005 The new Pope would doubtless excommunicate any nun writing such a book. American Catholic priest Matthew Fox was excommunicated for his liberal Catholic writings. I guess the reason Catholics are more afraid of Buddhism than of Hinduism, is that Hinduism does NOT proselytize, but Buddhism does. In the United States, there is a lot of "stealth Dharma." Relatively few Americans take the actual step of practicing Hinduism or Buddhism, but enormous numbers are at least noddingly familiar with (and appreciative of) Hindu and Buddhist concepts, through the popularity of Hatha Yoga Centers, vegetarianism, meditation, even Bollywood films. Be assured that the new Pope will forbid all these options to people of Catholic heritage. -- Len/ Kalipadma --- Mary Ann <buttercookie61 wrote: > > But what of the Catholic nun who said Hinduism was > just grand, > DB? Recall we were comparing the two faiths after I > said I saw > many similarities between them, and you mentioned > the > aforementioned nun (I think it was a nun). Maybe > there have > been writings within and outside the Catholic church > that > recognize such similiarities? If not, where is this > nun so we can > suggest she write a book?! > > What's happening in the Catholic church seems > strangely > analogous to what's happening in U.S. government. I > wonder if > this is also true of other countries right now, and > other religions? > Don't forget that the most press goes to the biggest > bucks and > they advertise/proseletyze at every turn. > > I guess the talk of "Benedict" being a uniter > between the factions > must be along the same lines as George Bush being > "inclusive." > > One thing I saw on tv the other day - I look to tv > and film for the > pulse of our nation :-P - is a show called > "Revelations," based on > that book of the Bible, I guess. It features what at > least one > member of Shakti Sadhana would refer to as "magic" > and calls it > "the word of God." It also features priests and nuns > (actors), > which seems odd since I'm not sure how familiar > priests and > nuns are with the Bible. Myself being raised > Catholic, I can tell > you - it is not a reference manual of the religion. > > Anyhoo, I'll mosey along now.... > > > , "msbauju" > <msbauju> wrote: > > > > DB wrote: > > [....] And Hinduism, [Ratzinger/Benedict] said, > offers 'false > hope'; it > > guarantees 'purification' based on a 'morally > cruel' concept of > > reincarnation resembling 'a continuous circle of > hell.' > > > > I am at a loss for words over that one. Awful. > > > > [....]If the new Pope is much further right than > [John Paul], > > I have to doubt there will be much of a love-fest > between > > Hinduism and Roman Catholicism under his watch. > > > > I expect that you are (unfortunately) entirely > correct. > > > > My only objection would be to his apparent > disrespect, > disregard, and > > public disdain for the extremely ancient and > venerated belief > systems > > of several billions of people located somewhat to > the East of > Rome. > > [....] > > > > Agreed on all points. > > > > I understand there has been some discussion in the > Catholic > Church > > about the respect-for-other-religions issue. In > general, not in > > reference to the new pope. But I don't think the > discussion is > really > > going anywhere, and I don't personally expect that > it will > anytime soon. > > > > Let's hope the new pope channels his energy in > some positive > > direction....say, a voice for peace....(sigh.) > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 20, 2005 Report Share Posted April 20, 2005 Thanks MA, very apt. - Mary Ann Wednesday, April 20, 2005 11:08 AM Re: New Pope: Hinduism is "Auto-Erotic Spirituality" I also feel fear about it. Durga durgarti shamani Listening to the above Sanskrit words today made me think of the words "Garden of Gethsemane," and I thought: "What happened in the Garden of Gethsemane?" and I looked that up online. That caused more fear. I had been pondering DB's post, and the responses as I was listening to the chanting. Durga durgarti shamani Durga padvinivarini Reliever of Difficulties Who Brings Difficulties to Peace I know it's important to know what's going on in the world, but the fear generated by what we read/hear/see in the press, on tv, etc. needs to not deaden or immobilize us, nor make us falsely hopeful. So, what do we do? I saw Keifer Sutherland on a show the other day that features actors talking about their craft. When he was asked what is his biggest motivator, he said, "Fear," and he explained how he utilizes fear in his work. I appreciated his comments. From Creative Use Of Emotion by Swami Rama and Swami Ajaya: "Being tense and fearful is a sign that something is wrong in our emotional life, just as physical pain is a sign of a physical problem. Tensions and fears indicate that we are clinging to somebody or something too tightly. Such pain can only be relieved by psychologically letting go, giving up our possessive attitude. When we have learned to let go, we will have found one of the greatest secrets in all of life for experiencing peace and happiness. Letting go is always accompanied by a feeling of opening, blossoming and coming into new and more encompassing space. We fear letting go of our dependency on objects and people, but if we are truly able to do so we will find that what is gained is greater than that which is left behind. At whatever level letting go takes place, it brings a rich harvest of unexpected rewards." , "Eve__69" <eve__69@h...> wrote: > Frankly, I feel nothing but fear upon seeing Ratzinger as head of the largest and most powerful Western faith. > Sponsor Children International Would you give Hope to a Child in need? · Click Here to meet a Girl And Give Her Hope · Click Here to meet a Boy And Change His Life Learn More Links / b.. c.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 20, 2005 Report Share Posted April 20, 2005 Be assured that the new Pope will forbid all these options to people of Catholic heritage. -- Len/ Kalipadma ----Thank you Len for hitting it directly on the head I think. I am an initiate of pretty much all of the secret lineages and having a person in such a strong office makes me shake in my boots for when his furor rolls over into the basic Church. Because every human being is powerful and many of the most powerful are Catholic. Moreover, the fundie Christians don't need any more stabbing from their mentors. Or burning. My prediction: the light grows brightest before the bulb burns out. Expect great things, but not necessarily good things. The only thing the left has going for it that the right doesn't is Neptune and Pluto. Because those of the limited Animus merely reflect what we the Divine Anima reveal. So hold to the dark and the light because the light is dualistic and marches towards death, and then the dark comforts and closes in again. Glory to Kalima, the light hurts my eyes, but the dark is soft. Thank you Kali. Because of both I can use both to see the light and then to heal my sight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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