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One is something I enjoy very much. The other gives me asthma attacks. Both have some meaningful symbolic and literal significance in my life and all the other blog names were already taken.
About Me
About This Blog
The author of this blog is unable to narrow the subject matter down to one particular topic. So...this blog is about whatever the author happens to be thinking about at any given moment. The writing here will likely consist of a wide variety of ranting, raving, railing, ruminating, reminiscing, reflecting, and many other forms of verbal expression that don't start with the letter "r". Topics will range from philisophical, cultural, spiritual, political, comical, stream-of-consciousness, poetic, to just plain non-sensical, immature, and occasionaly crude and ridiculous. The author apologizes in advance for anyone he inadvertently or purposely offends and would like to take this opportunity to emphasize the importance of keeping a good sense-of-humor and an open mind; and by all means, do not take things personally. This applies to this blog but more importantly to life in general. Enjoy.
4 comments:
A good listen Ben.
In a short conversation recently with a SDA re god, I placed my hand on his chest and said to him, 'God is in here'. (A bit over the top, I know)
To which he replied, 'Amen brother Amen'.
Too many people arrive at conclusions without a great deal of understanding; more a belief of things declared by respected peers. I don't say this is a particularly good thing.
People don't easily understanding abstracts, it usually takes much effort.
All the best with your efforts and understanding.
Thanks.
Tony
Hey Tony,
I think we all want easy answers and are therefore inclined to quickly accept teachings/beliefs from (perceived) authority figures. That and we start getting told things from the time we are very small children, still at an age where you take adults at their word and these things get ingrained pretty solidly into our psyches.
When it comes to religions, I have alot of respect for the teachings of the Buddha because he said something like "Don't believe these things just because I'm saying them. Find out for yourself."
I'm far more interested in experiential discovery than accepting a set of beliefs although that's not to say that there isn't some comfort and value to belief systems.
The concept of Self-realization/God/Absolute Truth, or whatever title we give it, is impossibly abstract from a verbal or conceptual perspective. However, it can become concrete and non-abstract on a personal level through personal experience. And it's hard for me to think of a more worthwhile pursuit.
That line, Ben, 'Don't believe what I say, prove all things for yourself' is an excellent selling tool.
The first time I heard that was on the radio from evangelist Garner Ted Armstrong. He and his father held my attention for many years (The Plain Truth, The World Tomorrow) and helped in my limited adventure into religion and all things esoteric.
This' why I like Les' writings. They are so full of well presented ideas and tell us, basically, only you can know.
To the point in my life now I feel all things have always been and we (homo whatevers) are just part of the magic.
I know that is an extremely 'easy out' - I've removed the 'middle man' - but think about it.
If our God is eternal, why can't all that is, exist in the same state??
It's only our pigeon holing minds and our limited understanding of 'all that is' that wants things to have a beginning and an end, a creator and for that matter 'an understanding'. We are all (God too) a WIP, with the building materials supplied
Now as to why, well, I'm off within the next 30 years and that is nowhere near enough time for me to sort that out but it's a really good question though, isn't it?
Best
Tony
ps.
Merrily,
merrily,
merrily,
merrily...
Your point about that 'see for yourself' line being a sales pitch is a good one. It's like a money back guarantee. The difference with say, Buddha or Nisargadatta versus Garner Ted or Rick Warren, etc, is what they want from you in return for 'seeing for yourself'. The evangelists want you in their club (bc they want your money and to expand their flock) and it seems to me that a Nisargadatta doesn't want anything in return, at least in my judgement that's the case.
Oh, and I'm with you on removing the middle man. I can't see how any middle man is necessary. Maybe helpful, if we are convinced they authentic and can help us along our path, but not necessary.
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