Henry David Thoreau

"The universe constantly and obediently answers to our conceptions; whether we travel fast or slow, the track is laid for us."
ahhhh
How simply Thoreau explains this concept. My mom always told me that "the universe always says 'yes'". This idea has stayed with me, because there is no denying the truth of this. The universe says yes to whatever I claim to be true, and in this, my path is laid out before me.

What we want, the universe manifests, even if what we want is not what we thought we would get in the end.

My path is put before me, by my thought and my actions...and my universe is ever-changing.
My perception of the universe changes every day. After watching "The Universe" on the History Channel, by entire view of the universe has been changed.
In a matter of four days, my eyes have been opened to a new view on the universe, the planet, and on religion. Although straying off topic from Henry David Thoreau's insight, I will continue.

I recently finished 'Angels and Demons' by Dan Brown, and book that had an incredible impact on my belief in religions with the idea of antimatter, the opposite of matter, that proves that The Big Bang Theory and Genesis are correct in each respective view point. This discovery of antimatter made clear to me, finally, that religion and science are meant to go hand in hand.

Since reading this book, I cannot stop thinking about the ideas that Brown presents... and everyday I am running into similar ideas, stories, readings, shows, you name it, that reflect back on this new view of the universe.

Thoreau explains his view of the universe in this chapter in a very fluid, interesting manner, that can relate to the idea of antimatter, and to the ideas of the universe, however 'far out' these ideas may seem.

Maximus of Tyre

I love this passage. It is so beautiful. Maximus of Tyre speaks very profoundly. "Let men know what is divine." I like this sentence, because it opens the door to understanding. People should know what is true and divine and beautiful. These things are meant for everyone to share and enjoy. Maximus says that he should not "further examine and pass judgment about images." Meaning that he should not judge what people consider to be images of god. That is my interpretation. Why pass judgment on those who worship the beauty of nature? Nature is beautiful, and can often be attributed to no one other than god, or whomever a person worships. I like this passage, because to me it says; accept everyone, because everyone is entitled to their own opinion and belief of religion. If this wisdom was universally attainable, the world would be so much more peaceful.

Heraclitus

"Opposition brings together, and from discord comes perfect harmony"
This passage is really wonderful. I enjoy all of the short little quotes. This one I like the best, because it is true, and easy to interpret. I think so anyway...
This message is so relevant for all religions, although I think that many have not yet moved on from opposition.
Opposition does bring together, there's no question of that. For example, Bush opposes Iraq and terrorism, and as a result, American soldiers are in Iraq and could be close to terrorism as well. I don't know if harmony will be the result by the time the war on Iraq is over, but I hope that it is. A more ancient topic is the war that the Palestinians and Israelis have been fighting for thousands of years over the holy land. This war, if resolved, although I have no idea how one would go about resolving such deep-rooted anger, could also result in perfect harmony, if gone about in a harmonious manner.

"It is in change that things find rest."
I like this quote because it is perfect for the current state of politics and the presidential race. Change, is a word that both John McCain and Barack Obama have emphasized in their campaigns. And I know that we have strayed here from World Religion, but I think that finding something to connect with is the easiest way to understanding.
Barack Obama presents change in the way that the government functions. He wants to give tax breaks to the middle class, and raise taxes on the rich. Textbook democrat, right? Obama also plans to invest into alternative energy, invest energy into pursing tough, presidential diplomacy with Iran, and wishes to withdraw from Iraq by 2010.
John McCain offers immediate financial help to struggling American citizens, plans to end dependence on foreign oil (eventually), and wishes to establish a strong government of democracy in Iraq.
All of these issues are very irrelevant in some ways to religion, but do present an excellent example of finding rest in change. Change can provide new opportunities, and can eliminate old ideas. In these changes, we can find rest in knowing that our issues have been resolved.
In regards to religion, change provides a new consciousness to focus on. Whether the religion be Judaism or Hinduism, religion offers a new outlook on the world, and on our purpose. Change can provide rest to many difficulties some face in finding a religion that speaks to them, and in that, rest is found.

Muhammad

Yes! Muhammad has it right.
This reading and Muhammad's words are no different than any of the other teachers and other messages that all passages in this book seem to have. This common theme throughout all religious practices shows how connected we all are. All religions are connected because they all have a similar theme. A similar message. A similar idea. A similar law. WHY IS IT SO HARD FOR US TO GET ALONG?! We all have similar, if not the same goals in our religious beliefs! We all seek to find a relationship with our own God. Muhammad said "True religion is surrender." This is absolutely true! And radical religious people should take his words to heart.
Surrender to your God.
Surrender to change.
Surrender to your path.
And surrender to all who upset you because of their religious beliefs!
Its not worth fighting for! I would be soo happy if just once people fought over something important, like food! Why can't we just fight about who gets the most food in the world, INSTEAD of fighting about who is right and wrong in regards to religion.

John the Evangelist

I like John the Evangelist.
I enjoy "Love comes from God, and everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God; those who don't love, don't know God; for God is love."
This sentence is so straightforward. It seems that all of these deemed 'Christian' teachers have such an easy outlook to follow. Its as if Christianity was created for Americans. A step by step process.
God is love. This is a truth that cannot be denied. However a person sees God, their God reflects love. How can God not be love? It isn't possible. God is like a father to so many, who loves unconditionally.
In the movie 'V for Vendetta', one of the main characters says 'God is in the rain'. I like that she says this, because who else could be responsible for something so wonderful as the rain?
I also like the idea that God is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. This concept is cool, because it shows that God is a part of everything. Everything that happens to anyone is a part of God, or whomever a person might believe in. God is the spark of all flames.
God may be in the rain, but I understand God the most on a day like today. It is so windy! If God controlls the eco-system than he must be having a crazy day! This wind is such a change from the dry heat that we have had all summer. It is like the wind is blowing life into everything again. The trees haven't quite started to turn brown, and they look SO green today.
If a God exists, he must be responsible for this wind. Nothing earthly could create such a powerful force of life!

Jesus Of Nazareth

This collection of readings is wonderful.
This religion of Christianity with which I am the most familiar, due to where I was raised, has never really been something I've ever been compelled to seek. Perhaps I have been turned off by it because so many people practice the Christian faith. I guess because I am someone who goes against the grain, so to speak, I have never gone out of my way to learn more about Christianity. Furthermore, I don't think that Christianity is a religious practice that I will ever follow.

Just because I am not one for the Christian faith, doesn't mean that Jesus wasn't an amazing being. The power and wisdom that this man had was incredible.
Yes, Jesus was amazing. Yes he did many amazing things. But what is it about him that makes him different than all of the other incredible teachers?

Perhaps it is his teachings of the Kingdom of Heaven. Many other teachers speak of serenity, nirvana, inner peace, Zen....

Jesus is one of the few that placed a specific name on that inner peace that so many seek. He said what many of the other teachers have said. Basically “seek it and if your lucky you will find it”
I like this idea. Its simple. So many other teachers make serenity seem so confusing. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind being confused about spirituality, but Jesus is so blunt about it. So straightforward. This is how it is, in a nutshell. Its like he has condensed all of the ironic nonsense and backward thinking into something that anyone can obtain, even if they are not of a particular faith.

A bit off topic, but:
In my personal opinion, it seems that perhaps the idea of the Kingdom of Heaven has been misconstrued into something that happens when a person dies. Maybe that is something completely separate and unrelated to the Kingdom of Heaven? Seems a little unlikely. I like this Kingdom of Heaven idea because it is obtainable, Christian or not, according to Jesus.

Wu-Men

I like this passage, but I am not entirely sure why. I really don't understand this passage at all...I guess that's why I like it.
This word "Mu" I am curious as to what it means. Focusing on this word, and cracking it open. Not in terms of "has" and "has not".
Perhaps to focus on "Mu" is to not focus on "Mu". Or, focus on "Mu" but not expect to find the answer to "Mu".
Once the focus is put on "mu" it is impossible to get the thought from the mind. The thought never leaves until the answer is found.
This concept is very interesting. This kind of obsession for an answer is relateable. Who doesn't obsess over one thing or another. But to not know what it is that you are obsessing over...that would be...well...curious...
To not know what you want to know, because you know that if you know it, there would be no point in trying to know it.
These are the questions and philosophies that I love the most. They force me to think really really hard, and the answer is not something that comes easily or quickly, but rather never comes, but rather becomes known. We already know the answer that we seek, but we are not aware of it yet.
I would like to know what this word "Mu" is, and why it is so significant. Why do people seek to understand this word, or rather understand what the word means? It must be something like samandhi, or rather peace.
Inward peace and knowingness of purpose and place, and all things. That would be, well, samandhi I guess. I don't think that I would want to know all things and all places and all purposes. Where is the fun in that? Where is the fun in life if you know everything?

The Diamond Sutra

To attain nothing is to attain everything. This is basically the message of this passage I believe. This kind of thought process has always fascinated me, because it challenges me to think beyond myself.

For a number of years, my family has hosted the Tibetan monks to assist them in their travels. The first time they came to us, there were ten very quite, pensive monks. Each monk had a very different personality, and their Lama was an old, silent man who sat in meditation for most of their stay.

Their translator, Sunam was a very funny, excited young monk who entertained my brother and I everyday. He would ask us questions that made Kole (my brother) and I grapple with our minds. He asked questions of thought, of meditation, of spiritual practice that we had never thought to think about. The Lama, who Sunam explained as enlightened, fascinated Kole. When he asked Sunam what made him enlightened, Sunam answered: “He is as enlightened as you, but he has discovered his enlightenment without discovering.” This answer made Kole laugh, because he thought Sunam was telling yet another joke, but Sunam was very serious. I don't think that Kole ever thought about this conversation afterwards, but I remember thinking very seriously about his bizarre answer.

Sunam awakened in me a self awareness of the essence of human beings. His presence in our lives left lasting marks on my whole family, and in a way we experienced a little piece of enlightenment as a result of their presence in our house.

In the Diamond Sutra, the idea that there is no “self” and “others”, but rather the concept that there is “one” consciousness that is a part of us all. I like this concept, it appeals to me in a way that no other teachings do. It is one of the only universal concepts that all religious sects keep. The knowing that we are all one.

I love the line “The Buddha has no doctrine to convey. The truth is ungraspable and inexpressible. It neither is nor is not.” This line allows me to accept what can never be known, and understand that what I wish to know the most, I already know.

Hui-Hai

This excerpt is also quite lovely. These philosophers have quite the obsession of having power over their own minds and bodies. I like this concept a lot, because there is no one else and nothing else that we have the power to control. The acceptance of reality for what it is, and knowing that there is no way to change it, or fix it.

This idea of having complete power over one's mind, to be in a state of non-dwelling is very interesting. My mind dwells on all kinds of things, rational and irrational alike. The idea of being in a constant state of meditation is appealing. To have no thoughts that distract from the important thought. To know that the body and mind that I have are a compilation of everything I dwell on, and everything I don't dwell on.

That my mind is my own. What goes on inside my mind is my own. There is no one and no thing that can take away my power over my mind. No one can read into my mind, know what my mind says or what my mind thinks about. To be in a state of non-dwelling then, one must be fully aware of their mind, as explains Hui-Hai. How many thoughts do I have that are fleeting and meaningless that I focus on and read in to? A lot. I dwell on all kinds of things. To have the freedom to be in a non-dwelling state would be so serene.

I am envious of these masters. They speak of non-dwelling and of acceptance in a way that makes it seem so easy. The ease in which they describe the ways to have the mind not dwell, and how to ignore your mind when it wanders; this restraint takes a powerful mind. I love that Hui-Hai says that we should not focus on attaining non-dwelling minds, because that would be dwelling as well. The concentration that these philosophers had must have been intense.

Tzu-Ssu (483-402 B.C.E)

This reading was wonderful. I think that there are so many different ways to interpret this, and there is so much to learn from this short passage. I really like the Confucius way of thinking and living.

In the first paragraph, Tzu-Ssu is speaking about the inner Tao. The Tao is inside everyone, but few are able to act in the way of the Tao. I love "the mature person looks into his own hear and respects what is unseen and unheard." I think that this is a mysterious passage, but at the same time is very clear. That the Tao is something that we may not understand, but it is in our hearts and we respect it because it is our human nature to posses the Tao. What we don't know is what we cannot know, and what we cannot understand is not for us to understand. Seems simple....

Later, Tzu-Ssu speaks that "the harmony is the Tao, reaching out to all things." Once we accept the emotions and feelings that we have, we are masters of ourselves. Harmony is reached by accepting our faults and our failures, by understanding that anger and sorrow are a part of our human nature. Our emotions are a part of us, but they do not own us.

In the last paragraph, Tzu-Ssu speaks the most profoundly. He tells us the way that a person who is mature spiritually and emotionally knowns their place. The cards that are given to us are the only ones we have. Our situations in life are lessons to be learned, but they should not bring us down from who we are. If we are poor, we don't feel sorry for ourselves or wish for another path, but rather we accept the path that has been laid out for us and we walk down that path in the best way that we can. This enlightened way of thinking and perceiving the world is truly astounding.

Shmelke of Nikolsburg (?-1778)

I enjoyed this reading. The rabbi speaks eloquently about the way that one loves their neighbor. Out of all of the commandments, I like “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” I think that it is one that can be applied to many things and can be interpreted in many ways. The way that the rabbi speaks about treating one's neighbor is an interpretation that I really like. The idea that we are all one; a concept that I know and believe. When the rabbi says “love thy neighbor” he is really saying “love thy self.”


We are all reflections of each other. Not literally, of course. But we are reflections. I can see things in other people that I hate, and I consciously know that what I don't like in them, I don't like in myself. The same goes for things that I admire about others. I like to think that what I admire I already posses, or am striving to achieve.


I enjoyed the example that the rabbi uses “if your own hand hits your nose, would you hit your hand in punishment?” Well, no obviously. And I really hope my hands never turn against me. But basically he is saying that we should love everyone, even those who hurt us. If we love those who wrong us, then we actually end up loving ourselves.


At the end of the passage, the rabbi adds a snip-it in about leading those who have strayed off the path of god, back on the path. I like that the rabbi says that we are all from one spark of god's soul. We are the pure essence of our creator. As a result, we are connected to each other. Prayer proves to work, if enough people participate, because when we unite our thoughts and words we are able to accomplish pretty much anything.

Bakhya Ibn Pakuda (1040-1110)

This reading doesn't speak to me in the same way that the previous ones have. The speaker is relating to the reader the experiences that she has had because of her belief in god. She says that god bestows his glory on those who follow him, and on those who believe fully in him. She says that if a person believes in god their possessions and their wealth will be meaningless. Her belief is that God will give his love if people believe in him.

I dislike this reading because the beginning is a bit weird, among other things. I will not elaborate, but I didn't care for it. My main reason for dislike is that this speaker isn't very original. Well, maybe this is the original of all other "originals". But, honestly, how many times have I read something similar if not almost exactly like this? Many, many times. I would love to read a quote from someone who believes in god...but doesn't then tell others what to expect. God, whomever he/she/it is, should be experienced without having to be "sold." This reading honestly reminds me of a car salesman, who is excitedly rattling off a car's features.
I am not trying to put down anyone's religious beliefs; but I do believe that there needs to be a change in the way that some religions attract new members. This “tradition” of selling the benefits one will receive if they believe in God is just so overused and abused.

God or spirituality, as I have expressed in previous blogs, should be learned and sought after. Reading about someone else's, almost unrealistic experience of God does not make me trust in God, or want to worship God. This reading actually makes me skeptical off what God has to offer, because it seems that believing is all a person needs to reap the rewards. I believe that a strong belief in oneself is truly believing in God.

Ramana Maharshi

“Silence is a perennial flow of language, interrupted by words.” This sentence speaks to me, although I am not quite sure what it means. What a kind-hearted enlightened being Ramana Maharshi was.

I enjoyed this reading very much, but had to re-read several times in an attempt to better understand Maharshi's message. And I still feel a bit cloudy. What I did enjoy was his simplified idea of the common understanding of reality. “When we stop regarding the unreal as real, than reality alone will remain.” However, I am still at a loss as to what or who Maharshi is referring to. I would like to think that he means that we see God in an unreal way. That God isn't the judge, or living up in heaven, but rather that God is in each one of us. I know that that is my reality.

Joy. What we all long for. Maharshi explains the power of joy so perfectly, in my opinion. I think it is wonderful that he states that love is caused by joy. Love for oneself will bring about unsurmountable amounts of joy, and to me that is comforting. In the world that we live in, sometimes it is hard to fully and completely love oneself, because it is not the most “popular” thing to do. Somehow, focusing on the things about ourselves that we don't like is easier than loving everything we like, and everything we don't like.

I enjoyed the question and answer part of this piece. I like to speculate that Maharshi is giving a warning against listening to people who push their beliefs on others by using fear. In my opinion, fear is sadly the backbone of many people's religious beliefs. The teacher sees himself as an equal to all beings, because he is all beings. He is no better, and no worse than anyone. The student should want to have a spiritual connection, and to long for the “supreme spiritual bliss.” In my belief, the student should find the teacher, not the other way around.

Maharshi makes quite clear that we are reality. In that, we are God, and God is us. I love this concept, because I feel that it the the one universal bit of knowledge that all religions can agree upon. We are all connected to each other, and so, we are all connected to God.

Upanishads

This reading was such an enlightening affirmation of truths. The Upanishads definitely struck a chord with me.

We know what can't be known, and what we think we know, we know nothing about.

It is my belief that we are all born with a knowing of our spiritual connection to the planet. As we grow up, and we are taught to believe in new and different things, that inner connection is often forgotten. It never leaves us, but we don't remember. As we age, the knowing sometimes grows to uncertainty, and lack of belief in the spirit. We are taught to analyze and to question, so naturally our ingrained connection can be squashed or dismissed.

It cannot be denied that we are all connected. It cannot be denied that we all have a purpose.

Purpose is such a strong word. How can one person have one single purpose? Is our purpose to serve the spirit? Is it to pursue happiness? Is it to make money? Is every single person in the world's purpose a reflection of one core purpose?
My purpose in life is where I am lead astray. Especially being in college, and being asked frequently what my major is. I have no idea. The rest of my life devoted to one thing? Not knowing what I want to do is scary. With this reading, it became clear to me that my purpose will find me. I have a path written on my heart, and I will follow that path, whether I am aware of it or not. Then again, The Upanishads tells that "I neither know nor don't know", perhaps being in the unknown is the most powerful.

Whoever wrote the Upanishads was clearly an enlightened being. I loved that this reading spoke about the spirit in each one of us. I think that with so many differences in the world, and so many struggles that have endured in the name of religion, it is comforting to know that every one of us is connected.

Chief Seattle

Such sadness chief Seattle expresses. He has lost all hope for the unity of the Native Americans and the settlers. This speech makes me very sad, and very embarrassed for the way that the Europeans took and took from a people who were so peaceful.
When the chief describes the angry men of his tribe, I can't help but understand their anger. If my people were dying and my livelihood was taken away, I would be angry too. Such anger is not something that the Native Americans ever knew before the settlers came to their country.
This anger is expressed by the chief when he speaks about the ancestors of his people. He doesn't paint his face, or march to battle; the chief gives a warning to the settlers. All his people had left to call their own, were their dead. The last thing Chief Seattle says is, “The dead have power too.” I think he is fantasizing about when he dies. He knows that he will join his ancestors and that he will be able to walk the paths, and fish from the streams that were once his. Or he is wishing for revenge on the white man. But, I don't think that that is really the Native American way.
It is very very sad that it took so many years for the Natives to realize that the settlers didn't want to live in harmony. It is even more sad that they gave so much love and prosperity to the settlers, and never thought they needed to demand something in return. They shouldn't have had to. Had we shown the Native Americans the compassion that they showed us, maybe America's story would be different. After reading this speech, I feel as though I am living happily among trees, and grass, bushes, streams, rivers and animals that are made of the angry spirits of the Native Americans.

Sa-Go-Ye-Wat-Ha

Such softness and understanding, chief Sa-Go-Ye-Wat- Ha has. He is truly a diplomat. This profound speech moved me more than I had expected it would. Four pages of complete serenity.
This speech is a true representation of the many differences between religious beliefs.

The Great Spirit, for the Native Americans, is a loving, peaceful, and giving god. They never want for anything, because all they need, the earth already has. Their god is full of love, and as a result, the Natives are as well. In sharp contrast, the white settler's speech is about a god that isn't full of love, rather he is full of rules, and regulations. He tries to fill their minds with this “new god” by way of fear. He tells them that their lives are in error and darkness. The settler is unsuccessful. I believe he fails because the Native Americans were not run by fear. It seems as though fear was something that they didn't know. How incredible would it be if the ways of the Great Spirit had lived on to today in a more prominent way?
What amazes me still further, is that this speech is somehow filled with hope. The chief speaks about the wrongs that the settlers did to his people, with complete forgiveness. His only hope is that his people and the Europeans find a common ground, so that they can live peacefully together. He believes, with such determination, that the settlers will change, that they will honor their agreements, that they will stop taking their lands, and that they will treat the Natives as equals. No matter how many wrongs the settlers commit, the Native Americans still believe them to be good people. The steadfast beliefs that the Native Americans had, and the unconditional love they possessed, can only be an attributed to the pure and loving Great Spirit they worshiped.