There was one quote in paritcular in this reading by Ralph Waldo Emerson, that I really enjoyed.
"Instead of feeling a poverty when we encounter a great man, let us treat the new comer like a traveling geologist who passes through our estate and shows us good slate, or limestone, or anthracite, in our brush pasture."
What I understood from this statement, was that we shouldn't focus on our inadequacy especially by comparing ourselves to others that may appear more sucessful. Instead we should open our eyes to any lesson that can be learned from what that individual in beholding in their soul. The appearance of success is what may attract us to be interested in someone, but we should always pay more attention to a persons kindness, honesty, and all things that are deeper than only surface appearance.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein states:
"Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison [the illusion of ourselves being separate from the universe] by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living beings and all of nature".
Wow! What a beautiful statement from Einstein, and I couldn't agree more. For some reason we all get so consumed with our own lives. Our own happiness, and suffering can cause us to live in this type of "prison" that Einstein is describing. The prison that causes us to forget about others around us, and to show compassion for every living being. If only we could widen our nurturing to everything we come in contact everyday, it could potenially make such an impact to those around us.
"Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison [the illusion of ourselves being separate from the universe] by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living beings and all of nature".
Wow! What a beautiful statement from Einstein, and I couldn't agree more. For some reason we all get so consumed with our own lives. Our own happiness, and suffering can cause us to live in this type of "prison" that Einstein is describing. The prison that causes us to forget about others around us, and to show compassion for every living being. If only we could widen our nurturing to everything we come in contact everyday, it could potenially make such an impact to those around us.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Abu Abdallah Al-Harith Al-Muhasibi
This passage states:
"The love of God in its essence is the illumination of the heart by joy because of its nearness to the Beloved, for love, in solitude rises up triumphant, and the heart of the love is possessed by the sense of its fellowship with him, and when solitude is combined with the secret intercourse of the Beloved, the joy of that intercourse overwhelms the mind, so that it is no longer concerned with this world and what is in it."
In my opinion this statement seemed similar to the enlightenment that Buddhists speak of. I realize the overall concept is different because Buddhists are not surrendering to one God in particular, but the similarity is that there is a supposed level that a person can reach where the physical world is not really of much importance.
The passage continues on describing how a person who follows God should be so devoted that they are constantly serving Him with every breath and action. And, that these "lovers of God" should be living only to prove that they are acceptable servants for God.
Once again, this passage really didn't "hit home" for me in any way. It was well-written, but certainly not a belief system that I could adopt.
"The love of God in its essence is the illumination of the heart by joy because of its nearness to the Beloved, for love, in solitude rises up triumphant, and the heart of the love is possessed by the sense of its fellowship with him, and when solitude is combined with the secret intercourse of the Beloved, the joy of that intercourse overwhelms the mind, so that it is no longer concerned with this world and what is in it."
In my opinion this statement seemed similar to the enlightenment that Buddhists speak of. I realize the overall concept is different because Buddhists are not surrendering to one God in particular, but the similarity is that there is a supposed level that a person can reach where the physical world is not really of much importance.
The passage continues on describing how a person who follows God should be so devoted that they are constantly serving Him with every breath and action. And, that these "lovers of God" should be living only to prove that they are acceptable servants for God.
Once again, this passage really didn't "hit home" for me in any way. It was well-written, but certainly not a belief system that I could adopt.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Muhammad
This passage from Muhammad was interesting to read. Specifically it was interesting how Muhammad has capitalized the word "We" in the beginning of this passage. I suppose by capitalizing we, Muhammad is speaking of the people that have grasped the concept of Islam?
From what I could gather, Muhammad is expressing to us that once a person has fully surrendered to God, he will not only have a relationship with God, but that God will be inside the person who has reached Islam. I'm not sure if I'm interpreting this correctly, but this is what I have understood.
Still, I did get a sense of fear when reading this. Muhammad states, "He is with you wherever you are...He is aware of all you do. Muhammad is trying to instill a sense of fear for the reader in my opinion. A short sentence to remind followers to be very careful of all their actions, because they are always being viewed and judged by God.
Overall this passage didn't seem too different than something I would read in regards to the Christianity. It didn't really do anything for me spiritually, but it wasn't terrible to read.
From what I could gather, Muhammad is expressing to us that once a person has fully surrendered to God, he will not only have a relationship with God, but that God will be inside the person who has reached Islam. I'm not sure if I'm interpreting this correctly, but this is what I have understood.
Still, I did get a sense of fear when reading this. Muhammad states, "He is with you wherever you are...He is aware of all you do. Muhammad is trying to instill a sense of fear for the reader in my opinion. A short sentence to remind followers to be very careful of all their actions, because they are always being viewed and judged by God.
Overall this passage didn't seem too different than something I would read in regards to the Christianity. It didn't really do anything for me spiritually, but it wasn't terrible to read.
Friday, October 10, 2008
John the Evangelist
This passage from John the Evangelist states:
" Love comes from God, and everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God".
In my opinion love is very important. Love is what makes most of us feel whole and fulfilled. Weather it's a deep love for someone, or something like a passion or hobby. But I personally have a difficult time believing that those who choose to follow in the beliefs (specifically Christianity)that this passage is referencing are truly filled with nondiscriminatory love. One thing that comes to mind in particular, is this question:
How can a religion such as Christianity, that has this underlying message of love decide not to love a person based purely on his or her sexual orientation, or personal choices that an individual is entitled to make for him/herself? That doesn't seem very loving to me.
" Love comes from God, and everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God".
In my opinion love is very important. Love is what makes most of us feel whole and fulfilled. Weather it's a deep love for someone, or something like a passion or hobby. But I personally have a difficult time believing that those who choose to follow in the beliefs (specifically Christianity)that this passage is referencing are truly filled with nondiscriminatory love. One thing that comes to mind in particular, is this question:
How can a religion such as Christianity, that has this underlying message of love decide not to love a person based purely on his or her sexual orientation, or personal choices that an individual is entitled to make for him/herself? That doesn't seem very loving to me.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Jesus of Nazareth
My, my my...where to begin? Whew...here it goes.
Jesus of Nazareth states:
"Isn't your life more than its food, and your body more than its clothing?" Overall, I like this statement. And, yes I agree modern society certainly places far too much emphasis on material items. I live in Roseville, where myself and all my neighbors are surrounded by; mega-this and mega-that. Mega-stores, mega-malls, mega-cars, mega...mega..mega. I am guilty of seeking the material things as well. I buy nice clothes for my daughter, my house is furnished with beautiful things, I could go on and on. I do enjoy certain material things that life has to offer.
I don't live beyond my means though, and in my opinion there are far too many people that are completely consumed with material things...they allow it to define who they are both physically and spiritually.
Now onto my point in all this. If the message Jesus is trying to say is that: We should not give these material things much value at all. We should live simply with only what we need to survive, and be humble...how is it even possible that people of these faiths that follow Jesus' teachings are even capable of throwing up the multi-million dollar mega-churches? I mean honestly! I highly doubt that Jesus of Nazareth the "minimalist" would have been pleased to see hundreds of people flooding into churches built on prime real estate, serving Starbucks coffee, and using church funds to pay the minister a six-figure salary to live in a 5000 square foot home in Granite Bay.
Personally I think Jesus envisioned his followers congregating in a beautiful pasture beneath the sky, so his followers would be able to see the "...birds of the sky: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns..."
Jesus of Nazareth states:
"Isn't your life more than its food, and your body more than its clothing?" Overall, I like this statement. And, yes I agree modern society certainly places far too much emphasis on material items. I live in Roseville, where myself and all my neighbors are surrounded by; mega-this and mega-that. Mega-stores, mega-malls, mega-cars, mega...mega..mega. I am guilty of seeking the material things as well. I buy nice clothes for my daughter, my house is furnished with beautiful things, I could go on and on. I do enjoy certain material things that life has to offer.
I don't live beyond my means though, and in my opinion there are far too many people that are completely consumed with material things...they allow it to define who they are both physically and spiritually.
Now onto my point in all this. If the message Jesus is trying to say is that: We should not give these material things much value at all. We should live simply with only what we need to survive, and be humble...how is it even possible that people of these faiths that follow Jesus' teachings are even capable of throwing up the multi-million dollar mega-churches? I mean honestly! I highly doubt that Jesus of Nazareth the "minimalist" would have been pleased to see hundreds of people flooding into churches built on prime real estate, serving Starbucks coffee, and using church funds to pay the minister a six-figure salary to live in a 5000 square foot home in Granite Bay.
Personally I think Jesus envisioned his followers congregating in a beautiful pasture beneath the sky, so his followers would be able to see the "...birds of the sky: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns..."
Friday, October 3, 2008
Dogen
Dogen states: "Gaining enlightenment is like the moon reflected on the water. The moon doesn't get wet; the water isn't broken...the whole moon and the whole sky are reflected in one dewdrop on the grass...enlightenment doesn't destroy the person, just as the moon doesn't break the water."
The more I am learning about Buddhist philosophy, the more I am beginning to believe that this all makes such complete sense to me. In some of my previous blogs, I have questioned the possibility of our ability to become truly enlightened. I have felt that our human bodies are meant to absorb the environment around us. And, that we shouldn't attempt to ignore our own inherent senses in order to reach a sense of peace. But, I really enjoyed this passage from Dogen. It seems to say that we can still be human and enjoy our surroundings with each of our senses, and reach a state of peacefulness at the same time. I love this idea of accepting what is in our present and being content with that.
When I reached the point in the passage where meditation is discussed I realized something interesting. Since the beginning of this class, and the first time meditation was discussed in our class, I have held skepticism about it. I was feeling like meditation was a great idea, but asked myself, "who could really actively practice this in modern society?". We are flooded with stimulation all day. Television, traffic, phone calls, radio...we are constantly being bombarded with activity around us. Then a light bulb turned on for me. I am completely capable of meditation, and I have proof to myself that I can meditate.
Seven years ago when I was in labor with my daughter, I decided I was going to give her a "natural birth". I refused all medication, and the entire time I was laboring with her, I was totally meditating. Not only have I done this before...but I was really good at it! I blocked out every thought in my mind for hours upon hours. I remember that I didn't even feel like I was within my own body. It was as if I completely detached myself from the physical pain. My thoughts were of nothing, and I didn't allow anything negative or positive to enter my consciousness. After my little one was born, my mom said how peaceful I appeared throughout the entire labor. She said it looked like I was just sleeping. I can't believe I never considered that experience as being meditation. I think now I am going to attempt to bring myself back there at times. What an incredible way to escape for awhile.
The more I am learning about Buddhist philosophy, the more I am beginning to believe that this all makes such complete sense to me. In some of my previous blogs, I have questioned the possibility of our ability to become truly enlightened. I have felt that our human bodies are meant to absorb the environment around us. And, that we shouldn't attempt to ignore our own inherent senses in order to reach a sense of peace. But, I really enjoyed this passage from Dogen. It seems to say that we can still be human and enjoy our surroundings with each of our senses, and reach a state of peacefulness at the same time. I love this idea of accepting what is in our present and being content with that.
When I reached the point in the passage where meditation is discussed I realized something interesting. Since the beginning of this class, and the first time meditation was discussed in our class, I have held skepticism about it. I was feeling like meditation was a great idea, but asked myself, "who could really actively practice this in modern society?". We are flooded with stimulation all day. Television, traffic, phone calls, radio...we are constantly being bombarded with activity around us. Then a light bulb turned on for me. I am completely capable of meditation, and I have proof to myself that I can meditate.
Seven years ago when I was in labor with my daughter, I decided I was going to give her a "natural birth". I refused all medication, and the entire time I was laboring with her, I was totally meditating. Not only have I done this before...but I was really good at it! I blocked out every thought in my mind for hours upon hours. I remember that I didn't even feel like I was within my own body. It was as if I completely detached myself from the physical pain. My thoughts were of nothing, and I didn't allow anything negative or positive to enter my consciousness. After my little one was born, my mom said how peaceful I appeared throughout the entire labor. She said it looked like I was just sleeping. I can't believe I never considered that experience as being meditation. I think now I am going to attempt to bring myself back there at times. What an incredible way to escape for awhile.
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