Since June I personally have refrained from hot drinks, alcohol, illegal drugs and tobacco. As well, I am celibate.
Between myself and God, I am repenting my past sins in private. On Friday, August 29, I am to be baptized as a Mormon.
So all that talk of remaining a Jack Mormon is pure satire. My epiphany came when I read the anti-Mormon views on the interviews preceding baptism: they gave me the wrong impression.
Nobody in the hierarchy asks you to confess your darkest sins to them, for that isn't supposed to be shared with another mortal soul.
While I am still going to be liberal and still write about Buddhism, politics and other topics that I am interested in, I am also going to write about Mormonism as objectively as I am able. Though the anti-Mormon propaganda will no longer be of interest to me, except perhaps to provide inspiration for commentary.
For now, this post will provide me with the opportunity to explain simply why I decided to be baptized as a Mormon.
With eyes open and an open heart, I attended all the instruction hours since the end of May until now and will continue to do so.
While I am convinced that Joseph Smith Jr was inspired by God to write the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, the Testimony of the Three Witnesses only convinces me of his inspiration. However, I will go along with the cover story that the angel Moroni took those brass plates back to wherever he went.
My own statement above is not a confession of doubt but is made because I have never been shown the original literature by the angel Moroni.
As well, the Egyptian hieroglyphics which inspired Joe Smith to write the Book of Abraham do not translate as that book. Even so, I would consider Mr Smith as inspired by God to write all the scriptures specific to Mormonism and consider him a Mormon prophet.
Nothing I have written so far will fully explain why I became a Mormon. I am sure that it's because I am a people pleaser.
Also, the fact that this local Mormon community is the least judgmental of all Christian denominations has also convinced me that my choice is the best one to make out of all the choices that I faced.
For I could have rejected Mormonism and dealt with being a Buddhist whose spirituality accepted that there is a God and even allowed for the Christ. On closely examining my sarcastic statement that "my Christ is the Buddha", I realize that the statement is considered a religious one by Christians of other denomination.
So my explanation for becoming a Mormon is actually summed up by the concept of the Buddha as my Christ, due to the religious pluralism that I have been quietly practising since 1990. This has been confirmed for me by the Mormon cosmology regarding the souls of pre-mortal times to today's current incarnation on Earth and to the Afterlife. Even Spirit World and Spirit Prison fit into my Buddhist worldview, though the Celestial, Terrestrial and Telestial Kingdoms would become similar to Buddhist heavens.
Of course, at first glance, the Mormon cosmology is in my eyes more like a rough draft of the more complex Buddhist cosmology. Though it is more likely that I am not going to revert to Buddhism because of this revelation.
Another reason why I became Mormon because I like the fact that the Mormon literature has had articles on Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism written without critique of each religion.
It is that religious pluralism which confirms my belief that Mormonism is going to be the most wonderful part of my spiritual journey.
Even so, everyone who thinks I have gotten sucked into a cult have no idea at all because they might keep forgetting that I have become Mormon with my eyes open and my heart open to the Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints. That does not mean I am going to forget my roots as a Buddhist. Instead, Mormonism will take what I have learned about Buddhism to a new level.
Because this blog is semi-private, I will only refer to the Elders and the wonderful brothers and sisters of my local Mormon ward without specifically identifying anyone.
Thank you too to the brothers and sisters, and especially Elder M and Sister M who all served as hosts for dinner - three wonderful dinners that led from uncertainty to confusion and finally to understanding.
However, my thanks goes out to Elder L who invited me to church, Elder M who patiently instructed me, Elder F who knows his wushu very well, and Elder T, whose words impress me the most. Also thanks to Brother C for his sponsorship.
A poem on My Baptism (which I plan to read after baptism): http://gandhara.blogspot.com/2014/08/my-baptism-poem.html
Showing posts with label spirituality. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spirituality. Show all posts
20140710
Mary Magdalene as Shamaness (satire)
In Japan's ancient past, broken dolls representing an unknown fertility goddess are found in certain burial mounds.
This is also symbolic of female initiates in a shaman priestess cult: the broken dolls represent the psychotic break during initiation when initiates see visions.
Thus, it validates the connection between what is miscalled madness and shamanic initiation.
Indeed, some of the mad may be potential shamans who have lost touch with their ancient culture. With our drive to only produce productive members of society, we have stigmatized people needlessly.
Having said this, the story of Mary Magdalene might be the story of a shaman-priestess.
How so? Mary Magdalena might have been a priestess of Inanna.
With the help of God, Mary was healed by the Anointed One, and was supposedly worshipped by angels and celestial beings. This broke the mirror with which she viewed the world. Then she visited the psychic underworld of her mind, and returned healed.
This is not unlike the inner journey all women go through during their lives.
Certain aspects of madness such as mania, psychosis, hallucinations, and so on are a natural part of each of our lives. Indeed, we are all blessed with a spiritual side to our whole being when we are receptive to it.
If we only reflected on it to aid our spiritual journey through life, then much in our lives could be healed that remains unhealed because we have had the instruction thrown away by fearful Christians and misguided public health officials.
Thus, Mary's story is the story of all women. We only need look at it closely to see features of it in our own individual lives.
In my opinion, madness is a fact of life, and its stigma as "mental illness" ought to be removed by normalizing the use of the terms which have been used negatively, and thus use them for the benefit of society. Mild forms of madness ought to be put to good use before the misguided in society mistreat the mad.
I call upon people to treat the mad with kindness and respect.
For the days of shamans is over, and all that is left to do in life is to dance and sing for the greater glory of the divine and all that is holy.
Originally posted May 14, 2005 at 9:37 PM
Reference:
The Descent of Inanna: A Myth for our Times: http://storytreeaustralia.blogspot.ca/p/the-exultant-myth-cycle-of-sumerian.html
The Mastery of the Broken Clay Dolls: https://heritageofjapan.wordpress.com/just-what-was-so-amazing-about-jomon-japan/ways-of-the-jomon-world-2/jomon-crafts-and-what-they-were-for/the-mystery-of-the-clay-dolls/
This is also symbolic of female initiates in a shaman priestess cult: the broken dolls represent the psychotic break during initiation when initiates see visions.
Thus, it validates the connection between what is miscalled madness and shamanic initiation.
Indeed, some of the mad may be potential shamans who have lost touch with their ancient culture. With our drive to only produce productive members of society, we have stigmatized people needlessly.
Having said this, the story of Mary Magdalene might be the story of a shaman-priestess.
How so? Mary Magdalena might have been a priestess of Inanna.
With the help of God, Mary was healed by the Anointed One, and was supposedly worshipped by angels and celestial beings. This broke the mirror with which she viewed the world. Then she visited the psychic underworld of her mind, and returned healed.
This is not unlike the inner journey all women go through during their lives.
Certain aspects of madness such as mania, psychosis, hallucinations, and so on are a natural part of each of our lives. Indeed, we are all blessed with a spiritual side to our whole being when we are receptive to it.
If we only reflected on it to aid our spiritual journey through life, then much in our lives could be healed that remains unhealed because we have had the instruction thrown away by fearful Christians and misguided public health officials.
Thus, Mary's story is the story of all women. We only need look at it closely to see features of it in our own individual lives.
In my opinion, madness is a fact of life, and its stigma as "mental illness" ought to be removed by normalizing the use of the terms which have been used negatively, and thus use them for the benefit of society. Mild forms of madness ought to be put to good use before the misguided in society mistreat the mad.
I call upon people to treat the mad with kindness and respect.
For the days of shamans is over, and all that is left to do in life is to dance and sing for the greater glory of the divine and all that is holy.
Originally posted May 14, 2005 at 9:37 PM
Reference:
The Descent of Inanna: A Myth for our Times: http://storytreeaustralia.blogspot.ca/p/the-exultant-myth-cycle-of-sumerian.html
The Mastery of the Broken Clay Dolls: https://heritageofjapan.wordpress.com/just-what-was-so-amazing-about-jomon-japan/ways-of-the-jomon-world-2/jomon-crafts-and-what-they-were-for/the-mystery-of-the-clay-dolls/
20131209
Being Stoned, Drunk, High or Psychotic
Being stoned while seeking the Divine is like being caught in religious ecstasy where one is in awe of the realization that
we are just a tiny insignificant part of the cosmos,
all the usual trials in life cannot remove that wondrous moment of awe found in that almost spiritual higher state of mind called "divine madness", and
merrily laugh away all our trouble before that madness quickly fades and is forever forgotten when a tiny voice suddenly cries, "I'm hungry! Let's go eat!!"
Although our physical hunger is barely satisfied while moved by such madness, the origins of that hunger is spiritual, and motivates the sublimation of the libido, which is the root of all human creation. Only with unconditional love are we able to better appreciate this madness, whether its genesis is due to intoxicants or our physical condition. With respect of love's power to transform such madness into that sense of awe of the divine, we seldom fall prey to fear. Once fear is appeased, it no longer perverts our memory of the very first time we were transformed by the state of unity with the Divine itself, be it God or the Absolute Body of the Cosmic Buddha. Thus is being at one with the Divine, be it through madness or religious ecstasy, a vital part of the human condition. For all of us who are born human are especially privileged to don this form and play out our roles in the human realm. "Rare is it to be born a human being and even rarer to have heard the message of the Buddha."
Originally posted: May 26, 2010 at 7:08 PM
20130119
"The country in which you live is divine, no matter where you live."
"The country in which you live is divine, no matter where you live."
This is the essence of Japanese thought, though nationalism and radical right-wing thought corrupted this essential Japanese sentiment.
Likewise, according to legend, the ancestry of all Japanese is divine. We are all descended from the gods (kami), and sometimes the kami can be whimsical. Hence eccentric Japanese who hole up in their parents' homes could just be touched by the gods.
This is why the Japanese born in the Americas are loyal to the countries in which they were born, especially so in Brazil where they became Brazilians to the point of assimilating into the culture.
This is also true of Peru where a Japanese-born Peruvian became head of state.
However, if you are Japanese, once you study Japan, then Japan becomes the only divine land. This is not always the case, and could be why Japanese right-wing nationalists look down upon the Japanese diasphora born in other lands.
And I seriously doubt that if a person of Japanese origin was born in a country other than in Japan, who rose to prominence, would be ignored in Japanese news today.
This is the essence of Japanese thought, though nationalism and radical right-wing thought corrupted this essential Japanese sentiment.
Likewise, according to legend, the ancestry of all Japanese is divine. We are all descended from the gods (kami), and sometimes the kami can be whimsical. Hence eccentric Japanese who hole up in their parents' homes could just be touched by the gods.
This is why the Japanese born in the Americas are loyal to the countries in which they were born, especially so in Brazil where they became Brazilians to the point of assimilating into the culture.
This is also true of Peru where a Japanese-born Peruvian became head of state.
However, if you are Japanese, once you study Japan, then Japan becomes the only divine land. This is not always the case, and could be why Japanese right-wing nationalists look down upon the Japanese diasphora born in other lands.
And I seriously doubt that if a person of Japanese origin was born in a country other than in Japan, who rose to prominence, would be ignored in Japanese news today.
20121117
Zen is not all Zazen
Buddhist extremists are often overlooked when they pop out of the woodwork.
A Buddhist becomes an extremist when she believes her practice of zazen to be superior to reading the sutras.
If such a student of Zen feels that way, then I will point out that the founder of Ch'an was not illiterate and did study the sutras.
When zen says one must do away with the sutras, the meaning is not do not be literate; it means, do not rely on quotes from sutras to awaken you spiritually.
Hence the reason why zazen is important over mere book learning.
If Zen promoted zazen in favor over reading the sutras and meditating on their ability to achieve satori, then it may be that Zen also does not promote magical thinking.
For one magical thinking concerns the delusion of sutra as granting one a short cut to Nirvana.
In Zen there is no such short cut; you will have to sit on your ass for a long time before that would work.
This post was written from the viewpoint of a Pure Land practitioner. If any of the Zen practitioners would like to critique this post, then feel free too.
For I anticipate the dialog to be interesting.
A Buddhist becomes an extremist when she believes her practice of zazen to be superior to reading the sutras.
If such a student of Zen feels that way, then I will point out that the founder of Ch'an was not illiterate and did study the sutras.
When zen says one must do away with the sutras, the meaning is not do not be literate; it means, do not rely on quotes from sutras to awaken you spiritually.
Hence the reason why zazen is important over mere book learning.
If Zen promoted zazen in favor over reading the sutras and meditating on their ability to achieve satori, then it may be that Zen also does not promote magical thinking.
For one magical thinking concerns the delusion of sutra as granting one a short cut to Nirvana.
In Zen there is no such short cut; you will have to sit on your ass for a long time before that would work.
This post was written from the viewpoint of a Pure Land practitioner. If any of the Zen practitioners would like to critique this post, then feel free too.
For I anticipate the dialog to be interesting.
20110830
The Spark Divine (poem)
Though we doubt existence
of God, no one knows how
birds know when to sing.
When a poor fool attributes
all of this to some divine spark,
he's derided for his simple answer
by others still in the dark.
While we know exactly
when the sun may set,
few of us can explain why
some sunsets are rosy
while others are drab and gray.
A generation may pass
before a wisened scientist
steps up to hypothesize that
in all life, there is a spark divine.
In response to his hypothesis,
the whole world might jeer:
"We knew that all along!"
of God, no one knows how
birds know when to sing.
When a poor fool attributes
all of this to some divine spark,
he's derided for his simple answer
by others still in the dark.
While we know exactly
when the sun may set,
few of us can explain why
some sunsets are rosy
while others are drab and gray.
A generation may pass
before a wisened scientist
steps up to hypothesize that
in all life, there is a spark divine.
In response to his hypothesis,
the whole world might jeer:
"We knew that all along!"
20110529
Living an Authentic Life
My either/or does not in the first instance denote the choice between good and evil; it denotes the choice whereby one chooses good and evil or excludes them — Soren Kierkegaard
This quote has to do with living an authentic self.
It has to do with the choice of adding spirituality to one's life, of maintaining the balance between the secular life and the spiritual life.
For me, this consists of being open-minded about my spiritual life.
In Buddhism, no one is born in sin. That concept of good and evil does not exist for Buddhists. At heart, all people are born intrinsically good.
Living life just leads to behavioral and mental negativities (cognitive distortions) beclouding the mind to its original nature.
Meditation helps to uncloud the mind, making it as clear as a pool of water.
Once the mind is clear, it is possible to recover the original nature of the mind, which is Buddha Nature.
How does Buddha Nature help with living an authentic life for me? By keeping me open-minded.
Reference:
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/traversing-the-inner-terrain/201105/authenticity-good-or-evil
This quote has to do with living an authentic self.
It has to do with the choice of adding spirituality to one's life, of maintaining the balance between the secular life and the spiritual life.
For me, this consists of being open-minded about my spiritual life.
In Buddhism, no one is born in sin. That concept of good and evil does not exist for Buddhists. At heart, all people are born intrinsically good.
Living life just leads to behavioral and mental negativities (cognitive distortions) beclouding the mind to its original nature.
Meditation helps to uncloud the mind, making it as clear as a pool of water.
Once the mind is clear, it is possible to recover the original nature of the mind, which is Buddha Nature.
How does Buddha Nature help with living an authentic life for me? By keeping me open-minded.
Reference:
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/traversing-the-inner-terrain/201105/authenticity-good-or-evil
20110215
Religion through Asian Eyes
My understanding is that hell is a temporary abode, a Purgatory. It's not a place of "burning in Hell for eternity", despite the notion of the "fire and brimstone" version of Hell.
There is nothing in the Bible to confirm such an event, save by misinterpretation of "fire and brimstone".
Yet brimstone is a euphemism for "cleansing", as is the fire symbology. Everything in the Bible points more to "sins" being "burned away", leaving the soul purified.
Though, Revelations appears to have been written to prevent believers from committing suicide were they to believe in reincarnation. The early church councils ruled against incorporating reincarnation into their doctrine because it was likely not to get believers to stick around long enough to amass property that would be bequeathed to the Church on death.
Even today, in rare situations, unscrupulous religious leaders might pressure new converts to confess their sins so that later, subtle emotional blackmail could be used to keep them in the fold and be willing to pay tithe. Most converts are well aware that they are under no obligation to confess their sins openly, yet may do so before a trusted church leader in order to facilitate spiritual healing.
Why? Because man is a social animal, the risk of "excommunication" motivates most converts to do whatever is necessary to become a part of the congregation. By confessing their sins, converts resolve to "sin no more" and thus be repentant. In doing so, they are healed spiritually and are welcome into the congregation.
In contrast, I like the Chinese way of worship, where a believer has a rich spiritual life by not only paying his respects as a Buddhist for the afterlife, as a Taoist for health, and as a Confucian for family.
When you closely examine Falun Gong, it looks like a smorgasbord of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and qigong. Indeed, you could practice the qigong but not join the protests, and they put no pressure on you with that regard.
However, within the Japanese sensibility about spirituality, there is a generalist flavour to it where a spiritually minded person can be Buddhist and Shintoist, yet have a Christian wedding, and even participate in pagan rituals known as matsuri.
There is nothing in the Bible to confirm such an event, save by misinterpretation of "fire and brimstone".
Yet brimstone is a euphemism for "cleansing", as is the fire symbology. Everything in the Bible points more to "sins" being "burned away", leaving the soul purified.
Though, Revelations appears to have been written to prevent believers from committing suicide were they to believe in reincarnation. The early church councils ruled against incorporating reincarnation into their doctrine because it was likely not to get believers to stick around long enough to amass property that would be bequeathed to the Church on death.
Even today, in rare situations, unscrupulous religious leaders might pressure new converts to confess their sins so that later, subtle emotional blackmail could be used to keep them in the fold and be willing to pay tithe. Most converts are well aware that they are under no obligation to confess their sins openly, yet may do so before a trusted church leader in order to facilitate spiritual healing.
Why? Because man is a social animal, the risk of "excommunication" motivates most converts to do whatever is necessary to become a part of the congregation. By confessing their sins, converts resolve to "sin no more" and thus be repentant. In doing so, they are healed spiritually and are welcome into the congregation.
In contrast, I like the Chinese way of worship, where a believer has a rich spiritual life by not only paying his respects as a Buddhist for the afterlife, as a Taoist for health, and as a Confucian for family.
When you closely examine Falun Gong, it looks like a smorgasbord of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and qigong. Indeed, you could practice the qigong but not join the protests, and they put no pressure on you with that regard.
However, within the Japanese sensibility about spirituality, there is a generalist flavour to it where a spiritually minded person can be Buddhist and Shintoist, yet have a Christian wedding, and even participate in pagan rituals known as matsuri.
20101222
Magical thinking and religion
One magical thinking myth about religion concerns the belief that praying a little harder will make a situation better. What more prayer does is relieve anxiety and other feelings when one is stressed. Yet prayer does not save a person from harm; that may be attributed to one's quick thinking.
Such magical thinking could be applied to recovery as well. When we think that going to meetings will stop us from alcohol or other drug use, that is a form of positive magical thinking. Its negative aspects may arise when we believe that if only a person remains clean and sober, then she will have wonderful friends to share with. This myth of recovery as a solution to life's problems is a form of magical thinking.
For recovery is a continuing process where you learn to stay clean and sober whilst facing the challenges of change and handling a crisis.
It is not religion that is the mental impairment; rather, it is the mind that practices magical thinking which is impaired. Yet spirituality is a continuing process of discovering the deeper understanding of God as I know him.
This deeper understanding of Him leads me to find solace in the Bible, in Buddhism, and in the works of other authors such as Rumi, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and other writers.
To solely rely on the Bible or other religious texts is a conservative approach to religion. Yet I see no harm in religion so long as it does not endorse the use of violence or condone it.
Sometimes magical thinking even blinds doctors, lawyers and politicians.
Political ideologies include cronyism and other forms of political corruption.
A doctor who owns a successful chain of medical clinics also subscribes to the ideology that healthcare can be corporately managed to bring it to the masses.
Yet when it leads to long wait times to get that care, then such ideology may sometimes conflict with the doctor's obligation to do no harm.
As for lawyers, the ideology of taking advantage of the law for gain without consideration of the rights of justice is equally reprehensible. Yet sometimes such white collar crime goes on because any damage to the reputation of that lawyer leads to less business for him. This ideology involves placing gain and game above justice and respect for the law.
A scientist may believe in the Big Bang theory, despite the fact that it is a theory. Indeed, much of quantum mechanics is based on theory. The only people convinced that it has been proven might still be blinded by personal biases. As well, although I have a bias that endorses situational ethics, that bias influences me to view the Milgram experiment and the related Stanford prison experiment as validating my own ideology that each and every situation presents itself with ethical challenges.
Thus magical thinking is a condition of the human mind which involve an ideology, be it religious, political or scientific. It can be used to delude a person about how life really works. However, magical thinking also can be used creatively to see the whole picture about life.
Religion may be an opium of the people. When practiced mindfully it could open one's eyes to reality as it is.
As well, whether or not God exists is a either-or fallacy. Faith in him and belief that Christ died for my sins is a personal form of magical thinking which does comfort me.
This is because for me, its deep spiritual meaning cannot be described. I also get the same experience when reading Rumi and from the Buddhist sutras. This cannot be solely magical thinking at work. Indeed, I'm pretty sure that it is a form of self-hypnosis and may be related to the placebo effect as well.
20101221
Water
If in thirst you drink water from a cup, you see God in it. Those who are not in love with God will see only their own faces in it. — Rumi
Water comes down as rain to fill reservoirs. From these reservoirs that was comes to our homes to slake our thirst.
We can also use water to coffee, tea, and other beverages. It is also used to irrigate crops.
Yet we often forget water's source, as many drops of it fall as rain which trickles into lakes from creeks, and flow in streams together into a mighty river to the sea.
Yet the fact of how rain is created is science. Rain is water.
Spiritually, water's significance has greater meaning for Rumi. He lived in a semi-arid city near an oasis. Sometimes it would not rain for days. So for him, water meant so much that he saw God in the cup.
From a religious perspective, this is no delusion. This is of the many deeply spiritual insights that Rumi wrote about.
When I read what Rumi wrote, I feel closer to God.
Water comes down as rain to fill reservoirs. From these reservoirs that was comes to our homes to slake our thirst.
We can also use water to coffee, tea, and other beverages. It is also used to irrigate crops.
Yet we often forget water's source, as many drops of it fall as rain which trickles into lakes from creeks, and flow in streams together into a mighty river to the sea.
Yet the fact of how rain is created is science. Rain is water.
Spiritually, water's significance has greater meaning for Rumi. He lived in a semi-arid city near an oasis. Sometimes it would not rain for days. So for him, water meant so much that he saw God in the cup.
From a religious perspective, this is no delusion. This is of the many deeply spiritual insights that Rumi wrote about.
When I read what Rumi wrote, I feel closer to God.
20101112
My Spiritual Hierarchy of Jesus, God and the Buddha
Introduction
In this article I begin with the declaration that the ego is a social fabrication, introduce the patriarchal sexist myth of the male ego, and contrast the ego to its Christian counterpart, self-will.
Then the Buddhist view of the ego will be discussed, followed by a short discussion of the healthy ego with respect to individual needs and continuing on with the view of personal spirituality as self-actualization.
Next, I will illustrate how my spiritual hierarchy of God, Jesus and the Buddha cuts through the fallacy of false dilemma.
Following that thought is the discussion of how beliefs outside the spiritual life affect myself and others.
Finally in the conclusion, I will try to show how the spiritual life has a common ground in all faiths.
Ego as a Social Fabrication
Ego is a social fabrication; the proof of this is in the media. The term "ego" is used to describe the whole psychic apparatus defined in Freud's structural model of the psyche, which he divided into three parts as id, ego and super-ego.
Examples of the ego in action in popular culture occur regularly in the media regarding not just politicians, religious icons, scientists, and sports idols, but also local celebrities and famous pop icons.
Although it isn't commonly talked about, the Western social consensus is that the ego exists.
Because ego is a social fabrication, it requires daily exercise through self-expression. The ideal of a wholesome life implies that the healthy ego needs expression in the community in socially acceptable ways.
In contrast, the unwholesome life leads to social isolation and its impact on the ego. Without self-expression in socially acceptable ways, the individual is susceptible to depression and anxiety. As a result, the ego may become the focus of one's life. Thus he becomes ego-centered, and much of his misery in life is due to his egocentricity.
The Patriarchal Sexist Myth of the Male Ego
In the minds of many people, a patriarchal sexist myth about the ego may be commonplace. In this myth, the male ego is the only thing that exists.
This does not mean that the female ego is non-existent; it just is not talked about.
This is not the true picture of the ego at all but a false view of it, which is defined by how the male ego is vilified whilst pretending women do not have one.
Yet this myth about the ego arises in the male-dominated patriarchal society for many reasons which are political and social.
While the male ego is sometimes associated with God, the female ego kept hidden, to be discussed behind closed doors between women.
However, this sexist myth about the ego is counterproductive to inner change.
Ego and Its Christian Counterpart, Self-Will
In reality, the ego exists from birth to death for everyone, young and old, male and female.
It is also known in Western religious circles as self-will, which consists of resolute adherence to your own ideas or desires and the trait of resolutely controlling your own behavior.
Self-will has the negative qualities of stubbornness, bullheadedness, obstinacy, obstinance, and pigheadedness, and the positive qualities of self-control, self-possession, possession, willpower, will power, and self-command.
Buddhist View of Ego
According to Buddhism, all people have an ego which arises from the moment of birth. The Buddhist concept of dependent arising explains in detail how the ego arises from birth until death. Indeed, the ego arises after ignorance as one of the many fabrications of the mind.
In the Four Noble Truths,
- human suffering is first identified in fine detail as misery, pain and unhappiness.
- The origin of suffering is revealed to be unwholesome desire or craving.
- Relief from suffering consists of ending suffering by allowing craving to fade away and stop, by giving up and letting go of the unwholesome desire, being free of sensual pleasures, and not relying on such existence. In this way is the ego appeased.
- Finally, the means to appease the ego by promoting equanimity is given as the Noble Eightfold Path:
- right view,
- right intention,
- right speech,
- right action,
- right livelihood,
- right effort,
- right mindfulness, and
- right concentration
- right view,
- wisdom (right view, right intention),
- ethical conduct (right speech, right action, right livelihood), and
- mental discipline, concentration and meditation (right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration).
Ego with Respect to the Individual Needs
For the average person, the healthy ego requires the basic needs consisting of Maslow's hierarchy of needs:
- the physiological needs (breathing, food, sex, water, sleep, metabolic equilibrium, and excretion),
- safety needs (personal security, financial security, health and well-being, and a safety net against accidents and illness, and their adverse impacts),
- love and belonging(social needs which involve feelings of belongingness, and especially emotionally based relationships such as friendship, intimacy and family),
- esteem need (which consist of two parts:
- 1) respect for others, the need for status, recognition, fame, prestige, and attention, and
- 2) self-respect, the need for strength, competence, mastery, self-confidence, independence and freedom),
- 1) respect for others, the need for status, recognition, fame, prestige, and attention, and
- self-actualization (self-mastery).
Personal Spirituality as Self-Actualization
Once these needs are satisfied, self-actualization also consists of meeting my spiritual needs, which is satisfied by maintaining a spiritual life. Within the context of spirituality, the ego refers to a "sense of doership" or sense of individual existence. The ego-centered life is the life where the illusion of such existence prevails. As a result of that illusion, I may believe myself to be a human being and that I must fight for my rights to make it in this world. Yet, throughout it all, I remain unaware and unconscious of my true nature until a series of spiritual experiences show me that the God-centered life is essential to my spiritual well-being Within context of a God-centered life, it is a fallacy to believe that the social conventions of pronouns (I, me, my, mine) reflect the ego-centered life. Rather, by focusing on God from the start of every day to its very end, the use of pronouns just make the God-centered life more personal.
My Spiritual Hierarchy Cuts Through Fallacy of False Dilemma
To a person who sees the world through the fallacy of either as God-centered or Buddha-centered, the following statements would seem complicated and unwieldy. Such a false dilemma overlooks the fact that both God and Buddha are manifestations of the Higher Power, which is God as each of us knows Him to be. 
Does the God-centered life conflict with my belief in Buddhism? No, since both God and the Buddha are different aspect of the Higher Power, and since God, being Creator, made the historical Buddha to realize His mysterious works, I do not see any conflict between my faith in God and my belief in the Buddha. For God is at the core of my hierarchy of the spiritual life, with my belief that Jesus died on the cross for us as coming second, and then the Buddhist principles defined by the Eightfold Path. Outside of these three core beliefs are the multitude of beliefs we hold about life and ourselves.
Beliefs and Its Relationship to Self and Other
These other beliefs which lie outside the spiritual life are still a vital part of it, because they subtly influence how I view my hierarchy of core beliefs about God, Jesus and the Buddha. Yet how I view God, Jesus and the Buddha reflect my spiritual views, which influence how I see life and its effect in my daily existence, and how other people see me. With my heart focused on God as the center of my spiritual life, my faith in Him is validated by my belief that Jesus died for our sins, and is tempered by the underlying Buddhist principles of dependent arising, the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. By making God the core of my spiritual beliefs, the ego becomes healthy because my growing reliance on God depends on fellowship with like-minded people. By relying on God, I develop a need for Him which deflates my ego, leading me to practice humility. With prayer and meditation, it is possible for me to moderate my life, encouraged by the fact that salvation is the free gift of God, the belief that Jesus died for our sins, and a growing faith in God inculcated by reading the Bible.
Conclusion: The Spiritual Life as Common Ground Between All Faiths
Thus I see the common ground between Buddhism and Christianity since each faith help to enrich a person's spiritual life. Indeed, both faiths continue to enrich my life through my willingness to practice a form of spiritual plurality. Rather than water down Buddhism and Christianity, spiritual plurality helps me to maintain a balanced view of both faiths. Using what I know of Buddhist meditation to moderate my behavior (thought, speech and action), I am able to apply its use to seek God through careful prayer and meditation. As well, the spiritual insights gained by reading the Bible can also help me see Buddhism in a refreshing new light. As an example of such insight, both Christianity and Buddhism emphasize loving-kindness but use it differently. In Christianity, a loving God sacrificed His Son, Jesus Christ, so that all Christians are saved by faith in Him, with salvation freely given by God's grace. Salvation in Buddhism starts with a mytho-poetic Buddha named Amida of a Buddhist "heaven" (the Pure Land of Bliss) who is reborn from an angelic Bodhisattva (Dharmakāra) who was once the king of a mythical land. Inspired by a Buddha of a previous age, this former king made a series of vows of which the most important vow allows all Buddhists who revere that Buddha to be reborn in that Pure Land as "angels" so that they may listen to the Buddha preach before being reborn in the earthly realm to help other people come to know the Buddha. In this way Buddhism enriches my spiritual life as much as Christianity does, and my faith in God is complemented by my belief that Jesus died for my sins and my belief in what the Buddha taught! For the spiritual life is the common ground that all faiths share.
Reference:
Id, ego and super-ego: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Id,_ego,_and_super-ego
Ego as doer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ego_%28spirituality%29
Higher Power: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Higher_Power
Maslow's hierarchy of needs: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs
Buddhism and Christianity: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism_and_Christianity
20101027
Ego as Social Fabrication
The ego is not part of the true nature of human beings, but is a social fabrication, inculcated from birth.
Ignorance about our true nature results in us believing the ego is real until we find ourselves alone and socially isolated due to excess caused by our desires and passions.
Within the context of Buddhism, passions are considered a necessary evil. They are evil because when the ego holds sway over a person, the passions would eat us out of house and home.
Merely satisfying our material needs for clothing, food and shelter is not enough.
Without strong adherence to a moral code and the resultant ethical response of right and wrong, we could eat until we become obese, have more clothes than we could possibly wear, and never leave our homes.
Thus, the prudent and wise of us have learned to develop their spiritual yearning to the point where they have incorporated it into their lives, whether it is religious worship or a wholesome hobby.
For me, my hobbies consist of computers and writing: I use my computer to write in my journal, to create electronic music, and to learn about the world and myself.
As for religious worship, I try to spend at least every other day meditating, and reading Buddhist sutras to gain an understanding of the human mind and its essential nature.
Additionally I also read the Bible with an open mind, so as to round out my thirst for the living water of spiritually inspired works.
Ignorance about our true nature results in us believing the ego is real until we find ourselves alone and socially isolated due to excess caused by our desires and passions.
Within the context of Buddhism, passions are considered a necessary evil. They are evil because when the ego holds sway over a person, the passions would eat us out of house and home.
Merely satisfying our material needs for clothing, food and shelter is not enough.
Without strong adherence to a moral code and the resultant ethical response of right and wrong, we could eat until we become obese, have more clothes than we could possibly wear, and never leave our homes.
Thus, the prudent and wise of us have learned to develop their spiritual yearning to the point where they have incorporated it into their lives, whether it is religious worship or a wholesome hobby.
For me, my hobbies consist of computers and writing: I use my computer to write in my journal, to create electronic music, and to learn about the world and myself.
As for religious worship, I try to spend at least every other day meditating, and reading Buddhist sutras to gain an understanding of the human mind and its essential nature.
Additionally I also read the Bible with an open mind, so as to round out my thirst for the living water of spiritually inspired works.
20100630
Faith, Religious Practice and Quasi-Religious Practice of Social Drinking (Humour)
Faith, or entrusting, originally used to be known as the clear mind achieved after mindful practice of Buddhist meditation.
To the inexperienced outsider, such faith is discounted as the result of religious indoctrination, not excluding "brainwashing", which I attribute to a lack of respect for spirituality.
Perhaps this is why religious people and their spiritually-included brethren get annoyed at spiritually shallow people.
Though people without any observable religious practice still search for spiritual nourishment unconsciously by developing rituals i.e. "weekend drinking" where a group of people gather together to socialize where they drink to excess, and after excess imbibing, may be inspired to repeatedly pray to the porcelain altar. :)
It's no wonder that Buddhism includes as one of its precepts for lay people to lay off the sauce and imbibe from an unlimited fountain of spiritual development found through meditation instead.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinjin
To the inexperienced outsider, such faith is discounted as the result of religious indoctrination, not excluding "brainwashing", which I attribute to a lack of respect for spirituality.
Perhaps this is why religious people and their spiritually-included brethren get annoyed at spiritually shallow people.
Though people without any observable religious practice still search for spiritual nourishment unconsciously by developing rituals i.e. "weekend drinking" where a group of people gather together to socialize where they drink to excess, and after excess imbibing, may be inspired to repeatedly pray to the porcelain altar. :)
It's no wonder that Buddhism includes as one of its precepts for lay people to lay off the sauce and imbibe from an unlimited fountain of spiritual development found through meditation instead.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinjin
20100619
All as One (poem)
Between the spiritual and the material,
the former is full of spirit;
the latter, full of matter.
They who cling to either extreme
remain unaware that
both matter and spirit
are empty of substance,
and use reason to deny
the other's influence in their lives,
yet reason too is empty of substance.
Thus reason, spirit and matter
all have in common their emptiness,
and are all as one to the wise.
the former is full of spirit;
the latter, full of matter.
They who cling to either extreme
remain unaware that
both matter and spirit
are empty of substance,
and use reason to deny
the other's influence in their lives,
yet reason too is empty of substance.
Thus reason, spirit and matter
all have in common their emptiness,
and are all as one to the wise.
20100527
After The Decade of Peace, Love is Still the Answer
As of December 31 11:59:59 PM, the International Decade of Peace ends. It began with a bang in 2001. But will peace prevail over the current "War of Terrorism??"
Who knows?
When this decade of peace ended on December 31, 2010 at 11:59:59 PM, we were at war in Afghanistan and Iraq for seven years.
shk: 20100527.1855
When this decade of peace ended on December 31, 2010 at 11:59:59 PM, we were at war in Afghanistan and Iraq for seven years.
shk 20121006.1800
---
Who knows?
When this decade of peace ended on December 31, 2010 at 11:59:59 PM, we were at war in Afghanistan and Iraq for seven years.
shk: 20100527.1855
When this decade of peace ended on December 31, 2010 at 11:59:59 PM, we were at war in Afghanistan and Iraq for seven years.
shk 20121006.1800
---
In my humble opinion, the closest Buddhists get to God as the divine energy/being is The Absolute. However, this concept is not limited by a belief in a permanent self or immortal soul. The closest one could get to it is a psychic projection of one's passions as the various buddhas represented in Tibetan iconography. In essence this is a primitive form of psychotherapy which has had over one thousand years of refinement.
Foremost, there is error in belief in a deity who is immortal since it violates what Shakyamuni Buddha said, that the worship of an immortal soul which is permanent is animism. This is similar to the commandment of the Judeo-Christians by God that he is "the Lord God" and no one should have any other god before him. What this really means is the worship of an immortal God which is permanent is also animism. For we should beware of aspiring to become like God lest we fall into the ego delusion of the permanence of an immortal soul, and suffer needlessly as a result.
One need only look at various fundamentalist cults of the monotheists to see the depth of suffering in their delusions.
Yet I am too aware of my own limitations as a Buddhist. Buddhism is no better than any other religion when in the hands of the powerful and out of the hands of the people. In this respect, Jodo Shinshu may have the potential of becoming a model of democracy since no discrimination is made between young and old, rich and poor.
However, when we look at Buddhist nations like Burma (Myanmar) and Thailand we see that the secular establishments like the media or the military are doing a disservice to Buddhism.
Furthermore, when Buddhist clergy use sutras to condone violence and bloodshed as during the recently ended civil war in Sri Lanka, it violates what the Buddha taught and mocks his Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path to spiritual happiness known as nirvana.
For this decade of Peace from 2000 to 2010 was broken in the early morning of September 11, 2001. It has taught me that we need to moderate male dominant role models so that we are embraced by the peace of mind that is the Buddhadharma, through meditation and related great practices.
Indeed, when each of us quietly works toward democracy in our host nations, we work towards a global chain of spiritual love and happiness that stretches around the world.
20100509
My Time on Facebook is Over
After two years on it, my profile was disabled by the Facebook Team sometime between Thursday May 6 and Saturday May 9.
After I asked why my account was disabled, they stated that my online behavior at Facebook violated Facebook's Statement of Rights and Responsibilities. As a result of recent online behavior, I will not be able to use Facebook. According to their email to me, the Facebook Team's decision is final and cannot be appealed.
This decision means I cannot create another Facebook account using my Yahoo account since FB's Statement of Rights and Responsibilities prohibits me from doing so.
Thank you, Facebook Team, for telling me why my account was disabled.
Thanks also for your prompt response.
After getting banned from other Internet forums (Clubvibes especially) as a result of previous on-line behavior, I plan to make no effort to create a new account on Facebook using another email account.
Instead, I plan to spend my time here editing my blog, and to return the focus on spirituality inspiration based on Buddhism and other faiths.
After I asked why my account was disabled, they stated that my online behavior at Facebook violated Facebook's Statement of Rights and Responsibilities. As a result of recent online behavior, I will not be able to use Facebook. According to their email to me, the Facebook Team's decision is final and cannot be appealed.
This decision means I cannot create another Facebook account using my Yahoo account since FB's Statement of Rights and Responsibilities prohibits me from doing so.
Thank you, Facebook Team, for telling me why my account was disabled.
Thanks also for your prompt response.
After getting banned from other Internet forums (Clubvibes especially) as a result of previous on-line behavior, I plan to make no effort to create a new account on Facebook using another email account.
Instead, I plan to spend my time here editing my blog, and to return the focus on spirituality inspiration based on Buddhism and other faiths.
20100504
Meditation on Spiritual Mind Control
Introduction
This note is about Buddhist meditation as the path towards control of one's mind to effectively function in society as an individual. I do not endorse any speculation on religious cults as mind control, for most people willingly choose to follow their spiritual path as they see fit. First I will introduce my philosophy about mind control, use consumerism as a way of explaining how cultural lenses work, and then focus on Buddhist meditation which liberates the mind and the individual.
The Post-Modern Conspiracy Theory of Mind Control
In my personal philosophy, I find the post-modern conspiracy theory of mind control as antithetical to the spiritual form of mind control called meditation.
For mind control in the media arises from mental and behavioral negativities of people in authority which distract from the positive benefits of meditation. Indeed, the popular forms of mind control instill fear in people. This fear is rooted in loss of freedom, individual will, and control over one's own life.
Yet as a cultural meme popularized by the media, one only need to think of movies with mind control as the theme, and the numerous newspaper articles sensationalizing the horrible aftereffects of religious cults (Jonestown).
At the root of mind control is abuse of power by people in authority who are trusted by their followers. For there actually is an element of choice involved in the popular conception of mind control. The individual chooses to give up control over his life to serve the needs of the group.
In serving the needs of the group, the group chooses a leader who has authority over them. If the leader is able to control his desire for more power, then the group prospers. If, because of corruption, the leader abuses his power, the group may still prosper but at the cost of ruining group harmony. Using the ideology which all of the group believes in, the leader justifies his abuse of power. The group may split up into factions over such an abuse.
In the media, mind control supposedly occurs when people in authority "brainwash" the individual against his will. Actually, the individual still has the will to choose to follow the dictates of people with control over his life or to continue to resist efforts (torture) to break his will.
However, I am skeptical of the concept of "total mind control" since most people who "submit" to mind control choose to become willing participants rather than continue to resist the torture, both mentally and physically.
Seeing Through the Cultural Lens of Consumerism
To test this truth, I submit that most people are willing participants in what may be loosely called consumerism.
In consumerism, one is educated from cradle to grave. Through education, one is inculcated in the belief that acceptance in the consumerist society is determined by compliance to the rules of that society. For each person's goal is to be a consumer. To attain that goal in that society, each person must be a productive member of that society. Through the consumer's eyes almost everything is product to be consumed. Indeed, in the ideal consumer society, everything is product.
If one's only purpose in life is to consume product, then one is almost like an automaton. Yet most people who are consumers are willing participants.
However, that's the vision of an ideal world in which consumerism is the ideology. In reality, various aspects of consumerism are internalized by us without most of us realizing it.
Through the lens of consumerism, it's possible to view medicine and religion as product, for both are derived from abstract concepts about the mind and spirituality. If you want to be happy, take a pill. If you need a religion, you can go to church on Sunday or worship in a temple on another day. Yet both the mind and the spirit are intangible objects.
So, a pill does not address the reality of the individual's mental development, nor does a religion address the individual's spiritual development with respect to the mind. All medicine can do is improve a person's health by relieving illness and sometimes preventing death, while religion serves our spiritual needs by giving spiritual purpose to life, relieving anxiety about the afterlife, adding a social dimension to one's spiritual life.
Both the development of the mind and one's spirituality is the responsibility of each of us, not as consumers but as people with free will.
The Effects of Buddhist Meditation
Since Buddhist meditation teaches one to be mindful of one's mind, one's view of life changes.
Rather than see the world through the lens of consumerism, I see the world and myself clearly because of mindful practice.
Careful study of Buddhism helps to see the relationship between all beings as interconnected. Thus the mindful Buddhist knows full too well the folly of controlling others. Instead, he chooses to teach the willing about Buddhist meditation, and lets them decide what they are willing to accept.
Buddhism helps me to see that my choices affect both myself and the world through thorough understanding of Buddhist teachings about the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path and dependent origination, both through careful study of the Buddha's teachings and by direct experience to validate what he said.
As a result, Buddhist meditation helps to see the mind as a process in each being.
At the root of Buddhist meditation is liberation of the mind from the ego. For meditation helps to understand the nature of the mind through direct experience and reflection on the Buddha's Teachings specific to each person's practice. Once liberated, one is able to control his mind effectively.
As the Buddhist sage Takuan Soho once wrote, "Of the mind, do not be mindless" which echoes the Buddha's last words, "Strive to seek your own salvation with diligence."
This note is about Buddhist meditation as the path towards control of one's mind to effectively function in society as an individual. I do not endorse any speculation on religious cults as mind control, for most people willingly choose to follow their spiritual path as they see fit. First I will introduce my philosophy about mind control, use consumerism as a way of explaining how cultural lenses work, and then focus on Buddhist meditation which liberates the mind and the individual.
The Post-Modern Conspiracy Theory of Mind Control
In my personal philosophy, I find the post-modern conspiracy theory of mind control as antithetical to the spiritual form of mind control called meditation.
For mind control in the media arises from mental and behavioral negativities of people in authority which distract from the positive benefits of meditation. Indeed, the popular forms of mind control instill fear in people. This fear is rooted in loss of freedom, individual will, and control over one's own life.
Yet as a cultural meme popularized by the media, one only need to think of movies with mind control as the theme, and the numerous newspaper articles sensationalizing the horrible aftereffects of religious cults (Jonestown).
At the root of mind control is abuse of power by people in authority who are trusted by their followers. For there actually is an element of choice involved in the popular conception of mind control. The individual chooses to give up control over his life to serve the needs of the group.
In serving the needs of the group, the group chooses a leader who has authority over them. If the leader is able to control his desire for more power, then the group prospers. If, because of corruption, the leader abuses his power, the group may still prosper but at the cost of ruining group harmony. Using the ideology which all of the group believes in, the leader justifies his abuse of power. The group may split up into factions over such an abuse.
In the media, mind control supposedly occurs when people in authority "brainwash" the individual against his will. Actually, the individual still has the will to choose to follow the dictates of people with control over his life or to continue to resist efforts (torture) to break his will.
However, I am skeptical of the concept of "total mind control" since most people who "submit" to mind control choose to become willing participants rather than continue to resist the torture, both mentally and physically.
Seeing Through the Cultural Lens of Consumerism
To test this truth, I submit that most people are willing participants in what may be loosely called consumerism.
In consumerism, one is educated from cradle to grave. Through education, one is inculcated in the belief that acceptance in the consumerist society is determined by compliance to the rules of that society. For each person's goal is to be a consumer. To attain that goal in that society, each person must be a productive member of that society. Through the consumer's eyes almost everything is product to be consumed. Indeed, in the ideal consumer society, everything is product.
If one's only purpose in life is to consume product, then one is almost like an automaton. Yet most people who are consumers are willing participants.
However, that's the vision of an ideal world in which consumerism is the ideology. In reality, various aspects of consumerism are internalized by us without most of us realizing it.
Through the lens of consumerism, it's possible to view medicine and religion as product, for both are derived from abstract concepts about the mind and spirituality. If you want to be happy, take a pill. If you need a religion, you can go to church on Sunday or worship in a temple on another day. Yet both the mind and the spirit are intangible objects.
So, a pill does not address the reality of the individual's mental development, nor does a religion address the individual's spiritual development with respect to the mind. All medicine can do is improve a person's health by relieving illness and sometimes preventing death, while religion serves our spiritual needs by giving spiritual purpose to life, relieving anxiety about the afterlife, adding a social dimension to one's spiritual life.
Both the development of the mind and one's spirituality is the responsibility of each of us, not as consumers but as people with free will.
The Effects of Buddhist Meditation
Since Buddhist meditation teaches one to be mindful of one's mind, one's view of life changes.
Rather than see the world through the lens of consumerism, I see the world and myself clearly because of mindful practice.
Careful study of Buddhism helps to see the relationship between all beings as interconnected. Thus the mindful Buddhist knows full too well the folly of controlling others. Instead, he chooses to teach the willing about Buddhist meditation, and lets them decide what they are willing to accept.
Buddhism helps me to see that my choices affect both myself and the world through thorough understanding of Buddhist teachings about the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path and dependent origination, both through careful study of the Buddha's teachings and by direct experience to validate what he said.
As a result, Buddhist meditation helps to see the mind as a process in each being.
At the root of Buddhist meditation is liberation of the mind from the ego. For meditation helps to understand the nature of the mind through direct experience and reflection on the Buddha's Teachings specific to each person's practice. Once liberated, one is able to control his mind effectively.
As the Buddhist sage Takuan Soho once wrote, "Of the mind, do not be mindless" which echoes the Buddha's last words, "Strive to seek your own salvation with diligence."
20081209
The Japanese Religious Mind is Natural and Holistic, Being Both Spiritual and Material
In my mind, the material and spiritual are as one. I can no more separate them than I could keep a cup of water poured into my cupped hands.
Because the material and spiritual are as one, then God and man are not separated by sin, for sin has been cleaned away by the mercy of Oyasama (Amida Buddha). Yet Oyasama, though savior, is not God's intercessor, for he was originally a king who vowed to become Amida Buddha.
Yes, it is true that I utter Oyasama's Name, out of gratitude, not to ask for a boon or an answer to my prayers.
For prayers have a way of being answered when one least expects it. At least when I say the Name out of gratitude, I have but my gratefulness to offer to Oyasama. This is known as uttering the Nembutsu.
As for ethics, it all depends on the situation. Were I to adhere to a code of ethics that ignored the specific situation, then it's just part of a rulebook and could easily be codified into law.
For what kind of freedom is offered by rules? And how free are we when some of those rules become law?
Though limitations on our freedom may liberate us eventually, those limitations should be natural, not man-made.
That the spiritual and material are as one is the realization of what truly liberates us, because both the spiritual and material are natural, originally untouched by man.
This is why cleanliness is important to us, though it is up to each of us to determine how to keep clean, not one man's rules nor one society's laws.
I hope this explains the Japanese culture from the religious aspect to the gentle reader.
Because the material and spiritual are as one, then God and man are not separated by sin, for sin has been cleaned away by the mercy of Oyasama (Amida Buddha). Yet Oyasama, though savior, is not God's intercessor, for he was originally a king who vowed to become Amida Buddha.
Yes, it is true that I utter Oyasama's Name, out of gratitude, not to ask for a boon or an answer to my prayers.
For prayers have a way of being answered when one least expects it. At least when I say the Name out of gratitude, I have but my gratefulness to offer to Oyasama. This is known as uttering the Nembutsu.
As for ethics, it all depends on the situation. Were I to adhere to a code of ethics that ignored the specific situation, then it's just part of a rulebook and could easily be codified into law.
For what kind of freedom is offered by rules? And how free are we when some of those rules become law?
Though limitations on our freedom may liberate us eventually, those limitations should be natural, not man-made.
That the spiritual and material are as one is the realization of what truly liberates us, because both the spiritual and material are natural, originally untouched by man.
This is why cleanliness is important to us, though it is up to each of us to determine how to keep clean, not one man's rules nor one society's laws.
I hope this explains the Japanese culture from the religious aspect to the gentle reader.
20080225
We Aspire to Infinity...
We aspire to infinity, to God, and yet we are living in a finite time and space with the many constraints that brings. Our hearts are actually made for union with everybody, and to relate to everything, yet we cannot, on earth, experience more than a taste of what awaits us in the fullness of time. It is not surprising, therefore, that we experience an insatiable appetite for love, that we experience loneliness, that in our restlessness we may turn to alcohol or drugs. Our longing and yearning for a universal love is infinite and with the grace of God our capacity is infinite. -- from an unknown Catholic source
I don't think any Buddhist sutra could sum it so well, this yearning for spirituality that causes the foolish to turn to drugs and alcohol instead.
Yet it takes a bit of humbling to come to this realization, which most people try to avoid at all costs, only to die miserably and alone.
That a person should at the first opportunity awaken to their spiritual purpose is an obligation only a few people dare to make.
Thus it is that many people are called by a Higher Power, but few of us dare to heed that Call.
20071122
Short Meditation on Alternative Medicine And Its Spiritual Roots
In the post-modern era, anti-psychiatry is in vogue. Medications usually induce the very symptoms they are supposed to suppress. Benzodiazepines are notorious for causing suppressed anxiety, sedation and other effects which leads to more anxiety, insomnia and even seizures.
I can think of better medication using rhodiola, 5HTP, valerian, skullcap, and hearty Indian food.
If you combine this with meditation techniques and positive thinking, then stress can be handled, nervousness will reduce, anxiety will fade, and smile will always be quickly found.
All it takes is dedication and practise.
As a Buddhist I know this. The earlier one realizes that one's role in the world is to awaken others to their spiritual destiny, the better.
For such an awakening is the key to becoming better people, even if one does not become famous or successful or even a rich person.
Indeed, true wealth is found in being humble and not being attention to one's self.
At the root of this wealth is unconditional love.
I can think of better medication using rhodiola, 5HTP, valerian, skullcap, and hearty Indian food.
If you combine this with meditation techniques and positive thinking, then stress can be handled, nervousness will reduce, anxiety will fade, and smile will always be quickly found.
All it takes is dedication and practise.
As a Buddhist I know this. The earlier one realizes that one's role in the world is to awaken others to their spiritual destiny, the better.
For such an awakening is the key to becoming better people, even if one does not become famous or successful or even a rich person.
Indeed, true wealth is found in being humble and not being attention to one's self.
At the root of this wealth is unconditional love.
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