Spiritually Speaking

 Never leave the mind vacant - Actively follow a hobby. You must decide what you value more – money or peace of mind. Your hobby, like social work may not always earn you more money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment and achievement. Even if you are resting physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or positive mental thoughts. Many people find it productive to read their bible or say silent prayers, some may silently chant a mantra….

  Basics of Buddhism

Buddhism is an ancient religious philosophy with a complex system of beliefs. The following is only an overview of Buddhism’s fundamental doctrine. It is estimated over 300 million people worldwide practice the Buddhist way of life or wisdom. Budhi which means to be awaken or enlightened has its origins in India with the founder of Buddhism, Buddha Siddhartha Gautama also known as the ‘Enlightened One’. 

Many of us may associate Buddhism with Tibet and its spiritual leader, monk, the Dalai Lama who has achieved celebrity status; or perhaps we think of other well known celebrities such as music super star Tina Turner, Golden Globe winning actor Richard Gere, business mogul Russell Simmons or Grammy Award winning musician Herbie Hancock. These prominent individuals have all been outspoken about the path or steps they have taken to lead a moral life, to be mindful and aware of their thoughts and actions and to develop wisdom and understanding—The Noble Eightfold—which leads to—The Four Noble Truths– a possible plan for dealing with the physical and mental suffering humanity faces.    

 These truths comprise the essence of the Buddha’s teachings, suffering exists; it has a cause; it has an end; and it has a cause to bring about its end. The notion of suffering is not intended to convey a negative world view, but rather, a practical perspective that deals with the world as it is, and attempts to rectify it. The concept of pleasure and happiness is not denied, but acknowledged as fleeting. Ultimately only aging, sickness, and death are certain and unavoidable.  

The First Noble Truth identifies the presence of suffering. The Second Noble Truth, on the other hand, seeks to determine the cause of suffering. The Third Noble Truth, the truth of the end of suffering, has dual meaning, suggesting either the end of suffering in this life, on earth, or in the spiritual life, through achieving Nirvana. When one has achieved Nirvana, which is a transcendent state free from suffering and our worldly cycle of birth and rebirth, spiritual enlightenment has been reached. The Fourth Noble truth charts the method for attaining the end of suffering.

Karma plays out in the Buddhism cycle of rebirth or realms. It refers to good or bad actions a person takes during his/her lifetime. Good actions or actual positive acts, such as generosity, righteousness, and meditation, bring about happiness in the long run. Bad actions, such as lying, stealing or killing, bring about unhappiness. The weight that actions carry is determined by five conditions or precepts (sort of the moral code for a Buddhist) and they are: not to take the life of anything living, not to take anything not freely given, to abstain from sexual misconduct and sensual overindulgence, to refrain from untrue speech, and to avoid intoxication, that is, losing mindfulness.  

Buddhism is less of a fixed package of beliefs which is to be accepted in its entirety, and more of a teaching which each person learns and uses in their own way.

  text for this post was taken from the reference guide Basic Buddhism

                                                                 s            c              i             e            n               t            o                 l                   o               g                 yScientology® Symbol An upper triangle, the sides of which represent three closely interrelated factors: knowledge,responsibility and control. A lower triangle representing affinity, reality and communication.  Another Scientology symbol is the eight-pointed cross representing the Eight Dynamics of Existence, The cross also symbolizes the transition from materialism to spirituality and the crossing of that barrier.

Scientology, debunked as medical science, criticized as a pseudo religion, what is it and why is it being endorsed by A-list Hollywood celebrities              

It’s been argued as a controversial, and somewhat complex modern day religion. It was first brought to my attention with the widely publicized book some years ago and by the offering of free stress test in subway stations, utilizing the famous E-Meter machines used for “auditing” by Scientology counselors. I do not personally endorse nor am I affiliated with this religion or anyone known to me. The views and opinions stated are that of the individuals who made them. The purpose of posting this information, as with other such postings I have done, is to share and perhaps open a forum for discussion with those who also find the topic of “Spirituality” of interest.

 

The Scientology religion was developed by American humanitarian and author L. Ron Hubbard (Dianetics^®: The Modern Science of Mental Health). It came from his lifelong passion to assist man to achieve a higher plane of civilization and existence. Born in Nebraska in 1911, he traveled extensively during his youth. It was during his travels in Asia where he viewed so much misery and lack of basic needs that he asked himself “Why all this?” and “To what depths can man fall,” and “What is man anyway?” He found that there was not much known about the true nature of man. He became fascinated with this line of research which he made his life’s work.

The Scientology religion (recognized as such in the U.S. in 1993) deals with the human spirit and its relationship to the universe and its Creator. It teaches that the fundamental laws of life, when applied, help people achieve a happier and more fulfilling existence. It contains numerous workable methods: to deal with life situations, to create strong interpersonal relationships, raise bright and able children and have happy and lasting marriages. It also contains techniques to tackle the most serious social problems of our age — illiteracy, drugs, crime and immorality. It is something one does; it is not just a system of beliefs one is asked to hold.

The keynote of the religion is the human spirit — its salvation and rehabilitation. It teaches that an individual is a spirit — not a body, a brain, or a random collection of genes and chemicals. It is this recognition of the nature of an individual that forms the foundation of the religion. It directly addresses an individual’s spiritual nature with answers to the age-old questions — Who am I? What do I consist of? Where do I come from? Where am I going? This spiritual enlightenment leads to personal understanding of oneself, others and one’s relationship to the Universe.

The word “Scientology” means “the study of knowledge or truth.” The religion holds that man is basically good, not evil. It teaches that it is their experiences that cause people to commit evil deeds. It is not their basic nature to do so. People can mistakenly solve their problems by thinking only of their own personal interests and overlook or ignore how their acts affect others. This creates interpersonal strife and problems. The religion also holds that individuals advance to the degree they preserve their spiritual integrity and values, and remain honest and decent — indeed, individuals deteriorate to the degree they abandon these qualities.

L. Ron Hubbard visualized that celebrities would have a key role to play in the spreading of Scientology (see his quote below), and in 1955 launched Project Celebrity, creating a list of famous people that he asked his followers to target for conversion to Scientology. Today, it operates eight churches that are designated Celebrity Centers, the largest of these being the one in Hollywood. Celebrity Centers are open to the general public, but are primarily designed to minister to celebrity Scientologists. Entertainers such as John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Kirstie Alley, Lisa Marie Presley, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes have generated considerable publicity for the religion.

“Celebrities are very Special people and have a very distinct line of dissemination. They have communication lines that others do not have and many Medias to get their dissemination through”

 

A prominent professor of religious studies at the State University of Ohio agreed with him on this point and was quoted in a published interview as saying :

“I think the reason that celebrities would be interested is because it’s a religion that fits pretty well with a celebrity kind of personality. It’s very individualistic. It celebrates your individual identity as ultimately divine. It claims to give you ultimate power over your own mind, self, destiny, so I think it fits well with an actor personality. And then the wealth question: These aren’t people who need more wealth, but what they do need, or often want at least, is some kind of spiritual validation for their wealth and lifestyle, and Scientology is a religion that says it’s OK to be wealthy, it’s OK to be famous, in fact, that’s a sign of your spiritual development. So it kind of is a spiritual validation for that kind of lifestyle”

 

Conflicts and Criticism:

1. Conflicting statements about L. Ron Hubbard’s life, in particular accounts of Hubbard discussing his intent to start a religion for profit has often been rumoured
2. The Church and its many related organizations have amassed considerable real estate holdings worldwide, likely in the hundreds of millions of dollars   
3. Scientology encourages existing members to “sell” Scientology to others by paying a commission to those who recruit new members    
4. Scientology franchises, or missions, must pay the Church of Scientology roughly 10% of their gross income     
5. While introductory courses of study do not cost much, courses at the higher levels may cost several thousand dollars each

Some basic Scientology concepts that assist a person to better understand life better are: The Eight Dynamics of Existence: A “dynamic” is an urge, drive or impulse towards survival. With an understanding of these dynamics a person gains insight and can bring all aspects of his life into alignment.

• The First Dynamic is the urge to survive as oneself
• The Second is the urge to survive through family and sex and the rearing of children                                                  
• The Third is the urge to survive in groups small and large — a company, a group of friends, a city, a nation
• The Fourth is the urge to survive as mankind
• The Fifth, Sixth, Seventh and Eighth are the urges to survive through other life forms such as animals and plants, the physical universe, the spiritual universe and Infinity or Supreme Being respectively – The thetan (similar to the spirit) is believed to be reborn time and time again in new bodies through a process called “assumption” which is similar to reincarnation.

Scientology teaches that by simply describing these dynamics, it clarifies and brings order into existence. One can observe these dynamics in one’s own life, note which need improvement and through the use of Scientology principles bring these factors into greater harmony.

**The contents for this post was taken from various websites and references used on these sites. Scientology®: A reference work presented by the Church of Scientology International, Scientology applied religious philosophy, Dianetics spiritual healing technology, Wikipedia and L. Ron Hubbard**   

 

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Daily Spirit & Devotional-Steps for getting closer to living a truly spiritual life

 

 Celebrities Embrace Kabbalah

 Kabbalah–ism Celebrity trend, Religious fad?   

    

It is well publicized that Madonna is a devout follower and so are Demi and Ashton along with scores of other A-list celebs. What are the basic teachings and the origins of the mystical practice of Kabbalah?

Steps for getting closer to your individual path to spiritual transformation                                

Often confused with Judaism which is its roots, the spiritual wisdom of Kabbalah teaches that in order for us to claim the gifts we were created to receive, we must first earn those gifts. We earn them by undertaking our spiritual work. By helping us recognize the sources of negativity in our own minds and hearts, Kabbalah gives us the tools for positive change.

It teaches that every human being is a work in progress. Any pain, disappointment, or chaos that exists in our lives is not because this is how life is meant to be, but only because we have not yet finished the work that brought us here.

That work, quite simply, is the process of freeing ourselves from the domination of the human ego and creating an affinity with the sharing essence of God. Kabbalah has always been meant to be used, not just learned. Its purpose is to bring clarity,understanding and freedom to our lives.

                              

So what’s Kabbalah’s fascination for celebrities? a way of keeping one’s ego in check, a way to find one’s purpose in life, a reason to believe in something larger than one’s self, a way of reducing chaos in the world and in one’s personal life? they’ve accomplished pretty much everything they set out to accomplish. They feel like they’ve done it all already, so what is there to do now? Kabbalah helps them answer that question.

The Red String Kabbalah bracelet and the significance of the red color– We see it boldly displayed on the wrist of Paris Hilton, Britney Spears and many others. The Red String has been used as a means of protection for centuries. The ritual initiated by the great sages, involves winding the string around the tomb of the Matriarch Rachel, located in the Holy Land of Israel. The string is then worn on the left wrist as a symbol.

       

The color red is also thought traditionally to protect and shield us from evil. The color red is significant within Jewish history because it was one of the items necessary for the building of the original Temple.

The left hand is explained as being the receiving (Kabbalah) vessel for the body and soul. By placing the Red String on the left wrist, you can attain a powerful connection to the protective energies contained at the tomb of Rachel.  

Kabbalists believe that by attaching ourselves to the Light of holy persons we can utilize their powerful influence to help us against the evil forces. The Hamsa (Hand of God) symbol is also often worn as a charm on the bracelet because the eye in the center of the Hamsa protects its owner from the curse of the “evil eye”.

                                   *the text for this post was taken from the official Kabbalah website* 

 

 Ten Basic Rules for Attaining Mental Peace

A healthy state of mind, peaceful thoughts, a more focused and productive life, are within reach. You can enrich your mind, body and spirit and live the  joyful life that you seek if you obey these 10 basic rules for attaining mental peace.

                                                                            

Ten Basic–Do/not–Rules for Attaining Peace of Mind: Steps for getting closer to living a truly peaceful life 

1. Do not interfere in the business of others – It is likely you have been given this advice in a more succinct way at one point or another in your life “mind your own business!”

2. Do forgive and forget – Yes, you have heard this one too. It really does make you the bigger person and does a world of good for your psyche.

3. Do not crave for recognition – You should not live a self absorbed life or constantly be motivated by selfishness.

4. Do not be jealous – The green eyed monster should stay buried…jealousy is futile and it does not serve you.

5. Do change yourself according to the environment – Adapt to your surroundings. You have heard the saying “when in Rome do as the Romans do.”

6. Do endure what cannot be cured - You are better off accepting things you have no control over changing.

7. Do not bite off more than you can chew – This famous figure of speech paints a very vivid picture…what happens if you indeed bite off more than you can chew…you choke!

8. Do meditate and pray regularly - To achieve the highest state of peace of mind.

9. Do not leave the mind vacant - An empty mind is the devil’s workshop. Keep your mind occupied in something positive, something worthwhile.

10. Do not procrastinate and never regret - Do not waste time in wondering “should I or shouldn’t I?” Value your time and do things. Sitting back and worrying will lead to nothing. Learn from your mistakes but do not brood over the past.

 

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 In my continued research into alternative health and wellness practices to uplift and enrich the body, mind and spirit, I have examined the principles of Yoga and Meditation and reviewed the religious teachings of Hinduism and Kabbalah. 

The article “What binds diverse people” originally ran in the Christian Science Monitor.  It is the findings of a survey that addressed the role of religion and how it shapes people’s outlook on life.  I felt this article fit in well with my series “Steps for getting closer to living a truly spiritual life” I have extracted portions of the article and summarized it below.

What Binds Diverse People

The role of religion in people’s lives worldwide continues to get down played in the media and with policy makers, especially in the increasingly secularized West. The findings of an international poll taken a few years ago showed that religion remains a significant force that must be factored into decision making.

The firm that administered the poll conducted several hundred interviews each among Indian Hindus and Muslims, Peruvian Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox Christians in Russia, Saudi Arabian Muslims, South Korean Buddhists and Christians, Israeli Jews, Muslims, and Druze and Protestants and Catholics in the United States. Among the findings:

• A majority in all seven countries (except Korean Buddhists) thinks a more religious society would “greatly or somewhat help their country.”

• A majority of Muslims, Hindus, and American and South Korean Christians say they engage in religious practices – including worship – once a week or more.

• A majority in all the communities says that politics, not religion, is the source of unrest or violence in their own country.

• In all the religious communities surveyed, parents are the most important source of religious instruction within families for all the groups.

• More than half the respondents in each religious group – except Russian Orthodox, Israeli Jews, and Korean Buddhists – say being actively religious is an important value.

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Alternative Health & Wellness Practices

Steps for getting closer to living a truly spiritual life                     

In researching Hinduism and the spiritual practice of yoga and meditation, I came across the following guide which I found to be very informative.  The below excerpts were taken from Subhamoy Das’s Hinduism Guide:                                                                 

“Meditation is a mind/body state that brings benefits for healing, stress reduction, and even longevity. It is a skill that needs practice and more practice. Set a daily time for meditation and stick to it. Your brain will benefit from the endlessly fascinating journey into your own mind. Your body will benefit from the deep relaxation and stress reduction.”

The Power of Om -the Symbol of the Absolute

“During meditation, when we chant Om, we create within ourselves a vibration that attunes sympathy with the cosmic vibration and we start thinking universally. The momentary silence between each chant becomes palpable. Mind moves between the opposites of sound and silence until, at last, it ceases the sound. In the silence, the single thought—Om—is quenched; there is no thought. This is the state of trance, where the mind and the intellect are transcended as the individual self merges with the Infinite Self in the pious moment of realization. It is a moment when the petty worldly affairs are lost in the desire for the universal. Such is the immeasurable power of Om.”

Attaining Mental Peace

“Om is not a word but rather an intonation, which, like music, transcends the barriers of age, race, culture and even species. It is made up of three Sanskrit letters, aa, au and ma which, when combined together, make the sound Aum or Om. It is believed to be the basic sound of the world and to contain all other sounds. It is a mantra or prayer in itself. If repeated with the correct intonation, it can resonate throughout the body so that the sound penetrates to the centre of one’s being, the atman or soul.”

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Alternative Health and Wellness Practices

  

In researching Hinduism and the spiritual practice of yoga and meditation, I came across the following published literature provided by the Siddha Yoga center. I have taken the liberty of providing most of the information here on my blog for the convenience of my readers but you can also visit the Siddha Yoga website where this information is located and read it in its entirety for yourself.

 Steps for getting closer to living a truly spiritual life

Siddha Yoga is a religious movement that is based in part on the Hindu spiritual traditions of Vedanta and texts of Kashmir Shaivism and the poets of India. Under the guidance and teachings of Gurumayi Chidvilasananda, students embrace the spiritual practices of yoga including meditation, chanting, contemplation and study, and selfless service, as the means to the goal of Self-realization.

A Siddha Guru is a spiritual teacher, a master, whose identification with the supreme Self is uninterrupted. The unique and rare quality of a Siddha Guru is his or her capacity to awaken the spiritual energy, kundalini, in seekers through shaktipat.                                                                 

“God dwells within you as you–The Siddha Yoga teachings assert that this attainment is not only possible, it is our birthright. The goal of the Siddha Yoga path is Self-realization — the unceasing experience of yoga, or unity with God. Within each of us, behind the mind, the body, the ego, is a divine power. We practice yoga to recognize this divine power, the Self, and harmonize all our actions, thoughts, and words with it. The key to this divine vision of ourselves and the world is shaktipat, or spiritual awakening. When we receive shaktipat, we gain entry to our inner spiritual realms. Then, through our practices, our own spiritual awareness unfolds.” Swami Muktananda

As Siddha Yoga students many discover that performing the practices with a community of seekers (sangham), at meditation centers, ashrams and retreats, enhances the effect of the practices. Students can practice seva (selfless service) through volunteer work at either an ashram or a center in their city. Seva can also mean any service done as an offering to God.    

As students perform the practices together, there is synergy; the power of the practices increases dramatically. The collective intention of Siddha Yogis to advance in sadhana and the power of the teachings and practices lead to great transformation.

The form of meditation practiced is the silent focusing on a mantra and/or on the flow of breath. The mantra used for meditation is the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya”.    

Satsang refers to group meetings or programs, usually held weekly, at the ashrams and meditation centers. Satsang includes talks, meditation and chanting.

Dakshina is a financial offering or gift to the Guru. Traditionally, when students seek the teachings or blessings of a saint, they make an offering of dakshina. The practice of giving dakshina is an expression of appreciation for what has been received on the spiritual path.

Intensives are gatherings in which devotees are said to receive shaktipat, the awakening of the shakti, or spiritual energy, within the devotee. Intensives are usually held twice a year and are significant because the “bestowal of shaktipat” is a core element of the Siddha Yoga philosophy.

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Daily Spirit & Devotional—-I’ll take it to go, please!

In todays’ fast paced environment it’s not only a cup of coffee or a cup of tea that can be requested as a quick order to go…..with the use of a Blackberry, a iPhone, a iPod or any other handheld technology capable of downloading and streaming videos from the internet; you can  enrich your mind, body and spirit within a few short minutes. You can order up a dose of daily devotional programs any hour of the day from your itune library of downloaded podcast shows for example.  Of course a good old desktop or laptop computer will work as well too.  Below I have listed direct links to a few of my favorite spiritual and devotional websites, guaranteed to uplift your spirits.  Check your local radio stations and cable television listings for daily or weekly televised program offerings as well.

Below are the links to Pastor Joel Osteen, Pastor Joyce Meyer, Bishop TD Jakes, Dr. Charles Stanley and Oprah Winfrey (Soul Series):

 
http://www.joelosteen.com/Pages/Index.aspx

http://www.joycemeyer.org/ 

http://www.thepottershouse.org/webcast.html

http://www.intouch.org/site/

http://www.oprah.com/spirit 

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I’ve just recently read an article online titled “What to do when life is dark and heaven’s quiet”  I have attached the link below so that you can read it for yourself and experience the power in the words written. Despite the article’s dismal title, it is filled with encouragement and offers up advice on how to remain steadfast in the darkest times. How to remain faithful and hopeful that things will improve even though it may seem you have been forsaken. The writer points out that “Silence is Not Absence, Silence Checks Our Trust Level, Silence Doesn’t Mean Nothing’s Happening and that Silence Forces Us to Get Real with God”.  

http://christianitytoday.com/lyris/singles/archives/05-28-2009.html