The forum discusses a wide range of subjects and authors/teachers/guides and does not focus exclusively on the works of Deepak Chopra.

On Friday, December 31, 1999, Bob (VSpen67816@aol.com)@152.163.194.197 said:

Hello friends. Just passing through to wish you all a,
happy y2k..:-)

Dancing In The Void

Shy lights glowing from the measureless, know nothing
of the ways of time. The mind, dwelling in the farthest
corner of infinity, looks out through eyes of flesh a-
afraid, feeling trapped within the slowed-down motions
of eternal dancing.

The flesh is also a dream forever at the point of vanish-
ing.

Let go the hour, the second, and see the holiness that the
eyes can't capture. Cast down the terrors of the night, the
pictures floating in the raging sea of time, and feel reali-
ty freed of consequence and circumstance. For that unbound
to past and future has nowhere to dwell where fear can enter.

Death is the friend of creation, that gentle clown whose time-
less, spaceless smile wipes away all things of greatness and
significance; whose fingers trace in the sand of nothingness
what seems to us so bold and vivid, what grabs the heart and
makes it seek, and hold, and laugh, and weep for that which
never really was.

Trust the insubstantial. Trust the flow. For love dwells here
where all things linger but for an instant, and are gone.

Bob
12/31/1999

bob, may i send your message to the Forum?

"Yep."

My hope is that people
will enter it newly
and not drag into new opportunity,
the diseases of the past.

Once again we are all given
another chance to learn to love.
But whatever happens,
life is as good as it always is.

Love is greater
than space and distance.
The heart of one who loves
can never be separated
from others, because the body
is not in present sight.

12/31/99 bob

"And tell them I love them all."

Hi gang,

HAPPY NEW Kx2

Forum has been a great spectator activity. I haven't posted because I haven't. Been very intense at the psych unit I work at. Had a resident pray her way to heaven on Christmas Eve. Quite something, said she was going home went to her rocking chair and did it. Quiet, peaceful.

Any way just been praying, meditating, working, reading, exercising, and of course "stepping". A co-worker gave me a Deepak Calendar today, so I am here at the keyboard. And there is the famous MIA "Cara", hi there--go see Carol, there's a packet for you all to fool around with.

I just finished up six months of my .5fte Co. M.H. gig, so I get to go on sabbatical-paid (collect unemployment for six months, and go back to work in July). So I'll be trying out the fly fishing equipment I bought(Everything), mountain bike, new gun, maps, then of course backpacking, butterfly chasing, rock hounding, exploration, birding, and general trail Bumming. God's Creation and mighty splendor. Man is so small, but can be part of creation with a little attention.

"The reservoir of our own wholeness takes everything in without ever spilling over, without registering more than a small wave of disturbance. If you're not at that stage today, you can foster two qualities in yourself that will hasten its arrival: willingness and trust."

D.C. 1-1-00 Calendar, Namaste' all.

love Richard------

Nuridinn

Remember this one?

On Saturday, February 7, 1998, bob (VSpen67816@aol.com)@152.163.205.106 said:

What do we mean when we say we aren't happy?
Do we mean that our eyes can no longer see the
trees and our ears cannot here the rushing waters?
That we cannot feel the great mother's hair beneath
our feet, or behold the eyes of god shining upon us
from beyond the empty blue?
Where are we when we are not at home, when our
hearts have left the purity of now? What is it that
calls us towards the raging storm and turns our eyes
aside from the ever unfolding mystery of creation?
We are deceived by the dream. We cannot leave it
when we choose or awaken from its grasp at will.
Though we hear the voice of love surrounding us,
and though we can feel the beauty of that one mind
which is greater than all genius, we hope to find it
in the dream, amidst the fears and laughter, amidst
the half-clarity of our personal being.
The one who loves the dream may find laughter
mixed with tears. The one who hates the dream
will feel the constant horrors of his own creation.
But the one who dares surrender that dream and
follows the quiet sound which has no voice, will
awaken to reality even as he dies to the dream.

2/7/98 bob

Love Dogs (by Master Jalal-al-Din Rumi)

One night a man was crying,

Allah! Allah!

His lips grew sweet with the praising,
until a cynic said,

"So! I have heard you calling out, but have you ever gotten any response?"

The man had no answer to that.
He quit praying and fell into a confused sleep.

He dreamed he saw Khidr, the guide of souls,
in a thick, green foliage.

"Why did you stop praising?"

"Because I've never heard anything back."

"The longing you express is the return message."

The grief you cry out from
draws you toward union.

Your pure sadness
that wants help
is the secret cup.

Listen to the moan of a dog for its master.
that whining is the connection.

There are love dogs
no one knows the names of.

Give your life
to be one of them.

{{{Terry}}}: "Pick up thy bed and walk."

I always liked this one. Very compact and to the point. It's all there!

On Sunday, October 19, 1997, Dolores (early-Sunday@Mexico)@148.202.33.147 said:

For HADI:

Meditation

"One point of consciousness.
One star in the night.
A candle in the darkness
Small flame burning bright.
A sound with no echo.
A move with no result.
Single mind awareness
A breath seen, heard, and felt.
Standing here in empty space
Or drifting like an autumn leaf
No grasping, clinging, fear or hate
Mind stills and stirs like
Movement in the deep.
Then back again to daily thoughts
Up and down the stairway,
Tracking, trailing, hanging on
To business of a new day.
But always there is refuge
In going back within.
The mind that chatters
Stills once more,
On going back within."

Tom Barrett

Thank you Pat!

" Who among you does not feel that his power to love is boundless?"

But will "we" let it?

There are times when I wish I had written such wonderful stuff as some of the truth we post here...I'm going to open up to those possibilities in the new millenium. Until then, I wanted to share this by Kahlil Gibran:

And an astronomer said, Master, what of Time?
And he answered:
You would measure time the measureless and the immeasurble.
You would adjust your conduct and even direct the course of your spirit according to hours and seasons.
Of time you would make a stream upon whose bank you would sit and watch its flowing.

Yet the timeless in you is aware of life's timelessness,
And knows that yesterday is but today's memory and tomorrow is today's dream.
And that that which sings and contemplates in you is still dwelling within the bounds of that first moment which scattered the stars into space.
Who among you does not feel that his power to love is boundless?
And yet who does not feel that very love, though boundless, encompassed within the center of his own being, and not moving from love thought to love thought, nor from love deeds to other love deeds?
And is not time even as love is, undivided and spaceless?

But if in your thought you must measure time into seasons, let each season encircle all the other seasons,
And let today embrace the past with remembrance and the future with longing.

Happy New Year, everyone!

part two

"My son", replied the Master, "if you are the student, ask me your most pressing questions." All night the two sat in deep conversation. Every one of the Aspirant's beliefs were confirmed, every one of his doubts were dispelled.

Eventually as the sun rose he said to the Holy man, "I have embraced The Way and it has brought me joy in the service of life and my fellow beings. But I am frustrated in that by embracing The Way completely, by giving up worldly things, by living humbly and following the precepts of the scriptures that I am able to influence only a few. That I can help only those I come into contact with. That I can give only so much. As I travel to the city and to far reaches of the country I have seen such suffering, such pain. I am not able to heal all of the ailing. I am not able to feed all of the orphans. I feel I am disempowered in bowing to the ALL. For if I had wealth and power I would surely help my fellow men. Yet I know that this is The Way. I am young and my experience is limited. Perhaps there is a secret a wise sage as you may know which may enlighten me to help all of my people, and if there is I should practice it day and night to bring freedom and prosperity to all my brothers and sisters." The Master thought long on this question. The Inn Keeper was now offering breakfast. The Disciples were awake. "For now I can only tell you to continue in The Way, for there all your wishes will eventually be answered". With that he bid the Aspirant farewell and went on to the City and to matters of state.

Some years elapsed and the Master became grievously ill. His disciples, dignitaries and followers gathered about him as they heard of his deterioration. One night he had a great vision and called to his disciples with great urgency. He told them to bring the young Aspirant from the village outside the King's city for he had a divine message for him. "Tell us and we will relay it to him, for he lives far and you may not survive to tell him". It is a great and weighty message that is meant only for the Aspirant's ears, replied the tired Master.
After some days the disciples returned with the Aspirant and as before the Master sent everyone out so that he may speak alone with the Aspirant. After some moments the Aspirant emerged from the Master's room to inform his followers that their master had died. "Did he give you the message?" They asked. Yes was the Aspirant's reply. "What was the message?" the disciples demanded. "It was a great and divine secret which when revealed would bring freedom and prosperity to All of our people". All the Master's followers pleaded that he tell them this secret for the nation needed such a miracle. To them the Aspirant replied "This secret cannot be told until the right time." Asked when would be the right time, the Aspirant replied he did not know, but that he would know at the right time.

Some of the Master's followers resented the favour shown to the Aspirant, others, seeing this favour were drawn all the more to him and soon became his followers. As the attention on this strange mystic grew so it seemed more were moved by him. His influence grew even though he continued to ask nothing for himself. Others were drawn because they felt he had been passed a great secret and they wished to know of it. Others offered money, women and power if he would tell them the great secret which their Holy Leader had given only to him. To all he would say, "It is a secret that cannot be told at this time and in this place." Others sought to harm him lest his teachings may bring them grief.

The King had heard of the young Aspirant and the secret which had been confided to him by the Holy Man whose vision and wisdom had been so well respected throughout the land, and to protect the Aspirant from evil men and enjoy the benefit of his wisdom and knowledge the King sent his guards and invited the Aspirant to reside in the Palace.
The Aspirant agreed and now he was growing even greater in influence. Whatever he was given he would send out to the poor and the needy, yet he wanted not for himself or his desires. The Kings Court, his Officers and Politicians were soon coming to the Aspirant for spiritual guidance even though he had not been formally recognised as a Spiritual Leader by the Religious community. The whole nation had heard that he carried the secret of their Prosperity and Freedom and became suspicious of the King for keeping him in the Palace. As his influence grew this caused some frustration for the King. His people were troubled, there were tribal wars, and the King was unpopular. The Aspirant seemed to be the singular point of popularity with the people as far as the Royal Palace went. The King pleaded with the Aspirant to share his secret for the people but this he could not do. To appease his people he offered the Aspirant the post of Prime minister.
"If I become Prime minister then I become subject to you and answerable to you the King. This I cannot do for I follow The Way and I am subject only to God and answerable only to Him."
The dejected King suggests, "Since you answer not to me but only to the "one" who resides in higher office than me, then perhaps I should abdicate and make you king."
"That will be the day when I will reveal the secret", said the Aspirant.

Finally the King abdicated and the Aspirant was crowned King and on that day he revealed to the people:
"Some years ago I had asked the Master for a secret on how I may bring freedom and prosperity to all of my people, and the secret which he told me on his deathbed, which I was to share with no one until this day was that, when I am King the people will prosper and become truly free."

For there was once a Great and revered Master travelling to the city with his Disciples to meet the "King" and discuss the state of the nation in the hope that his wisdom would be heard.

The King and The Holy Man
(part one)

There was once a Great and revered Master travelling to the city with his Disciples to meet the King and discuss the state of the nation in the hope that his wisdom would be heard. On his journey he stopped at a small village where he had heard of a bright and respected young Aspirant who had given up all worldly things to study The Way and to help his people.

In the village square they came upon a young and dusty man meditating under a Cyprus tree. Beside him was a begging bowl with a few coins, a pitcher of water and a small bag of grain. The Master instructs his first disciple to enquire on the whereabouts of the Aspirant and to recommend a good place they could supper. But the young man would not break from his meditation. The disciple admonishes him for ignoring his Master, the Holy Leader. "He is probably deaf and dumb my Lord." The Master having observed the young man and his possessions instructs the disciples to give alms.

They proceed to the village Inn where the Inn Keeper is greatly honoured to have such a revered person supper at his table. The Master then instructs his Disciple to fetch the young man from under the Cyprus Tree so that he may dine with them for he is the Aspirant he wished to meet. The Disciples are surprised but the Inn Keeper confirms it is he. "What is the meaning of his begging if he is respected in his community?" Asked the First Disciple. The Inn Keeper replies, "The pitcher of water is for the thirsty. The bag of grain is for the hungry. The Bowl of alms is for the poor. For himself nothing, for the poor nourish him with what they have left over and in this community he has no wants." The Master nods knowingly.

His Disciple asks, "If he follows The Way then should he not acknowledge also the needs of his spiritual leaders and break from his prayers to serve them who have brought him light with the wisdom they have carried from the Fathers?" The Master replies "When a man is in The Way, who am I to interrupt his communion with the ALL. Go now and fetch the boy for he carries a question which is meant for me."

The Inn Keeper informs them that the Aspirant will not now be found in the square for in the early evening he is at labour helping to build a house for the Village "newly-weds", who are a poor and homeless couple. The disciples are despatched to fetch him from the site. Returning shortly the Disciples decry the arrogance and defiance of the young Aspirant who claims he is unable to come for some hours. The First Disciple says "We told him of the import of your journey. That the King awaits. But instead he sends his apologies and asks that my Lord wait for him until midnight. He said there is much work to do in the building of the house before the rains come, and that Nature's time table cannot be halted for the unprepared."

The Master agrees to wait, despite the urgings of his disciples that he is expected by the King. "Even a King, when he has known the Unity, would not be so arrogant as to defy The Way", declares the Master. He retires to nap in one of the Inn Keepers rooms and instructs his Disciples to wake him the moment the Aspirant arrives.
At midnight the Aspirant stands with his head bowed before his Holy Leader. He had no apology and this annoyed some of the disciples. He was, however, sincerely honoured to have the opportunity to meet and sit with such a revered spiritual man as the Master. He expressed gratitude for the patience and wisdom which had held the Master long enough that he may see his light. At this juncture the Master embraced the Aspirant and dismissed his disciples to their beds for at dawn they would continue their journey. Having waited all evening some of the disciples were reluctant to leave, wishing to understand their Master's curiosity in this mysterious man. But he bid them all the more urgently to leave and to Bow to the young man who stood before them. This they did with great reluctance and only because it was their Master's wish. "In time they will not need my prompting", apologised the Master while bowing himself to the Aspirant.
"My Lord, why does thou bow to me? I am but your servant, your student, your follower and am but a shadow in your light."

Saturday

The Law of Dharma

Everyone has a purpose in life...
a unique or special talent
to give to others.
And when we blend
this unique talent
with service to others,
we experience
the ecstasy and exultation
of our own spirit,
which is the ultimate goal
of all goals.

Discover the Higher Self
List Unique Talents
Serve Others

Deepak Chopra
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success
www.chopra.com

I wish you all a wonderful new year and a millenium of growth, love and new frontiers.

When I first visited here, I was going through a spiritual metamorphisis. A string of coincidences then guided me to this room, and the first post I read was this one.

A Little Story

One day while I was out walking alone,
the Lord came beside me and made Himself known.
I said to Him, "Lord, what is it you want?
For I am just out for a nice little jaunt."
He said to me, "Friend, I've a favor to ask,
and I know that it won't be too big of a task."
Though reluctant, I answered Him just the same,
"Yes, Lord, of course, I'm so glad you came."
He began to tell me of a place in great need;
A place filled with horror, with murder and greed.
Said the Lord to me then, "It is you I shall use.
You can go to this place to spread the good news."
My heart nearly left me! I stood there in awe!
Could it be too late for me now to withdraw?
I pleaded, "Oh, Lord, you've made some mistake!
Please, Lord, oh please, won't you give me a break?"
He calmly smiled with a gentle tease,
and asked, "Who is it you wish to please?"
"It's you, Lord!" I said, "And I'm very sincere.
But I am weak and have so much to fear!
I will anxiously do another deed.
Any work you want done shall be guaranteed!"
The Lord told me then, "You've no need to hide,
for I will be there; right by your side.
I promise that I will protect you from harm.
So you see, there's no reason to be alarmed."
I lowered my head and began to weep,
for I realized then how His love was so deep."
Forgive me, Lord," I begged on my knees,
"for it wasn't you I was trying to please.
For being belligerent, I'm truly ashamed.
If you punished me now, you wouldn't be blamed."
But kind was the Lord and so understanding.
He quickly explained what He was demanding.
"For being afraid, I chastise you not,
for what I was asking, I know seemed a lot.
What pleased me the most was your honest reply.
You wished not to hide, but to clarify.
I know that your trust had escaped from me,
but I've come to replenish, as you can see.
That you're willing to hear me, is what I plead,
for I'm able to give you all that you need.
My promise is great and shall be fulfilled.
It's for this purpose that my blood was spilled.
So weep not, my child, lest you close your ears,
for in living with me, you shall have no fears."

Donna Haney

Well I've had a nostalgic day looking in on the Forum today. Did anyone read the link to the "good times"? I hadn't revisited the "novelette" since we had typed it out back then. It was really fun to read again and observe the very different energy we had in that part of our relationship. A lot of the names have gone away for now, but it was nice to see a few pop their heads in today and yesterday. Barry, Bob, Cara, Ageless... Dave ; ). Colette usually pops in around now. It was fun and very moving, reliving those two hundred posts again this morning. Remember this "Desk-Top Legend"?

On Monday, March 16, 1998, YooHoo (Yoo@Hoo.Com)@204.215.226.99 said:

When I stop thinking -
I see.
I see the Divine within me.

When I withdraw from noises -
I hear.
I hear the Voice of Forever,
The Voice of Melodious Truth.

When I hear this Voice -
I come into Silence,
The Silence of
Beautiful Peace...

Only then
Life begins.

Remember these Good Times? ;)

{110 pages of 200 = 22,000 messages. This one is #49,448 (approx) Thus we're talking about # 27,448 (approx)}

The Wise Woman's Stone

A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream. The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation.

The traveler left rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime.

But, a few days later, he came back to return the stone to the wise woman. "I've been thinking," he said. "I know how valuable this stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me this stone." Sometimes its not the wealth you have but what's inside you that others need.

Here's A LINK to a very interesting piece of writing that may bear on this point. It concerns spirituality & the "New Age"

Sunday
The Law of Pure Potentiality

The source of all creation is pure consciousness...pure potentiality seeking expression from the unmanifest to the manifest.
And when we realize that our true Self is one of pure potentiality,
we align with the power that manifests everything in the universe.

Silent Meditation
Commune With Nature
Non-Judgement

Deepak Chopra
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success
www.chopra.com

Hey everyone! I thought I'd share a message from Deepak. He sent this to his mailing list (you can get on the list by going to www.chopra.com). Here it is:

This e-mail message comes with many blessings for the Holidays and the New Year. I have a strong feeling that this year we are going to make a Quantum Leap in our understanding of ourselves and our role on the planet.

A Quantum Leap is a discontinuous jump from one pattern of thought to a completely new pattern of thought with no linear progression in between. Originally, the word Quantum Leap applied to a subatomic particle which is now here and now there and in between no-where. It means going from one place to another without having to travel to the space in between.

This is my intuition-let's see what happens.

We will be starting off the New Year together with many of you at our Millennium Event, A Celebration of Spirit, in Palm Springs. Almost 400 of you will be joining us and we are still taking reservations as I write.

Since most of you will not be with us in person, we would like to invite you to join us in a special meditation and time of silence. The times set aside for our collective meditations is 11:45 to noon, Friday December 31, 1999 and 10 minutes before midnight on the 31st, Pacific Standard Time. We hope that you can take a moment wherever you are in the world to join us and know that we will be holding you in our consciousness.

I look into the mirror,
and I see the change in my persona
from ten years ago.
But the me that is looking
is unchanged.

Deepak Chopra
Everyday Immortality
www.chopra.com

I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas

Christmas Meditation

All my thoughts are decorating the Christmas tree of meditation with the rare gifts of devotion, sealed with the golden heart-prayers that Christ may come and receive my humble gifts.

I will mentally join in the worship in all mosques, churches, and temples; and perceive the birth of the universal Christ Consciousness as peace on the altar of all devotional hearts.

O Christ, may the birth of Thy love be felt in all hearts this Christmas and on all other days.

O Christ, bless thy children that they inwardly cooperate with Thy laws. make us realize that Thou art the best shelter from harm.

Teach us, O Christ, to be devoted to our Father as Thou art.

After waiting for me through many incarnations, Christ is being born anew in me. All the boundaries of my little mind are broken that the Christ-child may wake on the lap of my consciousness.

Christ Consciousness in me is the shepherd to lead my restless thoughts to my home of divine peace.

O Lord! make my heart big enough to hold Thee, that it throb with the Christ Consciousness in everything. Then shall I enjoy the festivity of Thy birth in my mind, my soul, and in oneness with every pulsing atom.

from
~Metaphysical Meditations~
by
Paramahansa Yogananda

"If you think you know someone - including yourself - you are actually seeing your own judgments and labels. The simplest words we use to descibe each other - such as friend, family, stranger - are loaded with judgments...

Because he has no lables for things, the wizard sees them afresh. For him there is no dust on the lens, so the world sparkels with newness.

--Deepak Chopra The Way of the Wizard.

May each and everyone have a beautiful and merry Christmas, and may we see the world afresh.

For those celebrating other holidays, too, blessed Ramadan and--tomorrow--Kwanzaa, and Happy Boxing Day! 'Tis the season........

From Deepak, on 12/28/99

We are excited to announce that we have just joined with WorldPuja to webcast the Dalai Lama's Millennium address to our New Year's Eve Event in Palm Springs. The webcast will take place at approximately 9:00 PM Pacific Standard Time. You can log on to hear His Holiness at either www.chopra.com or at www.worldpuja.org. WorldPuja is an online resource for connecting people of the world through live global prayer and meditation events for world peace. WorldPuja's global audience can best be described as those people who hold values of spirituality, social consciousness and service to others. Their sponsors are those who believe in the power of bringing the collective voice and energy of peace to the world through live global "pulses."

We are very happy to be able to share this live address and hope you can join us during this special time.

Love,

Deepak

"The truth is only a way of speaking: there is not something labeled Truth, that one day you will find and open the box and see the contents and say, "Great! I have found truth!" There is no such box. Your existence is the truth, and when you are silent you are in truth. And if the silence is absolute, then you are in ultimate truth."

I just came across several thoughts that I thought were great:

"The significant problems we face can never be solved at the level of thinking that created them."

Albert Einstein

NEW YEAR PRAYER

With the New Year Dawning,
I pray we all share
a deep abiding love,
our lives filled with lasting joy,
enveloped in comforting peace.

I pray for unequaled patience
in doing the things we want to do,
the things we have to do,
and the things we shy away from.

I pray for tender kindness
toward one another,
that is evident to others,
and heartfelt goodness
in all of our intentions.

I pray for a strong faithfulness
in things that really matter,
and unabashed gentleness
holding us together.

Lastly, I pray for practiced
self-control in dealing
with a sometimes challenging
and temptous world.

Taken from H.I.K.'s Gathas Under the Chapter "Everyday Life":

Harmony is brought about by attuning oneself to all beings,to all things, to all conditions, to all situations. And he who cannot tune himself tries to tune others, and while trying to tune others he breaks the string. It is like the person who has a violin in his hands wishing to tune the cello. If he wishes to be in tune with the cellist, he must tune his violin to the cellist's pitch. Every soul, as its nature, seeks constantly for harmony, but rarely there is found a soul who really knows how to create it. If one says, "This noise which goes on always next to my ears makes me mad", he cannot stop the noise. He must know how to close hiself from that noise; if he cannot, to accustom himself to that noise so as to be able to bear it and eventually to rise above it, that it may no more create inharmony. Very often, at the sight of inharmony, one tries to escape it. But inharmony has such a wonderful magic that if one avoids it in the East one meets it in the West. It never leaves a person; whom it loves it follows. And the best way to meet with inharmony is to try and harmonize with it. Knowing that the source and goal of all things is the perfection of harmony, and bearing that idea in mind, if one met with inharmony, which has no existence in reality, which is like a shadow, it must certainly disappear as the shadow disappears at the sight of the sun.

It is very difficult to evolve oneself and at the same time to keep in tune with the unevolved ones through life. It is like being drawn from above and at the same time being pulled from below. And if there is anything that can save man from being torn to pieces in life, there is only one way, and that is to resound, to respond to all that is asked of man. it is this principle which is taught by Christ in the Sermon on the Mount. The Sermon on the Mount may seem to teach a willing surrender to all, but that is not the way to look at it. The real lesson that one can learn from it is to harmonize oneself with all notes instead of with one note. Every note is fixed in its place, so is every man fixed in his ideas and ways. But the one who treads the spiritual path, he is all notes and he is no note in particular. Therefore he may rightfully be called the key note, the note which makes a consonant chord with every note that is played with it. There is no beauty where there is no harmony; harmony is the fruit of love. Therefore by attaining harmony in life one raches the perfection of all three: love, harmony, and beauty.

- - - - - - - - - -

Namaste' all.

On the subject of "paths", I am reminded of a poem I read recently called Vision of awakening. Here is a brief excerpt, the full piece is several pages long.

There are many paths, and each of us will find one to walk, run, stumble, dance, or fly on.

Some paths will take us all the way Home, and some paths will take us part of the way Home.

If we are sincere, then we will always receive the lessons that we are ready for: we can follow our heart and trust.

Ultimately the path disappears into itself.

The externals that make our paths different will fade into the background as we see more and more the essential unity in purpose of all genuine spiritual paths and respect the beauty and uniqueness of each one.

Our path to freedom should not be another trap that keeps us in separation, judgement, and isolation from others.

If we think that "our way is the only way," then there is no doubt that we have lost our way.

The poem continues for several pages ...

That Light party website is well worth a look if you like that little excerpt.

Enjoy.

Kate & Dave,

Interesting discussion. On the subject of time and calendars, our local Newspaper The Melbourne Age had a series of 4 special supplements sparked by the turn of the "Millennium". In the first one, they discussed what the current year actually is according to various religious calendars:

"1999" according to our calendar is 1420 (Muslim), 2544 (Buddhist), 1760 (Jewish) & the Year of the Rabbit (Chinese)

God only knows what year it is according to the atheists     J

I had a few other thoughts occur to me around this general subject. 1500 years ago, St Augustine asked, "What then is time? If someone asks me, I know. If I wish to explain it to someone who asks, I know not."

When I was a youngster (many years ago), I used to boggle my mind trying to grasp the concept of "eternity". Especially as I was raised on the idea of eternal damnation (which I now prefer to describe as internal damnation). Our normal states consciousness struggle with such notions. I thoroughly enjoyed Deepak's "Everyday Immortality" which sets out to propel the reader's consciousness above and beyond these "ordinary" states. I see meditation as an attempt to get in touch with (or awaken) that part of ourselves which exists beyond the boundaries of time and space. It doesn't always work as our busy minds are so full of the ephemeral and the transient concerns of this temporal realm of existence.

On the subject of eternity, there's a lovely story about a man named Arthur Stace, who wandered Sydney streets for 40 years writing the one word "Eternity" in beautiful Copperplate script wherever he went. If I can locate it, I will add a link that gives more details of his story. (Or that could be tonight's homework, kiddies, to use your favourite search engine to locate it). I was reminded of Arthur while watching the Sydney New Year's fireworks. At the end, the Harbour Bridge was lit up with that single word "Eternity"

The amazing part of this story is that Arthur was completely illiterate and had to painstakingly practice how to write the word in the style he did.

Update - no need to do your homework. Here are two links, there may be others:

THE STORY OF ARTHUR STACE

Alex Long's short stories - the Arthur Stace story is about half way down this page.

[ ' J

Pat, and anyone interested, check out THIS LINK for the script to Beckett's play.

Monday
The Law of Giving

The universe operates through dynamic exchange...giving and receiving are different aspects of the flow of energy in the universe.
And in our willingness to give that which we seek, we keep the abundance of the universe circulating in our lives.

Give
Receive
Circulate

Deepak Chopra
The Seven Spiritual Laws for Success
www.chopra.com

THE POWER OF INTENTION

The power of intention is a critical factor in all areas of life. Simply by intending to create synchronicity in your life, you can nurture that result.

In Vedic teaching, there is am important concept relating to spiritual evolution and the role that cosmic intention plays in our lives. This is the concept of dharma, and understanding what dharma means is essential to bringing synchronicity into your life.

Dharma is a Sanskrit word that refers to the natural path a person is intended to follow through life. Your dharma is your destiny - but it is destiny without any hint of compulsion or force. On the contrary, your dharma is the path of least resistance. It's the course that is most right and most nourishing – that brings you the greatest fulfillment and the most happiness.

Each of us has a gift, a special purpose that we alone can give to the world. This is our individual dharma. We are meant to discover and share this unique gift.When we do, we have achieved our true purpose in life. If you are in harmony with your dharma, you will always remain anchored in a sense of purpose and meaning.

EXERCISE: FINDING CONNECT1ONS

To begin, just look around at the environment you're in at this moment. Pick out a certain detail. It may be the color of the wallpaper of the room you're sitting in. It may be an image on a magazine cover. Keep the image clearly in mind for a moment.

Now listen. to all the sounds that are in your environment. Is there a conversation going on in the next room? Is there a radio or television playing? Is someone using a loud lawn mower outside your window? Pick a sound and hold it clearly in your mind.

Next, pick out some object that's nearby and touch it. It can be a coin, a book, or even a cat or a dog. Whatever it is, touch it with full awareness, feel its texture, and pay attention to whether it's hard or soft, cold or warm. You've had three experiences - one of sight, one of sound, and one of touch. Now give each of those experiences a one-word name. If your experience of sound was of a baby crying, for example, you could call it "baby."

Over the next 24 hours, pay attention to how those words reappear in your life - and to the memory of the sensory experiences linked to them. As you look for those words and sense memories, you'll discover a series of synchronicities associated with them. If you turn those words into omens through the power of intention, you'll encounter a series of meaningful coincidences derived from those omens.

This is truly an exercise in using SynchroDestiny. It can also be a step toward enlightenment, a step toward a richer understanding of your destiny and how mysterious and magical your life really is.

Deepak Chopra
SynchroDestiny

Tuesday
The Law of Karma

Every action generates a force of energy that returns to us in like kind...what we sow is what we reap.
And when we choose actions that bring happiness and success to others, the fruit of our karma is happiness and success.

Witness Choices
Evaluate Consequences
Listen with your Heart

Deepak Chopra
The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success
www.chopra.com

dear Geoff - again, thank you for the links.
and on Deepak's Everyday Immortality, i have been posting his sutras here. he posts them at www.chopra.com and i post them here. i love that powerful little book.
if you post the excerpts from Dalai Lama, would you consider posting Deepak's comments for New Years, too. he was on the mark, imo.
your brief excerpt from Vision Awakenings was great. thanks for sharing.
great comments on meditation. i enjoy your posts very much, love to you and Namasté.

Tom, your words remind me of the teachings of Gibran that I love. So now, in the present, things are as they should be as we sit at our computers. When do we know that the time is right to take action in the areas that the Dalai Lama suggests? People are starving in the present. The air is polluted now What does the Dalai Lama mean when he suggests that sometimes our actions are too late?

Also, is there a difference in these two ideas?

1) Things are as they should be.

2) Whatever happens is the only thing that could have happened.

Thanks...

The one is pure and silent
Why go on talking?
The most radiant in me
Has never said a word.

~~Rumi

Functioning ("operating" from) at the level of our sub-conscious (memory) we are generally at the 3rd level of "awareness" (Ram Dass, etc.). This amounts to the "knower and what is known", and is characterized by worldly desires, opinions, and pre-conceived ideas. Separation.

At the next "level", it is when what is called "love", or our heart, goes out to this or that. It's the beginning of a "soul" connection, when we look past the outward appearance of that "soul" connection we're feeling with the "object" of our attention.

Level 4 is where we are beginning the "transcendance" of what we've been taught.

Namaste'

"ALL"------"GOD"------"UNIVERSE"------"IT", etc., is MIND ("Consciousness" with a capital "c").

ALL is "Consciousness".

A way of explaining it simply is that within me "Super-Consciousness" (soul) exists totally, eternally.

Because of societal and experiential "programming", within that Super-Consciousness a sub-conscious (memory) has been created which we generally call an "ego" structure.

None of this "Consciousness" has anything to do with the brain that's underneath my skull, at least as far as "Consciousness" is concerned.

Our "brain" is no different than the CPU of a computer.

Proof?

Can't help there.

Namaste'

Yes Pat. What is coming into, going into, being into, rising into, expanding into?

Peggy, you asked: "Does the Dalai Lama's message contradict the thinking of those who believe that Things are as they should be?" If you clarify that statement by saying that things are as they should be for the present moment, I see no contradiction with the Dali Lama's statements.

The world is made of contrasts for a reason. We experience poverty so abundance can be appreciated, war so we can appreciate peace, hunger to appreciate satiation, etc. Kind of a Yin/Yang effect. Without contrast, how would we know whether or not one situation is desirable over another.

I believe that by awareness and right action, the world can cleanse it's past Karma acquired by the Nazis' and other's atrocious acts. And I think we are moving in the direction the Dali Lama suggests. There won't be overnight changes, but as more people become aware and act in peaceful generous manners, it will affect the collective consciousness of society as a whole.

From what I've read, the mind/soul isn't in the brain or body but belongs to the etheric. That's why our thoughts can influence others. You've probably demonstrated this influence to yourself when parked at a light, you look over at the driver in the car next to you, only to have him look back at you in that instant.

This site may be of interest to those of you who would like to see your internet shopping benefit someone else. 5 to 15% of your shopping dollar goes to benefit your favorite charity from a list. The shopping sites include such places as L. L. Bean. If you are interested, click here.

Does the Dalai Lama's message contradict the thinking of those who believe that Things are as the should be?

Also, if we accept the notion of a "space-time continuum" (and I do), does that mean that we are able to address the evils of the Nazis by addressing racial prejudice in our own neighborhoods?

Finally, is the brain the container of the mind or is it the mind itself? And, if the mind and the soul are the same, is Einstein's soul preserved in a jar?

Memories are frozen pictures
of space-time events.

Deepak Chopra
Everyday Immortality
www.chopra.com

wow! Geoff! i was, too.(getting interested) i loved hearing Deepak speak as much as the Dalai Lama, heh! i hope he might consider posting his complete introduction for us, too. i will write to him and ask, couldn't hurt, i guess. especially if more than one asks him to do it.

i wanted to tell you that you hit on one of the reasons that i post the words of these great people here. it is a wonderful exercise for me and it helps me to become more aware of their message. by repeatedly reading or listening to it, to post it, is to study it.

thanks so very much for the effort you put out for us, to read the words of these great men. love to you and i hope you are enjoying your day.
Namasté

His Holiness, the Dalai Lama's Message for the New Millennium:

Many people seem to be excited about the new millennium, but the new millennium in itself will be nothing special. As we enter into the new millennium things will be the same; there will be nothing unusual, however, if we really want the next millennium to be happier, more peaceful and more harmonious for humanity we will have to make the effort to make it so. This is in our hand, but is especially in the hands of the younger generation.

We have had many experiences during this century- constructive as well as extremely destructive ones. We must learn from these experiences we need to approach the next millennium more holistically, with more openness and far-sightedness.

If we are are going to make the right kinds of efforts to make the future of the world better, I believe the following matters are of great importance:

1. While engaging in material progress and taking care of physical well-being, we need to pay equal attention to the developing peace of mind and thus taking care of internal aspects of our beings.

2. Along with education, which generally deals only with academic accomplishments, we need to develop more altruism and sense of caring and responsibility for others in the minds of the younger generation studying in various educational institutions. This can be done without necessarily involving religion. One could therefore call this 'secular ethics', as it in fact consists of basic human qualities such as kindness, compassion, sincerity and honesty.

3. This past century in some ways has been a century of war and bloodshed. It has seen a year by year increase in defense spending by most countries in the world. If we are to change this trend we must seriously consider the concept of non-violence, which is a physical expression of compassion. In order to make non-violence a reality we must first work on internal disarmament and then proceed to work on external disarmament. By internal disarmament I mean ridding ourselves of all the negative emotions that result in violence. External disarmament will also have to be done gradually, step by step. We must first work on the total abolishment of nuclear weapons and gradually work up to total demilitarization throughout the world. In the process of doing this we also need to work towards stopping the arms trade, which is still very widely practiced because it is so lucrative. When we do all these things, we can then hope to see in the next millennium a year by year decrease in the military expenditure of the various nations and gradual working towards demilitarization.

Human problems will, always remain but the way to resolve them should be through dialogue and discussion. The next century should be a century of dialogue and discussion rather than one of war and bloodshed.

4. We need to address the issue of the gap between the rich and the poor, both globally and nationally. This inequality, with some sections of the human community having abundance and others on the same planet going hungry or even dying of starvation, is not only morally wrong, but practically also a source of problems. Equally important is the issue of freedom. As long as there is no freedom in many parts of the world there can be no real peace and in a sense no real freedom for the rest of the world.

5. For the sake of our future generations, we need to take care of our earth and of our environment. Environmental damage is often gradual and not easily apparent and by the time we become aware of it, it is generally too late. Since most of the major rivers flowing into many parts of south-east Asia originate from the Tibetan plateau, it will not be out of place to mention here the crucial importance of taking care of the environment in that area.

6. Lastly, one of the greatest challenges today is the population explosion. Unless we are able to tackle this issue effectively we will be confronted with the problem of the natural resources being inadequate for all the human beings on this earth. We need to seriously look into these matters that concern us all if we are to look forward to the future with some hope.

January 1, 2000

This message comes to you via the Namaste mailing list,

hosted by Deepak Chopra and
The Chopra Center for Well Being.

hi Pat - i didn't say what i think is not important i said i don't think it is important what i think he thinks is important. i did show what i got from his message in the following;

On Thursday, January 6, 2000, Carol (not to dos!)@205.188.200.28 said:

imo, the Dalai Lama gave us answers;

We need to approach the next millennium more holistically, with more openness and far-sightedness.

We need to pay equal attention to the developing peace of mind and thus taking care of internal aspects of our beings. Meditate

We need to develop more altruism and sense of caring and responsibility for others. Especially human qualities such as kindness, compassion, sincerity and honesty.

Human problems will, always remain but the way to resolve them should be through dialogue and discussion.

We need to address the issue of the gap between the rich and the poor, with some sections of the human community having abundance and others on the same planet going hungry or even dying of starvation, is not only morally wrong, but practically also a source of problems.
Please take one day a week to fast.

Equally important is the issue of freedom. As long as there is no freedom in many parts of the world there can be no real peace and in a sense no real freedom for the rest of the world.
Practice non-violence.

We need to take care of our earth and of our environment. The next century should be a century of dialogue and discussion rather than one of war and bloodshed.

One of the greatest challenges today is the population explosion.
Less breeding, more meditating.

i don't go so much by my thoughts on these things. i go by my feelings, as follows;

i listened to this enlightened, meditative being and my heart sung with the joy i felt emitting from him and i laughed myself silly when he laughed and he did many times during the talk.

how did he affect others here? just curious? if anyone else felt the way i did, from hearing him speak?

my backup battery is screaming. i'll return in awhile to read all of the great posts concerning this topic.

A good friend just sent me this quote from an old "Northern Exposure" episode, from ChrisInTheMorning:

"The ancients knew that we all share a common fate. They gathered around their hearths - their sacred fires - not just to remember those who had gone before, but to comfort each other in the face of their own inevitable journey.

Mr. Einstein put it like this: 'Strange is our situation here upon Earth, however there is one thing that we do know - that man is here for the sake of other men - above all, for those upon whose smile and well being our own happiness depends; and also for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected, by a bond of sympathy.'"

I think the Dali Lama's message was a call to action, not just one of contemplation. When do we know that the time is right for action or what acts are right for each of us? That's where the meditation comes in. Not to just wish away the world's ills, but to do as Wayne Dyer suggests and meditate on "How may I serve."

I also think as one gets into the habit of meditation, they become more sensitive to the problems and are more likely to start doing what they can. I know that in the two years I've been meditating on a fairly regularly basis, my outlook on things has started to change and I'm more open to giving money to organizations that I think can help. Time on the other hand is another matter, I'm still pretty stingy there.

Do you think that the Dalai Lama's address is a call to dialogue, meditation and action? Or do you think that he is saying that discussion and dialogue are enough?

To me, there is no real compassion without doing something about the problem. Until then, it has all of the conviction of the President saying, "I feel your pain."

And love is more than a feeling. It, too, requires action. And the social counterpart of love is justice.

One thing is clear, I think. The Dalai Lama advocates more than study and going within. Anyone disagree?

Lastly, I want to share one of my fundamental beliefs. That is, in spite of many difficulties ... in some cases, horrible or hopeless appearances, we should not lose our determination. That is very, very important. To keep optimism. So that, eventually, we can overcome all these painful experiences or these troubles. Right from the beginning, if we begin with hopelessness or discourage ... then even small things which we can easily achieve .. then ... even that we can never achieve.

Therefore, it is very important to keep self-confidence and determination. For that, a tranquil mind is the most effective element in order to keep determination. So, whether believer or non-believer, please try to keep warm heart inside. Then ... you, yourself will be a happier person and through that, your family will be happier and through that a happier, more peaceful community can develop. According to my experience, according to my philosophical view, in order to create happy humanity, happy world and also a safer world for millions of animals, birds, other sentient beings ... if we human beings with the help of human intelligence, with the help of a wiser perspective ... please keep a warm heart, compassionate heart inside.

Thank you very much,

Dalai Lama

imo, the Dalai Lama gave us answers;

We need to approach the next millennium more holistically, with more openness and far-sightedness.

We need to pay equal attention to the developing peace of mind and thus taking care of internal aspects of our beings.
Meditate

We need to develop more altruism and sense of caring and responsibility for others. Especially human qualities such as kindness, compassion, sincerity and honesty.

Human problems will, always remain but the way to resolve them should be through dialogue and discussion.

We need to address the issue of the gap between the rich and the poor, with some sections of the human community having abundance and others on the same planet going hungry or even dying of starvation, is not only morally wrong, but practically also a source of problems.
Please take one day a week to fast.

Equally important is the issue of freedom. As long as there is no freedom in many parts of the world there can be no real peace and in a sense no real freedom for the rest of the world.
Practice non-violence.

We need to take care of our earth and of our environment. The next century should be a century of dialogue and discussion rather than one of war and bloodshed.

One of the greatest challenges today is the population explosion.
Less breeding, more meditating.

Come to think of it, TO, it is not bringing anything into anything. It is a quieting of the mind in order to remember who we are.

The me who experiences the memories
is the nonchanging space
between these space-time events.

Deepak Chopra
Everyday Immortality
www.chopra.com

last night i was attempting to go through my mountains of papers, to throw some away? and i found some wonderful posts from Frank on meditation. for those that search the archive it was 2/13/99 and 2/15/99. if i can i will bring them back to here, later. especially the one on 2/13/99.

Tom, your words remind me of the teachings of Gibran that I love. So now, in the present, things are as they should be as we sit at our computers. When do we know that the time is right to take action in the areas that the Dalai Lama suggests? People are starving in the present. The air is polluted now What does the Dalai Lama mean when he suggests that sometimes our actions are too late?

Also, is there a difference in these two ideas?

1) Things are as they should be.

2) Whatever happens is the only thing that could have happened.

Thanks...

Most of us quote philosophers, great teachers, and religious leaders here from time to time. Is there anything you have learned from unexpected places? I just discovered that Kukla, Fran and Ollie received fan letters from Orson Welles, John Steinbeck, Marlon Barndo, Thornton Wilder, James Thurber, Adlai Stevenson and other celebrities. It made me wonder what "pearls of wisdom" went over my head when I watched it from a child's perspective.

(If you don't know who Kukla, Fran, Ollie and the Kuklapolitans were, then you are culturally deprived. ;-))

What wisdom have you gained from watching the Muppets? the Marx Brothers? Rita Rudner? Others?

Chris, I agree with you that a centered person is more likely to help others. That's why I think that meditation (or at least quiet time alone) is important. But I don't equate guilt with social obligation. Some are brought up with the concept of noblesse oblige and it is part of their fiber. (The Kennedys, even in their imperfections, are a good example, I think.)

"Unto whom much is given, much is required." I can never remember whether that is Old or New Testament or Benjamin Franklin!

In my opinion, that doesn't refer just to money, but also to time, wisdom, knowledge... "DO unto others as you would have them DO unto you."

That is happening. You remember this -- Plato has said this. And you remember that -- Lao Tzu has said that. And you remember what Jesus has said, and what Mohammed has said... and you remember many things. And they have all got mixed up. And you have not said a single thing on your own. Unless you say something on your own, you will miss the meaning.

"Drop the knowledge and become more creative. Remember, knowledge is gathered -- you need not be creative about it; you have only to be receptive. And that's what man has become: man is reduced to being a spectator. He reads the newspapers, he reads the Bible and the Koran and the Gita; he goes to the movie, sits there and sees the movie; he goes to the football match, or sits before his TV, listens to the radio... and so on and so forth. Twenty-four hours a day he is just in a kind of inactivity, a spectator. Others are doing things, and he is simply watching. You will not find meaning by watching."

-- Osho

For me, by becoming more centered, and more in touch with our selves, we will only naturally be moved to action to help others. We then come from a place of genuine charity and love instead of a place of social obligation or guilt.

The me who experiences the memories
is the nonchanging space between
these space-time events.

Deepak Chopra
Everyday Immortality
www.chopra.com

Dr. Chopra's answer fits in nicely with our discussion, imo;

Q: I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Can you comment on the paradox of accepting the illness and wanting to be healthy?

A: There really isn't a paradox here. By accepting the illness, you are accepting the moment is as it should be and that everything happens for a reason. This doesn't mean you shouldn't want things to change in the future. It's the difference between sitting around with a 'poor me' attitude or looking for the opportunity that's waiting for you in any situation no matter how uncomfortable.

www.chopra.com

thank you, Peggy, for sharing your ideas with us. i like the way you say, if you want to help. many times during the Dalai Lamas talk, he would say, if you agree..... like he was not trying to push anything on anyone, just, if you agree...

The Dream

Maybe we are all dreaming. One day, the universe itself will "wake up," and we will find ourselves in a state of unimaginable bliss. In the meantime, we are "down here," doing whatever we think is best. The "illusion" of pain, loss, and fear still hurts. Mystics have advised that by meditating you can transcend much of the suffering. Let us assume that you transcended all of it. Would that mean the material world is an illusion, or just how you perceive and relate to it?

Rev. Dr. Evin O'Ryan

"...If we really want the next millennium to be happier, more peaceful and more harmonious for humanity we will have to make the effort to make it so." -- the Dalai Lama(italics are mine)

Of course, the Dalai Lama could be wrong, but if you are interested in the implications of what he said on New Year's, please read on:

"...We need to develop more altruism and sense of caring and responsibility for others in the minds of the younger generation..." -- the Dalai Lama

Are you interested in supporting Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America? How about the Special Olympics?

Want to help without leaving your computer? Please read on...

"We need to address the issue of the gap between the rich and the poor, both globally and nationally. This inequality, with some sections of the human community having abundance and others on the same planet going hungry or even dying of starvation, is not only morally wrong, but practically also a source of problems." -- the Dalai Lama

Are you interested in supporting these organizations without spending a lot of time or parting with extra money?

1. Save the Children
2. Share Our Strength
3. The March of Dimes

If so, please read on...

"...For the sake of our future generations, we need to take care of our earth and of our environment." -- the Dalai Lama

Would you feel comfortable in supporting any of the following organizations simply by shopping online?

1. The Nature Conservancy
2. World Wildlife Fund
3. Wildlife Habitat Council
4. National Parklands Conservation Association
5. National Resources Defense Council
6. Rails to Trails Conservancy
7. The Humane Society of the United States

If you want to help any or all of these organizations, if you are a bargain hunter, if you would be likely to shop at any of these online places:

Amazon.com
LL Bean
gap.com
Land's End
jcrew.com
Esprit
Neiman Marcus
OfficeMax.com
WholeFoods.com
Drugstore.com
hardware.com
ethicalshopper.com
J.C. Penney
OutletMall.com

...and many more...

If you are interested in helping, please consider going to the following link to access those shopping sites: greatergood.com

By going through this link to do your shopping at these sites, 5% to 15% of what you spend will be donated to one of the charities that I listed. There are other charities available too and the list is growing. So is the list of participating stores.

I can think of no reason why we cannot meditate, study AND take action.

Geoff - i remembered that i had posted Osho's profile on the back of my bedroom door. a picture of him laying back and;

NON-DOER'S PROFILE

Q - Last Name Used:
A - Osho

Q - Last Book Read:
A- The Nothing Book

Q - Favorite Drink:
A - Diet Pepsi

Q - Favorite Sport:
A - Sitting silently, doing nothing

Q - Last Accomplishment:
A - Mahaparinirvana

Peggy,

I had a quick look but couldn't locate the source of that quote - the one you thought may be from Ben Franklin or the Bible. It does remind me of the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:15-30 ), which starts off like this:

"And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey."

This is also the parable that introduces the idea of "For I was hungry, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: I was naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. ... Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Ties in rather nicely with other recent discussions. I didn't remember much from attending Mass as an ankle-biter but I did remember that.

Speaking of quotes and stories and "pearls of wisdom", There is a site I have found which devotes a page or two to this sort of material. Here is one of the better ones (IMHO):

The Secrets of Heaven and Hell

The old monk sat by the side of the road. With his eyes closed, his legs crossed and his hands folded in his lap, he sat. In deep meditation he sat.

Suddenly his zazen was interrupted by the harsh and demanding voice of a samurai warrior. "Old man! Teach me about heaven and hell!"

At first, as though he had not heard, there was no perceptible response from the monk. But gradually he began to open his eyes, the faintest hint of a smile playing around the corners of his mouth as the samurai stood there, waiting impatiently, growing more and more agitated with each passing second.

"You wish to know the secrets of heaven and hell?" replied the monk at last. "You who are so unkempt. You whose hands and feet are covered with dirt. You whose hair is uncombed, whose breath is foul, whose sword is all rusty and neglected. You who are ugly and whose mother dresses you funny. You would ask me of heaven and hell?"

The samurai uttered a vile curse. He drew his sword and raised it high over his head. His face turned to crimson, and the veins of his neck stood out in bold relief as he prepared to sever the monk's head from its shoulders.

"That is hell," said the old monk gently, just as the sword began its descent.

In that fraction of a second, the samurai was overcome with amazement, awe, compassion and love for this gentle being who had dared to risk his very life to give him such a teaching. He stopped his sword in mid-flight and his eyes filled with grateful tears.

"And that," said the monk, "is heaven."


You can find more Quotable Quotes at The Centre for Creative Growth

I also enjoyed the Native American stories, which reminded me of a wonderful book by Anne Wilson Schaef called Native Wisdom for White Minds. The definition of a "white mind" having nothing to do with skin colour - "White minds are trapped in a closed system of thinking that sees life in black & white, either/or terms; they are hierarchical and mechanistic; they see nature as a force to be tamed and people as objects to be controlled with no regard to the future" Hmmm ... seems like this past century was rather dominated by white minds.

The Indian greeting Namasté, literally translated means, "I bow to the Spirit in you which is also in me". In essence, what this is saying is that I recognize that we are all equals.

Deepak Chopra

I am now noticing
spaces between written words,
spaces between objects,
spaces between thoughts,
spaces between sounds,
spaces between musical notes,
spaces inside a cup,
around it, and outside it.
I am noticing spaces,
spaces everywhere.
They are all the same spaces,
and they are always there.
Before the thoughts came,
after they left,
the space is.
Before the music was born
and after it died - the space is.
Before and after death -
the space is.

Deepak Chopra
Everyday Immortality
www.chopra.com

hi Pat - i'm not sure who said it but it is my opinion if we can find magic and mystery in the significant and the mundane, in other words, in everything, the need for questions will diminish.i checked to see what Osho had to say about questions, here are a couple of quotes from him;

Questions arise out of something wrong. When one has innocence there are no questions. Innocence wonders, it does not question. It experiences the awe of existence and life, the beauty. It is constantly wondering what it is all about, but it is not a question. It is a heartfelt feeling. One is surprised every moment.

Questions show something about you. Just because it has risen in your mind it shows some quality of your mind.

Osho
Guida Spirituale

There can be no serious answers to questions about the meaning of life, for to ask about life is to stand back from life and pretend one is not it. Questions at best are a form of play and may be enjoyed as such. There are no right answers, those that know it, just play.

Osho
The Revolution

When all questions disappear, the answer is found. Because the answer is your own experience of silence, joy, godliness. Unless that is found, questions will go arising...

Osho
I Am That

thanks Kitty - hope you don't mind i post some of what Deepak said here;

I feel that this is a good excuse for us to put our attention on peace and harmony and laughter and love and get out of our traditional tribal behavior. For thousands of years, human beings have basically been tribal and this has led to war, prejudice, and ethnocentrism and racism and bigotry and hatred.

Now, because we have information technology, it is possible to take an intention or an idea and reach critical mass with it. This was not possible before. Thanks to our technology, we now have the opportunity to collectively change and transform and evolve to the dignity of being truly human. I look upon this as a very good occasion to put our attention on what we want, rather than what we don't want.

We need to remember just one principle: Whatever we put our attention on grows stronger as a result of the energy it derives from our attention. Whatever we take away our attention from disintegrates. So rather than focusing on possible catastrophes, why don't we use this as an opportunity for personal growth and evolution?

Personally, I believe silent meditation goes to a deeper level of consciousness, which is beyond the mental turbulence that is our normal state. When the mind becomes completely silent, so does the body. The metabolic rate decreases, and self-repair healing mechanisms are spontaneously activated because there is no interference from a turbulent mind.

Every three months, I take a week of silence. This is an opportunity to renew. I really am not attached to deadlines. I enjoy the journey more than the destination. I also have the inner attitude that I'm really not doing anything, but that it is happening through me and so I've fared pretty well.

Guilt is not necessary because nothing is our fault. The only enemies we have are ignorance and prejudice. If you overcome these, we need not feel guilty, but consciously change our participation and improve our state of well-being.

Deepak Chopra
www.planetrx.com

Jim: Thanks for posting that "Daily Word". My dad used to read that at the dinner table all the time and I really enjoyed it. I should get a subscription. I find the material produced from the "Unity People" to be from the heart and uplifting.

I was listening to a Carolyn Myss tape this morning and coincidentally it was focused on "forgiveness" as well. It is such a key necessity for any type of spiritual or emotional growth. Too much energy is spent on a daily basis by holding on to old grudges and wounds. How do we want to use the energy we are granted each day?

I am very interested in forgiveness. If God is our greater Self then asking for God's forgiveness is looking for Self-forgiveness. "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us". If we do this regularly, each day is a fresh start. Nice to be in good company Jim. Namaste'.

Today's "Daily Word" was very appropriate for me: "Forgiveness frees me from the past and moves me forward in life" I needed to forgive myself.

"It is a commonly held view that meditation is a way to shut off the pressures of the world or of your own mind, but this is not an accurate impression. Meditation is neither shutting things out nor off. It is seeing things clearly, and deliberately positioning yourself differently in relationship to them.

It reeks of paradox. The only way you can do anything of value is to have the effort come out of non-doing and to let go of caring whether it will be of use or not. Otherwise, self-involvement and greediness can sneak in and distort your relationship to the work, or the work itself, so that it is off in some way, biased, impure, and ultimately not completely satisfying, even if it is good. Good scientists know this mind state and guard against it because it inhibits the creative process and distorts one's ability to see connections clearly.

Non-doing has nothing to do with being indolent or passive. Quite the contrary. It takes great courage and energy to cultivate non-doing, both in stillness and in activity…. Non-doing simply means letting things be and allowing them to unfold in their own way. Enormous effort can be involved, but it is graceful, knowledgeable, effortless effort, a "doerless doing," cultivated over a lifetime.

Effortless activity happens at moments in dance and in sports at the highest levels of performance; when it does, it takes everybody's breath away."

--- Exerpts from "Wherever You Go There You Are" By Jon Kabat-Zinn

A little girl was sitting in her grandfather's lap as he read her a goodnight story. From time to time, she would take her eyes off the book and reach up and touch his wrinkled cheek. By and by, she was alternately stroking her own cheek and then his again. Finally, she spoke, "Granddaddy, did God make you?" "Yes, Sweetheart," he answered. "God made me, a long time ago." "Oh," she said. "Then, Granddaddy, did God make me, too?" "Yes, indeed, Honey," he assured her. "God made you, just a little while ago." "Oh," she said. Feeling their respective faces again, she observed, "God's getting better at it now, isn't He?"

This was written by Mother Theresa:

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.

Hi Carol. I really enjoyed your Deepak posting a short while ago about the "spaces". I think absence and space and capacity are all interesting concepts.

"Oh sweep out the chambers of your heart, make it ready, to be the dwelling, of the Beloved. When you depart, love will enter. In you void of yourself, God will display Her Beauty." - Old Celtic Song.

Restraint, minimalism, understatement, reservation, selflessness. Emptiness as Potentiality.

~Thursday, January 13, 2000 ~

Q: Is it possible to completely surrender to an individual and feel so much love for them without any love being returned?

A: This is the state of unconditional love. True surrender is the tenderest impulse of the heart acting out of love to give whatever the beloved wants. It is the love of a mother for her child or a saint for God. This is a very spiritual experience because it means the ego isn't involved. However, if deep down, you really want your love to be returned, then the ego is stirring and this may eventually cause you emotional pain and suffering.

www.chopra.com

Ha ha {{Peggy}}!! ;-) ;-)

The things that lead me to believe that Deepak Chopra encourages us to go beyond the stage of "being" to the stage of "doing", are what you wrote and also...

He's devoted a whole law of the Seven Spiritual Laws to it!! The law of Karma (which is the law of action)!! If one goes back and reads the chapter (not just the summary statements), we see it is about action. Not to mention the Law of Giving, and the Law of Dharma (which Peggy's quote referred to), which includes Service.

So, I'd like to jump in a minute on this interesting discussion about being and doing (which seems to have been going on for a while). (This post is directed to the forum, not just to Peggy.)

I'll add something from the perspective of being a teacher of Primordial Sound Meditation. The purpose of meditation is not for what we experience in meditation, or what happens in meditation, but how it effects our daily lives. In fact, we make it clear that most of the time, we recommend only meditating twice a day for thirty minutes, and not longer. This is because the real benefit of meditation is when the qualities of Who-We-Really-Are (that are contacted in meditation) are brought back into our daily lives, and into our actions. In fact, at some point we find the quality of silence (being) becomes present in our daily lives and actions (doing).

So I don't think there can be any doubt that Deepak definitely encourages us to take action. And this is not contradicted by the Law of Least Effort. One thing I have found in my immersion in Yoga (and Deepak's philosophy fits into that category), is if one sees an apparent contradiction, then that's the time to go deeper.

I don't claim to be good at what you all are, the philosophical side of "understanding" (for lack of a better word). My "understanding" is more gut feeling, more instinctual. I find it hard to meditate, but easy to observe and just let ideas flow in, and sometimes these ideas become my truth.

I find the answers to lots of my questions around me, answers plainly in sight, mine for the picking. When I'm open to them, I see them I "understand," but when I'm not, truth could be smacking me in the nose and I wouldn't see it.

Going back to what you said Chris, I agree, when you're doing something you are meant to be doing, it can be effortless, and it is a joy when it is like that. But sometimes, we're meant to be doing things that are not so effortless, but we can have an inner determination and understanding that, still, it must be.

As for serving taking different forms, it does, to me, that's pretty clear! Teaching children with learning disabilities is a noble service, but so can providing a meal prepared with love to someone who could use it (and not necessarily for hunger of food). We could classify these services and say that the former is more "important" than the latter...but is it?

I've read the last postings kinds quickly, so I hope my comments haven't misconstrued anyone else's or been based on a misinterpretation.

Aaaaah, finally beginning to get involved again. What's up with Hadi and D2? Haven't seen them for a while. Hugs to all those who do manage to come in for a talk or read!

Chris, I also agree with you. We are each different in the way we serve humanity. Rightfully, some do more than others and get the publicity and world wide recognition. However, that does not take away from the fact that each one of us is still important and doing our part in our own unique way.

Peggy, I agree wholeheartedly that it isn't an either-or proposition. Along that line, here's an interesting idea I read elsewhere:

"I think that recently a lot of people mistake meditation for being at rest. I don't believe people who truly meditate are at rest, but that they are creating more energy. At some point all that energy created has to be put to creative use (as opposed to destructive use), or it turns on itself and becomes suicidal, out of necessity. When that energy burns itself out, the mind is out of sorts because it doesn't understand what it has done. It destroyed its own reason for living. It created a force that was meant to be put to use, but instead of using it, the mind slipped it into non-existence."

Thoughts, anyone?

Nature's intelligence functions with effortless ease...with carefreeness, harmony, and love. And when we harness the forces of harmony, joy, and love, we create success and good fortune with effortless ease.

DEEPAK CHOPRA

One of the things that leads me to believe that Deepak Chopra encouages us to go beyond the stage of "being" to the stage of "doing" is the following quotation:

"Before you go to sleep at night, when you wake up in the morning, before the silence of your meditation or contemplation, ask yourself, 'How can I help, how can I serve, both myself and the whole of humanity?' Learn to listen for the answers that arise from the level of your heart. Maybe there won't be any answers at first or maybe they seem confusing but keep asking and eventually things will become clearer. Make a list of your unique talents, the things you do best and the things you really enjoy doing. Look at this list and ask yourself how you can use these talents to serve and nourish our global family. Your Dharma or true purpose in life will unfold when your creative talents are applied towards fulfilling your own needs as well as the needs of the world (italics added)

Chris, of course it is important to use our gifts creatively and for our own enjoyment. And, in my opinion, if someone is lacking in a sense of well-being, then they should minister first to themselves. It is important to spend time in silence and in meditation and in self-fulfillment. No one is disagreeing with that at all.

But what I hear the Dalai Lama and Mother Theresa saying is that it must not end there.

Here are some of the things that she has said that speak to the issue of caring for one's fellow human beings. Her intent is clear:

"The dying, the cripple, the mental, the unwanted, the unloved -- they are Jesus in disguise."

"If we pray, we will believe; If we believe, we will love If we love, we will serve." (Italics added)

"You and I, we are the Church, no? We have to share with our people. Suffering today is because people are hoarding, not giving, not sharing. Jesus made it very clear. Whatever you do to the least of my brethren, you do it to me. Give a glass of water, you give it to me. Receive a little child, you receive me. Clear."

"Make us worthy, Lord, to serve those people throughout the world who live and die in poverty and hunger. Give them through our hands, this day, their daily bread, and by our understanding love,give them peace and joy. (Italics added)

"When a poor person dies of hunger, it has not happened because God did not take care of him or her. It has happened because neither you nor I wanted to give that person what he or she needed."

Calcutta can be found all over the world if you have eyes to see."

Once again, it is not an "either/or" situation.

Building an observatory is magnificent! And I have always appreciated the links to your photographs that you share. They inspire a sense of awe at the beauty and unfathomable vastness of the universe. But I can't stay there all the time and still fulfill my purpose. Maybe you can...I do not know. But I would like to hear what you have to say on the subject.