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On Wednesday, June 7, 2000, Geoff ()@203.12.152.23 said:
Dear Lefty,

I'll endeavour to keep this as civil as I can as I realise insults are used to provoke an angry reaction from others. I used to do the same myself.

Just out of curiousity, what makes you say that Deepak is a "quack"? Have you read his books with an open mind (and heart) and then taken the wisdom and made the effort to apply it to your daily life? If you have done so and the quality of your experiences has remain=ed unchanged, then you might be in a position to say, "This doesn't work (for me)."

That is the only REAL test. Any other opinion or judgement is a superficial reaction. You're not alone in this - we are living in a terribly superficial culture at the moment. I wish you well and may you one day step into the light and look back on your current attitude and laugh your head off as I'm sure most of us have done at some stage along this mysterious and paradoxical journey.

I have experienced the darkness you now find yourself in. The tricky part is to truly find yourself in it. This is one of the paradoxes of human life. You don't fully appreciate the light until you've spent some time in the darkness.

Namaste.

BTW, if a quack can teach people to turn anger and hate into love and joy (I'm thinking of Deepak's The Way of the Wizard) then I'd say the world needs more quacks. A LOT more.

   
On Wednesday, June 7, 2000, carol (nevno96@aol.com)@152.163.204.32 said:
as i read through your questions of the day i find loving and compassionate answers from you, thank you, Deepak.
On Wednesday, June 7, 2000, carol (Deepak's Question of the Day)@152.163.204.32 said:
Monday, May 15, 2000 ~

Q: I would really like to forgive myself for past choices but don't know how.

A: Apply the same principles to yourself as you would to forgiving someone else. Remember, in every moment, you are always doing the best you can. Whatever choices you have made in the past were a reflection of your consciousness then, maybe you didn't know better. Now you are different so it's the time to let go of the past and move forward, We aren't saints, we will continue to make mistakes, it's all part of the learning process. Just try not to keep making the same mistakes.

www.chopra.com

On Wednesday, June 7, 2000, carol (nevno96@aol.com)@152.163.204.32 said:
all are good, Richard, no contest here.....and as Deepak might say everyone is doing the best they can do...
On Wednesday, June 7, 2000, Richard Nordeen (nuridinn@hotmail.com)@63.14.212.79 said:
No, Geoff's--no Carol's, or all are good--.
On Wednesday, June 7, 2000, Richard Nordeen (nuridinn@hotmail.com)@63.14.212.79 said:
I was taught that when I am racked with a resentment, anger, hate towards another, that is driving me nuts. All I need to do, is pray for that person for two weeks, wishing that they would have the joy, happiness, gifts/wealth that I would want to have given to me. It was hard to try the first few times, but it always works. Sometimes the resentments recur(like dandelions), but the formula will still work if used...the hard part is giving up (surrendering)...and getting on with the process...forgiveness is really wonderful, particularly when I practice it. It lets me be grateful for what I have and to live in the eternity of the present. Carol's is probably the "top example".
On Tuesday, June 6, 2000, Geoff (Carol)@203.12.152.23 said:
Thanks, Carol. The finest example I can think of is Christ on the Cross saying, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."

I don't imagine that would come easily after you've just been tortured & crucified by them.

On Tuesday, June 6, 2000, carol (Enemies)@152.163.201.58 said:
posted to: Deepak's Board
poster: Deepak Chopra
date: 6/1/00 9:23:05 PM

Question: WHAT CHAPTER WOULD HELP ME TO RID MYSELF OF MY ENEMIES OUT OF MY LIFE AND TO FIND GODLY FRIENDS TO BE WITH? I NEED PRAYER!

Anwer: Pray for your enemies. If you do it with a sense of deep forgiveness, it's possible that they may not be your enemies any more.

howtoknowgod.com

On Tuesday, June 6, 2000, Geoff ()@203.12.152.23 said:
Continuing the theme from a few days ago about offspring -

And a woman who held a babe against her bosom said, "Speak to us of Children."

And he said:

Your children are not your children.

They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.

They come through you but not from you,

And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts.

For they have their own thoughts.

You may house their bodies but not their souls,

For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.

You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.

For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.

Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;

For even as he loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

On Tuesday, June 6, 2000, Geoff (gjallen@hotmail.com)@203.12.152.23 said:
Nice one Richard.

I would sat the term is a derogatory reference to the turbans worn by people in India which is where Deepak hails from, I think.

I am therefore I think. Or sometimes, I choose NOT to think and it's often a better choice.

On Tuesday, June 6, 2000, Richard Nordeen (nuridinn@hotmail.com)@63.14.220.98 said:
Someone answering the door for UPS, when they thought they were taking a shower.
On Tuesday, June 6, 2000, Hadi (01@onetel.net.uk)@212.67.98.48 said:
What's a "towel-head"?
On Monday, June 5, 2000, lefty (lefty@pc.com)@64.252.3.62 said:
this guy is a towel headed quack..beware
On Monday, June 5, 2000, carol (for geoff)@152.163.207.53 said:
Discovery

I walk the earth quietly. I want to feel
her heart beating beneath my feet.
I lie on the green grass with open
shirt. I want to feel the fingers of the
wind touch my skin.

I see my brothers and sisters going
here and there, some laughing and
talking; some shouting and quarreling.
Does it matter? It is all a dream.

Birds fly far above me, dipping and
turning beneath the transparent blue.
Fish swim below me, diving out of sight
into the darkness below, and then rising
again to the top, floating in their liquid
paradise without a single care.

I love them all: fish and fowl, sun and wind,
man and woman. sinner and saint. For they
are life, they are love, they are me, and me,
them.

Some look from disturbance and believe
paradise is far, far away. I look from
paradise and notice the slight disturbances.

We have already attained heaven here.
The challenge of humanity is to discover
that.

Bob

On Monday, June 5, 2000, Geoff (grjallen@hotmail.com)@203.12.152.23 said:
Good Morning All.

Richard, I wish you'd tapped ME on the shoulder 10 years ago. :)

Hadi, I take your point about Tibet. Funny thing is, I remember reading the Tibetan Book of the Dead ages ago when I was still trying hard to be an "atheist". Many people tell me I must've bin a Tibetan monk in a previous existence.

Just received this in my email ...

Judge Gently

Pray don't find fault with the man who limps
or stumbles along the road,
unless you have worn the shoes he wears
or struggled beneath his load.
There may be tacks in his shoes that hurt,
though hidden away from view,
or the burden he bears, placed on your back
might cause you to stumble too.
Don't sneer at the man who's down today
unless you have felt the blow
that caused his fall or felt the shame
that only the fallen know.
You may be strong, but still the blows
that were his if dealt to you,
in the selfsame way, at the selfsame time,
might cause you to stagger too.
Don't be too harsh with the man who sins
or pelt him with word or stone,
unless you are sure, yea, doubly sure,
that you have no sins of your own-
for you know perhaps if the tempter's voice
should whisper as softly to you
as it did to him when he went astray,
it might cause you to stumble too.

On Monday, June 5, 2000, Hadi (01@onetel.net.uk)@194.112.58.92 said:
Richard: hehe... "When we try to control, we've really lost control." I wish you'd tapped me on the shoulder and said that to me ten hours ago. I could have done with hearing that earlier today. ;)
On Monday, June 5, 2000, Richard Nordeen (nuridinn@hotmail.com)@63.14.211.56 said:
Hadi, I think that's a perfect example of the "Iron Law of Unintended Consequences". When we try to control, we've really lost control.
On Monday, June 5, 2000, Richard Nordeen (nuridinn@hotmail.com)@63.14.211.56 said:
June 5th Forum off at "Quantum Speeds". Thanks Hadi and Jan. Smiles here.

Namate'

On Monday, June 5, 2000, Jeffrey Szmanda (jszmanda@pocketimage.com)@169.207.133.178 said:
I'd like to pass along a June 4, 2000 "Sunday Times" article on to Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. Wayne Dyer. It is entitled, "Eureka! Scientists break the speed of light." The article talks about an experiment suggesting that soon we will be able to send information faster than the speed of light. After listening to a seminar conducted by the two colleagues, I thought they may have an interest in this information. I'll be happy to send it off to them or anyone else who would like to receive it. Jeff Szmanda
On Monday, June 5, 2000, Hadi (01@onetel.net.uk)@195.157.33.227 said:
Geoff: That's true, about the dalai Lama, but I think you would agree the comparison ends there. The Tibetan Buddhist tradition was a closed one, very secretive and culturally circumscribed. The Indian tradition is quite the opposite. Very open and uninhibited. It was our good fortune that Tibet and the Dalai Lama were brought into the public consciousness. it was not the intention of those who did so that we should take such an interest in Buddhism. They were just trying to get score some political points against the Chinese regime for its oppressive nature. By the same token it was not the intention of the Chinese that Tibettan Buddhism should prosper so widely. They had sought to crush it all together. Red faces all round, I suspect.

The Lord moves in mysterious ways.
On Monday, June 5, 2000, carol (from Jan)@152.163.201.52 said:
by Alan Cohen

When I read that the Dalai Lama was to speak at a conference, I noticed that his name was preceded by the letters "H.H." I asked someone what those letters stood for, and I was told, "His Holiness." It's also the respectful title bestowed upon the Pope.

I began to wonder why the Dalai Lama and the Pope got to be His Holiness, and not the rest of us. To be sure, these spiritual leaders are very holy - but are they more holy than anyone else? Do the Dalai Lama or the Pope have any more God in them than the people who mop their floors? I imagine they would agree that we are all equally holy in the eyes of God.

I met a man who called everyone he met, "Buddha". "How are you doing today, Buddha?" he would ask me. "Beautiful sunset, don't you think, Buddha?" At first I felt jarred by his magnanimous appellation. Then I began to really like it. It felt better than "Dude".

This month, the month of May, we celebrate Buddha's birthday. Buddha was very holy. One of his students asked Buddha, "Are you the messiah?"

"No", answered Buddha.

"Then are you a healer?"

"No", Buddha replied.

"Then are you a teacher?" the student persisted.

"No, I am not a teacher."

"Then what are you?" asked the student, exasperated.

"I am awake", Buddha replied.

The goal of Buddhism, like any self-respecting spiritual path, is not to have titles or to make distinctions between degrees of holiness; it is to wake up. I love the famous Buddhist admonition, "If you see the Buddha on the road, kill him." This means that if you try to single out the Buddha and confine him to one form at the expense of all others, you have severely missed the point, and you must do away with your concept that this is the Buddha and all else is not.

The story is told of a holy man who lived in a large house on top of a remote mountain. Over time, news of the holy man's greatness spread throughout the land, and many seekers made their way over the mountains in hopes of having even a brief moment with this saintly being.

Each aspirant was greeted at the door by a servant, who ushered him or her into the house, and guided the visitor through several rooms. After a few minutes the servant and aspirant arrived at another door, which led out of the back of the house. The servant opened the door and indicated to the visitor that it was time to leave.

"But I was hoping to have even a few minutes with the holy man!" the aspirant would utter in frustration.

"You just did," answered the holy man as he closed the door.

The insecure mind takes refuge in hierarchies of spirituality, seeking to segment the universe into levels of power and worth. The Spirit of Love, on the other hand, will have none of the hierarchy game; all is God, all is powerful, all is spiritual, and all is worthy. As the third Zen Patriarch Hsin Hsin Ming declared, "The great way is not difficult for those who have no preferences. Make the slightest distinction, however, and heaven and earth are set infinitely apart."

The "His Holiness" concept got me to thinking about other appellations of respect. Take "Your Honor", the title attributed to judges. Certainly judges merit honor, but are the other people in the courtroom any less honorable? I suggest that judges address the criminals before them as "Your Honor" as well; perhaps this practice would bring forth the honor within them. Most criminals were not treated with respect as children; beginning now might call forth their innate integrity. A Course in Miracles tells us that all actions are either pure expressions of love or calls for love. Addressing criminals as "Your Honor" might begin to satisfy that call in a healthy way.

Then there is "Your Majesty", "Your Grace", and "Your Highness", offered to royalty. Does that mean that everyone else is not majestic, graceful, or high? Hopefully not.

I've been thinking about what title I would like. I choose "Your Eminence".I like that because it implies that I emanate. That is my goal: to emanate. To emanate life, light, and joy. I don't care that much about being an Honor, Grace, Highness, or even Holiness; "Eminence" really makes my boat float.

So from now on, if you write, fax, email, or talk to me, I respectfully request that you address me as "Your Eminence". And when it comes time for me to address you, I'll do the same. Either we all emanate together, or none at all.

Okay, Buddha?

-----
About The Author

Alan Cohen is the author of 14 popular inspirational books including the award winning A Deep Breath of Life.
To order Alan's new book Happily Even After or request a free catalog of Alan's books, tapes, and seminar schedule, write to Hay House, P.O. Box 5100, Carlsbad, CA 92018, visit the Hay House website at http://www.hayhouse.com or call 1-800-462-3013.
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On Sunday, June 4, 2000, Geoff (Hadi)@203.12.152.23 said:
Yes, I saw a doco on Sai Baba when our national broadcaster did a series about the life of Christ and those who are regarded in the same way in the modern world.

That was basically the first I had heard of him. Then again, until the Chinese invaded Tibet, we in the West had very little knowledge of the rich spiritual tradition of that country and the Dalai Lama who is one of my favourite people. Though I try NOT to play favourites. :)

On Sunday, June 4, 2000, Geoff (somewhere over the rainbow)@203.12.152.23 said:
You don't understand, Richard. We have to be vigilant and teach our kiddies to curb their natural tendencies & enthusiasm. How else can we mould them into normal, sensible, efficient, politically correct adults like us! I mean what would the world be like if we all behaved with gay abandon and exercised our imaginations to their full. It would be chaos. :)

BTW, that bird graphic comes from a site called Bird Pals where each first grader is assigned a bird to study, and a college student with whom to collaborate. Well worth a visit.

Cheerio.

On Sunday, June 4, 2000, carol (ACIM)@64.12.104.166 said:
Is it not madness to think of life as
being born, aging, losing vitality,
and dying in the end?

It is the one fixed belief of the world
that all things in it are born only to die.

This is not God's will for you.
What God creates is perfect and eternal
like himself and can never ever die.

A COURSE IN MIRACLES

On Sunday, June 4, 2000, Daniel (dano@bigfoot.com)@192.149.148.6 said:
Hadi, that is an interesting question. What does it take for a Saint to be recognized? A published book, a best selling audio tape, a NewsWeek cover, or maybe a crucifiction? The Saint may answer, "I am fully recognized."
On Sunday, June 4, 2000, Hadi (zarbafi@dircon.co.uk)@194.112.58.40 said:
Geoff, the reason I brought up Sai Baba was to chat about the fact that, in the west, even in these circles of spiritual seekers, very few people have heard of Sai Baba. Yet, in India and throughout Buddhist/Hindu Asia, he is considered to be like Jesus. Many think of him as the World Teacher or saviour that the various religions have anticipated. Sai Baba has been a practicing mystic since childhood and has been worshipped and revered for most of his life. Everywhere in India his pictures and likeness adorn walls and mantle pieces. Even in England I can buy Sai Baba incense, although most purchasers are unaware of who the guy on the packaging is. I believe he's about eighty now. He's been performing miracles for half a century and I was quite shocked to have not come across any information on him until I was 39, three years ago. I don't believe he has written any books, not to my knowledge anyway. Like Jesus he just practices and talks. It seems odd that our media and all the documentaries I have watched have never covered this man. I wonder why? ;)
On Sunday, June 4, 2000, Anna Buehler (FEMDEITY12@aol.com)@209.165.154.22 said:
I read the book about GOD by Dr. Chopra and I would like to say that there is an eigth level.I personally experienced an out of body experience after being drowned when I was younger. I was curious how many other people recognize this eighth level.
On Sunday, June 4, 2000, to george! (steagall@pacbell.net)@207.104.96.71 said:
i was unable to reach you at the address you left, i'm sorry! please feel free to contact me at the address above.
namaste
kathy
On Sunday, June 4, 2000, katt (steagall@pacbell.net)@207.104.96.71 said:
your so right richard. nothing compares to a child getting spanked at disneyland! anywhere actually!! i had the honor for way to short a period of time, to be the birth mother of three wonderful young boys. i would often hear that i was not strict enough or how i let them get away with too much.....however i am now a friend and confidant to three of the warmest, kindest and thoughtful young men. (a perfect grandson too!) people forget how short a time they were to be children. i've heard every excuse about how hard a time someone had or about how important it is to learn young. i was 40 when i found out for the first time just how mean people can be and i have to admit that i'm glad not to have been blinded by something like that during the first part of my life! let them be children! hug them and tell them how special they are every day. guide them, however, don't hurt their little hearts in any way. may there be only prace.
namaste'
On Saturday, June 3, 2000, Richard Nordeen (nuridinn@hotmail.com)@63.14.211.163 said:
Idle flights(?),Geoff, I loved the little birds graphic on your post re; children. When I see children out having fun (Being with one another), they remind me of a flocks of cheerful, chattering birds. This is more often noted when they are without the "Maestro's of the Appropriatti",aka controling/reactive adults.

It seems like everywhere I go. There are people yelling, threatening, and "spanking"(I call it hitting) children. Usually for crimes of exploration, questioning, being exuberant and unfettered in thought and action. Some how this translates into "WRONG/BAD is beyond me???What is wrong with bribing them, popsicles come to mind--sweeten them up, cool them off, and cork noisemaker. Oh well, as my old Professors used to say "too simplistic".

The real miracle, is that so many kids turn out ok, regardless of their nasty upbringings. Seems to prove that there is a universal consciousness that seeks Good.

Namaste'



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