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Special to Earthpages.org

Hindus and Jews have strongly criticized non-inclusion of world religious leaders in much-publicized and prestigious “COP 15—United Nations Climate Change Conference Copenhagen” starting December seven.

Rajan Zed, acclaimed Hindu statesman; and Rabbi Jonathan B. Freirich, prominent Jewish leader in Nevada and California in USA; in a joint statement in Nevada today, emphasized that for successful implementation at the grassroots level of environmental decisions coming out of this Conference, involvement of world religions and their leaders was extremely important.

Currently the Conference sessions are open to government representatives only with United Nations system bodies and accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs), inter-governmental organizations (IGOs) and press as observers.

Without the blessings of leaders of various religions and denominations of the world, the high-flown and ambitious global agreements coming out of such conferences many times were practically reduced to “paper plans” and “sweet talk” in many parts of the world. Involve the faiths and give faith leaders a respectable role to play to achieve concrete results at the ground level and to see effective and smooth implementation of global climate agreements reached at this Conference, Zed and Freirich suggested.

Rajan Zed, who is the president of Universal Society of Hinduism, and Rabbi Jonathan Freirich, said that religion was the most powerful and far-reaching force in our society and could prove very influential in handling concerns like ecological responsibility. Faiths jointly coming out in support of the environment would be a remarkable signal, they added.

Senseless use of natural resources, extravagance, greed, etc., were some of the major causes of this ecological crisis and these could be effectively dealt with by world religions. Current trend of one percent increase in emissions every year, if left unchecked, would be catastrophic for the environment and humanity, Zed and Freirich warned.

Rajan Zed pointed out that ancient Hindu scriptures, especially Atharva-Veda, were highly respectful of mother nature.

Conference of the Parties (COP), Fifteenth session, of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to be held at Bella Center in Copenhagen (Denmark) from December 7-18, will enter into a binding global climate agreement applicable to period after 2012.

Image credit: Jelene Morris

Author: Fraser Thom

To ensure that global warming does not become a more serious problem everyone needs to ensure they are doing their bit for the environment. So how can you help? Clear Environment, a highly environmentally concious office clearance company have written five quick ways for you to help save the environment (and your money) every single day.

1. Use heating and air conditioning resourcefully

Ensuring that you use your heating and air conditioning resourcefully could save up to 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide every year. This is a lot easier than many think, for example, by simply insulating the key areas where your home looses heat are insulated then you are less inclined to turn up both the thermostat and the air conditioning. Keep your windows shut and ensure that draught prone areas such as underneath doors are effectively covered.

2. Use efficient light bulbs

Many do not consider light bulbs to be a massive waste of energy, however they are a major offender. Just think about how many times a day you flick that light switch and often do not turn it off until you get into bed, if at all.There is now a wide range of energy efficient light bulbs available in all major retailers, known as compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. As well as switching to more efficient bulbs ensure you turn of the lights whenever you leave the room, it’s not that hard turning it on again when you walk back in the room!

3. Be a sensible driver
The government often campaigns to get more people using public transport – the issue with this is that not everyone has access to public transport easily, especially during winter months. When you can, drive less. When you can’t, ensure your tyres are properly inflated and that you keep your revs to a minimum. Not only will both of these be helping you be helping save the environment – but you will help save yourself petrol.

4. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

The ‘three R’s’ are something that most almost everyone could improve on and stand as general guidelines for most ways to save the environment. The first is reduce, you can reduce waste by only buying what you need and not buying in excess. The second ‘R’ relates to the reuse of products were you can – simple things like reuse of plastic bags could go a long way. The last of the ‘three R’s’ is recycling, contact your local council and get information on what they recycle – they will be more than happy to assist you anyway that they can.

5. Use energy conscious companies

Being an energy saver yourself is no good if you are paying somebody else to do work that diminishes your efforts. Their are plenty of environmentally friendly start up companies out their, for example clear-environment.co.uk , who provide environmentally friendly office clearance and even practice the ‘three R’s’. Always search for an environmentally friendly company before going directly to someone who doesn’t take good care of their surrounding earth.

About the Author:

Clear Environment provide environmentally friendly office clearance nationwide in the UK.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – 5 Quick Steps to a Clear Environment

Title: Jung on Synchronicity and the Paranormal
Author: Roderick Main
Format: Trade Paperback
Publisher: Princeton University Press (177 pp. with index)
Date: 1997

Book reviews are usually about new publications whereas Dr. Roderick Main’s Jung on Synchronicity and the Paranormal has been on the shelves for over a decade.

But considering this book’s unusual subject matter it might be appropriate that we’re looking back.

After all, Jung says that the individuation process, where one becomes healthy and whole, is a lifelong journey. And at some point in one’s spiritual formation unconventional phenomena like synchronicity and numinosity can crop up, suggesting not just linear but a holistic or, as Hermann Hesse put it in his novel Siddhartha, an upwardly spiraling universe of time and human experience.

Put differently, parapsychological truth clams usually defy our common understanding of things, invoking ideas of the future and the past, as well as heaven and hell.

Jung on Synchronicity and the Paranormal contains a good number of selections from Jung’s work. Considering the book’s relatively concise format, it admirably captures the scope of Jung’s thought with regard to parapsychology.

Perhaps because I’ve already studied and written on Jung’s Collected Works, I found Main’s Introduction (39 pp. with 5 extra pages of notes and references) most interesting. Not to say that I’m bored of Jung but it was nice to see some fresh new thoughts.

Of note are Main’s reflections on:

• Causality and acausality
• Jung’s understanding of the term “meaning”
• Jung’s alleged leaps of reasoning
• Jung’s view of time and eternity
• Jung’s small-p political acumen

Also useful are selections from Jung’s work about telepathy and life after death.

Jung on Synchronicity might not satisfy those looking for the “everything’s okay”  perspective, so often found in the New Age circuit. Nor is the book a mere repackaging of Jung’s work or another tract of Jungian dogma. On the contrary, Jung on Synchronicity is an intelligent, forward-thinking book that further develops several paranormal ideas investigated by Jung.

As Jung himself writes:

The hypothetical possibility that the psyche touches on a form of existence outside space and time presents a scientific question-mark that merits serious consideration for a long time to come.†

Main has responded well to this challenge. Indeed, scholars and intelligent laypersons should gain much from this penetrating study.

—

† C. G. Jung, “The Soul and Death” (1934), cited in Main, p. 144.

–MC

Thank You for Your Visit, Have a Nice Day (Wearable Sculpture) by Agata Olek / Art in Odd Places 2009: SIGN, New York City / 20091010.10D.55121.P1.L1 / SML: See-ming Lee 李思明 SML

Author: Rabbi Simcha Weinberg

Standing on the corner of 95th and Broadway, I had a perfect opportunity to observe peoples’ faces. I love the fact that New York provides a glimpse of people from all over the world. I tried counting how many different countries were represented by the people climbing up from the subway, when I noticed that no matter where these people came from, they had assumed the New York Face: no one was smiling. People didn’t look happy.

I stopped counting countries to begin counting smiles. The only people smiling or laughing were children. There were smiles of pure joy. There were smiles of satisfaction. I saw guffaws, belly laughs, giggles, and chuckles. The kids were the only ones who looked human.

Just as I began laughing with joy at the sight, I saw a mirror of my past when two parents were struggling with a screaming child. The children may be the only ones laughing, but they certainly were the only people having tantrums. No wonder so many people choose to stop laughing: Raw emotions come at a price. When we feel free enough to wholeheartedly express our joy, we usually have to deal with raw sadness and anger. To live with the freedom to laugh with such abandon, we must live on the edge, right where all our emotions bubble and pop, laughter and anger, happiness and sadness. I guess most New Yorkers already feel that they live on the edge, and smother their smiles to prevent themselves from venting their fury.

Reuben, the Bechor – First Born – of Jacob and Leah, lived on the edge. The Talmud (Bava Batra 126b) teaches us that a Bechor has special gifts: There was once a certain man who came before Rabbi Chaninah and said to the Sage, “I am convinced regarding this individual that he is the firstborn of his father.” Rabbi Chaninah said to him, “From where do you know this?”

The witness said to him in reply, “Because when people would come to the son’s father with eye ailments, he would tell them: ‘Go to my son Shichas for he is a firstborn son, and his saliva can heal eye ailments.’”

Rabbi Chaninah accepted this proof, and awarded the son in question a double portion of his father’s property.

Firstborns have great power, but they are also susceptible to stealing, hatred and resentment. (Yalkut Shimoni, Vayechi #157)

Reuben lived this conflict: He moved Jacob’s bed to prevent him from fathering more children and further diluting Reuben’s inheritance. (Ramban, Genesis 35:22) He liked money.

Yet, he also was careful not to steal, “he went during the harvest and found mandrakes growing wildly in a field,” he would not take anything from another’s property. He would only collect wild flowers for his mother. The Alshich says that Reuben intended the flowers to help Leah attract her husband and bear more children!

Reuben was impetuous (Genesis 49:3-4), enough for Jacob to fear that if rebuked by his father, he would turn away from Jacob and join Eisav! (Rashi, Deuteronomy 1:3) Reuben impetuously moved his bed directly in front of Bilhah’s tent to make his father uncomfortable (Ha’amek Davar) and yet he planned to repair his sin by saving Joseph.

Reuben lived on the edge of greatness and terrible evil. Yet, he did not assume the New York face; he thrived where he was, learning to derive greatness from his challenge.

How would Reuben look as he came up from the subway? He would either be laughing or screaming, but he would certainly never be neutral.

About the Author:

Learn & discover the Divine prophecies with Rabbi Simcha Weinberg from the holy Torah, Jewish Law, Mysticism, Kabbalah and Jewish Prophecies. The Foundation Stone is the ultimate resource for Jews, Judaism, Jewish Education, Jewish Spirituality & the holy Torah.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Living On The Edge

Consumerism Reflected: Zohar Manor-Abel

By Donald Mehl

We frequently hear of people who are planning an earthly legacy of their good works as a name remembrance for others. Some legacies might be in the form of accomplishments, contributions, recognitions, or generosities all proudly and visibly displayed so that others might admire them. Other legacies simply are a tribute to the person’s character, their compassion for others, their spirituality, or their selfless sacrifices for the benefit of others.

Many legacies are intended to be a long lasting memorial – insuring that earthly works or personal achievements will be remembered long after the person is gone. Legacies of that type could include substantial wealth, possessions, and properties donated to charities, or, simply passed down into the hands of heirs. Other noteworthy items of involvement perceived as lasting legacies might include a successful business, one’s name prominently displayed on a marquee or permanently carved in stone as a remembrance, significant books written or music beautifully composed, or the establishment of a Foundation or Trust for those in need. The list could go on and on.

A few of those items listed certainly are noble endeavors, and can be carried out with honorable and Godly intentions. However, the motives behind many of the others would need to be questioned. All legacies are, in part, attempts to answer the question, “How do I want to be remembered?”

The legacies formed using questionable motives will most often recognize and glorify the individual as the primary focus. They desire to create some visible means of memorializing their name along with the accomplishments. They want their name, their fame, and their fortune etched in history for all to see. Those legacies seem to shout, “Look at all the good things I’ve done”, or, “See how successful I’ve been”, or, “Just imagine all the money I’ve earned in my life and I did it my way.”

Sadly, many of those legacies have the wrong motives since they’re all about promotion and glorification of one’s self self-importance, self-image, self-achievement, and pride.

There’s no doubt that most people work hard to achieve their so-called earthly success. However, there are some who inherit wealth or a “famous” business and family name that might allow them to continue a prior legacy. Also, there are many today embracing and giving praises to the popular self-help books that promote self-esteem and positive thinking for success in life, but most of those books are totally void of sound Biblical wisdom.

Some people might even give token lip service recognizing God for what He has allowed them to accomplish. However, few if any will give Him all the honor and glory, nor can they say their complete faith and trust is in the hands of the One who is in control of all things. Instead of seeking His Will and guidance through prayer and Scripture, most people depend on their own wisdom and understanding along with the help of others.

For those of us who have worked long and hard to acquire, create, and accomplish many things toward a legacy, it should be disconcerting to learn that we don’t own any of it. Like it or not, God owns it all. According to Psalm 89:11, the Lord God founded the heavens and earth, and they are His and everything in them. Psalm 24:1 tells us the earth is the Lord’s, and everything and everyone in it. In Haggai 2:8, the Lord is declaring that all the silver and gold is His.

God only permits us to use that which has always belonged, and will always belong, to Him. Also, we must never assume that our successes and good works are the result of God having blessed them, nor does it mean that we have followed His Will. Often times He simply allows events, both good and bad, to happen or take place to teach us and draw us closer to Him.

Sometimes we think we’re pretty smart, and will often pat ourselves on the back for the new and great things we’ve managed to develop and accomplish. However, Ecclesiastes 1:9,10 explains that there’s nothing new under the sun. In Galatians 6:3 we are told that we deceive ourselves if we think we are something when we are nothing. For the high-minded among us, we are told in Romans 12:3 not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think. Also, it’s written in Matthew 23:12 that whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

The words of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 6:1-4 should be seriously heeded by all who would desire public recognition for their contributions and good works.

Matthew 6:1-4 (NASB)

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”

Millions of people have been misled to believe they must earn God’s favor through their earthly works, and that those works will play an essential role in where and how they will spend eternity. The Scriptures, however, teach something entirely different. We learn from Isaiah 64:6 that all of our righteous acts are like filthy rags in the sight of God. Those people fail to understand that all the good things they do count for nothing without first repenting and reaching out by faith alone to receive God’s free gift of salvation. The Bible clearly teaches that we are saved not by good works, but rather, for good works.

Ephesians 2:8-10 (NKJV)

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Titus 3:5 (NASB)

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

Earthly treasures and riches are not long lasting as written in both Proverbs 27:24 and Matthew 6:19. In fact, according to Proverbs 11:28a, he who trusts in them will fail. We are warned in 1 Timothy 6:9-10 that those who seek worldly riches fall into temptation, becoming trapped in foolish and harmful desires causing their destruction some even wandering from their faith.

Jesus, speaking to His disciples, asked these questions as recorded in Matthew 16:26 (NASB), “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or, what will a man give in exchange for his own soul?” We are clearly told in Colossians 3:2 to keep our minds set on things above, not on the earth.

All repentant, redeemed, born again, washed-by-the-blood sons and daughters of the most high God, all who have confessed that Jesus is Lord, and all who by faith alone have received His salvation are commanded to be Christ-like in everything we do.

Jesus came down to earth to be born in the most humble of surroundings. During His 33 years here He was poor by worldly standards, but told of how we would have treasures in heaven if we choose to follow Him. Jesus never taught self-esteem, positive thinking, motivation, or wealth preservation, but rather, taught self-denial, humility, and submission. His earthly life temporarily came to an end while hanging naked, beaten, and bleeding on the cross in our place paying the sin penalty in full for all who would believe. Then, when He arose on the third day as He said he would, He proclaimed victory over death and the grave – promising all believers that they, too, would have eternal life through Him.

Jesus’ life is the greatest and most powerful example of a legacy that has no equal, and it will endure forever. He alone is worthy of all the praise, honor, and glory not only for what He did and continues to do, but for Who He is.

What will be your legacy? How do you want to be remembered? Are your treasures in the form of earthly deeds and material things, or, as Jesus commanded in Matthew 6:19-20, are your treasures stored up in heaven? Is the name of Jesus publicly praised with all thanksgiving given to Him who makes all things possible, or, is His name suppressed?

He reminds us in Matthew 6:21 that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. Hebrews 4:13 has a warning that nothing can be hidden from the eyes of God. As written in Romans 14:12, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Will our life’s legacy bear witness that we have loved Him, trusted Him, served Him, and have given Him the honor and glory above all else as Savior, Lord and Master of our life?

We all must think about that!

During retirement, my prayer is that I might serve the Lord by sharing the Gospel through my writing. As the Lord leads, my work will inform, challenge and encourage. I also enjoy Biblical theme woodcarving, Bible studies and Christian music. Watch, pray and keep looking up!

Donald Mehl

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS-MAKE A WEBSITE

Conflict: Rishi S

by Anagarika Eddie Rock

One of the most difficult areas to get past in human relations is the idea that “my” religion or ideal is Truth and yours isn’t. When someone says to you that your beliefs are all wet compared to his or hers, how does that make you feel? Historically, it has made people feel so bad that they have killed each other. This is not good.

If only there was a way where we could sincerely say to those who are not of our faith, “You’re okay, even if you do not believe our way.” Unless we find a way to honestly and openly do that, unless we as a nation find a way to say to other countries that they are okay just as they are developing, (as if we didn’t have our problems as a young nation), then we will be in constant conflict.

If, for a moment, we can leave aside threatening and incendiary remarks, such as, “If you don’t become enlightened, you will be reborn into suffering forever,” “Unless you accept Jesus as your savior, you will go to hell,” and “Allah is the only God, accept him or else,” along with all the other claims of various religions (and the numerous branches of the various religions that separate us further, i.e., Catholic and Baptist in the Christian faith), what is there left to talk about?

If we have nothing left to talk about, then of course religion can justifiably be termed a vehicle of separation; something that has caused violence in the past and continues to be a destructive force in the present.

Some might say that their beliefs and principles are more important than any conflict, and that they are ready and willing to die for them. Okay, passion is an important factor, and if their religion or ideal sanctifies conversion by force, then one would be justified in their mind. I posit, however, that in the deep tentacles of all religions lies a universal love for all mankind, regardless of beliefs, and that conversion by force comes from man‘s ego.

In reality, we usually tolerate beliefs other than our own and generally smile and make nice to people of other faiths. But down deep, if we think that they are misguided and that we should save them, or resent the fact that they can’t see the light and consider them inferior to ourselves, then we are two-faced.

Perhaps better than becoming two-faced is having it out with them; arguing about our religions until we are blue in the face, totally exhausted, and ready to strangle each other. At least we would be honest.

In my articles, I try to promote principles that apply to all religions regardless of beliefs. I do this in order to advance past narrow opinions and toward more universal love and respect for each other. I’m not always successful.

I try to see the end product of what a particular religion produces regarding the type of people that result. Are they only nice in a playacting way, closet bigots, or are they genuinely interested in others well being, regardless of the others beliefs?

I can’t say that one way or the other is right or Truth, but I can say, as I look back at history, that one way promotes peace and the other conflict. Again, if conflict is your cup of tea, then I can’t say that you are wrong, but I can say that conflict will create suffering for yourself and others. Also, I can safely, I believe, say that peace promotes ease and joy for yourself and others. Just look at a family in conflict compared to a family in peace. To playact peace is to pretend to be peaceful around your peers but scream at your kids or husband in Wal-Mart! This is also being two-faced.

What it all boils down to is whether or not strong beliefs are worth conflict. If you say yes, then your life will be in conflict. You can’t have conflict with those outside of your immediate group without eventually having conflict within your group. It’s never an outside influence that brings up conflict, conflict is already planted in your mind just looking for a target, and when the outside targets aren’t there, the sharks eat themselves.

The question is; do you want to change your mind from one of conflict to one of peace? Don’t answer too quickly; many people prefer conflict. Conflict, win or lose, boosts the ego and makes one feel that they are alive. Peace, on the other hand does not increase ego or support the notion of a person separate from everyone else.

In my articles, I mention ego or self all the time, because ego, not religion or ideals per se, is the central reason for our internal and external conflicts. The idea of “me.”

So how can you change your state of mind of conflict? Can you keep your strong beliefs and resolve the conflict in yourself? That would be the best of both worlds.

I believe that we can do that, it‘s just a matter of calming down an ego that we have created and now must constantly shore up. This creates the fundamental conflict within ourselves, and has nothing to do with religion or religious beliefs, but everything to do with how we get along with ourselves, our group, and fellow human beings.

If ever there would be a universal religion, it would work toward resolving this problem of conflict within ourselves. Regardless of what we believe or what books we follow, until we understand ourselves and how we interact with that little person inside our heads, all of our actions and ideas will be skewed.

But once we know ourselves and how we operate, we can then believe as we choose, while at the same time understanding and accepting the rest of humanity regardless of their beliefs, because we will know that we are all fundamentally the same.

Anagarika eddie is a meditation teacher at the Dhammabucha Rocksprings Meditation Retreat Sanctuary www.dhammarocksprings.org and author of A Year to Enlightenment. His 30 years of meditation experience has taken him across four continents including two stopovers in Thailand where he practiced in the remote northeast forests as an ordained Thervada Buddhist monk.

He lived at Wat Pah Nanachat under Ajahn Chah, at Wat Pah Baan Taad under Ajahn Maha Boowa, and at Wat Pah Daan Wi Weg under Ajahn Tui. He had been a postulant at Shasta Abbey, a Zen Buddhist monastery in northern California under Roshi Kennett; and a Theravada Buddhist anagarika at both Amaravati Monastery in the UK and Bodhinyanarama Monastery in New Zealand, both under Ajahn Sumedho. The author has meditated with the Korean Master Sueng Sahn Sunim; with Bhante Gunaratana at the Bhavana Society in West Virginia; and with the Tibetan Master Trungpa Rinpoche in Boulder, Colorado. He has also practiced at the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, and the Zen Center in San Francisco. 

Article Source: Amazines.com

Professor Richard Dawkins - Photo Credit: Alex Folkes/Fishnik Photography, originally uploaded by Liberal Democrats

Author: Michael Austin

My big concern is to look at the foundations of our thinking, because all too often we accept it without thinking! And one of the very interesting things this lets us do is to explore some of the assumptions made about reason itself. This in turn highlights some of the deep dilemmas in Richard Dawkins’ thinking.

I suggest it is fair to say that in The God Delusion Richard Dawkins presents his atheism as a vehement protest against theism. If ‘atheism’ refers to the belief system that denies the existence of the living God of biblical revelation, any reading of his book quickly shows that Dawkins’ atheism is focused. And it is focused on what he most dislikes – biblical Christianity.

Something deep is going on here – Dawkins’ atheism is on the horns of a giant dilemma that he may not readily acknowledge. That when he works to deny theism he assumes the legitimacy of his reason, either without knowing or admitting that it flows directly from the foundational beliefs of biblical theism. A closer look shows that Richard Dawkins’ arguments for atheism – ‘borrow’ is not too strong – their apparent legitimacy from the position it attacks. Dawkins’ atheism defines itself in terms of the theism that it denies.

Atheism is no ordinary sort of belief! It is unable to advance its own independent vision of reality; and instead must always frame its position in terms of the one it denies. Atheism cannot stand-alone, and while it claims to be a final reference point, always sustains itself from its central denial. Atheism must always be the arch-opponent of theism!

You don’t need to be an astute observer of human nature to see that Dawkins’ vitriolic antagonism towards theism is inclined to be obsessive. Perhaps he knows that as an atheist he has no final basis for the validity of his own reason, and ultimately he cannot escape being self-contradictory. Dawkins needs an understandable reality, borrowed from theism in order to deny theism.

When an atheist like Dawkins says that his capacity for reasoned thinking is grounded in chemistry, he jumps way beyond the remit of chemistry in trying to deny theism. Can the microbiology of his brain cells offer evidence to support atheism? Does non-material information just conveniently drop out of whirling molecules? My answer is, ‘No, they don’t’.

There is another very simple explanation for this conundrum. Dawkins is a man in God’s world, who breathes theistic air and who uses the validity of reason that is inherent in his humanity.

But Dawkins knows that if he is going to deny theism, he must reverse all he knows about God and turn it into denials. So, it’s not surprising to see why he gets so passionate about trying to demolish theism. And he must work hard, trying to block out all of the light that shines in God’s wonderful world, including the light in his own mind and conscience.

Atheism is a leaky vessel, and Dawkins has his work cut out in trying man all the pumps and stop up all the fast-leaking holes. But in spite of which, Dawkins still loves life because so much of it is full of the goodness and wisdom of God. Atheists see it everywhere – in their wonder at the marvels of creation, in their joy of friendship and family, and in their strong, one might nearly say, ‘absolute’ preference of honesty, loyalty, to be valued, and understood by others. Atheists breathe God’s air, take the gifts for granted, and somehow learn to survive with the tensions and dark dilemmas.

Deep down, does Dawkins show us a compelling case that atheism is utterly reasonable? Think it through with him and soon most sensible people will cut free from their pernicious nonsense and begin to enjoy the exhilarating air of atheism’s pure reasonableness. Mind you, that’s not his style, and I doubt whether Dawkins is out to convert people to atheism on the basis of its utter reasonableness.

Indeed, from the way Dawkins writes, there is something still deeper going on. He goes for the jugular, and calls the people he hopes to reason with, ‘faith-heads’ and ‘wingnuts’ suffering from ‘a pernicious delusion.’ Is this his last resort at shock treatment before the eminent doctor admits that neo-Darwinian atheism isn’t the wonderful panacea for all the world’s ills that his dreams have cherished?

Dawkins gives away his serious dilemma about the ultimate Identity when he dismisses God as a ‘figment’ and then heaps his invective against Christian theism. Do people usually get so superheated about ‘figments of the imagination’ that don’t fit their worldview?

Besides, does Dawkins offer a plausible reason for such an awesome reality being here in the first place? In the final analysis, Dawkins shows a marked hostility towards the utter realism of the historic Christian position. Do his arguments rationally demolish biblical theism, and sustain atheism, as something you could anchor your thinking upon to make sense of reality? No, they merely tell us he prefers to deny theism, and call it science. Well, which is it to be – science or philosophy? Dawkins is never quite sure.

About the Author:

Michael Austin is a Christian writer, apologist & Gospel worker – he currently holds a Masters Degree in theology & has recently completed a PhD.

Michael Austin is the author of a number of published works in the battle for reason & sound thinking in the wake of postmodernism. His life experience has also covered a variety of other fields – with a background as a Research & development engineer he has a strong regard for science but believes it always demonstrates the greatness of God in creation.

He is also an inventor & mentioned on a number of patents making a contribution to medical science – his work includes improvements & developments in stents – small devices inserted as permanent implants by less invasive surgical techniques – mainly related to a US multi-national Company.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Dawkins’ Dilemmas Deluded or not deluded? — That is the question!

As it Is: brewingluminous / Jeremy

Author: Bhushan Manchanda

The Bhagavad Gita , the “Song of God” is one of the most important Hindu scriptures. It is revered as a sacred scripture of Hinduism, and considered as one of the most important philosophical classics of the world.The Bhagavad Gita comprises 700 verses, and is a part of the Mahabharata The teacher of the Bhagavad Gita is Krishna Who is revered by Hindus as a manifestation of the Lord Himself,and is referred to within as the Bhagavan—the Divine One. The Bhagavad Gita is commonly referred to as the Gita for short.

The content of the Gita is the conversation between Krishna and Arjuna taking place on the battlefield before the start of the Kurukshetra War. Responding to Arjuna’s confusion and moral dilemma about fighting his own cousins, Krishna explains to Arjuna his duties as a warrior and prince and elaborates on different Yogic and Vedantiic philosophies, with examples and analogies. This has led to the Gita often being described as a concise guide to Hindu theology and also as a practical, self-contained guide to life. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi describes it as a lighthouse of eternal wisdom that has the ability to inspire any man or woman to supreme accomplishment and enlightenment. During the discourse, Krishna reveals His identity as the Supreme Being Himself (Svayam Bhagavan), blessing Arjuna with an awe-inspiring vision of His divine universal form.

The basic teachings can be summarized as under:

• Why do you worry without cause? Whom do you fear without reason? Who can kill you? The soul is neither born, nor does it die.
• Whatever happened, happened for the good; whatever is happening, is happening for the good; whatever will happen, will also happen for the good only. You need not have any regrets for the past. You need not worry for the future. The present is happening…
• What did you lose that you cry about? What did you bring with you, which you think you have lost? What did you produce, which you think got destroyed? You did not bring anything – whatever you have, you received from here. Whatever you have given, you have given only here. Whatever you took, you took from God. Whatever you gave, you gave to him. You came empty handed, you will leave empty handed. What is yours today, belonged to someone else yesterday, and will belong to someone else the day after tomorrow. You are mistakenly enjoying the thought that this is yours. It is this false happiness that is the cause of your sorrows.
• Change is the law of the universe. What you think of as death, is indeed life. In one instance you can be a millionaire, and in the other instance you can be steeped in poverty. Yours and mine, big and small – erase these ideas from your mind. Then everything is yours and you belong to everyone.
• This body is not yours, neither are you of the body. The body is made of fire, water, air, earth and ether, and will disappear into these elements. But the soul is permanent – so who are you?
• Dedicate your being to God. He is the one to be ultimately relied upon. Those who know of his support are forever free from fear, worry and sorrow.
• Whatever you do, do it as a dedication to God. This will bring you the tremendous experience of joy and life-freedom forever.

Some Quotes from famous personalities across the world on the Bhagavad Gita:

Albert Einstein

“When I read the Bhagavad Gita and reflect about how God created this universe everything else seems so superfluous.”

Aldous Huxley

“The Bhagavad Gita is the most systematic statement of spiritual evolution of endowing value to mankind. It is one of the most clear and comprehensive summaries of perennial philosophy ever revealed; hence its enduring value is subject not only to India but to all of humanity.”

Mahatma Gandhi

“When doubts haunt me, when disappointments stare me in the face, and I see not one ray of hope on the horizon, I turn to Bhagavad Gita and find a verse to comfort me; and I immediately begin to smile in the midst of overwhelming sorrow. Those who meditate on the Gita will derive fresh joy and new meanings from it every day.”

Henry David Thoreau

“In the morning I bathe my intellect in the stupendous and cosmogonal philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita in comparison with which our modern world and its literature seem puny and trivial.”

Dr. Albert Schweitzer

“The Bhagavad Gita has a profound influence on the spirit of mankind by its devotion to God which is manifested by actions.”

Carl Jung

“The idea that man is like unto an inverted tree seems to have been current in by gone ages. The link with Vedic conceptions is provided by Plato in his Timaeus in which it states ‘behold we are not an earthly but a heavenly plant.’ This correlation can be discerned by what Krishna expresses in chapter 15 the Bhagavad Gita.”

Herman Hesse

“The marvel of the Bhagavad Gita is its truly beautiful revelation of life’s wisdom which enables philosophy to blossom into religion.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

“I owed a magnificent day to the Bhagavad Gita. It was the first of books; it was as if an empire spoke to us, nothing small or unworthy, but large, serene, consistent, the voice of an old intelligence which in another age and climate had pondered and thus disposed of the same questions which exercise us.”

About the Author:

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Management Education Consultant.
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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – The Bhagavad Gita:Teachings and Message

Title: Journey Through the World of Spirit / God, Gaia and Guardian Angels
Author: David L. Oakford
Media: Trade Paperback
Publisher: Reality Press
Date: 2007

This review originally appeared at Earthpages.org as a voice-over video on December 28, 2007. When recording I had no notes other than the memory of what I’d just read. As such, there’s a certain live quality to this review that I hoped to preserve in this transcript.

The soundtrack was spontaneously composed and recorded just before I made the review. The book was inspiring and plain text just wasn’t enough.

In editing the transcript some extraneous material (e.g. “ahh” “sort of”) was removed.

So here’s the original voice-over review and its much overdue and slightly edited transcript.

Original Introduction

I had a choice… spend hours trying to get something representative down in writing or have some fun doing a video review. I chose to do a video review.

This is my first video review and it’s been a while since I was a DJ but I think it gets the message across: “This is a great book…”

Transcript

This is a great book! I really enjoyed this book. I read it during the hustle and bustle of the pre-Christmas shopping period. And I just found it was a wonderful way to be reminded of things I already believed in. But I think I needed a little refresher course–and this book was it.

It starts off with David’s very honest and frank account of teenage angst and disillusionment. He’s planning on ditching out on his parents at about age 19 to go find himself. He’s going to, I think, live in a tent and travel around and live on the cheap and find a deeper meaning that he couldn’t find in his teenage years.

But before he plans to leave he wants to say farewell to all his friends. So he goes to a party, a farewell party, and one of his buddies comes up to him and gives him some pretty dangerous drugs. The buddy warns David not to take the drugs until he’s instructed on how to use them but David doesn’t listen and proceeds to slip into a coma. At that point he starts to have some pretty interesting experiences.

He starts off by seeing his friends – if I remember right, they’re in a car – but his friends can’t see him. Then he’s back in the house, looking at his motionless body; and he’s still fully awake and alive, moving about the house, sort of hovering like a spirit.

He notes that he can’t move objects. His hand goes through the faucet. And Jim Morrison and the Doors are playing and the music is very irritating to David, which I found interesting because I’ve always liked the Doors — as it deals with otherworldly themes — but it all just sounded like noise when he was in this refined consciousness.

He then proceeds to bigger and better things. A spirit guide comes to help him, one of several otherworldly beings whom David claims to meet in this account. And the spirit guide, whom David calls “Bob” – [laughs] it’s just so much like this book; it’s so unpretentious and straightforward and incredibly well-written, to boot. Anyhow, the spirit guide shows David a scene of the pyramids in Egypt, how they stand today and how they stood around the time of their construction.

One thing I found very interesting about this is that David claims the past and the present interact in some kind of mysterious way, like interacting, overlapping fields.

I think that’s fascinating. To read that in a book… that kind of thing is quite rare. You find it a bit in the Jane Roberts books, the Seth Books, and you find it I believe in Emmanuel’s Books if I remember right (I haven’t looked at those for a few years).

But it’s a fascinating idea that time is interactive, and I found that present in this book. I also found the idea that the heavens are interactive with our Earthly reality. David saw, as a matter of fact (after the Egyptian experience)… his guide took him up to a spiritual city. And this spiritual city apparently interacts with our Earth, and life on Earth, in ways we don’t fully understand.

The bottom line is the spiritual beings (and David outlines quite a few of them)… their basic message is that we should love one another. And I really can’t find any fault with that message whatsoever.

On page 74 David writes:

The unvarnished truth is that I went to heaven, or at least one of them, that is connected to Earth and brought back the simple message to love one another.

You know, I find there’s no conflict here with my Catholic faith. Some of you may know that I, myself, converted to Catholicism in 2001 and some Catholics might not like this book. There are a few swipes at organized religion and I understand that perspective. I used to be like that when I was a kid, actually.

I never went to Church or anything like that. If I didn’t have spiritual experiences within the Catholic Church I wouldn’t go. The whole reason I converted is because I do have spiritual experiences. But for those who don’t have spiritual experiences in the Church I understand how they can just see it as seemingly wooden and formulaic—it’s not, it’s not just that.

And I think this is one point I would disagree on but other than that, I mean… hey, Earthpages is about dialogue so I try to look for the interesting and the good and if I disagree with something I just say so.

I would highly recommend this book. I think it’s incredibly well-written, honest and there’s such a complexity to the account that it really makes one feel that it’s not just a hallucination. Some materialist psychiatrists will say that all near death experiences are just the brain’s way of trying to make you feel good before you die but, I don’t know, I just think that this book… the complexity, detail and duration of the near death experience really tends to make one think there’s something to it.

–MC

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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Environmental Activism – For a Pollution-free Planet