The Buddhi or the Blood

Buddhi
The buddhi is from the ancient Sanskrit meaning a higher intelligence. It places aspects of becoming enlightened through the process of learning. Higher conscious is obtained through hearing and reading not through blood lines. Knowledge is gained not inherited eventually leading to awakening and some will say enlightenment. Preparing the mind to receive this knowledge is essential to the practice which requires emptying it of unnecessary thoughts or passive reasoning. You cannot be caught up with the daily chores or worldly worries to process a divine thought.
In the ancient religious Sanskrit there are many references to principles of love and peace. Usually they take on the character of a god. This makes me believe that compassion was always a part of mans nature even in the beginning. So did we eventually become more separated from compassion or closer to it? Society as a whole is becoming more separate but there are still compassionate beings that exist. If a person is isolated in a cave meditating how can they be a compassionate being? They may become an intelligent being with a collection of divine thoughts as they avoided distraction but would only be able to show compassion to an insect that was in the cave not another being. What is important is that belief be practical and lift society as a whole. The best thing that happened to the Dalai Lama is he was forced to leave Tibet. In his refuge from tyranny he was guided to make his thoughts known to the world. Sometimes we have to leave our comfort zone of learning to become compassionate.
We look at the life of Jesus and see a highly intelligent being of divine thought and one that is full of grace and compassion. In the end Christs compassion would be divine. So in Christ we have a fully divine presence of both thought and compassion. That is why they say he is Wonderful.

Blood
The religions descended from Abraham through Moses and Isaac are by blood and inherited. The promise of God is passed eventually through a Davidic line or through houses very similar to royalty. The principles of royalty are that power is inherited through a house or bloodline. Remarkably over half the worlds religions have the belief that the priests and prophets are through a bloodline. Jewish, Islamic and Christian to name but a few.
It was important to the Christian theologians of blood to connect Jesus to a bloodline. I hear many songs and christian themes about blood. We even see in communion that we are to drink the wine that is represented as Christs blood. To an outsider this would appear as some occult practice, including turning the bread into the body of Christ. This communion is so important in the Lutheran religion that I was told it had to be taken at least once a year or  be ex-communicated. This would have been impossible during the year spent on a deserted island.
In the catholic church it is believed the host is actually mystically turned into the body and the wine into blood only by a qualified priest. In Lutheran the belief varies between consubstantiation and transubstantiation , in Methodist belief it is a reflection and in other protestant churches it is simply symbolic of the Lords Supper.
Now some denomination actually were created over the understanding of this sacrament. I personally do not get caught up in debate over this, since it is a sacrament or ritual. What is important is that we see a blood connection in the religion exist. We are also reminded that Christ shed his blood for our sins. Accepting this is essential to salvation in Christianity.
In Islam the blood line is traced back to Davidic origin for Jesus and Muhammad. Also prophets of both Jewish and Islamic are more venerated if traced back to King David. There are royal houses established to this day back to King David because he was the one who received the promises of God to be passed to his children.
Why do gentiles believe they are entitled to a promise if it is passed through the blood? Hmm that is a very good question, perhaps that is because Jesus said that this promise was to all persons of faith. Even though the blood religions are set on their connection back to a blood line all offer a spiritual path of belonging. Jewish, Islamic and Christian  teachings all present a way for the believer to receive God's promise. Now it would seem desirable to keep the association  of the old and new testament, since both are rich in wisdom and teaching. Also the prophetic nature of the bible concerning the messiah , Jesus often made references that were prophesied in the old testament. He was very conscious of prophecy. Is it possible to see through time and connect to other prophets. In the transfiguration not often talked about both Moses and Elijah appeared and conversed with Jesus - this shows a connection between the prophets. Gods spirit is not limited to time it is eternal. We sometimes think of God in terms of time and space , within our own reasoning. Jesus was not limited to time and space enjoying the company of spiritual beings from another time. In some other religions communicating with ancestors is believed possible and especially those that lived holy lives. In Eastern culture ancestor worship is practiced and the ancestors are given food and respected in ongoing rituals never forgotten. This is something that may seem inconceivable but is found throughout cultural religions. 

The amazing thing about all religions is that Jesus fills the Buddhi and the Blood line response to religion. He maintains the ancient scriptures of wisdom and those of blood. Amazing!





peace.

-Earl

ECO or EGO

ECO -

The environment in which we live is so important to our well being. Essential to our survival and growth. Today society is returning to  Eco-friendly energy and waste recycling. More than in times past we are becoming conscious of waste. It has almost become a religion in itself but does an Eco friendly God have merit. Yes- I do believe in this without a doubt. We were taught from Genesis on to take care of and preserve the planet. There are numerous references in other ancient and aboriginal religions to being Eco-friendly. Some religions teach not to even kill insects which is why they do not go out at night. I personally do not kill anything that can be avoided and have not been taught this but instinctively do not.
My grandchildren have complained about not killing a spider in the house. When I was living in the Pacific Islands we had insects but it was common to keep a large spider or cane spider on the wall to eat other insects or sometimes a gecko. The gecko would sometimes make squeaky noises , so I actually preferred spiders. The chemicals used today for insecticides are unmerciful and sometimes more harmful. We usually had a cat for mice control , that also served as a pet. Also kept a dog for protection rather than a firearm and that usually was enough. I grew up in Pennsylvania were hunting was a top sport and exposed to this as a youth. Later I took up archery which to me was more sporting however, mostly just shoot at targets.
After studying most of the major religions find a common thread of compassion toward all living creatures. Even though most disagree on the degree of compassion it still exists. Especially in the aboriginal religions where it is believed that animals have spirits.  If an animal is taken for game usually a ceremony or prayer is done of thanks to the spirit and the Creator. To be Eco- aware is not to be taken lightly if we are to live on a planet that provides all our needs , it should be respected. We find in pagan beliefs nature is given a higher order than in most religions. Though I am not a believer in pagan gods or idol worship it is important to me to also appreciate nature in other ecological ways.

EGO-
Thrust into new age religions where the destruction of Ego-Self is the main objective we sometimes become ego-centric. We have a fear of not doing the right, to the point of anxiety. What if I am not serving the right god or worship the right way? Who will protect me and keep my environment intact? Who will fight off my enemies? These are religious fears that most people encounter. Most of the worlds population is entangled by anxiety and fear of some sort.
My belief is that we are all unique and have a free will. There is nothing wrong with being a stone that does not follow a particular belief system. You really need to follow your own path but finding it through a guru or evangelist or just a mentor is quite normal. We sometimes just hear a story or word of wisdom that is inspiring to hold on to. Now karma is clinging to bad things , where dharma is finding refuge in good things.
Some religions teach the destruction of Ego as a basis for becoming enlightened to a higher path. Some teach a cleansing of the soul is what is needed versus total self destruction. Some christian apologetics follow a similar path of self destruction and some lean more toward a cleansing. I personally believe in retaining the unique creative character and in the cleansing of the soul. I will still have a favorite color blue and still be a family man versus a monk. Even the buddha after all his journeys returned to his family to live out the last days of life. But to some the path may be a monk who am I to judge- we are all unique.
What is important that we find refuge in the things that are good for the soul and let go of the thing s that are not. It is really that simple - we cannot find God because God is not lost. If we adhere to the principles of love and forgiveness God will find us. God will cleanse our soul and we will be content. I find that this is not a momentous but a continual cleansing over a lifetime. Living waters are closer to a fountain than a pond or lake. It is water in motion like a river and we know that water in motion tends to filter out the impurity. My faith is very close to Hindu except for the wide variety of gods, I have only one God. Where it is taught Thought, Word and Deed - I believe Word, Thought and Deed because I just place the Word first according to John 1:1 in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. My favorite verse in the new testament. So, I love the Hindu for being very close to my own, especially Gandhi who was an example of peace.
So do not get hung up on the Ego, let it go because it is not destruction but cleansing that is needed. We should not look at ourselves as an Ego but a soul. A soul that is seeking refuge will eventually find it. I see so many christian and other religious followers still with anxiety. Anxiety is caused by expectation of punishment, shame or judgement. These things are not tools for religious life to be used in the pulpit - they only cause anxiety and do not heal anything.

We should dwell on good things that provide refuge for the soul. The ego was a concept of philosophy, the soul is the precious pearl of religion.

-Earl

disclaimer:
 I do not claim to be an expert on Hindu or Buddhism and there are variations in both just as there are in all philosophy or religions. My own belief is that there are stones in time unique in faith and character. I believe Jesus was the stone the builders rejected in the Jewish faith and the promised messiah. I believe the holy spirit or comforter guides us toward good , comforts and cleanses us from sin. I believe in the concept of karma, sowing and reaping. I also believe in the concept of dharma seeking refuge in the good. I believe God is eternal, omniscient and omnipotent. Everyone has the potential for good and therefore there is not exclusiveness or inclusiveness given based solely on religion, philosophy, color , race , gender or creed to know or experience God's love or inner peace.

Samurai or Samaritan

 We often are entertained by violence or a contest between boxers or wrestling matches, the human spirit is competitive. We read in history of warriors and my favorite the Samurai. Is being competitive healthy? Are we all to become like passive young lambs or should we become lions? This often would seems the case as it is suggested and many stereotypes or misunderstandings exist for the christian that make it hard to accept the faith.  Who would want to become a sheep?

Samurai

 The Samurai were a well trained warrior that served the shogun or lord. The Christian is not a sheep but more related to a lion. The truly healthy christian spirit is competitive and strong. The actual battle begins not in an arena dome but in the small dome we call the mind. The mind is a battleground worthy of any Samurai. The enemy would like us to crawl away in a cave and never be seen. It would seem strange that God would allow us to be attacked by evil. I once confronted the being called the evil one it was like a goblin creature. It was very strange indeed as even though it is written about in the bible and many spiritual text does evil exist?
 I am here to say it does and whether it is trickery of the mind or a force in the universe - evil exists. Many would say that only good exists and that would be a deception, even though we are to dwell on good things both exist.
Ephesians 6- 
¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

 We are reminded of these words from the bible that we more closely would resemble a warrior in truth than a sheep. Though we should dwell on good things it is important that we not especially not forget our helmet of salvation. For it is that helmet that protects the mind and helps us think more clearly. That helmet frees us from guilt and is needed to complete our attire , if you think you can win a spiritual battle without salvation , you are deceived. Check your attire , are you prepared for battle or have you been deceived into thinking life was a passive existence. Yes - it is easy to sit in idle meditation - in spiritual bliss. Even the Buddha knew of this warfare and to his credit was prepared for it came after enlightenment. If we are not enlightened or aware then we will remain as a sheep prepared for the slaughter and never become a lion. The Lord for the christian is Jesus , he is my salvation, my truth and the Word. 
 I also enjoy the wisdom from the various stones in time but Jesus is the rock of my salvation.  Here is a small poem on the Samurai:

SAMURAI REFLECTION

Old Now
Till the garden , milk the cow.

forty years of labor
Yielding shield and saber.

Sitting on the mountain side
in reflection of protecting the
sacred nation.

All my life has past
and all I remember clearly is twenty minutes
of meditation.
 
After a lifetime of battle, we reflect back and remember life was only a vapor - short lived. All that was really important was perhaps a 20 minute period of meditation - enlightenment.

Samaritan 

 One of the greatest stories and lessons in the bible is that of the good Samaritan. If we do not come back to this lesson regularly reminding ourselves of this example it would be a shame. The story was best explained by the great theologian Kierkegaard in his book Provocations. He explains the story of the travelers. One was a peaceful traveler who was the victim, one was a robber and another was a Levite or priest. The final traveler was the Samaritan. 
 The peaceful man was met by the robber who had beaten him unmercifully. Then the priest
came by and took pity but kept on walking. The Samaritan who was traveling the same road stopped and helped the victim, he showed mercy. 
 This is what it is to be a christian to not just take pity on the unfortunate but to show mercy. We are all travelers and perhaps on the same road. Which role we take is up to us.

- peace to you.
Earl



 

Be more careful

When I returned home from the trauma center my face was not completely healed , nose slightly out of place. My oldest grandsons  reaction was , Wow! My son with down syndrome just laughed guess he thought it was my clown face. My youngest grandson 3 years old more serious said, "Grandpa you have to be more careful. "
 The wisdom of a child , how practical and simple, be more careful. It has been over a week and my face is much better all of the gravel washed out with a couple scars that may be left. I thought to myself would life had been better if just being more careful about simple choices. Perhaps a couple less romances or a never trying to climb the cliffs or dive off them, drive a fast car or ride motorcycle in bad weather. Not sure but God tells us not to tempt fate and perhaps that wisdom could have been applied dozens of times over the years. Then hearing it from my grandson may be the last warning, it may have just as well been God's voice.
 We tempt fate when a person drinks and drives or even gets in the car with a drunk. We tempt fate when we take a man made drug even if it was prescribed over the counter and abused. We tempt fate when we let our feelings instead of our faith lead us. It is true over the years my body had endured many wrecks a few not my fault but some could have been avoided. Each time there was that oh no! right before the impact or in some cases oh God! A simple miscue or circumstance can change your entire life. The best advice a child can give - be more careful.

-Be safe for the holidays.
Earl.